Chapter 37:

Eden's POV:

Glory and I galloped through the night for two days, only pausing for small moments of rest. By nightfall of the second day, we finally reached the encampment of Dunharrow. Many riders of Rohan had pitched tents and were resting, eating, talking, and trying not to think of the battle that loomed in the very near future.

"Lady Eden has returned!" Some of them called, as Glory and I trotted past, towards the mountain, where there were even more tents and I was sure that Theoden was up there, along with Aragorn and the others.

We trotted up the windy path, I was anxious to reach the top. As we grew nearer, one of soldiers recognized me. "Lady Eden has returned to Rohan!" His shouted carried through the mountain and I grinned, I guess I might just receive a welcoming party.

The men made a path for me to get through and I paused outside the largest tent of all, this must be Theoden's. Gamling grasped Glory's bridle while I dismounted. "Thanks." I smiled at him, as he led Glory to one of the lines were the other horses were tied.

"Eden, you have returned." Eomer pushed through the crowd and stopped in front me. His expression was grim and full of agitation.

"Did you expect me not to?" I smiled at him teasingly, just as the flaps of the tent opened and Theoden strode out.

"Lady Eden." A warm smile of welcome spread across his features. "Welcome back."

"Thank you, Theoden King." I nodded, turning to face him. "I bring word from Gandalf…" I looked around the crowd that had gathered, not seeing Aragorn, Legolas or Gimli. "Mordor's armies have taken the river, their last defense and they march for Minas Tirith." I scanned the crowd of faces again, wondering where they could be. "My Lord, where is Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli?"

Eomer tensed beside me. "He rode into the mountain, not too long ago." He gestured to a mountain that seemed reek of evil, with a narrow path that led into the unknown.

"Why?" I stared at the mountain and then back to Eomer. "Why would he desert Rohan?"

"He left because he must." Theoden answered. "He received a visitor, Elrond of Rivendell rode here tonight."

I spun to face him. "Lord Elrond was here?"

"Yes." Theoden nodded. "Aragorn went into the mountains to perform a needed task Elrond requested of him or so I was told."

"Then I shall go and find him." I turned to head back for Glory, but Eomer's grasp around my upper arm halted my movement. "Eden, you cannot go into that mountain alone. It is evil and no one who ventures there ever returns."

"I must be with Aragorn." I shook my arm loose. "It was why I was brought here."

"If you go, Eden, I am coming with you." Eomer crossed his arms over his chest stubbornly. "You shall not go in there alone."

"Lord Eomer, no. We need you here." Gamling called, shaking his head in horror of loosing such a vital captain.

"Lady Eden, your horse is weary and in dire need of rest. Aragorn is beyond your reach at this point." Theoden stepped forward and placed his hand on my shoulder. "Ride for me, Eden. Ride for Rohan. If you go, not only will I loose such a skilled warrior, but one of my best Captains as well." He gestured to Eomer.

"Ride with me, Eden." Eomer grasped my arm again. "Let this be the battle where we draw our swords together. Let us be a team that will lead Rohan to victory."

"Eden, we lost Aragorn." Eowyn pushed through the crowd and paused at her uncle's side. "Rohan needs a hero, let it be you." Her voice was shaking and pain reflected in her eyes. It was the pain of a broken heart.

I peered into her pleading eyes, then into Theoden's and finally I looked to Eomer, who had a steely look of determination on his face. Giving in, I nodded. "At dawn, I ride for Rohan."

There was a collective cheer from the crowd and I felt my heart cry out for Legolas. I wanted to be with him in the end, but that did not look like it would be happening. The crowd of soldier's slowly dispersed and Theoden clapped his hand onto my shoulder once more, before leading Eowyn back to the tent. Eomer and Gamling settled by a fire a few feet away and I wandered toward the edge of the mountain, watching the glowing lights of the many campfires below.

I sat down in the cool grass, basked in moonlight and hugged my knees to my chest. Staring out towards the direction of Minas Tirith I wondered what Gandalf and Pippin were doing at this very moment. What were Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli up to? Were they all safe? And what of Frodo and Sam? What if Gollum did lead them to their doom? Middle Earth would fall, and so would my world.

It was then when the visions assaulted my sight. Spring flowers tossed onto white cobblestone. Horse hooves stepping on and over them, making clicking noises on the stone. Faramir, dressed in intricate battle armor, looking straight ahead, his eyes void of emotion. Gandalf calling out to him, while Faramir addressed him in an emotionless, even tone. Faramir's army galloping for the overtaken river, swords raised for battle, fatal arrows awaiting their approach, only death would follow.

"Faramir." I whispered, knowing his father's mad will might have just sent the young Captain, another friend of mine, albeit a short one, to his death.

The visions were not yet complete. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, standing outside a tomb with hieroglyphics written over its entrance. A chilling gust of wind whipped through them, sending their horses to fleeing. Aragorn marching determinedly into the dark tunnel, Legolas following and Gimli reluctantly brining up the rear.

Were all my friends on the paths to their deaths? Why was I to stay and wait on the edge of a battle, I should be fighting with Aragorn? I have never felt more alone in my life. Not even when I was at home, with no close friends and anyone to fight with, unless Angel made a surprise visit to town.

The sound of approaching footsteps let me know I had company. I didn't look up when Eowyn sat down beside me. Her long flaxen blonde hair swirled in the cool night breeze and her eyes were filled with tears and heartache.

"Who is she?" She asked in a soft, shaky voice. "Who is the one who stole his heart?"

I didn't need to ask her who he was. I knew exactly whom she was talking about. "Arwen, daughter of Lord Elrond of Rivendell. Elf of the Evenstar." I replied.

"Is she pretty?" Eowyn asked, staring out to the horizon.

"She's the most beautiful woman I have ever seen." I whispered. "She is graceful and kind, perfect for someone rugged and in need of gentleness like Aragorn."

"What does she look like?" Eowyn pressed, furthering her own agony.

"She is fairly tall, long, wavy black hair and clear as the sky blue eyes. Her skin is pale, without a blemish in sight and she moves with a grace only an elf can possess." I looked at her then. "I am sorry that your heart is broken, Eowyn. But Aragorn loves her, she is the light in his soul and she loves him in return. Maybe if they had never met, you'd have his love, but they have met and he is crazy about her."

"I understood as much when he told me he could not give me what I sought." Eowyn sighed heavily. "At least you have your love returned to you."

"Your man is out there, Eowyn. You just haven't looked hard enough. Besides, nothing with Legolas and I will ever be easy. I keep forgetting that after this is over, I must return to my world, be separated permanently from him." I clenched handfuls of grass in my fists. "I have to leave you all."

Eowyn gasped and looked at me. "Oh Eden, how horrible. I think we all forget you won't be here forever."

"I don't want to leave. I love him and I want to stay here, but I have no choice. I am a Warrior of Light, I go where I am needed." I shook my head. "I won't dwell on those thoughts any longer. I'll deal with them when the time comes." I rose to my feet. "I'm going to take a walk, would you like to come?"

"I stay here for now, thank you." Eowyn looked back out over the horizon again.

I felt sympathy for her, but now I need to concentrate on the coming battle, the one I would face alone, with no other members of the Fellowship with me. I looked up as I entered a clearing and smiled, or maybe I would.

Swinging a small sword like a madman and spinning in circles, the sight of him made me choke on laughter. The little hobbit was just so endearing at times it was hard not to smile when you saw him.

"You'll never slay any Orcs if you keep wielding your sword like that, Merry." I commented from behind where he was slashing thin air.

He spun around, nearly toppling over with the momentum of the sword and I snorted back laughter. "Eden!" Before I could react, he flung himself around my middle, squeezing tightly.

I let out a half laugh, half sigh as I encompassed his shoulders with my arms, squeezing him just as tight. "We better work on your swordsmanship if you are to fight in battle. I don't need you getting cut down by Orcs, my friend."

"Show me." He held his sword up.

"Well at least you're holding it correctly." I grabbed a nearby sword that was leaning against a post, as mine was still attached to Glory's saddle. "Now, first things first…"

Throughout the rest of the few hours left of the night, I taught Merry how to fence and wield his sword correctly, until he could spar with me quite decently. "Remember, Orcs are slow and weak at the neck and waist. Decapitate or stab, which ever you prefer. You've improved greatly, in the last few hours." I patted his shoulder. "I shall do my best to keep an eye for you, should you get into trouble."

"Thanks Eden." He grinned at me.

"Riders of Rohan! Ride now!" I hadn't even noticed the sunlight taking the place of the moonlight. "Ride for Gondor! Make haste!"

"Be careful Merry." I gave his shoulder one last squeeze and raced back towards where Gamling had tied Glory.

Eomer had him saddled and ready; by the time I reached them, his own appaloosa stallion standing beside him. Theoden was just mounting his own horse. "Ready?"

"Always." I nodded, swinging up into the saddle. Eomer mounted as well and we followed Theoden down the hill. We paused beside Merry, who was preparing to mount a little white pony.

"Little Hobbits do not belong in war, Master Meriadoc." Theoden said to Merry, who turned to him at our approach.

"All my friends have gone to battle." Merry pointed out. "I would be ashamed to be left behind."

"It is a three day gallop to Minas Tirith and none of my riders can bear you as a burden." Theoden stated firmly.

I opened my mouth to protest on Merry's behalf, but Eomer shook his head firmly. I frowned and look to Merry sympathetically. I would gladly bear him as a burden.

"I want to fight!" Merry protested.

"I will say no more." Theoden turned his mount away from the hobbit's pleading eyes and urged his horse down the hill, Gamling and Eomer Following.

"I'm sorry Merry." I offered him a weak smile. "I still think you are brave and worthy of battle." I reluctantly turned Glory to follow Eomer down the hill. I turned back to watch the hobbit one last time, just as a rider cantered up behind him and yanked him up in front of the saddle before him.

I grinned and inwardly cheered, turning back to Eomer and urging Glory to pick up a trot. "Form up. Move out!" Eomer shouted to the men as we passed.

Banners of Rohan waved in the breeze, as our paced quickened, leaving Dunharrow behind. "Ride! Ride now to Gondor!" Theoden ordered, as more men fell in place behind us, mounted and ready for battle. At least six thousand horses and riders galloped behind us, as we charged ahead for Minas Tirith. My heart at ease knowing Merry was coming and that Gandalf, Faramir and Pippin would not be alone much longer, though I still worried for Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli.

We rode hard for two days, only taking an hour to two-hour rest stops every time we grew weary. Which is what we were doing now. Eomer had ridden a little ahead to check with the scouts, while the rest of us took a break to regain our strength.

I was taking a much need drink of water, when Eomer and his two men returned, cantering towards Theoden and I. "The scouts report Minas Tirith is surrounded. The lower level is in flames. Everywhere legions of the enemy advance."

I choked on my water and struggled to swallow. If the lower level was in flames, Gandalf, Pippin and Faramir were in more danger than I thought.

"Time is against us." Theoden glanced around at his men. "Make ready." He commanded.

Nodding, I mounted and rode through the men with Eomer, telling them to get up and ride. "Prepare to move out!" I called, as we returned to Theoden's side.

"Make haste. We ride through the night." Theoden mounted up and nodded at us. The horns sounded and there was a scramble as men clambered onto their horses, getting ready to ride out with us.

"This is it." Eomer turned to me in all his seriousness. "This is the one. It is before the walls of Minas Tirith that the doom of our time shall be decided. I'm glad I get to ride out and meet it with you at my side, Lady Eden."

"Eomer…" My eyes widened and I went to protest, not liking where this was heading, my heart belonged to Legolas and the last thing I wanted to do was hurt Eomer.

"I know that your heart belongs to Legolas and I do not seek to steal it. Just know that it is an honor that I get to see the end with such a skilled and graceful warrior at my side." He held a hand up to silence me.

I smiled at him, feeling my cheeks turn pink. "The honor is mutual, Eomer, son of Eomund."

"Rohirrim, now is the hour which we ride for the end! Make it count!" Eomer shouted.

A round of affirmative shouts could be heard from the soldiers as his reply. "I think they agree with you." I laughed, turning Glory towards the hill where Theoden would ride out. "To Minas Tirith!" I shouted.

The battle was here. The battle was now. It was time for Middle Earth to match Sauron's armies. To fight back the evil and prevail for the world as we know it. It was time for us to show our worth.