by Blanton Cirith~
Chapter 12
Disclaimer: See chapter 1
SideNote: This is the last chapter :(
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The days went by slowly; so slowly. While alone in Rohan, Winters got to know Eowyn well. Infact, Winters doubted she would have remained sane during those long and endless days if it weren't for Eowyn.
A week had passed since the Rohirrim left, and Winters and Eowyn had rode to the river; the same that Legolas and Winters had spent time at their first night at Rohan. Winters' horse was named Lutra, and Eowyn's was Jaive.
It was a beautiful morning. The dark clouds had passed; slowly but surely. More could be seen in the distance over Mordor, but in Rohan, the morning was filled with the cool grass wetted by the dew, and smell of fresh flowers all around. At the river, the two stopped and dismounted. They began leading their horses by the reins as they walked along the bank, and decided to settle down on a soft and grassy place by the water.
"It has been a week now," Winters said with a sigh. "I long to see their faces. Legolas' in particular."
"I long to see their faces as well," Eowyn said. "Aragorn's in particular," she added with a shy smile.
Winters giggled. "You fancy him, don't you?"
Eowyn nudged Winters in the shoulder playfully. "I don't fancy him. I think he is rather handsome, but I doubt any romantic feelings would ever emerge between us."
Winters grinned. "But you can wish."
"Well perhaps I may not have to wish," Eowyn said, thinking deeply about something, and then smiled.
"We are a pair of love-struck children!" Winters said with a laugh.
"Indeed!" Eowyn said, joining in the laughter. "Tell me, do you know if Aragorn is married or betrothed; something of that sort? Does he have a lover?"
"I do not know," Winters said, trying to avoid telling her of the Lady Arwen. Being Arwen's aunt, Winters knew all about Aragorn and Arwen's feelings for each other. But Winters did not wish Eowyn to be hurt by telling her of it. "That is an inquiry you would have to make of him."
Eowyn giggled. "I would not ask Lord Aragorn that! He would gain the wrong impression."
"How would it be the wrong impression? You do have feelings for him, yes?"
"Grinning, Eowyn replied. "Yes..."
"Well, then what would you have me say in your stead? 'Aragorn, the Lady Eowyn wishes to know if you have feelings for any woman by chance? She has none for you, fear not! She is just rather curious. What is your reply?' "
The two began laughing uncontrollably. Eowyn managed to speak. "I suppose not. That would sound rather foolish and absurd to him."
Winters ran her fingers through the water, and small ripples formed and soon disappeared. Eowyn felt pity for her. To her, Winters had seemed grieved and melancholy ever since she met her.
"Why are you grieved so?" Eowyn asked, concerned.
"Legolas was worn and weary when we came to Rohan. He stayed only a night, and the next day left for battle. Eowyn, Legolas was in no condition to fight when he left. He would have collapsed on the battlefield."
Eowyn had an understanding look in her eyes. "I too know your pain. King Theoden was in no condition for fighting as well. But alas! Let us not worry. Let us hope; together."
Winters smiled, and embraced her. "Eomer knows not how lucky he truly is to have a sister like you."
The two spent most of the afternoon together by the bank, talking and enjoying the clear, peaceful day and blue sky, which they knew would not last long. Suddenly there was a horn blast, and they heard the pounding of hooves far off. Eowyn and Winters stared at each other motionless for a moment, and then came back to reality. They sprang onto their horses, and rode fast as lightning toward the field.
Shooting through the trees into the open field, they could see the Rohirrim arriving. They stopped Lutra and Jaive where they were and watched. Eowyn let out a sigh of relief when she saw King Theoden. He was in the front with Eomer. The Riders held aloft banners and shouted with joy of victory. Winters scanned for the familiar Elven cloaks, but could find only two; that of Aragorn and a small hobbit.
"Thank the Valor! Meriadoc!" she said to herself. Then, she found Legolas and Gimli riding together. Joy ran through her veins at seeing him alive, and she kicked Lutra and rode forward to meet him.
"By one orc! You beat my score by one," Legolas said to Gimli with a laugh.
"But I still beat you, my friend," he said, grinning.
"You use your axe as skillfully as a warrior uses his sword, Gimli," Eomer said.
Gimli patted the hilt of his axe. "It has gone through many a rough time."
Legolas caught a glimpse of someone riding toward them, and turned to see Winters upon Lutra. He turned his horse so suddenly, Gimli almost fell off.
"Legolas, keep steady," Gimli urged, holding on tightly. Gimli was never one for riding horses, but Legolas had insisted he ride with him. Legolas kicked his steed forward, and soon was in a quick trot toward Lutra and Winters. As they neared, his trot turned into a full gallop. His heart was racing. Legolas never wished to leave her in the House of Healings, not knowing if he would return, but knew it could not have been otherwise. To Legolas, seeing her at this moment was the highest point of the journey to Isengard, and he stopped in front of her and dismounted. She did the same, and they ran to each other on foot. Wrapping their arms around each other, they were locked in a kiss that they hoped would last forever.
Gimli still sat upon the horse rather uncomfortably and folded his arms, grinning. "Next time, let me stay on the ground before you go galloping across a field, yes? ....Legolas?"
The Elf did not hear him. All he could focus on was Winters. When he stepped back, he spoke to Gimli.
"Gimli, do you think you could manage it back to the castle on your own? I'm going to ride with Winters."
Gimli stared at the reins in front of him, shocked. "My dear friend, I do believe you are hallucinating," he said with a laugh. Legolas smiled, and took her hand.
"Then you will meet me in my quarters in an hour?" he said to Winters. "For you see, I must escort his royal highness to the castle," he added with a grin.
Gimli laughed. "Remember that title next time we compete."
Kissing her hand, he mounted his horse in front of Gimli, and started to ride toward the palace. Looking back, he saw Winters mount Lutra and she rode back toward Eowyn by the edge of the forest. He smiled lovingly, and continued on to the castle.
Legolas was combing his hair with his fingers in front of the mirror in his chambers. He loosened his collar a little to give more of a relaxed look. He was wearing a green, silk shirt and white pants that had been brought to him upon arrival. He hadn't seen Winters in a week, and in that period of time, thinking of her had kept him sane.
There was a knock at the door, and Legolas knew it was her. With one last, quick glance in the mirror, he went to open the door. Winters stood there in a long, lavender dress with her elbow on the door frame. Legolas couldn't help but stare.
"Are you going to invite me in, or are you going to leave me in the hall to beg all evening?" she said with a grin.
"One who would do such a thing would be out of his mind," he replied, motioning for her to enter. She came in, and Legolas shut the door. He seemed different than when he had left. There was a gleam in his eye, as if something in him had changed. Winters wondered what had happened at Isengard since no one yet had told her. Obviously, they had been victorious in more ways than one, but something happened that had lifted a great weight from his shoulders.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, and they were locked in a tender kiss. After a moment, Winters decided she had to ask him. She pulled back, and looked at him.
"Legolas,"
"Yes?" he said.
"Legolas, what happened at Isengard?"
He was silent for a moment, trying to decide how he would explain it. "We did not proceed to Isengard immediately as we had planned," he said. "We were ambushed . We heard there were thousands of the enemy coming toward us, so we took ground at Helm's Deep....Let us say that we had assistance there from an ally we did not know we had. Afterwards we proceeded to Isengard, and it had already been taken by the ally I spoke of."
She nodded, taking in what had occurred. "But you seem different now."
Legolas laughed lightly. "What do you mean."
Winters sighed and sat on the bed, trying to put what she thought into words. She looked up at him. "When we arrived in Rohan, you were deeply troubled, and your heart was in pain. It was as if something troubled you constantly, and you were always saddened by it. But now you come back from battle, and your heart seems lighter. You are relieved of the burden you carried; what had troubled you so before. I am joyous that your heart is at peace. I am only curious as to what happened. You needn't tell me anything if you do not wish it."
Legolas smiled, and sat down on the bed next to her. He wrapped his arm around her, and she let her head rest on his shoulder. His smiled faded as he remembered that night at the Hornburg. Without shifting his glance from the wall, he spoke in a low tone.
"A broad stairway climbed from the Deep up to the Rock and the rear-gate of the Hornburg. Near the bottom stood Aragorn. In his hand Anduril gleamed, and the terror of the sword for a while held back the enemy, as one by one all who could reach the stair passed up towards the gate. Behind on the upper steps I knelt. My bow was bent, but one arrow was all I had left, and I peered out then, ready to shoot the first Orc that should dare to approach the stair. I yelled to Aragorn that everyone who could was inside. He turned and sped up the stair; but as he ran he stumbled in his weariness, and Anduril fell from his grasp. At once, the orcs were upon him, and Aragorn was struggling to get free. At that moment, all the enmity and bitterness I had felt towards him suddenly dissipated entirely. The only thing that I was aware of was that my dear friend was in danger. I spent my last arrow, and leaped forward with my dagger in hand. I managed to get him free, and we both sped up the stairs and blocked the door behind us."
"You had a moment of revelation," she said softly.
"Revelations change you forever; some for better, others for worse," he explained.
"This was for better?"
"Most certainly," he said with a smile. "I was so angry before. I harbored such animosity toward him." Legolas laughed and shook his head. "It's strange how such emotions can disappear so suddenly."
There was a long silence, and the sun was beginning to set. The flaming colors slowly spread through the sky, swirling into eachother as the hour passed.
"I love you Legolas," she said, with her head still resting on his shoulder.
"And I you," he said, and kissed her forehead. There was a long pause, and Legolas spoke again.
"I only wish it would snow. Winter has always been my favorite season, as it was that of your mother."
"Maybe so, but I will not come and go with the seasons. I will be with you for all seasons, Legolas," she said, and together they stayed and watched the sun disappear beyond the hills.
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Ever since Chapter 6, Legolas and Aragorn's relationship hasn't been the same. I'm glad they've finally cleared it up :)
Anyway, there it is. For All Seasons is finished.