Where To Go From Here?

His smile faded quickly however as thoughts of Havan and Yearly popped into his head. He would not apologize for their deaths. What they did was beyond honor, beyond sacrifice as far as he was concerned. No, he would not feel sorry for them, that was beyond him. The only thing he felt was proud and honored that he had known them. And perhaps sad as well. Sad that he would not see them huddled around their fire. Sad that Kressara would never seen Havan again. Sad that she had to witness all of this though now...now he held the strong feeling within him that she needed to be here for this. Needed to have these hardships so she could grow and to learn from them. She was so young and yet had faced the hard knocks of real experience in battle. That and the real purpose of war.

“I didn’t do anything...he said as he looked away from her eyes. He never took compliments well and his cheeks flushed right then. “I didn’t do much, Forgus practically carried us himself,” He said half in a chuckle, half in indignation. He drew his hands up onto the fringe of the quilt and pushed it down to the middle of his chest. He opened his eyes again and frowned as he lifted up the quilt. When he saw he wore no clothes even more color came into his cheeks and he looked up at her suspiciously. Had she looked at me while i was unconscious? His look seemed to wonder.

Kressara watched Gowen. She hoped that he would not go through the same things Havan had gone through. She of course would support him no matter what, but going through that with Havan had been both emotionally and physically draining. However, she sensed that Gowen's recovery would mostly be physical. "You did more than you think Gowen. You should give yourself more credit than you do."

She then watched him as he began to realize he was naked. She saw him look at her suspiciously and a bit of color came to his cheeks. "I have been the one changing your bandages," she told him honestly. "You don't have to be embarrassed. I'm...an educated woman where that is concerned." He would know that she and Havan had been in a physical relationship for sometime before his death.

And then she had to go and say that! His blushes grew sharper and he turned his gaze around the room. “Where’s my shield?” he asked suddenly not wanting to ‘think’ about her looking at him naked any further. When she bobbed a nod toward the table that it leaned against Gowen seemed to settle back and relax. “I couldn’t recall if I dropped it or not,” he said. “The last thing I remember was,” he began and then frowned again as he tried to remember. “I felt a sharp pain in the back of my leg and then tasted dirt in my mouth,” he said honestly as he turned to look back at her. “How long will I need to stay in this bed?” he asked and then turned to look more closely into her eyes as his eyes seemed to clear and he seemed to wake up more. He wanted to ask about what she had said to him before...that she ‘loved’ him but he wasn’t certain that that would be appropriate since Havan had only recently died. “Not that I mind...you taking care of me,” He said quickly hoping he didn’t offend her. “How...how bad is it?” he asked and prepared himself for a blow of her telling him something he was not going to want to hear.

Kressara ignored Gowen’s blushes though she was grateful when he changed the subject. Kressara had made sure to retrieve Gowen’s shield and while he had slept she had cleaned and polished it for him until it practically shone. It was in a place he could see it. She knew how much it meant to him and she made sure it was well taken care of.

“Your wound appears to be healing nicely. There is no infection and I’ve been keeping it clean. You should be able to get up and move around soon.”

Her words made him visibly relax and even his eyes closed briefly with the soothe of hearing that he was going to be alright. He vaguely remembered that she had said that already but he was still quite groggy and tired. He heard her say something more but the blackness of his closed eyes and the comfort of her close proximity allowed him to fall asleep once more.

It was completely dark when he woke again and Kressara was nowhere to be found. The smells of cooking...stew maybe? He couldn't be certain and the smell of wood smoke passed through his tent. Outside Forgus stirred the contents of a large, black kettle that was hung on an iron tripod that sat just above the flames of a fire. Most of the encampment had been evacuated when the soldiers moved south to press their attack. Now the encampment was little more than a ghost town with just the injured, those who cared for them and others who kept the camp clean and ready for their return. Forgus was not in his breastplate right then. Instead he was in a dark green tunic and dark brown pants with brown leather boots. He tasted the stew by dunking a crust of bread then shook his head. “A little bit longer,” he said and smiled over at Kressara who was enjoying the tea he made for her. Among being one of the strongest men she had ever known, Forgus was also quite the scullion and cook. The stew was braised beef and mutton with carrots, potatoes, onions and peas and spiced just enough so that it made everyone’s mouth water who were within smelling range of it. Forgus was also older than most, a non-commissioned officer and solid with arms like the branches of a large oaktree.

“So mylady, where ya off ta affer this eh?” he asked in his rough form of speech. He was barely able to read and had been a fighting man for most of his life. “Back ta The White city? Or ya makin plans ta aid King Eomer in da North?” he asked and then got a look in his eyes. He lived among men and soldiers since he was a boy and spoke with a dark sense of humor and no one would ever accuse him of having anything that even resembled proper respect for women or nobles or any kind of tact. “Or do ye intend on playin house maid ta Gowen until ee can ave at ya all proper like?” he asked as if she were one of men.

Kressara stayed with Gowen for a while longer before she needed to stretch her legs. She felt better about leaving him knowing that he was alright and had woken up. She left water within easy reach in case he needed it. She ventured out of the tent and quickly her nose was filled with the scent of cooking meat and spices. Her mouth began to water and her stomach began to grumble. She had not eaten since scarfing down that stale cake with Rikil when they were running to the encampment. That had been well over a day ago. She was surprised when she saw Forgus was the cook responsible for the amazing stew that was cooking. She walked over to him and smiled. He was his old self again and she was thankful for that. Glancing around her she could see that many of the other tents had been taken down. There were only a few of them left at that encampment. She looked over at Forgus when he asked her about her plans for the future. Before she could respond he commented about Gowen and herself and she found herself blushing slightly.

"To be honest, I'm not entirely sure where I will end up next. I know that I will remain in this war and fight until the bitter end. Whether that is with Gowen or not...well time will tell."

“Bah,” He said dismissively at her and chuckled though it sounded more like a grunt. “Ye can ave anythin ya want lass. An I’ve known the lad for a couple years now an you’ll not find a better man to ave at your side,” he said as he stirred the stew so it didn't burn. “The Haradrim are broken. I meeself perfer a standup fight but orders be orders an we did a good thing der,” he said. “Fer meeself I plan ta take a leave ta see me Mayvin and me boys an girls,” he said as he smelled the stew, it was nearly ready by his nod. “Gowen be a good soldier an officer but his talents are wasted ere. Do em a favor and take em with ya when ya go an leave nuthin ta chance. I know a real hero when I sees one lassy,” He said and gestured toward her with his large, wooden spoon, stained with the reddish tint of the meaty broth.

"Times are changin and one thing is certain, Gondor is in real peril. Not by orcs err beasts err evil or the like. Just men who want more or differnt than it does,” he said. “And it’ll take good men...and women like yeselves ta protect it,” he said then gestured outward to suggest that what they had just did here in the Harad was part of that.

Kressara took a seat on a large rock as she listened to Forgus. She couldn't help but smile at him as she listened to what he said. He was a good man, like the others in their group. But soon their team would no longer be together. Already they had lost Yearly and it was time for them to part. She knew that she would never forget any of them. She had learned so much from them in the months that they had been together fighting. They had all witnessed and done horrific things and somehow that had made them closer as a team. She knew that no matter what she would be able to count on any of them in the future. It made her happy to think that Forgus was going to go home and see his wife and children. After all that had happened he deserved that.

"I will never forget you Forgus and I hope that one day in the future our lives will cross again. I consider you all my brothers now...my family and I will always be there if you need me."

Forgus blushed as he filled 2, carved wooden bowls with hot stew and handed her 2 spoons and a large chunk of bread. “Go take care of ye man,” he said and waved her away as others that stayed behind began to form a line to get some of the stew. Inside the tent Gowen had sat up. When she came in and he looked up at her he nodded to her and yawned. He would not tell her that this was his third attempt and the second time he tried to sit up e almost fell out of bed. Now he had a good grip on the side near his leg and he looked around for his clothes.

“My father told me once that when a woman wanted to keep a man in his bed all she did was hide his clothes,” he said feeling nauseated as his head spun but with effort he managed to stay sitting up as the spinning began to lessen. Gowen gritted his teeth and breathed through his nose. “I'm not certain im using his words in the right context but I believe the sentiment is similar,” he said with a pained grin as he watched her. That was actually supposed to be in ‘her’ bed but the saying seemed to work for this situation so he decided to not amend it. “And, either you are very hungry or one of those bowls of Forgus’s stew are for me?” He asked as the nausea went away. He was sweaty all over and he had fingered his damp hair back out of his face. It fell down the sides of his head and rested in thick waves on his shoulders. He had stitches and redness on his forearm, his scalp, his shoulder and on his left leg just below the knee. He refused Rikil’s medicines save for that which fought infection as he wanted to get out of bed as soon as he was able. That would not be today he decided but at least perhaps, she’d help him with his small clothes. Being naked before a woman that was not, a beautiful woman like Kressara, a woman he loved, was not an easy thing but at least she didn’t leer at him. Well...maybe a small leer would not be untoward...would it?

Kressara carefully carried the two bowls of stew and bread back to the tent. She was happily surprised to see Gowen awake and sitting up. She could tell it had been a strenuous act for him, but she allowed him his dignity and said nothing regarding it. She put the two, steaming bowls down and smiled at him a little. "Yes, one of these bowls is for you. The stew is still very hot so I can help you to dress while it cools if you would like. I have washed your clothes and they should be dry now." His clothes were neatly folded in a pile and sitting on a chair. He would not yet be able to put on his pants, but his small clothes and a shirt might make him feel a little less uncomfortable.

Gowen gladly accepted Kressara’s help getting some clothes on at least then she joined him on the bed sitting across from one another to enjoy their bowls of hot stew. For them it was a delicious feast and he let her have the whole large, chunk of bread.

“Now that it appears the Haradrim are in retreat, what will you do now?” Gowen asked in between small, but hasty bites. The broth was very hot still and he had to blow on his spoon a little or it threatened to burn his tongue. He decidedly didn’t include himself in that. He knew that they loved one another but Havan’s death could have her mourning for weeks, months and even a year or two. He didn’t know if he could wait so long, especially if they were constantly together. Would they be just friends or would they be more? He didn’t know he only knew he didn’t want her to go without him and he would go if she did. He knew that now. But he hoped that she’d ask him and not just ‘assume’ he would.

“Reputation can be a tricky thing, sometimes. For my part I’m just a soldier, but you...a woman, a princess, a warrior and someone who fought and killed many Haradrim. It won’t be long before you’ll be known from a distance unless you can somehow disguise yourself,” He said plainly but one look into his eyes and it would show how unlikely he thought that would be.

Kressara took a seat on the cot with her bowl of stew and the bread. It was nice to just be able to sit and relax with Gowen like this. Ever since her arrival at the encampment some months ago they had almost always been on the move in some way or another. They had not really had the opportunity to eat such a meal alone together. It was a pleasant experience. Kressara dipped her spoon into the stew and brought it up to the mouth without leaning over her bowl, or spilling a single drop. She did not slurp, nor did she take too big of a spoonful. Although she was in everyway a warrior now, she was also still a princess and these small, almost seemingly insignificant moves were a reminder of that fact. She dabbed her mouth with a napkin and looked at Gowen. Her mind was already made up on what she was going to do, but she had not revealed it to anyone yet.

"I plan to travel northward into Rohan to assist my uncle, the King...and I would like for you to come with me Gowen...if you would like to that is." She was quiet a moment as she looked into his eyes. "I ask for just a little more time...and then I will be yours Gowen. Together you and I can accomplish much...in this war...and in life."

Gowen has manners so he ate fairly demurely with only a bit of slurping and some of her mannerisms seemed to have rubbed off on him a little. The first part of her plan he knew to a degree, the rest of what she told him made his head want to spin. He stopped eating to regard her. He didn’t gape, not really but she certainly surprised him.

“Is being with you always going to be like this?” He asked his food now forgotten in his hands. “You leading and I Following you for a change?” He asked with a small grin.

For the first time in days Kressara really smiled and felt a wave of happiness come over her. She enjoyed the fact that she had managed to surprise Gowen, though he appeared perfectly happy with it.

“When it suits me I might allow you to lead,” she teased jokingly with a grin. She then became more serious again as she looked at him. “So...will you come with me?”

Gowen liked that Kressara had a sense of humor. He had heard many a soldier grumble that the moment you married a woman her kisses stopped, her smiles faded and her face took on a permanent scowl. Forgus didn’t agree at that ofcourse and he was always free with his lewd stories of what Mayvin liked him to do to her. That and he had 9 children to prove it too and the hope that he’d make another in the manner that men and women did. Did he want to marry her? They hadn't even kissed since he had gotten back but he thought about that alot it seemed.

“Well, you did say that if I waited you’d be mine so I think I’d have to come with you in order for that to happen,” Gowen said as if she was having to urge him into such a decision though his grin plainly said otherwise. “Besides, I don’t think I have enough scars yet to suit you,” He said as he raised his arms up to show her. He wasn’t a large or thick man but he had a tightly wound, strong body. He was a good deal taller than she and his arms that held his spear and shield could do so nearly without tiring. Gowen took up his spoon once more as if he suddenly realized that his bowl still had food in it and began to eat once more.

Each day that passed Gowen’s wounds healed and more and more wounded arrived. Kressara had become Rikil’s assistant and though men died from their war injuries, the infirmary wasn’t overly taxed as they assumed it would be. By the reports of the fighting that came in Gondor’s forces had captured the Haradrim’s main encampment and forced the remaining Haradrim south into the waste. That was both good and bad though. Good that the war there was essentially over, bad that so many Haradrim would likely die. The southern border of Gondor would be secure for years to come but the cost of so many innocent lives was high in achieving it.

A contingent of officers, men and cavalry returned to the camp and General Aranele had given Gowen’s entire team, including Kressara medals of service that picked them out as nothing short of heroes as far as Gondor’s military was concerned. Forgus and Wick both decided to take leave and in saying their goodbye’s it was clear to Kressara that she might see them again soon to join the fighting in the North. Gowen had been promoted to Captain but even as the new golden bar was added onto his collar he resigned as an official part of Gondor’s military. The General was indeed surprised by that but with he and Kressara almost always seen in close proximity he seemed to understand.

Gowen had begun to train again and Kressara was always willing to spar with him. Indeed she was not at all used to fighting with someone who had a shield and spear and Gowen had managed to wrench her sword from her several times before she modified her tactics against him. All and all a shield was not easy to get past and his spear had nearly 2 feet of reach on her. That and Gowen had experience fighting opponents faster than he and he used his shield as a blunt weapon several times, once accidentally hitting her in the nose and causing it to bleed. Gowen sustained his share of bruises by her attacks too though. He had learned early on from sparring with Kressara that any time he didn’t fight at his best against her he paid for it by receiving another bruise from her practice sword. When the stitches in Gowen’s leg were finally removed they both knew it was time to move on from the Harad. Rikil had said that he was headed North as well to the fighting there and that morning they had said their goodbyes. That night Gowen came to Kressara’s tent. He knocked politely and entered when she said for him to enter.

He noticed right away that she had already packed. Her large bag sat on the large trunk at the end of her cot and it bulged with everything she had brought with her save for what she’d wear tomorrow. That was neatly folded on a nearby folding table. She was wearing that thick, white sleeping gown she always wore at night and Gowen wore brown pants with a white, long-sleeved tunic untied at the neck and wrists. He nodded at her bag.

“I see you’re alot like I am, I hate packing in the morning,” he said then gestured to her for permission for him to sit on her bed. There was just a single folding chair in her tent and he never trusted them not to fold up on him when he sat down upon them. Gowen had a solemn look on his face and his eyes had a thoughtful light in them. “I am feeling both a little sad and excited to leave this place I guess,” he admitted as he idly picked up the book that she had been reading. Books were expensive and though it alone wouldn’t pick her out as a noble they were very expensive and rare. He held it gingerly in his hands and felt the brown, leather cover and binding with his fingers. “I have had something on my mind for a while now Kressara and i feel I need to talk to you about it,” he said softly as he flipped through the first few pages. They were slightly yellowed from age but in otherwise good condition.

During the past few weeks Kressara had been very busy indeed. She continued to tend to Gowen's wounds and thankfully they were healing nicely. In addition, she had begun to assist Rikil in treating the other wounded soldiers as they arrived at the encampment. She learned a lot from Rikil, and though some soldiers were beyond saving and died, many lived due to their treatments. Kressara enjoyed spending time with Rikil. Being of elvish decent herself, but having grown up entirely in the world of men she was curious about elves. The only full elf she knew was her grandmother, but her grandmother had become more human in her many years with Conleth.

After Gowen was healed enough and his strength had returned she began training with him when Rikil didn't require her help. She had never sparred with anyone who used a shield and spear before and though it took her a few tries, she finally figured out what moves worked best against them. Kressara always sparred as if her life depended on it. She never treated sparring like a game or even training and she always learned something new that might end up saving her life. She enjoyed that time with Gowen. Everyday she grew closer to him and began to feel more and more ready to move on from Havan and start her new life with Gowen. She would always love and remember Havan, but she also loved Gowen and did not want to keep him waiting for her...especially since he was leaving his life here for her.

The evening before they were due to leave and travel north into Rohan, Kressara spent time packing her things and making sure everything was in order. She sharpened and polished her sword and long daggers and retightened her bow string. She folded her clothes and packed them into her bag along with her other essentials. She then began to ready herself for bed. She changed into her white sleeping gown and got out the book she would read before going to bed. She was brushing out her hair when she heard a knock. She smiled when she saw it was Gowen, though immediately she could tell that something was on his mind. She watched him as he picked up her book and began to flip through the pages. When he told her he had something on his mind he wanted to talk to her about she put down her hair brush and walked over and sat next to him on the bed.

"You can talk to me about anything Gowen. What is it?"

Gowen had deliberated for days about this. His family were not really nobles though his father was a retired Gondor Officer. He had 2 older sisters who were married to good, decent men and he had worked his way up from a soldier to become a Captain for a day. But, what would her family think of that? A lowborn marrying...no, ‘wanting’ to marry, their daughter?

To be honest Gowen had issues about ‘being’ with a woman he was not married too and as he looked at her, her pale flesh only vaguely visible under her gown, he knew he ‘wanted’ to be with her. He had heard soldiers who whored and cavorted with women on a regular basis. Officers low and high slept with women and bed-warmers even though they were married men. He couldn’t abide men who did that but he didn’t call them out for it either. He had to work with and lead those same men and what they did in their personal time was none of his business as long as it didn’t hurt themselves or anyone else. He sighed and banished those thoughts away.

“I...uh, I love you Kressara,” he said and softly closed her book though he still kept hold of it. He turned to face her his eyes now focused upon her and that distant look faded from his face. “I think about you all the time, when I’m awake and also in my dreams,” he said honestly. “My...family...we’re not nobles…” he began and then faltered as what he was trying to say didn’t sound right in his head. “I...I don’t want to be a replacement for Havan,” he said quickly and his cheeks flushed to give truth to his conviction about that. “Sometimes...I...i think about being with you. ‘Being’ with you kressara but I don’t just want to ‘be’ with you. I already know you’re not a typical woman and the fact that I’m saying this now should reveal my feelings about what I really want. I do want you to be mine but not just in ‘that’ way,” he said softly and swallowed. He was rarely so serious as he was now. Serious and very nervous. For Gowen feeling nervous about anything was rare but he certainly was nervous now.

Kressara could see in Gowen’s eyes that what he was going to say to her was difficult for him and that he had thought this out. Kressara appreciated honesty. She felt that no good came from lying and avoiding one’s feelings. As Gowen began to speak she listened to him quietly, giving him time to finish what he wanted to say uninterrupted. He deserved that and she wished to understand him completely before speaking. As he finished she slowly reached out and took his hand into her own. She gave it a gentle, loving squeeze.

“I do not consider you a replacement for Havan. I never have. My love for Havan will always remain. He can not be replaced...and nor can you. My love for you is genuine, strong, and true. Please don’t think that you aren’t good enough for me because you are. To be honest I often think I’m not good enough for you. You are a good, honest man with a wonderful heart. I will wait for you Gowen. We do not have to “be together” to be together.” She nuzzled her cheek against his hand gently and lovingly. “We can just see what happens. I love you Gowen.”

Gowen appreciated Kressara’s patience and understanding. The feel of her cheek and the sincereness of her words made something deep inside of his stir and his flesh tingled by her touch. Oh god, this was ‘not’ going to be easy! Didn’t she understand that ‘she’ was the one that stopped ‘things’ from going too far? As he looked at her he thought that perhaps she did not. He swallowed again hard resisting what he knew his body wanted. Stop that! He argued to those urges that threatened to break his resolve.

“Thank you...Kressara,” he said and then pulled her toward him as he stood into an embrace. He kissed her goodnight...a long, passionate series of kisses on her lips and neck that left the both of them panting and decidedly warmer than they had been a moment ago. It took real effort to leave her there too as his body was indeed betraying his sensibilities but once his feet began and continued out of her tent and into the damp, humidity of the warm night air. “God I want her,” he said to himself not realizing that her elven ears could clearly hear his heartfelt words. His tent was no smaller than hers was and like hers he had packed up everything. He had a trunk too that they’d deliver at his home...eventually. He undid his pants and pulled them off and took off his shirt then laid down into his bed above the pale green comforter he had over his bed. It was almost too hot to sleep but sleep came eventually. Sleep and dreams of Kressara…

The next morning he woke early to find that it wa still dark. He yawned and sat up then jerked in surprise to find Kressara there watching him as she sat on the end of his bed. “Whoa!” He exclaimed in surprise. She was fully dressed and ready to go ofcourse. He often forgot she needed much less sleep then he did and her only explanation for that was that her mother was a half-elf. He didn’t really understand that but it appeared to be true. He sat up and turned to put his feet upon the floor. “Do you do this alot? Just come in and look at me?” he asked. And then thought better of the question. “Don’t answer that!” He said and held up a hand toward her. “I don’t want to know,” He thought and bit his lip for fear she had seen him touching himself at some point.

With flushed cheeks he moved to the wash basin and began to splash water over his chest, arms, shoulder, neck, face and then over his head. “It’s several days to Minas Tirith so we’ll likely need some food, water and tack for the horses,” he said as he removed his small clothes. If she was going to come into his room like that she would have to deal with him having to get dressed! And he didn’t think he’d get another chance to wash before they reached the city either so he made sure he was clean and tried not to think about her eyes upon him. Or the amused look on her face either.

It took her a while, but Kressara eventually fell asleep. She dreamt of war and of fighting and of Havan and Gowen. But then just before she woke up a vision that she had not seen in sometime came back into her mind. It was of the shadowy man. Every time she dreamt of him she felt a love and passion like she had never experienced before course through her body. She could never see his face...but somehow she knew he was real. It was as if she could reach out with her mind and touch him. Her eyes opened and she sat up. It was still very dark outside and the encampment was quiet. She sat there for a long moment thinking about those final moments before she woke up. Somehow in that moment she knew that whoever that shadowed man was he was the man she was destined to be with. Was it Gowen?

She finally forced herself to get up and dress. She put on her traveling clothes and brushed out her hair before braiding it down her back. A few small, stray pieces framed her face, giving her a beautiful messy look. She made sure that she had everything she needed before stepping out of her tent. She deposited her things in Gowen's tent. He was still very much asleep so she checked on the horses that had arrived the night before for herself and Gowen. She brushed them both down and tacked them. She then double checked the other items that her family had sent. In her last letter she had told them of her plans to travel to Edoras and help her uncle and had asked for horses and a few other supplies for Gowen and herself. Her parents of course knew who Gowen was from her previous letters. She had told them that he was going with her, but had not said anything else about their relationship...though it would be assumed. Once that was finished she went back to Gowen's tent to await his awakening. She sat on the end of his bed and watched him slightly as he slept. She couldn't help but smile at him and feel a warming happiness flood her body. She was about to awaken him when she saw him stir. She continued to sit there as his eyes opened and she smiled when more at his surprised look. She enjoyed being able to sneak upon him and enjoyed even more those quiet moments in the darkness when she could just watch him.

As he dressed her eyes slowly gazed over his body. She had seen him naked already, but she quite enjoyed what she saw. He was a strong, muscular, and lean man and pleasant to look upon. A feeling of desire stirred within her, but she managed to push it aside...although just barely.

"Everything has already been taken care of," she said with a slight grin. "I have already tacked our horses and packed our food and water."

Gowen tied his hair back with a white leather cord that signified that his heart was taken though he wasn’t certain Kressara knew that custom. It was an old one but Gowen liked the old customs and he kept to tradition and ceremony whenever possible. He dressed in a white, collared tunic with a dark red and gold long coat that had a small bit of embroidery. His pants were made of cloth and black leather for riding and his black boots were fairly high too, just below the knee. On his belt he had a dagger and a short sword and his shield and spear were already stowed in the saddle straps he presumed by Kressara. He came up to her before she mounted her dusty gray stallion named Cassin. She paused as he came up and he put his hands right onto her neck then pulled her roughly forward into a deep, passionate kiss. She still held onto the reins but he felt her body brush up against him and when he pulled away her quick glance at the tents, at how close they were made a smile come to his face for he had the same thought he had.

“Its a long ride to Edoras but I think there is no place in this world I’d rather be but by your side Kressara,” he said as he breathed his warm breath into her mouth and kissed her again vigorously. Letting go and mounting the thin, tall, leggy brown mare named Fiona, she started out as he circled his horse around and took on last look at the camp. “Goodbye my friends,” he said reverently and then wheeled his horse around again and trotted forward toward Kressara.

It wasn’t long before everything was covered in that thin, fine pale dust that was everywhere in the Harad. With the absence of rain and the heat of the day they had to stop often to water their horses and themselves. Due to the heat travel was not quick either. Trot then walk then dismount and lead then start again. That and the Harad road was Northwest about a day’s ride from where they were. The river Poros was about 2 days after that so what water they brought would have to do for 3 days.

They didn’t talk much unless they led their horses. He asked her all sorts of questions about what she liked and didn’t like and about her family and its illustrious history. Kressara had a way of explaining sights and sounds that brought everything into vivid detail. Gowen’s family wasn’t so interesting but she still seemed to like to hear his stories too though she had far more to tell than he.

The road was long and dusty but the sun was shining and there was no rain in sight. All in all it was a peaceful, uneventful ride. But what Kressara enjoyed more than anything else was the company of Gowen. She felt perfectly at ease with him and felt she could tell him anything. Even when there was silence between them it was a comfortable, familiar silence. However, during those quiet moments Kressara’s mind did return to thought of those kisses right before they had left the encampment. They had made her lips tingle and her knees turn nearly to jelly. She had wanted so much more, but she did not want to rush Gowen. He was a man of tradition and she would not push him into something he wasn’t ready for or wanted to wait for. When they weren’t riding they were able to talk and they shared stories. It was wonderful to hear more about Gowen’s family and learn more about him and she in turn had some interesting stories about her family.

“So my mother loves to tell the story about how she first knew she was in love with my father. They had been traveling together for over a year and one evening they are attacked by a group of Orcs. They were outnumbered 3 to 1 but they fought their hardest and soon they had taken them all down. My mother’s back was to my father as she killed the last Orc but when she turned around she saw my father lying on the ground and appeared to be dead. He had a wound and was bleeding and didn’t appear to be breathing. My mother was extremely upset and was kneeled over his body sobbing and trying to figure out if he was alive or not. Then his eyes suddenly opened and he shouted out to scare her. She screamed and he began to laugh hysterically. Well while she was laughing and playfully hitting him for having tricked her she looked at him and just knew that she was in love with him and always would be.”

“To be honest, I’ve never seen an orc. Or a troll or a goblin either. And I can’t say that that is something I have to do in my life,” He said honestly. “It is good that the queen has a sense of humor. I’m very glad that it has obviously rubbed off on you,” He said and smiled at her. Their packhorse had no trouble keeping up with them and it was so well trained he didn’t need to keep it on any kind of leader line. It was a tall, brown quarter horse with broad shoulders and large, muscular legs.

“It’s difficult to know if you’re just laughing at my jokes because you think them truly funny or you’re doing it just to be kind,” He said and his smiled seemed to widened. “But just the same...don’t do that to me, alright?” He asked speaking about what her father did to her mother. He couldn’t help but look at her sometimes. She was so stunningly beautiful even with the added dust in her hair. She handled her horse easily just using her knees and it gave her a queenly presence that was difficult to ignore.

Kressara smiled at Gowen. Just being near him made her feel good. His smile brought happiness to her heart. She had thought that Havan was the man she was meant to be with, but now she believed that she had been wrong about that. Gowen was that man...of that she was certain. She had learned much from her first love and she wanted to make Gowen as happy as he made her.

“I love you Gowen...and that is no joke.”

Gowen’s cheeks grew darker when she said those words. He loved to hear them and each time she kissed him she made his whole body shiver. It was going to be a very long few days back to Minas Tirith he knew but being alone with Kressara, having her to himself for a time. Not having to share her with the rest of the world. That and he was no longer an Officer and soldier. That he knew was a good thing.

“When I felt that arrow go into the back of my leg,” he began and then stopped his horse. She stopped a moment later too to regard him and he had a sorrowful look on his face. His eyes were watering but he managed not to break in front of her. Only just though. “I knew I was going to die,” He said honestly. And he did think that with those Haradrim soldiers hot on his heels as they were. “There was so much I wanted to do with my life Kressara. So much I haven't seen or done. I guess I just never thought about dying before,” He said and managed to hold her gaze. “It doesn’t mean that I won’t do what I can from here on out. It just means that I realize now how wonderful it is to still be breathing right now and what is truly important to me,” He said.