Chapter 10
It was a sad morning. Through out Minas Tirith, level by level, the forlorn of another battle, perhaps the last one of this age, the only of its kind, was hanging heavily. Mothers and sons, husbands and wives... Entire families who's fate rest now on the tiny hope of victory.
On the seventh level, at the gates of the King's palace, the scenario did not differ.
Men and horses, grieving loved ones and sad farewells.
Lothíriel stood among her family, her dark hair tied carelessly on a lose braid. Her dress was simple but she had dressed the first thing she caught that morning. Her thoughts were elsewhere for sure.
Her father stood tall and proud, making sure of all the preparations. His loyalty to his men was undeniable and he felt the responsibility of their lives hanging on his shoulders. He was a good commander. He cared for his men.
His eyes swept the rank of Swan Knights with pride. At the end of the row, a young man kept his head held high but his hands shook hard in the pale morning. His eyes filled with doubt.
Imrahil walked casually in front of the line of men and stooped near the boy.
"What is your name?"
"Hinnellas, Lord Imrahil."
"Hinnelas...Strong name." He placed his hand on the young soldier's shoulder. "And where from do you hail, Hinnelas?"
"Belfalas, sir."
"Belfalas!" Imrahil said. "A nice place."
"Thank you, my lord."
Lowering his voice to a lower tone, the Dol Amroth Prince said to him.
"We don't always know what the future holds for us. We don't know what lies ahead. So... All you can do is forget your concerns and trust in the man next to you for he his your brother."
Hinnelas looked to his liege and nodded.
"So, tell me, do you trust me?"
"With my life, Sir!" He said ardently, without hesitation.
"Then, what do you fear?"
After a few seconds, the young soldier confessed.
"What if I don't know what to do, my lord?"
Imrahil smiled.
"I'm sure you will. We work together, as one. When the time comes, we'll be ready. We will hold together!"
Hinnelas eyes brighten with determination and he was able to even grin.
Imrahil left his side and turned to his family. He was greeted by his daughter's smile.
"You were born to lead, father. Men feed on your energy and honor."
He laughed.
"No child, I'm merely a man. A man who is good with words, that is all."
"Say what you like, but they see a light in you to guide their way." And after a pause, she added. As do I."
The prince pulled her near and embraced her tightly.
Éomer saw her standing near her family, eyes bright with unshed tears that she refused to show.
What I wouldn't give to take this fear out of her life... he thought. I'm falling for her...
You're already in love with her, you fool! his inner voice answered.
Eowyn touched his arm gathering his attention.
"Brother..."
He turned to her and held her in his arms, hugging her strongly.
"My brave sister... I'm so glad to see that the Shadow over you is lifted."
"Well it is not... not yet... You are going away... But the shadow will lift upon your return." Placing a kiss on his cheek, she continued. "And return you shall. You will lead our people in a great victory, the beginning of golden days in the Golden Hall."
He smiled at her trust in him.
Firefoot snorted in order to get attention and nudged Éomer in the back.
Éowyn raised her hand to him and he approached her. He was always fond of her treats. Scratching his ears, she asked him. "You will take good care of your master, will you not? Don't let any harm come his way. For he could be head strong and do something stupid!"
The warhorse seemed to nodded in agreement with her words.
Facing Éomer again, she heard him say.
"I'll do whatever is within my grasp for our land and people... That I promise, Éowyn."
She hugged him tightly as tears were now falling freely down her face.
"You truly are Éomer Éadig, my brother... My King..."
He stroke her hair holding her close to him. Again his eyes were drawn to where Lothíriel was and he was surprised to see her looking straight back. She smiled sweetly and dropped her gaze to the white cobbler street.
"Thíri..." He uttered.
"What?" his sister asked.
Realizing he was thinking out loud, he excused himself.
"Nothing... I was just thinking it's time..."
She inhaled deeply. "Yes..."
Éowyn kissed him again and they joined they friends exchanging goodbyes.
The halfings had gifted Lothíriel with a big bunch of wild flowers, her favorite (they had asked her brothers) that now were safely set on a high bench. Legolas kissed Lothíriel's hand which she returned with a kiss on the brow with a few elvish words in a form of blessing. She was tightly embraced by Gimli and had to laugh at his outgoing manner.
"May I ask for a kiss, my sweet lady, to take with me as remainder of days of light?" he asked. She smiled at his sweet request and happily complied.
Seeing his sister in Gandalfs' company, Éomer approached Gimli and Lothíriel, just in time to hear him say.
"And besides, it is good luck to be kissed by a beautiful lady!!"
Lothíriel laughed, blushing lightly.
"What say you, lad?" he asked turning to Éomer. "'Tis not true?"
"Aye, it is..." he said never taking his eyes off her.
"Gimli, come! Time urges". They heard Legolas say.
"Hold on, you impatient elf!" he yeld at him. Then turning to his two companions he added, rolling his eyes. "Always in a haste..." as he walked away.
An akward moment of silence fell between them.
"Will you take care of them... in this dark hour?" she said. "Will you promised me to bring them home... safe...?"
He didn't need her to tell him who she was referring to.
"I will do everything to have your family here, with you again."
Lowering her voice, she asked "And you... will you be safe?"
"My Lord Éomer?" Éothain called at him. "We ride!"
How short time is when we have so much to say...
"My lady..." he said. "Will you grant me your blessing as well?" he asked, trying to smile.
Lothíriel felt tears swell in her eyes and tried to keep them at bay. She smiled and nodded and them she cupped his face in her small hands. She leaned towards him and placed a kissed on his forehead. As she drew back, he felt something falling on the back of his hand. Something wet. He lifted his head towards her and realized she was crying. How he would've loved to kiss her...
They just faced each other, lost in each others eyes, unspoken words between them. He brushed his thumb across her cheek.
"No tears..." He said. Then suddenly he placed his helmet over his head and bowed to her. Mounting Firefoot, he looked back one last time and parted to reunited with his éored.
"Come back to me..." she heard herself say to the wind.
She felt strong arms around her and leaned him her father's embrace.
"It is time..." he said.
Sighting she nodded. "Yes..."
Elphir was holding Alphos and embracing his wife, who was hopelessly washed in tears. He tried to calm her, whispering soft encouraging words to her ear.
Amrothos had an entourage of court ladies around him and was distributing kisses left and right. He was loving to be the adoring hero, their knight in shinning armour.
"Ladies, farewell! I shall see to your safety in this dark time!" she heard him say gallantly.
Erchirion was saying goodbye to Nooran and the old maid had tears falling down her cheeks.
When all farewells were done, they would leave. Her brave family would leave and once again she had to stay behind.
"Daughter..." her father said. "My brave and beautiful daughter... Here we stand once more, another goodbye."
"Not goodbye, father. Let us never say goodbye. Let us say farewell instead..." she answered hugging him. "Let us say until we met again."
He smiled as he kissed her dark hair. Silently he sent a prayer to the Valar to once again gaze upon his daughter. To see her married and happy. To see his grandchildren grow strong. To see hope and peace restored to such a scared land.
He took a deep breath and looked deep into her eyes.
"Kept your faith, ninniach nin. Kept your strength. And remember, there are many kinds of courage. So don't ever doubt yourself. Courage is in you." His party was leaving. It was time to go. "Well, then... Farewell, my beloved daughter."