AN: Italics means they are speaking in Elvish. Also, there are a few changes in here. Just some dialogue and a little bit more detail added. I hope you enjoy!


Chapter 29

The guards grabbed hold of Gríma, hauled him kicking and screaming out of the Golden Hall and threw him down the stairs. A mass of villagers gathered towards the bottom of the stairs to watch. I winced as rolled down the first flight of stairs. He deserved what he had coming to him but it had to hurt like hell. He looked up in pain as blood oozed from his cut lip.

"I've only ever served you my lord!" He cried desperately as King Théoden stalked after him with sword in hand. He was walking on wobbly legs and still has a sick, pale complexion on his face but he was filled with rage. I watched from the veranda as the woman in white stood next to me as Legolas stood on my opposite side.

"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" King Théoden yelled, dragging his sword with him. I had a feeling that King Théoden had every intention of thrusting that sword into Gríma. And I felt myself pause at that thought.

"Send me not from your side!" Gríma pleaded as he continued down the stairs, crawling backwards and King Théoden neared. His pleas falling on deaf ears. King Théoden gets close enough to Gríma and raises his sword, ready to strike Gríma from the world.

In the back of my mind, it felt awfully like murder. I know, Gríma had betrayed his King and his people. And in this world, that was enough for death. But in my opinion, he deserved a trial. But then again, I had no place in to say otherwise. If King Théoden can live with the consequences of his actions, it wasn't my place to stop him. As the sword swung downward, Aragorn intervened to my surprise.

"No my lord! No my lord. Let him go." Aragorn said as I saw King Théoden look up at him with woeful, angry eyes. "Enough blood has been spilt on his account." Aragorn reasoned as it seemed that King Théoden did not have the will or strength to argue. That poor man. I couldn't image what Saruman forced him to see while he was under his spell.

What surprised me even more was that Aragorn, being the good and decent man he was, reaches out his hand to help Gríma from the ground. He did something that I wouldn't even do. I would have grabbed that man by his collar and kept hauling that man out, throwing him out the gates with enough force to send him rolling back to Isengard.

He spat on Aragorn's out stretched hand, gives the woman in white a meaningful look before glancing over in my direction. He stares at me before running through the crowd. "Get out of my way!" He yells as he pushes through the crowd like a mad person.

I narrowed my eyes as I saw him ride out moments later. Good riddance. I felt eyes on me as I looked over to see the woman in white studying me. It wasn't uncomfortable under her gaze. If anything, she looked more intrigued than disapproving. My dark eyes swept over here. She was young, maybe a few years younger than me. But her blue eyes showed that she had seen much in her lifetime, kind of like me. Her hair fell in long golden waves down her back. I could see she was strong and I could admire the strength she possessed but she looked a little broken. I gave her a soft smile and she returned it to my surprise.

"Hail, Théoden King!" Aragorn said as he knelt before the wary kind. The crowd followed Aragorn's exampled and kneeled to honor their King who seemed bewildered before he uttered something softly.

"Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" He asked. I looked around but my gaze fell on the woman in white and I saw the look on her face. My stomach churned at the sorrow on her face. Oh no…

More sorrow. More death. I know it was part of war… part of life but it just seemed so much. This war had barely started and already the bodies were piling up. And only more were to come. So many more innocent and brave people would die before the end. And I hoped with all my heart that their deaths would not be in vain. Aragorn lead Théoden up the stairs where the woman took him into her arms and led him into the Golden Hall, followed by his personal guard. I stayed on the veranda, taking in a deep breath of the cold air.

"Esperanza?" Legolas asked as Gimli, Aragorn and Gandalf walked in and the villagers went back to their own business, a few looking up at us in curiosity before walking away. "What troubles you?" Legolas asked quietly as I looked over at him.

"This has barely started yet there is so much death and destruction." I said softly as I closed my eyes and my free hand went up my necklace, touching softly before holding it in between my fingers. "It wounds me so. To think that only more will befall this land its people before the end."

"It weighs on my heart as well." He said as I looked over at him and smiled sadly.

"I want to hope that we prevail and their deaths would not have been in vain." I whispered as I confided in Legolas. Haldir and Merendír weren't here. I needed to confide in someone. I had to. "But these people… they were loved… cherished by their kin, their friends… their neighbors. They had families… wives… children. I know what is to come yet I still feel the burden on my heart." I said as I looked over at him. He placed a hand on my shoulder and I could see that he knew what I was saying. I couldn't help but think of my family, of Bill and Irma. I still had no idea what happened back in my world, whether I've been missing all these years or if I was removed entirely from their existence. Both thoughts make me sick to my stomach.

"I wish I knew the words to ease your heart. If your other half was here, he would know what to say, what to do. Forgive me." He said and I laughed slightly, pulling him into a hug. No, he wasn't Haldir but his words held truth. In the end, I had to keep on hoping that the end of this war would justify all the losses we endured.

"You cannot be perfect." I said and the somber mood lifted. He pulled away with a smile on his face.

"You should tend to your wounds." Legolas said as he touched my cheek gently before barely tapping my split lip. I winced slightly as I felt the pain in my jaw, my stomach and my chest resurface. I knew my jaw had to be forming a bruise, perhaps it was a bit swollen as well. And I still tasted blood in my mouth, no doubt from the split lip I received from the force of the punch to my face.

"I will tend to them when I get time. I will be fine before then." I said as Legolas nodded, his eyes still filled with concern. "Thank you for helping me." I finished. I wanted to tell him so badly who I was. But I kept silent, looking over the city and the mountains in the background. Legolas studied me for a bit and I knew that he knew I was keeping something from them. He turned to leave but stopped, turning back to me.

"We know you are keeping a secret. You believe this secret would change how we feel about you. You must know that whatever secret you carry, it could never change how much we care for you, how much we respect you as a woman and as a warrior. We are your friends until the end of time. Nothing would ever change that." Legolas said as I looked over at him, tears welling in my eyes at his words. They were genuine and held such admiration and respect. I wanted to blurt out everything but I was scared. "When you are ready, we would gladly listen." With that, he went inside the Golden Hall. I took in a deep breath as I decided that when there was time, I would tell them. It was time to come clean. I made my way into the Golden Hall, preparing myself for the questionable glances and ignorant remarks.


When I walked in the Golden Hall, King Théoden was out of sight. I hoped he would recover from all that had happened. My friends were sitting at a wooden table off to the side. I made my way over, receiving stares but not what I had expected. It was more out of respect than ignorance. I even received a few warm smiles as I passed. I guess my brawl with the mercenaries earned their respect and gratitude.

"Oh, I was wondering where you were." Gandalf said concern in his all-knowing eyes as I gave him a small smile.

"I needed some fresh air." I said as he looked me in the eye. I sent him a little smile as I looked to the others. "So… what are we doing?" I asked as I looked around the hall. It was emptying out. Though, there were many eyes still watching us, it was more out of curiosity than anything.

"We are waiting for quarters. Lady Éowyn has gone to prepare them." Gandalf replied as I nodded and looked around the hall. This place did remind me of the Vikings a bit. The hall itself smelt of horses and leather. I loved that smell. It smelt of home, my world home.

"Who's Lady Éowyn?" I asked trying not to let my emotions get the best of me. It has been a long few days and my body was weary and beyond exhausted. I wanted to lay myself on the bed and sleep for a week. But what I wanted most was just to hold Haldir. I felt vulnerable without him.

"The woman in white. She is King Théoden's niece and sister to Lord Éomer, Third Marshal of Rohan." Aragorn said with a slight smile. He laughed slightly as I ran my hand over my face.

"Of course she would be his sister. Hopefully, bad manners don't run in the family." I said jokingly as I heard footsteps approach. The men stood and bowed as she approached. She was apprehensive yet curious while her maids looked didn't meet our gaze. None of them made eye contact with me while she met it with warmth.

"Milords… milady, I am Éowyn, niece to Théoden King." She said as she and the maids curtsied in respect.

"As you know, I am Gandalf the White. These are my companions, Aragorn son of Arathorn, Gimli son of Glóin, Legolas of Mirkwood and Esperanza of Lothlórien." Gandalf introduced as Aragorn bowed again, Gimli simply nodded, Legolas placed a hand over his heart and I gave her a warm smile.

"It is an honor to host you, milords and lady. My servants will show your rooms, milords. Milady, if you would follow me." Éowyn said as she motioned to a hallway opposite of where the maids were heading. I looked over at my companions and gave them a wave as I followed. We walked down the hall a bit of a ways until she stopped in front of the door. I caught her a few times studying my appearance while we were walking. I could see she did not mean it to be rude. She was just curious.

"This will be your room, milady. I apologize if it not to the Elvish standards." She said as she opened the door and stepped in.

I followed her into the room and was met by a heat of a blazing fire on the far side of the room. In front of me was a queen size bed covered in a red and gold blanket with an large animal fur at the foot of the bed. There was a small nightstand at one side of the bed and a window on the other, showing the rolling plains and the mountains in the background. In front of the fire was a small table with two chairs on either side and fur underneath. There was a cupboard on the wall with the window and to my right, a small vanity with a mirror. The wood of the furniture was a rich mahogany brown and room was warm. The room had their horse banner on the wall and a few pictures of beautifully painted horses on the wall.

"This is beautiful." I said as I looked at Éowyn with a friendly smile. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Éowyn." I said as she looked at me in surprise as I saw her glance at my ears, noticing that they were not pointed like she thought.

"Forgive me, Lady Esperanza. I heard you speaking Elvish and I assumed you were an Elf." Éowyn said, her voice filled with embarrassment. I couldn't blame her assumptions. I dressed like an Elf. I fought like an Elf. I spoke Elvish.

"There is nothing to forgive. Everyone assumes I'm Elf. I take it as a compliment." I said as I saw that my pack with my weapons were settled on the bed. A smile found its way to my lips as I approached the bed and laid out my weapons on the bed.

"You do not hail from these lands." Éowyn stated as I looked over my shoulder and shook my head, a small smile on my face.

"Is it that obvious?" I asked in jest and she actually laughed. It seemed like she hadn't had a chance to laughin a long time. I motioned her to come into the room fully. She closed the door quietly behind her.

"Your weapons are beautiful." Éowyn commented as she lightly touched the weapons, an appreciative smile on her face. I could tell she had some knowledge of the weapons before her. I wondered if she was a shieldmaiden.

"Thank you. They have saved my life and the life of my friends many times. They are my most prized possessions." I said as I watched her pick up my long knife and touched the tip gently. "I hope your uncle… sorry, King Théoden is well." I asked and she looked touched that I would ask.

"I am thankful for you concern. My uncle… there is much he does not know… that he must come to terms with." She said as she placed my long knife down, her eyes glazed over in tears of sadness. I felt my heart ache for her and her sorrow.

"I am sorry for your loss." I said as Éowyn gave me an appreciative smile.

"You honor me with your words of kindness." Éowyn said as she moved to stand in front of the fire. I stood there, arms crossed as her pale hand reached forward towards the flames. "My cousin was a good man." Éowyn explained as pulled out a chair and settled herself onto the chair. I walked to the table and sat opposite of her, wanting her to know that I was listening to her tale. "He was wounded in battle when my brother, Éomer, brought him home. His wounds were too severe." She said as I saw the tears start to fall down her fair face. "My uncle… he was not there when Théodred passed. It wounds him that he was not there to bring him peace before he joined our ancestors." I couldn't bare not giving her some comfort so I reached forward and grabbed one of her hands in my own. She looked over at me from the fire. Her blue eyes were filled with sorrow but I also saw that she was grateful for the comfort. She squeezed my hand in her own.

"I know of the pain you suffer. I've lost my family when I came to this world. I lost a friend that was like a brother. I watched as the life left him on the battlefield he was slain." I said as she waited for me to continue. "They say that the pain lessens in time. And that is somewhat true. You learn how to cope living without them. But I find that when you surround yourself with those that love you, that is when the pain truly lessens." I said as leaned forward in my chair. I wanted to give her hope that she wouldn't suffer for the rest of her life. "Remember the fond, happy memories of your cousin. Remember how he lived and the man he was. There will be pain in those memories but there will also be fondness, laughter, and love. And love conquers all." I said as she squeezed my hand.

"Your words hold great wisdom, milady. Thank you for sharing them with me. You did not have to be so gracious and understanding." She said as I gave her a thankful smile.

"Please, call me Esperanza. I don't like it when people suffer. If I can help, I will." I said as I heard a knock on my door. Soon the door opens to reveal two servants carrying a large tub followed by four other servants carrying steaming hot buckets of water. Éowyn stood and started to move her chair back, grabbing the table with small hands. I followed suit, moving my own chair to the side before grabbing the table and helping her move it out of the way. She directed them to place the tub in front of the fire and the other servants poured in the hot buckets of water into the awaiting tub. Then one of the maids pulled a screen from the corner of the room in front of the tub. "You are my new favorite person." I said as a bright smile appeared on her face, the sadness gone from her eyes.

"Gandalf said you were from Lothlórien. How does a woman find herself amongst the Elves?" Éowyn asked as I walked to my pack and pulled out my small pouch of medicinal herbs. I spread them into the water, letting them steep in the hot water.

"I was found along their border. They took me in and cared for me. Lothlórien is my home now." I explained as I slowly started to pull the layers off of my body. My body ached from everything we have endured since we left Lothlórien all those days ago.

"You must have been a child." Éowyn replied as I stood in my undertunic and breeches, my dirty boots pushed to one side. Éowyn took my dirty tunic from my hands, folding it over her arm.

"It was five years ago, believe it or not." I said as I saw the look of astonishment on her face.

"Five years ago?! Surely it has been longer than that?" Éowyn asked, not believing what she was hearing. I laughed lightly.

"It feels like it has been years but no, it's been about five years." I said and I could see the respect in her eyes grow.

"Forgive me but you are so skilled! I saw how you fought Grima's men! I would have sworn you have been fighting all of your life!" Éowyn said. I was flattered at her words. I knew Haldir and Merendír would have been proud and I knew my sister would have slapped me hard on my shoulder.

"I had great instructors. The Marchwarden of Lothlórien and Merendír… even my sister in a way. They made sure that I knew all I could so that I could take care of myself and those around me." I said as my voiced softened. I missed them. I missed them so much. "I'm sorry. I miss them." Éowyn smiled as I pulled off my undertunic and breeches, standing before her in my undergarments

"I will have your clothing washed while you bath." She said as I took over my undertunic and my leggings and folded them with my tunic. She turned around and I took that as my cue to slip out of everything else and go into the tub. I let out a moan as I submerged myself into the hot water, my body instantly relaxing.

"Thank you Lady Éowyn. This is amazing." I said as I looked over at her. She sent me a smile as she looked down at my clothes, confusion on her face. "Oh, and those can be washed normally. And I have extra clothes in my pack so there is no need for you to go into the trouble of finding me clothes." I said as she looked relieved that she wasn't going to ruin my clothes. With a bow, she turned and pulled the screen to block the view. I leaned over and grabbed my herbs when I jumped at the sound of her voice.

"If you do not mind, Esperanza, I would like for you to call me Éowyn. You have been a great friend to me." I heard her say as a smile appeared on my face.

"I cannot wait to get to know you more, Éowyn." I said and I could feel that she was happy at that. I heard the door shut quietly. It made me happy that moments before, I was in such a dark place thinking about death and all the lives that were lost and that would be lost. And now, I found a person who wanted friendship and understanding. It reminded me that these moments of goodness were still out there in the world. Moments where all the death and the destruction was pushed aside by the simple notion of friendship and compassion. It eased my heart to know that it could still be found in the darkness.


I heard a knock on at my door and I raised my head in question before realizing that I had fallen asleep in the tub. I shouldn't be left alone. I moved to stand but my body protested. I groaned at my sore muscles before making myself stand. I stepped out of the tub and quickly wrapped myself with the towel that was hanging on the covering. The door opens and I had a mini panic attack. I thought it was one of my companions as I froze in my spot as the person came in.

"Esperanza?" Éowyn said as she closed the door behind her, looking at me in concern. I let out the breath I was holding, relaxing.

"Éowyn! Thank god it's you! I thought for a moment that it was one of my friends! Could you imagine?!" I asked as we both laughed.

"I am sure they would not look at you the same." She said as I felt her eyes roam over my body. "You have so many." She whispered as I looked down. I did have a lot of scars. Some were from training, others from when I was growing up.

"I have collected quite a collection over the years." I said as I thought to my sister and how she was a fighter professionally. She totally trumped me with scars. "You should have seen my sister. She had more than her fair share of scars from her profession." I said Éowyn waited to know more. I smiled as I continued on in my story. "You see, my sister, Anabel, she was a professional fighter." Éowyn looked confused. I explained in more detail as she handed me clean undergarments. "My sister fought hand to hand combat for a living." Éowyn looked surprised.

"She was allowed to fight? As a profession?" She asked and I nodded. This must have sounded so odd to her. I wouldn't blame her for not believing me.

"Yes. I come from a land that was built on the philosophy that anything is possible as long as you put in the hard work and dedication. Anabel wanted to fight so she worked hard and fought. And she had real talent." I said and Éowyn looked like she was in the twilight zone.

"And your father allowed it?" I laughed as I started to dry myself. Éowyn handed me a bundle which ended up being my garments, freshly warm and completely clean. I wondered how long I stayed in that tub.

"It was her choice, not his. But my father did support her choice. He was very proud of her." I said sadly as I remembered how my father would make t-shirts with her face on them. He would paint his face for one of her fights and be the loudest in the room. I went behind the screen, pulling them on before walking back out.

"Why would you leave a place with such freedom?" Éowyn asked as I looked over at her, letting out a sad sigh.

"I didn't have a choice in the matter. I came here against my will. That's when the Lothlórien Elves found me. And that's how I call Lothlórien my home." I explained and Éowyn looked sad when she looked at me. I could feel my emotions running wild in my heart. I think Éowyn knew that there was more to the story but she didn't say anything. She just placed a hand on my bare shoulder. I looked over at her and I sent him a small smile in return.

"Forgive me, Esperanza." Éowyn said but I patted the hand on my shoulder before sending her a small smile.

"Don't worry about it, Éowyn. The memories bring pain but I can endure. I rather remember than forget." I said as I walked to my pack and pulled out a pair of dark gray leggings and a silver blue long sleeve tunic. I quickly pulled them on as I glanced over at Éowyn, noticing that she was still in thought. I took a seat on my bed and gently dusted off my boots. The mud and dirt fell off after a few taps. The Elves were truly amazing when it came to their clothing.

"Earlier, you mentioned two Elves from Lothlórien. One of them held great meaning to you." Éowyn said as I gave her a small smile. I knew she caught on to that.

"You mean the Marchwarden?" I asked as Éowyn nodded in confirmation. "His name is Haldir and he's the man that I love." I said with affection. I couldn't help the large, love sick smile that appeared on my face. My hand rose to my necklace and touched it gently, a small blissful smile on face. Éowyn smiled as she moved closer to get a closer look.

"Did he give you that jewel?" she asked as I gave her a wider smile.

"Yes, he did. I didn't know what it meant when he gave it to me at first." I said and she looked confused.

"Did he not state his intentions?" Éowyn asked. Self-proclamation of love? From Haldir? Funny. I laughed slightly.

"Elves are different when it comes to love." I explained. "With Elves, they have one person they love. It is like love at first sight except with their soul." I said as she nodded in understanding, her eyes bright with curiosity. "When I met him, I thought that the heart racing and soul warming was just a crush on my part, a fleeting emotion that would fade in time. I didn't know that the first time he saw me, I was the person he has been waiting for all his life. I didn't understand that until after I started this journey. Then after I almost died, I realized what I felt for him. I loved him. I loved him with my heart and soul." I said with a small smile on my face. My heart longing to have him at my side, to hold him once more.

"Why not just tell you his love?" Éowyn asked.

"I think he was being considerate. I came from a very different land. I think in his mind, he had all the time in the world to wait for me. But then I left and time was against us. Who knew if I would come back alive." I said as I looked over at her. "I still find myself in disbelief that someone like him would be able to love someone like me. A immortal being loving an mortal. But he did, regardless of our fate. And though it will be a sad end… I know everything leading to it will be worth the pain." I said as Éowyn smiled widely.

"You must love him greatly." She said and I shook my head. She wouldn't understand just how much I loved that man. He was everything to me.

"I cannot express in words how much I love him. I don't think there are words, to be honest." I said and Éowyn looked away.

"I hope to find a love like yours." She whispered and I grabbed her hand. She turned her blue eyes to mine and I sent her a reassuring smile.

"I hope you do too. You are beautiful, kind and you deserve to find happiness." I said, meaning every single word. She smiled in thanks before motioning to the door.

"Come, the others wait." Éowyn said as I followed her out of my room and into the hall. Sitting at a table covered with food and drinks were my friends. Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn and Gandalf waiting patiently for my arrival. Gimli, on the other hand, started without me but I didn't care. Dwarves never waited when it came to food. I understood. Being from a Latino family, I understood that food was life. I didn't blame him for starting without out. I just hoped he left me some because I was starved.

Éowyn stopped in front of the table and bowed slightly. "Enjoy your dinner." She said as she reached forward and grabbed my hand, squeezing it in her own before leaving. I looked at the others and smiled.

"You did not have to wait for me." I said as I sat next to Gimli. They smiled as they started to eat. On the table was an assortment of cheese, breads, fruits and a variety of chicken, pigeon, dove and deer.

In Lothlórien, they didn't eat meat, only on special occasions but mostly, no meat. I came from a Mexican family. Meat was everything. So living in Lothlórien, amazing as it was, had one fault. Since starting my journey, we have had deer, bacon and ham. Sometimes pigeon or doves if Aragorn was lucky.

"You clean up nicely." Gimli said as I laughed before nudging him with my elbow.

"Well, least I can't smell you from over yonder." I said pointing to no place in particular. He laughed along with the others before silence engulfing us. I took a sip from the mug in front of me and was caught off guard. The liquid was amber color and burned all the way down my stomach, making my insides warm. "Oh, that's potent." I said as I took another drink, enjoying the warming sensation that flowed through my body. Gimli laughed as he raised his mug. I touched mine to his as we drank, smiles on our faces. The others laughed lightly as I met every one of their gazes.

If this wasn't the perfect moment, I don't know what would be. I hoped that Legolas was right. I stood from my seat, walking to the head of the table. Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli watched with concern while Gandalf had his all-knowing glint in his eyes.

"I have something to tell you. I know you are aware that I have a secret. I have been vague about my homeland and how I cannot return. I think it is time for you all to know the truth about me. As you know, I come from a different land. While that is true, there is more to the story. I come from a different world. A world where Elves, Dwarves, and magic doesn't exist." I said as I looked them all in the eyes. They were surprised yet I saw nothing change in them. "About five years ago, I was out riding Max when we came across a tree with a beautiful engraving carved into the bark. Max touched it and I remember the world spinning. When the spinning stopped, I found that the forest I had known wasn't the same. That's when I encountered a Ring Wraith and he chased me out. I out rode them and found myself exhausted. I fell unconscious at the border of Lothlórien. That's where Merendír found me and how I am here." I said and it was silent.

"And your family? What of them?" Aragorn said and I let out a sad sigh.

"When I last saw them, they were alive and happy." I said as sadness took over. "I don't know what happened. I don't know if they have been looking for me all these years or… or if magic erased me from their lives entirely. I just don't know." I said, holding back the tears that wanted to fall as Aragorn's grey eyes filled with sadness.

"Can you return to your homeland?" Legolas asked and I shook my head in response.

"Never." I said and Legolas looked away. The very thought of never returning home not sitting well with him.

"Why were you brought? There must have been some purpose." Gimli asked and I looked over at him with a small, sad smile.

"From what Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel said, I was a 'beacon of hope', a 'champion for the people of Middle Earth'. I was skeptic at first. You see, my life before… it was nothing like the life I live now. I was a simple girl living a simple life. But Lord Celeborn said that the forces that rule this universe… they chose me for a reason. And so far, they seem to have chosen correctly." I said and Gimli nodded. The table was silent and they processed everything. I looked over at Gandalf and he sent me a nod. It didn't help the anxiety that formed in my chest.

"Well, I don't know about them, lass, but you could have said you were born from a golden dragon's egg or you came from the stars above, it would make no difference to me." Gimli said as he looked over and held my gaze. "You are a warrior, one of the finest I know, and a good lass. This changes nothing." I sent him a relieved smile as he gave me a curt nod before continuing eating.

"Esperanza, I cannot lie, this does change everything." Aragorn said and I felt my heart sink. "I have more respect for you. You have no loyalty to this land yet you fight with the spirit of ten men. You have more reason to hate this world yet you gladly call it home. You found love and a purpose when you had every right to let this world fall into darkness. I am honored to consider you my friend." Aragorn said and I felt tears well in my eyes. I wiped them quickly as Legolas just gave me a smile.

"We will always be friends until the very end." Legolas said as he put his fist over his heart in a salute. I did the same as I sent him a grateful smile.

"Good. This went exactly as I expected." Gandalf said as we all looked at him. He just ate his stew like he didn't know we were looking at him.

"You knew her story?" Aragorn asked and I nodded in confirmation. "And you said nothing?"

"It wasn't my story to tell." Gandalf said. Aragorn couldn't argue with that. I'm glad Gandalf didn't tell anyone. I had to do this. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders and my heart seemed lighter. I went back to my seat, giving all their shoulders a squeeze in thanks before taking my seat next to Gimli.

"Tomorrow will be a day filled with sorrow." Gandalf said as I finished my plate. My stomach was nice and full for the first time since we left Lothlórien.

"What's happening tomorrow?" I asked as we all stood from the table.

"King Théoden's son, Théodred, is to be buried." Legolas said as I nodded. Tomorrow would be a sad day.

"I see." I said I started to walk to my room. "Rest well my friends. And... thank you. For everything." I said. Gandalf gave me a nod while Legolas and Aragorn sent me a smile. Gimli did something unexpected and gave me a bow. I returned it with one of my own before I made my way to my room.

When I opened my door, I was hit by the heat of the roaring fire. It was such a nice feeling, having a roof over my head and a bed to lay in. I didn't change out of my clothes as I felt exhaustion take over my body, my eye lids feeling heavy. I crawled under the covers, pulling the animal skin across my body. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I was asleep.


The next day was one of great sorrow. King Théoden's son, Prince Théodred, was to be buried. It was evident by the grief of his people that Prince Théodred was a good man. It broke my heart to see them grieve for their loss, especially King Théoden and Éowyn. Théoden came walking down, followed by his son's corpse. I stood in between Aragorn and Legolas, my clothing from Lothlórien returned to me by a sad servant. My dark brown hair was wrapped in a bun on top of my head with my weapons at their side.

We watched as the soldiers carrying Prince Théodred's body passed him to the women to put into the tomb. As they did this, Éowyn started to sing. I didn't recognize the language that she was singing but it was beautiful and full of sorrow. Tears fell from her blue eyes down her fair face. I knew all too well the loss of someone dear. We all did and I wished that I could take some of her pain and bear it.

Soon the prince is placed into the tomb and the funeral ends. Everyone walks back to their homes except Gandalf and Théoden. I glanced over at them as I continued up the slope to the Golden Hall with Éowyn beside me. I gently laced her arm with my own. She laid her hand on my forearm and squeezed it. No words I would say could help ease her pain. I just hoped that she knew that there was someone there who cared and was there for her.

We made our way up the stairs to the Golden Hall when I squeezed her hand. I did not want to go indoors just yet. I needed the fresh air to clear the melancholy thoughts that were starting to swim in my mind. She looked at me, nodded in understanding before making her way into hall. I placed my hands on my hips and looked up towards the sky, closing my eyes in the process.

After this war, there would be more of these. More burials and funeral piles. I just hoped that this war would bring an end to all this chaos and violence. It made me realize how precious every moment was. I wished Haldir was here so at least, I could have stolen moments with him. But I had to suffice with memories and the necklace he gave me.

I opened my eyes and gazed upon the beautiful plains of Rohan. The books didn't say how beautifully simple it was. There were no trees, just rolling plains of golden and green grass and mountains with white tips in the back drop. It was a beautiful sight and it reminded me that Middle Earth was worth fighting for. Everything here was worth the sacrifice. And more importantly, people like Éowyn were worth fighting for. As I looked over the plains, my eyes landed onto a blimp on the horizon. I shielded my eyes from the sun as I tried to get a better look at the blimp. It looked like a horse with a rider. As I watched the rider fall off horse and I knew something was wrong.

I ran down the stairs taking two steps at a time. "Max! Max!" I yelled as I heard commotion in the stable until the two large double doors burst opened to reveal Max looking wildly for me. A few of the stable hands followed with ropes in hand. I waved them off as I hoisted myself on his bare back. The stable hands and the villagers watched with shock and concern as I rode out of the gates. I glanced over at Gandalf and saw he and Théoden were watching me with confusion. I motioned to the horse and saw Gandalf wave me forward as he and Théoden made their way back into the city.

I sunk my hands into Max's black mane as he galloped full speed to the fallen figure. As I neared, I saw that the one rider was actually two children. A young boy was on the ground and a young girl was crying on the exhausted horse. Max came to a dead halt as I dismounted, stumbling slightly from the momentum. I caught my footing as I approached the exhausted horse. It didn't even shy away as I approached. The poor animal stood there, dripping with sweat and its legs shaking in exhaustion. I knelt beside the boy and checked to see if he was hurt. From what I could see, he was fine. Just exhausted. I grabbed the boy and hoisted him into a fire man hold and placed him on Max. I made sure he wouldn't slip as I turned my attention to the frightened and exhausted girl.

"Hey there, hon." I greeted her, my voice low and warm. The little girl cried more as she leaned forward, arms reaching for me. I took her into my arms and held her, rubbing her back slowly to try to calm the hysterical child. "You are safe now, hon. Is this your brother?" I asked as I motioned to the boy. She nodded in response, still crying. "Don't you worry. You two are in good company now." I said as I placed her on Max before pulling myself onto him. Her little arms wrapped around my waist in a vice grip, her face buried into my back. I held her there as Max looked over his shoulder at me. "Tell that horse to follow us." I said and Max nickered softly before he moved into a long-gaited canter. The motion was smooth, not jarring the unconscious boy's body, making it easy for me to keep hold of both children without having to hold onto Max's mane for balance.

We rode through the gates and Max slowed to a stop at the foot of the stairs that led to the Golden Hall. I saw that there were riders mounting horses but a guard motioned to stop. Aragorn, Gandalf and King Théoden approached Max, Aragorn taking the unconscious boy up the stairs while King Théoden grabbed the young girl and took her shaking hand. "Thank you, Esperanza." Gandalf said as he patted my leg lightly before walking up the steps. King Théoden looked over at me and I was ready for a reaction similar or worse than Éomer's initial one. But I was pleasantly surprised when he sent me a grateful smile before taking the girl into his arms and up to the Golden Hall.

For once, I was speechless. I wasn't expecting that at all.