Chapter 16 – I Shall Always Be Here

Hirilian regretfully packed the few belongings she had brought with her to Rohan. Only the day before, her father had told them they would be going home. She knew that home would not be the same anymore; not without Ceorl near her. She hoped her father allowed her to marry the young Rohir soon, for already she longed to start her life with him.

Once she was finished, she carried her satchel outside to where Narion was tying things onto their pack horse. Handing it silently to him, she was glad to note that even the slight limp from his injury was gone. "I know you do not want to leave, Hirilian," he said comfortingly, "but you know we cannot stay here in Rohan while I have duties to perform in Ithilien."

"I understand," she assured him. "I just wish we could stay."

"You will be with him enough once you are married, dear," he said, hugging her briefly before turning back to his task. Their conversation ended as Annariel and Morwen arrived with their own luggage.

"Where is Belecthor?" Morwen asked impatiently as she placed her bag on the ground near her father.

"He went to see Ceorl," Narion said, glancing sidelong at Hirilian. "He said he would be back soon."

"I hope so," Morwen replied. "He borrowed my book and I cannot find it."

"Here he comes now," her father said cheerfully. "It would seem he has Ceorl with him."

Hirilian looked quickly to where her brother and her betrothed were approaching. She smiled up at them as they reined in their horses. "Good morning, Ceorl," she called, shading her eyes against the sun.

Ceorl dismounted and removed his helmet, bowing slightly to each of the ladies in turn. "Good morning, my friends," he greeted them.

"Belecthor," Morwen called, "where have you put my book?"

"Which book?"

"You know, the book of Elvish poems Legolas gave me."

"I believe Father has already packed it."

"That I have not," Narion said positively.

"Then it must be in my room," he said dismounting and dropping the reins to the ground. "Come, let us go search for it."

The two entered the palace, Morwen lecturing her brother on the common courtesies of borrowing things as they went.

As they walked in, Elfwyn slipped out through the open door. "Hirilian!" she called. "You have not come to bid me farewell!"

"I am sorry, my friend," Hirilian answered, embracing her cousin. "I was going to, but I am afraid I became distracted."

"Well come inside where we can do so properly. Ceorl," she said turning to him, "will you not come with us?"

Hirilian, sensing her cousin’s deeper motive in the offer, silently smiled her thanks, hooking her arm through Elfwyn’s. Ceorl followed them acquiescently, holding the door for them as they entered.

Elfwyn led them to the parlor and there she turned to her cousin. "Hirilian, it has been wonderful having you here with us for so long. I do hope to be able to come visit you in fair Ithilien soon. Father says that I may go, but Mother wants me to wait awhile. She still fears the roads are too dangerous and Father says he cannot spare an escort."

Hirilian smiled, "I know what you mean. I hope we shall not be parted long, cousin. I do not know what I shall do without you."

Elfwyn hugged her cousin tightly. "I must go now," she said lightly. "I believe I shall see you again before you leave, though. If not, farewell, Hirilian."

"Farewell, Elfwyn."

Hirilian looked up at Ceorl as her cousin closed the door softly behind her. "I suppose we shall have to say farewell now, too, my Captain," she said quietly, tears shinning in her eyes.

He opened his arms and she rushed into them, burying her face in his shoulder. "Do not cry, love," he said into her hair. "We shall see one another again soon."

"How soon?" she asked tearfully. "I do not think I shall last long without you now that I have found you. Life was dull before, now it shall be ever more so until we are together again."

"Think you not that I feel the same? I have loved you from the very first, trying though you were a times," he added with a smile.

"I do not know how you ever came to love me," she said, looking up at him, blinking back the tears. "I was so rude! I do not see how anyone could have liked me."

"Love sees through all emotions," he said, gently wiping a tear from her cheek. He kissed her brow tenderly. "Your father says we must wait, and I am willing. Do not make this parting harder with tears, dearest. You are leaving now, but I shall always be here for you."

She kissed him tenderly. "I know," she said softly, "I just cannot imagine life without your love. I shall go with my family, keeping close to my heart the memory of the days spent with you in happiness. Remember, I shall always love you and it is the assurance of your love which keeps me alive."

~*~*~*~*~

The entire family stood out by the horses. The Royal Family of Rohan bid each of their relatives farewell in turn while Ceorl watched from his place among the horses. He had no wish to intrude on the family and was perfectly happy simply watching Hirilian from a distance. He studied her intently, impressing upon his memory every small detail of her graceful movements, her happy laugh, her tearful farewells and her clear voice.

He was startled by Narion who had pulled away from the family to bid Ceorl farewell in private. "Ceorl, my boy," he began, "I know how hard this parting is for both of you, but I can see that you both understand the necessity of it. She is young yet and I am only a worried father, watching his children grow too swiftly for his sentimental old heart’s content.

"She has sworn to me that she loves you and I believe she knows her own heart best, but give your love the test of Time. If the Rose of Love grows and blooms in the winter of your separation, then I bless its strength, but if it withers and wilts, then it was best to wait.

"Still, I will always think of you as a son, as does my wife, whether you marry Hirilian or no. Farewell."

"Farewell my Lord," Ceorl said, firmly grasping Narion’s wrist in farewell. "I hope to hear from you again soon. Give my good wishes to Prince Legolas, if you please."

"I shall."

Narion turned away as Belecthor approached his friend. He held out his hand saying, "Ceorl, you have saved my life and for that I cannot repay you. Soon you shall wed my sister and for that I rejoice. You have been as a brother to me and the times we have shared will remain ever in my memory. Farewell."

"Farewell, Belecthor," Ceorl said, clasping his friend’s wrist tightly.

Ceorl helped Hirilian to mount her horse, little though she needed the assistance. She smiled down at him from her mount. "Take care, Ceorl. I shall look forward to the day when again we are together."

"Farewell, my Lady," he said, gallantly kissing her hand. The small cavalcade started the journey, Narion in the lead upon a proud courser given him by his Uncle the king as a replacement for the one lost in battle.

Ceorl mounted Fréa, who stamped and blew loudly, fidgeting restlessly, and watched his friends ride from the city before turning and returning home. Life was going to be dull without them around.

~*~*~*~

Thanks, again, go out to Éomer for the continued readership. Just knowing that I’m not the only one reading this is a great help. Amaniel, I hear you’re keeping up with this too. I hope you like it. :)