New update! Hooray! Fairly big chapter here, but anyway...I do not own LotR or the dialogue I used from the movie. Big thanks to those who have reviewed, added this fic to alerts as well as favorites! Enjoy!
Chapter Twenty-One
Rowan sat up in the small bed and rubbed her eyes. It was dark outside, from what Rowan could see from the open window. Her leg was the least bit better, so Rowan grabbed her walking stick and hobbled over to where a pair of fresh clothes had been laid out. To Rowan's dismay, it was a dress, but there was nothing else in the room. Rowan changed out of her "hospital gown" and into the white gown.
Once Rowan had struggled into her new outfit, she grabbed her walking stick and exited her room. The walking stick made her feel like an old person, but Rowan had to accept it. She wasn't able to walk completely on her own yet. Rowan was determined to visit Firestorm and Firefoot, but she would have to figure out where the stables were.
Vivian exited Éowyn's room and immediately noticed Rowan. Éomer was right behind Vivian and as soon as Vivian noticed him, she sighed. Should I let Éomer scold her or should I race down the hall to demand what Rowan is doing? Vivian decided to race down the hall and intercept Rowan. Éomer would have surely told her that she needed to rest, but it wouldn't stop Rowan.
"Row, what are you doing?" Vivian asked as she caught up with Rowan.
"I'm going to visit Firestorm and Firefoot in the stables," Rowan stated and eyed Éomer who was coming toward them.
"It's a bit late for that," Vivian pointed out, but Rowan continued to move.
"If I don't see them now, I'll forget," Rowan said, stubbornly.
Éomer caught up to the girls and Vivian sighed. She didn't want him to get involved, only because she didn't want to be caught between the two. Éomer had been nice to give the two some time to talk in Rowan's room, but Vivian didn't want to take Éowyn's warning lightly.
"You should be resting, Rowan," Éomer spoke up, only gaining an eye roll from Rowan.
"I slept and then I woke up. I'm not tired anymore and I need to see your horse and my horse. They deserve some attention from a familiar face," Rowan argued. She was never in a good mood when she woke up and Vivian knew that from experience.
"If you must, I will escort you," Éomer said without giving Rowan a choice.
"I'll go with you both, if you don't mind," Vivian said and walked beside Rowan as they made their way to the stables.
Vivian and Rowan had no idea where it was, so Éomer directed them. Once outside, the cold air caused Rowan to shiver, so Vivian offered a blanket she had over her shoulders. Underneath, Vivian had a cloak. Éomer watched the girls smile at each other and resume walking. Vivian took care of Rowan and vice versa.
Once they reached the stables, Rowan hurried to where Firestorm was. The horse stomped his hooves on the stone floor and moved his head in greeting.
"I missed you too," Rowan said to Firestorm and wrapped her arms around her horse.
Vivian's eyes widened when she noticed Wynter in a stall close by. She ran to her horse and hugged him tightly, whispering happy words. Éomer approached Firefoot and stroked his mane. Rowan soon turned to Firefoot as Éomer was with him and latched onto Firefoot's neck.
"You are a wonderful boy!" Rowan said and buried her face in Firefoot's back.
"As much as I don't want to leave, we should get back," Vivian advised as she gave Wynter one last hug.
"You can go ahead. I'll stay here for a little bit longer," Rowan said, eyeing Éomer.
When Vivian left, Rowan sighed.
"She's been keeping such a close eye on me lately. Vivian is the fragile one between the both of us. If we go to Mordor, I don't want her to come. It's going to be dangerous," Rowan figured suddenly, leaving Firefoot's side to return to Firestorm.
"Perhaps you should stay behind as well," Éomer advised.
"I'd find some way to follow. It's futile to leave me behind, but my leg does present an obstacle. Hopefully, it will be better soon," Rowan said, gazing at her right, bandaged leg.
Éomer watched in silence as Rowan grabbed a brush and began brushing Firestorm.
"I'm losing my mind. You're king now because Théoden has…perished," Rowan said, disliking her choice of words. Almost immediately, Rowan regretted it, but what was she to do?
"When we return to Rohan, my uncle shall be buried next to his son and wife," Éomer said solemnly.
"Sorry for bringing it up. I have terrible timing," Rowan said and laughed quietly.
"Rowan-" Éomer cut himself off and Rowan smiled.
"Firefoot is a great horse and I'm glad he helped Firestorm rescue me. It was probably his idea anyway," Rowan figured and put the brush down. She was about to leave, but Éomer stopped her. He pulled her closer and kissed her. Rowan wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. It seemed an eternity when Rowan looked at Éomer. He smiled and Rowan returned it.
"I love you," Éomer said suddenly and Rowan was in utter shock. Her heart beat two times faster and she figured her cheeks turned red.
"I love you too," Rowan finally said and kissed Éomer again.
The two walked back to the citadel and Rowan walked to her room. She gave Éomer a smile before entering her room and then shut the door. Vivian was sleeping in the chair and Rowan hit her best friend lightly on the shoulder with the walking stick. Upon impact, Vivian jumped up and narrowed her eyes at Rowan.
"What did you hit me for? I was sleeping," Vivian pouted.
"I just thought you'd want to go back to your own bed," Rowan suggested.
"What took you so long?" Vivian demanded, smoothing her dress.
"I just talked with Éomer, is all. It was nothing," Rowan said, knowing that Vivian was better off not knowing what else had happened. For some reason, Vivian disliked Rowan being alone with Éomer. She had tagged along to the stables and reluctantly left the two alone.
"Oh, okay," Vivian said with a yawn.
"What do you have against Éomer?" Rowan inquired, wanting to know the truth.
"He's going to be king…and I just don't think it's such a good idea if we're going home soon," Vivian explained.
Rowan's heart sank. She hadn't even begun to think about going home. She'd be leaving a life she actually liked behind. Vivian wanted to go home, Rowan knew, but Rowan didn't think that she, herself, wanted to leave so soon. There was so much she hadn't seen and she was just getting to know everyone.
"Row, I'm not trying to discourage you. I want you to be happy, but I just don't want you to be heartbroken if we have to go back home," Vivian elaborated.
"Okay, well, I'm glad you told me. I didn't know why you were so crazy about him being around," Rowan muttered.
"I just want to protect you, like you protect me," Vivian said with a smile and gave Rowan a hug.
Vivian soon left Rowan's room and wandered down the hall to her own room. She entered and fell on her bed, letting sleep take her quickly. It had been a very long day.
The next morning, Vivian shook Rowan awake. Rowan opened her eyes slowly and groaned when she saw who had woken her.
"I need more sleep," Rowan grumbled, turning her face into the pillow.
"The meeting is happening in an hour. You need to make yourself pretty or you won't get to listen to what everyone has to say," Vivian stated and ran out of Rowan's room before Rowan had the chance to chase her down the hall.
Rowan sat up in bed and noticed a pair of pants, a tunic, and her weapons on the dresser. Like a zombie, Rowan walked over to the dresser and dipped her cupped hands into the basin of water that sat on its own table. She splashed water on her face and then looked in the mirror. Once Rowan had freshened up, she slipped into her change of clothes and gathered her weapons on her dresser. If they were to leave quickly, Rowan wanted to be able to go.
As soon as Rowan had finished, she eyed her walking stick and left it. Her leg was actually feeling much better. Last night, she rubbed something on it that Aragorn had recommended and she could walk fairly well. Rowan exited her room and Vivian intercepted her immediately.
"Why aren't you using your old person cane?" Vivian demanded, making Rowan laugh.
"I'll be fine without it, but I won't be able to stand up by myself," Rowan realized, but continued walking to the throne room with Vivian.
The girls arrived relatively early. Éomer and Gandalf weren't present, but everyone else greeted the girls warmly.
"You seem to have recovered quickly, lass," Gimli noted, smoking his pipe and Rowan coughed before answering.
"It's all thanks to Aragorn. He healed me," Rowan said and Aragorn turned at mention of his name.
"Even if Rowan wasn't better, she would have made me carry her here," Vivian mentioned, causing Gimli to laugh.
Gandalf entered, followed by Éomer and Vivian yawned. She was still tired. Rowan took a seat on one of the steps that led to the throne and Vivian stood next to Gimli as he sat in the former Steward's chair.
"Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening," Gandalf stated, gazing up at the ceiling.
"If Sauron had the ring, we would know it," Aragorn figured, pondering.
"It's only a matter of time. He's suffered a defeat, yes, but…behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping," Gandalf explained from his knowledge.
"Let him stay there. Let him rot! Why should we care?" Gimli inquired, still smoking his pipe.
"And let him continue to thrive?" Rowan demanded, giving Gimli a disapproving look.
"Because ten thousand orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom. I've sent him to his death," Gandalf said quietly. Aragorn turned to face Gandalf.
"No, there is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that," Aragorn assured Gandalf.
"How?" Gimli asked, unsure that it would work.
"Please do tell," Vivian added.
"Draw out Sauron's army; empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate." Gimli coughed, choking on his smoke.
"That's suicide," Vivian pointed out.
"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms," Éomer cut it, being logical.
"Not for ourselves, but we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's eye fixed upon us; keep him blind to all else that moves," Aragorn explained, looking at Gandalf.
Rowan looked over at Éomer as the talking continued. The only reason the girls were allowed to come to the meeting was that Gandalf had said it was alright.
After the plan was settled, Vivian helped Rowan up and they began to walk out of the room while the men devised battle plans. Gandalf suddenly called to them before they left. The girls turned to Gandalf and met his gaze.
"Has Sauron attempted to search your mind here, Rowan?" Gandalf inquired seriously.
"Not lately, no. The last time was on Pelennor after I stabbed the Witch-king," Rowan recalled.
"I would advise you to speak with Aragorn and Éomer of accompanying us to the Black Gate, Rowan," Gandalf advised and Rowan nodded.
"My two favorite people," Rowan said, looking at Vivian. Both girls laughed and approached the two men as they were talking.
Aragorn had a map on a table and was pointing to locations. Rowan cleared her throat, drawing their attention.
"I'm coming with you to the Black Gate," Rowan stated and Vivian exhaled.
"You are recovering still," Aragorn pointed out.
"I can still ride a horse and wield a sword. If it gets too bad…I'll just hide if that makes you feel better," Rowan assured them.
"I still do not think it is the best idea, but you may accompany us," Aragorn said and looked at Vivian.
"She's not going. There's no way I'm going to let my best friend be in harm's way after what happened on Pelennor," Rowan said and directed Vivian away.
Vivian stopped Rowan as soon as they were away from the throne room.
"It is suicide, Row. Why do you want to fight so badly? Is it because you want to die here and have a dramatic death? I do not want you to die," Vivian stated.
"I'll be fine. We win, anyway, don't you remember?" Rowan asked Vivian.
"Just be careful. Firestorm will probably come after you if he doesn't find you after the battle," Vivian figured, recalling how Pelennor went.
"I will make sure that I stay alive," Rowan promised and left Vivian's side to get ready.
EomerxRowan moving too quickly? Trust me, I'm writing past the ending of the movie lol Awww Vivian cares about her best friend! I'm still not sure if I want the LegolasxVivian anymore. Ideas? I will post a poll and see what happens! If you don't vote...you leave it in my hands...