~MV~ Slightly AU
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Gimli asked Aragorn in an undertone as Legolas nudged Arod closer to Brego. The dwarf inclined his head towards the Rider in front of them whose blonde hair flowed down her back beneath her helm. "Taking the king's niece through the Paths of the Dead?"
"She desired to accompany us," Aragorn replied quietly.
"And that makes it wise?" Legolas joined the whispered conversation, speaking in Sindarin to make doubly sure they were not overhead and understood. Gimli frowned at the change, for he was now excluded.
Aragorn sighed and replied in Common Westron, "I looked into the Palantír and challenged Sauron, as is my right. Once I wrested control of the stone away from him, I looked afar and saw the forces massing against us. I then realized our need for haste."
"That still doesn't explain why you granted the lady's request," grumbled Gimli.
At that moment, Éowyn turned in her saddle to look back at them, smiling. "We're almost there, my lords. I believe the entrance that you seek is just around the next bend in this road."
"My thanks, lady."
She nodded in response, gray eyes lit with cheer, and turned away.
"Say no more," Gimli groaned. "I understand completely now."
"What?"
"Durin help you, laddie, you're smiling like a child at Yule."
Legolas raised his eyebrows and enquired, "What did you tell the king? How did you convince him?"
Uncharacteristically unconcerned, the Ranger shrugged. "I believe Éowyn left him a note. Now, friends, if you will excuse me, I must help to find the doorway." He urged Brego on and rode forward to the lady's side.
"Whew." Gimli exhaled through his teeth. "What do you reckon? Witchcraft? He's acting a bit strange, yes?"
"Men are very sentimental," Legolas said with an air of concern. "When emotions are involved, they tend to lose their sense. Of course, Elves and Dwarves do likewise, but not so badly, I think."
"What about . . . I thought . . . Look, is there not some Elf maiden that he loves?"
Legolas demurred. "I know not."
"So . . . for an infatuation he will take the second-in-line to the throne of Rohan to a war with him? Without her uncle's permission?"
"I do not think Aragorn would find that such a burden," mused the Elf. "And moreover, Gimli, I think there may be some necessity in this."
"Eh?"
"I possess not the gift of foresight in any measure like unto the Lady Galadriel or Lord Elrond, or even my father, but this I can tell you, and I would wager a great deal upon its truthfulness. Éowyn would find her way to this war one way or another. My heart tells me that she has some great part to play in the upcoming battle. I only hope that her part does not end in grief."
The companions glanced forward to where the two heads, one golden, the other dark flecked with gray, were inclined towards one another as they sought the way towards the Paths of the Dead.
"For all our sakes," replied Gimli, "I hope so as well."
A/N: Feedback is always appreciated. Thanks for taking the time to read this story and for sticking with it this far. The next chapter will be something of a continuation of this one. :)