AUTHOR'S NOTE The part of this story that follows ROTK the movie is relatively short. Most of the story takes place in the years after the crowning of Elessar as King of Gondor, FYI. Also, I got some of the Elvish in this chapter from various phrases said by Arwen, Aragorn, and others in the films.

DISCLAIMER If the character was in the movie or books, I don't own them.

March 18, Year 3019 of the Third Age

For several days we waited in Edoras. The city was silent. Éowyn had, in secret, left another of the court maidens to rule for her. Marek and Colindor had ridden to war from Dunharrow and Gauna and Daelin often spent days as my guests in Meduseld.

As the days dragged by with no word, Emeriel fell ill with worry. She too was moved into the Golden Hall. The Rohirric healers tried what they knew, but nothing save Colindor's safe return could cure her of her grief.

I kept a vigil each night, watching the east. The horizon glowed orange and angry red, blazing brighter as each night passed. I saw shadows scrawling westward across the sky. Daylight grew dimmer. The sun waned.

Weeks began to pass. Smoke rose far on the horizon. None of the Rohirrim could see what I could. I was alone as I stood outside the Golden Hall each night watching the east.

Finally, early one morning a banner appeared on the horizon. I ran for the gate, but it was only a herald bearing a black flag. My blood ran cold. I ran for Meduseld to alert she who ruled in Éowyn's stead.

The man was exhausted when he entered the Hall. Rohirrim crowded the doorway, desperate for any news. The herald looked at us with sad eyes. "Théoden King is dead!"

Cries of anguish broke out through the crowd. "What of the others!" Éowyn's maiden asked.

"Lord Éomer has been named successor. Hail Éomer King!" the herald cried.

"Hail!" the Rohirrim echoed.

"The Battle before Minas Tirith has been won," the herald continued. "Lord Aragorn and his companions brought victory to men. But Rohan has paid dearly! Our Lady Éowyn lies wounded in Minas Tirith!" He produced a parchment from his tunic. "Here are all the sons of Rohan who fell in battle." He finally paused. "Now men follow the Lord Aragorn in a march against the Black Gate. That is all."

Pandemonium erupted in the Hall. The Rohirrim clustered around the list that the herald had brought and soon sobs filled the air. Calíme had joined me by that point, but she soon returned to Emeriel's bedside to relay the news. Suddenly, the herald materialized at my side. "You are Lady Raélowen," he said.

"Yes."

"I was asked to deliver a message to you," he said. "One Prince Legolas Thranduilion requests that you hasten to Minas Tirith. He says the road will be safe, for all enemies are fixed upon the assault at the gate." The herald bowed and was gone.

I waited only a moment before rushing for the door. But I was cut off when Gauna approached me, tears streaming down her face. "Gauna!" I cried, taking her to sit. "What happened?"

She just shook her head, unable to speak. "Marek," she finally said, before dissolving into tears again. I just held her as she cried. I cried too for Marek. After only a few minutes, she fled my side, claiming to want to be alone.

I had to leave. The despair was painful. And Legolas had called for me! I ran from Meduseld for the stables. The horses whinnied softly to me.

"Rae?" I heard Calíme's voice behind me. "What are you doing? The grief is strong in the Golden Hall. Where are you going?"

I ignored her and stroked the nose of a gray mare. "What is this horse's name?" I asked the stable boy.

"Nelin, my Lady," he answered.

"And to whom does she belong?"

"Rae, what is going on?" Calíme asked again.

The stable boy stuttered under my gaze. "N-no one my Lady. Whoever once rode her did not return from Helm's Deep."

I nodded. "Thank you." He bowed and scurried away. Turning to the horse, I put a hand to my chest. "Nelin, im Raélowen. Boe thaed lîn. Noro lim a colo nin a Minas Tirith." Nelin nickered softly and pressed her nose into my hand. I opened her stable and began to saddle her up.

Calíme just stared at me. After a moment, she angrily marched over and slammed the stable gate shut, startling both the horse and me. "What do you think you're doing?" she demanded.

"Legolas called for me, Cali," I said. "The War is almost over. I have to go to him." Her glowering expression told me that she did not understand. "Care for Gauna and Emeriel for me."

"You are abandoning us."

I cringed at her accusation. "Edavo nin." Her gaze remained stony as I walked over and kissed her forehead. "You do not need my help. I will send word someday."

Without another word, I opened the stable gate and leapt into the saddle. Nelin took off and carried me away. Soon Edoras was just barely visible on the horizon.

Nelin, im Raélowen – Nelin, I am Raélowen (Sindarin)

Boe thaed lîn – I need your help (Sindarin)

Noro lim a colo nin a Minas Tirith – Ride fast and carry me to Minas Tirith (Sindarin)

Edavo nin – Forgive me (Sindarin)