Disclaimer: See chapter 1.
AN: Thanks to all of my lovely reviewers, I love you all..even the Great One who rather confused me with the useage of the f-word, but I got the meaning! LOL. I have a website now for all my fanfiction- imagine that! Anyways, check it out...the link is on my profile. :P
Also, I am afraid I have been most misleading. This story is the prequel into what will become a very large piece of work indeed...a AU series with Éowyn and Aragorn falling in love. If that isn't your taste...you might want to drop this story as there will be some unanswered questions when this one ends. I hope you can handle that as I cherish each and every one of you! ;)
Chapter 7- The Truth Revealed
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!
Aragorn turned as he walked away from his brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. In truth, they were not his blood brothers, but they were far too close to add the correct 'foster', to the title.
"Sleep well, Edain!" called Elladan, his brown hair swinging as he laughed and his grey eyes twinkling.
"You will need rest to keep up with us on the hunt tomorrow!" finished Elrohir, identical to his twin brother.
"I could easily defeat you weak Eldar!" Aragorn boasted. It was not true of course. Most definitely, he would need his rest tonight if he were to match their pace.
"Believe as you will," shrugged Elrohir.
"But know that you think in vain!" laughed Elladan. Their laughter echoed back to Aragorn even as they faded from sight. Aragorn smiled and took a deep breath. The air in Rivendell was always so much more wholesome than that in the Wild. Not for the first time, he wished Éowyn was there with him. He let his mind paint fantasies of when she would join him. They could go riding on the many paths that he knew like the back of his hand. He glanced into the sky and saw Carnil- faint in the dim twilight. Somehow he knew Éowyn was looking at Carnil and thinking of him.
"I will return to you soon, my daughter," he whispered.
"Your daughter?" whispered a voice in his ear. Aragorn started, then turned to grin at his foster-father. "You did not tell me I was a grand-father!" Elrond admonished.
The Master of Imladris regarded the Edain he had come to regard as his child with a slightly bemused smile on his face. It was impossible to think that at one time he had been unwilling to raise him. He had worried he might become to attatched to Estel and then lose him as he had lost his dearest friend, Gil-galad and his beloved Celebrian. With time, he had accepted the doom of losing Estel and began to focus on cherishing the short time they had together.
"Welcome home, my son," smiled Elrond. "You have been greatly missed!"
"Atar!*" cried Aragorn, warmly embracing the elf-lord. Elrond started a little, before returning the gesture. Elves, on a whole, were not as emotional as humans and Aragorn's open displays of affection had taken some time to get used to. "I have missed you as well."
They parted. "Come," smiled Elrond. "We must talk. I am eager to hear of this daughter."
~*~
Elrond frowned thoughtfully as Aragorn told the tale of how he had met Éowyn, the Rohirrim child. Elrond had the gift of foresight, and Galadriel had sent him word of his daughter's newfound doom. The Half-Elf was one of the wisest of his day and as Aragorn spoke hesitantly of the White Lady Éowyn had become in her battlerage, Elrond quickly put two and two together and got four. He could not help but offering a silent thanks to the Valar. He was greatly distressed at the love between Aragorn and Arwen.
Nightly he begged Varda[1] for it to pass. "Ada, you are not listening," Aragorn broke into his thoughts.
"I was listening," insisted Elrond. "But thinking as well."
"As you say," smiled Aragorn. "As I was saying, I believe I will settle in Lórien and raise Éowyn as my daughter."
Elrond's eyebrows shot up in shock. If Aragorn came to regard Éowyn as a daughter, their love could never blossom. That would not do at all! "I do not think that wise," Elrond advised mildly.
"Why not?" demanded Aragorn, who had wished from Elrond's blessing.
"For two reasons," answered the half-elf. "One, her family is still very much alive! I have heard tell of this Théodred. He will not rest until she is found. Eventually, no matter how you care for each other, she will begin to miss them."
Aragorn felt his heart drop. He knew what Elrond said was true, but he had hoped he and Arwen would come, with time, to replace her family. "And the other reason?" he asked woefully.
Elrond hesitated. "Know first, that I do not mean to hurt you, my son."
"I know that you would never hurt me willingly," Aragorn smiled, reassuringly.
Elrond returned his own, sad smile. "Aragorn, you may be a man, but your life is almost thrice longer than pernormal. Éowyn will enter the Halls of Mandos afore you." He paused and placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "I will have to know my son died before me. I do not wish for him to share that pain. Éowyn is better off with her own people."
Aragorn's eyes were emotionless, but Elrond knew his son had been cut deep by his harsh words. "I am sorry, Estel," whispered Elrond. "But that is the way our world works."
Aragorn glanced at the floor, unwilling to meet Elrond's gaze. "I will leave you," Elrond finally sighed. When he reached the door, Aragorn spoke.
"Ada, what was it like to watch Elros die?" Aragorn inquired.
Elrond closed his eyes as the old pain flooded him. Not looking at Aragorn, he replied. "It was a living hell. Do not ask me again."
"Yes, ada," agreed Aragorn, sorrow in his voice. "Please, forgive me."
Elrond smiled wearily. "Between us, Estel, there is nothing to forgive."
He walked out of the room and began to make his way towards his chambers. He wanted to be alone and lose himself in memories of the past.
He was intercepted by his ever chippy councillor, Glorfindel. The elf was fair as was proper for a male, with long golden hair and clear, honest eyes. Currently though, the eyes were clouded with confusion. "Lord Elrond!" he called. "Olórin is here! He brings with him three Edain; two grown and one but a child."
Elrond sighed. "Take me to them, then return and bring Aragorn. He is always eager to speak with Mithrandir. Did the Hildor [2] name themselves?"
"Aye," nodded Glorfindel, leading Elrond in the direction of his study. "They hail from Rohan." Elrond's eyes narrowed. "The child bears the name Éomer, while the men are Marshall Elfhelm and the Prince Théodred."
Elrond's face split into a wide smile. "Did they want anything particular?"
Glorfindel, mystified by his lord's sudden joy, nodded. "They are looking for Éomer's sister, Éowyn Éadig. I said no Edain child had come to Imladris since Estel, but they were quite persistant." He shot another glance at Elrond. "What in Oromë's name are you grinning about?"
"Forgive me, Glorfindel," smiled Elrond. "But you have just brought me some excellent news!"
~*~
"Lady Galadriel, why have you brought me here?" frowned Éowyn. It had been two months since she had parted from Aragorn and three and a half since she had left Rohan. She thought that by now she was somewhat accustomed to the oddities of elves. However, when she had been awoken by the Lady of the Golden Wood in the middle of the night, she had realized she had barely skimmed the surface.
"I brought you here so that you might see a glimpse into what may become a tangled future," Galadriel replied. "It is dangerous to see your future at a young age, but I thought it necessary. Will you look?"
"Yes, I suppose," shrugged Éowyn. She didn't know how a basin of water could show her the future, but she was willing to try anything once.
She stepped up to the basin and peered in. At first she saw only stars, particularly Carnil. However, suddenly the veil drew away and her eyes widened in shock.
She was staring at Aragorn and Boromir's younger brother, Faramir. They stood back to back, both with fierce determination in their eyes. They faded and a horrible Witch-King on an equally horrible beast replaced them. The man and beast were all black and radiated evil. Éowyn trembled, but kept her eyes locked on his red ones. One of the eyes became all, large and fiery. It was lidless and saw all, stripping Éowyn's mind and seeing all of her secret thoughts and feelings. They were in a deadly staring contest and Éowyn knew she could never win. But suddeny the eye vanished and she was looking at an oily skinned man. He was looking at the back of a blonde-haired woman with lust in his eyes.
He faded too, replaced with a vision of what must be her older self, holding a sword. There was darkness all around her and she was the only light. "You look not upon a man- but a woman!" she cried. Éowyn's eyes were drawn to a small figure crouched behind her. He was the size of a child, but his face was too mature for a youth. Then that too, faded.
There was a quick flash of Aragorn outside a dark cave, followed by a glimpse of Faramir holding the hand of a woman she did not know. A small scene played out before her. She and Aragorn knelt before a cleric and he chanted over them. "Nessa, bless Éowyn Éadig as she pledges herself to this man of Tulkas."
Then the curtain fell again and she was looking at the stars once more. "Is....is that my future?" she inquired.
Galadriel frowned at her thoughtfully. "Even the wisest cannot tell," she answered. "For the mirror shows many things." She crossed to Éowyn and crouched so she could look directly at the Rohirrim child. "Things that were, things that are and some things that have not and may never come to pass."
"Can I make those things happen?" inquired Éowyn.
"Even the smallest person can change the course of their destiny," Galadriel smiled. "But come, for now, you will rest in Lothlórien. For the time, your destiny will await your move." She rose and clasped Éowyn's hand. Slowly, they walked back to Aragorn and Éowyn's home, each deep in thought.
~*~
Elrond frowned thoughtfully at his guests. Gandalf, as always, was mild-mannered and very unruffled. He declined wine, contenting himself with the occasional puff on the pipe he kept carefully concealed in his staff. The Marshall Elfhelm had accepted his wine and sipped away at it. He stared around, marvelling continuously at his surroundings. When he had caught sight of the magneficient view offered by Elrond's study's window, his breath had caught and his eyes had filled with tears. He had yet to take his eyes from the window.
The child, Éomer, refused to sit and stood in the middle of the room, fixing Elrond with a malicious glare. It was obvious he cared deeply for his sister. Until he met the Aragorn Elrond had told them of, he seemed determined to hold Elrond fully accountable for his sister's disapperance.
The last was Théodred. He was Prince of Rohan and the leader of the Rohirrim cavalry. It was he Elrond had expected to speak. His comrades had clearly expected it as well, but his silence had forced Elfhelm to tell the tale of the disapperance of Éowyn and their long weary hunt for her.
"You are quiet, son of Théoden," Elrond said courteously. "If you worry for your cousin, I assure you, she is in the best of hands. She is in the care of my daughter and my wife's parents."
"Nay," disagreed Théodred disagreed. "No longer do I worry for Éowyn. It is this place....I know this place. I have been here in my dreams."
"My realm is indeed a thing of dreams," Elrond allowed. "It may just be a figment of your imagination."
"No," disagreed Théodred, stubbornly. "Do you know of an elf-maiden who bears the name, Undómiel?"
Elrond blinked, momentarily taken back. "What do you know of Arwen Undómiel?" demanded Aragorn, striding into the room with Glorfindel on his heels. "Who are these men, ada? What do they want with Éowyn?"
"Estel, calm your temper," soothed Elrond.
"Estel!" cried Théodred angrily, leaping to his feet. "Then this is the child-thief! You have lead us on a merry chase, Elf-friend- but no more! Give me my cousin!"
The truth dawned on Aragorn and the pain of losing Éowyn brought his anger to the surface. "No child-thief am I!" he shouted. "I am her saviour! She was almost cut down by Orcs when I came upon her! She pleaded for me to let her stay with me so she would not have to return to you! My love and I have loved her as though she were our own!"
"That is ridiculous!" Théodred growled.
"You and your kin have abused her for the last time!" shouted Aragorn. "I will raise her now!"
"She belongs with the Rohirrim and her kin!" roared Théodred. "Not with some nomad Ranger and his elven whore!"
"You will not ever speak of Undómiel like that again!" growled Aragorn. He leapt forward before Glorfindel could restrain him. Théodred, shocked at hearing the name Undómiel, quickly found himself overpowered. Within moments they were on the floor, Aragorn's bare blade pressed against Théodred's throat.
"Estel!" gasped Glorfindel, horrified.
"My lord!" cried Elfhelm. They both dashed to pull Aragorn off of Théodred and ended up ramming into each other.
"Out of my path, you foolish Edain!" growled Glorfindel.
"At least the Edain do not kidnap children, unlike the Eldar and their friends!" retorted Elfhelm.
"She is better off with him!" cried Glorfindel, his hand darting for his sword.
"Enough!" roared Gandalf, coming alive. Elfhelm and Glorfindel froze. Éomer began to cry. Elrond angrily forced Aragorn and Théodred to their feet, pulling on their ears, earning two painfilled yelps.
"A fine way to treat our guests!" snarled Elrond, feeling as though he was once more discipling Estel and the twins. He turned on Théodred. "As for you! You will not refer to the Lady Arwen, fairest of elves and my daughter, in such a manner, in this Home or any other if you desire your skin!" Théodred and Aragorn cringed, belittled by the elf's ancient and great temper. "If you are ready to behave like full-grown men, I will release you!"
After their feverent assurances, he did so and cordially suggested they take their seats. "Now," Gandalf said, having successfully soothed Éomer, turned to face Glorfindel, Elfhelm, Aragorn, Théodred and Elrond. "The main purpose of you taking in Éowyn was to restore her to her family. Do not look at me like that Aragorn, you know it for the truth! However, you cared for her as though she were your own. For that, I am sure these noble Rohirrim are thankful. The time has come for Éowyn to leave the elvish woods and return to the plains of Rohan- to her own people! We, being Aragorn, Elfhelm, Théodred, Éomer and myself, shall depart in the morn to gather up this child who has been the cause of much worry. Are we understood?"
All present, save Elrond, nodded dumbly. "Good," nodded Gandalf. "Now, Elrond, my pipe is empty and there are matters we must speak of before I leave. If you good men and elf will leave us....thank you, you are ever so kind!"
~*~
When Éowyn had lived in Lothlórien for four months, Arwen began to notice that her eyes often strayed to Haldir's sword. She remembered that Éowyn had originally left her home because they would not allow her to train with a sword. The elf-maiden then got an idea. She spent many hours perfecting it with Haldir, who thought it very clever indeed.
Around this time, Éowyn moved in with Arwen. Aragorn had been gone for three months and the child missed the presence of another being in her home. She spent her days with Arwen and Haldir. However, once a week she would visit Celeborn, whom she had become particularly fond of.
Éowyn sensed a great wisdom in the elf-lord and she was forever questioning him. Celeborn was slightly amused by Éowyn and proved to be exceedingly patient with her. On the night Aragorn finally met Théodred and company, Éowyn was sitting in Celeborn and Galadriel's sitting room, drinking warm milk and listening raptly to the tales of the First Age.
"One night, Beren came stumbling into Doriath. There he came upon Lúthien, the daughter of Thingol and Melian. Though she was an elf and he a man, their love was instant and ever-lasting. Beren named her-"
"Aragorn told me this story!" cried Éowyn.
Celeborn stared intently at Éowyn. Galadriel looked away from the fire, a knowing look on her fair, wise face. "He spoke of a man and elf who had great love. But her father forbade it. As of yet, he said, there is no ending. Do you know the ending? Oh surely you do!" Éowyn rambled on until Galadriel held up her hand.
"Hush child," she soothed. "Indeed, I do know the tale, though it is not the one that Celeborn was telling- his was a tale long past." The elf-lady stood and crossed to the window. Her blue eyes were mournful as she watched Arwen and Haldir strolling in an secluded garden. "The tale Aragorn told does not yet have an end, but I know more of it than Aragorn."
She returned to the fireside and gathered Éowyn into her lap. "As the years passed, the man traveled far. One time, he returned to his love with a child. They both loved her very much and desired to keep her forever, though they both knew in their hearts they could not."
"But the child was a wedge in their relationship," continued Celeborn, coming to crouch at Galadriel's side. "For the man loved the child more than anyone- including the elf-maiden. This was hard for the elf to bear, so she turned to an old friend for comfort."
"Meanwhile," finished Galadriel. "The man began to dream of the day the child grew into a woman. And though he did not know it, he began to long for that woman."
Éowyn sighed. "It does not sound as though the story will end happily."
"No, it does not," agreed Celeborn, sorrow in his noble grey eyes.
"I had hoped that it might," Éowyn frowned. "Aragorn will be so disappointed."
"Do not trouble yourself," Galadriel smiled sadly. "The story may have a happy ending for someone. Something tells me, Aragorn will be just as happy as happy with the outcome!"
~*~
After a few days of hard riding, Aragorn, Gandalf, Théodred, Éomer and Elfhelm found themself in the heart of what had once been Hollin. The memory of the Elves remained and as Roheryn took him closer to Éowyn, Aragorn felt his heartbreak mending a bit, though it still wept. Ever since the moment in which he had gathered Éowyn into his arms, seperation had never occured to him. Yet now, it was almost upon them and there was naught he could do to delay it.
Éomer urged his pony to a quicker pace and fell in line with Aragorn. "My lord," he began hestitantly.
"Yes, lad?" coaxed Aragorn. Éowyn had praised her brother highly and Aragorn could tell the boy had great promise.
"Is my sister well?" he blurted out.
"She is quite well, young lord," replied Aragorn, with a smile. "She has been living with elves for a time and the air has done her wonders! You will have to be watchful in your games now! She may even be your equal!"
"She already-"
Before Éomer could finish his sentence, an arrow shot in front of him, startling him into silence. "Orcs!" roared Aragorn. He grabbed Éomer's horse's reins and lead him away from where the fierce monsters were emerging from the brush. "Stay here!" he ordered curtly.
"Yah!" he shouted, driving Roheryn towards the Orcs. There was a flash of red light as Gandalf lit three Orcs on fire. There were only thirty in total. Aragorn drew his sword and crashed into their ranks. Roheryn did as much damage with his hooves as Aragorn did with his sword. Arwen had bought her lover a magneficient warhorse who was not spooked easily.
Théodred and Elfhelm, who were deadly on horses, charged together, killing many more of the beasts. Aragorn slew another. One went for Gandalf's unprotected back, but Aragorn simply rode him down.
"Aegnor!*" roared Gandalf. Ten Orcs burst into flame.
Aragorn grinned as the two remaining Orcs fled. Théodred easily cut them down from the saddle. Aragorn could not help but marvel at his extraordinary talent. It looked as though the fighting was done for another day.
"Let me go!" shouted Éomer. Aragorn twisted in his saddle. A lone Orc, unaware of his comrades' demise, was raising his sword to strike the final blow. "Noro lim, Roheryn!" cried Aragorn. Roheryn dashed at the Orc as only an elvish horse could.
Just before the crude blade sliced through the air, an aptly timed blow from Aragorn's sword beheaded the Orc. He turned Roheryn around to see Théodred kneeling beside Éomer. "By the Valar!" cursed the Prince. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, I am perfectly fine!" scoffed Éomer. "I wasn't scared at all. I had everything under control...even before Aragorn came!" He hid his shaking hands behind his back.
"Thank Tulkas," breathed Théodred.
Aragorn leapt down from the saddle. He exchanged slight nods with Théodred. The Prince may have come to take that which he held dearest, but for now, they had a strong truce.
For now.
~*~*~*~
Elvish translations and tidbits
* Atar- Father
* Aegnor- Actually a character in the Silmarillion, it means 'Fell Fire' or 'Sharp Fire'
~*~
[1] Varda is another name of Elbereth. In fact it is her true one.
[2] Hildor is the name of Men, given to them by the elves, meaning the Followers.
Well, I think that's all. Once more, thanks to all the reviewers.
Yours
Elbereth94
AN: Thanks to all of my lovely reviewers, I love you all..even the Great One who rather confused me with the useage of the f-word, but I got the meaning! LOL. I have a website now for all my fanfiction- imagine that! Anyways, check it out...the link is on my profile. :P
Also, I am afraid I have been most misleading. This story is the prequel into what will become a very large piece of work indeed...a AU series with Éowyn and Aragorn falling in love. If that isn't your taste...you might want to drop this story as there will be some unanswered questions when this one ends. I hope you can handle that as I cherish each and every one of you! ;)
Chapter 7- The Truth Revealed
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!
Aragorn turned as he walked away from his brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. In truth, they were not his blood brothers, but they were far too close to add the correct 'foster', to the title.
"Sleep well, Edain!" called Elladan, his brown hair swinging as he laughed and his grey eyes twinkling.
"You will need rest to keep up with us on the hunt tomorrow!" finished Elrohir, identical to his twin brother.
"I could easily defeat you weak Eldar!" Aragorn boasted. It was not true of course. Most definitely, he would need his rest tonight if he were to match their pace.
"Believe as you will," shrugged Elrohir.
"But know that you think in vain!" laughed Elladan. Their laughter echoed back to Aragorn even as they faded from sight. Aragorn smiled and took a deep breath. The air in Rivendell was always so much more wholesome than that in the Wild. Not for the first time, he wished Éowyn was there with him. He let his mind paint fantasies of when she would join him. They could go riding on the many paths that he knew like the back of his hand. He glanced into the sky and saw Carnil- faint in the dim twilight. Somehow he knew Éowyn was looking at Carnil and thinking of him.
"I will return to you soon, my daughter," he whispered.
"Your daughter?" whispered a voice in his ear. Aragorn started, then turned to grin at his foster-father. "You did not tell me I was a grand-father!" Elrond admonished.
The Master of Imladris regarded the Edain he had come to regard as his child with a slightly bemused smile on his face. It was impossible to think that at one time he had been unwilling to raise him. He had worried he might become to attatched to Estel and then lose him as he had lost his dearest friend, Gil-galad and his beloved Celebrian. With time, he had accepted the doom of losing Estel and began to focus on cherishing the short time they had together.
"Welcome home, my son," smiled Elrond. "You have been greatly missed!"
"Atar!*" cried Aragorn, warmly embracing the elf-lord. Elrond started a little, before returning the gesture. Elves, on a whole, were not as emotional as humans and Aragorn's open displays of affection had taken some time to get used to. "I have missed you as well."
They parted. "Come," smiled Elrond. "We must talk. I am eager to hear of this daughter."
~*~
Elrond frowned thoughtfully as Aragorn told the tale of how he had met Éowyn, the Rohirrim child. Elrond had the gift of foresight, and Galadriel had sent him word of his daughter's newfound doom. The Half-Elf was one of the wisest of his day and as Aragorn spoke hesitantly of the White Lady Éowyn had become in her battlerage, Elrond quickly put two and two together and got four. He could not help but offering a silent thanks to the Valar. He was greatly distressed at the love between Aragorn and Arwen.
Nightly he begged Varda[1] for it to pass. "Ada, you are not listening," Aragorn broke into his thoughts.
"I was listening," insisted Elrond. "But thinking as well."
"As you say," smiled Aragorn. "As I was saying, I believe I will settle in Lórien and raise Éowyn as my daughter."
Elrond's eyebrows shot up in shock. If Aragorn came to regard Éowyn as a daughter, their love could never blossom. That would not do at all! "I do not think that wise," Elrond advised mildly.
"Why not?" demanded Aragorn, who had wished from Elrond's blessing.
"For two reasons," answered the half-elf. "One, her family is still very much alive! I have heard tell of this Théodred. He will not rest until she is found. Eventually, no matter how you care for each other, she will begin to miss them."
Aragorn felt his heart drop. He knew what Elrond said was true, but he had hoped he and Arwen would come, with time, to replace her family. "And the other reason?" he asked woefully.
Elrond hesitated. "Know first, that I do not mean to hurt you, my son."
"I know that you would never hurt me willingly," Aragorn smiled, reassuringly.
Elrond returned his own, sad smile. "Aragorn, you may be a man, but your life is almost thrice longer than pernormal. Éowyn will enter the Halls of Mandos afore you." He paused and placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "I will have to know my son died before me. I do not wish for him to share that pain. Éowyn is better off with her own people."
Aragorn's eyes were emotionless, but Elrond knew his son had been cut deep by his harsh words. "I am sorry, Estel," whispered Elrond. "But that is the way our world works."
Aragorn glanced at the floor, unwilling to meet Elrond's gaze. "I will leave you," Elrond finally sighed. When he reached the door, Aragorn spoke.
"Ada, what was it like to watch Elros die?" Aragorn inquired.
Elrond closed his eyes as the old pain flooded him. Not looking at Aragorn, he replied. "It was a living hell. Do not ask me again."
"Yes, ada," agreed Aragorn, sorrow in his voice. "Please, forgive me."
Elrond smiled wearily. "Between us, Estel, there is nothing to forgive."
He walked out of the room and began to make his way towards his chambers. He wanted to be alone and lose himself in memories of the past.
He was intercepted by his ever chippy councillor, Glorfindel. The elf was fair as was proper for a male, with long golden hair and clear, honest eyes. Currently though, the eyes were clouded with confusion. "Lord Elrond!" he called. "Olórin is here! He brings with him three Edain; two grown and one but a child."
Elrond sighed. "Take me to them, then return and bring Aragorn. He is always eager to speak with Mithrandir. Did the Hildor [2] name themselves?"
"Aye," nodded Glorfindel, leading Elrond in the direction of his study. "They hail from Rohan." Elrond's eyes narrowed. "The child bears the name Éomer, while the men are Marshall Elfhelm and the Prince Théodred."
Elrond's face split into a wide smile. "Did they want anything particular?"
Glorfindel, mystified by his lord's sudden joy, nodded. "They are looking for Éomer's sister, Éowyn Éadig. I said no Edain child had come to Imladris since Estel, but they were quite persistant." He shot another glance at Elrond. "What in Oromë's name are you grinning about?"
"Forgive me, Glorfindel," smiled Elrond. "But you have just brought me some excellent news!"
~*~
"Lady Galadriel, why have you brought me here?" frowned Éowyn. It had been two months since she had parted from Aragorn and three and a half since she had left Rohan. She thought that by now she was somewhat accustomed to the oddities of elves. However, when she had been awoken by the Lady of the Golden Wood in the middle of the night, she had realized she had barely skimmed the surface.
"I brought you here so that you might see a glimpse into what may become a tangled future," Galadriel replied. "It is dangerous to see your future at a young age, but I thought it necessary. Will you look?"
"Yes, I suppose," shrugged Éowyn. She didn't know how a basin of water could show her the future, but she was willing to try anything once.
She stepped up to the basin and peered in. At first she saw only stars, particularly Carnil. However, suddenly the veil drew away and her eyes widened in shock.
She was staring at Aragorn and Boromir's younger brother, Faramir. They stood back to back, both with fierce determination in their eyes. They faded and a horrible Witch-King on an equally horrible beast replaced them. The man and beast were all black and radiated evil. Éowyn trembled, but kept her eyes locked on his red ones. One of the eyes became all, large and fiery. It was lidless and saw all, stripping Éowyn's mind and seeing all of her secret thoughts and feelings. They were in a deadly staring contest and Éowyn knew she could never win. But suddeny the eye vanished and she was looking at an oily skinned man. He was looking at the back of a blonde-haired woman with lust in his eyes.
He faded too, replaced with a vision of what must be her older self, holding a sword. There was darkness all around her and she was the only light. "You look not upon a man- but a woman!" she cried. Éowyn's eyes were drawn to a small figure crouched behind her. He was the size of a child, but his face was too mature for a youth. Then that too, faded.
There was a quick flash of Aragorn outside a dark cave, followed by a glimpse of Faramir holding the hand of a woman she did not know. A small scene played out before her. She and Aragorn knelt before a cleric and he chanted over them. "Nessa, bless Éowyn Éadig as she pledges herself to this man of Tulkas."
Then the curtain fell again and she was looking at the stars once more. "Is....is that my future?" she inquired.
Galadriel frowned at her thoughtfully. "Even the wisest cannot tell," she answered. "For the mirror shows many things." She crossed to Éowyn and crouched so she could look directly at the Rohirrim child. "Things that were, things that are and some things that have not and may never come to pass."
"Can I make those things happen?" inquired Éowyn.
"Even the smallest person can change the course of their destiny," Galadriel smiled. "But come, for now, you will rest in Lothlórien. For the time, your destiny will await your move." She rose and clasped Éowyn's hand. Slowly, they walked back to Aragorn and Éowyn's home, each deep in thought.
~*~
Elrond frowned thoughtfully at his guests. Gandalf, as always, was mild-mannered and very unruffled. He declined wine, contenting himself with the occasional puff on the pipe he kept carefully concealed in his staff. The Marshall Elfhelm had accepted his wine and sipped away at it. He stared around, marvelling continuously at his surroundings. When he had caught sight of the magneficient view offered by Elrond's study's window, his breath had caught and his eyes had filled with tears. He had yet to take his eyes from the window.
The child, Éomer, refused to sit and stood in the middle of the room, fixing Elrond with a malicious glare. It was obvious he cared deeply for his sister. Until he met the Aragorn Elrond had told them of, he seemed determined to hold Elrond fully accountable for his sister's disapperance.
The last was Théodred. He was Prince of Rohan and the leader of the Rohirrim cavalry. It was he Elrond had expected to speak. His comrades had clearly expected it as well, but his silence had forced Elfhelm to tell the tale of the disapperance of Éowyn and their long weary hunt for her.
"You are quiet, son of Théoden," Elrond said courteously. "If you worry for your cousin, I assure you, she is in the best of hands. She is in the care of my daughter and my wife's parents."
"Nay," disagreed Théodred disagreed. "No longer do I worry for Éowyn. It is this place....I know this place. I have been here in my dreams."
"My realm is indeed a thing of dreams," Elrond allowed. "It may just be a figment of your imagination."
"No," disagreed Théodred, stubbornly. "Do you know of an elf-maiden who bears the name, Undómiel?"
Elrond blinked, momentarily taken back. "What do you know of Arwen Undómiel?" demanded Aragorn, striding into the room with Glorfindel on his heels. "Who are these men, ada? What do they want with Éowyn?"
"Estel, calm your temper," soothed Elrond.
"Estel!" cried Théodred angrily, leaping to his feet. "Then this is the child-thief! You have lead us on a merry chase, Elf-friend- but no more! Give me my cousin!"
The truth dawned on Aragorn and the pain of losing Éowyn brought his anger to the surface. "No child-thief am I!" he shouted. "I am her saviour! She was almost cut down by Orcs when I came upon her! She pleaded for me to let her stay with me so she would not have to return to you! My love and I have loved her as though she were our own!"
"That is ridiculous!" Théodred growled.
"You and your kin have abused her for the last time!" shouted Aragorn. "I will raise her now!"
"She belongs with the Rohirrim and her kin!" roared Théodred. "Not with some nomad Ranger and his elven whore!"
"You will not ever speak of Undómiel like that again!" growled Aragorn. He leapt forward before Glorfindel could restrain him. Théodred, shocked at hearing the name Undómiel, quickly found himself overpowered. Within moments they were on the floor, Aragorn's bare blade pressed against Théodred's throat.
"Estel!" gasped Glorfindel, horrified.
"My lord!" cried Elfhelm. They both dashed to pull Aragorn off of Théodred and ended up ramming into each other.
"Out of my path, you foolish Edain!" growled Glorfindel.
"At least the Edain do not kidnap children, unlike the Eldar and their friends!" retorted Elfhelm.
"She is better off with him!" cried Glorfindel, his hand darting for his sword.
"Enough!" roared Gandalf, coming alive. Elfhelm and Glorfindel froze. Éomer began to cry. Elrond angrily forced Aragorn and Théodred to their feet, pulling on their ears, earning two painfilled yelps.
"A fine way to treat our guests!" snarled Elrond, feeling as though he was once more discipling Estel and the twins. He turned on Théodred. "As for you! You will not refer to the Lady Arwen, fairest of elves and my daughter, in such a manner, in this Home or any other if you desire your skin!" Théodred and Aragorn cringed, belittled by the elf's ancient and great temper. "If you are ready to behave like full-grown men, I will release you!"
After their feverent assurances, he did so and cordially suggested they take their seats. "Now," Gandalf said, having successfully soothed Éomer, turned to face Glorfindel, Elfhelm, Aragorn, Théodred and Elrond. "The main purpose of you taking in Éowyn was to restore her to her family. Do not look at me like that Aragorn, you know it for the truth! However, you cared for her as though she were your own. For that, I am sure these noble Rohirrim are thankful. The time has come for Éowyn to leave the elvish woods and return to the plains of Rohan- to her own people! We, being Aragorn, Elfhelm, Théodred, Éomer and myself, shall depart in the morn to gather up this child who has been the cause of much worry. Are we understood?"
All present, save Elrond, nodded dumbly. "Good," nodded Gandalf. "Now, Elrond, my pipe is empty and there are matters we must speak of before I leave. If you good men and elf will leave us....thank you, you are ever so kind!"
~*~
When Éowyn had lived in Lothlórien for four months, Arwen began to notice that her eyes often strayed to Haldir's sword. She remembered that Éowyn had originally left her home because they would not allow her to train with a sword. The elf-maiden then got an idea. She spent many hours perfecting it with Haldir, who thought it very clever indeed.
Around this time, Éowyn moved in with Arwen. Aragorn had been gone for three months and the child missed the presence of another being in her home. She spent her days with Arwen and Haldir. However, once a week she would visit Celeborn, whom she had become particularly fond of.
Éowyn sensed a great wisdom in the elf-lord and she was forever questioning him. Celeborn was slightly amused by Éowyn and proved to be exceedingly patient with her. On the night Aragorn finally met Théodred and company, Éowyn was sitting in Celeborn and Galadriel's sitting room, drinking warm milk and listening raptly to the tales of the First Age.
"One night, Beren came stumbling into Doriath. There he came upon Lúthien, the daughter of Thingol and Melian. Though she was an elf and he a man, their love was instant and ever-lasting. Beren named her-"
"Aragorn told me this story!" cried Éowyn.
Celeborn stared intently at Éowyn. Galadriel looked away from the fire, a knowing look on her fair, wise face. "He spoke of a man and elf who had great love. But her father forbade it. As of yet, he said, there is no ending. Do you know the ending? Oh surely you do!" Éowyn rambled on until Galadriel held up her hand.
"Hush child," she soothed. "Indeed, I do know the tale, though it is not the one that Celeborn was telling- his was a tale long past." The elf-lady stood and crossed to the window. Her blue eyes were mournful as she watched Arwen and Haldir strolling in an secluded garden. "The tale Aragorn told does not yet have an end, but I know more of it than Aragorn."
She returned to the fireside and gathered Éowyn into her lap. "As the years passed, the man traveled far. One time, he returned to his love with a child. They both loved her very much and desired to keep her forever, though they both knew in their hearts they could not."
"But the child was a wedge in their relationship," continued Celeborn, coming to crouch at Galadriel's side. "For the man loved the child more than anyone- including the elf-maiden. This was hard for the elf to bear, so she turned to an old friend for comfort."
"Meanwhile," finished Galadriel. "The man began to dream of the day the child grew into a woman. And though he did not know it, he began to long for that woman."
Éowyn sighed. "It does not sound as though the story will end happily."
"No, it does not," agreed Celeborn, sorrow in his noble grey eyes.
"I had hoped that it might," Éowyn frowned. "Aragorn will be so disappointed."
"Do not trouble yourself," Galadriel smiled sadly. "The story may have a happy ending for someone. Something tells me, Aragorn will be just as happy as happy with the outcome!"
~*~
After a few days of hard riding, Aragorn, Gandalf, Théodred, Éomer and Elfhelm found themself in the heart of what had once been Hollin. The memory of the Elves remained and as Roheryn took him closer to Éowyn, Aragorn felt his heartbreak mending a bit, though it still wept. Ever since the moment in which he had gathered Éowyn into his arms, seperation had never occured to him. Yet now, it was almost upon them and there was naught he could do to delay it.
Éomer urged his pony to a quicker pace and fell in line with Aragorn. "My lord," he began hestitantly.
"Yes, lad?" coaxed Aragorn. Éowyn had praised her brother highly and Aragorn could tell the boy had great promise.
"Is my sister well?" he blurted out.
"She is quite well, young lord," replied Aragorn, with a smile. "She has been living with elves for a time and the air has done her wonders! You will have to be watchful in your games now! She may even be your equal!"
"She already-"
Before Éomer could finish his sentence, an arrow shot in front of him, startling him into silence. "Orcs!" roared Aragorn. He grabbed Éomer's horse's reins and lead him away from where the fierce monsters were emerging from the brush. "Stay here!" he ordered curtly.
"Yah!" he shouted, driving Roheryn towards the Orcs. There was a flash of red light as Gandalf lit three Orcs on fire. There were only thirty in total. Aragorn drew his sword and crashed into their ranks. Roheryn did as much damage with his hooves as Aragorn did with his sword. Arwen had bought her lover a magneficient warhorse who was not spooked easily.
Théodred and Elfhelm, who were deadly on horses, charged together, killing many more of the beasts. Aragorn slew another. One went for Gandalf's unprotected back, but Aragorn simply rode him down.
"Aegnor!*" roared Gandalf. Ten Orcs burst into flame.
Aragorn grinned as the two remaining Orcs fled. Théodred easily cut them down from the saddle. Aragorn could not help but marvel at his extraordinary talent. It looked as though the fighting was done for another day.
"Let me go!" shouted Éomer. Aragorn twisted in his saddle. A lone Orc, unaware of his comrades' demise, was raising his sword to strike the final blow. "Noro lim, Roheryn!" cried Aragorn. Roheryn dashed at the Orc as only an elvish horse could.
Just before the crude blade sliced through the air, an aptly timed blow from Aragorn's sword beheaded the Orc. He turned Roheryn around to see Théodred kneeling beside Éomer. "By the Valar!" cursed the Prince. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, I am perfectly fine!" scoffed Éomer. "I wasn't scared at all. I had everything under control...even before Aragorn came!" He hid his shaking hands behind his back.
"Thank Tulkas," breathed Théodred.
Aragorn leapt down from the saddle. He exchanged slight nods with Théodred. The Prince may have come to take that which he held dearest, but for now, they had a strong truce.
For now.
~*~*~*~
Elvish translations and tidbits
* Atar- Father
* Aegnor- Actually a character in the Silmarillion, it means 'Fell Fire' or 'Sharp Fire'
~*~
[1] Varda is another name of Elbereth. In fact it is her true one.
[2] Hildor is the name of Men, given to them by the elves, meaning the Followers.
Well, I think that's all. Once more, thanks to all the reviewers.
Yours
Elbereth94