((Author's note: well this is the last chapter for at lest ten days as I am leaving for Europe in 5 hours and I will not be back for ten days. I hope you all enjoy it and there will be two more chapters after this and possibly a sequel. This is the longest chapter so far, as I knew about my ten-day hiatus and wanted to make this update a little longer then normal. Hope you all enjoy. On another note, go read the story "Out of Death, Out of Dark" it's an EXCELLENT STORY from Eomer's POV.))
MissFizz: sorry about that…this one is longer and it has a Legolas/Eowyn fight. lol, though I shouldn't say anymore, READ ON!
Dark Phoenix: *starts getting on her track shoes* heck, forget Eowyn, I'm gonna chase after him. lol, yah, I was really worried that my muse was gonna kill one of them for awhile
Mouse: Thank you, Legolas' is just really confused right now and he knows Aragorn will be alright without him.
White Phoenix Eralis: that is my weak point. I am always waaaay to dramatic. In everything.
Kiera Greenleaf: yup…me too.
Ola: *quickly hands over a barf bag* lol…I'm glad you enjoyed it and, yes, there will probably be a sequel. Btw.. please update on ur story too!
Hawynn: All in good time, my friend, all in good time!
Beautifully Twisted: it probably is…but I first saw it as "nin mellon" and old habits are really hard to break. Owell. I tried to change it in this chapter
Storm Elf:: ooooo sugar! For sugar I will do anything!
Kayo: Hello to you too!! lol..i still think the snowball will melt from Cali to Pennsylvania…but it's a stinking 85 degrees where I am, so I'm willing to try anything!!lol
Disclaimer: I wish I could own them. But alas, dreams have not yet become reality.
I will Wipe Away the Tears in Your Eyes
Eowyn sat beside her brother's bedside, bathing his forehead with a cool cloth. Her hands worked in a steady rhythm while she talked about everything and nothing at the same time.
Still weak from the grievous wound he had suffered, Eomer was forced to sit and listen to his sister's incessant chattering. He smiled congenially and nodded at the appropriate times. But of course, he made faces when her eyes were turned from his face.
Eomer had been moved from the sick room that he and Legolas had shared to a larger room nearer to King Theoden's own quarters. He had preferred to stay with Legolas but Eowyn had insisted on the move.
"And then Aragorn was helping with the…" Eomer tuned in long enough to nod and then once again he lost himself in his own thoughts. His wound did not hurt him as much as it had in the past but it was still an uncomfortable of the battle a few days before. The splint on his left ankle was also a memento, apparently the horse had broken it when it had toppled to the ground with Eomer on top.
Eowyn paused for a moment in her one-way conversation and took note of the distant look in her brother's eyes. Smiling softly to herself, she once again began to speak about whatever came to her mind.
The sun had long since set and the room was lit by a single candle perched a few feet from Eomer's bedside. Its dim rays cast shadows across the floor and the two occupant's faces.
They both jumped when there was a knock at the door.
Legolas opened the door as quietly as possible and peeked his head around the wooden door. "Hello?" he whispered into the room, trying to see the through the murkiness. "Eomer?"
"Yes, my friend. Come in." Eomer smiled and waved a single hand in Legolas' direction.
Eowyn froze. Casting her eyes downward, she found her hands extremely interesting as her teeth gnawed into her upper lip, drawing a spot of blood.
Legolas took two steps inwards before he realized there was another occupant in the room. "Oh, I apologize I did not mean to disturb…"
Standing abruptly, Eowyn turned around. "It is quite alright, Master elf," she interrupted stiffly. "I am positive you mean no harm." Inwardly, she winced at how hard her voice was.
Legolas took a step back and dropped his eyes to the ground. "I am sorry," he murmured again.
Curtly, she nodded. "I will be on my way now and allow you sometime with Eomer," she said, in a kinder voice.
Looking up, Legolas shook his head. "Do not leave on my account, Lady. I will leave you and your brother alone."
For some reason, his response irked her. Here she was, trying to be nice, and he just threw it back in her face. Smiling in a sickly sweet manner, she said, "Oh, no, do not concern yourself over me. I am just a simple shield maiden of Rohan…of no comparison to one of the First Born."
Legolas drew back as if he had been struck. "You are more than just a simple shield maiden, Eowyn. I will leave you alone with your brother." With that said, he fled from the room.
"Wait," Eomer called and struggled to sit up but Legolas did not heed. Collapsing back on the pillows, he glared at his sister who was still standing in the exact same place. "Why must you be so cruel to him, sister?"
Eowyn made no response, still staring at the door that Legolas had slammed shut in his hasty retreat.
"Sister?" Eomer's voice broke her out of her thoughts.
"Yes, Eomer?" she asked distantly.
Cocking an eyebrow at his sister's back, Eomer did not say a word for a few moments. "Nothing, Eowyn," he finally said and settled deeper into the pillows with a satisfied smirk. "Nothing at all." He closed his eyes with a contented mutter
That seemed to snap her out of her reverie. Crossing quickly back to the bed, she sat down with a sigh. "And what ever do you mean by that?"
He opened one eye to peer at her aggravated face. "You just seem very…oh…how do you put it…" he smiled hugely at her and did not attempt to explain it any further.
Her eyes widened in realization. "Eomer!" she shrieked. "How could you even imply that I am the least bit attracted by that…that…"
"His name is Legolas," Eomer supplied, trying to be helpful.
"I know what his name is!" she snapped back, busying herself with plucking a thread from the bedspread.
Eomer watched her. "You care for him deeply."
"I do not!" she denied hotly.
"Do not lie to yourself. I know you better then you know yourself, my dear sister. I can read your mind like an open book. Do not deny the feelings you harbor in your heart," Eomer reached for her hand. "Stop pushing him away."
She snatched her hand back. "Stop butting your nose in where it does not belong, my dear brother!"
Eomer said nothing, just looked at her and waited.
Letting out a frustrated groan, she buried her face in her hands. "He said my name," she whispered. "He has never said my name before…always it was lady or maiden or…something. Just never my name." Then anger had left her as fast as it had come upon her.
Nodding his head, Eomer listened like only an older brother could.
"I thought I hated him, but when for that moment when I thought he was dead atop Aragorn's horse, my world just fell apart and it scared me, because I am supposed to love Aragorn and it was supposed to be perfect."
"Life is never perfect," Eomer integrated.
She nodded and wiped at her eyes. "I must go. There is much to do to care for the wounded and the others. Uncle says we will ride out…" She stood and started towards the door. "Send someone for me if you need anything. I will be here in a moment."
Eomer watched her walk away with a slightly sad smile. "May your soul find peace and happiness, Eowyn. For you deserve it more than anyone I have ever known."
"Legolas, you are not fully healed yet!" Aragorn pleaded desperately. "Please wait a few more days."
"No, I must go now, Aragorn. I cannot wait anymore." Legolas threw some clothes in a small knapsack along with some food before tying it shut with a small leather string. "It hurts too badly to stay here. To see you and Eowyn parading around as lovers do…"
"What?" Aragorn started forward and grabbed his arm. "Eowyn and I? Lovers?"
"Yes. I have seen the way you look…"
"Legolas, I care for Eowyn very deeply. But my heart still belongs to Arwen. I could not love Eowyn even if I wished too." Aragorn sighed. "And I think that Eowyn does not love me either, though I do not even believe that she is aware of it. I can see it in her eyes. She longs for someone else. I do not know who it is, so do not ask. I do not even know if she knows who it is."
"You are not lovers?"
"No, mellonamin. Never."
"But I thought…"
"You thought wrong, Legolas."
Dropping his head, Legolas rubbed his face with his hand. "I was wrong," he murmured quietly, relief tingeing his voice. "I was wrong."
"Does this mean you will stay here? You will not leave?" Aragorn asked hopefully, reaching out to clasp Legolas' shoulder. "You will stay here and try to win her affections?"
Legolas looked up and shook his head. "I am sorry. But I must go. She will never love me I will not fool myself into thinking I have a chance. And my heart is still in turmoil over where I could even love her or not now. I just do not know." Turning around, he resumed packing his meager belongings.
Aragorn heaved a breath and then walked over. "Can I do anything to help?" he asked gently.
Legolas showed his gratitude with his eyes. "Could you get my knives? They are over by the bed."
Nodding, Aragorn walked over and picked up the two twin knives sitting side by side. "These have served you well, my friend. I know they will take good care of you when I cannot."
Legolas managed a laugh. "They are inanimate, Aragorn. Only through my actions do they protect me. So you instead you should be thanking my skills as a warrior."
When Aragorn smiled in response, he felt the stress of several days slip away. "I believe you are mocking me."
"Oh, I would never make fun of you, Elessar, I simply laugh at where you are inclined to place your trust. Most people choose to trust in things that can actually respond to their queries." Legolas took the knives from his friend and shoved them into their sheaths. "But you are right. The metal is especially fine. I am glad to have them with me on this excursion."
"Aa' menle nauva calen ar' ta hwesta e' ale'quenle," Aragorn grabbed his friend's shoulder. "I shall wait for your return."
Suddenly, there was a loud pounding on the door and few seconds later, Gimli burst in. "What's this I hear about you leaving, you crazy elf?"
"Hello to you as well, Gimli," Legolas replied dryly. "How do you like this sun we have been getting? Is it getting a little warm for you?"
Gimli growled loudly. "This is no time for your insane games. What do you think you are you doing?"
Legolas pursed his lips tightly. "What do you think it looks like? I am leaving this place." At his friend started to protest, he took two steps back. "Please, Gimli, I have to do this. Please try to understand this."
Gimli was silent for several moments, trying to absorb it all. "So you really are leaving?" he asked with a sigh. At Legolas' nod, he sat down on the low bed and shook his head slowly. "Why? Just answer me that, will you? Is it because of her?"
Legolas turned away. "It is more my fault then hers, Gimli. I could bear with her not loving me. I could bear that. But these feelings in my own heart. This bitterness against her for not loving me, I am finding extremely difficult to cope with. I need to go."
Gimli nodded. "I will go with you."
"No! You will stay here with Aragorn. He needs your help. And…I need to do this alone. Please, my friend, this is all I have ever asked of you," Legolas pleaded.
Finally, Gimli nodded. "Safe journey, you crazy elf. You better return all in one piece."
"I shall do my very best, stubborn dwarf. I hear two pieces is highly overrated." Legolas strapped on his bow and quiver, positioning his knives around him. "I will return."
Aragorn, who had stayed quiet until now, spoke up, "Let us leave Legolas in peace for a few moments, Gimli." He smiled at Legolas. "We will go prepare your horse."
Legolas nodded his thanks and turned away.
Gimli was still grumbling under his breath as Aragorn pulled him out the door and into the hallway.
"I am going to take care of Arod, like I told Legolas. Just try and keep yourself out of trouble, Master Dwarf." Aragorn patted him on the shoulder and left Gimli alone in the hallway.
"Gimli?" whispered a voice from behind him.
Turning quickly, the dwarf came face to face with Eowyn. "What is it?" he growled, irritably.
"I was wondering about Legolas. Is he well?"
"You should be one to ask that, Lady."
"What?"
"He is leaving and despite what he says to the contrary, I do not believe he is coming back."
Eowyn choked. "Why?"
"You should know better than anyone," he spit out. "I am leaving you. I hope you can live with what you have done to him." Gimli trotted off down the hallway, leaving Eowyn staring after him.
A few tears had trailed down her freckled cheeks and her eyes were wide with fear. "No…" she murmured, then she was running towards the outside of Helm's Deep. Her mind was a whirl of thoughts, ideas, questions, and problems that had been jumbled altogether in one big pot of confusion. And all she could do was run, run far and run fast, to wherever her feet would take her. They carried her out the large door, still broken down from the orcs assult, and into the cold night air on the bridge.
She had no idea how long she stood out there, staring up at the dark sky with tears streaming down and choked sobs shaking her shoulders.
"Mi'lady?" a quiet voice filled with concern asked. "Are you alright? Can I do anything for you?"
Shaking her head silently, she refused to turn and face the voice. Another sob choked up and she gasped loudly.
The voice was more urgent now. "What is wrong? Is it Eomer?"
She shook her head again.
Gently, strong hands reached out and took her by the shoulders, forcing her to turn and face the voice.
"What is the matter? Tell me, and I will do anything in my power to fix it?" Legolas asked gently, his eyes searching hers.
Her sobs stopped for a moment as their eyes locked.
Legolas wavered for a moment, caught in indecision. Finally he took a chance and reached to pull her into his arms. "What is wrong, Eowyn?" he soothed into her hair. "What has made you weep with such passion?"
"I am sorry," she murmured into his chest. "I am so sorry."
"Sorry for what, Eowyn?" he asked, reveling in the feel of her in his arms. "Whatever would you need to be sorry for?"
"For hurting you."
Legolas froze and his muscles tensed.
Eowyn felt the change and pulled back slightly. "Have I offended you, Legolas?" she asked quietly. "Have I once again managed to hurt you despite what my heart cries out?"
"No, no," Legolas shook his head. "But whatever would you have to be sorry for?"
"For putting you down, for insulting you at every turn when you have been nothing but kind and courteous towards me." Eowyn leaned back against his chest. "For that I am sorry."
"It has already been forgiven." He reached down and caught a single tear drop on his finger. "May your heart be at peace over it." He kissed the top of her head gently.
Eowyn smiled up at him throught her tears and for the first time noticed Arod, saddled, standing behind him. "So you really are leaving?" she asked in a voice barely above a whisper.
"Yes, I am. Do not fear, I shall return." Legolas gently stepped from their embrace. "There is many things that my heart cries I need to be alone to discover the one that is true."
"You are leaving," Eowyn repeated.
Legolas nodded. "Goodbye."
"You cannot leave!"
Pausing, Legolas looked deeply into her eyes. "Why not?"
"Because…I think I am in love with you."
"You are?" the elf's voice was small, almost like a child needing reassurance after waking up from a nightmare.
"Yes." Eowyn took a step forward at the same time Legolas did and they met halfway.
Legolas looked down on her for a long moment before he once again took her in his arms and gently planted a kiss on her lips. It was not passionate, not full of fire, it was a kiss of only the sweetest and purest love. Then he withdrew after a moment and pulled reluctantly away from her arms. "Farewell, Eowyn," he called as he swung on to Arod's back. "Cormamin niuve tenna' ta elea lle au'."
She nodded and lifted one hand in a wave goodbye.
Whispering a word in Arod's ear, Legolas trotted down the stone bridge and into the plain before Helm's Deep. Only after he was about a half mile away, did he turn and look back at the woman he had left behind.
She was still standing where he had left her, her wispy blonde hair catching the moonlight's silver rays as it blew in the breeze.
"Farwell, Lady Eowyn, you shall always remain in the center of my eye." He raised his hand in a brief salute and then turned to ride from Helm's Deep to wherever the wind would blow him.
((Aw….how sad…well, there's gonna be two more chapters after this, but as I said in my other note, I'm gonna be gone for ten days in Europe. So they will come then))