#morgul vale

[whiteladyofithilien]

Faramir and Eowyn Things that give me feels

Faramir teaching her how to read

Eowyn teaching him the speech of the Rohirrim

Their bilingual babies

Eowyn teaching their children riding before they can walk

Faramir reading to them in the womb

Bedtime stories split between tales of Gondor and songs of the Mark

Faramir making sure they know about their brave uncle Boromir

Eowyn taking them to the tomb of Theoden on a trip to see their uncle in Rohan and telling them of their brave grandfather and of his son Theodred who fell before the war

Eowyn and Faramir making sure their children never feel neglected like they had to

The restoration of Ithilien and cleansing of the Morgul Vale

The chance that maybe by the end of their lives a new fair work had replaced Minas Ithil perhaps a garden since no longer was a tower of guard needed

Faramir outliving Eowyn because he is of almost pure Numenorean descent

Naming works started in her life and finished after her death in her honor

Just all the things that they would achieve together and how beautiful they would make the world and how good of parents they would be.

Also Beregond being the most loyal bodyguard ever and probably part time baby sitter and his wife likely becoming the lady in waiting to Eowyn

[rptv-tolkien]

Minas Morgul (?)

by Michael Green

-

There was no caption for this picture but it appears to be the fortress of Minas Morgul.  At first I thought it might be Barad-dûr but there appears to be no eye and no Mount Doom nearby.  Then I thought it might be Cirith Ungol but the surrounding land looks too flat.  Because it has bridges, I believe that this is probably a picture of Minas Morgul.

[tenth-sentence]

At first they had quiet, for those were the days of the Watchful Peace, during which Sauron withdrew before the power of the White Council and the Ringwraiths remained hidden in Morgul Vale.

"The Lord of the Rings: Appendices - Appendix A" - J.R.R. Tolkien

[theworldsoftolkein]

Mordor's Call - by Dartxo

And Minas Morgul answered. There was a flare of livid lightnings: forks of blue flame springing up from the tower and from the encircling hills into the sullen clouds. The earth groaned; and out of the city there came a cry. . Behold! Mordor's own war beacon of sorts; immense, sorcerous, and terrible.

I really like how in the film the signal from Minas Morgul is discernible all the way from Minas Tirith, striking fear and anxiety in its inhabitants about the attack they know its coming. Notably this is also the scene in which my man the Witch-king makes his spectacular entrance, so what's not to love? When I first watched the film in cinemas almost twenty years ago, the volume was turned way up for every Nazgûl scene, so when Frodo and Sam cover their ears when the Witch-king screeches...yeah, I felt that too. And I know I wasn't the only one, because I've seen people commenting about it online. 

Minas Morgul also holds the distinction of being my favorite of all the evil places of Middle-earth. Not only because it is the abode of my beloved Nazgûl, but also because the aesthetic of the place is just amazing, in a creepy sort of way. It's not barren like the plains around Barad-dûr and Mount Doom, for it has a river and meadows of flowers; but the water of the river is undrinkable, and the flowers are terrible to behold, and give up foul vapors. If ever a place can be described as neither living nor dead, it is the Valley of Morgul... just like its lords are. 

[torchwood-99]

Through the Wayback Machine, I can see the old Emyn Arnen site and read the plot summaries for many amazing Faramir/Eowyn fanfics, without actually reading the fics themselves.

Such cruel, cruel torture.

[theworldsoftolkein]

The Witch King - by Alan Lee

Minas Morgul by Alan Lee

[bitchfaramir]

Tolkien: "I think you misunderstand Faramir."

I think you misunderstand Faramir. He was daunted by his father: not only in the ordinary way of a family with a stern proud father of great force of character, but as a Númenórean before the chief of the one surviving Númenórean state. He was motherless and sisterless (Eowyn was also motherless), and had a 'bossy' brother. He had been accustomed to giving way and not giving his own opinions air, while retaining a power of command among men, such as a man may obtain who is evidently personally courageous and decisive, but also modest, fair-minded and scrupulously just, and very merciful.

I think he understood Eowyn very well. Also to be Prince of Ithilien, the greatest noble after Dol Amroth in the revived Númenórean state of Gondor, soon to be of imperial power and prestige, was not a 'market-garden job' as you term it. Until much had been done by the restored King, the P. of Ithilien would be the resident march-warden of Gondor, in its main eastward outpost - and also would have many duties in rehabilitating the lost the dreadful vale of Minas Ithil (Morgul).

I did not, naturally, go into territory, and clearing it of outlaws and orc-remnants, not to speak of details about the way in which Aragorn, as King of Gondor, would govern the realm. But it was made clear that there was much fighting, and in the earlier years of A.'s reign expeditions against enemies in the East. The chief commanders, under the King, would be Faramir and Imrahil; and one of these would normally remain a military commander at home in the King's absence.

A Númenórean King was monarch, with the power of unquestioned decision in debate; but he governed the realm with the frame of ancient law, of which he was administrator (and interpreter) but not the maker. In all debatable matters of importance domestic, or external, however, even Denethor had a Council, and a least listened to what the Lords of the Fiefs and the Captains of the Forces had to say. Aragorn re-established the Great Council of Gondor, and in that Faramir, who remained by inheritance the Steward (or representative of the King during his absence abroad, or sickness, or between his death and the accession of his heir) would [be] the chief counsellor.

from The Letters of JRR Tolkien, edited by Humphrey Carpenter, letter no. 244, a draft to a critical reader

[theglassofmiddleearth]

Imagine riding with Mithrandir to fight off the Nazgul and escort Faramir back to Minas Tirith.

Faramir: 'Mithrandir, Pethryn, they broke though our defences. They've taken the bridge and the west bank.'

Y/N: 'Battalions of Orcs will be crossing the river as we speak.'

Iorlas: 'It is as the Lord Denethor predicted.'

Y/N snaps towards the voice, eyes hard and angry.

Y/N: 'That old weasel didn't predict anything. He is a coward.

Iorlas: 'Long has he foreseen this doom.'

Y/N gathers her reigns to turn to Iorlas.

Y/N: 'Foreseen and done NOTHING.'

Gandalf gives a short nod of agreement whilst Faramir notices Pippin Took.

Gandalf: 'Faramir?'

Faramir continue to stare.

Gandalf : 'This is not the first Halfling to have crossed your path.'

Faramir shakes his head.

Faramir: 'No.'

Pippin: 'You've seen Frodo and Sam?'

Gandalf: 'Where?!'

Y/N: 'When?!'

Faramir: 'In ithilien. Not two days ago.

Y/N breathes out a sigh of relief, turning to smile at Gandalf and Pippin.

Faramir: 'Gandalf, they're taking the road to the Morgul Vale.'

Y/N: 'But that would lead them...'

Gandalf: 'To the pass of Cirith Ungol.

Faramir nods.

Pippin: 'What does that mean?'

Pippin turns to Y/N.

Pippin: 'Whats wrong?'

Gandalf: 'Faramir, tell me everything. Tell me all you know.'

Y/N and Faramir enter the throne room of Minas Tirith.

Denethor: 'This is how you would serve your city? You would risk it's utter ruin?'

Y/N steps forward but Faramir shoves his arm infront of her.

Faramir: 'I did what I judge to be right.'

Denethor: 'What you judged to be right.'

He snarls.

Denethor: 'You sent the Ring of Power into Mordor in the hands of a witless Halfing.'

Y/N grits their teeth, deciding if it's worth keeping the old man alive.

Denethor: It would have been brought back to the Citadel to be kept safe. Hidden, dark and deep in the vaults... Not to be used. Unless at the uttermost end of need.

Faramir: I would not use the ring. Not if Minas Tirith were falling in ruin and I alone could save her.

Denethor: 'Ever you desire to appear lordly and gracious. As a king of old.'

Denethor sneers.

Denethor: Boromir would have remembered his father's need. He would have brought me a kingly gift.

Y/N grips the handle of their sword tightly.

Y/N: Boromir is dead. And You are no king.

Faramir: 'Boromir would not have brought the Ring. He would have stretched out his hand to this thing and taken it. He would have fallen.'

Denethor: 'You know nothing of this matter.'

Faramir: 'He would have kept it for his own. And when he returned, you would not have known your son.'

Denethor stands up, gesturing wildly.

Denethor: Boromir was loyal to me! Not some wizards pupil!

Y/N: You-

Y/N draws their sword and Denethor falls against his seat, whimpering.

Faramir walks towards his father to help him up.

Faramir: 'Father?'

Denethor hallucinates seeing Boromir behind Faramir.

Denethor: 'My son!'

Faramir realises this and looks away from his father. Denethor's face crumbles and he flares at Faramir.

Denethor: 'Leave me.'

Y/N draws her sword, taking strides towards Denethor.

Y/N: 'You absolute scum. You bastard! You have a son and yet you do not see him! You miserable coward!'

Y/N is dragged back by Faramir as he struggles to keep Y/N from charging at Denethor.

They move outside and see Pippin.

Pippin: 'What were you thinking, Peregrin Took? What service could a Hobbit offer such a great lord of men?'

Y/N: 'He is neither great, or a man. He is a sniveling snake.'

Faramir: 'It was well done. A generous deed should not be checked with cold counsel. You are to join the tower guard.'

Pippin: 'I did not think they would find any livery that would fit me.'

Y/N: 'It once belonged to a young boy of the city. A very foolish one. Even now. He wasted many hours slaying dragons instead of attending to his studies.'

Y/N grins.

Pippin: 'This was Faramir's?'

Faramir: 'Yes it was mine. My father had it made for me.'

Pippin: 'Well, I'm taller than you were then! Though, I'm not likely to grow anymore, except sideways.'

Y/N and Faramir chuckles.

Faramir: 'It never fitted me either. Boromir was always the soldier.'

Y/N shakes her head.

Faramir: They were so alike, he and my father. Proud. Stubborn even. But strong.

Pippin: I think you have strength, of a different kind. And one day your father will see it.

They enter the throne room again, Y/N flowers at Denethor and he tries to ignore Y/N's eyes. Pippin pledges his allegiance and Denethor takes a seat, putting food onto his plate.

Denethor: 'I do not think we should so lightly abandon the outer defences.... Defences that your brother long held intact.'

Faramir: 'What would you have me do?'

Denethor: 'I will not yield the river in Pelennor unfought. Osgiliath must be taken.'

Faramir: 'My lord, Osgiliath is overrun.'

Denethor: 'Much must be risked in war.'

Y/N: 'And I suppose you think your son's life and the lives of your people are worth the risk?'

Denethor: 'Is there a captain here who still had the courage to do his Lord's will?'

Y/N steps forward before being interrupted by Faramir.

Faramir: 'You wish now that our places had been exchanged. That I had died and Boromir had lived.'

Denethor: 'Yes, I wish that.'

Faramir: 'Since you were robbed of Boromir. I will do what I can in his stead. If I should return I hope you would think better of me father.'

Denethor: 'That would depend on the manner of which you return.'

Y/N points at Denethor as Faramir turns to leave.

Y/N: 'You shame Boromir's death with your ignorance. Your line may continue and you shall be henceforth be stripped of your title. Your vile attempts at power will reward you no longer. This, I swear unto you.'

As Faramir begins to leave Y/N and Gandalf chase him.

Gandalf: 'Faramir! Your father's will has turned to madness.'

Y/N: 'Do not throw away your life so rashly.'

Faramir: 'Where does my allegiance lie if not here? This is the city of the Men of Númenor. I will gladly give my life to defend her beauty, her memory, her wisdom.'

Gandalf: 'Your father loves you Faramir. He will remember it before the end.'

Gandalf turns to Y/N and they nod.

Y/N: 'I must meet Aragorn and the others. When the time comes, Mithrandir. Do not let him burn.'

Y/N hoists themselves up onto their horse and rides out with the troops before turning away, heading for Dunharrow.

Hello! I have returned with another installment of the Pethryn Series! As always Pethryn means Narrator (I think) in elvish! ENJOY!

[anghraine]

If you have the time, O Aragorn Expert, could you please point out a few places in the text(s) where it's described what Aragorn actually *did* during his long rule? There's the bit in the Appendices in Éomer's section where it glancingly mentions the two of them saber-rattling together, but is there more than that?

I don't think anyone has ever called me an Aragorn expert before, lol, but thanks for the interest! Off the top of my head, the main descriptions of his rule are in the glowing but vague description in LOTR itself:

He became thus King both of Arnor and Gondor, and overlord of the ancient allies of Mordor to whom he now granted mercy and peace.

In Peoples of Middle-earth, less euphemistically:

All men that had allied themselves with Sauron were slain or subjugated.

In the passage in the Appendices you mention:

And wherever King Elessar went with war King Éomer went with him; and beyond the Sea of Rhûn and on the far fields of the South the thunder of the cavalry of the Mark was heard, and the White Horse upon Green flew in many winds until Éomer grew old.

And, in the most detail, in Letter 244, which is actually about Faramir:

Also, to be Prince of Ithilien, the greatest noble after Dol Amroth in the revived Númenórean state of Gondor, soon to be of imperial power and prestige, was not a 'market-garden job' as you term it. Until much had been done by the restored King, the P. of Ithilien would be the resident march-warden of Gondor, in its mean eastward outpost - and also would have many duties in rehabilitating the lost territory, and clearing it of outlaws and orc-remnants, not to speak of the dreadful vale of Minas Ithil (Morgul). I did not, naturally, go into details about the way in which Aragorn, as King of Gondor, would govern the realm. But it was made clear that there was much fighting and in the earlier years of A.’s reign expeditions against enemies in the East. The chief commanders, under the King, would be Faramir and Imrahil; and one of these would normally remain a military commander at home in the King's absence. A Númenórean King was monarch, with the power of unquestioned decision in debate; but he governed the realm with the frame of ancient law, of which he was administrator (and interpreter) but not the maker. In all debatable matters of importance domestic, or external, however, even Denethor had a Council, and at least listened to what the Lords of the Fiefs and the Captains of the Forces had to say. Aragorn re-established the Great Council of Gondor, and in that Faramir, who remained by inheritance the Steward (or representative of the King during his absence abroad, or sickness, or between his death and the accession of his heir), would [be] the chief counsellor.

[anonymwlw]

I love the conversation between Shagrat and Gorbag for a lot of reasons, but one that I noticed this year is the direct and undeniable proof of Aragorn's plan working - something about Gollum and the Hobbits going through Morgul vale was noticed, but it took two days for Sauron to do something about it. There is an explicit mention of them having difficulties getting the "higher-ups" to pay attention to this. Why? Because his eye is on the war in the west.

[whiteladyofithilien]

Further thoughts on the battle in the pass of Cirith Ungol...

The key weapon is the Light of Earendil. Earendil who travels the sky with a Silmaril on his brow. A Silmaril one of the gems fashioned with the last light of the trees of Valinor. The trees of Valinor that were destroyed by Ungoliant. It's like Frodo and Sam discuss during the long climb up from the Morgul Vale. The tales never end. And those two play huge roles in making the story come full circle. They throw down the last child of Ungoliant who was the one who drank up all the light and life of the trees save the few drops that Feanor made into the Silmarils. And they use the remnant of those trees' light to aid in slaying the remnant of Ungoliant upon the earth.

I truly think that the greatest of all of Samwise Gamgee's great deeds is the mortal blows to Shelob. Shelob the spawn of Ungoliant. Ungoliant who destroyed the trees in Valinor at Morgoth's bidding. This deed ranks above even Gandalf's slaying of the Balrog as far as sheer badassery goes.

Here is this little Hobbit who's spent his life gardening and just admiring elves as a thing in songs and far above him doing a deed so great that any elf lord in all the history of Arda would bow to him for it. The orcs thought there was a mighty elf warrior in the passage and they weren't too far off. Any ancient hero of elven lore would have ranked slaying the spawn of Ungoliant as one if not the greatest of his achievements.

There may be no more amazing deed of heroism in all the trilogy than this. Shelob the last descendant of the most foul of all creatures brought down by Samwise Gamgee. It's even more epic than Eowyn and Merry slaying the Witch-King for this is a remnant of a far more ancient evil. An evil that never was anything but evil. No tragic seduction by the Dark Lord here. Just the spawn of the light eating wholly evil giant spider who terrified even Morgoth.

[coopsgirl]

This day in Middle Earth history: March 19, TA 3019

The Host comes to Morgul Vale. Frodo and Samwise escape and begin their journey along the road to Barad-dur.

[mpregspn]

i'm more than halfway done with the book faramir just saw off frodo and sam and they're nearing cirith ungol and i'm sorry but who keeps naming all these places. morgulduin the poisonous river flowing down from morgul vale. maybe it wouldn't be so poisonous if it had a nicer name. has anyone considered that

[a-lonely-dunedain]

ok and here we are with a shorter-ish part 3 wrapping everything in the reverse amnesia loop thingy up! (1, 2) featuring an appearance from @hallothere's guy Bregadir :) (sorry I couldn't Not include him, he was Worried about Tossdir and I'm love him)

also huge thanks to Hal for helping me brainstorm ideas all those... months ago? dang has it really been that long? rip other asks in the box lol. anyway I love Bregadir

Tossdir gave you quite a fright once the curse was broken. You were dazed for a moment after all your memories of him came flooding back to you, the memories of your stalwart but reckless companion, the little brother you never had, the one you would die to protect. 

When you found him crumpled on the floor before you, you feared the worst. But you were able to rouse him, he had only been knocked out for a moment by the sheer mental strain the flood of memories caused him in the heat of battle. You nearly cried with releif. Once the young Ranger regained his senses he clasped you in a desperate embrace. Tears were shed, but you both had little to say save for quiet assurances of ‘I remember you’ and ‘I know you’. You joked that Bregadir would have had your head if you had let something happen to him, and Tossdir laughed but did not disagree.

Once the two of you exit the cisterns, it wasn't long before the other Rangers found you. Once the enchantment was broken they all remembered everything. They remember you, stalwart guardian, cunning loremaster, Golodir’s shadow. And they remember Tossdir, loyal brawler, lonely child, Meneldir’s shadow.

They remember now, too, everything that happened while the curse was in effect. They remember both of your pleas for help, and they remember thinking of you as madmen or worse. As soon as the curse was lifted they scoured the city looking for the two of you, and after they found you spent the next few hours making near-tearful apologies and trying to make absolutely certain you’re both alright. 

Well, most of them were near-tears, but poor young Helcheon couldn’t hold them back. In one of your earlier attempts at convincing him of your story you must have sounded particularly suspicious, and he actually tried to attack you. You insist that you hold nothing against him for it, if you had been an imposter it would have been the correct reaction after all. Mincham thinks that he never really posed any danger to you in the first place, and you're inclined to agree, but won’t say it out loud for Helcheon’s sake. He clearly feels bad enough already, you don’t need to add insult to injury.

Mithrendan wasn’t able to hold the tears back either. Apparently when Tossdir had come to him for help, Mithrendan had called the guards on him. He recognized the sword he bore as once belonging to Elenath, and thought he had somehow stolen it. 

But now he has the memory of that event, of Tossdir shouting at him through tears as he was being dragged away, begging him to remember, but he remembers Tossdir not as the raving madman and stranger he saw then, but as Elenath and Orndir’s son, the lonely boy he watched grow up in Tornhad. 

Mithrendan has returned the sword to him, apologized for it probably a hundred times now, and Tossdir has forgiven him the same amount. Tossdir now says that getting him arrested ‘wasn’t even a big deal’, as the wardens forgot about him at the same time every night so escaping was a trivial task for any ranger, even one with so little skill in the art of stealth.

But earlier today when he told you about that incident, while the curse was in effect and he thought you would not remember the conversation, you could tell he was near tears even just remembering it. He laughs about it now, he doesn't want the memory to be painful.

The most unexpected one present is Bregadir. You thought he was far away aiding in the cleansing of the Morgul Vale, but soon after the curse was broken you were informed that Bregadir had already been on his way back to Minas Tirith since a few days ago. After a dark mood came over him in Rath Dúath, Dagoras believed it was the darkness of the vale taking its toll on him so he was made to return to Minas Tirith for a respite. But now you can put the pieces together, the reason for Bregadir’s sudden depression was being made to forget his younger cousin and believing he truly had no family left. Needless to say you’re a little alarmed at just how far the range of the curse’s effects truly were, but it’s over now at least, only terrifying in hindsight.

You all expected that the breaking of the curse would hasten his journey towards the city, you all expected him to arrive tomorrow or maybe the next day. None of you, however, expected to see him burst into the room mere hours later haggard and disheveled, breathing like he had just run over ten miles (he might have, but for the sake of his health you hope not), and demanding to know if Tossdir was alright.

He got his answer when he was nearly knocked to the ground by Tossdir, hugging him with a running-start. He’s all right now, at least.

But everything has calmed down now. You’re all back here in Ethedis’ room in the guest houses, really a cramped place for so many Rangers to be gathered at once, but no one wants to leave despite how late it is. Some of them are crowded on the two small couches in the room, seated on the bed, or just on the floor. You yourself are huddled next to the fire along with Tossdir and a frankly absurd amount of blankets and pillows. The horrible chill caused by the curse did not leave all at once, but warmth has slowly but surely been seeping back into your bones over the last hours, and here surrounded by your friends and kinsmen you finally feel comfortable again. You’re glad none of them have left yet.

None of you have said such out loud, but you all share the same worry at the moment. Your kin remember how quickly the curse could take effect, they remember you becoming a total stranger to them mid-conversation, and it’s a thought they’re all now horrified by. 

The curse took effect late at night, and it’s getting late now. You all know, logically, that the curse is broken, but knowing something isn’t quite the same as believing it, not when it has been your reality for nearly a month now. As the night wears on the conversation becomes much quieter, and you catch some of them casting nervous glances to you or Tossdir, making sure they still recognize you. You catch yourself doing the same.

Ethedis is curled up under your arm, as close to you as she can be. Partially because she’s afraid to let go of you, partially to make enough room for Tossdir and Bregadir to sit with you as well. You long for sleep, you have hardly slept at all these last few weeks, and you can tell just by the look of him and the same is true for Tossdir. Your eyelids are so heavy they threaten to remain shut every time you blink. But both you and Tossdir are still awake, both too nervous for any rest at the moment.

Eventually you all hear distantly the ringing of a bell marking the hour, a familiar sound in the city that you might usually ignore, but not this time. You know what it means, it is the late watches now, and the curse always took effect a little while before that time, never after.

No one is alarmed by your presence, you know the young man next to you is Tossdir, and you do not feel cold. You feel perfectly warm and comfortable. Safe too, for the first time in a long while.

Tossdir looks at you with a little uncertainty, just checking one last time to make sure he’s still remembered. You respond with a gentle smile, putting your other arm around him and pulling him close.

“It’s really over then?” he quietly asks for maybe the fourth time, but for once sounding like he’ll actually believe the answer. 

“Mhm,” you respond groggily “We did it, Toss. Everything is going to be alright now.” You feel all the tension go out of him at once.

“Well,” you cheerfully address everyone in the room now “If it was going to happen tonight, it would have done so already. I think I can safely say the curse is officially, irreparably, broken.”

“You will not get rid of us that easily, brother.” Radanir says with a wry smile from his spot on the floor.

“I am still not going anywhere,” you hear Lothrandir say from the couch. “As long as Ethedis does not mind our continued presence, that is.”

Ethedis merely shakes her head “And you two aren’t going anywhere either…” she mutters sleepily, squeezing you a little tighter “Not letting you out of my sight.”

It looks like Tossdir is already asleep against you, you wouldn’t dare disturb him “I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that, Eth.” you say softly. You adjust yourself into a slightly more comfortable position, and are soon lost in a long overdue slumber.

[torchwood-99]

" the P. of Ithilien would be the resident march-warden of Gondor, in its main eastward outpost - and also would have many duties in rehabilitating the lost the dreadful vale of Minas Ithil (Morgul)."

I'm fascinated by this extract from a letter by Tolkien, detailing Faramir's role as Prince of Ithilien. Thinking of how Faramir said to Eowyn they would go to Ithilien and there build a garden, and Eowyn said she would be a healer, and how that conjures quiet soft, gentle imagery.

But reading this, and thinking of how one of Faramir's duties would have been rehabilitating a land overcome with evil, which meant destroying the evil within, means that he and Eowyn had a bloody and dangerous job on their hands. Healing this land, growing a garden in this land, was no retirement.

Thinking also of how Tolkien described Eowyn as no "amazon" or "soldier" but at the same time not being a "dry nurse by temperament" and "being capable of great military gallantry in a time of crisis" makes me think of living in this outpost and working to rehabilitate Minas Morgul would have often called for Eowyn to draw on that military gallantry.

And how he reiterates that the caretaking, "dry nurse" role she was shoved into was not her true nature (backed up by Gandalf's own speech when he explains her despair to Eomer) , and therefore it is improbable that after healing she would return to that role. When she becomes a healer, it will not be as a ministering angel; gentle, soothing and kind in the face of horrors, a bloody hard role even when it is a calling and not just something picked for you because you're a woman and therefore good at it. It was be a harsher sort of healing, not harsh on Eowyn (and sort of healing can be harsh on the healer) but one that calls on Eowyn to be harsh. One that requires cutting away and tearing down; like amputating a limb, so that corruption cannot spread or so that something better can take its place.

Eowyn wishes to become a healer and a gardener, but look at how Tolkien describes her husband's; and therefore her own, duties, and look at how he describes her nature. Eowyn will still be called on to fight. She make use of that military gallantry. What hasn't changed isn't that Eowyn is no longer a fighter, neither her nature nor her circumstances post marriage can be reconciled with that, it's that now she will be fighting for life, not glorious death. Fighting so that the world can heal, and a garden can grow.

[gwenllian-in-the-abbey]

Chapter 6 is up! @aifsaath and I are so happy to finally serve you more than crumbs. Here is a small excerpt:

She had not worn the mark of Morghul upon her lip today, nor had she done her eyes in kohl. She wore an indigo colored gown that brought out the color of her eyes, much simpler than the elaborate robes she normally wore. Although she tried to smile at him, it did not reach her eyes, and he wondered what troubled her. “Thank you for having me,” she said, smoothing her skirts as she took her seat. “I wasn’t sure you’d have time.”

“For my future wife, I would make time,” he said, causing her to blush prettily. He tapped his lip with a forefinger. “Where is your mark?”

“Oh. Yes.” She mirrored his gesture, tapping her own lip with her slim finger. “It’s bad luck to wear it so close to the wedding night.” Her face turned a deeper shade of red. “Morghul’s brother, Shrykos, gives life. That is whose kiss we might wear.”

“Shrykos.” He swallowed down the pain at the thought of that name, for he did not want her to stop speaking. “My son’s dragon. I would not be surprised if Jae chose Morghul first and bullied Rys into choosing a matching name.”

“They are twins, Morgul and Shrykos, as your son and daughter, as my sister and I.” She smiled, and this time it did reach her eyes. “I wanted to thank you, for bringing Rhaena here. I know it poses a certain risk.”

So she knew he had been the one to summon her. That pleased him. He’d told himself it was only the right thing to do, that Rhaena would not be able to leave the Vale again until they had an heir, and it would have been cruel to deny Baela her sister’s presence when they said their vows and Baela became his wife. “You have no family here besides Aeg and Corlys,” he said. “I wanted you to have someone. For the wedding."

@emilykaldwen @theothermaidoftarth @prodogg @skysapphire19 @alexandria-millie @uniqueobjectcollective