Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. - Eldacar, King of Gondor

Chapter 28

The night was very quiet and calm and in the air there was stillness that no breath of wind moved. The camp was quiet as well and the only noises Lothíriel could hear were the occasional cracks from the fire and Éowyn's heavy breathing nearby. It had to be well after midnight, but Lothíriel still did not feel tired. And she knew she wasn't the only one lying awake.

After some time, Éomer got up from his own bedroll, trying not to make noise as he took his cloak and moved quietly away from where the other travellers were sleeping: she watched him as he headed for the river. When he was gone, she let out a small heavy breath. Should she let him be alone? Or would he perhaps appreciate some company, but just couldn't ask for it?

The longer she lay there wondering the more anxious she felt, and eventually she tossed her blankets away and got up.

The night guards gave her only a passing glance as she moved about the camp and proceeded for the river as well. Once she got from the reach of the camp, the quiet was tangible and the air was very still. To herself she hoped the winds would rise again the next day, as such stillness would only delay Captain Cairon and his ship.

She found her beloved by the river, sitting on a stone and gazing at stars. It was rather beautiful there, the way moonlight flickered on the surface of the river and enveloped the man sitting by it. Her footsteps alarmed him and he sharply turned to look at her, but Lothíriel gave him a smile as a greeting.

"I heard you get up, and thought I'd come and see if you wanted some company", she said and kept her voice low, as though speaking in great volumes in this quiet of the night would somehow be wrong.

"You needn't stay up for me", said Éomer and seemingly relaxed again where he sat.

"Well, I wasn't sleeping anyway", she said. "Do you mind if I sit with you a bit?"

"Of course not", he replied, leaning back his head and fixing his eyes on the night sky above once more. She took seat next to him and quiet fell again. It felt so still, one could have thought they were the only souls alive in the world. It was alien as well, because back in Dol Amroth she was used to the sounds of the sea. Even in Rohan she had never witnessed such silence.

Lothíriel had often watched the stars during their journey as she had spent the long hours of night watch or when she had been trying to fall asleep. She had looked at Elbereth's lights and thought of the man who sat beside her. Now he was there, and yet in some ways it felt like he was still far away from her... and she did not know how to cross that space.

"Do you remember the first time we gazed at stars together?" she asked softly after some time, spying a glance of his face. He appeared not to notice, as his eyes remained set on the sky.

"It was in Dol Amroth during our courtship. You called me from the window above my chamber and asked me to join you... we climbed into your grandfather's tower, and I was convinced one of us was going to fall" he said after a moment. He let out a sigh then and it was as though a shadow deepened on his brow. "It feels like a lifetime ago."

"It does", she had to agree. How different things had been then, and how silly her concerns!

"Well", he murmured, even more quiet now, "it does feel like an entirely different life."

"But the stars are still the same", Lothíriel said. A sense of overwhelming sadness had come to her, though she couldn't have said why exactly. She wanted him to reach a hand towards her, perhaps pull her against his side... but he sat unmoving, with his arms crossed on his chest, and she didn't know if he'd welcome her touch. It was difficult thinking that, for before now she had always been reassured that all shows of affection were appreciated.

She lowered her eyes and bit her lip in an attempt not to cry. Hadn't she resolved she couldn't fall down like this? Hadn't she thought she would have to be unbreakable? But how was she supposed to do that, when it was so very difficult?

"I'm going back to sleep", she said, jumped on her feet, raced back to the camp, and fought her tears all the way there.

By all standards, the weather on that day at the sea was most ideal for sailing. There were no clouds to be seen and the wind was fresh and energetic, billowing the sails in a fashion that would have promised swift journey northwards.

But Erchirion had lived his life by the sea and actively sailed since he had been a boy. He knew the waters in this part of the world... and he could feel the storm that was approaching. A tempest had come before and it had tossed his ship so far in south that Gondorian ships rarely ventured there, and least of all alone. But even that storm had nothing on what was in the air.

It was because of savage weathers he was still at the sea. At this time, he was supposed to be nearing the mouth of Anduin in his journey to join Father in Minas Tirith, but due to some very unfavourable winds his voyage was prolonged. Its intention had been to patrol the coast of South Gondor and beyond, to make sure the corsairs would not make a return just so soon after the campaign was done.

As he stood there at the bow of the ship and gazed towards horizon he thought of his sister... wondered how she fared, and where she was now. When she had disappeared during the night and they had found the letter she had left behind, Erchirion had insisted Father send him and Amrothos after her immediately. However, their sire had rejected the suggestion and told his sons to stand and wait. Accepting Father's decision had not been easy, and at times Erchirion worried it had been the wrong one. So many things could go awry, even with Aragorn watching over her. Lothíriel was fierce, that he did not deny, but there was so much evil in the world she didn't know about. And Erchirion was afraid she would let her temper get better of herself.

Erchirion's thoughts were disrupted by the arrival of his second-in-command by his side. He looked out to the sea and shivered noticeably.

"You feel it too?" asked the prince.

"Yes, my lord. The air smells of a storm", said the other man.

"Indeed it does", Erchirion said and straightened where he stood. "We should look some harbour or a sheltered bay. I do not want to be out in the open when that storm hits."

The waters of the mouth of river Harnen glimmered in sunlight of that day they finally reached the coast. Beyond the bay was the great sea, reaching towards the horizon and beyond it. Sometimes, it was formidable to imagine the sheer size of it and all the unknown shores that lay at the other side of Ulmo's waters.

Wind from the sea flew over the company as they made towards the bay and Lothíriel breathed in the salty scent. After the deserts it was a welcome thing: for the first time in many weeks, she felt like she was not inhaling dust with each breath she took. It also brought relief to the scorching days of the desert and it reminded her of home. It was especially welcome because the sight of the sea meant they had taken one step closer to getting home.

"With all due respect, Chieftain Varanat, I'm glad to be leaving your land behind", she commented to the man who was riding just behind her. He gave her a smile.

"That is very understandable, my lady. For my part, I'm happy I needn't board that ship with you travellers... you may say what you will, but I am suspicious towards everything that claims it floats", he quipped good-humouredly, and she had to laugh. Past days she had sometimes spent time talking with him, as on the road there were not many other ways to entertain oneself, and Varanat was always happy to share a conversation.

"Our ship doesn't just claim to do that, it does indeed float", she told him and turned to look towards where Harnen's mouth widened towards the sea. She sheltered her eyes from the sunlight and searched the bay, but Captain Cairon's ship was not at sight yet.

She glanced about their company. From Varanat she looked to his men, some of whom rode up in front and others that trailed behind. And there went Éowyn, talking with Aragorn in soft voices. Her frown was more pronounced than his, and so the princess imagined they were not conversing pleasant topics. They had travelled with her a long way, and now... now they were here by the sea, ready to board their ship once it would arrive. When she looked back to their departure from Pelargir, it felt like years had passed since then.

Ahead, already making way downhill, was Éomer. His back was turned towards them but he rode straight and smooth; one could not take the horseman out of him. Past few days he had remained as quiet and reserved as before, but at least he was somewhat returning her hugs now. It didn't even vaguely resemble the level of intimacy and closeness they had shared before this dreadful affair, but she kept telling herself in this it was like in everything else: he needed time. Surely it was that, and not the much worse alternative which danced at the edge of her mind?

When they reached the lower land, Aragorn gazed momentarily towards the sea and then turned towards his companions again.

"I would not abandon hope yet, my friends. I'm sure Captain Cairon will be here very soon, and we just need to wait for him. So, I suggest we make camp where we can find some shelter and wait for him at least a day or few", he spoke up, at which his northern companions agreed. He looked at Varanat then, "I know you're wishing to turn homewards as soon as you can, but can I ask you to tarry here for a little while?"

The chieftain hesitated and a slight crease formed on his brow. But then he sighed softly and nodded.

"I suppose we can spare a couple of days, my lord", he agreed. "As long as you do not expect me to escort you beyond this. The time I've spent away from my tribe and my family grows long."

"Of course. We are grateful for you coming with us this far", Aragorn said, bowing his head at the young chieftain.

As there was no sight of Captain Cairon yet and the day had barely come to afternoon, no haste was made as the company built the camp. Lothíriel did not know if the river had fish at all, but seeing there was not much to do now that they were waiting for the ship, she decided to try out if her fisher's luck had got any better since the days of her childhood. She and her brothers had spent long days by the sea-side when they had been children, fishing and sailing and swimming; while the other girls had been learning embroidery, Imrahil's children had organised sailing competitions. But when Amrothos had almost drowned and Father had learned about it, boat races had ended there.

There were no supplies for a proper rod, but she was able to make herself a fishing spear out of some driftwood, and Harnen's waters were so clear she could see if there was any fish. Rolling up the legs of her breeches she waded into the water, spear at the ready in case there was some fish to be found there.

It turned out her skills were rustier than ever before and eventually she gave up the attempt. Lothíriel decided this moment of idleness would have probably been best used washing her clothes, but when she started with that task her attention was quickly migrated to where Éomer and Éowyn were looking after the horses. She noted they were talking quietly, which made her smile. It was good to see them interacting, especially since she knew how much Éowyn worried for her brother. Perhaps he had seen that too and was doing what he could to ease the minds of his companions.

Captain Cairon's ship did not make an appearance that day, but this did not dampen their moods. He could very well be arriving the next day or the day after, if the sea-faring had been rough. Furthermore, to herself Lothíriel considered perhaps it was smart to take small, slow steps for now, as the return to north would probably mean there would be no chance for any calm and quiet.

When they were enjoying their supper that evening, she settled down beside her betrothed – close, but mindful of giving him some space. She even managed to conjure some light conversation that consisted of sailing (the topic was easily drawn from their forthcoming voyage), and she was reassured the cool reservedness he had shown the other night had nothing to do with her. Somehow the talks eventually moved to when they'd be arriving to Pelargir.

"I think we could stay a day or two at my aunt's house, like we originally meant. It's smoother travel by Anduin, so I imagine we'll take another ship from Pelargir to Minas Tirith", she commented.

"Another ship? Delightful. By then I may be ready to consider an escape", Éomer muttered, but tonight his mood was light and she recognised an attempt of jest, which made her smile.

"And you'd get away most like. With that insane hair and beard no one will recognise you", she pointed out, at which he snorted. "Aragorn could probably lend you a razor, if you need one."

"Hmm", was all he replied and lowered his eyes to his meal.

"Or I could do that for you. Cut your hair, I mean. And truthfully I do think something ought to be done about that beard. If you keep it much longer, I think a bird might make a nest there", she told him. But it didn't bring out anything that would have even vaguely resembled a smile. Instead, he grimaced.

"I do not think that is such a good idea", he said quietly.

"Why so?" asked Lothíriel.

"Because having any kind of blade so close to my neck might not bring out the best reaction of me", Éomer answered darkly and the look in his eyes unsettled her. He evidently saw it, for that dark expression passed and was replaced by something very sad. "I'm sorry. I know you mean well."

"It's all right. I understand... anyway, it's probably me who should watch her tongue", she said softly, hoping that he would see the truth and honesty in her eyes, and know that she could take it.

"That's not right, Lothíriel. You never did hide your thoughts before and I would not have you begin to do so now", he said, frowning as he spoke. "And in all honesty..."

He lowered his eyes and seemed to hesitate, and she gently touched his fingers – slowly, though, as to not alarm him. Her touch worked, and he looked up again, "The way you all tiptoe around me is... I understand why that is, but it makes me feel like some hopeless thing."

"Well, you aren't", she said determinedly. "And you mustn't ever think so, no matter what I or anyone else does."

The corners of his mouth briefly lifted, but his eyes remained sad. Oh, what would she have given if she had just known how to chase away that look!

"You are a precious woman", Éomer said softly. She smiled at that and reached over to pat his hand, and the silence that followed wasn't awkward at all.

And when he kissed her brow that night when she gave him her customary hug before going to sleep, she decided there was a reason to be hopeful.

The good thing about being on the road had been the space and the fact that it felt like they were making progress – that they were getting somewhere. During mornings and evenings the chores of the camp had kept everyone busy and there had been no time for conflicts.

But at the camp by the beach no such distractions were at hand and the waiting made everyone restless, and so it was perhaps only a matter of time that something would happen – especially since in their company there was a man who had difficulty withstanding people around and close to him.

Lothíriel saw it happen, though she didn't know what triggered it. She was returning from the river and only saw the violent result: the two men snarling at each other, and then the taller one dealing one of his deadly right hooks. His opponent, one of Chieftain Varanat's, dropped as though a man who has been stricken dead by one blow.

And then it was over, and Éomer was striding away, looking like the next man who spoke to him would receive more than just a punch to their face.

Aragorn pushed through the crowd that had gathered around the unconscious tribesman, and after some water was brought and poured over his face he came back to his senses. The King of Reunited Kingdom was there beside him, and as soon as he had made sure the punch had not made any worse damage than knocking him out, he asked: "Did something happen? Why did he hit you?"

"I don't know! I did nothing! The man's a lunatic – everyone sees that, just look at him and you know he is not right!" ranted the poor fellow, pressing a hand to his cheek which would soon sport a bruise as far as Lothíriel could judge. Aragorn frowned and glanced at her, but said nothing.

"He's not a lunatic. He's just very angry", he said, moving his gaze steadily about the faces of those present. "But I promise this won't happen again."

"It won't? How can you say something like that? You can't control that man, no more than you can control a wild beast!" argued another man.

"Shut your mouth!" Lothíriel snapped angrily. "You don't know him and you have no right to say something like that!"

The men looked like they'd have argued more, but then their chieftain spoke up.

"Calm down, everyone. I'm sure there is just some misunderstanding here", he said steadily. He approached his men and began to speak in their own language; Lothíriel could but guess what he told them, but she heard Éomer's name mentioned, and his expression remained tranquil. His men seemed to relent as well, though some of them still cast some dark looks towards the northern travellers. To herself, the princess considered the sooner Captain Cairon would arrive, the better.

Aragorn approached and rested a hand on Lothíriel's shoulder. Éowyn had come as well, looking pale and startled.

"Could you go and talk to him? See if he's... if there's something wrong?" he asked gently.

"I'd have done that anyway", she replied solemnly.

"Do you want me to come along?" Éowyn asked.

"Maybe I should go by myself. I don't think he is in a mood for crowds", said the princess quietly. Her friend frowned, obviously unsatisfied, but even so she seemed to agree perhaps Lothíriel was right.

"Just be careful", Aragorn told her, not even trying to hide his troubled expression. But Lothíriel didn't feel concerned – not in the way he did at least.

"I trust him, Aragorn", she said and met her liege-lord's worry with calm firmness. He sighed and nodded. After all, he knew he could trust her to take care of herself.

No more words were exchanged. Instead, she left to look for the man they all worried for.

She found him some way from the camp, sitting on a large stone with his head in his hands. Aragorn had told her to be careful but there was no danger here... only hurt so deep that it broke her heart. A painful feeling twisted inside her, seeing him so... she wanted to go to him, tell him it was all right. And the worst thing was she did not know how to make any of this better.

"Éomer", she called softly, "it's me. Are you... can I join you for a bit?"

He grunted as a response, and it could have been a no for all she knew, but she chose to approach him anyway. So she silently made way closer to him, until at last she was next to him and sat down there. He didn't move to look up and a moment of quiet went by. She thought of touching him, of giving him a hug... but then, she wasn't sure if that would be welcomed just now.

"Is the man all right?" he asked after a while.

"He's fine. He was more startled than hurt", she reassured him. Looking at him in concern, she asked: "What happened? Did he... did he do something?"

He sighed heavily and straightened, lifting his eyes to gaze off to the distance.

"No. No, he didn't. It was just..." he started, but then his voice died and she saw his hands becoming fists.

"He touched you by accident, didn't he?" Lothíriel asked gently. She had noticed she was the only person whose touch he would tolerate or welcome. It made her wonder about what evil things had fallen on him during his captivity, if something so simple as a touch might send him into a mood so violent.

"... aye. Pathetic, isn't it?" muttered Éomer and she saw him frowning.

"I don't think so", she told him. She considered him quietly for a moment, trying to come up with the right words. When she continued speaking it was slowly, "I may not completely understand what you're going through, but what I do understand is that it's not easy. And you don't have to explain this, or anything."

He did not speak. Quietly, he picked up her hand, eyes fixed on it like he couldn't meet her gaze. Ever so gently, he pressed a tender kiss on her palm and then rested a cheek against it. In those very simple gestures there was more tenderness there had been ever since he had left for the war and she barely dared to breathe for the fear it might disturb this moment.

"I promise I'll try to be... be better for you", he muttered, his voice barely audible. But then a shiver ran through him, he let go of her hand, and she could tell there was some dark and powerful emotion on him. He had not shown much of his feelings since they had found him, and it troubled her; how should he heal if he would not even speak of it? Did he feel anything at all? However, now was the first time she saw any of that shadow he had been keeping from all of them, and she remained quiet, hoping that this might break the dam.

He spoke again then and his voice was raspy and heavy: "Did he succeed after all? Did he break me? Sometimes I can't tell. I swore never to give up and stop fighting... and I didn't. But the depths I sunk to, just because I was too stubborn to surrender... and the things I did to survive. Oh, Lothíriel! It is not a man that is returned to you from the deserts, but a beast..."

It looked like he simply could not lift up his eyes and meet hers, and at first she didn't know why that was. But then she understood: he was ashamed.

Slowly and gently she moved. She touched his hand at first and then lifted up her fingers to settle them on his shoulder. From there, she carefully moved her hand to his neck... and at last he lifted his gaze, even if it was just so slightly. Nevertheless she could at last catch a glance of those dark, haunted eyes... she met them and held them with her own. She hoped her own would convey only love and acceptance, and why shouldn't they, when those were the things she felt then?

A moment of silence passed between them before she at last spoke.

"Then let me help you to turn into a man again."

When Lothíriel had gone and the camp had again quieted down Éowyn saw there was one who did not feel quite so calm. That one was Aragorn of course: he kept pacing and glancing the way the princess had gone, apparently thinking her prolonged absence meant something bad.

He worried a lot, Éowyn knew. But he was also very good at hiding it, and that he was doing so these days was understandable to her. He was thinking that acting normal around his fellow king was the best they could do to help him right now. Mostly, she agreed with him. Her brother, no matter what state of mind he was in, was not someone who liked showing weakness, or believing people saw it in him.

That is going to be a problem, sooner or later.

It just happened this time she wasn't particularly concerned. Well, not much more than she usually was these days, or at least she didn't think the day would end in more tears and hurt. She had already seen that Lothíriel appeared to have a good impact on Éomer. Certainly he was allowing her closer than anyone else, and she always seemed to know what to do and what to say to him. Strange as it was, the young woman who had been so wild and coarse was the one who instinctively knew how to handle him.

So, when she saw the frown on Aragorn's face, she reached over to pat his arm.

"Don't worry, my friend. I believe she knows what she's doing", Éowyn told him calmly. The King of Gondor and Arnor stopped to regard her in silence. She went on, softer this time, "And she just might be the only one he'll listen to right now."

Aragorn considered her words for an instance and nodded.

"Yes. I think you may be right about that", he agreed. Then he looked at her more sharply and asked: "And you?"

Éowyn sighed. How to tell him what she really felt – what sadness moved inside her? But then, if anyone understood it was Aragorn.

"It breaks my heart", she simply said. Indeed, that seemed to be enough, for a sympathetic look had come to his eyes.

"And he will see that", he murmured. "But you can't help someone who thinks they don't need or can't be helped. He is not good at asking for aid, even if he knew he needs it."

"Aye. Don't I know that", Éowyn muttered darkly, shaking her head. And I used to be just the same.

Realising that did help, strange as that may be. She had stood at the edge of abyss, but she had pulled through... and she had emerged from the darkness.

Éomer was carved from the same tree. He'll pull through as well.

Éowyn didn't know if he had already started that path, or if he was still standing face to face with his own peril. But when he walked back to the camp with Lothíriel late that night, she knew he was not facing it alone.

Captain Cairon's ship glided into the bay the next day. When Éowyn sighted the ship from a hill she returned to the camp with the news, and the travellers began to gather their things to make ready for the voyage. It also meant leaving Chieftain Varanat with their dromedaries, and like Lothíriel had mused before she decided she'd indeed come to miss hers – the one she had called Stinker.

As such, goodbyes were necessary. She patted the animal's neck and tried to blink tears from her eyes while muttering softly in Sindarin. Chieftain Varanat happened to stop by and witness this tearful parting, and Lothíriel gave him a stern glare.

"You're going to take care of Stinker for me, won't you?" she demanded, at which he smiled gently.

"Of course. I will even keep the name", he promised.

"Thank you", she said softly and Varanat proceeded to exchange few more words with Aragorn.

"Considering you're the one my brother chose to be the Lady of the Rohirrim, I'm wondering here if we should be worried that you have taken such liking to an animal that is not a horse", said Éowyn then, stopping beside the princess and her dromedary.

"That would be something, wouldn't it? Riding to Edoras on a dromedary?" Lothíriel said and let out a small laugh. "Actually, it sounds like fun. But I think it might be too cold for him up in the north."

"To be honest, I'm not sure at this point people would even wonder much", her friend commented. They laughed and the younger woman wiped away the remnants of her tears.

"It's silly, isn't it? Crying over a dromedary called Stinker", she said sheepishly, but Éowyn reached over to squeeze her shoulder gently.

"Lothíriel, of all the people in the world I'm sure Eorlingas are the most likely to understand the affection one has for their steed", she said steadily. "It's not stupid crying. I know my brother mourns his stallion. Firefoot was a friend, after all."

The mention of Éomer made her turn her head and look for him with her eyes. He was standing with his back towards them and facing the sea – watching Cairon's ship approach.

"It's going to take a while, isn't it?" Lothíriel asked. Éowyn understood what she meant and she stepped to her side, watching the man who was dear to them both.

"Aye", agreed the White Lady softly, but then she touched again her friend's shoulder. A faint smile was there on her face. "But I think you are already helping him. More than you perhaps even realise yourself. Just... keep doing whatever it is you do, and it'll be fine."

The princess was able to answer the smile, and in silence they both proceeded into making sure one more time their things were ready.

Captain Cairon himself was on the brow of the small boat that departed from the ship and approached the shore to collect the travellers. He lifted a hand in greeting when the company gathered on the shore, but briefly Lothíriel thought he looked like he had lost several nights' sleep. Perhaps business was not going quite so well these days, she mused.

"Nordir, old friend! It is good to see you have made it here in one piece!" he called and jumped from the boat to the shore. That the man would use the false name should not bring any surprise to Éomer or Chieftain Varanat: both knew they were travelling under other names than their own real ones.

"We had some luck on the road", Aragorn replied. The captain glanced about and his eyes came to rest on Éomer, who was staring at the smuggler as though to discern his character. A faint smile touched his wind-worn face.

"I take it you found what you were looking for?" he asked.

"Aye. This is my brother Hæred", Éowyn answered, smiling as well. "As you can see, Captain, we were indeed able to find him."

"And these gentlemen gave us some much needed help", Aragorn continued, nodding towards Chieftain Varanat, who merely smiled at the captain.

"Seems like it has been an adventurous journey", commented Cairon. "Well then, if you are ready, we can set sails right away. No use standing about on this shore, eh?"

He was quite right about that, but before boarding the boat there was still one goodbye left. Aragorn thanked Chieftain Varanat heartily, as did Éowyn. Éomer did not say much, but when he rested a hand on the young chieftain's shoulder his eyes did convey his gratitude. And Lothíriel gave the man a tight hug, which apparently surprised him, but he returned it nevertheless.

"Thank you for helping us", she murmured into the chieftain's ear. "Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome, my lady", Varanat replied gently. "Hopefully your road will be smoother from here on... and if it is not, I wish you all the strength and patience that you need."

She gave him a watery smile and pulled back. Then a hand picked up hers, and her beloved king was there by her side. Varanat smiled at them and nodded his head as a gesture of respect.

"Farewell, my friends. Have a safe journey home."

As soon as the four travellers and Cairon with his men were in the boat, they began making for the ship, which was waiting for them to board. As the captain's men rowed and the shore was left behind, Lothíriel grinned at her companions.

"We're going home. Can you believe it?" she asked. In a way, it felt like the Pelargir they had left behind and the one they would now return to were two different places.

"It does seem overwhelming", said Éowyn, gazing at the ship which would bring them to Gondor. She frowned slightly, "And if you ask me, we can't possibly get there soon enough. I quite miss my husband and I'm just hoping he's not going to lock me up in our home after this little journey."

"He'd never dare do that", Lothíriel reassured her friend. "But you may have to make it up for him extensively."

"That I don't mind", Éowyn said and a slow, wide smile dawned on her face.

The princess breathed in the scent of the sea and quietly lay her hand on that of Éomer – he sat beside her and quietly he intertwined his fingers with her. Small things like that gave her hope.

They had arrived to the ship by then and the oarsmen guided the boat next to The Pearl of Uinen. A ladder of rope was waiting there and Captain Cairon gestured towards it.

"Ladies first, if you please", he said and Lothíriel took a hold of the ladder. Before she began climbing she spared a glance to the shore. Chieftain Varanat was still there with his men, making ready for their own journey home. She thought about waving at them but they would probably not even see it, and she let out a soft sigh. Then she began climbing up.

On the deck of the ship the captain's men were already preparing for the journey. As Lothíriel hauled herself over the railing she noted Cairon had recruited new men after they had taken their leave of him and his crew. What quickly drew her eye were the two brutish men, for she knew she had seen them before. But where? Large they were, with arms thick as trunks, but she knew a sailor when she saw one and these two were not mariners.

It hit her too late. A study in Umbar, immaculately furnished but not much used... and two bodyguards standing behind a desk...

She jumped around and meant to shout alarm, but then there were hands grabbing at her from behind and even though she tried to bite the one that covered her mouth she couldn't struggle herself free. If only she could free one of her hands and grab one of her small hidden blades!

But then they were already pulling her away, and by the time she heard Éowyn asking where she had gone they had taken her below the deck. Two more men appeared and both grabbed a hold of one of her legs, effectively preventing her violent kicks from hitting their targets. Into a cabin she was dragged by her captors, though all the while she kicked and struggled and fought.

And there she saw a man she had hoped to never see again.

Master Opash turned from his place by the window, giving her an enormous smile.

"Welcome back, Lady Tangiel. It has been too long."

A/N: *dramatic music plays in the background* And I return with a cliffhanger! ;) I know this all is very dramatic but hey, that's how I roll.

You didn't think we had seen last of Opash, did you? Certainly I was sure he'd not just let our travellers get away like that if he could help it. I know Cairon here seems like a huge turncloak, but perhaps we will see in the next chapter why would he do this thing.

Aside from the cliffhanger in the end I decided to explore Éomer's mental state a bit more. He's not just getting immediately better, but like Lothíriel thinks to herself there are little things that keep giving hope to her. I think he's starting to understand that he can lean on her at any rate, even if it's just slightly. But whether this turn of events will result in backslide for him... well, wait and see!

Hope you liked the chapter, and thanks for reading and reviewing!

Quote in the beginning originally by Sun Tzu.

Inspiration for the chapter: Florence + The Machine - Over the Love

Kiiimberly - For now it looks like it might be a long way home though!

Talia119 - How that progress will go now remains to be seen. But yes, our characters do need to work on their approaches still. Aragorn might be the best one dealing with this matter. He's the most experienced one after all.

DepthsOfMySubconsciousness - I definitely get what you mean! I'd really love to give him a hug as well.

Wondereye - He'd no doubt love that. :)

MairaElleth - The important thing is you did review! I love to hear from my readers, and you said it: better late than never! :)

A bit of quiet and calm did seem necessary, like you said - especially now that we have yet another issue to deal with. I thought it'd be a good idea to give both the characters and the readers a moment to catch their breaths, so to speak! :D

As for what the blue wizard meant... well, his words and their meaning will perhaps still have to wait for a bit!