“I tripped and he saved me, but at a terrible price…”
Hildwine smiled, for she had every reason in the world to be happy. It was a beautiful day, they were going back home, and the person she loved most in the world was right beside her.
Wrenfast and Hildwine were seated by the edge of a cliff, overlooking a river. They had only traveled for a few days, but she already felt that they were nearer to Rohan, and further away from Bree-Town. It was a nice place, but she wasn’t happy there, not only because she missed her home, but also because not only her, but Wrenfast were both beginning to feel restless. It was good to be on the road again, although Hildwine doesn’t like to travel without company.
She closed her eyes and whispered, “I can’t wait to be home…” The sound of the wind through the leaves filled the air. It was very peaceful… Until Wrenfast began laughing.
Hildwine tilted her head, “What?”
“Home, indeed.”
She stared. “What?”
He gave no answer but another bellowing laugh. Whatever nonsense in the situation was lost on him. Not that it truly mattered; the only important matter was the long road home, and that they, finally, were upon it. With fondness she watched her companion stand and stretch, and let the wind disturb his long hair. “What a sight, this,” He commented, and Hildwine turned quickly look at the sight he beheld, rather than the eyes of the beholder. Water crashed and poured over the stone cliff face, while light danced and weaved in between streaming silver falls. “It is beautiful… Truly.” Everything was beautiful: for it all led to Rohan.
Hildwine stood, the mood that had ensnared Wrenfast catching her up as well. She moved her foot forward slightly, “It’s-“ She didn’t get to finish. For when she set her foot down, it slid forward and sent her falling toward the edge of the cliff. She gasped upon seeing the roaring river down below, for it would be that last thing she would ever see, or so she thought.
She let out a grunt as two; strong arms forcefully grabbed her waist. She didn’t have time to process what happened before she was thrown back away from the cliff. Still on the ground, Hildwine lifted herself to her hands and knees. She jerked her head around to see Wrenfast gripping the grass, hanging off the cliff.
She felt a sudden surge of hope as she was her friend smile and begin to pull himself up, but that feeling quickly faded. She heard Wrenfast gasp before the grass was pulled up under his weight. She lunged to the cliff-face, screaming Wrenfast’s name. She heard a crack then a loud splash as Wrenfast hit his head on the stone then disappear into the water.
She scurried back away from the cliff and began to cry. She wept for hours till she finally got ahold of herself.
Hildwine stood and went to find the rode, for she would return to Bree. She needed time to grieve her beloved Wrenfast.
