Disclaimer: The characters and settings alluded to or used directly in this story are the sole property and claim of JRR Tolkien's estate. No profit is made from these stories and no claim of ownership is made by the author.
Summary: REVISED 8/9/2006
Eowyn's thoughts during her stay in the Houses of Healing. I know that it is not the most original of plots, but I wanted to explore what her thought process was as she came to her decision to confront the Warden. This is my first fan fiction piece, so please be kind. I am open to all manner of constructive criticism. Please review and let me know your thoughts
I looked out over the wall. I felt the wind on my face, cool it seemed to me and yet not so. The wind carried news of the east, at once desperate and hopeful. The wind knew that to the east lay our salvation or our doom, and it reminded me of my inability to affect the realization of either fate. I stood beside the garden wall of the Houses of Healing in the great city of Minas Tirith, and I had never felt so powerless. I laughed at the injustice of it. I was a Shieldmaiden of the Mark! I was a woman who was strong and hard as steel, forged from Wormtongue's creeping malice and the corruption of Meduseld. I had slain the Witch King, and I had felt the black breath, I thought that my glorious death was assured and yet here I stood. Fussed over and tutted at as if I were some frail thing by these well meaning but insufferable healers. I was no wilting lily flower! I desired to be free from their care, to find the glory I had sought on the fields of the Pelennor, out of this stone cage of a city!
I was of the House of Eorl as strong and able as any man and yet better than, for the weakness of my sex had made me stronger. I wished to ride out in my brother's Eodred once more as Dernhelm and prove my worth, seek my immortality. I had ridden out looking for death, but it was not my only prize. I had reasoned that if I could not have my freedom through him who I loved, I would have a life unending in the songs of my people.
I looked over the wall, saw the fury of Mordor, and in my mind was made, my resolve firm. I would seek out the Warden of these houses and demand leave to seek my immortality. I turned from the wall, and one thought was foremost in my mind, I would be caged no longer!
A/N-With special thanks to Raksha the Demon, her suggestions to help make this story a bit more authentic were instrumental in this revision. I'd also like to thank both her and lindahoyland for their wonderful reviews. Read their stories, because they are talented authors and they understand good storytelling.