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Barren
By Eugena
Rating: T
Gimli and Legolas visit Éowyn after the war of the ring. Gimli/Éowyn friendship.
After the war of the ring, Gimli, son of Gloin, insisted that he and his friend Legolas visit the Shieldmaiden of Rohan. Gimli was anxious to see his old friend, one of the few women friends he made during the warring days.
Legolas was reluctant, but he did not admit that it was because of his old prejudice; he didn't like men, with the exception of Aragorn Elessar, who was more like an elf. There was always a reason to Eru's ways. Men were the Second Children, gifted with death. Legolas never understood why death was a gift, but he never questioned Eru. His father did not believe in having mortal friends: grief over their deaths was costly. "Save yourself the pain, son," he had told him once.
"Why do you wish to see her, Gimli?" he asked. "She's married now. I'm certain she's alright."
"Aye, Faramir can take care of her. I just wanted to see her. Everyone else has been so busy visiting Aragorn and Arwen that I wanted to make sure to see her myself."
"If you wish, Gimli. I will go with you."
"Do not tell me you don't want to see her."
"She is a mortal we've met on the way, Gimli, nothing more."
"I am mortal, too, Master Elf, but dwarves live longer than men. You befriended Aragorn, but he has long life in his veins. Is that why you don't like other mortals, Legolas, because they die? What would be the harm in making more friends? Éowyn saved all of us when she destroyed the Witch King. It almost cost her life."
Rohan was as any other city of that day: scarred, but on its way to recovery, not only the city, but its people. Gimli and Legolas, were welcomed as old war heroes. King , Éomer was due to return any day. His wife remained in Rohan along with Éowyn. Faramir was away in a campaign.
"How fares the White Lady these days?" Gimli asked one of the men.
"Our Great Lady is always the defender of our people," he answered.
"Well, Legolas, I am going to see our old friend."
"See your old friend, Gimli. I will be around."
"Very well, Master Elf."
While his friend visited the Shieldmaiden, Legolas sat alone where Éowyn had stood to sing at Theodred's funeral. His memory returned to the War of the Ring, remembering all of the battles, and trembling at the Black Gate. He trembled not for himself, but for the fate of the entire Middle Earth if Frodo failed. Even if he had sacrificed his life, as long they saved Middle Earth, his sacrifice was not in vain. Not since the days of Isildur did Elf and Man fight in such an epic quest.
Perhaps Man is worth caring for, he thought, beyond the regard I have been giving them.
Éowyn saved all of us when she destroyed the Witch King. Gimli's words returned to him.
Would an elf have dared to face the Witch King?
Women of the world of Men were never expected to be warrior, and certainly not to have Éowyn's courage. Legolas wondered if Éowyn was enjoying her new life in Rohan. Surely she was, she was married. Why did Gimli want to see her? She was fine. Éowyn had married Faramir after Aragorn and Arwen got married. Thinking back, he remembered Éowyn's advances toward Aragorn. At times, Aragorn subtly encouraged it. This brave warrior, though not of Numor, was a woman. She did not have to worry about Elven kin leaving for the Grey Havens. Gimli once suggested to Aragorn that he talk with Éowyn, so that she would know of his devotion to Arwen. Did she marry Faramir as a second choice? Legolas never warned her about Arwen, even though he could see her admiration for Aragorn. She had saved all of their lives; perhaps he did owe her a visit.
