Araithil

We have reached Minas Tirith hours after the first group did. We moved through the city towards our family home. Araithil was leading the three of us when he spotted Nethillon passing by. He wasn't even looking at us. He seemed really devastated as he passed. We moved to the door and as he opened it he felt stunned. I just watched with Iarvenil as we were confused with all that. Our parents stood there by the door embracing each other. We were standing there in silence until they let go of each other and looked at us. "Araithil, Iarnuil, Iarvenil...

We have reached Minas Tirith hours after the first group did. We moved through the city towards our family home. I was leading the three of us when I spotted Nethillon passing by. He wasn't even looking at us. He seemed really devastated as he passed. We moved to the door and as I opened it I felt stunned. Our parents stood there by the door embracing each other. We were standing there in silence until they let go of each other and looked at us. "Araithil, Iarnuil, Iarvenil... I am more than glad to see you here. Your brother, he was just here and...

This day started different than always even if I was doing all that everyday. I went to the Dome of Sun as punctual as always leaving sleeping Naerhad at home. He finally deserved to rest after so many years of service. Talking about battles made me nervous as now all four of my sons were out there as a soldiers of Gondor. I couldn't bear the thought about losing them all one day. The day passed by and I came back home. I went inside and after leaving my cloak in our bedroom I went to the kitchen to prepare the lunch for both of us. I was calm and focused on my task.

It is a late afternoon when Naerhad wakes up again. After his voluntary work he came home only to fall asleep almost instantly. The sun is already starting to set as the twilight shimmers through the windows of his home. He can't be sleeping all day. He may be old, but not that old. Naerhad tries to get up, but his body seems asleep still. Everything hurts but eventually he manages to get dressed. He proceeds downstairs and as he approaches the kitchen he hears a faint humming of a melancholy tune. He follows the music until he finds his wife, calmly preparing their lunch.

The training was done. I got allowed to leave as soon as I'll get a new unit for me. Soon I have learned that I will get to leave with my brother. We have came back home in Minas Tirith but our parents weren't really happy with us leaving so soon at age of 17.  

I was out of the training now and allowed by everyone to leave whenever they will find a proper unit to me. But I wanted so bad to join the same battalion that my older brother did. He was the one I wanted to follow whatever may come. 

The day came not long after but still first I have came back home in Minas Tirith. My parents weren't really happy with me leaving so soon. Especially that my twin was going with me. He was so different when it came to personality. He always kept to himself, even now when we needed to cooperate. 

I have been through much since I have returned as a survivor. I've lost my family and almost lost myself. That sight will haunt me until my death. My wife... lying on the ground, broken. I loved her so much. Why did life took her from me so early? I was broken, so broken... I felt the pain filling all of me. But I didn't know that it will get stronger as I'll enter another room. Aranor, my son... my only son was lying there in a pool of blood. He was so young. The small sword still in his hand. I won't ever forget that sight. It pains me until this day.