So few...

So few, so few had returned. Hope filled my heart against my better judgement. I had lost so many, my parents, my brother, my cousin; the Valar would not be so cruel as to take him as well.

My eyes traveled over the men as they rode up. Uncle was well; Háma, Legolas and Gimli were too. My eyes searched desperately for the one face I could not see. He has to be here, he must be. I let them see my anguish, hoping someone would relieve my fears.

“Where is lord Aragorn?”

Gimli’s expression told me everything, though his words made my heart clench.

“He fell.”