To The End Of Her Days - A Fanfiction Sequel to The Lord of the Rings

Chapter 13 - The Battle of Minas Tirith

The next day, Arwen's heart was heavy, so she busied herself with preparations so she did not have to think about what was to come. She spent the day with Eldarion, discussing what it would be like to be a part of a major battle. She had only been in battles in which the lives of the people in the battle were at risk. Most of the battles Eldarion experienced were also small in their scale. This battle was different since the lives of thousands were hanging in the balance. This greatly concerned them both, so they wanted to prepare as best they could. They did their best to give each other support and advice, but neither of them truly knew what was to come.

"The most important thing is for us to remain alert and ready for whatever comes," Eldarion explained. "There is so much going on around you during a battle, it is easy to get distracted from what you are doing or who is about to attack, so keep alert and vigilant at all times. A split-second decision can mean life or death – not just for you, but for a friend. Always be ready to defend your friend or fellow soldier, but if someone you know dies, the time to grieve for them is after the battle. You must continue to fight, lest you suffer their fate."

"I know all of these things," said Arwen, "but I am still uneasy."

"Don't worry, Arwen," he assured her, "We will be on the city's inmost wall, and that is one of the safest places to be."

"Eldarion, you and I both know that there is no such thing as safety in battle."

Eldarion sighed. "I suppose you're right."

"My prince," called out Belethor from the entrance of the room, "your father has requested your presence at once. I will keep her company until your return."

"Thank you, Belethor," said Eldarion as he stood up, "Arwen, I will be back as soon as possible."

"So, do you feel ready, Arwen?" Belethor asked as he sat down across the table from her.

"As ready as anyone can be," she replied, "but who knows what will happen. There have been many occasions when completely armed forces with great leaders lost to lesser enemies because their opponent surprised them. I hope we are prepared enough so this does not happen. I also hope the innocent do not get hurt because of this battle."

"Do not trouble yourselves with such things," Belethor comforted Arwen, "for what you need is to concentrate on your strategies. Just do your best with what you have and hope it works in our favor. That is all that can be done at this point."

"Thank you, Belethor. You are very wise. It is no wonder the king chose you as his adviser. Your wisdom no doubt exceeds that of your brother, Denothor." She paused and asked a question she had long hesitated to ask. "I know you do not like to talk about it, but what did your brother do that was so wicked?"

Belethor became grave in his expression at the mention of his brother's wickedness. He stood up and walked over to the window. One could hear the pain in his deep voice as he spoke.

"Denothor was very corrupt in his ways. He refused to heed counsel and never acknowledged his faults, which nearly led to the downfall of Gondor. If I have learned anything from my brother's foolishness, I have learned how not to handle my responsibilities and to heed sound advice. He ran away in the face of danger, but I will stand my ground." He turned back to Arwen and explained, "I'm watching over affairs while the king goes out to direct the battle."

"You are very kind-hearted and wise, Belethor. I am glad you learned from your brother's mistakes."

They then had a long conversation about the things that had happened in the years of Arwen's absence. Arwen asked about the king's younger daughters, so Belethor told her about their childhood.