Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing related to the Lord of the Rings

xXx

Why are you doing this?

Eowyn…

The war lies in the East. You can not leave on the eve of battle! You cannot abandon the men.

Eowyn, why have you come?

Do you not know?

Aye, I knew. I could deny it no longer. When first I laid eyes on the White Lady of Rohan I felt something for her. In her coldness and her grief it seemed her spirit cried out to mine. As fair and as beautiful as the spring sunshine was young Eowyn, and yet she had courage and could wield a blade as well as any man. She was wise for her years. She understood what is was to live on the edge of war every day, and yet she did not cower from it. She would not play the role of the weak and feeble maiden. Nay, I knew one day her valour would be put to the test, and I admired her willingness for it… I loved her for it.

By all the Valar, how can I claim to love one woman when another has taken my heart?!

That night, as I looked into her grey eyes pooling with tears, I knew I was lost.

Eowyn, you know I promised myself to my lady Arwen. She is willing to give up her immortality for me. Do not ask me to turn my back on her now.

So, you would be willing to live a lie only to spare her feelings? I know this Arwen has been your lover for longer than I've been alive, but do you dare to think I don't know how you look at me.

It may be that none of us have long to live. Sauron extending his hand further even as we speak.

I'm not a fool, Aragorn. I especially know the dark times we live in, but you have given me hope. I do not believe this is the end. It is the beginning.

Those words! Ah, Eru! Those same words that were spoken to me in fair Imladris. Now they come to haunt me.

Eowyn, I must leave. I now must travel the Way of the Dead.

Let me accompany you, Aragorn. I can fight.

No, you must rule your people in your uncle's stead. Rohan needs your strength now.

I will grudgingly do my duty, but will you not be truthful with me before we part?

How I wished I could deny her, reject her love. I could not. I do not know why, but I felt that she and I were so much alike. So much grief in out hearts, and yet the sense of duty and loyalty to our respective peoples urging us onward. No, I could not deny her.

Eowyn, my heart does yearn for you. It's neither out of lust nor boredom that I say this. I will no longer deny what is in my head and in my heart.

Then, you do know what is in my head and in my heart. Then, let me say my farewell.

She draws herself close, puts her hands on my shoulders, and makes to kiss me. I gently push her back.

No, Eowyn.

Anger blazes in her eyes.

Damn you, Aragorn! I'm not trying to seduce you like a common whore. I only…

It is then that I grabbed her arms and, pulling her close, kissed her full on the mouth. There is nothing I could say to atone for this. I loved this woman! Arwen, forgive me! I loved this woman.

Farewell… my love.

Thus did I leave her to travel the Paths of the Dead.

xXx

When I heard that Eowyn had, indeed, taken part in the battle of Pelennor fields my heart grew cold as though dead. She had been wounded in the slaying of the Lord of the Nazgul.

I healed her. Her arm was broken and she suffered some burns from the Nazgul's poison, but she was no worse for wear.

When she opened her eyes and beheld me, she smiled. Such a smile of love and gladness that my heart nearly burst with love for her.

It was that smile that I took with me to the gates of Mordor.

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