The Guardian

He reached over and raised my chin that we looked eye to eye again. “I do not ask you to share my actions, Lady. But I need you to know, to really know what I am.”

And I raised a hand to brush back his hair again. I knew…I had known for the longest time, what he was capable of. And why he did it. Oh he did not forgive men for their betrayal of Caranthir, but there was more to it than that.  He was a protector of our people, trained to defend us and our way of life. Even more, I had pondered for some time it was born in him to be that way.

“I understand all you have told me,” I replied. “I know why you feel as you do, and to the largest extent I am in agreement. I also know why you fight so. You cannot be other than you are. Someone has to be the one who takes up spear to defend us all. Many have filled that role. You are one of those who still does.” I felt warm tears on my face as I continued. “A fell warrior, indeed, but the joy you have is from doing your duty. Not from the slaughter itself. It is needful even now, and so you do it, so that we do not have to face the full horrors.”

From: Spirits of Fire. Part Three

He was always the Guardian, of our people and our lands, sometimes of me and others. He had been trained so to do, more than that, to protect was in his nature. I knew what he could be, both to the bad and the good. And he would often insist on keeping watch, while I, or Parnard and I slept. Though we tried to persuade him to take rest, he rarely conceded to us. So he watched over Parnard and I that night before we entered Mirkwood. I felt totally safe, but I was concerned for him.

(Picture by Estarfin )