Sacrifices

The lands of southern Gondor were very fertile due to the many rivers that flowed through it as they raced out to the sea; but what good were fertile lands without anyone to tend them? Belfalas had been spared from the extensive devastation of war. Southern Gondor saw a few minor battles; but it was like the other lands in that it had been depleted of able-bodied men. Some of its most fertile lands had been scorched by the enemies of the free peoples, and enemies still spilled upon the plains at times. Fishing in the many rivers that ran out to meet the sea was now the primary source of subsistence until the trade routes could once again be set up, the burnt fields had time to mend, and the people worked through their many sorrows.

It was this despairing situation that brought out the humanity in the people, brought out compassion and the will to help heal. All fiefdoms in Gondor were working hard to help out the other and to send food and supplies, as they could spare, into the region of Rohan and the battle devastated villages in the areas surrounding Minas Tirith. It was the beginning of Ringare 3019 and everyone feared what the winter month would bring.

This question weighed especially heavy on the prince’s mind. Dol Amroth had sea trade to offset the lack of land, but this same trade put the kingdom under immense pressure. They were the ones responsible to get the supplies up the rivers to the needed areas however man power was scarce and it looked like the anticipated supplies would be delayed in reaching the northern parts before the winter set in.

Deep in thought Imrahil did not hear the soft steps of his daughter coming up behind him. He jumped when she touched his shoulder!

“I am sorry to startle you father, but it has been brought to my attention that there is a shortage of hands to help move the trade along the rivers. I have a solution to your problem.”

The prince was interested in hearing his daughter’s advice. He was at his wits end and would be extremely glad to have Loti back in his confidence.

“There is a large population of windows camped in tents by the shore; we could use them to navigate the ships upriver and load the goods. Their backs are strong and they have already endured a harsh life. It would make them feel like they are part of the healing process instead of wards of the kingdom relying on hand outs. I know for a fact that there are women willing to do the work, they just want a chance. And they have almost all grown up along the rivers or the sea, they know how to navigate. It just makes the most sense.”

She was pleading her case afraid that her father would hold onto the outdated notion that women were best used in the home.

“Loti, that is a brilliant idea!” The burden he had been carrying was washed away. Supplies could be delivered before the winter winds and snows and those that had previously been wards of the kingdom would find a useful way to help rebuild what had been taken from them.

“It is sound advice Lothiriel. You know of women that are willing to do the work required?” He knew she had taken on the welfare of the tented widow’s community a few months back. To stop the wailing in her head she had told him, but he had a feeling it was for something more.

“I know of 15 women who are ready at your command to load up the supplies and help navigate up river.” Loti was beaming! Her father had surprised her by agreeing to her idea and it seemed that things were mending between them!

Lothiriel wasted no time in bringing the news to the widows. As she was walking toward the tent occupied by the elder widows someone spoke to her.

“So our princess is to be married to the King of Rohan,” a woman said as Loti passed by.

Not recognizing this newcomer to the widow’s community Lothiriel stopped to engage the woman in conversation.

“Yes, the King of Rohan will be here before Mettare. You are new here are you not? What is your name?” She wanted to divert conversation away from her upcoming marriage.

“The villages are all celebrating the coming of the King of the Mark; the news spread like fire as soon as your father made it public. Not a bad choice of a man if I might be so bold to say.”

“Obviously you are bold enough to say. Do you know the king?”

“As for my name it is Finduilas. I am newly arrived from Lebennin. My husband and one son were lost in the war; my other son is missing and I fear I will never see him again.” The woman had turned the tables on the princess; she was now avoiding any conversation of the king.

Lothiriel was dying to know what this woman knew about her upcoming marriage but the lady was silent on the matter, which Loti thought was probably best so she said, “You could not have sons old enough to fight; you barely look in your 18th year”

“The princess flatters me, I am well in my 30s. Both sons were barely in their teens.”

Lothiriel felt pity for this newly arrived widow who had lost everything. The story was too painfully familiar in her head; women losing their husbands and sons and being unable to make ends meet forced to migrate to the shores where more opportunity awaited them. She was lucky, she was a princess and did not have to worry about survival; but that did not stop the pain of losing Rufio. She still mourned for the man that had captivated her since childhood, the only man outside her family that she knew she would ever be able to love.

A feeling deep inside her told her that Finduilas was somehow connected and needed in her life; perhaps to fill a space.

“Finduilas was the name of my aunt,” she tried to dismiss the feeling; after all she was going to be leaving Dol Amroth. “She died years ago leaving behind two sons and a bereft husband.” Changing the topic of conversation once again was not working, no matter how she tried to rationalize the feeling it grew stronger. Soon it became almost a panic to Loti not to have this woman by her side! She could not understand what was causing the emotion to be so strong, but she knew what she should do about it.

“I am in need of a lady; perhaps fate has brought us together. Although I can not explain it I feel that I have known you for years and that we are good friends.” The princess was stumbling over her words.

“Yes, you are in need of a lady Princess Lothiriel of Dol Amroth. More so then you know; soon you will need my level head to help you through.”

“You are bold indeed Finduilas of Lebennin speaking to me as if I was unable to take care of myself!” She was amused more then angry at the widow. “Will you Finduilas of Lebennin be my lady in waiting then? I know it is asking you to travel with me to Rohan but…” She did not finish before Finduilas had accepted her offer.

“I have nothing left but painful memories; a new life is exactly what both of us are in need of. Widows must stay together if they are to survive.” Finduilas watched Loti intensely to see what effect her words had upon the princess.

Lothiriel was stunned and embarrassed. She thought that she had misheard Finduilas. “What did you say?”

“Do not worry; your secret is safe with me; it always has been.” Here Finduilas took Loti’s hand and looked into her eyes. “You are a very special woman Lothiriel Queen, many have been watching you since birth to see how you would grow into a woman fit to rule. You have not let us down.”

Seeing confusion in the princesses’ eyes Finduilas smiled. There was so much that Lothiriel did not know that explaining now would be too overwhelming. “Do not be afraid.”

Loti was beyond afraid at how much this woman knew and how she had mentioned that others had been watching her apparently her entire life! But Finduilas’ words soothed her fears, even though she knew not how or why.

“I believe you were delivering good news to the widows; you do not want to keep them waiting. They too have destinies to fulfill.”