~Dol Amroth~
After a few day of riding Eregiel and Calentauriel at last arrived at their destination. Dol Amroth, a great city of Men built of stone as was the custom in Gondor, was as different from Lothlórien as it possibly could be. In fact, it was far more similar to Alqualondë in Aman, the home of King Olwë and his people the Falmari.
~Court of the Prince~
The sisters stabled the horses, making certain that they would receive the best of care. Then the sisters were escorted to the Court of the Prince. Many steps lead up the steep hill to the palace where Prince Imrahil resided. He was not in the city, however. As Halbarad had surmised, Prince Imrahil and his Swan-knights had ridden east to aid in the defence of Minas Tirith. Imrahil's daughter Lothíriel stood in his place. She was dark-haired and Elven-fair, evidence that the legend regarding her ancestry was true.
~Lothíriel~
Lothíriel was courteous and kind to her visitors. She told the sisters that she had anticipated their arrival after receiving a message from Elrond Half-elven. This came as a great surprise to sisters until they realised that, like Lady Galadriel, Lord Elrond was wise and far-sighted beyond their ken.
Lothíriel sat Eregiel and Calentauriel in places of honour beside her while the sisters shared stories of their adventures. Imrahil's daughter rarely left the city, and was eager to receive news from abroad.
After the sisters had been refreshed with food and drink they were shown to their quarters. Lothíriel apologised for their lack of comfort, but the sisters found the quarters very luxurious, particularly after having been so long on the road. Lothíriel again bid them welcome before she departed to attend to other duties.
'There are certainly worse places to be, nésa,' said Calentauriel admiringly of their surroundings.
'I suppose,' replied Eregiel, 'but I cannot help but think of Elladan, Elrohir, and the Men of the Grey Company having to endure the presence of the restless spirits of the oathbreakers. Very soon they will face battle. It is a horror that no one should experience.'
'Yet if they do not counter the attacks of the Enemy, how shall our homes and our way of life be preserved? Should all Middle-earth be enslaved to ruthless tyrants?' said Calentauriel.
'No, nésa, they should not and must not,' Eregiel answered. 'Thank the Valar that we have such brave and noble defenders of our cause and that of our allies.'
'Indeed!' replied Calentauriel.
With nothing more to be said the sisters laid down for a very long rest.
~The End~
