Chapter 37
On the first level of the city the troops were dressed in their armor, readying their steeds. They were all in preparation for what would be the battle of their lifetime; hopefully the last Battle for Middle Earth.
Higher up, 700 feet above these men on the seventh level of the city a long paved passage led to the Citadel. It was encircled by a wall and seven towers. In the center was the Tower of Ecthelion, standing 300 feet tall. At the base of the tower, beyond the polished metal door was the Hall of Kings. Tall pillars of black marble lined either walls, images of animals and leaves carved at the capitals of the pillars. Between pillars were statues of the past Kings of Gondor. Deep windows aligned both sides in the aisles beyond the pillars. The vaulted ceiling was inlaid with gold and the floor was made of white polished stone with flowing patterns in many colors.
At the far end of the hall a dais with many steps lead up to the king's throne. A carved image of the White Tree set with gems gleamed upon the wall behind the throne. To the right was a long banquet table. Upon the table armor and weapons were laid out across it.
Ariana stood beside it, looking over it all. She reached out and picked up the chainmail. She went to Aragorn's side and handed him the chain mail. While he put it on she grabbed the leather vest. Upon the front of the vest was the symbol of Gondor, the White Tree, six stars aligned above the branches. She smiled as Aragorn put it on; buttoning it and aligning the two sides of the tree. She brushed off his shoulder with her good arm.
"It suits you." She told him.
He looked at the throne. "I am beginning to see that."
When he looked at her again she had his shoulder armor in her hand for him to put on. He strapped the armor on as she raised an eyebrow. "But not completely?"
He smiled. "Not yet."
"Well that's just because you're not wearing your kingly cape yet." She smiled widely and pulled the black and red from the table.
He took it from her, chuckling. "Thank you." His smile faded and a serious look overtook is features. Ariana held out his arm shields. The look in her eyes was that of understanding. She turned to the table one last time and picked up Aragorn's sword, Andúril. Blade down, she offered the sword to him. He took it and held it up, staring at his reflection in the blade.
Ariana surveyed him closely. He stood straight, determined, his eyes like steel. He looked ready to face anything, even hell itself. She frowned as she noticed the wisps of hairs hanging in his eyes. Pulling the leather band from her braid she held it out to Aragorn. "It's hardly presentable for a future king to have hair in his face."
He sheathed his sword and he took it, smiling at her.
There was a moment of silence between them as Ariana watched him tie back half of his hair. She could see his whole face and her gaze was drawn to his eyes. They had the same eyes, but his held much more strength. "You've come so far from the ranger, Aragorn." She said softly.
"And you as well, Ariana." He placed his hands on her shoulders. "You are far stronger than when we were first reunited."
"Thank you." She faltered, blinking rapidly. "Being able to meet you again, even after all this time, has been the best thing to happen to me. I know this isn't the best time to be saying this so close to your departure, but we have had nothing but bad come between us and I feel that I have hardly gotten to know you…"
"Ariana, that is not-"
She held up a hand. "No, it's true. Everything we remember about one another is from when we were children, and that was a long time ago. With our current situation and the aspect of the end at our doorstep I just want you to know, that despite our short time together I feel close to you. You are my only family," She covered his hand on her shoulder with her own, looking into his eyes. "And I love you, Aragorn."
Aragorn's eyes softened and he pulled her into his arms, careful of his armor and her wound. "There is not a day that passes that I am not thankful for your return. To have you here, waiting for my return, is a happiness I could never have imagined." He pulled back, his hands firmly on her shoulders once more. "But have hope Ariana, believe in Frodo. This is not the end."
Ariana nodded, wiping her cheeks and smiling a watery smile. "I know."
He smiled and the two stood in silence until Ariana's tears subsided and she stepped away. She looked over the hall and let her eyes rest on the throne. "It is only the beginning for you, for me, and for Gondor." She looked at him and squared her shoulders. "I will be here, awaiting your return, brother. May your battle end in victory."
He nodded. "And may your wait be short."
Aragorn and she departed from the hall and went their separate paths. All that needed to be said between them had been said. Anything else could wait for when he returned. While Aragorn went to his troops, Ariana went to the gardens of the Houses of Healing, looking eastward, watching the army depart. Though she could not join the army as she did in the last battle, she had no regrets. She felt that Gondor was her rightful place. Specifically near the Houses of Healing and waiting with hope for her brother to return.
She looked out over the land dully. She sighed glancing around briefly. Her heart jumped and she did a double take. She turned. "Boromir!" She gave him a quick glance over. He looked nice in a simple white tunic. His facial hair was trimmed and his hair was brushed back. She shook her head. "What are you doing out here?"
He leaned against the wall, looking east. "Since I cannot be in the battle, I wish to see the army depart. Besides, I am feeling much better and my healers saw that as well."
She gave him a doubtful look. "Did you sneak out?"
"Ioreth has gained many years since I was small, she overlooks a lot," was all he said as an answer.
Ariana rolled her eyes and smiled. "Right." They returned their attention to watching the soldiers depart. A small sigh left Boromir, drawing her attention. "You're upset you can't join them."
Boromir's shoulders squared. "It is my men out there, putting their lives on the line for Middle Earth, being led by another commander, while I'm here because of a wound that was easily avoidable."
"Are you upset that it is Aragorn leading them?" She asked.
He shook his head. "I have long accepted Aragorn as the future king, and have complete trust in his leadership abilities."
"But you miss being the one leading?" She guessed.
He was silent for a moment. "That is part of it…"
"And you feel that you lack control over not being in the battle. The only time you feel at ease about getting a victory is when you can help." She continued.
He looked at her. "Yes, that as well."
She nodded to herself. "It's only natural that is how you feel. You've been fighting for Gondor since you could hold a sword. On your journey with Aragorn and Frodo you longed to return to Gondor to fight for the safety of your city and people. Now you have finally returned to your home and you can only wait here as your men fight without you." She smiled and glanced at him. He was watching her with a strange expression. "Though I'm only guessing." She said quickly.
Boromir smiled. "You are able to see things clearly without me even having to tell you a thing."
She shrugged, a little embarrassed. "I've been told I am a very observant person."
"I do not think that all there is to this."
"What else could there be?" She asked, confused.
He turned to her. "There has to be more to this than your ability to observe people. Something about who it is you are observing is what matters."
Her eyes widened in realization and she took a step back. "Boromir, I know what you are trying to get me to admit, but we've already been through this. You can't get me to say what you want me to by twisting my words around."
"You think I am trying to trick you?" He asked, his temper flaring.
"I think you want to have something to back up your beliefs so that you don't think your feelings are worth nothing."
He scoffed. "And you know so much about what I am feeling."
"Well, not a moment ago you were complimenting me on that ability." She said annoyed. "Or were you just trying to butter me up so you could get me to rethink how I feel about you?"
Boromir narrowed his eyes. "If that is the type of man you think I am…"
Ariana laughed. "If you would ever listen to me then you would know that I think of you in a very good light. You are one of the few people I could trust my life with." He opened his mouth. "But that is no reason for you to think I return your feelings."
She watched as Boromir's anger faded from the blow of her words, and hurt flashed over his face. He looked away. She sighed and placed a hand on his arm. He didn't pull away. "I'm sorry."
"Is there really no hope?" He asked softly.
His question took her by surprise. She had expected him to get angry again. She had prepared herself mentally for him to get angry, not for that question. "I-I don't know." She said truthfully.
A large smile spread across his face and she regretted her words. "Then that is all I need."
"Wait, Boromir, that didn't mean anything."
He wasn't listening. "Until there is no hope left I will not give up."
She frowned in frustration. "Boromir-"
"Lord Boromir!"
They looked toward the entrance of the gardens. Ioreth was standing atop the stairs of the gardens, glaring down at them. She hobbled her way down the stairs, heading straight for them. They backed away from each other. "I leave you for one second and you sneak out. I thought you grew out of this Boromir." She stopped in front of him and pointed a bony finger in his face. "Now do I have to tie you down to that bed to make sure you stay put like I did when you were a child?"
Ariana let her amusement get the better of her and she laughed quietly behind her hand. The sight of a small older woman scolding a man twice her size was very funny. Especially the way Boromir's cheeks became red in embarrassment as he tried to defend himself. Ariana saw there was no way he could get himself out of this situation. She didn't help him as Ioreth dragged him out of the gardens, scolding him the whole way out. When they were gone and their raised voices disappeared through the hall Ariana's smile faded. There was a problem left unsettled now.
Sighing she turned to look out once more and stared at the Shadow overpowering the sky to the east. She could let Boromir wait until other problems were faced. She bit her lip. "Good luck, Aragorn." She whispered.
Ariana stood on the seventh level looking east and watching the Shadow that had engulfed the sky for so long. It was a little before noon on the 25th of March when she knew Aragorn reached the Black Gates. A fortnight had passed since the army left and there was finally a new feeling filling her besides anxiety. A great wind rose and her hair streamed out behind her. She watched, mesmerized for a long time as the Shadow departed and the sun appeared. Her heart slowly lifted and she felt tears fall from her eyes in elation. She didn't completely understand, but she felt as if a weight was being lifted from her and a great warmth and relief filled her.
A sighed seemed to escape the city as it welcomed a great Eagle from the East bearing news from the Lords of the West, telling the city of Sauron's defeat. She sobbed in happiness and ran to the stairs, her skirts flying out behind her. She could hear the songs of the men as she ran through the city. Their hearts were also filled with joy and bliss. She entered the Houses of Healing and went to the gardens. She reached the stairs and looked down upon the gardens. Faramir and Éowyn stood close looking out towards the east, their hands clasped.
Ariana stopped and backed up, a small smile reaching her lips. She had met Faramir during her trips to the Houses of Healing. She noticed right away how different he was from his brother. He was calmer, a more relaxed soul. She could almost think of him as the opposite of Boromir. She had noticed the attention Éowyn was receiving from the man, and Ariana was glad she had someone like Faramir to watch over her as she worked out her despair.
Ariana went to find Boromir. She entered the healing room smiling, looking to his bed. He was not there. Confused, she looked around. Instead of his bed he was standing at the window, looking towards the east in relief. She joined him at the window and they shared a smile. She let her tears fall and he did nothing to stop them. There was no sadness coming from her.
"Arrangements must be made for the king's return." She said happily.
"You will have to discuss that with Faramir." He said. "He is now Steward of Gondor."
Her brow furrowed in confusion. "But it is your birth right."
"Faramir is much better suited for the life of reports and meetings. My heart is on the battle field. I will remain Captain."
She stared at him. "That is very admirable, Boromir, to give up something so great."
He smiled, but his eyes were serious. "It should have been Faramir to set out to Rivendell, but the road was long and treacherous and I did not believe Faramir could survive it. I am cut out for that, I take care of the battles, while Faramir is a knowledgeable man."
"So he is the brains and you are the brawn." She said amused.
He smiled. "I am going to take that in the best possible way."
She looked back out the window, basking in the sunlight. "I'm not sure how many more battles you will have to fight with Sauron gone."
"There will always be battles. Orcs are not the only enemies we can gain." He said seriously.
She nodded. "Yes, there are other evils in the world without Sauron's influence." She smiled at him despite their dark talk. "But that is something to think about another day. Now we should be celebrating."
He grinned. "Yes, shall I show you where the ale is kept in the kitchens?"
"Well now, I suppose this is a proper time for a drink." She paused. "But not too many."
He laughed and offered his arm. "I would never allow it."
She accepted and they left the Houses of healing. Ariana felt like she was walking on air. Everything she had worried about was suddenly a distant memory. Things she had fretted over suddenly unimportant. The war had ended and they had won. Boromir did not look at her coldly as he did before. A great weight was lifted.
"I can't believe it's all over." She whispered.
Boromir smiled at her. "Think of it as a new beginning."
Her eyes began to water once more and she nodded.
It wasn't long until Ariana received a message one morning from Aragorn to join the celebrations of the defeat at the Field of Cormallen. The messenger was surprised as she embraced him in thanks. His cheeks became like fire as he watched the lady run towards the upper levels. Ariana had only one place in mind: the Houses of Healing. She knew already that Éowyn would be in the gardens.
"Éowyn." Ariana called, going down the stairs. She was alone. The blond turned from the wall looking east.
"Good afternoon." Ariana said cheerfully.
Éowyn smiled the smallest bit. "And to you as well."
"I just received word from Aragorn." She said happily. "Of the celebrations to take place at the Field of Cormallen."
"Yes, I have also received a message from my brother telling me to join him." She looked across the fields beneath them, her eyes distant.
"We must prepare at once to meet them." Ariana said, stepping closer to Éowyn.
"I will not be attending. I will wait in Gondor."
"What?" Ariana's eyebrows furrowed. Her happiness slid off her face. "For what reason? Surely you wish to see your brother, knowing he survived and that our lives can become much brighter now."
"The war has ended," she said quietly. "However I do not deserve to join them in victory."
Ariana placed a hand on Éowyn's arm. She hesitated. "Is it because you could not join them in battle? Éowyn there is more to life than glory in battle. Now with Sauron defeated we have much opportunity to enjoy life."
Éowyn looked at her and Ariana's pity was struck by the sharp look in Éowyn's eyes. Éowyn moved away, walking further into the gardens. She paused near the stone structure in the center of the gardens. It was a tall vase perched on thin base. It was old, cracking around the rim.
"I had thought I knew what I wanted. My life had been so clear to me. But now…" Éowyn reached out and touched the rim of the vase, bit of stone crumbling beneath her fingers as she ran them over the edge. "Have I become so blind it has turned me fickle?"
Ariana stayed silent. She didn't know how to answer. She held no understanding on Éowyn's sadness.
Éowyn looked at her over her shoulder, her hand covering her heart. "There is still so much that still must be fixed and mended. I have no need for celebrations when I am still troubled by Shadow."
"I don't understand." Ariana said slowly.
"That surprises me, yet it does not." Éowyn turned to face her. "We have shared many things and I thought we also knew what deep pain was. However it seems that only I have taken the time to compare. I am very thankful to you, Ariana, but you are far too carefree."
Ariana's eyes narrowed. "Carefree? Do you think I am untroubled? That I too don't have things that weigh down my heart and soul?"
Éowyn smiled, though her eyes stayed the same. "You misunderstand me. I do not say this in spite. I truly envy you, Ariana. How you are able to find happiness despite the darkness and bitterness of your past."
"What kind of happiness do you speak of? I am overjoyed by our victory, but there are still many things that burden me. Everyone have many burdens to face now that the biggest opposition is gone."
"You do not let your heart hinder you from rejection and pain."
"Rejection…" Ariana's confusion sky rocketed. "This is not over your regret of being kept from the battle field to die?"
Éowyn laughed shortly. It was cold, empty. "To die would have been an honor; I would be free. I have given my heart and now have nothing left for anyone else."
Ariana realized a mistake she had made with Éowyn. She had thought so much of the younger woman's strength and ambitions she had overlooked that among everything Éowyn was still a woman. She never realized that the strongest woman could still hold a fragile heart. While Ariana had been looking away Éowyn had given away her heart and received nothing in return. Sadness swept through her and she could see Éowyn clearly at that moment. War and hatred had forced this young woman to grow up so fast, like many others, and trapped her. Now that everything was over Éowyn's feelings had nothing to be buried under.
"You are wrong, Éowyn. There is always more love to give. It only matter on how much you are willing to try again." Ariana said softly.
"I am not so sure." Éowyn said sadly.
"If there is someone willing to fight for your happiness then you will find a way to reach out to them."
"Have you?"
Ariana's eyebrows rose then lowered once again as she looked to the ground. "I have not yet tried to give away my heart to be able to give a new one to another."
"Then you should tell Eomer of how you feel."
Ariana looked at her in shock. She didn't know why she was so surprised. Éowyn had known her when she had still lived in Rohan all those years ago. Her feelings for Eomer had not been as secretly kept as she had wanted them. She remembered times when she watched him secretly while they passed in corridors, the joy of serving him his food and have him smile in thanks, the smell of his sheets and blankets when she fixed his bed, the feeling of her arms around him when he rescued her from where she was trapped. And last, she remembered the pain of his words before the battle.
"I…I know how he feels, there will be no point in telling him." Ariana said quietly.
"Then you will suffer as well."
Ariana narrowed her eyes and took a step forward. "You once told me to stop hiding. That everything would be clear to me if I would stop being afraid. Now I think you should listen to your own advice. You have proven to everyone that you are a strong woman, but don't let this overtake you. It hurts…" Her throat tightened. "It hurts so much, I know, but letting this rule you is a foolish thing to do."
"Maybe you really don't understand." Éowyn said. Ariana froze, hurt.
She turned away from Éowyn. "Fine, then you can stay here and wallow in loneliness. I, however, will not let this hurt rule me when there are still people I love that need me."
"As long as you hide from Eomer you will never be able to move on. Listen to your own words as well, Ariana." Éowyn said stiffly.
Ariana stopped at the top of the stairs. She did not turn to Éowyn, but her feet would not move. "I thought you were a woman that defined her life by her own actions and achievements, and not by who you love. You have become legendary without a man."
"Becoming a legend is something anyone would ask for, but being alone is something no one should suffer."
There was nothing left to say Ariana left Éowyn. Her previous happiness was gone. There was nothing she could argue further, because Éowyn was right. Being alone was the worst feeling anyone could go through. However, the younger girl couldn't see that she wasn't alone. Nothing Ariana could say would sway her otherwise.
Ariana walked slowly, without destination. Through the corridor Boromir's younger brother, Faramir, passed her, heading towards the gardens. She smiled at him and nodded. He nodded back. They had not spoken much, but she had heard a lot about him through Boromir. His older brother was very proud of him.
She watched him over her shoulder as he entered the gardens. Even to her the frequent meetings between Faramir and Éowyn did not go unnoticed. It was Faramir that broke Éowyn from her depressive state after she awoke from her injuries. Their meetings were encouraged by the healers. Ariana hoped that Faramir could help Éowyn once more with her newly emerging burdens. Whoever broke her heart, maybe Faramir could mend it.
She shook her head, shaking off her urge to watch them. She wasn't a little girl anymore; spying on others was unbecoming for a woman her age. Instead, she returned to her room to pack for her departure.