This story is not betaed, therefore, you might find grammatical and spelling mistakes. Also, Italic are Elvish.
Thank you for the guest who reminded me of the messed up formatting. I didn't check when I published the story. Mistakes are all mine.
Thank you for reading, and reviews are appreciated.
Chapter 1: To Mirkwood
When the parchment arrived, Éowyn was in the stable grooming Windfola. They had just returned from Helm's Deep this morning after the autumn feast, a festival that celebrated fruitful farming of the past months which lasted for a week before the arrival of winter. She spent a wonderful time there with Théodred and Éomer before her cousin had to return to the Éoreds.
A guard rushed in, interrupted her steady movement of brushing. "My lady, King Théoden requests your presence at court." He bowed politely.
Éowyn was surprised. Her uncle and Éomer had been actively denied her permission to participate in the court. They refused her any chance to fight Orcs with them. Politics and war are not of women's domain, they had said, and thus reduced her to running errands for them. She might be a Shieldmaiden of Rohan, respected by her people. However, her military practices and skills would not be employed during battles since she was restricted to keep the household in Edoras when her uncle, cousin and brother were out fighting Orcs.
She handed over the brush to the stable boy and followed the guard. She was still in her riding gear. Inappropriate to appear at the council but she couldn't care less. She was finding small ways to protest against tradition.
Surprisingly, the council members were not there in the Golden Hall; only Théoden with Éomer standing beside him. She eyed them with suspicion as she approached the King on the throne.
"You call for me, my lord?" Éowyn asked. Commonly there would be disapproval in their eyes when she subtly disobeyed the rules. Today, she found her uncle and brother were too troubled to comment on her appearance.
"Sister-daughter," Théoden got up from his throne and walked down the steps to stand in front of her. In his hand there was a parchment roll. "Rohan has an important task for you."
Théoden was mumbling, his face heavy with an unspoken burden. Éowyn frowned and looked at Éomer for clues. Her brother was staring at her with sorrow and hurt, something that she never saw on him so openly since the deaths of their parents. An restlessness settled upon her stomach.
Théoden took one of her hands. "The King of the Woodland Realm has demanded his tribute."
"How does that concern me when you have banned me from these matters?"
Rohan had too few soldiers to defend the borderline, therefore, an agreement was reached between Rohan and Woodland Realm that the Silvan Elves would take care of the Orcs on their side of the Great River, on one condition that Rohan paid tribute to them. It was usually the finest horses from Rohan with goods from Shire and Gondor. They did not know when they should pay unless there was an arrival of a parchment. Usually they paid yearly. This time it had been three years.
Théoden shook his head. His hand tightened on hers. "No phrase can reduce the pain of me to say this: the Elven King demand you as a tribute."
Shocked, Éowyn's heart dropped and she withdrew her hand like she had been touched by fire. "Nonsense!" She could not believe what she just heard. She took a step back from Théoden and turned to Éomer who had been silent all this time. "Say something, dear brother!"
"Éowyn!" Théoden hushed her and ordered Éomer to stay where he is. "This only thing I ask from you: answer the demand of King Thranduil. Fulfill your duty to your country."
"Duty!" Éowyn decried, "how many times have I been told to stay behind for it is my duty to Rohan, and now you wish to send me away for the same reason? Uncle, I have followed your every instruction. Why would you treat me like this? I refuse to accept. My place is with my people." She trembled coldly. As she spinned around to exit the Golden Hall, her path was blocked by two guards.
Théoden sighed heavily. "If you would not fulfill your duty for Rohan willingly, I shall make sure you do." The guards took her by the arms and escort her. Éowyn kicked and cursed. Her attempts to get free were futile. Give her a sword she can cut off their heads; yet she cannot fight against the brute force of men.
Utterly betrayed, she gave up when she was being tugged along the corridor. Her fierceness vanished and the guards easily locked her inside of her chambers. Éowyn stumbled onto the floor. From the lack of footsteps, the guards must still be outside. To keep me from escaping, she thought bitterly.
She did not know how much time had passed when there was a commotion beyond her door. "I wish to speak with my sister," a muffled voice said. Soon the barricade was removed and Éomer was let in. He rushed to her side with speed. "Sister, you must not sit on the stone floor. You could catch a cold."
"Leave me be, brother. None matters now." She said distantly. Éomer had watched idly during the exchange between her and their uncle. His silence hurt her like a spear to her heart. She stubbornly remained sitting there, turning her head away.
Éomer knelt and embraced her. "As your brother, you are my responsibility. I have tried to stop you from joining battles and I thought you were well-protected. And yet I cannot defend you at times like this. Oh my dear Éowyn, how our parents would condemn me for I have failed them and you!"
Since the deaths of their parents, Éomer was all she has. He had loved her and helped to make her a Shieldmaiden of Rohan. She returned the hug and set her face on his shoulder, tears threatening to fall. "Why did you not say a word?"
"We argued over you before he summoned you," Éomer sighed, "but I lost. He is our King. We must obey his orders and carry out our obligations to Rohan."
The convoy travelled to the junction of the rivers Anduin and Limlight without encountering any Orcs. The encampment was growing tense because in the afternoon they would meet with the Wood Elves for handover. The people were heartbroken and there were whispers of hatred towards the Elves as they had taken their precious Lady Éowyn.
"Fear not, people of the Mark," Éowyn was in her velvet blue gown with braided hair. She put on a brave face and addressed the convoy in the mess tent after breakfast. "The Elves are firstborn of Eru: honest and respectable. They have honored their part of the agreement, and so shall we."
The initial shock of the news was quickly replaced by acceptance. Éowyn understood the dilemma Rohan was facing - the increase of Orcs near Isengard had diverted their Éoreds from the East and recently the foul creatures were frequently spotted in Wold and Emyn Muil. They simply did not have enough riders to fight two fronts. Her purpose was to compensate the Elve's loss in protecting them. A Shieldmaiden, she was determined to serve Rohan and keep the peace among her people.
Tall and stern in royal elegance, she showed no weakness, not even to her kin.
When she retreated to her tent, Éomer was waiting for her. He was urgently needed at Helm's Deep but he was here to support her. He dressed in greyish tunic, a rare sight as he was always prepared for battles. His eyes saddened at her entry. "Éowyn," he wrapped his little sister tight in his arms. "I am to leave at noon."
"I understand," Éowyn sniveled. "We have duties to answer to."
Éomer choked out a faked laugh.
She shook her head. "See you on this side of the river later." Éowyn willed herself to detach from his warmth and smiled reassuringly. "My sword and dagger are with me. Godspeed."
Éowyn had been strong ever since she was considered part of the tribute. He would not allow affliction on their parting. Éomer fought the tear and gave a rigid nod. "Write to me if you can." Without looking back, he left his sister in the hands of the Elves.
Most of the convoys had departed with Éomer. The convoy leader who had handled previous handovers told her the standard procedure the night before. Two experienced scouts had crossed the river and they signaled the rest they saw the Elven escort coming from northeast. Éowyn calmly instructed the soldiers to line up the tributary horses and loaded wagons; on the inside she swallowed the rising panic.
Hearing the hooves of horses from the opposite bank, she stayed at the front of the line, in her hand a parchment. The Elves, about thirty of them, were riding towards them, led by an Elf on a white horse. Gold hairs shone under the sun and Éowyn was almost blinded by the glistens that she had to look away.
The Rohirrim convoy was in awe of their beauty, mixed with slight fear of the tales they have heard. The Elves were in simple riding gears in tunic and leggings. Éowyn shielded her eyes with the parchment. They dismounted and the Elf on the white horse was welcomed by the scouts. With a few words exchanged, the scouts were handed a full linen bag, and they were back on the horses to the encampment.
"Now?" Éowyn asked. She was feeling anxious because there could be no mistake. They could not risk spoiling their good relationship with the Woodland Realm.
The scout showed her the content of the bag. "My lady, this part of the river has a shallow depth. The horses can get across themselves. The wagons' loads are to be packed in these elven bags to repel the water."
Éowyn looked at the delicately sewed bags and nodded. "Do as they instruct," thus she went arranging the horses in line. The Elves on the other side whistled and called out some Elvish phrases. As if magic was at work, the stallions and mares cantered and reached the shore without harm. They soothed the animals gently. Éowyn was amazed by their ability to calm them. With the Elves' help, the twenty animals were on the other side.
The convoy had been busy with repacking the various goods. She pulled up her sleeves to help, stuffing the glassware and perfume bottles in the silk bags. Once it was done, the soldiers wiggled the wagons through the river. The wheels were fully under the flow. The water level was slightly below the broads and Éowyn watched with worry that the content might be soaked, but strangely the water ran on the silk surface like it was on metal. The goods remained dry throughout the short distance.
She mounted Windfola when the last wagon with a small chest of her belongings was ready to go.
The convoy leader bid her farewell. "Safe journey, my lady."
Éowyn whispered to herself, "Need not be afraid. You are a Shieldmaiden of Rohan." Then, under a whistle of the elves, the Windfola trotted into the water behind the wagon.
The Rohirrim soldiers left the wagons on the riverbank and sloshed back to the encampment. They were waving at her, shouting their goodbyes. She bit her lip to stop the tears and waved back when a hand on her reins startled her. She flinched away from the Elf who was standing next to Windfola.
"My apology to have disturbed you, my lady. I am Legolas, leader of this mission." It was the Elf that had spoken with her scouts. He dressed in dark green tunic with a brown light leather belt. He bowed to her with a hand on his chest. His eyes were as blue as the sky. He was bearing a bow and quivers, a pair of long knives hanging from his belt.
"I am a servant to the King, my lord. Please call me Éowyn." She came down from the horse. Now she was on the ground, she found Legolas tall as a tree with a hidden power inside his slender body. She had never been this close to an Elf; his handsome features stunned her and put her to shame. Lowering her eyes, she knelt as formality, but Legolas stopped her by holding her elbow.
"My lord - "
"There is no need for formality, lady Éowyn. You can soon rejoin your kin." He said gently. For reasons unknown to him, the lady was mournful. "I believe there is a parchment for us?"
"Yes, my lord." She handed the document to him, careful not to touch the Elf leader.
Legolas read the parchment and confirms with his escort the quantity of tribute. They went through the list quickly as Éowyn had supervised the process without error. She took pride in that when Legolas smiled satisfactorily. However, the smile of the Elf was gone instantly as he caught the last item. He frowned deeply - he couldn't believe what he was seeing. They were talking in Elvish that Éowyn did not understand.
"There must be a mistake," he muttered and called to Malgelir, a councilor at his father's court. "Come take a look and tell me my eyes are being cheated."
Malgelir looked young but carried a definitive air. He came and read the parchment. "There is no mistake, my Prince."
"How?" Legolas questioned pointedly and his eyes set on Éowyn. "How can my father demand the Lady of Rohan as his servant? Malgelir, are you informed about this?"
His silence answered for him and Legolas dismissed him. Malgelir bowed and resumed to duty. Some stallions were being tied to the wagons. She knew the content of the parchment and figured out what they were discussing. Tentatively Éowyn spoke. "My lord, the people of Rohan is grateful for the Elves' deed in defending our border. Your King has demanded my presence at his court and I willingly agree."
A realization hit Legolas; he looked at the encampment on the other side, where some of the soldiers were dismantling the tents. He turned to the fair Shieldmaiden of Rohan; she was pale with a distant coldness, yet fresh like a chilled spring. Her green eyes betrayed her nervousness. Blond hair was braided, some strands fallen down along her jawline. He pitied her for she was a captivating woman. Now, she was to serve his father as a servant and would be a subject of sneers at court.
"My father's demand is unfair to begin with." Legolas groaned with displeasure. When his eyes met hers, they were sympathetic. "I hope this would not put us in an uncomfortable situation, my lady."
His father? Just then Éowyn agnized that she had been talking to a Prince! "On this side of Anduin, I am just Éowyn - a humble servant to King Thranduil, Prince Legolas."
Legolas was not annoyed by her attitude, instead he nodded in understanding. "Then please call me Legolas, Éowyn. You might be a servant to my father, but to me you are a guest of the Woodland Realm." Without hearing her reply, he mounted his white horse and stopped by her side.
When the wagons were ready, Legolas invited her to ride at the front with him. She willed herself not to look back. When she could step on Rohan's soil again, she did not know.
Legolas looked at her with concern. "Éowyn?" It must be difficult for her to be included as a tribute and live with the Elves in the forest when she had spent her life in endless plains. Yet she had in possession tenacity and strength that few men could match.
"Let's go," she said, unwavering, hurried Windfola to follow Legolas and left her Kingdom behind.
After two days of slow marching they were at the edge of the Mirkwood. The sun was setting quickly, thus the escort decided to camp for the night. The Elves did not have tents: they simply rested on rocks and lie on grass. In groups they chatted and smoked, some were humming a soft tone. Éowyn found herself a spot near the wagons in the shadow, trying to avoid the Elves. Windfola was free of her rein and it was wandering around the camp.
Éowyn was hungry; in her pack there were dried meat strips and a full waterskin. The afternoon she rode next to Legolas and both had not made an effort to start a conversation. She was glad for the silence because it allowed her to keep her emotion in check. Every step towards the forest meant one more step away from her homeland.
Chewing the meat strip, melodious laughter from a group of Elves drew her attention. Just ten meters away, the Elves were pointing at the sky, naming stars and recalling tales of the First Age. Her eyes drifted to one of them - Legolas. The Elf Prince was sitting with young Elves with a smile, blue eyes sparkling like the stars above their heads. His blond hair was down, caressed by the breeze. Éowyn had heard about their breathtaking beauty. Truly they were magnificent; her cheeks blushed as she was embarrassed, feeling inadequate to their standard.
Too hard was her staring, for Legolas perceived her. He sat up and looked around and they locked eyes. Éowyn swiftly lowered her head and took a huge bite off the meat strip, pretending she was busy filling her stomach. The Elf thought she looked rather lonely and gloomy, being isolated and sitting by herself. Wanting to lighten her mood he went to her.
She nearly dropped the strip when Legolas plummeted next to her in a respectful distance. Elves were stealthy, she learned. Their feet bore no sound on the ground.
"You frightened me." She whispered, not wanting others to hear and thought that she was chicken-hearted.
"I apologize," Legolas said sincerely. It was not his intention to spook her.
It was endearing to see the strong Shieldmaiden to acknowledge she was frightened even for just a moment. It makes her more… human. He concluded. The women he had encountered were timid and seemed afraid of him, or their fathers and husbands would refuse to let him get close at all. Éowyn was different; for one, she spoke for herself and was not intimidated by the Elves. For the love of Valar, she even carried a sword with her! He doubted it was for ceremonial purpose.
He wanted to break the ice between them, so he invited her. "Why don't you join us? We would love to hear about Rohan, its tale and songs."
"There are too few interesting tales I can offer." Éowyn answered, fingers playing with the half-eaten meat strip. Under the moonlight her skin was extremely pale. She sounded impassive, hugging her knees to her chest, like a lost child trying to be strong so that the panic that's slumbering inside her wouldn't wake.
Liking grew in him. He wished to know more about her, to understand why she felt she must keep a facade to them, but he didn't want to give her pressure. "Maybe tomorrow?"
She searched his face for something that he didn't know, and for the moment he couldn't read her. When he thought she was going to reject the idea, she agreed curtly. "Tomorrow."
Legolas grinned broadly at his successful attempt to build a friendship. As he returned to his group, he reminded her. "You are welcome to join us at any time. We don't sleep as much as Men do."
Éowyn watched the Elf walked away. Her heart was beating too fast.
The night she slept without nightmares, a rarity since the passing of her parents. When Legolas woke her at the first light, she was reluctant to leave her bedroll. The Elves were ready to leave when Legolas led Windfola back to her. She quickly fastened her pack to the saddle.
"Did you have breakfast?" Legolas asked as they prepared to start the day. He handed her a piece of bread wrapped in leaf. "This is lembas, a type of bread we make for journeys. Just a small bite will fill your stomach for the day."
Éowyn said thanks and accepted the small bread. Under Legolas's encouraging smile, she nipped it and the savory taste spread on her taste buds. It was sweet with a unique taste that she had never had before. Her surprise must be amusing, as the Elf laughed warmly. Indeed as he said, the emptiness in her stomach was filled and she felt energetic.
"Is there magic involved when making these?" Éowyn wrapped the lembas with the leaf and tucked it safely in her pack.
"Elves do not do magic, Éowyn. We are simply blessed by the Valar for our special skills, like our keen eyesight and sensitive hearing. The recipe is orally passed down within Elves, never to outsiders." Legolas explained. With a simple whistle, his horse strode to the front with joyous gait, excited to return to the woods.
"I still have much to learn about the elvish culture and custom." Éowyn commented. Windfola had already gotten familiar with Legolas's horse that it needed no command to follow the stallion. The escort was steadily moving into the forest.
"We have two weeks before we reach the Halls. Let me tell you some of our way so that you would know what to expect." The Elf suggested and his face was complimented with the usual charming smile. Éowyn felt heat on her cheeks. She rapidly changed the subject to food and whatnot.
The canopy shaded them from the bright sun and the autumn wind was gentle on their skin. It was a fine weather to travel in and Éowyn had to admit she enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere. Talking with Legolas distracted her from overthinking what was waiting for her at the end.
"We enjoy the nature. That's why we are nicknamed Wood Elves. It comforts me to be with the trees. If chances allow, you must visit Lothlórien - they have built beautiful telain and the forest is golden this time of the year." Legolas described with delights. They had talked about festivals and military culture in the Woodland Realm. Then the Elf introduced some settlements that spread across the Mirkwood. When Éowyn mentioned Fangorn, a forest that the Rohirrim would not dare enter, Legolas spoke again of Lothlórien which was close to the Entwood.
"You have fond memories of that place." Éowyn observed.
"When I was young, I used to travel to Imladris and Lothlórien and stayed for several months." Legolas elaborated further. "I have made many friends in both places. The times spent with them were enlightening. I wished I would never leave that blissful golden forest."
"Something changed your mind."
"Then I wandered to lands beyond elvish dwellings. Shire, Harad, Gondor, and of course Rohan. I have met Hobbits, Dwarfs, Men, and many other creatures. The ways they live and endure hardship of life never cease to amaze me. They love with their whole hearts because of their mortality. It is a curse for them, but a blessing for some." Legolas recalled his mortal friends and how they had faded in battles or from old age. It never lessened the pain whenever one passed away. To him, each of them held a special place in his heart and one day he would carry their memories over to the Undying Lands.
Noticing the sorrow in his expression, Éowyn let the Elf recover at his pace.
They had been travelling for the morning and they stopped for the horses to rest. Éowyn spotted a bald hill on their far left. She pointed it out to Legolas.
"Why no tree grows there?"
"It is Amon Lanc. Many years ago evil things plague that hill and nothing grows. There is a medium elvish settlement at the foot of the hill. They have been helpful in scouting the Orcs movement for us."
"I must pay gratitude to them one day," Éowyn muttered to herself.
"We can visit them." Legolas suggested.
However, Éowyn declined civilly. "Thank you for the offer, but we must not delay so that your people can return to the family."
The Elf didn't press on the matter and began to teach her different trees and flowers they come across. The conversation continued well until the sun was falling behind the mountains. The escort had almost reached the narrow of the forest and they decided to rest for the day.
The Elves were at ease in the forest. Éowyn had got her pack and set Windfola free as previous night, knowing the animal would not stray far. Legolas waved at her.
"Come, Éowyn!" At his excited call, she walked to him at the bottom of a great oak. He saw her pack and took it over his shoulder with some struggle from Éowyn as she was not aware of his intention. His bright blue eyes shone under the setting sun.
Legolas looked up and she followed his glance - eight Elves had climbed and were sitting on the thick branches. Éowyn asked, "You are camping up in the tree tonight?"
"Join us, at least for the evening. If you want to stay on the ground with your bedroll, you need not worry. We still have watchers at night." Legolas quickly added.
"I will decide where I sleep later." Éowyn said. If she was going to live with the Elves, it was better to get used to their way as early as she could.
As Legolas wanted to help by boosting her up, Éowyn ignored him and had started climbing the giant truck. Within moments, she got to an unoccupied branch and settled there, feet dangling and her blue gown still in perfect shape. She leaned on the truck and grinned down at the Elf's astonished face. Some Elves among the crown laughed at him too.
"I should have never underestimated a Shieldmaiden of Rohan." Legolas said to himself after he jumped to the branch gracefully and sat next to her.
Their shoulders were brushing so she leaned further on the truck. The touch sent chill to her spine. "Do all Elves build flets?" Éowyn asked. She wanted to find out more about Legolas as he was the only one who had shown her kindness. Other Elves were polite to her but they tried to avoid her. It would be beneficial to befriend him, she explained to herself on her interest to be close to him. The Elf Prince's support would be useful in the future when she served at the court.
Legolas shook his head. "Imladris is situated in a valley while my father's Halls are in a cave system. However, not everyone is granted entry to the Halls. Most of us live in the woods around the capital. It is his palace for the nobility and court members in normal days, a fortress for all in difficult times. "
As they conversed, Éowyn soon felt sleepy. Some Elves had lain down and were singing a sweet Elvish tune. "It is a song about the calmness of living among the trees," Legolas whispered to her ear. The warm breath on her skin made her giggle. He was singing along with others.
"You have an amazing voice," she murmured, smiling while her eyelids were dropping against her will.
"Sleep, my lady Éowyn." An enchanting voice lured her to dreams. "I will keep you safe."
Éowyn woke at the chirps. There was a tiny pressure on her shoulder and her lazy eyes found a yellow warbler dancing along her arm. Someone had moved her during the night for she was now laying down flat, with three close and strong branches under her to uphold her weight. She had slept soundly and she had no idea who found her such perfect spot. Most Elves were gone from the tree, only two were here having breakfast. Éowyn looked around; her pack was hooked on a sprig.
On the ground, the Elves were preparing for the day ahead. Éowyn took the lembas out and nibbled on it, feeling refreshed. She tried to find Legolas from above, but with the tense canopy it was a challenging task. Disappointed, she tied the pack to her torso and climbed down.
Windfola trotted to her when she landed on the leafy ground. She mounted her and without being commanded, the horse walked to the front of the escort, right beside Legolas. Éowyn was slightly embarrassed by its behavior while Legolas did not mind at all; he enjoyed her company.
They were on the left side of the Mirkwood when they came to a lake. They stopped briefly at the Woodmen's Town. It was of similar size of Edoras with shops and small houses. The Chieftain was happy to see the Elf Prince and he wanted to invite them to stay the night at his Hall which was half day's travel away. By the time they got there, it should be nighttime. Legolas accepted gratefully, thinking that Éowyn could at least be in familiar company of Men. Having a roof over her head would also provide her some comfort, even though she slept like an Elf on the tree last night without trouble.
The escort carried on the route along the river. Their steady pace brought them to the Chieftain's Hall just after the darkness covered the forest. The Hall was a huge circular hut with wood fences to secure the perimeter. They left their horses and wagons outside. As leader, Legolas was busy talking with the Chieftain. Some senior members of the escort, like the captains and Malgelir, formed a tight circle around the Elf Prince. Éowyn knew her place so she stayed at the back.
They entered the Hall in two rows. Inside it was brightly lit with many candles. A long table for six was prepared at the centre, while some smaller tables were set on the sides. The Chieftain welcomed them to his humble Hall.
"Welcome, my lord. I have arranged meals for you and your guards. Please honor our presence and sit with us." The Chieftain walked to the central table with his wife. The senior members took their seats accordingly.
Legolas, however, was hesitant when he sat down. He had been distracted by the Chieftain and his pleasantry that he didn't notice Éowyn was no longer by his side. The lady was easily spotted for her raw beauty, pale like a lily in the bush of Elves. He found her at the farthest table near the entrance with five young Elves. Scanning her Elven companions, Legolas felt relieved; those younger Elves had more interactions with Men and they spoke better Westron. It shouldn't be a problem for them to get along.
The dinner went well; the Chieftain talked mostly about some recent developments of the Town and they were preparing for the winter. They discussed the possibility of a more frequent trade, which Legolas assured him he would deliver his message to King Thranduil. The meals were great with the mead. The table was filled with entertaining stories and adventures. Legolas drank from his cup and his eyes wandered to where Éowyn was. She was having a good time. Lagorúthben said something and she laughed: her eyes were bright with amusement and youth; she shone even brighter than Helluin! Something twinkled within him and he wasn't sure if it was the mead.
"My lord," Legolas jerked slightly at Malgelir's voice. "you should not be distracted."
"We are enjoying the hospitality the Chieftain has given us." Legolas said and downed another cup of mead.
"I concern not the table manner, but the woman from Rohan." Malgelir criticized. "You have grown close to her. It goes against your noble background."
"I can be friends with the blacksmiths and farmers, and not her?" Legolas countered. Malgelir was of old mind with his father, or even more extreme - they believed that Elves and Men should not mingle with each other unless in time of need. He knew Thranduil loathed to sign the agreement with Rohan, and only did so because of the increase of Orcs and to secure their borders from those disgusting creatures. The Rohirrim tributes were just bonuses.
"They fade easily and live only for a fleeting glimpse of life. Our kind should never mix with them. She will never be a match to any Elleth."
Legolas was not shocked by his distaste for Men. There were many Elves with similar opinions in their realm. The Elf Prince did not want to have an argument with him in front of the Chieftain, so he left the conversation at that. Malgelir knew Legolas's disagreement, but he had made himself clear and thus, turned to others for merry topics.
He looked at her again; Éowyn was having fun with the younger Elves, judging from her constant grins. Lagorúthben made a comment and the group erupted in laughter. Éowyn's cheeks were flushed with enjoyment. When she laughed like this, she reminded Legolas she was just a maiden of twenty-three. Days after, she was going to live in his father's Halls. She should experience the joy of the world it can offer, being cherished by someone who loves her, not wasting her life away serving the Elvenking. Legolas sighed deeply as he drained another cup, trying to numb the unknown heaviness in his chest.
The dinner drew quickly to an end as Legolas chatted and drank with others. The Chieftain's wife retired and was soon followed by her husband. The small feast continued a bit longer after that. Before midnight the servants cleaned the tables and cleared the Hall empty so that they could rest. Some Elves were resting, songs linger on their lips; on the opposite side some were talking quietly with cups in their hands, feeling the night was still young. Legolas excused himself and went to Éowyn.
She was alone sitting on the floor, back against the circular wall with her bedroll between the two groups of Elves. It seemed like she was sleeping. Her cheeks slightly were flushed due to the alcohol.
Éowyn muttered when Legolas settled down next to her. "Please, enjoy the evening with others."
The Elf said. "If you wish, I will go."
"I..." She stopped the mid-sentence, not sure how to explain. The tribute matter was confusing and trying. It was advantageous to have the Elf Prince as her ally; Éowyn was glad to be friends with him too. However, in her mind a dismay was warning her that this friendship would be a double-edged sword, for she felt the budding of a certain attraction to him.
No, she denied herself. I am in a trying situation and he shows me kindness. That's what noble people do, not because he likes you particularly. Perhaps he was betrothed, or there must be some gracile Elvish princesses waiting for him.
"The drinks exhaust me. Mayhaps we can continue the conversation tomorrow?" Éowyn finally risked a glance at Legolas. He was fidgeting with an empty cup.
"Of course. Goodnight." Legolas hastily replied when Éowyn fit herself into the bedroll. She turned to face the wall and listened to the footsteps walking away from her.
The next day the Chieftain bid them farewell. The escort set off mid-morning and they were slowly moving towards the old forest road. Unlike before, Éowyn stayed with the wagons in the middle because of the headache. She had had too many drinks at the dinner and the lembas could not help with that. The ten tankards of mead had beaten her while other Elves had consumed much more than that.
"Éowyn?" Lagorúthben walked on the ground instead of on horseback. He looked around nineteen years old in Men with dark brown hair and grey eyes, but she learned from last night that one thousand fifty years had already passed for him. He was considered young with that age and still a junior soldier in the guards.
"A mild headache. I see that you are not affected at all." Éowyn joked despite the sickness.
Last night before the dinner, she was worried she could not be at ease with the Elves. Lagorúthben and his friends proved otherwise; they were friendly and mellow and the night was joyous for her. Their terrible jokes and banters brought smiles to her face. At that moment, she could forget about why she was there in the first place.
"Mead is just flavored water for us. I will leave you be." The Elf smiled and patted Windfola, "take care of your mistress." He then rejoined his friends at the back.
She looked up and found the familiar figure on the white horse. Legolas sat tall and a captain was by his side at the front. The Elf Prince had not asked her to ride with him today and she couldn't help but feel disappointed. Had he grown tired of her company already? Or her refusal to talk last night discouraged him? Éowyn hissed when another dull pain hammered at the back of her head.
She was left alone for the rest of the morning to dwell on the conflicted feelings and thudding headache until they reached the old forest road. It was regularly used for transportation and travellers and the canopy was slightly thinned along the road. The escort had no intention to follow it but to cross and reach the upper part of the Mirkwood. Then they would turn slightly northeast once they passed the Mountains and headed straight to the Elvenking's Halls.
The sunlight hit her gently and brushed away the hangover. Éowyn breathed deeply, the freshness of the forest cleansed her troubled mind. She started to understand the Elves' love for nature now.
The calming quietness was disturbed when Éowyn was in the middle of the road. Suddenly panic spread among the horses. They were out of control that even the Elves couldn't make them obey. Windfola was thrashing and Éowyn tried to hold on the reins and navigated; but the animals were under foul spell that made them mad. The Elves were shouting and to their great surprise, small darts were flying towards them from all directions.
"Take cover! There is danger lurking by this road!" Malgelir yelled and they quickly hurried the remaining animals and the wagons off the road to retreat into the woods.
Éowyn drew her sword and tried to control Windfola at the same time. However, it reared up and she was thrown off and landed heavily on her side. Windfola and some free horses ran into woods ahead of them and out of their sights.
"Windfola!" She shouted at the fading hooves, scrambling to rise and find a hiding place. She fell again when a dart hit her left thigh, a numbness began to develop. A strong hand held her up from the dusty ground and dragged her up to his horse.
"Éowyn!" Legolas had come to her immediately when the horses behaved abnormally, afraid that harm might catch her. His heart skipped a beat when he saw her fall.
"I am fine," Éowyn replied instantly but she hissed when she mounted. Legolas urged his horse and followed the escort.
Legolas picked up hints of footsteps around the trees in the shadows. His horse knew the enviroment and led them to regroup with the others. There were rumors of foreign bandits in some places but he had not expected them here in the Mirkwood and attacked them in a road used by many. The soldiers have found a clearing and formed a circle with the wagons in the center, taking cover behind rocks and trees. The scouts had climbed up for a better view of their enemy. Legolas dismounted and helped Éowyn down. In one hand his long knife, he tugged Éowyn as they sought cover among the trees.
"I can walk on my own." Éowyn argued. There was a blinding pain on her left thigh and hip but she managed to match his pace. The Elves were swift and she would not slow them down. Still, Legolas had not let her go until they found a spot behind a large rock with bushes.
"Stay still," the Elf Prince whispered into her ear.
He pulled his bow with an arrow and aimed outward, ready to shoot. They were so close that she could see the twitching of his pointy ears; when the air was stiff, Legolas shot the first arrow and others followed. For two rounds of arrows, there were bodies dropping to the ground nearby. Legolas held up his hand to signal the soldiers to stop. He listened intensely for any movement of the enemy and found none. He then walked out with Malgelir to inspect the casualty.
The captain reported, "There were sixteen Men. No identification on them, look like Men from Harad."
Legolas made a quick decision. They did not know if there were more of them. "Let's bury them quickly and move on. We must not linger and will be safer past the Mountains." He then asked Malgelir, "how many horses do we have left? Is any of us hurt?"
"Forty. All wagons are attended, so we have just enough for each of us. Some suffers minor scratches. We are ready to move."
All was done in speedy silence. He went back to Éowyn and found Lagorúthben was trying to help her with clumsiness. She pushed the young Elf's hands away. "I said I am fine!" She protested angrily but she staggered when she stood.
"But Éowyn, you are hurt!" The young Elf argued.
Thinking how headstrong the Shieldmaiden was to refuse help, Legolas caught her waist to steady her. Éowyn grumbled and shot both of them a deadly glare. "Take your hands off me."
Lagorúthben was afraid to offend her further so he returned to his horse without a word. Some Elves had already set off with the wagons. There was no time for argument so Legolas carried Éowyn in bridal style; it surprised her that she yelped, yet she swallowed her pride when her left side was touched. The dart was still embedded in her flesh and the pain was worsening. By the time the Elf had laid her down on the wagon, she was sweating and panting hard. With great difficulty, she wriggled to move further inside and sat between the wooden chest of her belongings and the silk bags.
The annoyance inside him died when he saw Éowyn was trying to withstand the pain. Her skirt sweep was torn and revealed her underskirt. The braided hair was disheveled. She looked vulnerable despite her fierce eyes and set jaw. In the mix of pity he felt, there was admiration, but also something else he couldn't pinpoint. Carefully he pulled the hem of the gown down so that it covered her boots. He said to her, not allowing room for discussion. "We don't have healers in the escort. Let me take a look at your wound. We will get you proper treatment once we get to the Mountains."
Knowing that she couldn't hide it from the Elf, Éowyn nodded with defeats. Legolas ordered a soldier to take his horse as he got on the wagon. The wagons and the rest of the Elves continued their journey with a faster tempo.
"I am afraid I have to… touch you, Éowyn." Legolas said shyly, thinking that touching a lady in that area was inappropriate even though he was healing her. Éowyn was not troubled by it as she leaned weakly on the chest. Her left side of her lower body was burning. Sweats soaked through her gown and she felt she was going to pass out.
"Do what you must," Éowyn's eyes closed on their own. "The dart might be poisonous; I think I am going to faint."
"Do not fall asleep, Éowyn." Legolas called her softly and inspected the wound. If there was poison on the dart, it must be removed immediately.
She suppressed a cry when he pulled out the dart. As they feared, there was a black smear at the tip. The Elf smelt it and sighed in relief.
"It is an anesthetic extract from the big spiders that live in the forest. As far as I know, it only causes you unconsciousness without side effect."
"Good," Éowyn was alleviated.
Before she fell into the effect of the anesthetic, Legolas handed her a piece of lembas and a waterskin. She took them with shaky hands. The magical bread provided little improvement but at least her stomach was not groaning and the water moisted her dry lips.
"I need to lift your gown to see for any other injury." Legolas hesitantly said, "You fell hard when Windfola was out of control."
"My left side is burning in ache." Éowyn admitted with a hurt in her pride. She was born of the land of horses and she was supposed to be a horse-master. Instead she was thrown off and injured herself in the process. "I understand what you must do. My reputation will not be damaged just because an Elf has touched me for I require healing."
Her words gave him confidence. Knowing that she didn't feel disrespected, Legolas cautiously lifted up her torn gown and underskirt. His breaths hitched when he caught the giant bruise forming on her pallid and svelte thigh.
"Is it bad?" Éowyn asked feebly for the poison was taking her mind. Strength had left her and she was on the edge of sleep.
The dart had opened a small wound and it was covered with some blood and remains of the poison. He emptied the content of a silk bag and tore it into strips. Soaked one in water, he cleaned the wound with tender hands. Legolas cursed in Elvish when he determined that he needed to squeeze her flesh to pressure the poison out from the wound. Éowyn moaned at the dull pain but she did not stop him. When he deemed that all the poison had been pressed out, he looked at Éowyn for signs of discomfort. Turned out she had already fallen asleep.
Legolas silently dressed her wound and pulled the gown back down. He looked at her with newfound admiration. Of course he had heard about the ferocity of Shieldmaidens of Rohan. They were trained to defend their home and could fight side by side with their male counterparts. Had she been out at the front fighting Orcs with her kindred? Was that why she has not flinched in previous conflict with the bandits and was familiar with injuries and pains?
After a full night of marching they reached the Mountains. They decided to stop by a small Elven village at the foot of the Mountains at northwest. Éowyn slept the entire night and Legolas made sure she stayed warm.
She was woken by the Elf; he informed her the villagers had arranged her to the healing talan. The flets were well-hidden that Éowyn did not aware of the village and its residents until Legolas pointed them out. They felt more secured up in the trees. The horses and the wagons would have to stay on ground.
Éowyn grunted as she eased herself out of the wagon. Legolas expressed his appreciation to the Head of the village for his effort to accommodate them in short notice and enquired about healers. The Head must have noticed Éowyn, a woman out of the company of Elves and how she is limping, and had fetched an experienced healer for her.
Ladders made of ropes and twigs were let down from the flets. Éowyn was approached by Legolas when she hobbled, supporting herself on the wagon.
"I cannot carry you up there." He helped her to one of the ladders and said regrettably. "Maybe we can pull a rope around your middle - "
"There is no need," Éowyn answered firmly.
She might be in pain but she was not weak. Also she felt better after a night of rest. With determination, she took a tentative step up the ladder. She balanced her weight on her right foot and pulled herself up. It lessened the burden on her left and made it easier to climb. When she finally reached the flet of twelves metres height, her body was overworked. Luckily, there was an Elf lady who took her hands and hauled her into the wooden platform.
"Thank you." She panted and moved to give space when Legolas was right behind her.
"Aelhel at your service, my lord, my lady." The Elleth bowed to Legolas and guided Éowyn to lay her head down on a cotton pillow.
"Healer Galassiel is coming, Éowyn." Legolas soothed gently, but he was nervous on the inside for her current state.
Éowyn nodded an acknowledgement for she was spent. Not long an Elf with a older look of wise aura appeared from the edge of the flet, carrying a small pouch with her, bottles creaking within. Galassiel was instantly by her side and handed over the pouch to Aelhel, who pocketed out vials and bundles of various leaves.
"What happened?" Galassiel asked.
"She fell down from a horse and was hit by a dart smeared with sedative, an extract from the big spiders. I have removed the dart and cleared the wound the best I can." Legolas presented the dart to her. She inspected it closely and found it true about the sedative.
"I have to lift your gown up," Galassiel said, her hands resting on the hem of her dress. She turned to Legolas with harsh eyes. "Would you give her lady some privacy?"
Legolas apologized sheepishly, "I will leave right now." and vanished within seconds.
Aelhel comforted her when the older Elf drew her gown and underskirt up. "Do not worry, my lady. You are in good hands." A knife was produced from the pouch and the gown was cut open to above waistline.
"Oh Valar!" Gasps Galassiel; there was an enormous dark purple bruise covered her entire upper thigh and left hip. The makeshift dressing Legolas applied earlier was soaked with sweats and blood.
She cut the silk strip and was happy that the wound was clear of poison. Under her instruction, Aelhel put on a healing salve on the wound and replaced a clean dressing.
Flowery scent flowed through the flet Galassiel she opened one vial and poured the transparent oil in her palms. She robbed her hands to heat them. "For a faster recovery, I must apply this oil to the affected area. It will be awfully agonizing, but the bruise will fade after a day's time."
"Do it," Éowyn wanted to regain her strength as quickly as possible. She asked. "Do you have something I can bite onto?"
"Here." Aelhel put a silk-wrapped twig in her mouth and wiped the sweats on her forehead away.
Éowyn nodded at Galassiel and mentally prepared herself when the healer rubbed the oil on her thigh; instead of heat, a waves of icy coldness invaded her veins and bones. She tried to keep still as Galassiel worked in circles, from her knee to her hip. However, the frost created greater pain than she had ever undergone. She screamed and bit hard onto the twig, nails clawing on the flet floor. In normal circumstances, she would not allow herself to utter a sound. Yet, she couldn't care if the Elves heard her shrieks. The dreadful chill reached within her chest and gripped her heart. In the last moment of her consciousness, she was struggling to breathe and the next, she passed out.
Legolas's heart sunk when he heard her heart-breaking screams. Malgelir was also there with him and he advised the Elf Prince not to go unless there was news from the healer.
"She is a brave woman," Malgelir said as he had observed how drawn Legolas was to the human. The Prince had stayed with her the whole time and checked on her constantly. He could smell the dangers that woman could bring to the court.
Legolas did not wish to discuss about Éowyn with him for he did not know where his loyalty lied. Upon his father's request, Malgelir would report every single detail to him. He did not want the Elvenking to know about his fond feelings for the lady.
"How do our soldiers fare?"
"The villagers have arranged telain for us. We all agree that we should rest for a day and ride tomorrow." Malgelir said.
"Most horses we lost are from Rohan's tributes. Once we return to the Halls, we ask settlements to look them out for us. We need to send a message to Edoras; the horses could run back to their homeland."
"Of course, my Prince."
Legolas swallowed hard; as much as it pained him to hear her scream, there hadn't been any movement from the healing talan. Had something happened to her? Even though some residents had engaged him in conversation about news from the Halls, his mind often drifted back to the hurt Shieldmaiden and was always listening to the tiniest sound. When the sun was about to set, the healer-in-training came to him.
"My lord," Aelhel reported, "Master Galassiel has tended her lady's injury. Do you wish to see her?"
"I will come with you," Legolas followed the Elleth to the talan.
On the talan, a screen had been set to block out the wind. Galassiel was preparing something on a small table at the corner. Aelhel went to help her master and Legolas sat by Éowyn silently as not to wake her from her rest.
In the middle, Éowyn was laying down on her right side in a elvish white dress, slightly too big for her size. Her blond hair was loosen, spreading on the floor. She looked too pale. The bloodless lips and cheeks scared him.
Legolas held his breath when Éowyn's eyelids fluttered and her eyes slowly opened. He leaned over her. There was confusion in the green eyes and they settled on him. Tardily she slurred. "Éomer?" Her hand touched his face and he enveloped it with his.
He said softly, shaking his head. "I am Legolas, the Elf from Woodland Realm."
"Oh…" She frowned at him, muddiness slowly replaced by realisation. Her cheeks were pinkish now due to the embarrassment of mistaking the Elf for her brother. "Have I slept long?"
"Only an afternoon has passed." He started to move so that the healer could take a good look at her, but Éowyn held onto his hand. His heart softened at her pleading eyes.
Galassiel asked, "Do you remember how you got here, lady?"
"We were crossing the old forest road when we were ambushed. I fell down from my horse and a dart hit me." She answered after some moments to recollect her memory.
"Good. After a throughout inspection, no bone is broken. Prince Legolas did a good work on pressing the poison out before too much is in your system. However, many blood vessels burst underneath. The oil I applied has healed them at the price of great agony, but you will recover much faster. In fact, most of the bruise has faded already." Galassiel smiled motherly at Éowyn and she returned the gesture with gratitude. Then the healer turned to Legolas. "The lady is good to travel tomorrow. I would suggest to avoid horse-riding and stay on the wagon for the rest of the journey. You should get a healer to declare her health later."
"I understand."
"Since you do not have a healer in your escort, I will prepare enough salve for a week for the wound. The dressing needs to be changed everyday with new salve. I entrust you with this."
She gave him instruction on the salve's value and its application. The Elf accepted this task without complaint. Galassiel went on the preparation of the medicine with Aelhel.
"Can I get anything for you?" Legolas asked. Their hands were still linked and he felt warmth returning to her body.
Éowyn smiled mischievously. "It is funny, isn't it?"
"What is?" The Elf was baffled.
"I am supposed to be the servant, but now our position is reversed."
"Oh." Legolas raised an eyebrow on her comment. He teased her, sensing she was somehow in good mood. "Does that give you pleasure to think that I would fetch water and food to you like a handmaiden? And would you like me to help you in the morning, to remove your nightgown and dress you in fine silk?"
The scene rapidly visualised itself in her head and sent heat to her belly; she had never allowed handmaidens in helping her attire and she had only imagined to do such thing with her lover. She knew Legolas was only teasing her, still she wondered how it would be to be with an Elf as kindly as him.
Éowyn stopped her train of thought. For a moment she had forgotten her place. When she woke up she thought she was back in Edoras with Éomer. In a brief second of weakness she desired the company of Legolas, who had treated her with benevolence and sweetness. He was trustworthy. Legolas was her friend when she had no one at her side. She did not want to spoil that. Everything would change if she initiated something more.
"No." She let go of his hand. She felt cold instantly but she showed no sign of it. "It doesn't give me pleasure to see you in that position. I don't think I need anything right now."
Legolas was dejected and awkward by her refusal, thinking he had crossed the line. Eowyn curses at herself inside because she had ruined the mood. They exchanged no more words until Galassiel couldn't stand the strange muteness between them and ordered Legolas to leave if they were just going to stare at each other for the rest of the night.
"Aelhel will see to her needs," she hushed the Elf Prince.
Legolas stole a glance towards Éowyn who smiled at him reassuringly. Seeing that the healers would look after her, he retreated to his talan. The night was moonless and the stars were lustrous to his elvish eyes. He said thanks to Valar reticently for Éowyn was safe.
Éowyn received great care from Aelhel and Galassiel. With delight she woke. She expected soreness from her side but there was none. Curiously she lifted her dress up and was surprised with the absence of purple-blueness like a bruise would after a day. Instead, it was in the color of yellow and it was much smaller. She marvelled at effectiveness of elven healing.
Aelhel prepared breakfast for her and she ate hungrily. It had been some days that solid food entered her belly.
The escort prepared to move, so Éowyn refreshed herself and let her hair loose in Rohirric style. Her blue gown was ruined and Aelhel had changed her into this elvish white dress. The bust line was too low compared to what she usually wore. She planned to get a thick coat from her chest later.
With slight discomfort from her thigh, Éowyn climbed down the ladder and joined the Elves. There was a presence behind her. She tilted her head back and Legolas was walking towards her.
Legolas had been busy in the morning to arrange the wagons and asked some villagers to deliver messages for him to other settlements. When his eyes found Éowyn, he couldn't take them away: in an elvish dress, she looked like an Elleth with her waves of hair and slender figure. The river of gold hair flapped in the wind. She was beautiful and had taken his breaths away.
He approached her slowly to imprint this scene forever in his memory. Éowyn turned to meet his eyes and her smile was bright.
She lowered her head to show respect. "Legolas, I am greatly in debt to you."
"You owe me nothing, Éowyn. I helped because you are my friend."
"Are we?" Éowyn's eyes were cast down. "Are we friends?"
"Of course. I don't want you to think otherwise." Legolas quickly added. He didn't think of her as a servant as his father intends. To him, she was a respectable lady regardless of her supposed position in the Elvenking's court.
Éowyn should feel glad that the Elf Prince considered them as friends but she couldn't lift her spirit. It sounded to her that he denies her other possibilities beyond friendship - and did she want to get more than that? Why her mind always drifted to such thought?
She composed herself and smirked. "You are my first Elf friend."
"I am sure you will get more once you arrive at the court." Legolas said. He held out his arm and she took it. They walked to the wagon and listening to the healer's advice, Éowyn sat on it instead of riding. Without much ado, they set off again towards the Elf-path and from there to the Elvenking's Halls.
The rest of the journey was uneventful. Since Éowyn was advised not to ride, she barely had time to talk with Legolas like before, with him being at the front to lead the escort. But sometimes he would fall back to chat with her. Lagorúthben and his friends kept her company during the day, when Legolas would sit and sleep next to her by night.
They reached the Elf-path without any danger, though Legolas warned her against the Enchanted River. It would put them to sleep if they drank or bathed in it, and they would not remember what had happened. Eowyn bore his advice to heart and stayed away from the water when they crossed it with the boat there.
Her wound healed fast and the bruise was nearly gone. She was no longer sore so sometimes she would walk to work on her legs. Legolas took the healer's instruction to heart and intended to change the dressing for her. It was only that she insisted she could handle that herself he gave up and let Éowyn do her own changing.
The Elvenking's Halls and the city was only a day's journey away. The escort camped for the last night. The Elves sang merry songs and recited poetry. They were excited to return home. For one night, they set a fire in the middle of a clearing because they knew they are safe. The bandits would not go this far into the Mirkwood. Éowyn and Legolas sit together under a nearby tree as they watched others enjoying the evening. She leaned back against the tree truck, hugging her knees closer to her. She had put on a brown form-fitting coat over the white dress. To the Elf, it complimented her body perfectly.
The journey had been pleasant with the exception of the skirmish and getting hurt, but she was regarded as a companion of equal status by most of the soldiers. Surely she had not missed the indifferent attitude from some of the older Elves, especially Malgelir. With every day closer to the Halls, reality began to haunt her and a nervousness grew stronger within.
"What are you thinking?" Legolas asked.
They had grown closer these few days and their conversation had been nothing but delightful. However, since growing up and living in the dominance of men, she had learnt not to show weakness. "Even if you are afraid, hold your head high." Théodred had said to her when she first received sword training. "Never let your enemy know your fear." But Legolas was not her enemy… was he?
"I… worry about things," she said vaguely. At the Elf's blank expression, she felt the unspoken pressure to elaborate. "I do not know what to expect."
Legolas looked at her; the moonlight embraced her profile. It was sharp but her eyes were soft. Éowyn was still in her early womanhood, young in the age of human and even younger compared to him. She was scared about the unforeseeable future. He wanted to comfort her, though he also saw it grimly. Therefore, he opted to be honest with her.
"It will not be easy living in the court," Legolas said, "there are many Elves that follow strictly the traditions of Eldar. They would despise you, for they regard Men as lower race. They might humiliate you in subtle ways. They could pick on you even though you are right. But there are also those who are more liberal, Elves who have lived among Men and respect them. They will welcome you like a friend, or perhaps even accept you into their family. At the very least, you have me."
He then took her hand. He stared into her big, stunned eyes sincerely. "You can come to me whenever you need." Her hand was smooth but there were callous spots from the training and hard work she had done. Slim and bony her fingers were, and her grip was strong and powerful.
Éowyn was speechless at his candid promise. His eyes were like the sky of Rohan in summer, purely blue. She swallowed hard to restrain a urge within to lean closer. He thinks of me only as a friend. Maybe in their culture, physical touch was not considered indecent when it came to friendship between Elf and Elleth. She shall not be tricked by her confusion of goodwill as affection.
"Thank you," she said. "I hope it wouldn't come to that."
His chest tightened when Éowyn withdrew her hand from his.
The next day Éowyn was restless. Last night her conversation with Legolas had sent her into a sweet dream. However, when they reached the bridge that crossed the forest river, she could see the gate of the Halls. All made of stones, the staircase led to the huge door. The Elves at the Halls were aware of their arrival as the door was opened from the inside. Legolas dismounted and walked in with the parchment, Malgelir followed right behind. At first the Elf Prince wanted to hand the document to Malgelir and let him handle the rest; he wished to introduce Éowyn to the place. However, the councilor importuned he must report to the King first as propriety required. Under the sharp eye of Malgelir, Legolas had no choice but to do so.
The Elves paid no attention to Éowyn as they worked. Some servants came out and took the silk bags into the Halls. They ignored her as if she was invisible. They would not meet her eye nor say any greeting. The empty wagons and horses were led by some of the soldiers to the upper North settlements across the river.
Éowyn did not help, thinking she was not under any command to do so. Deep down, there was a bitter symbolism in helping them unload. It would feel like she was voluntarily giving herself up to the Elves.
The Elves had taken all the silk bags inside and her chest was left alone. She would have to carry it herself. She did not mind since she required little assistance when she was in Edoras in her daily chore.
She dragged the chest to the ground and towards the door. The stairs gave her a challenge but she managed just the same. Luckily she had not put much into the chest other than necessity. She was the last one to enter. The door closed behind her by the guards' magical chants. The thump nearly made her jump.
The entryway was a doom with three passages on the opposite of the gate, patterns were carved on the stone as decorations. There were lamps on the walls and some Elves carried a lantern staff. They worked systematically, sorting out silk bags and grouping them into five piles promptly. Then, they carried them in their arms and set off into different entrances, at the front there was an Elf to light the way for them.
Utterly lost, Éowyn watched them leave in line. One by one they disappeared into the dark passages, and she was there, alone in the chamber. She had slowly refortified the walls around her as they travelled further into the Mirkwood. No matter how much mental preparations she had done, she had never felt so hopeless in her life.