Tolkien in 100 Words

“My dear lady, it is nice to see you again. How are you feeling?” Merry had not spoken to Eowyn since before the Ride of the Rohirrim to Mordor and he did not know Eowyn was Dernhelm for a while.

“I am feeling well, it is nice to see you on the mend as well,” Eowyn replied warmly. She was glad for Merry’s presence because she was feeling lonely, being in an unfamiliar area by herself. She was feeling better physically but mentally, she was regretful that she still lived and wondered how she had to handle Eomer when he would further ask her why she chose to come to fight in Gondor. While the Houses of Healing had nursed her back to health, mentally, she felt like she was in a cage and she detested the feeling of feeling useless at the moment. Why could she not have perished like the King so that she could have both honor and peace?

“I…never thanked you for bringing me here. I did not know you were Eowyn till you slayed the enemy,” started Merry slowly.

“There is nothing to be thankful for. I am glad to have your help in defeating him,” Eowyn paused, for her memory of the fight blurred and pain in the arm that slayed the Witch-king remained.

“Are you weary, still, my lady? Let us take a walk in the gardens if you are not,” said Merry. Merry perceived Eowyn’s unrest and pensiveness and wanted to cheer her up some. She had done so much for him.

Eowyn was not weary, but rather wanted to walk around the grounds of the Houses of Healing. They walked with no speech for a while, but Merry found a way to speak to Eowyn to make Eowyn feel lighter in spirit.

“I have met up with my cousin again in Gondor; I am glad to see him. He has gone to battle at the Black Gate. I am scared for him but he needs to be there as the Knight of Gondor.”

“Eomer has gone to the Black Gate as well,” replied Eowyn. “I wish I did not have to experience this doom when all hope is lost.”

“Hope is not all lost, my lady,” Merry thought of what to say for he did not want Eowyn to feel so helpless. He tried to change the subject when he himself was also afraid of what may happen. Will Frodo make it in time to destroy the Ring? Would Pippin return from the Black Gate?

“Did you know the Steward of Gondor is also here?”

“Yes, I met him yesterday. He said he could change my room and he fortunately did help me find a window facing east.”

“He and his brother are one of my favorite big People,” said Merry. 

“And why is that?”

“Well, Boromir, Faramir’s brother, tried to save Pippin and I from the orcs but perished while doing so. He was so strong when he protected us and he was always there for us as we traveled south from Rivendell.  And Faramir–I just met him but he has a gentle spirit about him. I cannot explain, but he makes me feel at ease and seems like he would make a great leader in Gondor.  It is sad that his father also perished during the war.”

“That is quite tragic,” said Eowyn sympathetically. She was aware of a certain melancholy way of Faramir yesterday and her heart was moved by the trials that Faramir may have encountered. She thought of the words of flattery that he had already uttered to her and her glance softened and her heart lightened a bit. His words of being pulled from the shadow also resonated with her even more.

Sensing a change, Merry asked, “He is a strong and perceptive man. We all need to be there for each other–to get through this time of perceived helplessness. Did you know it was a dark time riding out to Gondor with you not speaking with me?”

“Why yes, I was caught with my own thoughts but it was not personal,” replied Eowyn. “Shadow lies on me still and it has nothing to do with anyone but myself. Thank you Merry for your company, but i am weary now.” Eowyn did Merry a courtesy and retreated back to her chambers.

Merry watched Eowyn retreat and thought that with time, Eowyn would open up more. He wanted to be hopeful about something that he may have a chance to change, rather than focusing on the battle in the East that he cannot.

TBC