Aelwynna slowly stood before the crowd of solemn men, a mix of Dunedain rangers and those of her kin, the Hand of Numenor. Her face was pale and pained with grief. A discerning eye might notice she was trembling slightly, not used to being the center of attention.
She swallowed hard and began:
"Good evening, friends. I have been asked to say some words for our departed. I’m not sure I am best suited for this task, and while words may falter upon my lips, I hope they resonate with the heart's truth we all share in this moment.
In the tranquil embrace of these woods, we gather to honor Hunhir, Steward of Esteldin, and his nephew Palandir, a young ranger who showed great promise.
It was said by those who knew Hunhir, that in the wake of Halbarad's sacrifice, when the winds carried tales of despair, Hunhir emerged as a beacon. He took the mantle of leadership, turning grief into a fire of determination, ensuring that the valiant deeds of yore were not lost to the annals of time.
It was Hunhir who forged alliances with the Elves and Dwarves, reminding us that Middle Earth shares a common destiny. And still, in the quiet moments, he walked these very lands, keeping vigil against the encroaching dark, his tales of valor lighting up many a hearth.
Yet, for all his achievements, it was his heart that made him a true ranger. He saw hope where others saw despair, he saw potential in the eyes of the weary, and he believed in a world where light would prevail.
There was a day, not long past, when I was but a lost soul wandering these woods, weighed down by chains — not of iron — but of sorrow and shadow. It was Hunhir who found me, who saw through the scars and the pain, and extended a hand of trust. He didn't see an outsider, nor a threat, but a kindred spirit, perhaps a reflection of his own deep-seated belief in the inherent goodness that resides even in the most broken of us.
Tonight, as we lay him to rest, let it be known that in the chronicles of the Dúnedain, the legacy of Hunhir will forever gleam as the steadfast star that held the North together. May the stars shine a little brighter in his honor, and may we remember the man who taught us that even in the darkest woods, there is always a path to light."
Aelwynna paused a moment in reflection, allowing space for her words to sink in.
"Now let us honor the life of Palandir, a young ranger whose days were cruelly short but whose valiance played a vital role in safeguarding the lands of the North. As a fledgling ranger, his youthful exuberance never waned, even as he embraced the weighty responsibility of his lineage and duty.
I recall my own arrival in Esteldin, a stranger amidst seasoned rangers. It was Palandir who approached with jokes and joy, easing my trepidation. Though our moments together were fleeting, the warmth and laughter he bestowed upon me will forever be cherished.
Though his light was quenched all too soon, it flared brightly, casting a glow that will ever warm the annals of Esteldin."
She paused once more in silent contemplation, long auburn locks covering her face as she bowed her head. After some time, Aelwynna lifted her gaze and looked into each face within the grieving crowd before her.
"In the echoes of our grief, I feel the weight of shared despair, a communal sorrow that binds us all. Yet, through our collective pain, we find purpose — to stand against the encroaching dark and ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain.
Our world, with all its perils, still holds places of fairness and beauty.
In the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow.
A new dawn will rise, and in its light, our resilience and unity will gleam all the brighter.
We continue this journey, not for ease or glory, but because there is profound goodness still in these lands — a good that we are sworn to protect and uphold."
Aelwynna concluded her sentiments with a mournful Rohirric lament. As the haunting melody left her lips, tears cascaded down her face, eyes shut in deep reverence. She lowered her head in solemn tribute, and then fell silent.
