Chapter 28

"So you have returned."

Ariana bowed her head. "Yes Milord."

Théoden's eye flickered to Aragorn, who stood to the side of the Golden Hall beside Boromir, the Elf, the Dwarf, and the White Wizard, then back to her kneeling figure. "And I am to believe that all of your history bestowed to us was false, even your name?"

Ariana nodded slightly, afraid to answer.

"Speak up, girl!"

"Yes, Milord… It was."

The king sat back in his throne. "Then you admit to lying to the King of Rohan."

Ariana's head shot up. "No, Milord, I-I had no recollection of my true past when Lord Eomer found me. It was not until my encounter with Saruman that it was revealed. I do not even remember anything I had told any of you about where I said I came from."

This did not help Ariana. Théoden's eyes hardened at the Dark wizard's name. "This sounds of dark magic to me. I cannot trust the word of one who forgets so easily."

"Then what of the word of a friend?" Gandalf asked, stepping forward.

Théoden watched the wizard stop at her side. "You will vouch for her, Gandalf?"

"I do. To understand her story you must know all details. It is not a simple spell to make her forget, but to put her in her proper place. Being one who cast her from this world and freed her from Saruman's grasp I can assure you of her truthfulness in this matter."

The king's eyes narrowed. "Then tell me everything, wizard, to settle the matter of this treason."

"Treason?" Ariana whispered.

Théoden looked at her sharply. "Yes, I allowed you into my kingdom, knowing nothing of you, and you betrayed the trust of Rohan with your lies. I wish to be convinced that your "forgotten past" is not just a cover for a spy of Saruman, otherwise I will have no choice but to throw you in prison."

Ariana's eyes widened. "Your majesty I swear that I am no traitor and as strange as it sounds everything is truth!"

"You will hold your tongue." Théoden snapped. "We will hear from the wizard."

Gandalf tapped Ariana with the bottom of his staff and she stood, her head bowed. He cleared his throat and explained everything he could of Ariana's past. Ariana continued to step back. She was awful at explaining things; everything she said only seemed to make things worse. She was only good when silent. What would have happened if Gandalf wasn't with her? Her throat began to hurt and she swallowed thickly.

A hand on her shoulder caused her attention to shift and she blinked back tears when faced with Aragorn's comforting smile. She returned his smile tentatively. She realized she wasn't alone and wouldn't have to face the world on her own anymore. She took Aragorn's hand and lifted her head determinedly, watching the King as Gandalf spoke.

"So you see, Théoden-King, the real truth was unknown even to Ariana. A false truth is not necessarily a lie. She has been broken from Saruman, as you have, and has returned to Rohan and asks for penance." Gandalf turned slightly, his eye meeting Ariana's.

She slowly let go of Aragorn's hand and stood before the king once more, bowing respectfully. "Théoden-King, I am no longer the savage Melody that Lord Eomer found in the forest. I am Ariana, daughter of Arathorn, sister of Aragorn, and I ask you look past all this confusion and see only the chance of a new tomorrow." She stood straight and held her head high. "I am not a threat to Rohan and will do anything to protect this land."

Théoden analyzed her with narrowed eyes, his figure stiff.

"Uncle, if I may speak?" Éowyn asked suddenly, stepping to the side of his throne.

Théoden nodded, his eyes turning to his niece.

Ariana bit her lip, unsure of what the blond was going to say. As a young girl Éowyn had not liked Ariana much, but before her was not that girl, but a woman, her eyes wiser and features hard. She had aged beyond her years. Éowyn's cold grey eyes met Ariana's and she stood taller, facing the blond head on.

Éowyn was first to look away, but Ariana felt as if she dismissed her. Éowyn looked down at her uncle. "This woman is not the same as the maid Melody that once stayed here. Anything we knew of her is of no importance to the matters we must face now."

Ariana felt a stab to her chest, but said and did nothing.

After a short silent, his eyes sweeping over the room one more time, Théoden nodded. "Yes, there is nothing more to think on over this matter. This woman's identity of no importance to us, only her intentions."

"Which are only in the interest of Rohan, Milord, I assure you." Ariana said quickly.

"That is settled then." Théoden stood, his eyes shadowed. "Now if you would all excuse me… I have a funeral to prepare."

Everyone bowed and Théoden exited the hall. Éowyn glanced at Ariana one last time before following her uncle out.


Bealocwealm hafað fréone frecan forth onsended

giedd sculon singan gléomenn sorgiende

on Meduselde thæt he ma no wære

his dryhtne dyrest and maga deorost.

Bealo

Ariana bowed her head as Théodred's body was carried past her down the path to his final resting place in the graveyard of his ancestors. She, Aragorn, Boromir, Legolas, and Gimli stood near the beginning of the path descent into the field, near the gate. Closer to the grave was meant for people closer to the prince, such as his father or cousin or soldiers that fought with Théodred. Though, even at their distance Éowyn's mournful song still reached them.

Many villagers shed tears to mourn their prince's death, and a few slipped past Ariana's lids. From what she knew of him he was a good man. He would have been a good king.

The party moved with the crowd back to the village once the service ended. Ariana looked back and watched as the rest of the crowd further down moving away from the grave, everyone leaving but the hunched figure of the king, Gandalf standing beside him. The sun was setting over the hills behind them.

Aragorn took her arm and led her before the rest towards the Golden Hall. Once inside, they seated themselves at the long tables adorning the side of the Golden Hall, near the king's throne. The fire gate, as well as the torches and other fire gates along the Hall were lit in preparation for nightfall.

Aragorn took a seat beside her, pulling his pipe from his cloak. He lit it, smoking slowly, a thoughtful look adorning his face. Gimli clamored into the chair on the other side of the table. Legolas stood beside the pillar closest to them and Boromir sat one table over, staring into the fire as night's shadows began to enter through the windows

While they sat more people began walking through the Golden Hall back to their posts: guards, maids, cooks. Ariana paid them no heed, and kept her head bowed, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.

Gimli looked the least affected by the silence and broke it, addressing Ariana. "Did you know the prince well?"

Ariana glanced at him before shaking her head. "I only spoke to him sometimes. I met him after Lord Eomer brought me here."

"And Lord Eomer?" Gimli asked.

A faraway look entered her eye and her face became hot. "No, I did not know him well."

"You're blushing like a lass." Gimli chuckled.

Boromir looked up.

Ariana shook her head, waving her hands for emphasis. "No, no, I respected him, nothing more."

Gimli's beard tweaked and he looked unconvinced, but changed the subject nonetheless. Or rather the sound of his stomach grumbling loudly did it for him. "Well I think it's time to renew my strength, the day has worn me out."

Ariana stood quicker than needed. "I will go, I know my way around."

"Much thanks to you Ariana, with a nice cup of ale."

She nodded, but as she made her way to the servant's door she was called out to. Turning, she saw the King and Gandalf entering the Hall, Éowyn entering behind with two children at her side. The children were dirty; their hair matted and mud covering their faces, and looked exhausted. The young boy was leaning heavily on the small girl for support.

"Bring these children some food." The king ordered.

Ariana nodded quickly, her eyes shooting to the children in concern. "Yes Milord." She hurried through the door and to the kitchen, telling the cooks what to bring her. It was already past lunch and they had begun to prepare dinner. Grabbing two bowls of stew offered to her, and telling an assistant to follow her with a plate of food and ale they made their way back into the Golden Hall, distributing the food.

Gimli dug in immediately, while the children -now seated at a table across the fire gate from Aragorn and the rest- looked unsure. Éowyn gave them an encouraging smile, leaning down beside the girl. "Go on little ones."

With her approval the two dug in like they hadn't eaten for days, which by the looks of it seemed like to Ariana like they hadn't.

"What's happened?" Ariana asked, addressing the king. "How did they come to be like this?"

"A raid." Théoden said wearily, sinking into his throne. Gandalf took a seat in the chair beside the throne once occupied by the snake of a man, Grimtongue. "Wildmen from the forests now allied with Saruman."

Éowyn stood, her voice laced with sadness as she spoke. "They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through the westfold, burning as they go; rick, cot, and tree."

"Then their village?" Ariana gasped.

"Gone." The king said with ice in his tone.

Ariana stared down at the children, horrified.

"Where's momma?" The little girl asked, looking up from her food. It broke Ariana's heart.

Éowyn leaned back down, softly shushing the child.

"This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight." Gandalf declared forcefully.

"You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king." Aragorn said softly.

Théoden stood and his eyes became cloudy and filling with and inner conflict. "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us. I know what it is you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."

"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not." Aragorn said strongly, yet calmly.

Théoden's gaze snapped to Aragorn. "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan."

Ariana placed a hand on Aragorn's arm and met his gaze, willing him to calm.

"Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked, walking slowly toward Theoden.

They room was filled with a stiff silence as they awaited the king to speak. He looked at each person in turn, his eyes resting on the children and then Gandalf as he finally spoke. "We will empty the city and make to Helms Deep. I will speak no more word of this. Hama, inform the people and prepare the troops."

Hama bowed in respect for the king's decision. "Yes Milord." He swiftly left the Golden Hall.

The air remained tense and Ariana felt the muscles of Aragorn's arm tighten under her touch.

"Éowyn, care for the children until you find someone else who can, then prepare to leave." Théoden said.

Éowyn bowed her head. "Yes Milord."

Théoden nodded, satisfied, before turning to Gandalf. "I will not risk my people's lives for your hope."

Gandalf stood, the lines on his face standing out far more than Ariana had ever seen. "I will not go against the king's final word."

Théoden stared him down, searching for lies. "Very well, I will begin the evacuation preparations." He swept out of the room and into the corridor that led to the royal chambers.

Once gone, Gandalf nodded to Éowyn. "If you will excuse me my lady?"

"Of course."

Gandalf left the Golden Hall on her leave, and as he did Ariana felt Aragorn slip from her grasp, and she watched as he, Boromir, Gimli, and Legolas follow after Gandalf.

Ariana stayed behind, watching the children as they ate. She moved to the table they sat, her arms crossed over the wood. She smiled sadly. Their fate was something she would not wish upon any child, but one relatable. To lose their mother at a young age…

The sound of their spoons scraping the bottom of the bowl alerted her they had finished. "Would you like more?"

The little boy nodded, but the girl looked at her confused. "Where is momma?"

"She is, uh, not here." Ariana said uncomfortably.

"Is she dead?" The boy asked up front.

"Dead?" The girl repeated, her eyes watering.

Ariana looked at Éowyn for help, unsure how to deal with the subject. Éowyn filled in for her, pushing hair out of the little girl's face. "Her fate is unknown to even us, Freda. You can only wait and hope she will be waiting at Helms Deep."

"When will we be able to find out?" Freda asked.

"Soon." Éowyn stood and addressed the boy. "Eothain, take your sister to the kitchen and tell them I said could have more, as well as informing the cooks to prepare food for the journey tomorrow, can you do that?"

Eothain stood quickly and nodded. "Yes, my lady."

Éowyn smiled. "Good, the kitchen is through the servant's door over there."

He nodded again and took his sister's arm, balancing the bowls with his other arm, and pulled her towards the indicated door. Once the children left Ariana sighed and rubbed her forehead.

"I don't know how you do it Lady Éowyn. To be able to answer those children's fears when there is almost no hope."

"One must be prepared to face the people in dark times, even if they are children."

"I wish I could be that strong." Ariana whispered, staring at her hands.

Lines appeared over Éowyn's forehead and she slammed her hands on the table. Ariana jumped and looked up in surprise. Éowyn's fierce eyes met hers. "Have you changed so much that you are a mere shell of who you once were? You may have held no status then, but little by little I saw a sense of pride of who you were, but now you are nothing if you are only going to wish to be me."

Ariana's eyes were wide. "Lady Éowyn…"

"Do not sit there and wallow to me, none of us have the luxury to simply wish for things. We must take action and work for ourselves to become support for those too weak to support themselves. You are not so weak that I or anyone here must support you."

Ariana continued to stare, slightly awestruck by her words, but still she resisted. "I understand I am only a hindrance, but I have done nothing but hurt people with my mistakes, how could I ever hope to support and ask anyone to rely upon me?"

Éowyn watched her coldly. "You must first learn to rely upon yourself before you could ever think about relying on others."

"How? When there are so many bounds that keep me down?"

"You must find your own escape, or else be trapped forever. I would never let myself be caged like you." Éowyn spun around and left the Golden Hall and Ariana behind her.


The next day was willed with panicked work to collect enough supplies to help them survive however long they would be in Helms Deep. Ariana had stayed behind in the Golden Hall to help pack while Gandalf and the rest had left long before to the stables.

She began folding blankets thrown onto the table and placing them into a chest. They were thick and wool, and only about six fit in the chest. On top of the blankets she piled a few swords and shields before closing and latching it shut. Two soldiers walking by took it from her and carried it out the Hall. Everyone was bustling around her, trying to hurry; fear was clearly in the air.

Across the room Ariana spotted Éowyn loading a chest as well. She was in less formal clothes than usual. Instead wearing a dress fit for moving and labor. Ariana wore a similar kind of dress, given to her by a maid she used to work with, Nienna, to replace the battle clothing she wore given by Saruman.

Her fist clenched at the thought of him. She hoped those clothes had been burned. He deserved a fate worse than death for all the pain he caused to her and to Rohan.

A hand on her shoulder brought her out of her thoughts. She looked down at the old woman at her side and smiled. She could not forget the old maid that had took her under her wing when she was brought to Rohan. "Yes Nienna?"

Nienna gave her a disapproving look. "Child I have been calling your name, are you not in this world?"

Ariana smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, I was just thinking."

"A little too much I think." Nienna chuckled. Suddenly she began coughing roughly, holding a handkerchief over her mouth. Ariana bent closer to her in concern.

"Are you alright?"

Nienna waved a hand. "I am fine my dear, just a little cold Layla has given me. That girl is sick so often. I keep telling her to wear her cloak outside, but alas, she is but a child. Who are they to listen to their parents?"

Ariana laughed, relieved nothing serious had come over Nienna, but as she mentioned Layla another little girl crossed her mind. "How is Angelica, Nienna?"

Nienna's smile turned fond. "She has become like a second daughter to my husband and I. She is so enthused to help with work that the weight of her arrival is hardly noticeable."

"I'm very happy to hear that." She paused. "Does she still remember me?"

"She was very young when you left, but was a wreck after you had not returned in the month. However, Layla and the rest of us have taken her mind off it. If she was to see you again I'm sure she would have a faint memory." Nienna said hopefully.

Ariana looked away. "It would be better if she didn't."

"Lady Ariana…"

Ariana smiled at Nienna. "She has a family now, a very loving one; I would only remind her of the horrible past she had to go through."

Nienna nodded understandingly, if not sadly.

"Is there anything else to be done?" Ariana asked after a moment of silence, changing the subject.

"I think Lady Éowyn needs help sorting the weaponry." Nienna said. Ariana looked towards the younger woman across the room, unsure. "I know you wish to mend things with Lady Éowyn, so you must take the initiative." Nienna said encouragingly.

"Do you think I've become weak, Nienna?" Ariana asked without looking at her. Afraid of what she would say.

"You have changed, there is no question, and not just in name. There is a hesitation in you that is different than before."

"I have anyways been hesitant, especially when I first came to Rohan."

"Yes, but you were able to grow out of such hesitance, however now you seem to be holding something back, not letting yourself be seen. I think you are hiding Ariana, not weak."

"Thank you, Nienna." Ariana said softly, bestowing the woman with a grateful smile before making her way towards Éowyn.

The young blond saw her coming and before Ariana could say a word Éowyn threw a sheathed sword at her without a moment's hesitation when Ariana stood only a few feet away. Ariana caught it with both hands, fumbling with it. She stared at Éowyn in surprise. "What…?"

"Fight me."