Chapter 12
Lond Daer
October 3016
Lothíriel stood on the deck of the ship and stared out towards the sea in the distance. They had been traveling down the river for days and finally they were arriving at Lond Daer. Not far from where they had docked stood a elegant looking Swan-ship. It had been so long since she had seen one of them that she could hardly believe it was right before her even in the moment. The seaworthy Swan-ship stood more than three times the size of the elves' river vessel.
Erchirion stepped off the boat and onto the stone port the elves had tied to before turning back and offering his hand to help Lothíriel out as well. As she stood to her full height, several of the sailors from Dol Amroth halted their work to gaze towards her. She recognized some of their faces from when she had traveled up the Anduin towards Minas Tirith when she had first set out, but she thought better than to approach them.
Two of the elves began to unload her and Erchirion's trunks from their boat. She thanked them before turning and making her way towards the Swan-ship. Coming up along the side of the vessel, she touched it deftly. A dark skinned sailor with very bright blue eyes who seemed to be around Lothíriel's age approached her.
"Pardon, my lady, but I wanted to say that it will be an honor to be among the crew that is taking you home." He bowed sheepishly.
"She's a lovely ship. What is her name?" Lothíriel's voice was quiet, but the boy seemed to hear her all the same.
"Your father had her named The Valiant, my lady, for he felt we must all be brave to volunteer to stay in Lond Daer for such a long time. Sailors tend to be a superstitious lot, and abandoned ports tend to be filled with ghosts." He looked at her nervously, "Not that I'm afraid of any ghosts, my lady."
"Please, Lothíriel is fine." She smiled kindly at him. She was so surprised at how easily he was conversing with her. She couldn't help but remember the separation she had experienced as a child in Dol Amroth after her gift manifested. She wondered what had changed.
"Lady Lothíriel then," the sheepish grin still hanging from his face. He opened his mouth but above them at the helm of the ship stood the captain who called down to the boy.
"Bergen, hop to. We still have preparations to take care of before we can get underway. I'd like to be ready leave on this afternoon's tide." The captain who called down sounded stern, but had a good natured face. His head was bald but he had a beard that shone bright red in the sun. Bergen bowed again quickly before turning on his heel and racing up the plank to aid his captain in any way required of him. Lothíriel followed his path onto the ship. As soon as she stepped foot on the vessel she saw Erchirion already aboard and speaking to the captain. As she approached the two men, Erchirion called out to her.
"Lothíriel, this is Captain Sigbert. He says that we are nearly ready to cast off and all we really have to wait on is the tide to change." Erchirion took Lothíriel's elbow and guided her gently towards the red-bearded captain.
She nodded politely when he bowed to her. "Do we have enough provisions to make it back to Dol Amroth without any of your men going hungry? I know you have been here for quite some time already."
Captain Sigbert nodded his affirmation. Although his face was grim, his eyes had a glint in them. "Indeed my lady, we prepared to wait for your arrival for a much longer time. And with a crew this small," he gestured to the ten sailors working on the ship, "We barely went through half our supplies. If the winds decided to give us trouble the trip will last no more ten days, and if the winds are favorable, we'll be home in about a week."
"Thank you, Captain. We won't distract you from your duties any longer and make sure all of out belongings are aboard before you are ready to cast off." Erchirion nodded to the captain before leading Lothíriel away and down the plank and back towards the elvish river vessel where several of the elves stood waiting. The Swan Knights were carrying the trunks belonging to Erchirion and Lothíriel. Once they explained where they wanted them on the ship, it didn't take long before everything was aboard and ready for their departure. Lothíriel saw Elladan and Elrohir standing away with their eyes on the woods, most likely looking to see if there would be any trouble. As she approached, Elladan turned around and smiled her.
"You will be leaving soon." It wasn't a question but Lothíriel nodded anyway. "I see. We doubt that this will be the last time we see you. Na lû e-govaned vîn, novaer hiril vuin." Elladan placed a hand over his heart and bowed deeply to Lothíriel. Elrohir followed Elladan's gesture and spoke very quietly.
"N'i lû tôl, savo 'lass a lalaith." Both elves straightened simultaneously. Lothíriel felt a lump in her throat and tears welling in her eyes.
"Boe annin gwad, ne guren níniatha n'i lû n'i a-govenitham. Galu." She stepped forward and touched both of their hands lightly. Elladan wiped a stray tear from her cheek and lightly kissed her forehead. Elrohir simply squeezed Lothíriel's shoulder. She turned away from them and silently made her way towards the ship. On her way she passed Erchirion who went to say his goodbyes as well. Standing on the ship, she stared out to the horizon where the sea was. Once they left she would nearly be home and she would be able to see her family again.
Aldburg
October 3016
Éomer left the stables exhausted. He stared up into the sky as stars began to dot the darkening blue expanse. He had been there longer than he had expected. Behind him, Tania exited the building and stood next to him. He looked down at her and saw her disheveled blond hair. Her light brown eyes gazed up at him.
"Are you satisfied, my lord?" Her lilting voice was soft and quiet. Éomer nodded and turned his face upwards once again.
"I am indeed." He sighed to himself contentedly. It had been a long time coming, but it had finally happened.
"She will make a fine mare for you, my lord. Have you thought of a name yet?" She began to stride forward. Her walk wasn't the graceful gliding steps of a woman brought up in court like his sister, but one of purpose. In the past two days he had become better acquainted with Tania and had grown to admire the fact that he did not have to measure his gait to accommodate her. She was a good woman, and an excellent horse breeder.
"Well, seeing as she was bred from Firestorm, I think the name Soulstorm will do nicely for her." They stopped on the steps leading to the great hall. "I was worried for a bit that something would foul up the birth. I've never heard of a horse lasting that long before." Tania shook her head slightly.
"It happens every once in a while. Among my fellow breeders it is normally taken as an omen that the horse being born will be very strong. Even some midwives believe it is the same for children." Éomer looked over her dress and apron which were speckled with blood and other fluids from the animals.
"I should let you go and wash yourself rather than keep you here." He gestured to the plains where's e the breeder's tents could be seen over Aldburg's walls. "How long do you think you'll be staying near Aldburg?"
Tania shrugged. "That all depends on my father. He normally likes to keep on the move. Is there anything you would like me to tell him when I return to the camp?"
"I only ask that you give him my thanks for such a fine mare to breed Firestorm with. Do you require a bath here?" She looked towards the great hall of Aldburg and shook her head in response.
"While it is appreciated, my lord, I told my father I would not linger after the delivery was finished. We will leave the mare here until we return." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "As I said, I mustn't delay, but if you would like, you could escort me back to the camp." She raised her eyebrows slightly. Éomer was tempted to take her up on her offer, but he knew he had received word recently from Edoras. He had been so caught up in making sure Soulstorm's delivery went smoothly that he hadn't even opened the letter yet. He shook his head.
"I'm afraid that tonight I cannot. But please let your father know that you and your encampment are always welcome in Aldburg. I bid you a good evening." A look of disappointment flashed across Tania's face for an instant before she smiled at Éomer and lightly touched his arm.
"Good evening, my lord. I will tell my father." With that she turned away from him and strode quickly down the path and within moments she was hidden from sight by the buildings. Éomer sighed lightly and began to make his way up the steps and into his home.
"First a bath, then onto business." He muttered to himself. One of the men who belonged to his éored looked at him quizzically.
"Did you say something, my lord?" the solemn man asked. Éomer shook his head and just simply entered the building, finding the first maid he crossed paths with and ordered a bath drawn in his room. When he reached his room, he found it just as he had left it. Sitting in a wooden chair by the fire he waited for the servants to bring what he had requested. On his desk lay the letter from Edoras. From the writing on the envelope he could see it was from Éowyn. Reaching his long arm over to the desk he grasped it. Fingering the seal that showed the letter hadn't been opened he sighed and was just about to open the envelope when a sharp knock sounded at the door. Standing, he tossed the letter back onto the desk and strode towards the door. When he opened it, the maids carried in the tub and hot water for him.
As soon as the chamber was empty again, he began to remove the clothes that had become caked with dirt and grime. Swiftly he stepped into the steaming water. He let out a deep breath as he allowed himself to relax. He sat for minutes without moving, simply allowing the heat to saturate into his sore muscles. Finally, once he was relaxed enough, he picked up the bar of soap and began to scrub two and a half days worth of grime and sweat from his skin. By the time he finally stepped out of the tub, the water no longer resembled anything to the clear water that had been inside before the bath. Moving over to the closet, he threw on a pair of trousers and tunic. Opening his door to symbolize that he was finished with the bath, he took his place at the desk and took up the envelope once again.
Breaking the seal, he pulled out the parchment and began reading.
Dear Brother,
Things in Edoras are not going very well. Uncle's health has hardly got any better. When Master Charis from the House of Healing here first saw him, he judged that Uncle would better the illness with ease, but it has been a month and there has been almost no improvement but Uncle has decided to continue ruling as if there was nothing wrong. Each day he speaks less and less and the advisor Gríma speaks in his place. I feel this does not bode well. Gríma makes orders in Uncle's name and because Uncle himself does not outright object to any of them they are being followed without question. His first order of business was to declare that any incoming mail be delivered to him on behalf of the King. He has also taken to attempting to read my outgoing mail, and it took a great amount of work to smuggle this letter on its way to you.
Please, Éomer, I would request that you come to Edoras and see Uncle yourself. Théodred returned to the city a few days ago and while he remained in the city, Uncle seemed more himself. I am wondering if perhaps you came to the capital and tried to persuade Uncle to rest he might. I would recommend that you do not write any sort of response as Gríma will read it and know I sent word for you without his approval. I hope you will be able to join us soon.
Long life and health to you,
Éowyn
Éomer was so focused on the contents of the letter that when he finished and realized that the tub had already been removed from his chamber he chastised himself for allowing a moment where he was not aware of his surroundings. He stood and barred the door before returning to the desk and reading the letter a second time. A feeling of unease swept over him. He had received word that his Uncle had fallen ill nearly a month ago but he had hoped it would have passed by after such an amount of time.
He stood and began to pace slowly. Would it be wise to leave for Edoras without being summoned by the king? Surely he could choose to visit his sister anytime he wanted? No, he did not have that freedom. He was Third Marshal now and lord of Aldburg. He couldn't just leave without a good reason to give to the King. He couldn't just ignore his sister's summons either. His paces grew faster and longer in stride that he had lapped the room at least a hundred times before he finally stopped. He could take a report of the East-Mark. Then, technicality, he would still be following his uncle's orders as Third Marshal. He threw open his door and strode down the dimly lit hallway with a new sense of purpose. He only stopped when he reached the door of his captain.
"Éothain!" he knocked loudly and waited for a full ten seconds before renewing the banging on the door. "Éothain!" Finally the door opened and the tired captain stood in front of his Marshal.
"My lord," he started, "what on earth possessed you to come banging and shouting at my door?"
"Éothain," Éomer's voice thundered, "you should be ashamed that it took you so long to be roused. What if we were in battle and you came out dressed as you are now?" He gestured to the man who was only wearing trousers that Éomer could clearly see were tied up loose and hurriedly.
Éothain leaned against the door frame and yawned, "I see nor hear any evidence of a battle taking place. Are we in battle?" He didn't wait for Éomer to respond. "And do not speak to me of proper attire until you've looked at your own self, my lord. Now, unless it's something important, I would like to go back to bed." Éomer sheepishly looked down over his own garments. While he was dressed more than Éothain by wearing trousers and his tunic, he had been so focused on beginning preparations that he had forgotten to put on shoes.
"It is important." His voice lowered as he waited for the captain to stand straight once again and look him in the eye before continuing. "I want you to begin making preparations with the men to leave for Edoras at first light the day after tomorrow." Éothain's eyes lit for a moment.
"You were summoned by the King?" Éothain no longer looked quite so asleep any longer. Éomer shook his head. "Well then why would we go to Edoras? Is there something wrong?"
Éomer's voice was steady and rigid, the commanding tone in his voice did not go unheard. "I am not sure, but I mean to find out."
Translations:
Na lû e-govaned vîn, novaer hiril vuin (Until we meet again, farewell my lady.)
N'i lû tôl, savo 'lass a lalaith (Until then, have joy and laughter.)
Boe annin gwad, ne guren níniatha n'i lû n'i a-govenitham. Galu (I must go, but my heart will weep until I see you again. Goodbye.)
