A smile played across his face as he sat up, brushing long strands of dark hair out of his eyes. Aragorn glanced at the sleeping figure beside him; a maiden, her golden locks splayed across the pillow, her pale skin in stark contrast to the earthy green blanket which covered her naked form. He felt happy, for the first time in what felt like eternity, and he felt loved. Eowyn loved him, unconditionally and with all of her heart, and however content she made him feel, he knew inside that he could never love her with the same wholeheartedness. But for that moment, after talking for hours upon end in the musky stable, Aragorn was carried away by the desire to feel loved, and allowed himself to fall, accidently, in love with one who he could never truly love.
It was that night that everything changed.
Aragorn had untacked his chestnut mount with practised hands, placing the heavy leather saddle and bridle on the stable door with ease, and slid the iron bolt across in the lock. He found himself compelled to find Eowyn, to talk to her, though what to say he did not know. Predictably, she stood in the armoury, gazing upon the skilfully forged iron blades that hung proudly in rows. Their encrusted hilts and carved elvish sheaths indicated high quality. She often came here, to admire the works of iron and bronze, and to practise – Eowyn could wield a sword was as much skill as any man, and with more than most. Aragorn had always affectionately referred to hers as 'The shieldmaiden of Rohan', teaching her himself more often than not, and relishing every moment they spent together clashing swords. But today was different. Today Aragorn longed to be loved as he had once loved another. Leading Eowyn by the hand, he took her away from the city and the smell of horses and leather, out into the open hillside where the air was fresh and clean. It was only half a mile, but they felt free; away from the burdens and expectations, alone, where they could truly be themselves. Aragorn turned to the girl he had known since she was a child and kissed her, gently, with his lips finding hers as if by instinct, as if it were natural. Her fingers found their way to the lacing on his cotton shirt, and deftly slipped the knots undone, pulling the tunic over his head in one swift movement. Playfully, he grasped her hair, tugging the golden locks and laughing like a child. Eowyn caught sight of the sparkling pendant swinging at his neck and grabbed at it, the chain unfastening easily in her grip. Jewel in hand, she ran, giggling in triumph, back towards the city, yet not so entranced in this game that she ran through the front gate. Instead she made her way through the gardens which led directly to her chambers, so that no one might see their return. With Aragorn in hot pursuit, she burst in through the door, the pendant slipping through her fingers as she did so. It landed on the wooden floor, a way off, but the couple were too preoccupied to notice or care, and fell laughing onto the bed to enjoy a night of guilty pleasure in one another's arms.