A/N: Thank you very much to all that have read and sent feedback to this story. It is very much appreciated. These next parts to the story are based on the Return of the King book though I am twisting and adding to suit my story. I hope you enjoy!

Part 14

The travelers had just passed the Fords of Isen when a Scout traveled back to Theoden.

The Rider stopped next to his king, "My lord, horsemen approach and are gaining fast."

The king called a halt and the Riders of Rohan turned about and raised their spears. Willow, Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli and Legolas all turned their horses around and joined the king's men. Legolas drew his bow and Aragorn raised his sword as they stayed near Theoden and Eomer. Merry and Pippin took out their knives had them ready in case they were needed.

The pounding of hooves could be heard and dark shapes were moving fast in their direction. When they drew closer Eomer shouted, "Halt! Who rides in Rohan?"

Willow mumbled, "Does he ALWAYS get so defensive with other people that come into Rohan?"

The Riders came to a stop and then silence followed. One of the shadows broke away from the others and walked slowly towards Eomer.

"Rohan did you say? I am glad, for we have been traveling long to find this land."

"Who are you and why have you come to Rohan?"

"I am Halbarad, a Ranger from the North and we come seeking Aragorn, we heard he was in Rohan."

Willow stiffened on her horse. This cannot be good.

Aragorn looked over at Willow with a smile of reassurance and quickly dismounted. He grabbed Halbarad in a quick hug, "This is a joyous surprise. I never thought to see you this soon. What brings you here?"

Willow relaxed and dismounted. Obviously this was a friend of Aragorn and not some messenger from Sauron or Saruman. The others put their weapons away when they saw it was a friend that greeted Aragorn.

"We come to join your fight. We have heard of your battles against the Dark Lord and we wish to join."

Theoden inwardly sighed with relief. If they were to defeat Sauron they needed all the help they could get. Yes Gandalf and Willow would be using powerful magick in the war but they needed warriors that could fight the Orcs, Uruk-hai and any other creature that will be doing battle for Sauron.

Theoden smiled at Halbarad and his men, "Welcome all and we are much appreciative of your offer to join our battle. Come we ride to Gondor where others await."

Aragorn reached for Willow's hand and led her over to his friend. Halbarad took notice of the care and emotion that Aragorn was showing this pretty woman. This woman may very well become his future Queen but above all else she was important to his friend.

"Willow, I would like you to meet my friend Halbarad. We spent many years together in the North and he taught me the ways of the Ranger."

Willow smiled at Halbarad while she gave a small curtsy, "It is nice meeting you." Willow gave Aragorn an impish grin before turning back to Halbarad, "And I would love to hear all your stories of how he was as a Ranger when first learning your skills."

Halbarad laughed in reminiscence of Aragorn's first try at tracking. He looked over at Aragorn and winked. "I have many tales that I can tell."

Aragorn reached for Willow's hand and began to lead her away. He called over his shoulder, "Another time perhaps, friend. We must make haste to Gondor."

Halbarad and Willow both laughed as they mounted their horses.

They traveled back to Helm's Deep to rest and get fresh horses. Theoden also had small ponies brought for both Pippin and Merry to ride so they had no need to ride behind others. While resting at Helm's Deep more riders approached and it was with both gladness and sorrow that Willow saw one of them was Haldir. For if Haldir left Eowyn and the others then something bad had definitely happened or was definitely coming.

Willow rushed out to greet Haldir and the other riders. He was with two more Elves but these had dark hair and gray eyes. Aragorn stiffened beside Willow when he recognized the sons of Elrond. One was carrying a staff that he held carefully.

Aragorn grasped one of them around the forearm, "Elrohir. Welcome."

Legolas beamed at Haldir and the others. If Elrond's sons came in search of them that meant that more Elves would join their fight.

Elrohir gave Aragorn the staff, "A gift from the Lady of Rivendell who says to remember the Paths of the Dead."

Aragorn reluctantly took the staff from Elrohir and turned to Theoden, "Reluctantly we must leave you. I can no longer ride in stealth and must take the quickest way East. We must travel the Paths of the Dead."

Willow sighed. Why did her path always have to include the Dead?

"The Paths of the Dead?! But it is said no living man may pass them."

That didn't sound too good, Willow thought.

Aragorn gave a half smile. "That is the path I must take."

"It seems to be your destiny to travel strange paths that others fear to take."

Willow smiled, "We have a saying where I'm from, that you go where Angels fear to tread."

Theoden gave a small laugh, "That sounds like Aragorn's life." He clasped Aragorn's forearm, "Be careful, my friend. I hope to meet you again soon."

"We'll meet again in battle I think." Aragorn turned to the Hobbits. "You may come along if you wish or you may go with Theoden."

Though both Merry and Pippin were nervous about going anyplace that had the name Paths of the Dead they wouldn't leave their friends or the quest.

They looked at each other, nodded and then turned back to Aragorn, "We'll ride with you and continue with the quest."

Aragorn smiled down at his friends, "A little people but of great worth are the Shire-folks."

Merry and Pippin beamed with pride at the complement given by Aragorn.

Aragorn turned to Elrohir and Elladan who were standing a bit off to the side. "I am ready."

"Ready for what?" Willow asked.

Aragorn gently stroked her cheek, "I must go with them to the nearby caves. There is something we must do before continuing on our path."

Willow raised a hand and caressed his face, "Is it dangerous?"

"Not physically."

Willow understood what he wasn't saying. This was going to be hard for him emotionally and mentally. She raised her face as she brought his down for a gentle kiss. "Know that even though I'm not by your side and I am with you always." She laid a gentle hand over his heart. "I am there."

Aragorn closed his eyes on the emotion that Willow had unknowingly opened. Though not the exact words the sentiments were the same when Arwen said goodbye to him before he left on this quest. Both women were right. They both lived within his heart.

He kissed her briefly before following Elrond's sons away from the great hall.