The Lady and the Lord
Disclaimer: Everything is owned, with the exception of Kelley and a few other characters, by JRR Tolkien and from the LOTR trilogy by Peter Jackson and New Line Cinema. I am not making any profit off this work of fiction.
AN: Hello again! I am sorry it has been so long since there was an update but I kept getting stuck at a couple places and took some time to work through them. But I hope you can enjoy this chapter anyway. Thanks to everyone who read, favorite, followed or reviewed the story recently. I always appreciate it. Anyway this chapter takes us into ROTK and will see more of it from Kelley's point of view next chapter! I am pretty much following the book through this chapter and the following ones, but pieces of the movies might be seen. Happy reading!
Chapter Twenty-One: Dunharrow
The children's laughter floated back to me as I stood at the edges of the garden, the dogs running around after them. Knowing they were safe with Althea and enjoying a little warmth in the afternoon sun, I turned and headed back inside the Great Hall. The preparations were continuing and as soon as we would receive word to do so, our company should be ready to leave for Dunharrow. Despite how much work was required and kept me moving around Meduseld, there was still time to worry about the future of the Mark as well as my husband. Even if it all came to worse, would I be able to Steward the Mark till Eomund became of age? Despite my husband's confidence in my abilities, it was still a frightening thought. If Sauron and Saruman won, there would not be much left of Middle Earth, so it might not really matter anyway.
I wound my way through the halls, checking on everyone's progress. I eventually found Eowyn in the solar, gazing out across Edoras and the plains beyond. "Everything is nearly ready. We should be able to leave on schedule."
She only nodded, not turning her gaze from the window. "I wonder when we will receive any news."
I sighed, unsure of that myself. "It could be days or even a sennight or two."
"Lord Aragorn will give them more than a fighting chance." Eowyn smiled, the warmth in her voice clearly heard. "He will help save the Mark."
I could not deny Aragorn's skills as a warrior but was unsure of what to say to my husband's sister about him, knowing his heart already belonged to another. "Yes he is a skilled man, there is some hope they will survive."
Eowyn smiled, it slowly began to turn wistful as she continued to gaze out the window, her eyes growing unfocused.
Seeing her thoughts focused on the heir to throne of Gondor, I felt I needed to warn her before it became too late. Taking a deep breath, I spoke quietly. "Eowyn, guard your heart."
She turned, the smile slowly lowering to a frown. "What do you speak of?"
"Lord Aragorn loves another." She did not look like she believed me, forcing an explanation. "He told me of her, he has loved her for a long time."
"Who is she? The one who gave him the jewel he wears?" She asked, almost sharply, now facing me completely.
"She is the Lady Arwen, Lord Elrond's daughter."
"Did we not hear the elves were leaving middle earth?" Her tone clearly indicated she would not be too concerned about her.
"I am sure some of them are." I paused and considered my next words before speaking them. "The elven princess is willing to give up her immortality for him, even if he believes she is leaving, I do not believe she will do so."
Eowyn stared at me. "If Lord Aragorn said she was leaving this lands, then I would believe him."
I gave a sad smile. "A woman or elf does not love a warrior such as Aragorn and pledge herself to him only to leave him when he needs her the most."
Eowyn opened her mouth to speak, to protest my words but I continued. "I would rather die by Eomer's side than leave him now, even if it meant my own death." I felt this strongly and somehow without knowing the Lady Arwen knew she felt the same.
I felt guilty and sorrowful at the look upon Eowyn's face as her eyes began to grow colder. I never meant to hurt her, but felt she should be warned, wanting to spare her more pain if she continued down this path. "I am sorry sister, I….."
"Then you should not have spoken so." Eowyn abruptly turned away, gazing back at the window once more, ending our words.
Sighing, I turned and quietly left the room, wondering if I had done right or if I should never have brought it up.
After some nearly sleepless nights, we received word that victory was won at Helm's Deep, led by the heroics of my husband and Lord Aragorn, who survived the night, though many lives were lost. I breathed a sigh of relief at knowing Eomer survived the first battle of what was sure to be many. Not much other news was given except Gandalf led a party including Théoden King, Eomer, Lord Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and a few members of the royal guard to confront the wizard in his high tower and that the Mark best prepare for battle with Mordor. I shuddered at the thought. It grieved me deeply that if the Mark survived the war, would there be any of us remaining to rebuild everything that was lost?
As ordered by the King, we soon left Edoras for Dunharrow where we would send the men into battle with Sauron. The majority of the court journeyed with us, though most of the town stayed in their homes. Thankfully there was a few men left to guard the city as most ridden out either with the King's forces or journeyed with us to Dunharrow. I rode next to Lady Efflem and her children. Her boys, in their tween years, were upset they were not allowed to journey to Helm's Deep but took their orders of guarding the rest of the royal family very seriously. Erlina was sitting in front of me, while riding a few paces back was Althea with Eomund. Eowyn rode up front, dressed in her armor, leading the way. Ever since I gave my warning, she barely spoken to me. I hoped I had not damaged our relationship beyond repair though if we all survived and the Lady Arwen returned to Aragorn's side, maybe it would be spare some of her hurt feelings or maybe it was already too late regardless of my words.
Once we arrived, working with the Lord of Harrowdale, we prepared everything for the arrival of the men. Some were already there, setting up their tents in groups. It was reported Théoden King, Eomer and the main forces were to arrive in a few days after gathering more men across the Mark.
However, much to my surprise Lord Aragorn, along with Legolas and Gimli as well as a handful of elves and a company of rangers arrived. We greeted each other warmly before Aragorn introduced me to Elladan and Elrohir the sons of Elrond and Halbarad Dunadan, Ranger of the North. Eowyn I noticed who was standing nearby had eyes only for Aragorn. We had dinner prepared and Eowyn and I sat down for the evening meal with the company.
Before any conversation could begin, I asked Aragorn about the battle, anxious to hear more. Aragorn, as well as Gimli and Legolas told us what we had not heard. Once the story telling was done, Eowyn told the men they should get their rest after such troubles and fairer housing will be found for them upon the morrow.
But Lord Aragorn shook his head, explaining they only needed a place to sleep and to break their fast in the morrow, ending with. "For I ride on an errand most urgent, and with the first light of morning we must go."
"Is your company riding for Gondor?" I asked, glancing to see their faces turning more grave, more serious. "Are you not to wait for the Muster of the Rohirm?"
Aragorn glanced around before looking to both Eowyn and I. "We ride for the paths of the dead."
I stared at him in shock, wondering why he would choose such a path. Eowyn, her face pale, spoke several moments later. "But Aragorn is it then your errand to seek death? For that is all that you will find on that road. They do not suffer the living to pass."
"They may suffer me to pass." Aragorn said, his face stern and almost king like.
As Eowyn continued to protest, I watched Aragorn, he was determined to take this path, felt he needed to take this path. He, along with his companions, saved our lives on the plains of the Mark and I decided to trust his wisdom and determination to oppose Sauron and claim his throne in the way he thought was his fate.
As Aragorn answered Eowyn, I rose from the table, exchanging an empty jug of ale for another, making sure the men had plenty. We finished the rest of the meal in near silence, leaving me wondering what would happen upon the morrow.
At length the men slowly began to rise, thanking us for the meal and our care, leaving to find their rest. As I began to clean up the remainder of the meal with the help of the servants, I saw Eowyn follow Lord Aragorn. Sighing, I finished my duties, my thoughts dwelling upon my husband's sister. Once we were finished, I left the room, wondering if I should find Eowyn or leave her be. The night air was nearly cold, the last of winter's hold still clinging on.
Still undecided on a direction, I headed toward the stables to find Firesong settled comfortably for the night. As I walked through the camp, I caught sight of Lord Aragorn and Eowyn talking outside his lodgings. Within moments Eowyn turned, stalking into the darkness, leaving Aragorn standing alone. He sighed, then heading inside his dwelling for the night. I stood for a moment before seeking my own rest for the night.
In the morrow, I rose early, quickly readied myself and dressed. Upon hearing Aragron's company was preparing to leave, Erlina wanted to see him, Legolas and Gimli, so I took the children with me. With Eomund on my hip and Erlina walking besides me, she helped me pass out the cups of farewell. I watched with a sad smile as Erlina curtseyed to Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli.
"Give me a kiss little lady, it will bring us luck." Gimli winked at her as Erlina giggled before doing so and giving them hugs.
Elladan and Elrohir soon approached, holding their mounts by the reigns. They thanked me for our hospitality after they drunk their cups, saying we would meet again. Curtsying slightly, I bade them welcome to the Mark anytime.
"I am sure we will be coming again soon." Elladen glanced over to Aragorn who now stood by his mount, talking to Eowyn.
"Your sister, the Lady Arwen?" I asked quietly, hoping I was not interposing upon a private matter, but Lord Aragorn did speak of her.
The two exchanged glances before Elrohir spoke. "You know our sister?"
"Only by words my Lords. I asked Lord Aragorn about the jewel he wears and he spoke lovingly of her." I hoped the elven twins would speak more of her but would not press if they did not speak.
"She waits in Rivendell to when it is safe to join him and bids us to join the fight against Sauron." I was right, she was not leaving Middle Earth I thought as the elven prince continued softly. "She has hope the free peoples of Middle Earth will once again live in peace once Sauron is defeated."
I smiled softly, knowing my heart had the same hope, despite the ever present fears about the war. "I look forward to meeting her then."
"We shall pass on your message to her." They both inclined their heads, biding us farewell, then once again thanking me for our hospitality.
As I bid Gimli and Legolas goodbye, they said Merry, one of the hobbits in their company was traveling with the King and asked if the Lady Eowyn and I would look after them.
I could not help but smile at the thought of meeting a hobbit. "It would be our pleasure." I assured them. "Any companion of yours will always be welcome in our household."
"Thank you." Legolas inclined his head before the two went to their steads. I stood back as the rest of the men began mounting their horses. I glanced around to find Erlina hurrying to Aragorn giving him a hug around his legs. As I reached them, I gently tugged my daughter away.
"Thank you for everything my lady." Aragorn said as he kissed my hand before turning and mounting his horse. "Tell Eomer we will meet again beyond the shadow."
I assured him I would do so as he then called the men. We watched as the company rode toward the Haunted Mountain and soon disappeared from sight. Eowyn, her fists clinched at her sides, nearly stumbled away. I nearly called out to her but she was quickly out of my sight. Sighing, I clutched my children to me, hoping I would see them again, hoping Eowyn would was not going to shut herself away.
The day passed quickly as more men arrived, preparing for the battles to come. It was an effort to keep the camp running smoothly with the new arrivals but we managed. During the day, we received word the King and his forces would be arriving the next eve and we began to prepare for their arrival as well. As the day slowly became eve, my father along with some of his men and a small herd of horses, arrived. It was hard to hold my children back as my father settled his men and horses before coming over to greet us.
We spent the evening meal together, though more than once we were interrupted. Later my father told Erlina and Eomund stories of the Mark as they fell asleep. Once they were in their small cots, my father and I were able to talk in more detail as I regaled him with what occurred at Edoras and the reports of the battle at Helm's Deep.
Word had reached my father and Aldburg of some of the news, but he was glad to hear the whole of the events and that the children and I were safe. He was not all surprised that Eomer was now heir to the throne and was confident of our abilities to lead the Mark.
I gave him a wane smile as I started to pace around the tent. "I am not sure I am ready. I did not think I would become queen."
My father watched me for several long moments before speaking. "Kelley, you wedded the nephew of a king, it was always a possibility, especially with the growing dangers." He paused for long moments before speaking again. "You have done well as the Lady of Aldburg, the people love and respect you and will be proud one of their own sits upon the throne."
His confidence brought some comfort but as he rose and came to stand before him, he hugged me close. "I will always support and defend you as my daughter and as my queen." He kissed the top of my head. "I am proud of you."
"Thank you father." I managed to speak.
After another moment or so he drew away and we soon sought our own beds. Though it took sometime before sleep could take me, my mind much awake with thoughts of orcs and battles, swords and blood, knowing in only a few days I would send my husband, the father of my babes, my dearest friend, my lover, off to war.
The following morrow, despite a lack of sleep, arrived early. My father helped mind the children as the day's work began. Despite the words of hope from our elven friends, I was anxious. Anxious for the future of the Mark, my children's future and my husband's life.
The day passed quickly and early in the eve Eowyn and I stood by each other's sides to welcome Théoden King, Eomer and the rest of the men as they arrived. We had barely spoken, except when it was deemed necessary as preparations for the men's arrival continued, though I had tried to mend the damage but was unsuccessful. As we waited, I wondered how this night would progress. I still felt anxious and my stomach in nearly fearful knots, I let out a breath of relief seeing Eomer looking tall and strong sitting upon Firefoot, riding next to his uncle.
Eomer's eyes sought mine and I could not help but smile as he dismounted. He soon drew me into his warm strong arms, his lips seeking mine. He smelled of horse and battle but mattered little to me as he was alive and well. Despite my fears, I had to have hope he would survive, that our love would be strong enough to see him home once again.
An: Sorry to end the chapter there on a bit of a cliffhanger but it was a good place to conclude it without getting into some of the scene(s) before the men ride off to Gondor. Though I wanted to at least show Eomer and Kelley being reunited after Helm's Deep.
Jo: Your welcome! Hope you have enjoyed this latest chapter during the Ring War, though it was late in coming! Thanks again for your support.
Lady of Sign. Hello! Glad you are liking this story so far and hope you continue to follow it. It's be fun to put together and getting to know Kelley and Eomer. Thanks again.
Anon: I hope you enjoyed the story, despite a slower start and I agree it certainly could have been better. You certainly have a point that girls can often outgrow things. As for putting Eomer and Kelley together was a bit of a challenge as I didn't just want them to court and marry because they felt they had to but because they thought they could do well together. I too have often seen relationships started with friendship and trust often blossom into a love matches that make more solid marriages. Thanks again for your thoughts! Hope you enjoyed this chapter and will continue to read the story.