Ultimatum
Finduilas laughs as she frolics in the waves of the sea.
"Join me, love," she calls. "The water feels so lovely this morning!" She splashes water on the sand.
I look dubiously at the rippling surface. It has been years since I swam for pleasure alone.
She notes my hesitation. "If you don't come in," she says,"I shan't marry you in five months' time."
I shake my head at her. "You little minx."
Despite my reservations, I jump in the cool waters with a loud splash.
After all, she may just act on her threat.
Courage
"My heart shakes every time I look towards the east," I say. "How can I be a leader for the people of Gondor if I cannot withstand the Shadow?"
Denethor gently takes my hand. "Then my strength shall become your strength so that we can face the east as one.
I squeeze his hand and as we stand on the walls of Minas Tirith, we confront the Shadow.
Together.
Hope
He hands a blushing rose to her.
"A fair rose for a fairer lady," I hear him say.
Finduilas takes it, gracing him with a smile. I notice the lack of any real love in her eyes, though affection clearly shows as she looks upon him.
I know that she loves him not, though my son loves her with all that his heart possesses. True love cannot be forced from a body. It is a fickle creature, often gracing the oddest of pairs while cruelly ignoring those more deserving.
We can only hope that love will take hold and grow with time.