Hope Rises

Part 1

Rohan was battling for her life, and Alana was stuck in the caves watching Eowyn help the terrified women and children. Every woman married or with a son fighting knew what would happen to some of the men and boys fighting to defend the keep; it was a fate many men before their loved ones had traveled too. A heavy fear stifled the stale air of the caves,  pierced only by the hush of mothers comforting their children and the incessant roar of battle. 

Eowyn walked through the caverns making sure her people were as comfortable as they could be. An armful of blankets weighted her down, but Alana knew that there were other thoughts weighing on the princess's mind more. Alana came up behind her friend and spoke quietly,

 "Let me take these, I can take care of the deeper caves. They need to see you by the door, ready to defend them." Eowyn looked ready to protest, but Alana didn't give her the chance as she grabbed the blankets and walked away.

 Eowyn whispered "Stubborn woman!" at her retreating back and Alana flashed her a smile as she walked toward the cooler back caves. Back here were the younger mothers, the ones who left the light and slight warmth to their elders. As she wrapped woman and babe in warm blankets Alana saw the fear and strength in these women's eyes. Never having seen battle herself Alana could only admire the courage of Rohan's women. Sooner than she wished all the blankets were gone and she was left with nothing to do as the battle raged on. 

As she strained to hear the shouts from the battle above, she heard a small voice softly calling for its Mama. With a quick glance, Alana headed further into the caves hoping to find the voice. A small bundle curled up with a rock caught her glance and she stepped closer and gently spoke to the form. 

"Are you looking for your Mama?" She whispered, and a pale face set off by dark brown hair jerked up in surprise.

"I want Mama!" The child sobbed,  and Alana realized he couldn't be more than five years old. 

"Hush now, we'll find her." Alana soothed and she held her hands out toward the child. "I'm Alana, do you want to come with me?" She asked and after only a little hesitation the tiny body flung itself into her arms. "What's your name?" Alana questioned as she lifted him into the air and set him on her hip. 

"J-J-Jadin." Was the name passed through stuttering sobs and a face buried in Alana's shoulder. 

"It's a joy to meet you Jadin." Alana said gently, moving him so he could rest his head more comfortably on her shoulder. 

"I want Mama!" Jadin cried again, tears and snot running down his face. 

"Shh, Jadin. Mama's looking for you, I'm sure. Can you help me find her? She'll be so excited to see you!" Alana wiped snot and tears away with her handkerchief and gave Jadin a smile. 

"Daddy put her in the dirt!" The boy wailed, and Alana's eyes widened in shock and pain for the little boy. 

"Oh, baby. We can't go get Mama now, she's gone to live in Mandos' Hall." Alana cooed tucking Jadin's small head under her own. "But I"ll hold you till Daddy comes back, okay?" The little boy nodded and clung tighter to her bodice. 

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Author's Note:

So, what do you think?! I love this story, and I don't know where it will end. It's supposed to be short so I'm not going to let myself go past 5 parts. As of now I'm feeling 3-4. Thanks for reading!

<3 Hestia