As I sit by the fire at Ost Guruth, the past few days come to me so vividly.
It was only seven days ago I was at home with grandfather, cooking up that eve's meal. He was in good spirits then, though his back bothered him. I had him sitting up in his favorite chair, wrapped in a blanket I made for him. As I handed him the stew, he surprised me with a question.
"Have you ever thought of heading home, child?"
I truly have not given it much thought over the last fifteen years. The expression on my face told as much, and grandfather chuckled.
"I have thought about it every day. I miss the plains of our people. I miss the smell of the grass and the horses."
Grandfather sighed then, his eyes closing as he remembered those times. I kept my silence out of respect until he decided to continue.
"I was a soldier for our king, Theoden, may he forever reign. I rode across the plains, and I saw much in my day. I have been to the base of the White Mountains, and have aided those of Gondor."
Grandfather trailed off once again, his spoon poking into the stew a few times.
"But now ... now I cannot return ..."
"Grandfather! That is not true! Rohan is not that far a ride."
He smiled, it warm and he reminded me of when he was stronger those many years ago.
"Child ... Alfrewyn ... so much like your mother. My health has been failing. I could not survive such a ride through weather and bandits again."
He groaned, reaching over to place his bowl on the table, those chills wracking his body again. I moved to stand, but he held me in place with a raised hand.
"Listen to me, Alfrewyn. I want you to take my armor and I want you to return it to our home. I want you to take it to the White Mountains and bury it there."
"Grandfather ..."
I felt the tears begin in my eyes and my voice waver. I knew he was getting ill .. but I did not want him to die. He held his hand out to me and I stood, rushing to him and he took me in an embrace. I could still feel that strength in his arms.
"I have taught you all I know, child. But now it is your turn to carry on the Halding name. Do not cry. I am not afraid to go."
I could not form any words, and just held him tightly to me. He stroked my hair and whispered to me it would be all right.
I must have fallen asleep after that, as I found myself leaning against his chair, grandfather sleeping quietly. I carefully got up to clean the bowls from the table, standing in our small kitchen.
He wanted me to return to Rohan ... but am I strong enough to do so on my own?
