Disclaimer: See chapter 1
Author's Note: I know I am gonna get people asking me this, so I'll clear it up now. Éowyn speaks a bit of elvish in this chapter because she has been spending about a month in Lothlòrien and it is only natural she would pick some of it up!
Nightfyr: Thanks for both of your reviews. You will see in chapter five that Aragorn does eventually figure out what is ailing Éowyn. Thanks again!
Lothiriel: Thanks for your review! I actually did go through the story and took all of AJ Buress' advice. She is a really amazing writer and I personally look up to her as an author. I also went and changed both of the things you suggested...I got my Silmarillion back, so I won't be making silly mistakes like that any more...or so I would hope.
ScarsonaScribbler'sHeart: Thanks so much for your wonderfully lengthy review. I decided I'll let you all in on a secret...I am actually considering doing a sequel to this in which Éowyn and Aragorn meet again and fall in love...I don't want to make anything official as its a ways off.
Eleni the Tiny Elf: Wow! Everyone else in the world is so very much more knowledgable of Lord of the Rings than I...but it does make sense, it definitely makes sense! Thanks for enjoying it!
Thanks also to Frodo (not the real Frodo- the reviewer), saicho-18, Galea ( you're not still mad are you?), Jessica and Aragorn and Legolas luvers! Your reviewer are very helpful and cherished! Hope you enjoy this as much as you liked the other chapters.
Yours
Elbereth94
~*~
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 6- A Red Star
The next morning found Thèodred and Boromir standing just outside of Minas Tirith, facing the growing darkness in the East. Boromir's face was grim, but Thèodred's held hope that not even the shadow could deter. "It is a long journey to Imladris," commented Boromir, not looking at Thèodred. "I suppose you have a path planned out?"
"Yes," Thèodred nodded. "Gandalf knows many paths for us to take."
"Well, that is lucky," Boromir commented lamely. "When you do return, I would ask that you make your way here again." He finally turned to face Thèodred. "The shadow is growing, my friend, and a hand as skilled as yours would be very welcome."
"I will come, if I can," Thèodred promised.
"Good," grinned Boromir. "I am glad. My father wished to send his blessings and I add my own. Now go, and rescue your little shieldmaiden."
"Farewell, friend," Thèodred smiled. Boromir nodded, then jogged back ot the city. Thèodred watched as his friend was swallowed by the shadows of the gates, then hurried back to his comrades.
Éomer and Gandalf were already mounted. Elfhelm was standing, holding both his horse and Thèodred's. Thèodred mounted and Elfhelm tossed him his reins, then swung up on his own mount. "Gentlemen," nodded Gandalf. "We have a long journey a head of us. Shall we?"
"Lead on Gandalf," granted Thèodred. "Many leagues lay between us and our kin. We shall not rest until they have been closed."
"Very well," smiled Gandalf. "Follow my lead. Yah!" He cantered off, closely followed by Thèodred, Elfhelm and Éomer.
Many days and weeks they traveled. They skirted along the river Anduin, hastily making as much speed as they could. One night, one and a half months into their journey, they halted in sight of a great forest. "What forest is that?" inquired Éomer, forever curious.
"The forest of Lòrien," answered Gandalf. "The realm of the fair Lady of the Golden Wood. Oh, how fair those paths!"
"Might we walk the paths?" asked Éomer eagerly.
"Not today," disagreed Gandalf. "Our path does not lead us there. For the moment, we have no business in the Golden Wood."
He could not have been more wrong.
~*~
"In the spring of the year after was born in Gondolin, Eärendil, Halfelven-" Arwen read aloud from one of her grandmother's books.
"Arwen," interrupted Éowyn. Arwen looked up, surprised. Usually tales of long ago could hold the child captivated for hours on end.
"What is it, dear?" inquired Arwen.
"Could you sing rather than read tonight?" Éowyn begged.
"Of course," agreed Arwen.
"One more thing," Éowyn continued. "Where is Aragorn?"
"Oh, he's around here....somewhere," Arwen replied weakly. She knew Aragorn was getting restless. He never stayed more than two weeks in Lothlòrien, but it had been over a month since he had entered the forest. His wound had fully healed and Arwen dreaded that he would soon leave her again, taking Éowyn with him.
"Where?" implored the child, looking up. She was lying in bed, in her nightclothes. Arwen sat in a chair at her bedside, reading her to sleep.
"I do not rightly know," Arwen admitted.
"I do," said a deep voice. Aragorn strode into the room. "Hello, my ladies! How was your day?" He kissed Arwen gently, then went to sit beside Éowyn. She scrambled up and grinned.
"It was all right," Éowyn answered. "Arwen and Haldir took me to Cerin Amroth. Haldir taught me two new elvish words!"
"Did he now?" Aragorn smiled. "What did he teach you?"
"Lómielindi and lómie," replied Éowyn. They mean night-bird and dusk. Where were you all day?"
"I was out with Rumil," answered Aragorn. "He was-"
Arwen stopped listening. She knew when they got like this it was best to leave. She and Éowyn had gotten quite close, but no one would ever be able to come between the child and Aragorn. Quietly, Arwen closed her book and slipped out of the room. She smiled lightly, closing the door behind her. She doubted they had noticed her go.
"Undòmiel!" greeted Haldir. She pressed a finger to her lips. "Ah- of course. Is she sleeping?"
"No," whispered Arwen. "But she and Aragorn must not be disturbed."
"If that is the case, what would you say to a night time walk with a dear pal?" Haldir invited.
"I think that would be most enjoyable!" smiled Arwen.
~*~
Aragorn smiled down at the blonde child curled up in his lap. How he cared for her! He prayed to Eru her family never came looking for her. "Aragorn, what star is that?" inquired Éowyn, pointing at a red star.
"That is Carnil," answered Aragorn dreamily. "Do you like it?"
"Yes," nodded Éowyn. "It will be our star. As long as we are together, it will be happy. But when we're apart, it will be dreadfully unhappy."
"Then it must be amused," teased Aragorn. "Which means I'm stuck with you!"
"Is that bad bad thing?" asked Éowyn.
"No," disagreed Aragorn. "It is a very good thing!"
"Thats good," murmured Éowyn. "Will you sing?"
"Of course," agreed Aragorn. He began to sing in his low, husky voice that soothed the child so very much.
"I'll try to make the stars shine brighter for you,
And I'll take you on my shoulder, lift you way up high
I'll even chase the rainbow, hanging in the sky
Cause after all is said
After all is done
I'd do anything for you!
Come with me, close your 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!"
The song faded as Aragorn realized Éowyn was sleeping. He gently picked her up and returned her to her bed. He laid her down and tucked her in.
"Goodnight, father," whispered Éowyn, half-asleep.
Aragorn smiled down at her, feeling love for the small child crashing over him like the tide upon the shore. He bent down and kissed her forehead. "Good night, my child," he whispered.
He quietly slipped out of the room. Haldir and Arwen were waiting outside the door. "You have surely not waited all this time?" he inquired worried.
"Nay," answered Haldir. "The Lady and I took a walk and have just recently returned.
Arwen stood up and clasped Aragorn's hands. She looked at him searchingly. "When do you leave?" she asked softly.
"The day after tomorrow," answered Aragorn. It no longer shocked him when Arwen could read his mind.
"Will you take Éowyn with you?" sighed Arwen.
"No," replied Aragorn. "The mountain pass is too dangerous. After I have visited with your father, I will return for her."
"She will be heartbroken," Arwen predicted.
"I know," sighed Aragorn. "But I will not risk her. She is as a daughter to me...I will let no harm come to her."
"We will take care of her," smiled Haldir, laying a hand on Arwen's arm.
"Good," grinned Aragorn. "You both must teach her some elvish- she has been after me. But there is simply no time. I have to go now- the Lord Celeborn wished to speak with me."
"Estel!" Arwen called after him. She had resolved to tell him of her warning from Galadriel, and now seemed as good a time as any. "I must speak with you."
"It will have to wait 'till tomorrow night!" Aragorn called as he ran. "I have to go now, and I have promised the day to Éowyn!"
Arwen sighed lightly as he dashed away. Haldir placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. "You must not be disappointed with Estel," he smiled. "He is a very busy man with much to do and a short time to do it in."
"I know," frowned Arwen. "It is just hard sometimes."
"Come," teased Haldir. "I have naught to do. Will you speak with me?"
Arwen nodded and allowed herself to be lead away.
~*~
Éowyn clasped hands with Aragorn as they strolled on top of Cerin Amroth. She grinned as the wind gently tickled her. There were the type of days she and Éomer delighted in- a day quite obviously meant for play. She laughed and unclasped Aragorn's hand. She lightly swatted his arm. "Tag, you're it!" she grinned. She dashed off at top speed. She stopped though, quickly realizing Aragorn wasn't following.
He was walking after her, with a slightly bemused smile on his face. She ran back to him and after pausing to make sure his act was no ruse, hit him harder. "Tag, you're it!" she shouted, running off again.
However, she was forced to stop and turn again when he did not quicken his pace. "Come back!" he called. She obediently returned. "What were you doing?" he inquired, smiling down at her.
"I was trying to play tag," replied Éowyn. "But you're not very good!"
"Tag?" repeated Aragorn, confused.
Éowyn studied him, suspecting he might be trying to fool her. But on his tanned face, she saw only curiosity. "You truly do not know how to play!" marvelled Éowyn.
Play. There was little time for play in Aragorn's childhood. He was raised in Rivendell with the elves. Elves matured quickly, and he was expected to do so as well. Besides, already Elrond had been secretly bringing him up to step into his heritage.
"No," he admitted. "I do not know how to play."
"Oh my!" exclaimed Éowyn. "Wel, its not very difficult. I could teach you well enough."
Aragorn looked around, fearing ridicule. Éowyn, wise as only a child could be, quickly put a stop to it. "If you want to learn, you have to stop caring what people think," she instructed. Aragorn stared at her, astonished. She shrugged. "Its one of the key rules."
Aragor smiled down at her. For near the thousandth time, he wished that her family would never come seeking her. He knelt beside her and clasped both her hands in his. "Teach me," he whispered.
~*~
Aragorn laughed out loud and gathered Éowyn into his arms. They rubbed thier noses together and laughed again. Aragorn swirled her around at arm's length, always making sure his grasp was firm. Finally, he held her close and they tumbled lightly on to the grass.
Éowyn laughed and snuggled up into his chest. They talked for a while, speaking of many, pointless things. Aragorn had never felt so young and carefree. Eventually, they drifted off into a light sleep. The sun made its way across the sky. As it neared the horizon, Aragorn propped himself against a tree and Éowyn curled up in his lap.
"I love you, my father," mumured Éowyn.
Aragorn started and pulled Éowyn closer and kissed the top of her fair head. "I love you, my daughter," he replied softly. "Éowyn, there is something I must tell you."
"What is it?" she asked drowsily.
"I leave for Rivendell in the morning," he informed her.
"No!" protested Éowyn. "Please do not go! Do not leave me here! You are all I have!"
"Do you not care for Arwen and Haldir?" inquired Aragorn, hating himself for leaving her.
"I do," nodded Éowyn. "But you are more. You are my ada."
"I must go Éowyn," Aragorn whispered. "I will return as soon as is humanly possible."
"My last father left and never came back," whimpered Éowyn, weeping into Aragorn's chest.
Aragorn wrapped his arms around her, rocking her gently. His heart wept for this little child who had so easily claimed his heart. "I will come back, Éowyn," he assured her. "Nothing could keep me from you!"
"You promise?" asked Éowyn, shakily.
"I swear," whispered Aragorn.
"Oh Aragorn!" cried Éowyn, her body shaking with sobs. Aragorn held her tightly and softly sang to her. After she had calmed down, her carried her towards Caras Galadhon. As he neared his temporary home, he came upon Arwen.
"There you are!" smiled the she-elf. "I have missed you. Are you ready to talk?"
"No," admitted Aragorn. "I am still bound to Éowyn."
"Oh," frowned Arwen, creast-fallen. "Might I join you?"
Aragorn's face looked pained. "I would rather you did not," he admitted. "I need to spend time alone with her." He indicated the child in his arms.
"Oh, that is perfectly fine," Arwen said with a tight, twisted smile. "I understand. You two have a good time." She turned away quickly so Aragorn would not see her tears.
As she strolled through the elvish city, she dabbed lightly at her eyes. Already Aragorn was drifting away from her and the strange blonde woman had yet to appear.
~*~
Haldir, Arwen and Éowyn bid Aragorn farewell in the grey gloom before dawn. Éowyn had been yawning, tired after a late night spent in front of the fire being entertained by Aragorn's stories. By now, she was awake and woeful, tears in her stern, grey eyes.
Haldir and Aragorn clasped each other's shoulders wordlessly and nodded in the standard elvish parting. Arwen embraced Aragorn and he returned it, as well as bestowing a kiss on her cheek. "Namarie,*" he whispered.
Arwen held back her tears. She was still disappointed. She had yet to tell Aragorn of Galadriel's warning. "I will think of you, and you shall be forever in my heart," she promised. Aragorn nodded and quickly went to Éowyn.
"Aragorn," she choked. He swept her into his arms and held her tightly.
"Oh, Éowyn," he sighed heavily. "Do not cry. I will be with you in your heart." He smiled warmly and placed a hand over his own heart. She laid her small hand over his larger one.
"I'll miss you awfully, Aragorn," confessed Éowyn.
"Nonsense," scoffed Aragorn. "After all, every time we look upon Carnil, we will be together! And, I will come back soon."
"Namarie," whispered Éowyn. Aragor kissed her forehead and gently wiped away the tears streaming down her face. He offered her a grin and she gave him a shaky one in return. He left her reluctantly and swung up on Roheryn. He urged the stallion into a trot and began to post.
He did not look back. As he disappeared into the fog, Carnil winked out. Arwen turned and left. Haldir watched her go. Something was eating away at the she-elf.
He sighed heavily. Éowyn was still watching where Aragorn had vanished into the mist. He laid a hand on her shoulder. "Come, Éowyn," he smiled. "You will not miss Aragorn as much as you think if you keep busy."
"Go kiss an Orc!" snapped Éowyn. She wrenched away from the elf and ran after Arwen.
~*~
After a full week of brooding, Arwen found herself settling back into the normal routine in Lòrien. She woke up, broke her fast and spent her mornings reading or sewing. At lunch she would dine with one friend or another. Haldir was usually present at these meetings and would spend the lazy afternoons with her. At dinner, she dined with Galadriel, Celeborn and Éowyn. She ended the day by tucking Éowyn into bed and then taking a moonlit walk with Haldir.
Her days flew by and it wasn't until Éowyn had been unhappy for a full month that Arwen truly began to worry about it. She mentioned it to Haldir one night.
"Well, why don't you take her on a picnic?" suggested Haldir. "Or you could go boating or something to get him off of her mind."
"You know, I just might!" Arwen nodded. "Aragorn loves her dearly and I would not have him return to a woeful child. Thank you, Haldir!"
Arwen gently kissed his cheek and then rushed off down the walking path. Haldir sighed deeply as he watched her go.
He looked to the stars. "Elbereth, why, oh why, did she fall in love with a human?" His eyes fell on the red star, Carnil- the star Éowyn and Aragorn used as a reminder of each other. It seemed to be mocking him. The elf snarled and cast his eyes to the ground.
~*~
"Éowyn, wake up, dear," whispered a female voice. Éowyn opened her eyes to find Arwen smiling at her. "Come along, child," she coaxed. "We are going to go on a picnic."
"A picnic?" repeated Éowyn, excitement swelling up inside of her.
"Yes," nodded Arwen, with a laugh. "Come along!" She handed Éowyn an elvish robe in pale green. Éowyn quickly changed into the elvish garment.
"Will you braid my hair?" asked Éowyn to Arwen, who was sitting in a rocking chair by her bed.
"Of course," agreed Arwen. Éowyn knelt beside Arwen and the she-elf deftly braided Éowyn's long blonde hair into a complicated elvish braid. When she was done, she lightly kissed Éowyn's cheek. "Come on!" she laughed, taking Éowyn's hand in one hand and the picnic basket in the other.
They spent a wonderful day on the sunny shores of the Nimrodel, playing games, chatting breezily and nibbling elvish food. By the end of the afternoon, as Haldir had predicted, Éowyn had learned to laugh again.
~*~
Galadriel watched as Arwen and Éowyn made their way up the path to their home. Celeborn joined her, entwining his hand with hers. "Their falling out has already begun," Galadriel continued. "And this is with her as a child. If he were to meet her as a full-grown woman...."
"You are sure?" questioned Celeborn. It was a useless question. He knew his wife never said anything unless she was positive it would come to pass.
"Yes, I am," nodded Galadriel. "Éowyn will eventually claim Aragorn's heart and in the process break Arwen's."
~*~*~*~
Author's Note: I know I am gonna get people asking me this, so I'll clear it up now. Éowyn speaks a bit of elvish in this chapter because she has been spending about a month in Lothlòrien and it is only natural she would pick some of it up!
Nightfyr: Thanks for both of your reviews. You will see in chapter five that Aragorn does eventually figure out what is ailing Éowyn. Thanks again!
Lothiriel: Thanks for your review! I actually did go through the story and took all of AJ Buress' advice. She is a really amazing writer and I personally look up to her as an author. I also went and changed both of the things you suggested...I got my Silmarillion back, so I won't be making silly mistakes like that any more...or so I would hope.
ScarsonaScribbler'sHeart: Thanks so much for your wonderfully lengthy review. I decided I'll let you all in on a secret...I am actually considering doing a sequel to this in which Éowyn and Aragorn meet again and fall in love...I don't want to make anything official as its a ways off.
Eleni the Tiny Elf: Wow! Everyone else in the world is so very much more knowledgable of Lord of the Rings than I...but it does make sense, it definitely makes sense! Thanks for enjoying it!
Thanks also to Frodo (not the real Frodo- the reviewer), saicho-18, Galea ( you're not still mad are you?), Jessica and Aragorn and Legolas luvers! Your reviewer are very helpful and cherished! Hope you enjoy this as much as you liked the other chapters.
Yours
Elbereth94
~*~
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 6- A Red Star
The next morning found Thèodred and Boromir standing just outside of Minas Tirith, facing the growing darkness in the East. Boromir's face was grim, but Thèodred's held hope that not even the shadow could deter. "It is a long journey to Imladris," commented Boromir, not looking at Thèodred. "I suppose you have a path planned out?"
"Yes," Thèodred nodded. "Gandalf knows many paths for us to take."
"Well, that is lucky," Boromir commented lamely. "When you do return, I would ask that you make your way here again." He finally turned to face Thèodred. "The shadow is growing, my friend, and a hand as skilled as yours would be very welcome."
"I will come, if I can," Thèodred promised.
"Good," grinned Boromir. "I am glad. My father wished to send his blessings and I add my own. Now go, and rescue your little shieldmaiden."
"Farewell, friend," Thèodred smiled. Boromir nodded, then jogged back ot the city. Thèodred watched as his friend was swallowed by the shadows of the gates, then hurried back to his comrades.
Éomer and Gandalf were already mounted. Elfhelm was standing, holding both his horse and Thèodred's. Thèodred mounted and Elfhelm tossed him his reins, then swung up on his own mount. "Gentlemen," nodded Gandalf. "We have a long journey a head of us. Shall we?"
"Lead on Gandalf," granted Thèodred. "Many leagues lay between us and our kin. We shall not rest until they have been closed."
"Very well," smiled Gandalf. "Follow my lead. Yah!" He cantered off, closely followed by Thèodred, Elfhelm and Éomer.
Many days and weeks they traveled. They skirted along the river Anduin, hastily making as much speed as they could. One night, one and a half months into their journey, they halted in sight of a great forest. "What forest is that?" inquired Éomer, forever curious.
"The forest of Lòrien," answered Gandalf. "The realm of the fair Lady of the Golden Wood. Oh, how fair those paths!"
"Might we walk the paths?" asked Éomer eagerly.
"Not today," disagreed Gandalf. "Our path does not lead us there. For the moment, we have no business in the Golden Wood."
He could not have been more wrong.
~*~
"In the spring of the year after was born in Gondolin, Eärendil, Halfelven-" Arwen read aloud from one of her grandmother's books.
"Arwen," interrupted Éowyn. Arwen looked up, surprised. Usually tales of long ago could hold the child captivated for hours on end.
"What is it, dear?" inquired Arwen.
"Could you sing rather than read tonight?" Éowyn begged.
"Of course," agreed Arwen.
"One more thing," Éowyn continued. "Where is Aragorn?"
"Oh, he's around here....somewhere," Arwen replied weakly. She knew Aragorn was getting restless. He never stayed more than two weeks in Lothlòrien, but it had been over a month since he had entered the forest. His wound had fully healed and Arwen dreaded that he would soon leave her again, taking Éowyn with him.
"Where?" implored the child, looking up. She was lying in bed, in her nightclothes. Arwen sat in a chair at her bedside, reading her to sleep.
"I do not rightly know," Arwen admitted.
"I do," said a deep voice. Aragorn strode into the room. "Hello, my ladies! How was your day?" He kissed Arwen gently, then went to sit beside Éowyn. She scrambled up and grinned.
"It was all right," Éowyn answered. "Arwen and Haldir took me to Cerin Amroth. Haldir taught me two new elvish words!"
"Did he now?" Aragorn smiled. "What did he teach you?"
"Lómielindi and lómie," replied Éowyn. They mean night-bird and dusk. Where were you all day?"
"I was out with Rumil," answered Aragorn. "He was-"
Arwen stopped listening. She knew when they got like this it was best to leave. She and Éowyn had gotten quite close, but no one would ever be able to come between the child and Aragorn. Quietly, Arwen closed her book and slipped out of the room. She smiled lightly, closing the door behind her. She doubted they had noticed her go.
"Undòmiel!" greeted Haldir. She pressed a finger to her lips. "Ah- of course. Is she sleeping?"
"No," whispered Arwen. "But she and Aragorn must not be disturbed."
"If that is the case, what would you say to a night time walk with a dear pal?" Haldir invited.
"I think that would be most enjoyable!" smiled Arwen.
~*~
Aragorn smiled down at the blonde child curled up in his lap. How he cared for her! He prayed to Eru her family never came looking for her. "Aragorn, what star is that?" inquired Éowyn, pointing at a red star.
"That is Carnil," answered Aragorn dreamily. "Do you like it?"
"Yes," nodded Éowyn. "It will be our star. As long as we are together, it will be happy. But when we're apart, it will be dreadfully unhappy."
"Then it must be amused," teased Aragorn. "Which means I'm stuck with you!"
"Is that bad bad thing?" asked Éowyn.
"No," disagreed Aragorn. "It is a very good thing!"
"Thats good," murmured Éowyn. "Will you sing?"
"Of course," agreed Aragorn. He began to sing in his low, husky voice that soothed the child so very much.
"I'll try to make the stars shine brighter for you,
And I'll take you on my shoulder, lift you way up high
I'll even chase the rainbow, hanging in the sky
Cause after all is said
After all is done
I'd do anything for you!
Come with me, close your 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!"
The song faded as Aragorn realized Éowyn was sleeping. He gently picked her up and returned her to her bed. He laid her down and tucked her in.
"Goodnight, father," whispered Éowyn, half-asleep.
Aragorn smiled down at her, feeling love for the small child crashing over him like the tide upon the shore. He bent down and kissed her forehead. "Good night, my child," he whispered.
He quietly slipped out of the room. Haldir and Arwen were waiting outside the door. "You have surely not waited all this time?" he inquired worried.
"Nay," answered Haldir. "The Lady and I took a walk and have just recently returned.
Arwen stood up and clasped Aragorn's hands. She looked at him searchingly. "When do you leave?" she asked softly.
"The day after tomorrow," answered Aragorn. It no longer shocked him when Arwen could read his mind.
"Will you take Éowyn with you?" sighed Arwen.
"No," replied Aragorn. "The mountain pass is too dangerous. After I have visited with your father, I will return for her."
"She will be heartbroken," Arwen predicted.
"I know," sighed Aragorn. "But I will not risk her. She is as a daughter to me...I will let no harm come to her."
"We will take care of her," smiled Haldir, laying a hand on Arwen's arm.
"Good," grinned Aragorn. "You both must teach her some elvish- she has been after me. But there is simply no time. I have to go now- the Lord Celeborn wished to speak with me."
"Estel!" Arwen called after him. She had resolved to tell him of her warning from Galadriel, and now seemed as good a time as any. "I must speak with you."
"It will have to wait 'till tomorrow night!" Aragorn called as he ran. "I have to go now, and I have promised the day to Éowyn!"
Arwen sighed lightly as he dashed away. Haldir placed a comforting arm around her shoulders. "You must not be disappointed with Estel," he smiled. "He is a very busy man with much to do and a short time to do it in."
"I know," frowned Arwen. "It is just hard sometimes."
"Come," teased Haldir. "I have naught to do. Will you speak with me?"
Arwen nodded and allowed herself to be lead away.
~*~
Éowyn clasped hands with Aragorn as they strolled on top of Cerin Amroth. She grinned as the wind gently tickled her. There were the type of days she and Éomer delighted in- a day quite obviously meant for play. She laughed and unclasped Aragorn's hand. She lightly swatted his arm. "Tag, you're it!" she grinned. She dashed off at top speed. She stopped though, quickly realizing Aragorn wasn't following.
He was walking after her, with a slightly bemused smile on his face. She ran back to him and after pausing to make sure his act was no ruse, hit him harder. "Tag, you're it!" she shouted, running off again.
However, she was forced to stop and turn again when he did not quicken his pace. "Come back!" he called. She obediently returned. "What were you doing?" he inquired, smiling down at her.
"I was trying to play tag," replied Éowyn. "But you're not very good!"
"Tag?" repeated Aragorn, confused.
Éowyn studied him, suspecting he might be trying to fool her. But on his tanned face, she saw only curiosity. "You truly do not know how to play!" marvelled Éowyn.
Play. There was little time for play in Aragorn's childhood. He was raised in Rivendell with the elves. Elves matured quickly, and he was expected to do so as well. Besides, already Elrond had been secretly bringing him up to step into his heritage.
"No," he admitted. "I do not know how to play."
"Oh my!" exclaimed Éowyn. "Wel, its not very difficult. I could teach you well enough."
Aragorn looked around, fearing ridicule. Éowyn, wise as only a child could be, quickly put a stop to it. "If you want to learn, you have to stop caring what people think," she instructed. Aragorn stared at her, astonished. She shrugged. "Its one of the key rules."
Aragor smiled down at her. For near the thousandth time, he wished that her family would never come seeking her. He knelt beside her and clasped both her hands in his. "Teach me," he whispered.
~*~
Aragorn laughed out loud and gathered Éowyn into his arms. They rubbed thier noses together and laughed again. Aragorn swirled her around at arm's length, always making sure his grasp was firm. Finally, he held her close and they tumbled lightly on to the grass.
Éowyn laughed and snuggled up into his chest. They talked for a while, speaking of many, pointless things. Aragorn had never felt so young and carefree. Eventually, they drifted off into a light sleep. The sun made its way across the sky. As it neared the horizon, Aragorn propped himself against a tree and Éowyn curled up in his lap.
"I love you, my father," mumured Éowyn.
Aragorn started and pulled Éowyn closer and kissed the top of her fair head. "I love you, my daughter," he replied softly. "Éowyn, there is something I must tell you."
"What is it?" she asked drowsily.
"I leave for Rivendell in the morning," he informed her.
"No!" protested Éowyn. "Please do not go! Do not leave me here! You are all I have!"
"Do you not care for Arwen and Haldir?" inquired Aragorn, hating himself for leaving her.
"I do," nodded Éowyn. "But you are more. You are my ada."
"I must go Éowyn," Aragorn whispered. "I will return as soon as is humanly possible."
"My last father left and never came back," whimpered Éowyn, weeping into Aragorn's chest.
Aragorn wrapped his arms around her, rocking her gently. His heart wept for this little child who had so easily claimed his heart. "I will come back, Éowyn," he assured her. "Nothing could keep me from you!"
"You promise?" asked Éowyn, shakily.
"I swear," whispered Aragorn.
"Oh Aragorn!" cried Éowyn, her body shaking with sobs. Aragorn held her tightly and softly sang to her. After she had calmed down, her carried her towards Caras Galadhon. As he neared his temporary home, he came upon Arwen.
"There you are!" smiled the she-elf. "I have missed you. Are you ready to talk?"
"No," admitted Aragorn. "I am still bound to Éowyn."
"Oh," frowned Arwen, creast-fallen. "Might I join you?"
Aragorn's face looked pained. "I would rather you did not," he admitted. "I need to spend time alone with her." He indicated the child in his arms.
"Oh, that is perfectly fine," Arwen said with a tight, twisted smile. "I understand. You two have a good time." She turned away quickly so Aragorn would not see her tears.
As she strolled through the elvish city, she dabbed lightly at her eyes. Already Aragorn was drifting away from her and the strange blonde woman had yet to appear.
~*~
Haldir, Arwen and Éowyn bid Aragorn farewell in the grey gloom before dawn. Éowyn had been yawning, tired after a late night spent in front of the fire being entertained by Aragorn's stories. By now, she was awake and woeful, tears in her stern, grey eyes.
Haldir and Aragorn clasped each other's shoulders wordlessly and nodded in the standard elvish parting. Arwen embraced Aragorn and he returned it, as well as bestowing a kiss on her cheek. "Namarie,*" he whispered.
Arwen held back her tears. She was still disappointed. She had yet to tell Aragorn of Galadriel's warning. "I will think of you, and you shall be forever in my heart," she promised. Aragorn nodded and quickly went to Éowyn.
"Aragorn," she choked. He swept her into his arms and held her tightly.
"Oh, Éowyn," he sighed heavily. "Do not cry. I will be with you in your heart." He smiled warmly and placed a hand over his own heart. She laid her small hand over his larger one.
"I'll miss you awfully, Aragorn," confessed Éowyn.
"Nonsense," scoffed Aragorn. "After all, every time we look upon Carnil, we will be together! And, I will come back soon."
"Namarie," whispered Éowyn. Aragor kissed her forehead and gently wiped away the tears streaming down her face. He offered her a grin and she gave him a shaky one in return. He left her reluctantly and swung up on Roheryn. He urged the stallion into a trot and began to post.
He did not look back. As he disappeared into the fog, Carnil winked out. Arwen turned and left. Haldir watched her go. Something was eating away at the she-elf.
He sighed heavily. Éowyn was still watching where Aragorn had vanished into the mist. He laid a hand on her shoulder. "Come, Éowyn," he smiled. "You will not miss Aragorn as much as you think if you keep busy."
"Go kiss an Orc!" snapped Éowyn. She wrenched away from the elf and ran after Arwen.
~*~
After a full week of brooding, Arwen found herself settling back into the normal routine in Lòrien. She woke up, broke her fast and spent her mornings reading or sewing. At lunch she would dine with one friend or another. Haldir was usually present at these meetings and would spend the lazy afternoons with her. At dinner, she dined with Galadriel, Celeborn and Éowyn. She ended the day by tucking Éowyn into bed and then taking a moonlit walk with Haldir.
Her days flew by and it wasn't until Éowyn had been unhappy for a full month that Arwen truly began to worry about it. She mentioned it to Haldir one night.
"Well, why don't you take her on a picnic?" suggested Haldir. "Or you could go boating or something to get him off of her mind."
"You know, I just might!" Arwen nodded. "Aragorn loves her dearly and I would not have him return to a woeful child. Thank you, Haldir!"
Arwen gently kissed his cheek and then rushed off down the walking path. Haldir sighed deeply as he watched her go.
He looked to the stars. "Elbereth, why, oh why, did she fall in love with a human?" His eyes fell on the red star, Carnil- the star Éowyn and Aragorn used as a reminder of each other. It seemed to be mocking him. The elf snarled and cast his eyes to the ground.
~*~
"Éowyn, wake up, dear," whispered a female voice. Éowyn opened her eyes to find Arwen smiling at her. "Come along, child," she coaxed. "We are going to go on a picnic."
"A picnic?" repeated Éowyn, excitement swelling up inside of her.
"Yes," nodded Arwen, with a laugh. "Come along!" She handed Éowyn an elvish robe in pale green. Éowyn quickly changed into the elvish garment.
"Will you braid my hair?" asked Éowyn to Arwen, who was sitting in a rocking chair by her bed.
"Of course," agreed Arwen. Éowyn knelt beside Arwen and the she-elf deftly braided Éowyn's long blonde hair into a complicated elvish braid. When she was done, she lightly kissed Éowyn's cheek. "Come on!" she laughed, taking Éowyn's hand in one hand and the picnic basket in the other.
They spent a wonderful day on the sunny shores of the Nimrodel, playing games, chatting breezily and nibbling elvish food. By the end of the afternoon, as Haldir had predicted, Éowyn had learned to laugh again.
~*~
Galadriel watched as Arwen and Éowyn made their way up the path to their home. Celeborn joined her, entwining his hand with hers. "Their falling out has already begun," Galadriel continued. "And this is with her as a child. If he were to meet her as a full-grown woman...."
"You are sure?" questioned Celeborn. It was a useless question. He knew his wife never said anything unless she was positive it would come to pass.
"Yes, I am," nodded Galadriel. "Éowyn will eventually claim Aragorn's heart and in the process break Arwen's."
~*~*~*~