Come with me, close you eyes
Hold my hand, it'll be all right
Don't be scared, don't be shy
Lift your head, it'll be all right.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 5- The Lady and the Wood
Arwen climbed to the top of Cerin Amroth. Of all the places in Lothlorien, the hill where she had pledged her love to Estel was her most beloved. The sun had just risen and the elves and songs of Lothlorien were just beginning to rise with it. She had halted her climb and closed her eyes, letting the gentle wind ruffle her hair and clothes. She was very worried.
The dreams of Rivendell and the strange human male had only been slightly troublesome since they began in the winter. Last night, however, he, Théodred had shook the very foundations of her world. It had only been a few nights since she had ventured to her Grandmother's Mirror.
~*~FLASHBACK~*~
"Why have you brought me here?" Arwen asked, frowning at the Lady Galadriel.
"There is something you must see," Galadriel explained. "Look into the mirror."
Obediently, Arwen stepped up to the mirror and looked in. The veil drew away and she was looking at a single star; the Evenstar.
Next was a vision of her and Aragorn standing on a bridge in Rivendell. There was a quick glance of her father, stern and angry. Then there was a short scene, played out before her.
Aragorn was standing on the walls of a city she did not know. A fair blonde woman came to stand by him. They spoke and Arwen knew what they said. "Why do you look to the West?" demanded the woman. "What awaits you in the West?"
"Nothing," replied Aragorn. "At least, not anymore. You are the one for me. Forever and always."
The scene changed and it brought tears to Arwen's eyes. Aragorn and the woman were in front of a cleric, being wed. Aragorn lay a crown on her head.
There was a short glimpse of herself on a ship, looking back at the shore. Finally the veil fell again and she looked up in disbelief. "What is this?" she cried. "We are in love, Estel and I! How dare this wench-"
"Arwen," Galadriel cut in sharply. "Do not make a fool of yourself. You do not know if she is evil. She could think the same of you."
"I am sorry," apologized Arwen, though she did not feel very sorry. "But, you must tell me, is this my future? My doom?"
"This will come to pass if a man named Théodred should share your dreams," Galadriel said solemnly.
~*~RETURN TO THE PRESENT~*~
Arwen felt a tear drip down her face. She hastily brushed it away. And so Théodred had appeared. She would not despair. The Mirror had been wrong before and she and Estel had a love that was pure. She could not cry.
"Lady Arwen!" called a voice. She turned to see her dearest friend, Haldir, at the bottom of Cerin Amroth.
"What is it?" she called back.
Haldir sprinted up to her. "Forgive me, Evenstar," he begged. "It was merely an exclamination of your beauty. I had not meant to disturb you!"
"Really Haldir!" smiled Arwen. "You are impossible! What did you come here to tell me?"
Haldir smiled secretly and tucked a flowering elanor flower behind her ear. "Harken, for your prince comes near!"
Arwen frowned, until his riddle dawned on her. "Estel?" she cried. "Estel is here?" Wthout another word, she dashed towards Caras Galdhon.
"Running is not very ladylike," Haldri called after her. He sighed and watched her go, wistfully. "A human should not make the Evenstar light up," he muttered. "Alas for poor forgotten Haldir!"
He slowly walked after her, not at all eager to see his old friend. He had Arwen, while Haldir's only hope was that the Théodred Galadriel had warned Arwen about had taken to dream walking.
~*~
"Are we there yet?" Éowyn inquired, for near the tenth time. She was sitting sideways on his stallion, Roheryn.
"Look around you, Éowyn!" Aragorn said lightly, not catching the worry in her tone. "Does it truly look like we are anywhere that could be habitated?"
"Well, are we almost there?" she inquires, taking a quick glance behind them.
"Do you see those woods?" he cried, finally exasperated. "When we reach them, we will have reached our destination!"
"Well, do you not think you should go a bit faster?" inquired Éowyn.
"No, not really," Aragorn replied through gritted teeth. "Are you in any particular hurry?"
"Yes," nodded Éowyn. "Those Orcs are gaining quite quickly."
"Orcs!" cried Aragorn. He whipped his head around. A ways behind them, was a large pack of Orcs, their black armour shining dully in the moon. Orcs this close to the Golden Wood! What dark days they were coming to! "Yah!" he cried, forcing his horse into a run.
"It is about time," muttered Éowyn, clinging to the Ranger.
"When were you planning on mentioning them?" growled Aragorn.
"I thought you knew," insisted Éowyn.
"Just hold on," instructed Aragorn.
An Orc arrow wized past Éowyn's feet, he felt her shudder. "Noro lim Roheryn!" he called to the stallion.
~*~
Rumil carefully lifted a bit of the foilage he was hiding in and looked out on to the plains. He recognized his brother's friend, Estel and his stallion, but he did not know the child he bore. Still, Estel was assuredly trustworthy, so they would not open fire just yet.
He slipped back to his men. "Wait for my word. The Orcs will only be about fifty paces before you. Make every shot count!"
Bows were risen and arrows were to fitted to every bowstring. Estel crashed through the foilage. He did not seem surprized to see the elves. He quickly turned Roheryn and trotted down to Rumil. He swung out of the saddle and helped the blonde child down. The Orcs had halted now, uncertain. They had heard many tales of the Golden Wood and none of them had been good.
"Well met, Rumil," Estel greeted calmly in elvish. He patted the child's hand soothingly. "Have you a bow for me?"
"Aye," nodded Rumil. "Use it well, Imladris ally." He handed Aragorn a bow he had strapped to his horse's saddle as well as a half-full quiver.
Estel nodded. He turned to the child and gave her gentle orders in Westron, a language Rumil did not know. She nodded bravely and then ran off into the woods. Rumil hissed an elvish curse. "Are you mad, Estel?" he demanded. "No stranger may wander Lothlorien at will!"
"A just rule," agreed Estel. "Which is why I told her to quickly find a hiding spot and stay there until I call for her."
Rumil glared at him, at a loss for words. There was nothing he could do though, the Orcs were moving forward again. "Ninety paces," Rumil whispered. "Fifty-five, fifty, forty-five... Hado i philinn!"
~*~
Éowyn quickly made her way through the woods. She was crying a little, but as she found a hiding spot under some odd golden foilage, she managed to control her emotions. The last swift race had been the scariest event of her life, save the moment in which she was actually overtaken by Orcs. She snapped her head around when she heard a commanding elvish voice shout something. She did not know what he said, as she did not speak elvish.
"Please be all right," she whispered, thinking of Aragorn.
~*~
Every arrow found a mark, killing almost half of the Orcs. "Hero!" shouted Rumil. Aragorn and the elves burst out of the trees and swiftly killed all who had been wounded. "Are there any cavalry?" shouted Aragorn.
"Nay," replied Rumil, after a quick scan of the horizon. "Only infantry. Shall we form line?" Rumil was a Major of the Golden Wood's army, but he knew that Estel was far more experienced in battle, young as he was.
"I believe that would be wise," Aragorn confirmed as an arrow flew past his head.
"Line!" roared Rumil. Instantly the scattered elves formed a perfectly straight line. "Advance three steps and then fire! Faeg i-varv dîn na lanc a nu ranc!
Aragorn lifted his bow and took his place. The Orcs were advancing as well. One- this could prove fatal, advancing so close. Two- Rumil was cutting it dreadfully close. Three- this was it. "Hado i philinn!" roared Rumil. "Dago han, dago han!"
It was sheer murder.
~*~
Éowyn leapt out of her hiding spot. The wait had been horrible and seeing two elves helping Aragorn to walk was simply too much. She rushed up to them. "Aragorn!" she cried. His eyes were closed and she saw now that the elves were bearing him. He was horribly pale and there was a serious wound on his shoulder.
An elf came up to her. "You...with...us...come," he instructed slowly, obviously not fluent in Westron.
"I will not!" she retorted. "What is wrong with Aragorn? Will he be all right?"
The elves frowned, not understanding her. At that moment, another elf on a horse came thundering up. He leapt down. "Haldir!" cried an elf, relieved. He then spoke to Haldir at length in elvish.
Haldir nodded and walked towards her. "Greetings little one," he smiled. His Westron was perfect. "What is your name?"
"Éowyn," Éowyn answered shortly. "What is wrong with Aragorn?"
"He was injured in the battle," explained Haldir. "Do not worry, the Lady Galadriel will heal him. He will be back on his feet in no time. I am riding ahead with him. Can you ride his horse and come with me?"
"I am of the Rohirrim," Éowyn said stoutly. "I can ride any horse."
Moments later, Haldir and Éowyn galloped off. Haldir bore Aragorn in front of him. They rode to Caras Galadhon in silent haste.
~*~
"Aragorn, can you hear me?" asked a small frightened voice. "I hope you can, because I am very scared. All those elves keep staring at me oddly and saying things I do not understand. This has been the worst week of my life! And there is a pretty dark-haired one who is always here. She's gone now. Sometimes she will talk to me, but I ignore her, even though she speaks normally. Is that rude? Oh Aragorn, please wake up! I want to go home!"
"Do you really?" he asked, slowly opening his eyes.
"Oh Aragorn!" gasped Éowyn, throwing herself at him. "I was so worried and I haven't slept at all." This was true. So true in fact, that Arwen was beginning to worry for Aragorn's human tagalong.
Aragor caught her up in large hug and held her as she wept. "There, there," he soothed calmingly, kissing her blonde head. "I will not let any harm come to you, little one."
"I know," whimpered Éowyn. "But- Aragorn, what happened?"
Éowyn rolled off of him and he flipped on to his side, propping himself up on one elbow. He used his free hand to playfully wind one of her spiral goldens strands around his large, tanned finger. "I made a very grevious mistake in battle," admitted Aragorn. "The blame is mine to bear."
"What did you do?" frowned Éowyn.
"Rumil had just given the command to fire, but I aimed too high and my arrow flew over the Orc's head. I barely had time to draw my sword before he was on top of me."
Éowyn shuddered. "Could you have died?" she asked timidly.
"If it were anyone but me, I would have," answered Aragorn.
"Isn't that a little...conceited?" Éowyn teased, stumbling a little on the difficult word.
"No," Aragorn disagreed. "I was not boasting of my skill, but reminding you that I cannot die, as I have to take care of you."
"I could fend for myself!" Éowyn declared stoutly.
"Oh really?" asked Aragorn, with a twinkle in his eyes. "Even against Aragorn's Deadly Tickle Attack?"
Éowyn squealed as his nimble fingers found their way into the sensitive crevass of her underarms. She tried to get away, but Aragorn, almost fully healed, leapt after her.
Arwen opened the door into Aragorn's room, having heard voices and longing to speak with her lover. However, when she saw the playful romp taking place inside, she closed the door again, smiling to herself. One day, Aragorn would make a good father.
"How fares Estel?" inquired Haldir, coming up behind her.
"I think he will be just fine," answered Arwen, with a small smile.
~*~
One hour later, Aragorn emerged from his room. He took Arwen in his arms and kissed her deeply, oblivious to the sounds and glares of disgust provided by Haldir and Éowyn. After several moments, Haldir cleared his throat. "My lord, lady," he smiled. "If you could finish later, the Lady Galadriel did wish to speak with Estel as soon as he recovered."
"Haldir!" laughed Aragorn, warmly embracing the elf. Haldir's eyes widened in shock and he stiffened alarmingly.
"It- it is nice to see you as well Estel," he stuttered.
Aragorn released him with a rueful grin. "It is nice to see somethings never change," he laughed.
Arwen nodded and Haldir grunted. Arwen smiled and then turned to Éowyn. "Have you decided to trust us Lady Éowyn?"
"Yes," nodded Éowyn. "I am very sorry if I was rude, but the circumstances were most unfortunate. Personally, I thought you were a- a- a fair flower?" Éowyn frowned as Arwen blinked, taken back.
"Did Aragorn tell you to say that?" inquired Haldir drily.
Aragorn laughed loudly as Éowyn nodded reluctantly. Arwen blushed. Éowyn tugged on the she-elf's sleeve. "What is it?" inquired Arwen.
"Might I whisper something in your ear?" Éowyn inquired. "I did not want to say this, but now I think that I will."
Arwen crouched down to Éowyn's level. "What is it dear?" she inquired.
"I think maybe I was rude because I was scared," Éowyn whispered. "Is that quite all right?"
"Oh, my dear child," smiled Arwen. "It is perfectly fine!" On impulse, she pulled Éowyn into a hug. The small child, recently deprived of a mother's love, was surprized to find she felt safe in the older woman's arms.
Arwen stood and joined hands with Éowyn. "How would you like to meet my grandmother?" she asked.
"I would like it...I think," Éowyn answered.
"If we are all ready?" frowned Haldir, only slightly irritated. He began walking. Aragorn walked between Arwen and Éowyn. Éowyn was so fascinated by the amazing sights of Caras Galdhon, that she ignored the reunited lovers' coversation.
"A fair flower, am I?" teased Arwen.
"Of course," Aragorn answered truthfully. "You know I have never thought any differently!"
"It is nice to hear," admitted Arwen. "Even when you send an Edain child to say it."
"I meant it to be a grand, romantic gesture," insisted Aragorn with a laugh. He sobered up. "How I have missed you, my Undòmiel!"
"And I you," replied Arwen. She shot a fond glance at Éowyn. "I am interested to know how you came to find such a pretty child on your journey!"
"Gandalf and I rescued her from Orcs," replied Aragorn. "I remained with her while he continued on to Minas Tirith. She is not all innocent and fair though. Several nights ago she got a hold of my sword and..."
He hesitated. "I am not sure, but I would say that she was taken by battlerage!"
"Battlerage!" gasped Arwen. "Impossible!"
"I hope so," Aragorn nodded.
Arwen frowned. "Well, at least she is here now," she finally smiled. "Even if she does suffer from battlerage, Grandmother can cure her of it."
"Do you like her?" asked Aragorn.
"Like her?" asked Arwen incredulously. "I want to keep her!"
"I am glad," Aragorn admitted. "I care deeply for her- almost as a daughter...I think."
Arwen chose to ignore the 'I think', mostly as she did not understand it. "We should keep her!" Arwen exclaimed. "She will be happy here. We could be like a little family. Oh, how precious!"
"Oh yes," growled Haldir under his breath. "How bloody precious!"
~*~
Haldir lead them through the elvish city and up to the dwelling of the Lady Galadriel and the Lord Celeborn. When they reached their royal flet, he departed with a short, choppy farewell. When he was out of sight, Aragorn muttered to Arwen; "Well, he was in a good mood, wasn't he?"
"You must be easy on Haldir," reprimanded Arwen gently, her elvish eyes still seeing her best friend. "His life is not an easy one."
Before Aragorn could speak again, a soft silver light announced the arrival of Galadriel and Celeborn.
They were both proud and fair, instantly attracting every eye. Éowyn's jaw dropped and her eyes widened alarmingly. "Greetings," smiled Celeborn. "It has been only a short time since you departed from these woods with Gandalf the Grey, Estel. Why did your ways part so suddenly?"
"We overtook a party of Orcs," explained Aragorn. "They had in turn overtaken Éowyn here and we barely got her out alive. Gandalf continued on whilst I returned with Éowyn."
"Hello little one," Galadriel smiled, turning her piercing blue eyes on Éowyn. Her mouth opened a little and her eyes widened. "What did you say your name was child?"
"I am Éowyn of the Rohirrim," answered Éowyn, never taking her eyes from Galadriel. "My father was Éomund and my mother, Théodwyn. They have both passed on though, so I reside in Meduseld with my uncle, King Théoden."
Aragorn's eyes widened. The news of Éowyn's heritage came as a huge shock. He had served under Éomund and Théoden, bearing the name Thorongil. "You did not mention you were royalty," he said aghast.
"You never asked," muttered Éowyn, still not taking her eyes from Galadriel.
"Aragorn Elessar!" said Galadriel sharply. Aragorn winced. Galadriel was the only one he knew who called him by his full and proper name. Somehow it always made him feel as though he was in trouble. "Does Éowyn suffer from some uncommon disease?"
"Yes milady," admitted Aragorn. "I believe she may have some form of battlerage."
Celeborn started. 'That is rather unusual," he mused. "However, let her now be cured. Orophin, bring her your sword."
Obediently, Orophin drew his sword and reversed it. "Be ready to leap back," Galadriel cautioned. Orophin nodded and then offered the hilt to Éowyn.
Now completely confused, Éowyn timidly took the sword. At once she became the shieldmaiden. Her flashing grey eyes turned towards Galadriel and she charged forwards, yelling out a Rohirrim battlecry. Orophin, armed with only his long daggers, dashed forwards, challenging the she-demon. After only a few clashes, Éowyn disarmed him and slammed him to the ground.
Aragorn leapt up. Their swords met and for a moment, they stood locked in deadly combat, but eventually Éowyn broke free of his hold. Aragorn, unwilling to hurt Éowyn, hung back, allowing Éowyn to kick his feet out from under him. He crashed to the ground and his shoulder wound reopened. "Éowyn, stop!" cried Arwen.
Aragorn tried to get up, but failed. Éowyn, no longer seeing a threat, advanced again. Only Celeborn stood in her way. He drew his own ancient blade and advanced. Their swords met again and again, yet in this match, Éowyn was forced into the defensive. Celeborn's skill was natural and it had been honed over countless years. His victory against any and all was assured, unless he chance upon the Lord Elrond, who was the greatest warrior in all of Middle Earth during the Third Age.
He easily disarmed Éowyn, but this time the Shieldmaiden remained, even without her sword. "Hold her Celeborn," instructed Galadriel.
Celeborn kneed Éowyn in the stomach, then kicked the back of her knees. She fell to the ground, crying out in pain. He grabbed her arms and pinned them behind her back, then roughly dragged her to her feet. Arwen watched in horror as her grandfather's long hidden warrior abilities were brought to the surface. Child or no, Éowyn had tried to threaten the woman he cared for and his anger was deep.
Galadriel calmly descended from the dias and walked to her husband and the shieldmaiden. When she reached them, her love for Celeborn, usually hidden in public view was at last apparent. She laid a long, pale hand on the struggling shieldmaiden's brow. "Lasto beth nin, tolo dan na galad. Edain, lasto beth daer, tolo dan na galad.
Éowyn stiffened, then relaxed and once more became the Rohirrim child. "Release her," Galadriel smiled sadly. "She is healed."
"Thank the Valar!" praised Arwen as she rushed to Éowyn's side.
"Take her to her room Undòmiel," suggested Celeborn. "When you leave, summon healers to tend to Estel and Orophin."
"Yes grandfather," nodded Arwen, taking Éowyn in her arms.
Arwen departed with a last glance at Aragorn, who was being helped by a healer. Celeborn returned to Galadriel on the dias. "You still fight well, my lord," complimented Galadriel, love shining brightly in her eyes.
"Thank you, fair lady," smiled Celeborn, the love reflecting in his eyes as well. However, the smile soon became a frown. "Yet, I am surprized. Did the woman of Rohirrim who could possibly steal Aragorn's heart from our granddaughter just attack me?"
Galadriel nodded. "I amar prestar aen,"she mumured.
"So it has," nodded Celeborn. "And too much for my liking."
~*~
Boromir sighed and glared at Éomer and Théodred. A week had passed since they had arrived in Minas Tirith and they had both sunk into a deep gloom. At least the Marshall Elfhelm had managed to continue functioning, though he was understandably worried. He had befriended Faramir and they would spend long hours talking or riding together.
"Will you at least try to eat something?" Boromir begged Éomer.
"I am not hungry," sulked Éomer.
"Will you not talk to him?" cried Boromir.
Théodred frowned. "Éomer, try to eat something," Théodred instructed sharply. "As the last of your line, you must keep up your strength."
Éomer burst into tears and leapt off of his chair. "Oh, that was helpful!" snarled Boromir sarcastically.
"What would you have me do?" snapped Théodred snapped. "Lie?"
"You do not know that she is dead!" shouted Boromir.
"Then where in Middle Earth is she?" roared Théodred.
"In Rivendell, in the House of Elrond," replied a voice from the door.
Théodred and Boromir turned to face a man they both knew, though by a different name.
"Mithrandir!" cried Boromir.
"Gandalf!" shouted Théodred. "How do you know of my cousin's whereabouts?"
"Why should I not?" demanded Gandalf, in true wizard fashion. "But that is where she is and I know it because I do. Your greeting leaves much lacking. Really Boromir, I thought you father had trained you better. Faramir certainly gave me better welcome."
"He saw Éowyn," Faramir explained, entering with an eager Éomer in tow. "He and his friend Estel discovered her in serious danger, but they rescued her. He mentioned it in passing and I persisted. The girl matches Éowyn's descriptions perfectly."
"I was glad to be of service," announced Gandalf. "But I must speak to Denethor..."
"Wait!" Théodred begged. "Are you sure this Estel was heading to Rivendell."
"As sure as I am standing before you know," replied Gandalf, standing. "Now I really must-"
"Then let us go!" Éomer cried. "We must go now!"
"Easy, little master," soothed Gandalf. "How are you to get to Rivendell without one who knows the elvish paths? I will accompany you in the morning!"
Knowing it was useless to argue, Éomer and Théodred, hopes renewed again, went off to find Elfhelm while Gandalf went to his audience with the Steward of Gondor.
Faramir sighed when he and his brother were left in peace. "Well, thank the Valar that is over,' he smiled happily.
"Certainly," nodded Boromir. "One more day would have driven me mad!"
Faramir nodded in perfect agreement. "I wonder who this Estel chap is though," he mused. "I have never heard of him."
"I do not know," admitted Boromir. "Oh well, it does not matter. He cannot be very important...."
~*~*~*~
Hold my hand, it'll be all right
Don't be scared, don't be shy
Lift your head, it'll be all right.
~*~*~*~
Chapter 5- The Lady and the Wood
Arwen climbed to the top of Cerin Amroth. Of all the places in Lothlorien, the hill where she had pledged her love to Estel was her most beloved. The sun had just risen and the elves and songs of Lothlorien were just beginning to rise with it. She had halted her climb and closed her eyes, letting the gentle wind ruffle her hair and clothes. She was very worried.
The dreams of Rivendell and the strange human male had only been slightly troublesome since they began in the winter. Last night, however, he, Théodred had shook the very foundations of her world. It had only been a few nights since she had ventured to her Grandmother's Mirror.
~*~FLASHBACK~*~
"Why have you brought me here?" Arwen asked, frowning at the Lady Galadriel.
"There is something you must see," Galadriel explained. "Look into the mirror."
Obediently, Arwen stepped up to the mirror and looked in. The veil drew away and she was looking at a single star; the Evenstar.
Next was a vision of her and Aragorn standing on a bridge in Rivendell. There was a quick glance of her father, stern and angry. Then there was a short scene, played out before her.
Aragorn was standing on the walls of a city she did not know. A fair blonde woman came to stand by him. They spoke and Arwen knew what they said. "Why do you look to the West?" demanded the woman. "What awaits you in the West?"
"Nothing," replied Aragorn. "At least, not anymore. You are the one for me. Forever and always."
The scene changed and it brought tears to Arwen's eyes. Aragorn and the woman were in front of a cleric, being wed. Aragorn lay a crown on her head.
There was a short glimpse of herself on a ship, looking back at the shore. Finally the veil fell again and she looked up in disbelief. "What is this?" she cried. "We are in love, Estel and I! How dare this wench-"
"Arwen," Galadriel cut in sharply. "Do not make a fool of yourself. You do not know if she is evil. She could think the same of you."
"I am sorry," apologized Arwen, though she did not feel very sorry. "But, you must tell me, is this my future? My doom?"
"This will come to pass if a man named Théodred should share your dreams," Galadriel said solemnly.
~*~RETURN TO THE PRESENT~*~
Arwen felt a tear drip down her face. She hastily brushed it away. And so Théodred had appeared. She would not despair. The Mirror had been wrong before and she and Estel had a love that was pure. She could not cry.
"Lady Arwen!" called a voice. She turned to see her dearest friend, Haldir, at the bottom of Cerin Amroth.
"What is it?" she called back.
Haldir sprinted up to her. "Forgive me, Evenstar," he begged. "It was merely an exclamination of your beauty. I had not meant to disturb you!"
"Really Haldir!" smiled Arwen. "You are impossible! What did you come here to tell me?"
Haldir smiled secretly and tucked a flowering elanor flower behind her ear. "Harken, for your prince comes near!"
Arwen frowned, until his riddle dawned on her. "Estel?" she cried. "Estel is here?" Wthout another word, she dashed towards Caras Galdhon.
"Running is not very ladylike," Haldri called after her. He sighed and watched her go, wistfully. "A human should not make the Evenstar light up," he muttered. "Alas for poor forgotten Haldir!"
He slowly walked after her, not at all eager to see his old friend. He had Arwen, while Haldir's only hope was that the Théodred Galadriel had warned Arwen about had taken to dream walking.
~*~
"Are we there yet?" Éowyn inquired, for near the tenth time. She was sitting sideways on his stallion, Roheryn.
"Look around you, Éowyn!" Aragorn said lightly, not catching the worry in her tone. "Does it truly look like we are anywhere that could be habitated?"
"Well, are we almost there?" she inquires, taking a quick glance behind them.
"Do you see those woods?" he cried, finally exasperated. "When we reach them, we will have reached our destination!"
"Well, do you not think you should go a bit faster?" inquired Éowyn.
"No, not really," Aragorn replied through gritted teeth. "Are you in any particular hurry?"
"Yes," nodded Éowyn. "Those Orcs are gaining quite quickly."
"Orcs!" cried Aragorn. He whipped his head around. A ways behind them, was a large pack of Orcs, their black armour shining dully in the moon. Orcs this close to the Golden Wood! What dark days they were coming to! "Yah!" he cried, forcing his horse into a run.
"It is about time," muttered Éowyn, clinging to the Ranger.
"When were you planning on mentioning them?" growled Aragorn.
"I thought you knew," insisted Éowyn.
"Just hold on," instructed Aragorn.
An Orc arrow wized past Éowyn's feet, he felt her shudder. "Noro lim Roheryn!" he called to the stallion.
~*~
Rumil carefully lifted a bit of the foilage he was hiding in and looked out on to the plains. He recognized his brother's friend, Estel and his stallion, but he did not know the child he bore. Still, Estel was assuredly trustworthy, so they would not open fire just yet.
He slipped back to his men. "Wait for my word. The Orcs will only be about fifty paces before you. Make every shot count!"
Bows were risen and arrows were to fitted to every bowstring. Estel crashed through the foilage. He did not seem surprized to see the elves. He quickly turned Roheryn and trotted down to Rumil. He swung out of the saddle and helped the blonde child down. The Orcs had halted now, uncertain. They had heard many tales of the Golden Wood and none of them had been good.
"Well met, Rumil," Estel greeted calmly in elvish. He patted the child's hand soothingly. "Have you a bow for me?"
"Aye," nodded Rumil. "Use it well, Imladris ally." He handed Aragorn a bow he had strapped to his horse's saddle as well as a half-full quiver.
Estel nodded. He turned to the child and gave her gentle orders in Westron, a language Rumil did not know. She nodded bravely and then ran off into the woods. Rumil hissed an elvish curse. "Are you mad, Estel?" he demanded. "No stranger may wander Lothlorien at will!"
"A just rule," agreed Estel. "Which is why I told her to quickly find a hiding spot and stay there until I call for her."
Rumil glared at him, at a loss for words. There was nothing he could do though, the Orcs were moving forward again. "Ninety paces," Rumil whispered. "Fifty-five, fifty, forty-five... Hado i philinn!"
~*~
Éowyn quickly made her way through the woods. She was crying a little, but as she found a hiding spot under some odd golden foilage, she managed to control her emotions. The last swift race had been the scariest event of her life, save the moment in which she was actually overtaken by Orcs. She snapped her head around when she heard a commanding elvish voice shout something. She did not know what he said, as she did not speak elvish.
"Please be all right," she whispered, thinking of Aragorn.
~*~
Every arrow found a mark, killing almost half of the Orcs. "Hero!" shouted Rumil. Aragorn and the elves burst out of the trees and swiftly killed all who had been wounded. "Are there any cavalry?" shouted Aragorn.
"Nay," replied Rumil, after a quick scan of the horizon. "Only infantry. Shall we form line?" Rumil was a Major of the Golden Wood's army, but he knew that Estel was far more experienced in battle, young as he was.
"I believe that would be wise," Aragorn confirmed as an arrow flew past his head.
"Line!" roared Rumil. Instantly the scattered elves formed a perfectly straight line. "Advance three steps and then fire! Faeg i-varv dîn na lanc a nu ranc!
Aragorn lifted his bow and took his place. The Orcs were advancing as well. One- this could prove fatal, advancing so close. Two- Rumil was cutting it dreadfully close. Three- this was it. "Hado i philinn!" roared Rumil. "Dago han, dago han!"
It was sheer murder.
~*~
Éowyn leapt out of her hiding spot. The wait had been horrible and seeing two elves helping Aragorn to walk was simply too much. She rushed up to them. "Aragorn!" she cried. His eyes were closed and she saw now that the elves were bearing him. He was horribly pale and there was a serious wound on his shoulder.
An elf came up to her. "You...with...us...come," he instructed slowly, obviously not fluent in Westron.
"I will not!" she retorted. "What is wrong with Aragorn? Will he be all right?"
The elves frowned, not understanding her. At that moment, another elf on a horse came thundering up. He leapt down. "Haldir!" cried an elf, relieved. He then spoke to Haldir at length in elvish.
Haldir nodded and walked towards her. "Greetings little one," he smiled. His Westron was perfect. "What is your name?"
"Éowyn," Éowyn answered shortly. "What is wrong with Aragorn?"
"He was injured in the battle," explained Haldir. "Do not worry, the Lady Galadriel will heal him. He will be back on his feet in no time. I am riding ahead with him. Can you ride his horse and come with me?"
"I am of the Rohirrim," Éowyn said stoutly. "I can ride any horse."
Moments later, Haldir and Éowyn galloped off. Haldir bore Aragorn in front of him. They rode to Caras Galadhon in silent haste.
~*~
"Aragorn, can you hear me?" asked a small frightened voice. "I hope you can, because I am very scared. All those elves keep staring at me oddly and saying things I do not understand. This has been the worst week of my life! And there is a pretty dark-haired one who is always here. She's gone now. Sometimes she will talk to me, but I ignore her, even though she speaks normally. Is that rude? Oh Aragorn, please wake up! I want to go home!"
"Do you really?" he asked, slowly opening his eyes.
"Oh Aragorn!" gasped Éowyn, throwing herself at him. "I was so worried and I haven't slept at all." This was true. So true in fact, that Arwen was beginning to worry for Aragorn's human tagalong.
Aragor caught her up in large hug and held her as she wept. "There, there," he soothed calmingly, kissing her blonde head. "I will not let any harm come to you, little one."
"I know," whimpered Éowyn. "But- Aragorn, what happened?"
Éowyn rolled off of him and he flipped on to his side, propping himself up on one elbow. He used his free hand to playfully wind one of her spiral goldens strands around his large, tanned finger. "I made a very grevious mistake in battle," admitted Aragorn. "The blame is mine to bear."
"What did you do?" frowned Éowyn.
"Rumil had just given the command to fire, but I aimed too high and my arrow flew over the Orc's head. I barely had time to draw my sword before he was on top of me."
Éowyn shuddered. "Could you have died?" she asked timidly.
"If it were anyone but me, I would have," answered Aragorn.
"Isn't that a little...conceited?" Éowyn teased, stumbling a little on the difficult word.
"No," Aragorn disagreed. "I was not boasting of my skill, but reminding you that I cannot die, as I have to take care of you."
"I could fend for myself!" Éowyn declared stoutly.
"Oh really?" asked Aragorn, with a twinkle in his eyes. "Even against Aragorn's Deadly Tickle Attack?"
Éowyn squealed as his nimble fingers found their way into the sensitive crevass of her underarms. She tried to get away, but Aragorn, almost fully healed, leapt after her.
Arwen opened the door into Aragorn's room, having heard voices and longing to speak with her lover. However, when she saw the playful romp taking place inside, she closed the door again, smiling to herself. One day, Aragorn would make a good father.
"How fares Estel?" inquired Haldir, coming up behind her.
"I think he will be just fine," answered Arwen, with a small smile.
~*~
One hour later, Aragorn emerged from his room. He took Arwen in his arms and kissed her deeply, oblivious to the sounds and glares of disgust provided by Haldir and Éowyn. After several moments, Haldir cleared his throat. "My lord, lady," he smiled. "If you could finish later, the Lady Galadriel did wish to speak with Estel as soon as he recovered."
"Haldir!" laughed Aragorn, warmly embracing the elf. Haldir's eyes widened in shock and he stiffened alarmingly.
"It- it is nice to see you as well Estel," he stuttered.
Aragorn released him with a rueful grin. "It is nice to see somethings never change," he laughed.
Arwen nodded and Haldir grunted. Arwen smiled and then turned to Éowyn. "Have you decided to trust us Lady Éowyn?"
"Yes," nodded Éowyn. "I am very sorry if I was rude, but the circumstances were most unfortunate. Personally, I thought you were a- a- a fair flower?" Éowyn frowned as Arwen blinked, taken back.
"Did Aragorn tell you to say that?" inquired Haldir drily.
Aragorn laughed loudly as Éowyn nodded reluctantly. Arwen blushed. Éowyn tugged on the she-elf's sleeve. "What is it?" inquired Arwen.
"Might I whisper something in your ear?" Éowyn inquired. "I did not want to say this, but now I think that I will."
Arwen crouched down to Éowyn's level. "What is it dear?" she inquired.
"I think maybe I was rude because I was scared," Éowyn whispered. "Is that quite all right?"
"Oh, my dear child," smiled Arwen. "It is perfectly fine!" On impulse, she pulled Éowyn into a hug. The small child, recently deprived of a mother's love, was surprized to find she felt safe in the older woman's arms.
Arwen stood and joined hands with Éowyn. "How would you like to meet my grandmother?" she asked.
"I would like it...I think," Éowyn answered.
"If we are all ready?" frowned Haldir, only slightly irritated. He began walking. Aragorn walked between Arwen and Éowyn. Éowyn was so fascinated by the amazing sights of Caras Galdhon, that she ignored the reunited lovers' coversation.
"A fair flower, am I?" teased Arwen.
"Of course," Aragorn answered truthfully. "You know I have never thought any differently!"
"It is nice to hear," admitted Arwen. "Even when you send an Edain child to say it."
"I meant it to be a grand, romantic gesture," insisted Aragorn with a laugh. He sobered up. "How I have missed you, my Undòmiel!"
"And I you," replied Arwen. She shot a fond glance at Éowyn. "I am interested to know how you came to find such a pretty child on your journey!"
"Gandalf and I rescued her from Orcs," replied Aragorn. "I remained with her while he continued on to Minas Tirith. She is not all innocent and fair though. Several nights ago she got a hold of my sword and..."
He hesitated. "I am not sure, but I would say that she was taken by battlerage!"
"Battlerage!" gasped Arwen. "Impossible!"
"I hope so," Aragorn nodded.
Arwen frowned. "Well, at least she is here now," she finally smiled. "Even if she does suffer from battlerage, Grandmother can cure her of it."
"Do you like her?" asked Aragorn.
"Like her?" asked Arwen incredulously. "I want to keep her!"
"I am glad," Aragorn admitted. "I care deeply for her- almost as a daughter...I think."
Arwen chose to ignore the 'I think', mostly as she did not understand it. "We should keep her!" Arwen exclaimed. "She will be happy here. We could be like a little family. Oh, how precious!"
"Oh yes," growled Haldir under his breath. "How bloody precious!"
~*~
Haldir lead them through the elvish city and up to the dwelling of the Lady Galadriel and the Lord Celeborn. When they reached their royal flet, he departed with a short, choppy farewell. When he was out of sight, Aragorn muttered to Arwen; "Well, he was in a good mood, wasn't he?"
"You must be easy on Haldir," reprimanded Arwen gently, her elvish eyes still seeing her best friend. "His life is not an easy one."
Before Aragorn could speak again, a soft silver light announced the arrival of Galadriel and Celeborn.
They were both proud and fair, instantly attracting every eye. Éowyn's jaw dropped and her eyes widened alarmingly. "Greetings," smiled Celeborn. "It has been only a short time since you departed from these woods with Gandalf the Grey, Estel. Why did your ways part so suddenly?"
"We overtook a party of Orcs," explained Aragorn. "They had in turn overtaken Éowyn here and we barely got her out alive. Gandalf continued on whilst I returned with Éowyn."
"Hello little one," Galadriel smiled, turning her piercing blue eyes on Éowyn. Her mouth opened a little and her eyes widened. "What did you say your name was child?"
"I am Éowyn of the Rohirrim," answered Éowyn, never taking her eyes from Galadriel. "My father was Éomund and my mother, Théodwyn. They have both passed on though, so I reside in Meduseld with my uncle, King Théoden."
Aragorn's eyes widened. The news of Éowyn's heritage came as a huge shock. He had served under Éomund and Théoden, bearing the name Thorongil. "You did not mention you were royalty," he said aghast.
"You never asked," muttered Éowyn, still not taking her eyes from Galadriel.
"Aragorn Elessar!" said Galadriel sharply. Aragorn winced. Galadriel was the only one he knew who called him by his full and proper name. Somehow it always made him feel as though he was in trouble. "Does Éowyn suffer from some uncommon disease?"
"Yes milady," admitted Aragorn. "I believe she may have some form of battlerage."
Celeborn started. 'That is rather unusual," he mused. "However, let her now be cured. Orophin, bring her your sword."
Obediently, Orophin drew his sword and reversed it. "Be ready to leap back," Galadriel cautioned. Orophin nodded and then offered the hilt to Éowyn.
Now completely confused, Éowyn timidly took the sword. At once she became the shieldmaiden. Her flashing grey eyes turned towards Galadriel and she charged forwards, yelling out a Rohirrim battlecry. Orophin, armed with only his long daggers, dashed forwards, challenging the she-demon. After only a few clashes, Éowyn disarmed him and slammed him to the ground.
Aragorn leapt up. Their swords met and for a moment, they stood locked in deadly combat, but eventually Éowyn broke free of his hold. Aragorn, unwilling to hurt Éowyn, hung back, allowing Éowyn to kick his feet out from under him. He crashed to the ground and his shoulder wound reopened. "Éowyn, stop!" cried Arwen.
Aragorn tried to get up, but failed. Éowyn, no longer seeing a threat, advanced again. Only Celeborn stood in her way. He drew his own ancient blade and advanced. Their swords met again and again, yet in this match, Éowyn was forced into the defensive. Celeborn's skill was natural and it had been honed over countless years. His victory against any and all was assured, unless he chance upon the Lord Elrond, who was the greatest warrior in all of Middle Earth during the Third Age.
He easily disarmed Éowyn, but this time the Shieldmaiden remained, even without her sword. "Hold her Celeborn," instructed Galadriel.
Celeborn kneed Éowyn in the stomach, then kicked the back of her knees. She fell to the ground, crying out in pain. He grabbed her arms and pinned them behind her back, then roughly dragged her to her feet. Arwen watched in horror as her grandfather's long hidden warrior abilities were brought to the surface. Child or no, Éowyn had tried to threaten the woman he cared for and his anger was deep.
Galadriel calmly descended from the dias and walked to her husband and the shieldmaiden. When she reached them, her love for Celeborn, usually hidden in public view was at last apparent. She laid a long, pale hand on the struggling shieldmaiden's brow. "Lasto beth nin, tolo dan na galad. Edain, lasto beth daer, tolo dan na galad.
Éowyn stiffened, then relaxed and once more became the Rohirrim child. "Release her," Galadriel smiled sadly. "She is healed."
"Thank the Valar!" praised Arwen as she rushed to Éowyn's side.
"Take her to her room Undòmiel," suggested Celeborn. "When you leave, summon healers to tend to Estel and Orophin."
"Yes grandfather," nodded Arwen, taking Éowyn in her arms.
Arwen departed with a last glance at Aragorn, who was being helped by a healer. Celeborn returned to Galadriel on the dias. "You still fight well, my lord," complimented Galadriel, love shining brightly in her eyes.
"Thank you, fair lady," smiled Celeborn, the love reflecting in his eyes as well. However, the smile soon became a frown. "Yet, I am surprized. Did the woman of Rohirrim who could possibly steal Aragorn's heart from our granddaughter just attack me?"
Galadriel nodded. "I amar prestar aen,"she mumured.
"So it has," nodded Celeborn. "And too much for my liking."
~*~
Boromir sighed and glared at Éomer and Théodred. A week had passed since they had arrived in Minas Tirith and they had both sunk into a deep gloom. At least the Marshall Elfhelm had managed to continue functioning, though he was understandably worried. He had befriended Faramir and they would spend long hours talking or riding together.
"Will you at least try to eat something?" Boromir begged Éomer.
"I am not hungry," sulked Éomer.
"Will you not talk to him?" cried Boromir.
Théodred frowned. "Éomer, try to eat something," Théodred instructed sharply. "As the last of your line, you must keep up your strength."
Éomer burst into tears and leapt off of his chair. "Oh, that was helpful!" snarled Boromir sarcastically.
"What would you have me do?" snapped Théodred snapped. "Lie?"
"You do not know that she is dead!" shouted Boromir.
"Then where in Middle Earth is she?" roared Théodred.
"In Rivendell, in the House of Elrond," replied a voice from the door.
Théodred and Boromir turned to face a man they both knew, though by a different name.
"Mithrandir!" cried Boromir.
"Gandalf!" shouted Théodred. "How do you know of my cousin's whereabouts?"
"Why should I not?" demanded Gandalf, in true wizard fashion. "But that is where she is and I know it because I do. Your greeting leaves much lacking. Really Boromir, I thought you father had trained you better. Faramir certainly gave me better welcome."
"He saw Éowyn," Faramir explained, entering with an eager Éomer in tow. "He and his friend Estel discovered her in serious danger, but they rescued her. He mentioned it in passing and I persisted. The girl matches Éowyn's descriptions perfectly."
"I was glad to be of service," announced Gandalf. "But I must speak to Denethor..."
"Wait!" Théodred begged. "Are you sure this Estel was heading to Rivendell."
"As sure as I am standing before you know," replied Gandalf, standing. "Now I really must-"
"Then let us go!" Éomer cried. "We must go now!"
"Easy, little master," soothed Gandalf. "How are you to get to Rivendell without one who knows the elvish paths? I will accompany you in the morning!"
Knowing it was useless to argue, Éomer and Théodred, hopes renewed again, went off to find Elfhelm while Gandalf went to his audience with the Steward of Gondor.
Faramir sighed when he and his brother were left in peace. "Well, thank the Valar that is over,' he smiled happily.
"Certainly," nodded Boromir. "One more day would have driven me mad!"
Faramir nodded in perfect agreement. "I wonder who this Estel chap is though," he mused. "I have never heard of him."
"I do not know," admitted Boromir. "Oh well, it does not matter. He cannot be very important...."
~*~*~*~