Thanks to:
The Dark Wanderer, I'm glad you're enjoying this. I was really worried about the whole Eowyn/Saruman thing and adding in Eomer so early, so I'm glad it works.
Acacia Jules: Nice to know the edition of Elladan and Eomer is appreciated.
Author's Note: I'm afraid RL killed my creativity. It's quite buried me for a while. To bad we can't put it on hold for our stories. sigh. If anyone figures out how to do that, let me know, okay? I fear that these final chapters do not keep up the previous works as they should've. Hopefully, the story will still be enjoyable. Question, does Elladan have one L in his name or two?
Part 10
Wordlessly, Elladan handed him a sealed note. Eomer recognizing the seal of his aunt. Breaking it open, he read the terse note,
'See you in Gondor.'
He sunk to his knees, defeated. His last hope shattered. Elladan watched him, feeling his agony, though he didn't know what the note read. "Bad news?"
"In part, Elladan. On the good side, we will have the arm of the shield maids to lend us strength. But my sister is left alone amidst the sea of Saruman's men." Eomer sighed, vaguely feeling his horse nuzzle him. "What am I to do?"
"Think carefully about what you want to do. Then think of what you need to do."
Eomer snorted, "I want to get my sister away from that monster. I want to be free of this darkness. I want Sauron's presence to leave our world forever. I want to be home and not have to leave because we are under attack."
Then the Rohirrim man sighed, "I need to fulfill my obligations here."
"Some of your wants will be met by your needs," Elladan commented softly, kneeling by his side.
"But my greatest want won't be," he was bitter.
Elladan had come to know Eowyn through her letters and from Eomer's descriptions of her tenacity and strength. "Trust in her."
"I do."
"Then why do you fear?"
"Elladan, you are an elf and have no true understanding of what it means to be mortal, to be tempted. Elves are untouched, unchanged by time. But man feels the pressure of the years, we know that we are prone to err. Saruman is of a golden tongue. It would not be hard to fall under his spell when my sister has been poisoned slowly these past years by Wormtongue's lies. All he would have to do is switch methods, compliment her. My sister is not immune to flattery."
"Would that I had words to comfort you. But I do not." The elf finally spoke, resting a hand on the firm shoulder.
/-/-/-/
They separated in the morning. Gandalf and the hobbits in one direction, the company of men towards Gondor. Boromir stood back and watched as Aragorn debated with himself.
Legolas and Gimli also waited before choosing to go with Gandalf. "He needs our aid more."
Aragorn nodded, understanding darkening his gray eyes. He watched both make their way after the Istari's company and sighed. Facing Boromir, he was unsurprised to see the detached expression on his face. "Let's go."
"Are you certain that this is what you wish, Aragorn?"
"I cannot ignore them any longer, Boromir," his reply was simple. "They are all I dream of now."
Boromir rested a strong hand on his shoulder and turned him around so that they faced each other. "You will survive this, Aragorn, for you have the strength of men and the courage of the elves you were raised among."
Aragorn was silent, he did not know what to say.
"Of course, you could do with a little more muscle on this skinny frame of yours," he teased him.
The ranger snorted, shaking his head in amusement as Boromir made his way down to the waiting men. After a moment, he followed.
/-/-/-/
It was early evening in Rohan and quiet, for once. Saruman rested before the palantir in his chambers, thinking. It all came down to this, the simplest way to accomplish his goal was through Lady Eowyn. Though she had refused to formally accept the crown, it was only a matter of time before she would have to.
But something had caught his attention during his studies of the Rohirrim's legends. It was a minor point but important to him. A forgotten prophesy speaking of the shield maids. It seemed that the way to best protect Sauron and his men also was with her. May be. It could refer to another woman. But did he really want to take that chance? Should he take that chance?
"Saruman," a voice hissed through his mind.
He visually jumped, unaware that while he had been thinking, the palantir had come alive.
"I see I was right. Your actions betray you."
"I am loyal to you," he protested, struggling to regain his composure. Thoughts of his own plans were shut up tight in the back of his mind.
"Really?" The voice was amused, "then why wasn't I told that the Shield Maidens were on the move?"
Once again, the Istari was thrown by Sauron's words. "I did not know."
"Then I suggest you rid yourself of this high living in Edoras and return to Isengard immediately. It seems to have affected your mind." There was a pause, "and take the Lady Eowyn with you."
Saruman nodded, waiting until the palantir was quiet before rising to his feet. Opening the door, he gestured to them to enter. "Go ask the Lady Eowyn to see me," he ordered one of his waiting servants once they were gathered together. The others heard him out and left on his orders to start packing, they were to leave before dawn, if possible.
"You wished to see me, Saruman?" Her voice came from the doorway and he turned to face her. She'd obviously been readying herself for bed and he shoved aside any feelings of desire upon seeing her like this, so intimately. The time for that plan had come and gone.
"Lady Eowyn, we are moving to Isengard," his voice was cold and abrupt.
She blinked, quickly coming to full awareness. "What?"
"We are leaving. Edoras is no longer safe for us."
"My people..." she began.
"Will be safe where they are, so long as you come with me peacefully. Otherwise, I shall have them removed to Helm's Deep." His eyes were hard, the feel of someone watching him, weighted on his mind.
Quelling the rising panic, she shook her head. "No, don't. I'll come." She knew that the old fort was nothing more than a death trap now. Little had been done to preserve it and keep it in good, working order. "I'll go pack my things."
Saruman shook his head. "You will remain where I can see you."
"Why?" Her question was calm, though her mind was spinning in circles. How was she to warn Gandalf about this?
He suddenly moved towards her, his hand gripping her arm firmly. "I wouldn't question me again, Eowyn, my mood is far from generous."
For the first time in a long while, a shiver of fear ran through her. She nodded numbly, following him into the room. The palantir flashed in the darkened room and she shivered even more, looking out the window. He forced her to face him and studied her eyes intently.
He finally let go of her arm and she left his side, staring out the window. As much as she wanted to, she did not rub her arm. Though his grip had been more firm than tight, she could feel the bruises forming.
"My lord," one of the men called out.
"Yes?" he snapped, watching Eowyn. This compliance of hers was setting off his internal alarm. Though she had never been malleable, she had never been this subdued. There had always been something going on in her eyes, this time, he could see nothing.
"There is someone here to see you."
It was the small emphasis on the 'someone' that caught his ear. "Keep an eye on her," he ordered, striding from the room.
Eowyn shivered, feeling that thing in the center stripping her of her defenses, leaving her with nothing. What was she to do? While she was here, though she was surrounded by her enemies, her actions went unnoticed. But she knew of the tower at Isengard, that terrible tower, nothing would escape his eye.
She would finally be trapped in that tower Wormtongue had started to build around her. And her brother and Gandalf, they depended on her to keep them informed about the situation in Rohan. How could she help them now?
Eyes bright with unshed tears stared out at blackening sky, blind to the furious activity below. She turned and faced the half-human form standing at the door and shyly smiled at it. Its eyes widened with lust and it stepped into the room.
She was revolted and almost stepped back but held herself in place. "Would you be so kind as to excuse me for a moment? I have to, uhm. What I mean to say is that, uhm, I have to use the uhm..." Her cheeks were flaming by this point and she wished something would happen to help her out. This helpless damsel routine was not something she was used to doing.
A little chamber maid heard her stumbling and scoffed, "does 'er high and mightiness need to relieve 'erself? I'll watch 'er."
"Thank you," Eowyn whispered, ducking her head, thoroughly embarrassed. Once she was alone, she uttered a low, keening sound. While waiting for the messenger, she tore off a strip of cloth from her undergarments and, using blood, wrote a message to Gandalf.
'Moving. Don't know when I can talk again. He does have that shiny ball you asked about. Don't tell Eomer. He'll do something stupid.'
"Hurry up in there! I's got things ta do," the girl demanded, pounding on the door.
"Take this to Gandalf once we've left. Be careful," she whispered. "And don't come back."
The kittiwake nodded and hopped out, walking along the edge before heading to the safety of the houses below.
Once it was out of sight, she firmed her spine. She would not let anyone see her fear and pain. There was nothing else she could do, but she would not give anyone further power over her. They would not know how afraid she was.
It seemed like moments between announcement and arrival at Isengard, but was in reality a few days. Saruman took her to her room and she stood there, looking around. The door closed behind her, entombing her within. Finally, she allowed the tears to fall.
But silently.
/-/-/-/
Gandalf smelled the blood as he pulled the note free. He read it with horror.
Rohan was lost to them.
And Eowyn as well.
/-/-/-/
Aragorn stood between Boromir and Eomer, studying the land before them. It was being made ready for a long siege. The walls of Gondor still stood firm but they could see that there was only a small forces defending it. Little signs also showed that it had been battered and nothing had been done to repair the damage.
"I don't like this, Aragorn," Boromir whispered, "there should be more watchers."
"And patrollers," Eomer added. "Denethor used to be extremely emphatic about that. We haven't met a single person since arriving."
Aragorn nodded, "send a few men in to see what's going on. Tell them to keep as low a profile as possible."
His steward nodded and went down among them men, choosing those he knew were best suited for the job. All three watched as the group went down until a noise drew Aragorn's gaze to the right. Coming towards them, deliberately making noise, was a group of elves from Lothlorien. He moved away from Eomer and approached Haldir, wondering what they were doing in this part of Middle Earth.
The elves with him stood off, letting the two leaders approach each other alone. It went without question that this meeting did not concern them. Yet. "Aragorn. We had expected you to pass our way. When you did not, I was sent to find out what happened to you."
"Did not Gandalf tell you that I chose to go to Gondor?"
A look of grief crossed his face, gone in a moment but long enough to prepare him for the news. "He has fallen."
Though prepared, he still stumbled back. Boromir's hand was there to steady him, he didn't even question its presence. "How?" he asked when he had found his voice.
"To the Balrog in the Mines of Moria."
"And those with him?" Boromir asked when it became apparent that Aragorn would not speak again.
"Legolas and the dwarf, Gimli," he sneered at the name, "brought them to us. They rest, even now, in Lothlorien. Soon, they will depart. Legolas wanted me to give you this, said it was from Gandalf." He passed over a note, which Aragorn accepted and read.
Gray eyes met the dark ones behind him, knowing that he had also read it. Both sought out the blonde on the overlook. "Boromir, I don't think we can keep this from him." It was hesitant, as though he wasn't sure what this man who'd become a friend to him, would say.
"Then we shouldn't. You should go to this Lady of Lothlorien, then to Rohan. I take it she has advice to give?"
Haldir nodded, observing the two.
"The Rohirrim will come when you need them"
"But what of Gondor? What of its needs?"
"I am your watchman, your steward. Trust me, I have learned much from you."
"Boromir, I need you."
"Don't use me as a crutch, Aragorn," he advised. "It isn't fair-to either of us. Take Eomer with you."
He looked over at the man skeptically, then back at Boromir.
"I know. He's more than a little hot headed but he's a good man. They are his people. They will follow him," he said softly.
Aragorn took a shuddering breath and nodded slowly. There was a reassuring squeeze, helping him over some of his discomfort. "The men of Rohan will not feel comfortable in Lothlorien. Is there another way to Rohan that will not bring us to the attention of the watchmen?"
"Yes. It's an old road, Eomer and I used to use it when we wanted to escape or see each other without alerting anyone. It takes about a day off the journey." He paused, thinking, "I don't think my father ever found out about it."
"Eowyn and Faramir did, though. In fact, she was the one who taught us how to travel and leave behind us no tracks. Why?" Eomer asked, joining them.
"We have some news that requires us to travel to Rohan," he began, stopping at the worried light that entered the younger man's eyes. "Not here, Eomer. It is not the time nor is this the place."
"Aragorn," a soft voice spoke from the deepening shadows as day turned to evening. "The six are on their way."
"With only Legolas and Gimli for protection?" Boromir exclaimed. It wasn't that he doubted their abilities to keep the hobbits safe, though with their constant bickering, that doubt did exist-it was just that the four had become younger siblings to him.
Her smile was kind, bearing no malice, only gentle understanding. "Elrohir and a woman called Narvanata are with them."
"Then they are in the best of hands," Eomer said.
"You know this woman?" Aragorn asked, turning to face him.
He nodded, "she is Queen Idis' right hand woman, under Helena. Even more than being a strong warrior, she knows Mordor like no one else."
"Why is that?"
Eomer hesitated, wondering how to answer Aragorn's question. The ranger did not know her as he did. But he decided that he should be honest with him. After all, they might meet up with her at some point. "It was once her home."
"Aragorn, we have no time for doubts. Now is the time to be up and doing. Come, I have words for you alone." Galadriel spoke before he could ask for more.
"He is Isildur's heir? Not much of a man, if you want my opinion on him. Seems too doubtful of his own worth, to dependent on others for their opinions."
Boromir and Eomer turned at the voice, startled to see Queen Idis and her entourage of warriors. She cocked an eyebrow at him, "aren't you going to say anything to me in greetings, nephew? Boromir?"
"Aunt Idis. It is good to see you looking so well." He commented, hugging her even as she scowled at his reference to her recent wound.
"Thank you," she was frosty. "Boromir, I trust that all is well with you?"
He hid a smile, "it is, though not so with my father."
Idis nodded solemnly, "we have noticed the lack of security measures. Nothing here is as it should be. But do you believe that he is the one to restore Gondor to its former glory?"
"I believe that he will do his best, which is all any of us can do, Please, don't let his appearance fool you," he quietly defended his friend. "Aragorn does not know what to do, he never really wanted this. I will help him as best as I can."
"You've changed since last we met, Boromir of Gondor."
"Hopefully for the best, Queen Idis," he murmured.
Idis studied him intently, "we shall see."
Aragorn joined them and bowed before her slightly, having seen how Boromir had done it. "I have heard much of you."
"We prefer to prove ourselves through our actions, rather than words. I hope that you aren't expecting miracles," her words were dry. She knew how Eomer could make them sound. While she was proud of his pride in them, it also made her wince. The man practically put them on a pedestal.
"I look forward to fighting beside you."
"It is time for you to be off," Galadriel announced.
Boromir shook his head before Aragorn could even ask. "You must make this journey on your own or you will never be able to call your soul your own. You will never be able to stand among mankind on your own."
It was still hard to leave behind the one who'd helped him-even though he knew Boromir was right. "Try not to come into open attack against them. I will return with aid as soon as possible." Eomer looked at him, awaiting his instructions. "Eomer, this path to Rohan, is it far?"
"Not from here," he replied.
Taking a deep breath, Aragorn walked over to one of the horses and mounted. This journey would be better taken on horseback than on foot. "Then lead the way. I will explain why we are going once we're on the path."
Eomer nodded, already knowing what happened. Riding through the small towns of Rohan, he called to his people to come to the aid of their nation. They responded, young men and women, ready to do what was necessary.
The elders, though they wanted to join in, knew that their part would be to defend the land and protect the children. Leaving behind their homes, they left for another place of safety.
Aragorn suddenly stopped, "Legolas?"
The blonde elf had appeared out of nowhere, "orcs. They took Merry and Pippin but Frodo and Sam got away. We've been tracking them for the last few days." He looked tired, for an elf, "the orcs bore the White Hand of Saruman."
"They must be going to Isengard."
"What?"
"Eomer, halt!" Aragorn ordered, surprised by the authority of his voice. He was even more surprised by the alacrity of Eomer's response. "We cannot attack a place that fortified and heavily defended. He has had months to prepare, we haven't even had a day. What is the condition of Helm's Deep?"
"It's in pretty bad shape. We haven't had need of it in years. When Wormtongue became advisor to uncle, he never bothered to check it to keep it in good condition. There was no threat, why put forth the effort?"
"You said Frodo and Sam escaped, where to?"
Gimli's voice announced his arrival with Elrohir and Narvanata. "They felt it best to go on alone."
"I gave them a few short cuts and safe passages through," the dark skinned woman said, introducing herself briskly. "Naravanta."
"Aragorn," he studied her and found her to be a worthy ally. "Eomer, take the men and gather more forces."
"The men?" Eomer began, ready to attack him for once again belittling the women.
"Yes, the men. I want to women to go ahead of us to Isengard and do some advance scouting. Hopefully, Saruman will think nothing of their presence. I may trust you to lead the women on this expedition?"
She only nodded, moving away to take the women aside and give them the plan. One of the women said something and she turned back, "if we met any forces?"
"Take care of them. The more forces we can remove from the playing field, the better for us."
"Very well," turning back to them, she assessed their weapons and rejected a few of them.
"What are you going to do?" Eomer asked, with some hostility. Aragorn's manner irked him, though he knew the other man was right.
Aragorn was silent before facing him. "I plan to see if I can enlist the aid of the denizens of Fangorn."
"I shall accompany you," Legolas said.
"As shall I," Gimli echoed, though he looked warily at the horse he was offered. "I do not ride."
Legolas, already mounted, rode over and held out his hand. "I shall not let you fall."
There was no hesitation to his manner, "I ride," he declared, accepting the hand. Those who knew the two exchanged baffled looks, wondering what had changed things between them.
"Elrohir?"
The dark haired elf shook his head, "I shall stay and help Eomer."
"I would be glad of it but we have no mount to offer you," he was regretful. Narvanata had claimed the horse Gimli rejected.
With a smile, he indicated Aragorn's. "I shall take that one. A more suitable mount comes for you, my dear Elendil."
In the distance, a horse reared up and stomped the ground restlessly. Eomer gasped, "that was my father's. He will allow no man to ride him, hasn't since my father fell."
The ranger was drawn to the beautiful horse. They came together on the field and stared at each other, before the horse allowed the man to mount him He recognized a master in this man, one like the one who had fallen. They parted ways at Fangorn's edge.
The Dark Wanderer, I'm glad you're enjoying this. I was really worried about the whole Eowyn/Saruman thing and adding in Eomer so early, so I'm glad it works.
Acacia Jules: Nice to know the edition of Elladan and Eomer is appreciated.
Author's Note: I'm afraid RL killed my creativity. It's quite buried me for a while. To bad we can't put it on hold for our stories. sigh. If anyone figures out how to do that, let me know, okay? I fear that these final chapters do not keep up the previous works as they should've. Hopefully, the story will still be enjoyable. Question, does Elladan have one L in his name or two?
Part 10
Wordlessly, Elladan handed him a sealed note. Eomer recognizing the seal of his aunt. Breaking it open, he read the terse note,
'See you in Gondor.'
He sunk to his knees, defeated. His last hope shattered. Elladan watched him, feeling his agony, though he didn't know what the note read. "Bad news?"
"In part, Elladan. On the good side, we will have the arm of the shield maids to lend us strength. But my sister is left alone amidst the sea of Saruman's men." Eomer sighed, vaguely feeling his horse nuzzle him. "What am I to do?"
"Think carefully about what you want to do. Then think of what you need to do."
Eomer snorted, "I want to get my sister away from that monster. I want to be free of this darkness. I want Sauron's presence to leave our world forever. I want to be home and not have to leave because we are under attack."
Then the Rohirrim man sighed, "I need to fulfill my obligations here."
"Some of your wants will be met by your needs," Elladan commented softly, kneeling by his side.
"But my greatest want won't be," he was bitter.
Elladan had come to know Eowyn through her letters and from Eomer's descriptions of her tenacity and strength. "Trust in her."
"I do."
"Then why do you fear?"
"Elladan, you are an elf and have no true understanding of what it means to be mortal, to be tempted. Elves are untouched, unchanged by time. But man feels the pressure of the years, we know that we are prone to err. Saruman is of a golden tongue. It would not be hard to fall under his spell when my sister has been poisoned slowly these past years by Wormtongue's lies. All he would have to do is switch methods, compliment her. My sister is not immune to flattery."
"Would that I had words to comfort you. But I do not." The elf finally spoke, resting a hand on the firm shoulder.
/-/-/-/
They separated in the morning. Gandalf and the hobbits in one direction, the company of men towards Gondor. Boromir stood back and watched as Aragorn debated with himself.
Legolas and Gimli also waited before choosing to go with Gandalf. "He needs our aid more."
Aragorn nodded, understanding darkening his gray eyes. He watched both make their way after the Istari's company and sighed. Facing Boromir, he was unsurprised to see the detached expression on his face. "Let's go."
"Are you certain that this is what you wish, Aragorn?"
"I cannot ignore them any longer, Boromir," his reply was simple. "They are all I dream of now."
Boromir rested a strong hand on his shoulder and turned him around so that they faced each other. "You will survive this, Aragorn, for you have the strength of men and the courage of the elves you were raised among."
Aragorn was silent, he did not know what to say.
"Of course, you could do with a little more muscle on this skinny frame of yours," he teased him.
The ranger snorted, shaking his head in amusement as Boromir made his way down to the waiting men. After a moment, he followed.
/-/-/-/
It was early evening in Rohan and quiet, for once. Saruman rested before the palantir in his chambers, thinking. It all came down to this, the simplest way to accomplish his goal was through Lady Eowyn. Though she had refused to formally accept the crown, it was only a matter of time before she would have to.
But something had caught his attention during his studies of the Rohirrim's legends. It was a minor point but important to him. A forgotten prophesy speaking of the shield maids. It seemed that the way to best protect Sauron and his men also was with her. May be. It could refer to another woman. But did he really want to take that chance? Should he take that chance?
"Saruman," a voice hissed through his mind.
He visually jumped, unaware that while he had been thinking, the palantir had come alive.
"I see I was right. Your actions betray you."
"I am loyal to you," he protested, struggling to regain his composure. Thoughts of his own plans were shut up tight in the back of his mind.
"Really?" The voice was amused, "then why wasn't I told that the Shield Maidens were on the move?"
Once again, the Istari was thrown by Sauron's words. "I did not know."
"Then I suggest you rid yourself of this high living in Edoras and return to Isengard immediately. It seems to have affected your mind." There was a pause, "and take the Lady Eowyn with you."
Saruman nodded, waiting until the palantir was quiet before rising to his feet. Opening the door, he gestured to them to enter. "Go ask the Lady Eowyn to see me," he ordered one of his waiting servants once they were gathered together. The others heard him out and left on his orders to start packing, they were to leave before dawn, if possible.
"You wished to see me, Saruman?" Her voice came from the doorway and he turned to face her. She'd obviously been readying herself for bed and he shoved aside any feelings of desire upon seeing her like this, so intimately. The time for that plan had come and gone.
"Lady Eowyn, we are moving to Isengard," his voice was cold and abrupt.
She blinked, quickly coming to full awareness. "What?"
"We are leaving. Edoras is no longer safe for us."
"My people..." she began.
"Will be safe where they are, so long as you come with me peacefully. Otherwise, I shall have them removed to Helm's Deep." His eyes were hard, the feel of someone watching him, weighted on his mind.
Quelling the rising panic, she shook her head. "No, don't. I'll come." She knew that the old fort was nothing more than a death trap now. Little had been done to preserve it and keep it in good, working order. "I'll go pack my things."
Saruman shook his head. "You will remain where I can see you."
"Why?" Her question was calm, though her mind was spinning in circles. How was she to warn Gandalf about this?
He suddenly moved towards her, his hand gripping her arm firmly. "I wouldn't question me again, Eowyn, my mood is far from generous."
For the first time in a long while, a shiver of fear ran through her. She nodded numbly, following him into the room. The palantir flashed in the darkened room and she shivered even more, looking out the window. He forced her to face him and studied her eyes intently.
He finally let go of her arm and she left his side, staring out the window. As much as she wanted to, she did not rub her arm. Though his grip had been more firm than tight, she could feel the bruises forming.
"My lord," one of the men called out.
"Yes?" he snapped, watching Eowyn. This compliance of hers was setting off his internal alarm. Though she had never been malleable, she had never been this subdued. There had always been something going on in her eyes, this time, he could see nothing.
"There is someone here to see you."
It was the small emphasis on the 'someone' that caught his ear. "Keep an eye on her," he ordered, striding from the room.
Eowyn shivered, feeling that thing in the center stripping her of her defenses, leaving her with nothing. What was she to do? While she was here, though she was surrounded by her enemies, her actions went unnoticed. But she knew of the tower at Isengard, that terrible tower, nothing would escape his eye.
She would finally be trapped in that tower Wormtongue had started to build around her. And her brother and Gandalf, they depended on her to keep them informed about the situation in Rohan. How could she help them now?
Eyes bright with unshed tears stared out at blackening sky, blind to the furious activity below. She turned and faced the half-human form standing at the door and shyly smiled at it. Its eyes widened with lust and it stepped into the room.
She was revolted and almost stepped back but held herself in place. "Would you be so kind as to excuse me for a moment? I have to, uhm. What I mean to say is that, uhm, I have to use the uhm..." Her cheeks were flaming by this point and she wished something would happen to help her out. This helpless damsel routine was not something she was used to doing.
A little chamber maid heard her stumbling and scoffed, "does 'er high and mightiness need to relieve 'erself? I'll watch 'er."
"Thank you," Eowyn whispered, ducking her head, thoroughly embarrassed. Once she was alone, she uttered a low, keening sound. While waiting for the messenger, she tore off a strip of cloth from her undergarments and, using blood, wrote a message to Gandalf.
'Moving. Don't know when I can talk again. He does have that shiny ball you asked about. Don't tell Eomer. He'll do something stupid.'
"Hurry up in there! I's got things ta do," the girl demanded, pounding on the door.
"Take this to Gandalf once we've left. Be careful," she whispered. "And don't come back."
The kittiwake nodded and hopped out, walking along the edge before heading to the safety of the houses below.
Once it was out of sight, she firmed her spine. She would not let anyone see her fear and pain. There was nothing else she could do, but she would not give anyone further power over her. They would not know how afraid she was.
It seemed like moments between announcement and arrival at Isengard, but was in reality a few days. Saruman took her to her room and she stood there, looking around. The door closed behind her, entombing her within. Finally, she allowed the tears to fall.
But silently.
/-/-/-/
Gandalf smelled the blood as he pulled the note free. He read it with horror.
Rohan was lost to them.
And Eowyn as well.
/-/-/-/
Aragorn stood between Boromir and Eomer, studying the land before them. It was being made ready for a long siege. The walls of Gondor still stood firm but they could see that there was only a small forces defending it. Little signs also showed that it had been battered and nothing had been done to repair the damage.
"I don't like this, Aragorn," Boromir whispered, "there should be more watchers."
"And patrollers," Eomer added. "Denethor used to be extremely emphatic about that. We haven't met a single person since arriving."
Aragorn nodded, "send a few men in to see what's going on. Tell them to keep as low a profile as possible."
His steward nodded and went down among them men, choosing those he knew were best suited for the job. All three watched as the group went down until a noise drew Aragorn's gaze to the right. Coming towards them, deliberately making noise, was a group of elves from Lothlorien. He moved away from Eomer and approached Haldir, wondering what they were doing in this part of Middle Earth.
The elves with him stood off, letting the two leaders approach each other alone. It went without question that this meeting did not concern them. Yet. "Aragorn. We had expected you to pass our way. When you did not, I was sent to find out what happened to you."
"Did not Gandalf tell you that I chose to go to Gondor?"
A look of grief crossed his face, gone in a moment but long enough to prepare him for the news. "He has fallen."
Though prepared, he still stumbled back. Boromir's hand was there to steady him, he didn't even question its presence. "How?" he asked when he had found his voice.
"To the Balrog in the Mines of Moria."
"And those with him?" Boromir asked when it became apparent that Aragorn would not speak again.
"Legolas and the dwarf, Gimli," he sneered at the name, "brought them to us. They rest, even now, in Lothlorien. Soon, they will depart. Legolas wanted me to give you this, said it was from Gandalf." He passed over a note, which Aragorn accepted and read.
Gray eyes met the dark ones behind him, knowing that he had also read it. Both sought out the blonde on the overlook. "Boromir, I don't think we can keep this from him." It was hesitant, as though he wasn't sure what this man who'd become a friend to him, would say.
"Then we shouldn't. You should go to this Lady of Lothlorien, then to Rohan. I take it she has advice to give?"
Haldir nodded, observing the two.
"The Rohirrim will come when you need them"
"But what of Gondor? What of its needs?"
"I am your watchman, your steward. Trust me, I have learned much from you."
"Boromir, I need you."
"Don't use me as a crutch, Aragorn," he advised. "It isn't fair-to either of us. Take Eomer with you."
He looked over at the man skeptically, then back at Boromir.
"I know. He's more than a little hot headed but he's a good man. They are his people. They will follow him," he said softly.
Aragorn took a shuddering breath and nodded slowly. There was a reassuring squeeze, helping him over some of his discomfort. "The men of Rohan will not feel comfortable in Lothlorien. Is there another way to Rohan that will not bring us to the attention of the watchmen?"
"Yes. It's an old road, Eomer and I used to use it when we wanted to escape or see each other without alerting anyone. It takes about a day off the journey." He paused, thinking, "I don't think my father ever found out about it."
"Eowyn and Faramir did, though. In fact, she was the one who taught us how to travel and leave behind us no tracks. Why?" Eomer asked, joining them.
"We have some news that requires us to travel to Rohan," he began, stopping at the worried light that entered the younger man's eyes. "Not here, Eomer. It is not the time nor is this the place."
"Aragorn," a soft voice spoke from the deepening shadows as day turned to evening. "The six are on their way."
"With only Legolas and Gimli for protection?" Boromir exclaimed. It wasn't that he doubted their abilities to keep the hobbits safe, though with their constant bickering, that doubt did exist-it was just that the four had become younger siblings to him.
Her smile was kind, bearing no malice, only gentle understanding. "Elrohir and a woman called Narvanata are with them."
"Then they are in the best of hands," Eomer said.
"You know this woman?" Aragorn asked, turning to face him.
He nodded, "she is Queen Idis' right hand woman, under Helena. Even more than being a strong warrior, she knows Mordor like no one else."
"Why is that?"
Eomer hesitated, wondering how to answer Aragorn's question. The ranger did not know her as he did. But he decided that he should be honest with him. After all, they might meet up with her at some point. "It was once her home."
"Aragorn, we have no time for doubts. Now is the time to be up and doing. Come, I have words for you alone." Galadriel spoke before he could ask for more.
"He is Isildur's heir? Not much of a man, if you want my opinion on him. Seems too doubtful of his own worth, to dependent on others for their opinions."
Boromir and Eomer turned at the voice, startled to see Queen Idis and her entourage of warriors. She cocked an eyebrow at him, "aren't you going to say anything to me in greetings, nephew? Boromir?"
"Aunt Idis. It is good to see you looking so well." He commented, hugging her even as she scowled at his reference to her recent wound.
"Thank you," she was frosty. "Boromir, I trust that all is well with you?"
He hid a smile, "it is, though not so with my father."
Idis nodded solemnly, "we have noticed the lack of security measures. Nothing here is as it should be. But do you believe that he is the one to restore Gondor to its former glory?"
"I believe that he will do his best, which is all any of us can do, Please, don't let his appearance fool you," he quietly defended his friend. "Aragorn does not know what to do, he never really wanted this. I will help him as best as I can."
"You've changed since last we met, Boromir of Gondor."
"Hopefully for the best, Queen Idis," he murmured.
Idis studied him intently, "we shall see."
Aragorn joined them and bowed before her slightly, having seen how Boromir had done it. "I have heard much of you."
"We prefer to prove ourselves through our actions, rather than words. I hope that you aren't expecting miracles," her words were dry. She knew how Eomer could make them sound. While she was proud of his pride in them, it also made her wince. The man practically put them on a pedestal.
"I look forward to fighting beside you."
"It is time for you to be off," Galadriel announced.
Boromir shook his head before Aragorn could even ask. "You must make this journey on your own or you will never be able to call your soul your own. You will never be able to stand among mankind on your own."
It was still hard to leave behind the one who'd helped him-even though he knew Boromir was right. "Try not to come into open attack against them. I will return with aid as soon as possible." Eomer looked at him, awaiting his instructions. "Eomer, this path to Rohan, is it far?"
"Not from here," he replied.
Taking a deep breath, Aragorn walked over to one of the horses and mounted. This journey would be better taken on horseback than on foot. "Then lead the way. I will explain why we are going once we're on the path."
Eomer nodded, already knowing what happened. Riding through the small towns of Rohan, he called to his people to come to the aid of their nation. They responded, young men and women, ready to do what was necessary.
The elders, though they wanted to join in, knew that their part would be to defend the land and protect the children. Leaving behind their homes, they left for another place of safety.
Aragorn suddenly stopped, "Legolas?"
The blonde elf had appeared out of nowhere, "orcs. They took Merry and Pippin but Frodo and Sam got away. We've been tracking them for the last few days." He looked tired, for an elf, "the orcs bore the White Hand of Saruman."
"They must be going to Isengard."
"What?"
"Eomer, halt!" Aragorn ordered, surprised by the authority of his voice. He was even more surprised by the alacrity of Eomer's response. "We cannot attack a place that fortified and heavily defended. He has had months to prepare, we haven't even had a day. What is the condition of Helm's Deep?"
"It's in pretty bad shape. We haven't had need of it in years. When Wormtongue became advisor to uncle, he never bothered to check it to keep it in good condition. There was no threat, why put forth the effort?"
"You said Frodo and Sam escaped, where to?"
Gimli's voice announced his arrival with Elrohir and Narvanata. "They felt it best to go on alone."
"I gave them a few short cuts and safe passages through," the dark skinned woman said, introducing herself briskly. "Naravanta."
"Aragorn," he studied her and found her to be a worthy ally. "Eomer, take the men and gather more forces."
"The men?" Eomer began, ready to attack him for once again belittling the women.
"Yes, the men. I want to women to go ahead of us to Isengard and do some advance scouting. Hopefully, Saruman will think nothing of their presence. I may trust you to lead the women on this expedition?"
She only nodded, moving away to take the women aside and give them the plan. One of the women said something and she turned back, "if we met any forces?"
"Take care of them. The more forces we can remove from the playing field, the better for us."
"Very well," turning back to them, she assessed their weapons and rejected a few of them.
"What are you going to do?" Eomer asked, with some hostility. Aragorn's manner irked him, though he knew the other man was right.
Aragorn was silent before facing him. "I plan to see if I can enlist the aid of the denizens of Fangorn."
"I shall accompany you," Legolas said.
"As shall I," Gimli echoed, though he looked warily at the horse he was offered. "I do not ride."
Legolas, already mounted, rode over and held out his hand. "I shall not let you fall."
There was no hesitation to his manner, "I ride," he declared, accepting the hand. Those who knew the two exchanged baffled looks, wondering what had changed things between them.
"Elrohir?"
The dark haired elf shook his head, "I shall stay and help Eomer."
"I would be glad of it but we have no mount to offer you," he was regretful. Narvanata had claimed the horse Gimli rejected.
With a smile, he indicated Aragorn's. "I shall take that one. A more suitable mount comes for you, my dear Elendil."
In the distance, a horse reared up and stomped the ground restlessly. Eomer gasped, "that was my father's. He will allow no man to ride him, hasn't since my father fell."
The ranger was drawn to the beautiful horse. They came together on the field and stared at each other, before the horse allowed the man to mount him He recognized a master in this man, one like the one who had fallen. They parted ways at Fangorn's edge.