Chapter Twenty-Six: Gain
"For everything you have missed,
you have gained something else,
and for everything you gain,
you lose something else."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
December 21
The Wold of Rohan ran on endlessly from the banks of the Limlight, turning into seas of gold and grey fields. The sun set early in the day, the last rays burning amber in a sea of violet. They made camp on the leeward side of a hill, the air cold but calm. Their journey over the past few days had been bland and uneventful, the blankness of the land weighing on Eva's heart. At night around the campfire, she allowed Mereth to fuss over her, feeling an emptiness settle into her stomach.
When served a warm plate of food, she mindlessly stirred it with her fork, staring unseeingly into the campfire. Mereth scooted to her side and nudged her encouragingly, but she sighed and handed the uneaten bowl to the elleth.
"You must eat,"
"I'm not hungry."
Mereth grunted and put the bowl aside, handing her a piece of lembas bread. Begrudgingly she accepted it and chewed on it little by little. Mereth leaned in closer, patting her on the arm.
"What is wrong?" she asked softly. "I did not bring it up before for fear of offending you, but I cannot help noticing how melancholy you are. I believe it is the cause of this flitting illness."
"I feel as if something has been ripped out of me, and replaced by a heavy burden," said Eva slowly. "I try to get past it, but it always returns."
"Speaking of which," said Mereth. She picked up another bowl and placed it in her hands. "You must drink this. It will make you feel better."
The concoction slid slowly down Eva's throat, the taste bitter and making her choke. "Thanks, I feel better already," she said sarcastically.
The elleth rolled her eyes and reclaimed the bowl. "At least you remain stubborn. You will need that for your condition to improve."
"I do appreciate all that you're doing," she said, putting a hand on Mereth's. "The longer I am here, the more I seem to lose."
"Milady, I will stay by your side until the end."
December 24
The small flurries clung to the strands of hair that flew out from underneath her hood. Eva dusted some of the snow off her cloak then tightened it around her, feeling a chill creep in. Her feet were still like ice, for they had crossed the Entwade that morning. The wild fields grew tamer on this side of the river, and they saw more horses roaming about free. Despite the frozen and snowy landscape, she was able to see well enough. A grey haze in the distance caught her attention. It looked like a large fire, too big for one chimney to contain.
She reined Sadron in and called ahead to Rodyn. "Let's head that way."
He raised a hand to shield his eyes, and said, "We cannot. There are human settlements that way."
"We are going that way right now," she said firmly. "That's an order."
The Elf seemed mildly shocked, but he lowered his head in obeisance. Eva turned Sadron into a gallop, but it took another ten minutes to reach their destination. They stopped their horses in horror, when they saw the first building. A great plume of smoke whirled upward against the snow, enveloping its surroundings. The skeleton of a house and barn were alit with gold flame, which ate away at the walls and roof.
"Where are the owners?" she said aloud.
Determined, she dismounted and started walking towards the house, but Mereth grabbed her from behind. "You cannot go in there!"
Arphain jumped off his horse and stood at their side. "But I can."
Before either could say anything, he sprinted towards the building, flinging the front door open. Meanwhile, Rodyn circled towards the barn, but returned quickly. The minutes passed slowly, every minute his return seeming unlikely. Mereth clung to Eva fearfully, watching the house for any signs. Finally, a singed figure emerged from the building, carrying a large burden over his shoulder. He stumbled towards them, then collapsed onto his knees, panting. In his arms was a tall blonde man, unconscious and somewhat burned from the flames. Rodyn took the man from Arphain and laid him on his back upon the ground.
He examined the man closely, then shook his head. "He isn't breathing."
"Well of course not, he needs CPR," said Eva. The Elf stared at her blankly. "Oh pft let me try."
She began pushing on the man's abdomen, and breathing into his mouth. An acrid taste filled her mouth, but she ignored it. This was reminding her too much of the day she found her Aunt unconscious in the field, and was unable to revive her. I can't let this man die.
"Milady, what're you doing?"
"Forcing air into his lungs."
"I see, but I don't believe it will—"
There was a heaving rush of air as the man's chest suddenly rose and fell, followed by a gagging sound. His eyes fluttered open, and his eyes darted around in alarm.
"Shh, you're safe," Eva said softly.
The man strainedly nodded, then passed out once more.
They made camp under an outlying woodshed, far away from the reaches of the dying inferno. They were somewhat protected from the snow by the shoddy roof and campfire, which burned merrily in the midst of the storm. Arphain and Mereth worked ceaselessly over the unconscious man for an hour, cleaning his burns, changing his clothes, and washing away dirt. Most of the clothes they pulled off him were ragged and torn, but belted around the man's waist was a long sword, devoid of ornaments or decoration. Eva carefully cleaned the sword as Boromir and Arphain had taught her, then surrendered it for hiding to Rodyn. They could not yet trust this man with a weapon.
It was near sunset when the snow began to recede and the man finally awoke. He groaned and struggled to sit up, with Mereth's help. Curiously his brown eyes roved over the group and himself, and he fiddled with the finely sewn sleeves of the Elven tunic he now wore. He was ordinary looking, but ruggedly built like Boromir, though on a lesser scale. He lowered his head thankfully to them, and wonderingly touched a bandage on his arm.
"There is no pain. How can this be?"
"They have healed you well," said Rodyn, gesturing to the other Elves.
"You have my deepest gratitude," he said to them. "As I was laying there in the fire, feeling the life go out of me…I knew I was dying." He turned his head and looked at Eva. "But then I felt air rush into me, and your face."
"You weren't breathing when we pulled out of the house," she said, grimacing at the thought. "I had to do something called CPR to revive you."
"I was returning home from the East Emnet, when I saw the house on fire. I rushed in and tried to save my sister's life, but she was already dead." He sighed, his eyes deep and sad. "It was foolish of me, but she was all that remained of my family."
Mereth shook her head. "It was not foolish. If I lost my brother, I would not know what to do."
He gave her a small smile, then stiffly rose to his feet, despite the Elves' protest. He knelt in front of a bewildered Eva, and kissed her hand. "Fair lady, what is your name?"
"Eva," she said slowly.
"Lady Eva, I am Nahald son of Oswin. I swear my fealty and service to, long as you have need of it. Do you accept?"
Her eyes darted to the Elves, and Arphain gave her a small nod. She grasped Nahald's hand tightly, helping him sit down once more. "Yes."
As she bent over, he caught sight of the ring around her neck. "Gracious are the Dúnedain milady."
She clasped it to her chest, a minor of sting of guilt hitting her. Very few could be trusted with her secret. "Indeed."
Glancing at the others, he smirked. "But fairer folk I have never seen, only heard of in stories. Tales spring in life in the grass, for I never thought to meet Elves in my lifetime, especially in Rohan."
Rodyn looked at him sternly. "Master Nahald, if you value what we have done for you and truly abide by your oath; you will reveal that fact to none."
"On my honor, none shall hear it pass from my lips."
December 25
The stars were cold against the black night, circling endlessly high in the sky above, as Eva watched. She scuffed the snow powdered ground with a boot, and began walking further from the camp. She stopped outside the wreckage of the house, staring at it forlornly. She imagined a warm hearth of her own, in the arms of a loving man while children played on the floor. The image faded as she heard footsteps behind her, and found Nahald at her side.
"I don't think you should be up," she said gently.
The man shrugged sheepishly. "I have been on my back all day as instructed." He put a hand on her shoulder. "But neither should you, with this illness that plagues you."
"I'm not sure it's that," she said quietly, folding her arms. "Today is Christmas in my homeland. It is a very special holiday we celebrate with family, but I have none left."
"As do I," he said. "I understand completely, but I still implore you to rest more. Among my people, I am a kind of healer. I spoke with Mereth about your ongoing illness."
"And what do you suggest?" she asked.
"Hard as it may be, let go of your sorrow. For it will ravage your soul, body, and that of your unborn child."
The words of truth struck Eva in the heart, and she gazed at him, stunned. She had suspected…but how could it be true? God, if she was, was she doing the right thing? Eva broke away from Nahald, running troubledly through the snow. She flew into the midst of camp, causing all three Elves to jump to their feet, the soldiers drawing their weapons.
"What is it?" Rodyn asked worriedly.
Eva took Mereth by the arm. "That herb you gave me in Rivendell, Galascen, it should've worked right?"
Mereth nodded quickly. "Of course, it does not fail when used properly. And I definitely prepared it correctly."
"For what?" asked Arphain, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.
"Against begetting," she answered nonchalantly.
The Elf froze, staring at Eva and Mereth. "Ye gods!" he exclaimed. "Mereth you fool, Galashên not Galascen is used for that!"
The elleth's eyes went wide and she turned a deep shade of pink.
The soldier gazed at Eva, who felt her heart sinking. "You had need of this?"
"Yes," she said faintly.
Nahald emerged on the edge of the group, having overheard the conversation. Carefully, he helped Eva sit on the ground.
"Yes, Lady Eva is with child."
.-.-.-.
The following day was warmer and sunny, soon melting away the remnants of snow. The light felt good and wholesome upon their backs, and Eva's heart felt light as air. She rode with one arm protectively against her belly, as if to keep the knowledge all to her self. At first she'd felt almost helpless, but as time passed, she realized how wonderful it was.
Is this the dark haired child I saw? Is this the sign I will return home?
She felt somewhat disappointed Boromir would not hear of this new. She had to find some way of telling him—
"Eva. Mereth," called Rodyn.
He pointed across the frozen meadows to a far off gathering, indiscernible against the bright sunlight. A pang of fear hovered in Eva's chest, as she surveyed the sight.
"They fly a green banner with a white horse," shouted Arphain.
"They are Rohirrim," she yelled back. "No need to worry."
"We shall see," said Mereth. She raised her hood, carefully tucking her hair over her pointed ears.
The group in the distance seemed to move faster as it caught sight of their traveling party. Within a short period of time, a large band of soldiers cut across their path and drew them to a halt. As Eva instructed, the Elves did not draw their weapons or remove their hoods. A tall man helmed man holding a large sword rode forward.
"What business have you in this land?" He motioned to Nahald, who sat behind Arphain on his horse.
"Hwæt eart þu?" Rohirrim?"
"Gea, hlaford min."
"Are you their friend or prisoner?" the soldier asked sharply.
"Friend. They rescued me from certain death when my home burned down."
"Were you victim of an Orc raid?"
"Gea. I beg leave sir, that you should speak with my lady instead," he said, bowing his head politely. He turned his head in Eva's direction.
"You serve these strangers?"
"Yes."
Eva urged Sadron forward and lowered her hood. She brought out a piece of parchment and handed it to the soldier. He read it thoroughly and handed it back to her. He removed his helm and smiled. It was Théodred.
"Ic grete þe Evelyn. I will let you pass, since that very paper was signed by my hand." She laughed and he took her hand, kissing it lightly. "It is good to see you well. Yea, we feared the worst when your horse returned riderless."
"Hæstapa," Eva said in disbelief. "We thought we lost her for good at the crossing of Tharbad."
"Rohirrim horses are hardy creatures," said Théodred, beaming. He leaned it closer and lowered his voice. "Where is Lord Boromir? Do not tell me he was lost?"
"I cannot go into detail," she said, furtively glimpsing at the surrounding soldiers. "Yet I can say he is safe and we reached our destination."
Théodred examined their horses and her companions, then winked. "I see you have indeed met the folk of Rivendell." He straightened up in the saddle. "I invite your party Lady Eva to Edoras, with my hospitality."
Rodyn bristled and said roughly, "We cannot, it is out of our way."
"Not by much," interjected Eva.
The Elf sighed and was silent a moment. "Very well."
"Good," said Théodred expectantly. He put his helm on again and signaled his escort. They parted and brought the Elven party into its midst, then rode on southward.
December 28
The high walls of Edoras loomed ahead, piercing the dusky sky above. Their group raised the green and white banner, causing the front gates of the city to swing open. The soldiers split off at various points throughout Edoras, until Théodred and Eva's group rode up alone to Meduseld. They were given rooms in the back half of the great hall, for privacy and away from prying eyes.
At nightfall, they were led from their rooms to a small chamber, set with long dining tables, and filled with a huge assortment of food. The Elves took a table to themselves, allowing Théodred and Eva to sit alone. She was served meat, cheese, and dried fruit, but declined when offered wine.
Théodred raised an eyebrow as she turned the servant away and asked for water. "It is the very best in Rohan, straight from the orchards of Gondor."
"I'm sure it's fine, but I cannot have it," said Eva, taking a forkful of food.
He stared at her a moment, swirling his wine, then smiled. "You are carrying Lord Boromir's child?"
She choked and looked at him, her eyes watering. "Yes, and I am taking every precaution."
Théodred raised his goblet high in the air and bellowed to the others, "A toast, to new beginnings and a future Steward of Gondor in Lady Evelyn's belly."
Eva flushed red as the Elves raised their cups in unison. "Thank you," she murmured.
"What's wrong?"
"Circumstances are such that nothing is for sure," she said softly.
Théodred motioned to the ring dangling from her neck. "That is a sign of betrothal. Are things otherwise?"
She turned redder and fumbled with her fork. "No we're not. Whether or not that happens is up in the air."
"I'm sorry I embarrassed you then." Théodred placed a hand encouragingly on her shoulder. "I have no doubt it will, and that Lord Boromir will make a fine father. Just do not tell him I said so."
"When are you getting married?" she asked, laughing loudly.
"In a few weeks," said Théodred. "I think you know my bride quite well, as she mentioned you several times—Cynuise Fulur."
"I thought she was already married," she said, surprised.
"Nay, her husband passed away at the end of summer."
"That's sad, but my congratulations."
"We must all pay a price for happiness," he replied, almost inaudibly.
December 29
The faint sound of neighs echoed across the courtyard, and grew as they walked towards the paddocks. They entered the Rohirrim stable, a well decorated stone building with high vaulting ceilings and long rows of stalls. Théodred led Arphain and Eva halfway through the structure, until they were standing near the Elves' horses. At the sound of their voices, several horses stuck their heads over their doors, including a chestnut mare and a black gelding.
"Hæstapa and Nénar!" exclaimed Eva.
Fondly, she stroked the mare's neck and allowed her to nose through her pockets, looking for treats. The gelding pricked his ears forward and joined in the search, pushing Hæstapa's head out of the way.
"We finally caught him running loose near Aldburg with a band of our horses," said Théodred. "I return both to your keeping."
She examined Hæstapa closely, noticing the good condition she was in, and the slight bulge at her side.
"She's in-foal," she said, in surprise.
"Yes, we estimate she should deliver in the summer."
"That makes two of us," she whispered to the horse.
She laughed as the mare nibbled wonderingly at her hair and shoulder. It felt as if things were finally slipping into place.
S/N: Translations: Rohirric:
"Hwæt eart þu?" Rohirrim?" (Who are you? Rohirrim?)
"Gea, hlaford min." (Yes, my lord.)
"Ic grete þe." (I greet thee.)
A/N: Please excuse any grammar or spelling mistakes. I only ran a quick edit on this, as I wanted to post it sooner rather than later. Thanks!