The Dare

March 8

The next morning, Dior and I met again to ride. Words like ‘Sauron’, “invasion”, and “siege” had started to fly around the city. The White Tower remained silent, however and no official word came. As we made our way through the city to the gates, I was struck by how quiet everything seemed to be. The streets were virtually deserted except for soldiers and a few others on errands. Halan and I nearly ran over a peite dark-haired woman carrying an armful of scrolls. As I pulled Halan up to avoid her, she looked up. “Oh goodness me. I am sorry. I was in such a hurry to get these maps to the Lord Denethor that I was not looking where I was going. Oh hello, Dior.” She said with a grin.

“Hello Mistress Llewyn. I am glad that my friend did not run over the best mapmaker in Minas Tirith.” He replied with a chuckle.

“My lady, no apology is necessary. Riding a horse through the city is tricky even the best of times. Let us not keep you from the Steward.” I said. The lady winked at Dior and continued on her way.

“That was the best mapmaker in Minas Tirith?” I asked as we rode on.

“Yes she is. I was lucky enough to have her as a tutor for my geography lessons.” I made no reply and did not ask about the wink.

We rode silently. Halan seemed content to go at slow pace and I felt no urge to gallop.
Suddenly, Halan started and whinnied. Several riders roared past us.

‘The errand-riders. The Lord Denethor is sending them out to request the aid of Rohan and the surrounding country-side.”

“My people will come.” I said simply. Dior nodded and we continued with our ride. After going for a little while, Dior stopped.

“Eolindë.” He said. I turned to face him. He had a serious look on his face.

“What is Dior?”

“I wasn’t going to say anything but…”

“But what?”

“My father has told me that the captains believe a large force will be marching on Minas Tirith very soon.” He seemed to struggle to get the words out.

“I won’t lie to you. It does not look good. We are severely outnumbered.”

“So we really are going to be attacked?”

“Yes. Sauron hates the men of Westerness. He already has Minas Ithil. It is called Minas Morgul now and home to the Nazgul. He longs to see Minas Tirith in ruins.”

Do you see that shadow on the eastern horizon?” I looked in the direction he pointed. A shadow seemed to be boiling up from the horizon. “It is the Enemy.” Dior remarked. “He sends a cloud to aid his orcs in their march. They cannot endure the sun for long you know.” I nodded but a shiver of fear ran through me. I had never seen an orc, only heard tales of them. They seemed to be ugly, cruel creatures. I had no desire to see one.

“Your brother is in the path of that army, Eolindë. He… he may not return.”

“I know.” I said. “It is a fear I carry with me all the time, Dior. I try not to dwell on it. But, I will not lose the hope I have. He is not in danger yet. And until I learn something new, I will continue to trust that he will return. The women of the Eothoed are used to seeing our men ride off to battle. We refuse to sit by the hearth and worry. There horses to be cared for, crops to be looked to.”

“You are quite brave.”

“I have to be. I don’t know any other way to keep from going mad with fear and worry.”

“He asked me to look after you.”

“He what!” I screeched.

“He… asked me to take care of you if something were to happen to him…” he trailed off.

“I think I am capable of looking after myself thank you. You must have misunderstood him.” My voice bristled with indignation.

“No I don’t think I did. He specifically told me to take care of you. He said he felt better knowing that you would not be alone.” he replied gently. “I do not think he doubted your ability to take of yourself but he did not want you to be left without anyone to lean on” he had an odd look on his face like he wanted to say more. My anger melted. He and Elred were right of course. But it irked me that Elred had gone behind my back.

“Well, he could have told me this.”

“I am sure he meant to. But events were moving too quickly.”

“No, he was afraid I would object.” I said tersely. Dior looked hurt. “Oh I am not angry with you, Dior.” He seemed relieved at that. “Elred knows better but I guess he felt it was easier this way. When I see him again I am definitely going to take him to task for being so underhanded.”

“I am sure he meant well. But I am here if you need anything.” Dior replied and placed his hand over mine.

“Thank you, Dior.” He gave my hand a squeeze. His eyes caught mine for a moment. I was surprised to see such affection in his gaze. He leaned towards me. And at that moment, Halan decided he wanted to gallop. He took off and I was barely able to hang on. Finally, I got him under control. As Dior rode up, I was berating Halan for taking off with me unprepared.

“Are you alright?” he asked worry etched on his face.

“Yes, but none too pleased with this horse of mine. He usually doesn’t act like that. Not sure what got into him.”

“Well as long as you are alright.”

“Yes. Perhaps we should return to the city.” Dior nodded and we rode back slowly to stables.

The rest of the day passed quietly but there was a tension in the air that was almost palpable. The city was in a state of watchful waiting. That evening, I felt restless so I went for a walk. I put my sword and cloak on and went out. There was only the occasional torch lighting the walkway. The stars in the east were covered with a shadow. I noted the star of Earendil and I felt some comfort. A flash of red from a place in the mountain caught my eye.

“The beacon of Amon Dîn.” remarked Dior. I jumped at the sound of his voice.

“Goodness, Dior. You nearly made jump out of my skin.”

“Sorry. I did not mean to frighten you. So, the beacons are lit.”

“Yes, Eilenach, Nardol, Erelas, Min-Rimmon, Calenhad ending at Halifirien.”

“You know where the beacons are?”

“My father is a man of Gondor. He taught Elred and myself the names and what they meant.” I finished quietly. Dior nodded. The torchlight reflected in his eyes. I seemed to hold my breath as he put his arms around me and lowered his lips on mine. I was so caught off guard by his kiss that I didn't know what to think. And then it was over. He held me tight and kissed my hair.

“Dior, I…” I tried to speak. I gently pushed away from his embrace. He reluctantly let go. “Is everything all right?” I asked. “Have you heard something?” He looked at me with disbelief. “Ah no. It’s just that. Well. I’ve wanted to do that for a very long time.”

I could hardly believe what I was hearing. “You wanted to kiss me?” I know I sounded stupid but I could not fathom what his purpose was.

“Yes.” he replied shyly.

“This isn’t some kind of wager is it?” I said suspiciously.

“No! I would never do that to you. I care for you very much.”

“And I care for you. We are friends are we not?” I asked. I feared the direction the conversation seemed to be going.

“Well yes…”

“Good. Because I would hate to lose our friendship over a moment of weakness.”

“Moment of weakness?” he looked incredulous.

“I cannot think of another explanation. Neither of us has been drinking so it’s not that. It must have been the torchlight.” I said with a small laugh. “You couldn’t resist my charms by torchlight.”

He looked confused and then shook his head. “Well, you are very pretty.” He grinned.

“Well it’s late. I best get back to the Houses before someone notices I am gone.”

“I’ll walk with you.” He offered.

“No. You better not. If I am seen with you, they will think I have been out being ‘improper’. It’s best that I go back alone.” He reluctantly agreed.

“I will see you tomorrow then.” he said. Then he bowed and walked away. I hurried back to the House. I tried to dismiss the kiss. But it wouldn’t go away and I puzzled over it as I fell asleep.