Disclaimer: I own nothing to do with Lord of the Rings or the characters. This story is purely for fun.

This was written for a challenge on I know Aragornmarried Arwen and Eowynmarried Faramir, but I always think that there was something more between Aragorn and Eowyn. This story reflects that.

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Love Hurts

She stood alone in the garden, the moon bathing her in a pool of light, giving her a somewhat ghostly appearance. The man paused, and watched her for a moment before making his presence known, quietly appreciating the beauty of the sight before him.

Her head fell forward and her shoulders started to shake ever so slightly. Concern gripped him and he moved forward quickly, speaking as he did so, "Eowyn, why are you here at this time of night?"

Eowyn spun around at the sound of his voice, her golden hair flying as she moved. Her face bore the traces of tears, the sight of which only made him worry more, "What is wrong Eowyn, what has upset you so?" he reached her and took her hands in his.

"Aragorn," she said falteringly, "It is nothing, just a moment of weakness." She was mortified that she had been caught having an emotional moment.

"A moment of weakness!" he teased gently, "that is not like you Eowyn, is it nerves about tomorrow, it is a big day for you, a wedding is a grand occasion, especially when you are marrying the Steward of Gondor," Aragorn hid the pain he felt as he spoke the words about Eowyn marrying another.

If it was possible, her face turned even paler and she avoided looking him in the eye. He frowned and gently tipped her face up to his with his hand, "you are happy about tomorrow are you not? Faramir is a good man and he loves you," the words almost stuck in his throat.

"Yes, he loves me," she sighed heavily "but…." her voice trailed off.

"but what?" he asked gently, "you do love him?" it was a question he wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer to.

Eowyn boldly stared into Aragorn's eyes, "Yes I love him Aragorn, but I'm not in love with him," she lowered her head again, and said some words so softly he had to strain to hear, "once a heart is given, it cannot be taken back."

His own heart broke in two at her words, "Oh Eowyn, you know it cannot be," he breathed, 'however much I would wish it so." Her head jerked back up at his words, he could deny it no longer, "I do love you Eowyn, and if I could make you mine tomorrow I would, but I am bound, bound by a foolish promise," his last words were bitter and he looked away from her.

"Promises must be kept Aragorn, duty comes before love. You will do your duty and I will do mine, but know this my love for you will never die," Eowyn stepped away from him, he reached his hand out and tried to stop her but she shook her head and with a sad smile she said "Goodbye my love."

Aragorn watched as she walked away from him, his heart heavy with sadness, what could have been, what should have been, could not be.