Thanks to all my reviewers. I added a bit of humour in this chapter, or at
least what some may find funny. I have an odd sense of humour. Let us
continue the angst. and the plot-defining moment! I really must stop with
corny drama. Oh and Sissle. here comes the mug of 'stuff'. XD
And, the first person who can tell me how to do bold and italic font, will get the address of a very cool RotK trailer I found. Just leave your e-mail and be blown away by the coolness of it. Yes, 'cool' is my cliché word of the day.
Oh, and I also suggest you may have a map handy while reading this, unless you know exactly where most of the places in Middle-earth are. Cool.
Disclaimer: See chapter one
A Day Without Rain
Chapter Three
The shadow lifted, and he could hear rushed voices around him, and others coming to crowd around. wherever he was. Where was he?
"What in the Valar." Aragorn managed to murmur, his eyes cracking open to many faces hovering above him. If he hadn't of been so confused and in pain, it would've been funny.
"Don't speak, my lord. The poison-"
The battle came back to him. Haradrim. Gondorians. Kidnapped.
"Arwen!" He sprang up, ignoring how wounds protested to the movement.
"Quite safe." One answered, the one being Ioreth, who had coming storming in the room when somebody came shouting 'he's awake'.
Aragorn drew a small breath of relief, until more thoughts drifted into his head. Haldir.
"And what of-"
The silver-haired Elf limped in, giving his friend a grim smile. After having woken up two days before, and 'escaping' the healers as he put it (He gave them the excuse that indeed Elves healed quickly, and that it was custom to be let out of bed a day early, and thanked the Valar for their naivety), had managed to hobble down to Aragorn's room once before. when the man was still unconscious.
"You're alive." Another breath of relief was exhaled, his moving to run through a mop of messy hair. "Please, may I have a moment alone?" The healers nodded and left, although Ioreth didn't seem too happy about the idea, afraid that her king may still be on death's door. The fact that Haldir and Aragorn survived such wounds was quite remarkable in itself.
The Elf took a seat in a near by chair, grimacing as his shoulder hit hard against the back. Giving the former Ranger a good look-over, he nodded in approval.
"At least we both got out of it alive. And Arwen and Eowyn. and Faramir. Although I might not say the same for many of your men." He lowered his head, sighing deeply. "I fear there may be a bigger war upon your hands then it seemed before."
Aragorn seemed to be staring at the wall, still in shock that any of that even happened. How could the Haradrim get into the city, slaughter so many, and try and kidnap such high figures? And high figures that happened to be his wife and friend. It all seemed like some cruel jest from someone's equally cruel mind.
"How did."
"I cannot tell you certain information, although I certainly went hunting for any I could find. So many are still in disbelief that it happened. Although, it seems that many of them had been sneaking around the city for weeks, posing as 'foreign marketers'. I suppose on this day they decided to strike. Anyway, I've heard a good deal of them waiting for a daily shift in guards or some other matter, and they shot down the first few, and many more began attacking the city. A few, obviously made it into the garden, and found it a convenient thing that Arwen and Eowyn were walking along in the gardens at that time, and the snow didn't help your people defending the city either. Quite spontaneous now that I think of it." Haldir shrugged, and sighed again, before leaning back in the chair and nearly falling asleep. if Aragorn's voice wouldn't have woken him up somewhat.
"They are an intelligent people, I know. They have trained the oliphaunt, the giant tusked beasts. I've read about former wars they've made with Gondor. I know how many strategies they've developed over the years, and the things they were taught by the Dark Lord. Though I believe Gondor is smarter." Aragorn broke off, deep in thought.
"I believe they shall win this no matter what." He finished, leaning into the pillows heavily. It seemed war never stopped, no matter how hard peace was worked for. It was always there, always looming somewhere on the horizon. Yet perhaps it would always be that way. Perhaps that was just one of the things that was a permanent instalment in life.
"And a messenger arrived here a few hours ago." Haldir suddenly said, looking over at his friend. "Of course, no one knows what news he brings, since he seemingly only wanted to talk to you. And since you weren't conscious, that did present a bit of a problem. Although you-"
He was interrupted as one of the healers came in with a mug of bubbling, maroon liquid, that let off such a horrible stench, that both of them grimaced, and it seemed that the woman herself was masking disgust.
"My lord, Ioreth has ordered me to deliver this to you. She says it will make you feel better." And with that, she set it down on a small table, and quickly rushed out of the room. mostly likely thinking she would never smell again.
"Elbereth! What in the Valar is that?" Haldir exclaimed, stretching his neck away from it. "Never have I smelled something so terribly foul in all my days. Are your people trying to poison you? For I have a hard time believing such a thing could do any healing."
Aragorn didn't answer at first, simply picked it up and stared at it ominously from a distance. "I have no clue. Of everything Elrond ever taught me, and of everything I've learned, nothing was like this. Aye!" He set it back down, pushing it away as far as it could go without it falling off the table. "Yet I don't think I will drink it any time soon. I would have fear for my health. But, back to the serious note." His face went grim again, like in the days gone by when he would slink in the shadows, and was always stern, even when those did catch a glimpse of him. It was so strange now, to be such a public figure. never being able to blend in. Yet it as the price he paid for the well-earned title of king, and more importantly, his queen.
"I need to speak with that messenger, if I have to have a council held here, I will." There was that tone that Aragorn only used when he was not to be argued with. when it came to his people's well being.
"I suppose the Dark Lord got what he wanted all along in some ways... although he's defeated, his followers still wish to bring down the world. It's pathetically funny how some things never end." He added quietly, a silence lingering for quite some time after.
"Ah, yes. Adventures never seem to end, do they? No, I suppose not. They're always carried on by others. But at least the Halflings have no dealings in it any longer. They've done their fair share and are held in our debt for the rest of the ages of this world. But come, you cannot hold a council in a bed. Faramir will just complain about the smell of that awful beverage they gave you. I swear if anything shall kill you, it will be that." The Elf glanced at the bubbling maroon mixture with a shudder.
"Really, Haldir, please, stop reminding me of that stuff." Aragorn muttered, attempting to get up again. "Now, if you can please help me to that stuffy place they call a council room. For I shall get no rest, nor any relief until I know of the latest news, and see with my own eyes that all are well and alive. Or at least those that you say are alive and well." Aragorn shook his head as he spoke, and casting the heavy blankets away. "I only hope the Haradrim do not go and attack the Shire- or Lorien and Imladris on that note. They will have no warning. " The very thought sent chills down his spine.
"Don't you think I shall look rather... Odd... Helping their wounded King to a council? And they still think me some sort of demon, or magic-dealer, and a few have determined my 'swift healing' was devilry or sorcery, save a nice healer who happened to have some common sense. And as for the Shire, they know not of it I would think, and Imladris is rather secluded. Lorien's a possibility, since I am no longer there to insure it's safety, but the grudge, I think, is chiefly against Gondor." Haldir tapped his chin, as if thinking the matter over, pushing the thought of his home out of his home for now.
"Anything else is most likely a nuisance to them, save Rohan, which they may attack. But who knows how far they will go in this? Perhaps they wish to rule all races. They won't have much luck, if we cannot understand them." He shrugged, "Can you stand?" he asked, reverting back to present matters.
Aragorn smiled wryly, a small chuckle emitting from his lips. "Oh, there's ways to revert their thoughts. Don't worry, they just need to get used to you. They've gotten used to Arwen after all."
"She's your wife and the Queen of Gondor. They -have- to get used to her, mellon-nin." Grinning, the Warden pulled Aragorn up, letting the man's weight lean on him mostly. Elves were so much lighter, he thought to himself with a smirk.
Wincing slightly, he made a step forward, vowing to make it up to Haldir later in someway. If only he knew how such a little favour this would seem later.
"I still can't believe you're making me do this. They'll never let you out of here-" And as if on cue, one of the healers came stepping in, eyes going wide when she saw her king out of bed.
"My lord! You mustn't move yet! Oh. what has the Elf done now?" She scowled profusely, ushering a very annoyed looking Aragorn back down.
Haldir dropped his head in a strange grimace to hide a grin, his arms crossed. The healer left the room after a moment of scolding the former Ranger for not drinking the foul looking- and smelling drink. The Elf raised a light eyebrow, shrugging carelessly, his mind drifting back to more important matters.
"Well. I see you're not going anywhere. Sorry. about. that." Still, a small smile remained, just making the king scowl further.
"Indeed! Just like when you were sorry for not stopping Elladan from pushing me off one of the terraces and into a bush. Mind you, I did break my arm." Sighing (although with a bit of amusement at the memory), he settled back into the bed.
"Then may I ask you to tell Faramir to gather some sort of council?"
"But- Here?"
"Yes."
With a shake of a head at his head, Haldir nodded, turning to leave to do as Aragorn bid. Better to not argue with him in this angered and irritated state. He remembered where the Steward's study was, vaguely, and got there rather quickly.
"Faramir?" He said in the doorway, not in the mood for formalities. The man looked up, a brow raised in curiosity.
"Yes?"
"Aragorn summons you. Well, actually, he wishes for there to be a council. in his room."
Faramir couldn't help but chuckle, standing up. His king and friend had always been one to get things done when he wanted them to be done.
"Very well."
~~~
After about a half hour, chairs had been brought into the room, as well as all those who had attended the previous council. A few thought that the poison had rendered Aragorn's sanity, as this location was so. unusual. Aragorn ignored them, handing over the mug of 'stuff' over to the healers, as several people were wondering what the horrid stench was.
"Now," Aragorn began, looking them all over. Seeing Arwen alright took a very heavy load off his chest, and would have pulled her into a protective embrace if he would've dared get onto his feet instead. So holding tightly onto her hand would have to do.
"I am sure you all know what has happened, as well as everyone in the city- just what we were trying to avoid. They're all panicked, afraid to leave their homes from the fear they might be kidnapped like my wife and Eowyn. At the mention of her name and what had happened, the shield maiden pursed her lips, pushing back the urge to get revenge on the Haradrim. Yet she'd leave that to Aragorn. for now.
"We must take action as soon as possible. Yet I shall put a decision to the side for now, as I hear there is yet another messenger bearing news." He nodded to one of the men. "Please, I am most eager to hear what you have to say."
The messenger nodded, folding his hands on the table in front of him. "I am afraid to say there is not much to tell, except for a few snippets of information. I've learned the number of them, as
close as we shall get it, is somewhere between seven thousand and eight thousand, but nothing's known for sure. They have keen weapons and are built much in strength since last we've fought them, and their leader is tall and perilous. They shall attack in a week or so, perhaps a week and a half. They are probably delayed with their failure in kidnapping one of our own for their uses, even if the victims were quite spontaneous choices. That is all that is known for now." The man sighed, lowering his gaze. He had tried very hard to gather more information. but it just wasn't there. The Haradrim were terribly secretive, and not many knew their language.
Faramir nodded. "We did capture a few who lived through the attack-" Aragorn's eyes flashed at the thought that he had not been told that there was someone who could give him better information. About to speak, Faramir cut him off with a raised hand.
"Let me finish. We came in this morning, and all three were dead. Committed suicide, it's believed. They seem to be going to ridiculous lengths to protecting whoever is setting these attacks up. Their lord, most likely." It had been their lord, who, only months earlier, swore to peace and friendship with Gondor.
"And it doesn't help that their tongue is very unknown." Haldir added dryly, seeming as troubled as the rest of them. "Any prisoners would be useless. they'll sooner be killed or kill themselves than give out information."
Aragorn nodded. "Nor does it help that we do not know which way they shall attack. North, south, west, or east. I suppose it's likely they'll come from the south, since Harad is there, but it's also likely they'll just try and confuse us."
The noble Namoron spoke up. "Then we can only guess, obviously." Haldir shook his head, glancing at the man for a moment.
"A guess cannot be risked." Aragorn nodded, agreeing. Haldir was right. A guess could very well prove ill and be Gondor's reason for falling. And Gondor couldn't fall. It just wasn't an option. Namoron scoffed, indignant that an Elf's, one who didn't even live in Gondor, not was even a mortal, opinion would be counted over his. no matter how right it was.
"Well I see no better option." The man scowled, glaring at Haldir, who was seemingly ignoring it. Aragorn sighed.
"Perhaps you don't, yet we must search for one until it becomes clear to us. Now, tomorrow we shall make a decision. But until then, I suggest you rest your minds. And I believe, it's almost lunch." Yawning, he decided it was also time for him to rest a bit more. "Let this council be dismissed for now. We'll meet back an hour after breakfast tomorrow. Yet I want no one to go outside, not even with ten guards beside them. Is that clear?" Everyone nodded quickly, and shuffled out of the room, leaving Aragorn and Arwen for a bit of much needed alone time.
"Are you alright, meleth-nin?" He asked, an eyebrow raised in concern. She nodded, moving to sit on the edge of the bed.
"Yes. Well enough, anyway. It was more the condition I found you in, then getting taking by the Haradrim that shook me up. They said you could've died, Estel." In all truth, Arwen had never been so terrified in her life. The fact that he was indeed mortal came spinning back to her in that instant, and it had felt as though her heart had dropped to her feet. Yet he would die someday. and she would feel such fear all over again.
Aragorn sighed, pulling her into an embrace. He knew, well, in part of how she felt. Seeing her completely helpless in the hands of those evil men. he would've rather seen a Balrog again instead of that.
"I'm not dead, and will not leave you. or. at least not for a very long time." Illuvatar only knew he wanted to say 'I will never leave you'. Silence passed between the two, until a voice was heard distantly down the hall.
"My lord! You have not had a sip of this-" Ioreth blinked as she walked in, obviously interrupting a private moment between the king and queen.
"Oh. I did not know you were busy. Though really, this'll make you feel better." As she brought the mug forward, Arwen grimaced and all but jumped back towards the door. Aragorn raised a brow, getting a grin from his wife.
"You probably do need your rest, Estel. And I'm rather hungry myself." With a quick wave, she exited the room, not even her husband's company enough to stand the smell of that beverage.
"Now come on. Do not be stubborn. It is simply the smell. it tastes rather good!" Finally, Aragorn took the mug, feeling as though the only way to get rid of it was to drink it. One gulp was all it took. The former Ranger set it down, suddenly feeling very tired and weary. Tastes good indeed. The healer smiled smugly, leaving her lord alone as spiralled into dreams.
Meanwhile, Haldir was roaming the halls, Lorien, as well as Gondor weighing heavily on his mind. It was he who said, though, that the grudge was mainly against Gondor. Lothlorien would be safe.
Suddenly, a great weariness came over him, and a pain, and he leaned against the railing for support. He felt dizzy and very tired, and pain shot through his leg and his left side, and he was struck with a brief headache. It all passed in a few minutes, and he decided to have a sleep, and then continue on. Worrying was a wearying business. So he walked back into the room and flopped carelessly on the bed, immediately falling into a light and troubled sleep, without even removing his boots.
~~~
It was not until sunlight was streaming into the room did Aragorn wake from his dreamless slumber, since Ioreth had ordered no one disturb him, unless they wished to fall under a very cruel fate.
Blinking his eyes open, Aragorn sat up, feeling far better and stronger this morning. Perhaps that. stuff really wasn't the poison he had made it out to be. He yawned, moving to stand up. Arwen was fast asleep in a chair in the corner of the room, a blanket curled around her body. He debated on whether to wake her or not, although ultimately discarded the thought from the peaceful expression on her face. Moving to the small balcony that looked over the gardens. Quite a beautiful sight, really, with the freshly fallen snow adorning the ground, tree tops bare and yet magnificent in the shimmering the flakes made on their branches.
Snatching up a quilt that was resting on a small table, and pulling on his boot that had been beside the bed, Aragorn padded outside outside, and sat down on a curiously carved, Elven bench, little leaves carved into it's wooden back to add to the pretty décor on it.
Though the air was chilly, the thick furs of the blanket kept him warm, and the sun in the icy-blue sky shone down upon his face. A very beautiful day it was, despite the threats against Gondor. Yet nonetheless, a breeze picked up, and Aragorn couldn't deny the literal icy chips in the wind had begun to sting at his face. Perhaps he's go find Haldir. before any decision about Gondor's future had to be made.
Haldir had woken up only a little before his friend did (though he'd always been one to sleep all day, and be awake all night, although he couldn't do such a thing obviously while guarding the wood), but simply was staring up at the ceiling half-asleep. Finally deciding if he didn't get up now, his stomach would crawl out his throat and go looking for food itself. Shaking his head with a yawn, the March Warden stood up, and retrieved his cloak that his Lady had wrought herself from the chair by the bed, and stalked out of the room sleepily. He was usually his custom to go out into the gardens right when he woke up, yet Aragorn's little rule came into his head. The Elf stopped in front of the door to the gardens, biting his lower lip. The former Ranger would be far from pleased if he found out Haldir had ventured out against his word. Sighing, he turned away and headed to the dining hall. He had missed breakfast.
"What horrible luck." Haldir murmured, plunking down onto a couch in a hall that seemed like one especially meant for resting. sort of like the Hall of Fire in Imladris. He'd just have to wait for lunch, if he didn't starve to- A thought came to him. Grinning, the Elf pulled out of the pocket of his cloak a little mallorn wrapped packet of lembas, and nearly inhaled one of the wafers. A few of the guards there gave him a questioning look, one that the normally self-centered Haldir ignored altogether. Dropping his head back to look at the ceiling, he noted the towering ceiling, which was made of deep, finely crafted wood. And yet so apart from any Elven designs, from which strung leaves divided with fine wooden filigree. Not even approaching footsteps brought him out of deep thought.
Aragorn raised a dark eyebrow. Haldir seemed to have a lot on his mind today, from the vacant expression in his green eyes. "You're here in body yes...but from the thoughtful expression on your face, my friend, I get the feeling your mind is somewhere else...."
Haldir blinked, mumbled something inaudible, and shook his head, "Sorry, I didn't hear you coming. But what you speak is indeed true." He observed the king standing before him for a long while, "You look better. To the courtesy of the healers, I suppose, vile as they can be and seem. What has gotten you up so early? Seldom do you rise with the sun, and when you do, you
are usually in the worst of moods that any living being could imagine." A wry grin made its way across his face.
Aragorn smiled slightly, giving a light shrug. "Do I? Well, they're really not that bad all the time. I'm just not used to such treatment. it was always myself, or Elrond in earlier days that ever treated me. But anyway, I really should ask, how are you? Not as pale as yesterday, perhaps."
"I've felt better, though I've also felt worse as well, so I shan't complain. At least I wasn't forced to drink that. stuff." He smirked. "The council resumes today, doesn't it?" The former ranger's face instantly dropped into a grim frown.
"Yes. And I won't delay it. Time is so short in such days, and I fear what will happen if the Southrons strike earlier than reported. The city is well guarded, and the army is ready to go out at my call." Aragorn sighed, looking down the hall with worry etched into his features.
Haldir looked up at him, for seeing such a good friend so worried pained him. "There is still more hope in this situation than you or I shall ever know. You won't fail." The two smiled, silence floating through the nearly empty hall.
"You're right. I won't give up hope, as long as it remains. Thank you. Just. for everything over the years." Haldir shrugged, getting up off the bench from his rather lazy position on the couch.
"I should be thanking you... Quite frankly, I owe you my life. And even if that was paid off, I would owe much more." He fell silent for a moment; then spoke again, "I couldn't ask for a better friend than you, Aragorn."
The man smiled, nodding, and more silence fell between them. "Well. Didn't I say for the council to meet back an hour after breakfast? I really ought to hurry down there, lest they think I slept in and forgot about the whole thing." Aragorn took the comment back a moment too late after Haldir's arrogant little smile spread to a full grin.
"Not unlike you. Elladan said you were late for his father's council!" The king scoffed, folding his arms across his chest.
"You actually believed him? Yes. Coming from them, who said you adored the water and that you'd be ecstatic if I pushed you in. And for the record, and I was not late! If I recall, it was the twins who were the last one's there. not me." He retorted, moving to walk to the council room where already, others were headed. The Elf shook his head.
"Whatever you say."
~~~
"And who says Rohan will come in time?" Anoreth exclaimed, the rather useless arguing grating on his nerves. And it had been like this for the past forty-five minutes of the council. No more news had come, and five scouts that had been sent out still hadn't returned. nor the messenger sent to Rohan.
"Then we will protect Gondor ourselves with every last bit of strength we possess." Aragorn said, his temper being constrained by a very tiny, breaking straw. It seemed as if time in his head was running ever so quickly out in his mind, like sand through his fingers. And arguing would not help.
Arwen was sitting quietly, the normal emotionless face most Elves seemed to wear. Some of the nobles (especially the nobles who were not quite comfortable still with their Elven queen) didn't even understand why Aragorn always requested she be here. His greatest support system, most likely, yet she also had a right to leave her opinion. But at this moment, it seemed as if Elrond's daughter was more interested in thinking, than dropping her point.
An odd, hooded man entered the room with two trays of wine, virtually unnoticed by those there, except Haldir who took the advantage to snatch up one of the chalices before it even hit the table, taking a long sip of it.
"Aragorn, it-This wine tastes queer." Shrugging, he put it down. Everyone else took the same notion and drank some of it, also noticing the odd taste, but overall dismissing it. Yet somehow, he couldn't seem to find any more words to continue with.
The king sighed, shaking his head. his head that suddenly felt awfully light. In fact, a terrible dizziness came over him, and he had to blink several to make his vision for the fog to life. Yet even that didn't work wholly. Perhaps the poison still had an effect.
"I think. we shall." He trailed off, his head falling down onto the table with a loud thump. Everyone else was in equally bad shape, including Haldir, whose chin was now rested against his chest in a forced slumber. Arwen, too, had drunk the liquid, and finally slumped over in her chair, unconscious, as the guard's throats outside of the room were slit without a sound.
~~~
When Haldir awoke, he found himself drowsy and weak, but nonetheless struggled to his feet (with the help of the chair), and looked around in a daze. Rubbing the slumber out of his eyes, the Elf became wide awake when he noticed Arwen's chair knocked over, and the queen herself gone, as well as harsh voices outside the door that could only belong to the Haradrim.
His eyes widened, and he ran over to his still sleeping friend, shaking him violently. Finally making the man stir, Aragorn sat up, a hand to his head.
"What are you-"
Haldir stared at him, eyes wide with horror at the realisation of what had happened.
"Arwen's gone!"
~~~
I love making you hang like that. ^^ Please review.
And please forgive my typos. again.
And, the first person who can tell me how to do bold and italic font, will get the address of a very cool RotK trailer I found. Just leave your e-mail and be blown away by the coolness of it. Yes, 'cool' is my cliché word of the day.
Oh, and I also suggest you may have a map handy while reading this, unless you know exactly where most of the places in Middle-earth are. Cool.
Disclaimer: See chapter one
A Day Without Rain
Chapter Three
The shadow lifted, and he could hear rushed voices around him, and others coming to crowd around. wherever he was. Where was he?
"What in the Valar." Aragorn managed to murmur, his eyes cracking open to many faces hovering above him. If he hadn't of been so confused and in pain, it would've been funny.
"Don't speak, my lord. The poison-"
The battle came back to him. Haradrim. Gondorians. Kidnapped.
"Arwen!" He sprang up, ignoring how wounds protested to the movement.
"Quite safe." One answered, the one being Ioreth, who had coming storming in the room when somebody came shouting 'he's awake'.
Aragorn drew a small breath of relief, until more thoughts drifted into his head. Haldir.
"And what of-"
The silver-haired Elf limped in, giving his friend a grim smile. After having woken up two days before, and 'escaping' the healers as he put it (He gave them the excuse that indeed Elves healed quickly, and that it was custom to be let out of bed a day early, and thanked the Valar for their naivety), had managed to hobble down to Aragorn's room once before. when the man was still unconscious.
"You're alive." Another breath of relief was exhaled, his moving to run through a mop of messy hair. "Please, may I have a moment alone?" The healers nodded and left, although Ioreth didn't seem too happy about the idea, afraid that her king may still be on death's door. The fact that Haldir and Aragorn survived such wounds was quite remarkable in itself.
The Elf took a seat in a near by chair, grimacing as his shoulder hit hard against the back. Giving the former Ranger a good look-over, he nodded in approval.
"At least we both got out of it alive. And Arwen and Eowyn. and Faramir. Although I might not say the same for many of your men." He lowered his head, sighing deeply. "I fear there may be a bigger war upon your hands then it seemed before."
Aragorn seemed to be staring at the wall, still in shock that any of that even happened. How could the Haradrim get into the city, slaughter so many, and try and kidnap such high figures? And high figures that happened to be his wife and friend. It all seemed like some cruel jest from someone's equally cruel mind.
"How did."
"I cannot tell you certain information, although I certainly went hunting for any I could find. So many are still in disbelief that it happened. Although, it seems that many of them had been sneaking around the city for weeks, posing as 'foreign marketers'. I suppose on this day they decided to strike. Anyway, I've heard a good deal of them waiting for a daily shift in guards or some other matter, and they shot down the first few, and many more began attacking the city. A few, obviously made it into the garden, and found it a convenient thing that Arwen and Eowyn were walking along in the gardens at that time, and the snow didn't help your people defending the city either. Quite spontaneous now that I think of it." Haldir shrugged, and sighed again, before leaning back in the chair and nearly falling asleep. if Aragorn's voice wouldn't have woken him up somewhat.
"They are an intelligent people, I know. They have trained the oliphaunt, the giant tusked beasts. I've read about former wars they've made with Gondor. I know how many strategies they've developed over the years, and the things they were taught by the Dark Lord. Though I believe Gondor is smarter." Aragorn broke off, deep in thought.
"I believe they shall win this no matter what." He finished, leaning into the pillows heavily. It seemed war never stopped, no matter how hard peace was worked for. It was always there, always looming somewhere on the horizon. Yet perhaps it would always be that way. Perhaps that was just one of the things that was a permanent instalment in life.
"And a messenger arrived here a few hours ago." Haldir suddenly said, looking over at his friend. "Of course, no one knows what news he brings, since he seemingly only wanted to talk to you. And since you weren't conscious, that did present a bit of a problem. Although you-"
He was interrupted as one of the healers came in with a mug of bubbling, maroon liquid, that let off such a horrible stench, that both of them grimaced, and it seemed that the woman herself was masking disgust.
"My lord, Ioreth has ordered me to deliver this to you. She says it will make you feel better." And with that, she set it down on a small table, and quickly rushed out of the room. mostly likely thinking she would never smell again.
"Elbereth! What in the Valar is that?" Haldir exclaimed, stretching his neck away from it. "Never have I smelled something so terribly foul in all my days. Are your people trying to poison you? For I have a hard time believing such a thing could do any healing."
Aragorn didn't answer at first, simply picked it up and stared at it ominously from a distance. "I have no clue. Of everything Elrond ever taught me, and of everything I've learned, nothing was like this. Aye!" He set it back down, pushing it away as far as it could go without it falling off the table. "Yet I don't think I will drink it any time soon. I would have fear for my health. But, back to the serious note." His face went grim again, like in the days gone by when he would slink in the shadows, and was always stern, even when those did catch a glimpse of him. It was so strange now, to be such a public figure. never being able to blend in. Yet it as the price he paid for the well-earned title of king, and more importantly, his queen.
"I need to speak with that messenger, if I have to have a council held here, I will." There was that tone that Aragorn only used when he was not to be argued with. when it came to his people's well being.
"I suppose the Dark Lord got what he wanted all along in some ways... although he's defeated, his followers still wish to bring down the world. It's pathetically funny how some things never end." He added quietly, a silence lingering for quite some time after.
"Ah, yes. Adventures never seem to end, do they? No, I suppose not. They're always carried on by others. But at least the Halflings have no dealings in it any longer. They've done their fair share and are held in our debt for the rest of the ages of this world. But come, you cannot hold a council in a bed. Faramir will just complain about the smell of that awful beverage they gave you. I swear if anything shall kill you, it will be that." The Elf glanced at the bubbling maroon mixture with a shudder.
"Really, Haldir, please, stop reminding me of that stuff." Aragorn muttered, attempting to get up again. "Now, if you can please help me to that stuffy place they call a council room. For I shall get no rest, nor any relief until I know of the latest news, and see with my own eyes that all are well and alive. Or at least those that you say are alive and well." Aragorn shook his head as he spoke, and casting the heavy blankets away. "I only hope the Haradrim do not go and attack the Shire- or Lorien and Imladris on that note. They will have no warning. " The very thought sent chills down his spine.
"Don't you think I shall look rather... Odd... Helping their wounded King to a council? And they still think me some sort of demon, or magic-dealer, and a few have determined my 'swift healing' was devilry or sorcery, save a nice healer who happened to have some common sense. And as for the Shire, they know not of it I would think, and Imladris is rather secluded. Lorien's a possibility, since I am no longer there to insure it's safety, but the grudge, I think, is chiefly against Gondor." Haldir tapped his chin, as if thinking the matter over, pushing the thought of his home out of his home for now.
"Anything else is most likely a nuisance to them, save Rohan, which they may attack. But who knows how far they will go in this? Perhaps they wish to rule all races. They won't have much luck, if we cannot understand them." He shrugged, "Can you stand?" he asked, reverting back to present matters.
Aragorn smiled wryly, a small chuckle emitting from his lips. "Oh, there's ways to revert their thoughts. Don't worry, they just need to get used to you. They've gotten used to Arwen after all."
"She's your wife and the Queen of Gondor. They -have- to get used to her, mellon-nin." Grinning, the Warden pulled Aragorn up, letting the man's weight lean on him mostly. Elves were so much lighter, he thought to himself with a smirk.
Wincing slightly, he made a step forward, vowing to make it up to Haldir later in someway. If only he knew how such a little favour this would seem later.
"I still can't believe you're making me do this. They'll never let you out of here-" And as if on cue, one of the healers came stepping in, eyes going wide when she saw her king out of bed.
"My lord! You mustn't move yet! Oh. what has the Elf done now?" She scowled profusely, ushering a very annoyed looking Aragorn back down.
Haldir dropped his head in a strange grimace to hide a grin, his arms crossed. The healer left the room after a moment of scolding the former Ranger for not drinking the foul looking- and smelling drink. The Elf raised a light eyebrow, shrugging carelessly, his mind drifting back to more important matters.
"Well. I see you're not going anywhere. Sorry. about. that." Still, a small smile remained, just making the king scowl further.
"Indeed! Just like when you were sorry for not stopping Elladan from pushing me off one of the terraces and into a bush. Mind you, I did break my arm." Sighing (although with a bit of amusement at the memory), he settled back into the bed.
"Then may I ask you to tell Faramir to gather some sort of council?"
"But- Here?"
"Yes."
With a shake of a head at his head, Haldir nodded, turning to leave to do as Aragorn bid. Better to not argue with him in this angered and irritated state. He remembered where the Steward's study was, vaguely, and got there rather quickly.
"Faramir?" He said in the doorway, not in the mood for formalities. The man looked up, a brow raised in curiosity.
"Yes?"
"Aragorn summons you. Well, actually, he wishes for there to be a council. in his room."
Faramir couldn't help but chuckle, standing up. His king and friend had always been one to get things done when he wanted them to be done.
"Very well."
~~~
After about a half hour, chairs had been brought into the room, as well as all those who had attended the previous council. A few thought that the poison had rendered Aragorn's sanity, as this location was so. unusual. Aragorn ignored them, handing over the mug of 'stuff' over to the healers, as several people were wondering what the horrid stench was.
"Now," Aragorn began, looking them all over. Seeing Arwen alright took a very heavy load off his chest, and would have pulled her into a protective embrace if he would've dared get onto his feet instead. So holding tightly onto her hand would have to do.
"I am sure you all know what has happened, as well as everyone in the city- just what we were trying to avoid. They're all panicked, afraid to leave their homes from the fear they might be kidnapped like my wife and Eowyn. At the mention of her name and what had happened, the shield maiden pursed her lips, pushing back the urge to get revenge on the Haradrim. Yet she'd leave that to Aragorn. for now.
"We must take action as soon as possible. Yet I shall put a decision to the side for now, as I hear there is yet another messenger bearing news." He nodded to one of the men. "Please, I am most eager to hear what you have to say."
The messenger nodded, folding his hands on the table in front of him. "I am afraid to say there is not much to tell, except for a few snippets of information. I've learned the number of them, as
close as we shall get it, is somewhere between seven thousand and eight thousand, but nothing's known for sure. They have keen weapons and are built much in strength since last we've fought them, and their leader is tall and perilous. They shall attack in a week or so, perhaps a week and a half. They are probably delayed with their failure in kidnapping one of our own for their uses, even if the victims were quite spontaneous choices. That is all that is known for now." The man sighed, lowering his gaze. He had tried very hard to gather more information. but it just wasn't there. The Haradrim were terribly secretive, and not many knew their language.
Faramir nodded. "We did capture a few who lived through the attack-" Aragorn's eyes flashed at the thought that he had not been told that there was someone who could give him better information. About to speak, Faramir cut him off with a raised hand.
"Let me finish. We came in this morning, and all three were dead. Committed suicide, it's believed. They seem to be going to ridiculous lengths to protecting whoever is setting these attacks up. Their lord, most likely." It had been their lord, who, only months earlier, swore to peace and friendship with Gondor.
"And it doesn't help that their tongue is very unknown." Haldir added dryly, seeming as troubled as the rest of them. "Any prisoners would be useless. they'll sooner be killed or kill themselves than give out information."
Aragorn nodded. "Nor does it help that we do not know which way they shall attack. North, south, west, or east. I suppose it's likely they'll come from the south, since Harad is there, but it's also likely they'll just try and confuse us."
The noble Namoron spoke up. "Then we can only guess, obviously." Haldir shook his head, glancing at the man for a moment.
"A guess cannot be risked." Aragorn nodded, agreeing. Haldir was right. A guess could very well prove ill and be Gondor's reason for falling. And Gondor couldn't fall. It just wasn't an option. Namoron scoffed, indignant that an Elf's, one who didn't even live in Gondor, not was even a mortal, opinion would be counted over his. no matter how right it was.
"Well I see no better option." The man scowled, glaring at Haldir, who was seemingly ignoring it. Aragorn sighed.
"Perhaps you don't, yet we must search for one until it becomes clear to us. Now, tomorrow we shall make a decision. But until then, I suggest you rest your minds. And I believe, it's almost lunch." Yawning, he decided it was also time for him to rest a bit more. "Let this council be dismissed for now. We'll meet back an hour after breakfast tomorrow. Yet I want no one to go outside, not even with ten guards beside them. Is that clear?" Everyone nodded quickly, and shuffled out of the room, leaving Aragorn and Arwen for a bit of much needed alone time.
"Are you alright, meleth-nin?" He asked, an eyebrow raised in concern. She nodded, moving to sit on the edge of the bed.
"Yes. Well enough, anyway. It was more the condition I found you in, then getting taking by the Haradrim that shook me up. They said you could've died, Estel." In all truth, Arwen had never been so terrified in her life. The fact that he was indeed mortal came spinning back to her in that instant, and it had felt as though her heart had dropped to her feet. Yet he would die someday. and she would feel such fear all over again.
Aragorn sighed, pulling her into an embrace. He knew, well, in part of how she felt. Seeing her completely helpless in the hands of those evil men. he would've rather seen a Balrog again instead of that.
"I'm not dead, and will not leave you. or. at least not for a very long time." Illuvatar only knew he wanted to say 'I will never leave you'. Silence passed between the two, until a voice was heard distantly down the hall.
"My lord! You have not had a sip of this-" Ioreth blinked as she walked in, obviously interrupting a private moment between the king and queen.
"Oh. I did not know you were busy. Though really, this'll make you feel better." As she brought the mug forward, Arwen grimaced and all but jumped back towards the door. Aragorn raised a brow, getting a grin from his wife.
"You probably do need your rest, Estel. And I'm rather hungry myself." With a quick wave, she exited the room, not even her husband's company enough to stand the smell of that beverage.
"Now come on. Do not be stubborn. It is simply the smell. it tastes rather good!" Finally, Aragorn took the mug, feeling as though the only way to get rid of it was to drink it. One gulp was all it took. The former Ranger set it down, suddenly feeling very tired and weary. Tastes good indeed. The healer smiled smugly, leaving her lord alone as spiralled into dreams.
Meanwhile, Haldir was roaming the halls, Lorien, as well as Gondor weighing heavily on his mind. It was he who said, though, that the grudge was mainly against Gondor. Lothlorien would be safe.
Suddenly, a great weariness came over him, and a pain, and he leaned against the railing for support. He felt dizzy and very tired, and pain shot through his leg and his left side, and he was struck with a brief headache. It all passed in a few minutes, and he decided to have a sleep, and then continue on. Worrying was a wearying business. So he walked back into the room and flopped carelessly on the bed, immediately falling into a light and troubled sleep, without even removing his boots.
~~~
It was not until sunlight was streaming into the room did Aragorn wake from his dreamless slumber, since Ioreth had ordered no one disturb him, unless they wished to fall under a very cruel fate.
Blinking his eyes open, Aragorn sat up, feeling far better and stronger this morning. Perhaps that. stuff really wasn't the poison he had made it out to be. He yawned, moving to stand up. Arwen was fast asleep in a chair in the corner of the room, a blanket curled around her body. He debated on whether to wake her or not, although ultimately discarded the thought from the peaceful expression on her face. Moving to the small balcony that looked over the gardens. Quite a beautiful sight, really, with the freshly fallen snow adorning the ground, tree tops bare and yet magnificent in the shimmering the flakes made on their branches.
Snatching up a quilt that was resting on a small table, and pulling on his boot that had been beside the bed, Aragorn padded outside outside, and sat down on a curiously carved, Elven bench, little leaves carved into it's wooden back to add to the pretty décor on it.
Though the air was chilly, the thick furs of the blanket kept him warm, and the sun in the icy-blue sky shone down upon his face. A very beautiful day it was, despite the threats against Gondor. Yet nonetheless, a breeze picked up, and Aragorn couldn't deny the literal icy chips in the wind had begun to sting at his face. Perhaps he's go find Haldir. before any decision about Gondor's future had to be made.
Haldir had woken up only a little before his friend did (though he'd always been one to sleep all day, and be awake all night, although he couldn't do such a thing obviously while guarding the wood), but simply was staring up at the ceiling half-asleep. Finally deciding if he didn't get up now, his stomach would crawl out his throat and go looking for food itself. Shaking his head with a yawn, the March Warden stood up, and retrieved his cloak that his Lady had wrought herself from the chair by the bed, and stalked out of the room sleepily. He was usually his custom to go out into the gardens right when he woke up, yet Aragorn's little rule came into his head. The Elf stopped in front of the door to the gardens, biting his lower lip. The former Ranger would be far from pleased if he found out Haldir had ventured out against his word. Sighing, he turned away and headed to the dining hall. He had missed breakfast.
"What horrible luck." Haldir murmured, plunking down onto a couch in a hall that seemed like one especially meant for resting. sort of like the Hall of Fire in Imladris. He'd just have to wait for lunch, if he didn't starve to- A thought came to him. Grinning, the Elf pulled out of the pocket of his cloak a little mallorn wrapped packet of lembas, and nearly inhaled one of the wafers. A few of the guards there gave him a questioning look, one that the normally self-centered Haldir ignored altogether. Dropping his head back to look at the ceiling, he noted the towering ceiling, which was made of deep, finely crafted wood. And yet so apart from any Elven designs, from which strung leaves divided with fine wooden filigree. Not even approaching footsteps brought him out of deep thought.
Aragorn raised a dark eyebrow. Haldir seemed to have a lot on his mind today, from the vacant expression in his green eyes. "You're here in body yes...but from the thoughtful expression on your face, my friend, I get the feeling your mind is somewhere else...."
Haldir blinked, mumbled something inaudible, and shook his head, "Sorry, I didn't hear you coming. But what you speak is indeed true." He observed the king standing before him for a long while, "You look better. To the courtesy of the healers, I suppose, vile as they can be and seem. What has gotten you up so early? Seldom do you rise with the sun, and when you do, you
are usually in the worst of moods that any living being could imagine." A wry grin made its way across his face.
Aragorn smiled slightly, giving a light shrug. "Do I? Well, they're really not that bad all the time. I'm just not used to such treatment. it was always myself, or Elrond in earlier days that ever treated me. But anyway, I really should ask, how are you? Not as pale as yesterday, perhaps."
"I've felt better, though I've also felt worse as well, so I shan't complain. At least I wasn't forced to drink that. stuff." He smirked. "The council resumes today, doesn't it?" The former ranger's face instantly dropped into a grim frown.
"Yes. And I won't delay it. Time is so short in such days, and I fear what will happen if the Southrons strike earlier than reported. The city is well guarded, and the army is ready to go out at my call." Aragorn sighed, looking down the hall with worry etched into his features.
Haldir looked up at him, for seeing such a good friend so worried pained him. "There is still more hope in this situation than you or I shall ever know. You won't fail." The two smiled, silence floating through the nearly empty hall.
"You're right. I won't give up hope, as long as it remains. Thank you. Just. for everything over the years." Haldir shrugged, getting up off the bench from his rather lazy position on the couch.
"I should be thanking you... Quite frankly, I owe you my life. And even if that was paid off, I would owe much more." He fell silent for a moment; then spoke again, "I couldn't ask for a better friend than you, Aragorn."
The man smiled, nodding, and more silence fell between them. "Well. Didn't I say for the council to meet back an hour after breakfast? I really ought to hurry down there, lest they think I slept in and forgot about the whole thing." Aragorn took the comment back a moment too late after Haldir's arrogant little smile spread to a full grin.
"Not unlike you. Elladan said you were late for his father's council!" The king scoffed, folding his arms across his chest.
"You actually believed him? Yes. Coming from them, who said you adored the water and that you'd be ecstatic if I pushed you in. And for the record, and I was not late! If I recall, it was the twins who were the last one's there. not me." He retorted, moving to walk to the council room where already, others were headed. The Elf shook his head.
"Whatever you say."
~~~
"And who says Rohan will come in time?" Anoreth exclaimed, the rather useless arguing grating on his nerves. And it had been like this for the past forty-five minutes of the council. No more news had come, and five scouts that had been sent out still hadn't returned. nor the messenger sent to Rohan.
"Then we will protect Gondor ourselves with every last bit of strength we possess." Aragorn said, his temper being constrained by a very tiny, breaking straw. It seemed as if time in his head was running ever so quickly out in his mind, like sand through his fingers. And arguing would not help.
Arwen was sitting quietly, the normal emotionless face most Elves seemed to wear. Some of the nobles (especially the nobles who were not quite comfortable still with their Elven queen) didn't even understand why Aragorn always requested she be here. His greatest support system, most likely, yet she also had a right to leave her opinion. But at this moment, it seemed as if Elrond's daughter was more interested in thinking, than dropping her point.
An odd, hooded man entered the room with two trays of wine, virtually unnoticed by those there, except Haldir who took the advantage to snatch up one of the chalices before it even hit the table, taking a long sip of it.
"Aragorn, it-This wine tastes queer." Shrugging, he put it down. Everyone else took the same notion and drank some of it, also noticing the odd taste, but overall dismissing it. Yet somehow, he couldn't seem to find any more words to continue with.
The king sighed, shaking his head. his head that suddenly felt awfully light. In fact, a terrible dizziness came over him, and he had to blink several to make his vision for the fog to life. Yet even that didn't work wholly. Perhaps the poison still had an effect.
"I think. we shall." He trailed off, his head falling down onto the table with a loud thump. Everyone else was in equally bad shape, including Haldir, whose chin was now rested against his chest in a forced slumber. Arwen, too, had drunk the liquid, and finally slumped over in her chair, unconscious, as the guard's throats outside of the room were slit without a sound.
~~~
When Haldir awoke, he found himself drowsy and weak, but nonetheless struggled to his feet (with the help of the chair), and looked around in a daze. Rubbing the slumber out of his eyes, the Elf became wide awake when he noticed Arwen's chair knocked over, and the queen herself gone, as well as harsh voices outside the door that could only belong to the Haradrim.
His eyes widened, and he ran over to his still sleeping friend, shaking him violently. Finally making the man stir, Aragorn sat up, a hand to his head.
"What are you-"
Haldir stared at him, eyes wide with horror at the realisation of what had happened.
"Arwen's gone!"
~~~
I love making you hang like that. ^^ Please review.
And please forgive my typos. again.