Congratulations soulsistersinaslan! You've been paying attention! I (obviously) have not! I completely forgot that Gandalf did know about her scar and I've fixed that little problem! Thank you for catching it! *sheepish grin*
And to randomreader19, I don't know my elvish very well, but I couldn't find anything about melenin... I found melamin at a website that I will post a link to on my profile. It's under Positive Endearments. IF ANYONE KNOWS THE CORRECT SPELLING FOR THE DARN WORD, I'D LOVE TO KNOW IT!
A tingling woke her up early the following morning. It was still dark outside her window. The feeling was coming from her arm, and as she investigated it, the strange sensation grew. The hand was still quite visible, though the dread that once surrounded it was gone. In it's place was a feeling of something lighter and happier. It made her feel brave, yet somehow scared at the same time. It was a feeling she had not experienced before and the poor woman didn't know what to think of it. She curled up again, holding her arm gently and closed her eyes, hoping for sleep to come. It did not.
Brenir twitched. He was most likely dreaming of more kitchen scraps. The silly dog gave a small woof and Alarain prodded him with her foot, not wanting him to wake anyone up. He got to his feet and stretched before wobbling sleepily over beside her and lying down once more. She turned to him and rested her hand on his body. She couldn't feel his ribs beneath his skin any more. You are getting quite fat, she giggled.
A whinny from the stables sounded through her window and she shivered. Aragorn had left sometime in the night and without his body warming hers, she was cold. Brenir helped slightly, though he didn't wrap his paws around her like the ranger wrapped his arms around her. That would be strange...
She rose and closed the window. Now that she was up however, Alarain knew she wouldn't be able to fall asleep again quickly. She snatched up the cloak she had received in Lothlorien and tiptoed out of her room. Sitting on the edge of the terrace outside Meduseld, she breathed in the cool night air and sighed.
Alarain felt a presence behind her and turned, finding Legolas watching her. She gave him a small smile and motioned for him to sit. He did and they stared out at the mountains together. There was a deep red glow on the eastern horizon and Alarain questioned him about it. "Why is it the sky is so red over there?"
"It is the light that comes from Mordor." he answered quietly.
Her heart churned at the name. "I didn't know it reached so far."
"Yes." the elf said darkly. "The glow is more evident than it used to be. The Dark Lord is gathering his forces. When the time is right, he will strike. Gandalf and Pippin will most likely reach Minas Tirith today. When they do, Gandalf will do whatever he can to light the beacons." He turned to her. "We can only hope that Theoden will answer the call for help."
She nodded slowly. "If he does not, what will happen?"
"Minas Tirith will fall. And after Sauron is finished with Gondor, he will move on and spread over all of Middle-earth. Theoden must answer the call." he spoke quietly. The last part was almost said to himself, as if it would help the king to decide.
They fell silent once more as a bird began it's morning song nearby. Thoughts ran aimlessly through her head and she turned her head at the sound of more footsteps. Boromir was up as well, and he came to join them. He sat down on her other side and sighed.
She turned to him. "Why the sigh?"
He smiled slightly. "It's nothing." he dismissed.
Legolas also looked over. "That, my friend, was not a 'nothing' sigh. Tell us."
Boromir looked down at his hands as he tried to avoid the conversation. "I've been away from my city for some time now and I fear that my father is not doing well with my absence." Alarain looked at him with questioning eyes and he continued. "He hasn't been the same man I grew up with for a while now. He has changed somehow."
Legolas sent him a sympathetic glance. "At least he is not without a son. You have a brother don't you?"
"Yes, but he hardly sees Faramir as a son." he said quietly.
Alarain spoke, resting a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sure he is doing just fine Boromir." It was a lame way of comforting him, but it was all she could think of saying.
Legolas stayed silent and Boromir gave another sigh. "I can only hope that you're right Alarain."
The three of them sat there in comfortable silence until Merry came and found them for breakfast. The hobbit had been very quiet the last few days. Ever since the departure of Pippin, it was like half of him was missing. Alarain suspected that he missed his cousin terribly. She sat with him for the meal and attempted to cheer him up, but he was unresponsive and only stared off into space. His appetite didn't seem to be affected though, for he had already had seconds when Alarain was just finishing her first helping.
After everyone had eaten, most of them wandered off and Alarain was left with Gimli and Boromir. The dwarf sat peacefully smoking his pipe while Boromir watched the occasional person walk through. She followed his gaze and saw Brenir wandering after one of the cooks. The woman was cleaning the tables and tossing him a leftover chunk of food here and there.
The next person to enter was Eowyn. She went to speak with the cook and Alarain noticed Boromir's eyes following her closely. He was across the table from her and she rested her elbows down, putting her chin in her hands and smiling at him. She raised her eyebrows and he caught her gaze.
He gave her a confused look. "What is it?" he asked.
Alarain giggled. "Thinking about anyone in particular?"
His face grew understanding and he laughed. "Actually, I was thinking of Faramir." She stared at him for a moment and he laughed again. "Not in that way, if that's what you are suggesting." She relaxed and he continued. "I was thinking about how Faramir might... enjoy the company of Lady Eowyn. Besides, I could not handle such a wild woman. She would drive me crazy. Faramir however, would be much more patient with someone like her."
Alarain smiled. "Is that why you didn't try to court me? Because I'm too wild?" she giggled.
He grinned back at her and spoke in a low, teasing voice. "You were already taken."
She knew she was blushing but ignored it. "I was not at the time I met you."
Boromir smirked. "The bond you shared with Aragorn said otherwise."
Still blushing, Alarain spoke. "What do you mean?"
"I knew you two shared something special from the moment I saw you together." he smiled. "You'd have to be blind not to see it."
"It's true lass." Gimli spoke up. He had been listening the the entire conversation quietly, but now he had something to add. "I saw it as well. I think the ones who were blind were you and the ranger himself." he said before turning his attention back to his pipe.
Boromir turned back to her, grinning teasingly. She sent him a glare across the table and he snickered.
"Anyways." she said purposefully. "We were talking about Eowyn and your brother. I think that we should make sure they meet." Alarain suggested.
"I think that is a grand idea." Boromir smiled. "And Faramir doesn't like me meddling in his romantic life, so that will make it even more fun."
Alarain laughed and rolled her eyes. She soon wished the two farewell and wandered outside. The sun was already quite high and she went for a stroll through the streets. It was a lovely day. The sun was hot, but the wind made the air nice and cool. She was startled out of her thoughts when she felt a presence beside her. Aragorn had quietly joined her and was now looking down and studying her.
"You're not planning on doing anything here are you?" he asked. She looked back to him with confusion across her features. Aragorn gestured around them. "We're in the marketplace. I hope you're not looking for trouble."
Alarain giggled sheepishly. "No. I don't have anyone to try and cheer up today."
"How is your arm?" he asked all of a sudden. When she hesitated the slightest bit too long, he stopped her. "Is it alright?" His face was concerned and she couldn't hide her expression. Aragorn saw right away that there was something she wasn't telling him and took her hand. He lead her away from the crowds of the market and into a small alley. He turned her towards him again and watched her face intently. "Tell me." he said gently.
Alarain sighed. "When Saruman died, my arm felt an odd sensation that I've never felt before. It was as if a great weight had been lifted, but left a feeling of... of responsibility." Aragorn said nothing but only continued to watch her. "I felt it again this morning, though it was almost nice and made me feel brave and scared at the same time."
Her gaze had drifted down from his face and he tilted it up again. She knew he could see the her fear in her eyes, yet it felt good to tell someone.
"Tell me if you feel it again, or if you feel anything else." he whispered. She nodded and he gently pulled her into a hug. Letting her head rest on his chest, she let out a sigh. She was glad to have someone to talk to about it without having to worry what they would think. She was also glad that she had someone to hold her how he was. She was glad to have him.
It seemed too soon when they pulled apart. He watched her with care shining in his eyes and took her hand again. Leading her away once more, he wandered to the side of a building and sat down. She slid down beside him and looked out at the White Mountains.
Her eyes wandered, but soon halted on one of the peaks. "What is that up there?" she asked, pointing to the small object.
Aragorn's gaze followed her finger. "That is the beacon of Amon Anwar, or Halifirien as it is known to the people of Rohan. If Gandalf persuades Lord Denethor to send for help, that beacon is what we will see light up."
They stared at it for a long time, almost as if they were trying to force it to light with their own eyes.
"Would Gandalf and Pippin have reached Minas Tirith by now?" she asked quietly.
He nodded. "If they were not delayed."
As Alarain stared, her eyes seemed to play tricks on her. The beacon looked as if it was blazing bright against the sky, but it could not be. Could it? Aragorn was also watching it with interest, getting up and taking a few steps forward. She blinked and rubbed her eyes. It still shone with a fiery light. It was lit! They glanced at each other before Aragorn took off. She stared at the beacon for a moment longer before quickly scrambling after him.
She ran behind the ranger as he dashed up the stairs to the Golden Hall. He burst through the doors, causing a few surprised looks. In a very uncharacteristic way, he shouted loudly as he entered. "The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit!" He ran up to the king and his voice quietened. "Gondor calls for aid."
Everyone froze and watched as Theoden thought. She caught a glimpse of her friends, including Boromir, looking very expectant.
"And Rohan will answer." Theoden King said in a proud and determined voice. "Muster the Rohirrim!"
Boromir looked relieved and she caught his eye, giving him a smile. He nodded his thanks for her understanding and she turned back to Aragorn.
"Go pack your things." he said. "We will most likely be leaving as soon as possible." She nodded and turned to slip away through the crowd that had gathered, but Aragorn caught her arm and she looked back to him. "You could stay..."
She cut the ranger off with a shake of her head and a glare before turning from him and leaving. As she found her way to her room, she was joined by Brenir, who could most definitely tell that something was happening. She quickly packed some supplies in a saddlebag and headed out to look for her friends.
Just outside the stables, she found Fayna already tacked up with Aragorn and Brego waiting for her. She secured her saddlebags on and looked around. There were already many Rohirrim ready and waiting to leave and their horses were all on edge, prancing around in excitement.
Glancing back up to Meduseld, Alarain raised her eyebrows at what she saw. "Is that Merry up there with the king?" she asked.
Aragorn smiled. "It seems to be. Perhaps he wishes to fight as well."
"Or at least to come." she said, exchanging a glance with the man.
Legolas and Gimli were not far off and she heard the dwarf complaining, yet again. "Horseman." he scoffed. "I wish I could muster a legion of dwarves, fully armed and filthy!"
"Your kinsman may have no need to ride to war. I fear war already marches on their own lands." the elf answered, almost sadly.
As she cast her gaze about, Alarain took in the many horses and riders that crowded around and her heart tightened. Many of these men will not live to see their families again, she thought sadly. These are not just soldiers. These are individual people, each with their own story. Their families might lose fathers, husbands, sons. Looking over at Aragorn, she felt her insides twist. He might die. I might die. Any one of my friends could die.
The ranger that she was watching mounted Brego and she followed his lead. "Where are we headed?" she asked him.
"To the refuge of Dunharrow." Aragorn answered. "Theoden King is gathering his forces there. In three day, we ride for Minas Tirith." She nodded slowly at his words a chill ran up her spine. Minas Tirith... and war.
"Now is the hour, Riders of Rohan. Oaths you have taken! Now, fulfill them all! To Lord and Land!" Eomer's voice was strong and commanding as he spoke.
Then... they were off. With the king in the front, the army galloped out through the gates. Alarain rode up front with her companions and glanced down to see that Brenir was running beside her. He can come as far as Dunharrow, but I will not let him go any further, she thought protectively. Alarain looked back and noticed Eowyn was also riding with them, as well as some other women.
Aragorn saw her gaze and answered her unasked question. "She said that the women go as far as the camp to see the men off. I however, do not believe that to be her reason for coming." Alarain looked over to the ranger with questioning eyes. Once again, he answered without her speaking. "I suspect that she is planning to ride to war as well."
"What? Has she ever fought orcs before?" Alarain was quite startled at this discovery and it showed in her face.
"I do not know the answer to that." he said simply. "However, I know how you would feel if I tried to stop you from fighting. I'm sure Eowyn feels the same." He glanced over as if wishing she would miraculously decide to stay at Dunharrow and not ride to war.
His hopes were squashed when she answered. "I know what you're thinking, and I'm still coming." she said stubbornly. "And if this is the way Eowyn feels, then I'm not going to try and stop her." Alarain's glance moved to him and she saw the look in his eyes. Her words softened. "I know you're worried about me." she said quietly. "I'm worried about you as well. That does not however, mean that I'm going to try and convince you not to fight."
Aragorn watched her for a moment, his face expressionless. His eyes lowered and he nodded. He was quiet and as she gazed at him, she couldn't help but wonder what was going on in that ranger head of his.
She realized she was staring and, moving her gaze, it landed on Gimli. He was watching them with interest and when she narrowed her eyes at him, he grinned. The dwarf had definitely caught her watching Aragorn. Her eyes then moved up and saw Legolas watching her as well. He had his eyebrows raised and she sent him a glare. His eyes twinkled teasingly and Boromir rode in between them.
"Oh, leave them alone you two." She was about to send the Gondorian a look of thanks when he turned to her and Aragorn. "Can't you see they're having a private moment." he grinned.
Alarain felt her cheeks heat up. She still wasn't used to the fact that practically everyone knew of their feelings for each other. The grumpy woman fake stabbed Boromir with an invisible sword and he pretended to be drastically wounded. She rolled her eyes at his childlike antics, but he only smiled and went to ride with Eomer.
A hand rested on her leg and she looked to see Aragorn giving her a small smile. His gaze calmed her and she reached for his hand. He let her take it and gave it a squeeze as the column continued on their road to war.