Chapter 82

Dunharrow

Gandalf made sure I had a nice room and a warm meal. He also told me that Pippin had offered his service to the steward of Gondor and that I needed to keep an eye on him. I stood in the hall while he pledged his service.

"Here do I swear fealty and service to Gondor, in peace or war. In living or dying from… from this hour henceforth until my lord release me, or death take me."

Denethor stood with a little smile on his face.

"And I shall not forget it. Nor fail to reward that which is given."

He held out his hand and Pippin slowly kissed his ring. I didn't like this man at all.

"Fealty with love. Valor with honor. And disloyalty with vengeance."

I saw him look at Faramir and slightly narrowed my eyes. Pippin looked at me and I winked. He smiled a bit and stood by Denethor, who sat down to eat.

"Come, sit with and eat with me, master Dwarf."

I didn't want to be rude so I did as he asked, though I would've preferred to die with a goblin than this man.

'I do not think we should so lightly abandon our outer defenses. Defenses your brother long held intact."

"What would you have me do?" Faramir asked him.

Food and wine were set in front of me and I nodded my thanks.

"I will not yield the river and Pellenor unfought. Osgiliath must be retaken."

"My lord, Osgiliath is overrun."

I desperately wanted to say something! But I held my tongue as my father would've wanted me to.

"Much must be risked at war. Is there a captain here who still has the courage to do his lord's will?"

I knew exactly what he was implying. I curled my hand into a fist under the table.

"You wish now that our places had been exchanged." I slowly looked at Faramir. "That I had died and Boromir had lived."

No… not even this man could possibly wish his own son dea-

"Yes… I wish that."

He took a drink and my eyes widened.

"Since you were robbed of Boromir, I will do what I can in his stead. If I should return, think better of me, father."

He turned and started walking away.

"That will depend on the manner in which you return."

I stood up angrily and went after Faramir.

Joclyn's POV

It was almost a two day ride to Dunharrow. Many men of Rohan had already gathered there, ready to fight. My soldiers made camp with the men of Rohan. I rode with my uncle and Théoden to the top where we made our camp. I went to check on my sister, but Eomer was already doing so. I smiled to myself.

Let's hope at least one of my sisters marries a dwarf. Papa will go mad.

"Sneaking around?"

I smirked and looked at Legolas.

"I was going to check on Erurviel."

He came up and looked over my shoulder.

"It would seem she's quite alright."

I smiled and leaned into his chest.

"She's grown. She's stronger."

"War will do that to anyone."

"No, it's not just the war. It's Eomer, he's changed her." I turned to face him. "Like you changed me for the better."

He smiled and stroked my cheek. He moved his hand down and touched the necklace.

"And you've given me hope. You've given me love."

I smiled and wrapped my arms around him.

"And when this war is won… if you want it, I'll give you a child."

He leaned back with the biggest smile on his face.

"Amin mela lle, Joclyn meleth nin." (I love you, Joclyn my love.)

I kissed him softly before laying my head against his strong chest.

"Hope is the strongest weapon we have right now."

I saw my uncle put of the corner of my eye. He was staring at the passage to the mountain. I looked over but I couldn't see anything. I hated the feel of this place, it was cold and foreboding. Gimli drew his attention and they walked away.

"I don't like this place." I said.

"Nor do I. But we'll only be here for a night. Why don't you go find some food with Gimli and your uncle?"

I just nodded.

Eruraviel's POV

Eomer and I shared a tent. I still wasn't used to sleeping on a bedroll so I was grateful for the little makeshift bed.

"Eruraviel?"

Eomer came into the tent and I smiled softly.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm scared."

He sat down beside me.

"I know. I also know it would be pointless for me to ask you to stay behind. So, instead I will only ask you to stay by my side no matter what."

I reached up and laid my hand on his cheek. He leaned into my palm and kissed it.

"I will always be at your side. See if you can kill more orcs than Gimli, but please be careful doing it."

He laughed and kissed me softly.

"Slaughter every orc you see. Show them no mercy."

"Never."

He wrapped his arms around me and held me close.

Joclyn's POV

I walked down the mountain and to my army. I sat around a fire with some dwarves and stared into the flame. After a while I turned to the dwarf next to me.

"Tell me of home? How was everything when you left?"

"No battles have come to the mountain, princess. Least, not before we left. We ca only hope none of come in our absence."

"And my family?"

"All safe my lady. The young princess has learned to walk."

I smiled brightly.

"Such news warms my heart." I said.

"A little rascal that one. Always in a hurry."

I laughed and nodded.

"Much like you if I recall, my lady. Always on the move you were. Running through the forges, your brother right behind you. The king never far behind. Many of us dwarves were uncertain about an elf for a queen. But she brought joy and happiness to our king's heart. After all he lost, our people had never seen him so happy."

I smiled softly.

"Then you and Lord Thrain were born. It was a joyous day indeed. Your mother is a great queen, elf or no. The dwarves of Erebor owe her everything. She helped reclaim our home and brought love, joy and happiness back to our king's heart."

Th dwarves around me nodded and agreed.

"And you've brought great honor to our people, princess. You've made your people and your family proud. Someday you will make a great queen."

I smiled.

"That she will."

I smiled and looked over my shoulder at Legolas. The dwarves didn't seem to mind his presence. They offered him food and drink even. It always made me happy, seeing elves and dwarves getting along.

"Take special care of our princess and future queen. She brought joy and light to our king and our kingdom." Said one of the dwarves.

Warmth spread through my heart and I smiled. My people were important to me, as was their opinion. Knowing they accepted Legolas was a relief. Legolas sat down beside me and put his arms around me. I closed my eyes and leaned into him.

"She will never feel pain or want for anything. That is my promise to your people and her family. She is and always will be my queen, and will always be treated as such." He said.

I looked up and kissed him softly on the cheek.

Sir Ian Holm passed away. Th amazing actor who brought Bilbo Baggins to life has passed to the undying lands at the age of 88. May he rest in peace for eternity.