Disclaimer: See Chapter 1
Author's Note: Just a short chapter for now. Look for a really long one coming soon. Enjoy!
Chapter 8- Crashing Down
Éowyn faced Haldir, bringing up her sword. In truth, it was an elvish long knife, but for her it became a sword. "Yah!" she roared, charging at Haldir. Their swords met twice, then broke apart. Without battlerage, Éowyn did not know how to weild a sword. After much pleading, she had convinced Haldir to teach her.
They had left Caras Galadhon early in the morning. Arwen packed a picnic lunch and soon they had reached an open, fairly flat lawn, bordered by a ring of the great mallorn trees. Arwen sat down on their blanket and watched, slightly amused as Haldir instructed the little Rohirrim child.
"What are you doing?" frowned Haldir, watching bemused as Éowyn leapt about, wildly waving her sword. "If you were to nance about like that, the enemy would cut you down from behind."
"I was not nancing!" growled Éowyn. "I was fighting."
"Well, you weren't doing it very well," remarked Haldir dryly. Éowyn rolled her eyes.
"Here," Arwen sighed. "Let me show her. This, like so much in our world, needs a woman's touch!"
"Do you not mean a woman's interference?" Haldir smirked under his breath. Arwen laughed and gently swatted him. Éowyn frowned up at them as an idea dawned on her.
"Are you two promised to each other?" she inquired. The effect was instant. Haldir blushed a bright red and Arwen paled, leaping away from him.
"No, no dear," disagreed Arwen, hastily. "Haldir and I are merely dear friends, Aragorn and I are promised to each other."
"Yes, we are just friends," Haldir confirmed, through gritted teeth.
"Oh," frowned Éowyn, clearly confused. However, she quickly brightened and turned to Arwen. "May I come to your wedding?"
"I do not see why not!" laughed Arwen. "But for now, why do we not continue with your lesson?"
Éowyn nodded eagerly, bringing up her sword. "Now," began Arwen. "All of that leaping you were doing would accomplish nothing; save getting yourself cut down from behind. Also, grip your sword hilt with both hands- there you go. Now, copy me. Slash, slash, parry, piviot, thrust."
Éowyn brought her sword down twice, blocked an invisible enemy, spun around and thrust her sword into the gut of another unseen enemy. "Well done," complimented Arwen. "And again!"
As the morning drew on, Éowyn's pace quickened and Arwen and Haldir showed her more difficult and deadly tricks. She was a swift learner and the sword seemed to belong in her small hands. When the sun reached its peak, Arwen declared a break and unpacked their picnic. They sat on a blanket, eating chicken sandwiches, lembas and dainty white cakes, accompanied by the clear water of the Galadhrim. Talk flowed freely and eventually turned to Rohan.
"My parents passed on about a year ago," Éowyn informed them curtly, hiding her pain behind her steel grey eyes. "Afterwards my brother and I went to live with our uncle, King Théoden, in Meduseld. He is very kind, and lets us play in the Golden Hall. Then there is my cousin- he taught me how to ride. I also like Elfhelm, he taught me how to swear." Arwen blinked at this, taken back. "On holidays we go to visit the Steward Denethor in Minas Tirith. He has two sons- Boromir and Faramir. I like Boromir best, he says I am destined to be a shieldmaiden and that we will go to war together."
"You seem to love your life in Meduseld," observed Haldir. "Why ever did you leave?"
Éowyn hesitated. "I wanted to fight, but my uncle forbade it." She smiled lightly. "Aragorn explained to me that sometimes our families know what is best for us, even though we don't realize it." She looked up meaningfully at Arwen. "I miss him."
Arwen shook herself momentarily, shocked at the parallels between Éowyn's situation and her own. "So do I," the elf-maid whispered. "So do I."
"It is you, is it not?" Éowyn inquired. "You are the elf from Aragorn, Galadriel and Celeborn's story?" Seeing Arwen's look of confusion, Éowyn retold Arwen the tale, leaving out the bits with the child. She didn't seem to notice Haldir blush when he was so obviously mentioned.
"Yes," nodded Arwen. "I am the elf."
"I thought so," Éowyn replied. She stood and gazed at her surroundings. For so many months she had enjoyed their safety and tranquility. Only a few moments ago she had believed she could spend the remainder of her life in the Golden Wod. But learning that she was a piece of Aragorn's tragic tale made her feel cold and unwanted. Arwen had done so much for her, she could not accidentally steal the love of her life. "Arwen, can I go home?" she asked.
"Of course," agreed Arwen. "You know the way? I will see you tonight at dinner."
"No, home," stressed Éowyn. "Home to Meduseld."
~*~
Arwen watched sadly as Éowyn approached Galadriel and Celeborn. "I ask permission to leave your realm," she begged.
Galadriel and Celeborn exchanged unreadable looks. "You have been as a grand-daughter to us," Galadriel finally said. "You may come and go at will in Lothlórien."
"But, Éowyn, our scouts report Aragorn is close to home," Celebron informed her. "Surely you will wait to see him?"
Éowyn hesitated. She missed Aragorn dreadfully and the thought of leaving without ever seeing him again was unbearable. "I will wait," she agreed.
Galadriel watched as the little girl softly padded off. "Celeborn," she whispered for his ears only. "I fear serious measure may be needed for these three." Celeborn nodded thoughtfully.
~*~
Haldir trotted swiftly towards the barracks. He had a battleplan he needed to review and the scouts were due to return today. His practical thoughts were suddenly broken when he heard the sounds of soft crying. He went towards it, curious. He quickly found the source.
Éowyn was sitting on a bench beneath a mallorn tree and beside a pond, softly crying. He started going to her, then halted.
"...she became a shieldmaiden, full of battlerage, so cold, yet so very fair...so very fair!..."
"...he would have a cold, white shieldmaiden o'er me...."
"...Théodred should walk your dreams..."
"...our star Carnil..."
"...sweet water and light laughter until we meet again..."
Haldir slowly retraced his steps, leaving Éowyn with her sorrow. She had caused much pain. It would be fitting if she felt some as well.
~*~
Aragorn stared into the fire. It crackled and in it he saw the face of the shieldmaiden who had been silenced by the elvish magic of Galadriel. She had been deadly, but he had a strange desire to meet her again and get burned by the fires in her steel grey eyes. He shuddered. The feeling of desire coursed through him, only matched by the desire to drown in the pools of Arwen's blue eyes.
"May I sit, Lord Aragorn?" inquired a voice. Aragorn nodded and found himself looking at the intense Prince of Rohan.
They sat in silence. Finally Aragorn looked over at Théodred, eager to be able to get lost in his passions. "Was there anything particular you needed?"
"To talk," Théodred admitted.
"Then, please do so," invited Aragorn.
Théodred hesitated, then began. "When my mother died, I knew, somehow, that I would never take a wife. With me, my father's line would die- leaving the throne to the Éadigs- Éomund, I thought- though, now it appears as though it will be Éomer. Yet, I fear I have fallen in love with a woman. A woman who thinks I am but a dream and who is promised to another...to you."
Aragorn's eyes flickered towards Théodred, but showed no other display of emotion. "How do you know Undómiel?" he inquired lightly.
"I met her in my dreams," answered Théodred. "They are the oddest things- taking place in Imladris. She always tells me to go, lamenting some approaching doom. She...she speaks of you as well."
"I will not pretend to understand this," shrugged Aragorn, slightly uncomfortable. "Nor will I pretend that I enjoy knowing you and Arwen share some sort of bond, yet I hold you blameless."
"You do?" blinked Théodred, completely taken back.
"Aye," nodded Aragorn. "A man cannot help his own feelings. I, of all people, know how easy it is to fall in love with Undómiel."
"Yes," nodded Théodred. "I suppose you would." He paused. "I- I am truly sorry that you and Éowyn must be parted, but surely you see it is for the best?"
Aragorn laughed dryly. "For the best?" he repeated. "No, but it is certainly fitting."
"How so?" frowned Théodred.
"I stole your love, so you will steal mine, and neither of us will be happy!" He stood. "Rest, Théodred. Tomorrow, you will meet Undómiel and be reunited with my shieldmaiden."
~*~
Théoden walked past her with barely a glance. "My lord?" she called after him. "Is there any news from Théodred?"
"No," answered Théoden, with a tired smile. "But Lord Boromir wrote that they met Gandalf who knew of her whereabouts."
"That is wonderful, my lord," she smiled. Théoden nodded and continued on his way. She swirled back into the shadows to face her oily comrade. "If Théodred returns, he will never allow his father to surrender to Lord Saruman."
Grima Wormtongue nodded in reluctant agreement. "Our young prince may have to meet with an accident," he mused."
"If there is to be killing, make sure you get the little shieldmaiden," advised the woman. "She is quite capable of growing into a lady strong-willed enough to lead the Rohirrim into battle."
"Hmm," purred Grima. "How would you feel about killing a King?"
The traitor's eyes gleamed eagerly as Grima spoke of glory, rewards and murder.
~*~
"Welcome back, Aragorn, Mithrandir," greeted Celeborn. He turned to the three Rohirrim. "A warm welcome to you, people of the plains. Long has it been since any of your people were in our Wood. Know that you are safe under our roof and will be treated as long lost kin. Rumil will guide you to your guest houses."
Haldir's brother lead the Rohirrim out of the room, grateful his latest encounter with the Rohirrim was not as painful as the last. Galadriel smiled at Gandalf. "We have much to speak of, Olórin," she announced. "But, I do believe Estel would rather be with another."
"Yes, of course," Gandalf nodded. "Go and see Arwen, Aragorn."
"That is not whom I meant," Galadriel disagreed. "And he would not find her if it were. Haldir and Arwen are out riding to the North. However, you will find Éowyn on Cerin Amroth, Estel."
Gandalf frowned as his eyes met Galadriel's, reading the undercurrants.
~*~
Éowyn stared dully over the land of Lothlórien. No Théodred. No Éomer. No Boromir. No Aragorn. What was the point of it all? Her heart sank, but a voice behind her caused it to leap. She spun to see Aragorn running up Cerin Amroth, calling out her name.
"Aragorn! Aragorn!" she screamed in joy. "Oh Aragorn!" She dashed towards him.
They met and he swept her up in a huge hug. She didn't even notice that they were both weeping as they clung to each other.
All was right in the world.
~*~*~*~
A/N: Quite a short chapter, but I needed it to set up events in the next chapter. Two more chapters and then on to the sequel- which will begin to be posted only after it is completely written to give me a bit of a break.
A special thanks to Nihtfyr for mentioning 'Litle Shieldmaiden' on her bio in such a nice way and saying she was starting a religion after me..that is far too kind! Thank you so very much! You really made my day!
Yours
Elbereth94
Author's Note: Just a short chapter for now. Look for a really long one coming soon. Enjoy!
Chapter 8- Crashing Down
Éowyn faced Haldir, bringing up her sword. In truth, it was an elvish long knife, but for her it became a sword. "Yah!" she roared, charging at Haldir. Their swords met twice, then broke apart. Without battlerage, Éowyn did not know how to weild a sword. After much pleading, she had convinced Haldir to teach her.
They had left Caras Galadhon early in the morning. Arwen packed a picnic lunch and soon they had reached an open, fairly flat lawn, bordered by a ring of the great mallorn trees. Arwen sat down on their blanket and watched, slightly amused as Haldir instructed the little Rohirrim child.
"What are you doing?" frowned Haldir, watching bemused as Éowyn leapt about, wildly waving her sword. "If you were to nance about like that, the enemy would cut you down from behind."
"I was not nancing!" growled Éowyn. "I was fighting."
"Well, you weren't doing it very well," remarked Haldir dryly. Éowyn rolled her eyes.
"Here," Arwen sighed. "Let me show her. This, like so much in our world, needs a woman's touch!"
"Do you not mean a woman's interference?" Haldir smirked under his breath. Arwen laughed and gently swatted him. Éowyn frowned up at them as an idea dawned on her.
"Are you two promised to each other?" she inquired. The effect was instant. Haldir blushed a bright red and Arwen paled, leaping away from him.
"No, no dear," disagreed Arwen, hastily. "Haldir and I are merely dear friends, Aragorn and I are promised to each other."
"Yes, we are just friends," Haldir confirmed, through gritted teeth.
"Oh," frowned Éowyn, clearly confused. However, she quickly brightened and turned to Arwen. "May I come to your wedding?"
"I do not see why not!" laughed Arwen. "But for now, why do we not continue with your lesson?"
Éowyn nodded eagerly, bringing up her sword. "Now," began Arwen. "All of that leaping you were doing would accomplish nothing; save getting yourself cut down from behind. Also, grip your sword hilt with both hands- there you go. Now, copy me. Slash, slash, parry, piviot, thrust."
Éowyn brought her sword down twice, blocked an invisible enemy, spun around and thrust her sword into the gut of another unseen enemy. "Well done," complimented Arwen. "And again!"
As the morning drew on, Éowyn's pace quickened and Arwen and Haldir showed her more difficult and deadly tricks. She was a swift learner and the sword seemed to belong in her small hands. When the sun reached its peak, Arwen declared a break and unpacked their picnic. They sat on a blanket, eating chicken sandwiches, lembas and dainty white cakes, accompanied by the clear water of the Galadhrim. Talk flowed freely and eventually turned to Rohan.
"My parents passed on about a year ago," Éowyn informed them curtly, hiding her pain behind her steel grey eyes. "Afterwards my brother and I went to live with our uncle, King Théoden, in Meduseld. He is very kind, and lets us play in the Golden Hall. Then there is my cousin- he taught me how to ride. I also like Elfhelm, he taught me how to swear." Arwen blinked at this, taken back. "On holidays we go to visit the Steward Denethor in Minas Tirith. He has two sons- Boromir and Faramir. I like Boromir best, he says I am destined to be a shieldmaiden and that we will go to war together."
"You seem to love your life in Meduseld," observed Haldir. "Why ever did you leave?"
Éowyn hesitated. "I wanted to fight, but my uncle forbade it." She smiled lightly. "Aragorn explained to me that sometimes our families know what is best for us, even though we don't realize it." She looked up meaningfully at Arwen. "I miss him."
Arwen shook herself momentarily, shocked at the parallels between Éowyn's situation and her own. "So do I," the elf-maid whispered. "So do I."
"It is you, is it not?" Éowyn inquired. "You are the elf from Aragorn, Galadriel and Celeborn's story?" Seeing Arwen's look of confusion, Éowyn retold Arwen the tale, leaving out the bits with the child. She didn't seem to notice Haldir blush when he was so obviously mentioned.
"Yes," nodded Arwen. "I am the elf."
"I thought so," Éowyn replied. She stood and gazed at her surroundings. For so many months she had enjoyed their safety and tranquility. Only a few moments ago she had believed she could spend the remainder of her life in the Golden Wod. But learning that she was a piece of Aragorn's tragic tale made her feel cold and unwanted. Arwen had done so much for her, she could not accidentally steal the love of her life. "Arwen, can I go home?" she asked.
"Of course," agreed Arwen. "You know the way? I will see you tonight at dinner."
"No, home," stressed Éowyn. "Home to Meduseld."
~*~
Arwen watched sadly as Éowyn approached Galadriel and Celeborn. "I ask permission to leave your realm," she begged.
Galadriel and Celeborn exchanged unreadable looks. "You have been as a grand-daughter to us," Galadriel finally said. "You may come and go at will in Lothlórien."
"But, Éowyn, our scouts report Aragorn is close to home," Celebron informed her. "Surely you will wait to see him?"
Éowyn hesitated. She missed Aragorn dreadfully and the thought of leaving without ever seeing him again was unbearable. "I will wait," she agreed.
Galadriel watched as the little girl softly padded off. "Celeborn," she whispered for his ears only. "I fear serious measure may be needed for these three." Celeborn nodded thoughtfully.
~*~
Haldir trotted swiftly towards the barracks. He had a battleplan he needed to review and the scouts were due to return today. His practical thoughts were suddenly broken when he heard the sounds of soft crying. He went towards it, curious. He quickly found the source.
Éowyn was sitting on a bench beneath a mallorn tree and beside a pond, softly crying. He started going to her, then halted.
"...she became a shieldmaiden, full of battlerage, so cold, yet so very fair...so very fair!..."
"...he would have a cold, white shieldmaiden o'er me...."
"...Théodred should walk your dreams..."
"...our star Carnil..."
"...sweet water and light laughter until we meet again..."
Haldir slowly retraced his steps, leaving Éowyn with her sorrow. She had caused much pain. It would be fitting if she felt some as well.
~*~
Aragorn stared into the fire. It crackled and in it he saw the face of the shieldmaiden who had been silenced by the elvish magic of Galadriel. She had been deadly, but he had a strange desire to meet her again and get burned by the fires in her steel grey eyes. He shuddered. The feeling of desire coursed through him, only matched by the desire to drown in the pools of Arwen's blue eyes.
"May I sit, Lord Aragorn?" inquired a voice. Aragorn nodded and found himself looking at the intense Prince of Rohan.
They sat in silence. Finally Aragorn looked over at Théodred, eager to be able to get lost in his passions. "Was there anything particular you needed?"
"To talk," Théodred admitted.
"Then, please do so," invited Aragorn.
Théodred hesitated, then began. "When my mother died, I knew, somehow, that I would never take a wife. With me, my father's line would die- leaving the throne to the Éadigs- Éomund, I thought- though, now it appears as though it will be Éomer. Yet, I fear I have fallen in love with a woman. A woman who thinks I am but a dream and who is promised to another...to you."
Aragorn's eyes flickered towards Théodred, but showed no other display of emotion. "How do you know Undómiel?" he inquired lightly.
"I met her in my dreams," answered Théodred. "They are the oddest things- taking place in Imladris. She always tells me to go, lamenting some approaching doom. She...she speaks of you as well."
"I will not pretend to understand this," shrugged Aragorn, slightly uncomfortable. "Nor will I pretend that I enjoy knowing you and Arwen share some sort of bond, yet I hold you blameless."
"You do?" blinked Théodred, completely taken back.
"Aye," nodded Aragorn. "A man cannot help his own feelings. I, of all people, know how easy it is to fall in love with Undómiel."
"Yes," nodded Théodred. "I suppose you would." He paused. "I- I am truly sorry that you and Éowyn must be parted, but surely you see it is for the best?"
Aragorn laughed dryly. "For the best?" he repeated. "No, but it is certainly fitting."
"How so?" frowned Théodred.
"I stole your love, so you will steal mine, and neither of us will be happy!" He stood. "Rest, Théodred. Tomorrow, you will meet Undómiel and be reunited with my shieldmaiden."
~*~
Théoden walked past her with barely a glance. "My lord?" she called after him. "Is there any news from Théodred?"
"No," answered Théoden, with a tired smile. "But Lord Boromir wrote that they met Gandalf who knew of her whereabouts."
"That is wonderful, my lord," she smiled. Théoden nodded and continued on his way. She swirled back into the shadows to face her oily comrade. "If Théodred returns, he will never allow his father to surrender to Lord Saruman."
Grima Wormtongue nodded in reluctant agreement. "Our young prince may have to meet with an accident," he mused."
"If there is to be killing, make sure you get the little shieldmaiden," advised the woman. "She is quite capable of growing into a lady strong-willed enough to lead the Rohirrim into battle."
"Hmm," purred Grima. "How would you feel about killing a King?"
The traitor's eyes gleamed eagerly as Grima spoke of glory, rewards and murder.
~*~
"Welcome back, Aragorn, Mithrandir," greeted Celeborn. He turned to the three Rohirrim. "A warm welcome to you, people of the plains. Long has it been since any of your people were in our Wood. Know that you are safe under our roof and will be treated as long lost kin. Rumil will guide you to your guest houses."
Haldir's brother lead the Rohirrim out of the room, grateful his latest encounter with the Rohirrim was not as painful as the last. Galadriel smiled at Gandalf. "We have much to speak of, Olórin," she announced. "But, I do believe Estel would rather be with another."
"Yes, of course," Gandalf nodded. "Go and see Arwen, Aragorn."
"That is not whom I meant," Galadriel disagreed. "And he would not find her if it were. Haldir and Arwen are out riding to the North. However, you will find Éowyn on Cerin Amroth, Estel."
Gandalf frowned as his eyes met Galadriel's, reading the undercurrants.
~*~
Éowyn stared dully over the land of Lothlórien. No Théodred. No Éomer. No Boromir. No Aragorn. What was the point of it all? Her heart sank, but a voice behind her caused it to leap. She spun to see Aragorn running up Cerin Amroth, calling out her name.
"Aragorn! Aragorn!" she screamed in joy. "Oh Aragorn!" She dashed towards him.
They met and he swept her up in a huge hug. She didn't even notice that they were both weeping as they clung to each other.
All was right in the world.
~*~*~*~
A/N: Quite a short chapter, but I needed it to set up events in the next chapter. Two more chapters and then on to the sequel- which will begin to be posted only after it is completely written to give me a bit of a break.
A special thanks to Nihtfyr for mentioning 'Litle Shieldmaiden' on her bio in such a nice way and saying she was starting a religion after me..that is far too kind! Thank you so very much! You really made my day!
Yours
Elbereth94