Disclaimer: See chapter 1
A/N: Two more chapters to go- including this one. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I beg you to continue to do so. It would be a real treat to reach 100 reviews! Enjoy!
Chapter 9- Reunions and Partings
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 propped his back up against a tree, and as she had done before, Éowyn cuddled up in his lap. They watched the sun begin to dip towards the horizon in a comfortable silence. Aragorn smiled down at his little shieldmaiden. She was taller now, and more genteel. But he could still see the fire in her steel grey eyes and her hair was still bleached from long hours in the sun. "I have missed you, my little shieldmaiden," he whispered softly. They had had a wonderfuly long and happy reunion, but he could no longer put off the inevitable. This would be Éowyn's last night in the Golden Wood.
"I missed you too, Aragorn," Éowyn declared. "I don't want you to ever leave again."
"Oh, Éowyn," sighed Aragorn. He gently lifted her and forced her to face him. Her eyes, observant as only a child's could be, picked up his taunt face and his mournful eyes.
"Aragorn?" she asked, worriedly, an ice cold fear developing in the pit of her stomach. "Aragorn, what is wrong?"
"Éowyn, I would never leave again, had I any choice. But, sometimes in life, our choices are made for us and there is little we can do."
"Aragorn?" whimpered Éowyn.
"Your family is here, Éowyn," Aragorn moaned. "They have come to take you home to Rohan."
Éowyn blanked. Part of her leapt for joy. She had been happy in Lothlòrien, but her spirit would always belong in the plains where it could be blown about by the infamous Rohirrim winds. It seemed like an eternity since she had ridden away and met Aragorn. She had missed her family dreadfully.
Yet, the other part of her sunk. How could she possibly leave Aragorn, especially after just being reunited with him? She had never felt so strongly about anyone before Aragorn. He made her forget all her troubles. When she was with him she felt...safe.
Yet, slowly, she was recalling the vision in the mirror, Galadriel's story and the love in Arwen's eyes when she spoke of Aragorn. If she lingered here, she could come between two people who had shown her nothing but kindness and love. Even as she felt two, fat tears drip down her cheek, she knew she had made the correct choice.
~*~
"Then the Halfling said 'Short! I'm not short, you are too tall!'" Haldir laughed. Arwen joined him. Haldir never failed to make her laugh- even though he had told her the popular elvish joke about the Ent and the Halfling nigh on one hundred times in the past mellenia.
Haldir and Arwen halted their horses and Haldir helped Arwen down. "Arwen Undòmiel!" called a voice Haldir knew in his very soul. Galadriel walked over to them, looking grand and out of place in the courtyard.
"Grandmother?" Arwen frowned, slightly bemused. "Is something wrong?"
"Perhaps I could have waited for you to come to me," Galadriel admitted. "But I did not wish to chance you crossing paths with him before hand."
"Crossing paths with whom?" Arwen inquired, exchanging puzzled glances with Haldir.
"Théodred Ednew has come to Lothlorien," Galadriel announced.
Arwen's and Haldir's jaws dropped.
~*~
Théodred sat at his window, staring blankly out at the beauty that stretched out before him. He had thought this would be simple. Come, retrieve Éowyn, and return home. Yet now he found he would first have to take her away from a man who he envied for his love with the woman who shared his dreams, and who he could not help but grant a begrudging respect.
He sighed, tears forming in his eyes due to the glaring brilliance of the setting sun. It was a prime example of the old adage 'Nothing is as easy as it looks.' A tap on the door startled him from his thoughts. "Coming!" he called, standing and crossing to the door.
He opened it. His world shattered. "We must talk, Théodred Ednew," Arwen Undòmiel said softly. The prince nodded and followed the elf-maid, in a daze.
She lead him through the graceful, open halls, not wasting a glance on him. He found himself painfully aware of the little things; the gleam of the sun on the white buildings, the rustle of her skirts and the pounding of his heart. She lead him out of the city and in the direction of a large, prominent hill.
"That is Cerin Amroth," she said absently, as though coming face to face with a thing of dreams was everyday.
"Do you not find this just a little out of the ordinary?" he could not help asking.
Arwen halted and turned to face him. She pursued her lips. He was a tall, lean man with a finely chisled face. His shoulder-length blonde hair was pulled back into a braid. His grey eyes were solemn and his mouth thin. He was a fine sight, but Arwen could not begin to compare him to Aragorn. "I wish your short soujourn here to be a pleasent one," Arwen explained. "But I do wish to speak on....it."
"In that we are agreed," Théodred commented. An awkward silence fell. It was their first true meeting, but after sharing dreams, introductions seemed foolish. "Lady Undòmiel," Théodred began. "I must say, though I know you belong to another, that I find your beauty surpassing that of the stars. In truth, I believe myself to be half in love with you."
Arwen smiled sadly and found his hand. "I am most honoured to be the object of your affection," she said softly. "But surely you know it cannot be. My heart belongs to another, son of Théoden." And such was the intensity in her blue eyes, that Théodred did not feel dismissed.
"You hardly sound surprized, my lady," he commented weakly.
"I am not," admitted the elf-maid. "Your heart was guided by the Fates, not by love."
"I beg your pardon, but what you mean is unclear," Théodred frowned.
"My grandmother, the Lady Galadriel, has a magical mirror," Arwen explained, beginning to walk again. "In it, she saw that if a man named Théodred should walk my dreams, than the love between Aragorn and I should be doomed."
Théodred hesitated, wondering how best to phrase his next question. "Lady, forgive me, but was the love not already doomed? I cannot believe that love between man and elf could be requited without grave sorrow."
"True, but I am afraid that the mirror showed me the woman who will replace me," Arwen agumented.
"My lady," Théodred said hoarsely. "Forgive me."
Arwen cupped his face with a slender hand. "Do not feel at fault," she begged. "It is merely another trial for Aragorn and I to overcome. I have faith in him, and in our love."
"Arwen Undòmiel!" exclaimed Théodred. "Your serenity astonishes me!"
"I have had three thousand years years in which to form a perfect facade," Arwen smiled. "Inside, I am screaming and crying. But it would not be proper for the people to see that!"
"No, of course not," Théodred nodded dumbly.
"Arwen?" called a male voice. "And Théodred?" Théodred did not miss the chill in Aragorn's voice as he and Arwen topped Cerin Amroth.
Aragorn stood waiting for them. Arwen smiled at him, love in her face. Dimmly, Théodred wondered where Éowyn was. Arwen voiced his question.
"Right here," answered Aragorn. He gently coaxed a lithe figure out from behind him. Théodred felt a heavy weight lift from his shoulder. Finally, their search was over.
He barely recognized his cousin. She had grown taller and seemed more slender and fair. She wore a pale pink elvish robe. Her blonde hair was braided in a strange style, far different from the popular style in Rohan. Her face was a mask, serene and unchildlike. Yet, her eyes were still quite animated. They shone with unshed tears. But, watery as the eyes were, they still held some small amount of joy.
"Are you not happy to see me, Éowyn?" he asked, wondering why the child did not run to him. Her grip tightened on Aragorn's hand and stepped back into his shadow. Aragorn met Théodred's and shrugged. "Éowyn?" coaxed Théodred. What would happen in Éowyn chose to stay in Lothlòrien? How would Éomer and Théoden go on? How would he, for that matter?
"I am happy to see you," Éowyn answered softly.
"You do not look it," Théodred attempted a weak jest.
"Looks can be deceiving," Éowyn said absently.
Aragorn gave her a light shove. She did not move. He knelt down. "He is your family," Aragorn whispered.
"No, you are my family!" protested Éowyn. "They do not let me be myself!"
"We are family in spirit," Aragorn replied, pulling her close. "I will always be with you, in spirit. I love you, my little shieldmaiden."
Éowyn said something too low for Théodred's ears. Aragorn squeezed her tighter, than let go and stood. Éowyn cautiously approached Théodred. She reached out her hand and he grabbed it. She began to cry and allowed him to embrace her.
"We have missed you in Meduseld," Théodred informed her. "Will you come home now?"
Éowyn looked up at Arwen, who was weeping silently, then back at Aragorn, whose heart was in his eyes. Helplessly, Éowyn closed her eyes, then turned back to Théodred. "I will come," she agreed.
~*~
Celeborn watched quietly as Galadriel paced their chambers. He knew she had reached her decision long ago, but was unwilling to state it. He supressed a sigh. It was not as though he was going anywhere. He had all the time in the world; literally.
After ten more minutes of watching his wife's distressed manner, he prompted her for an answer. She stopped and faced him with a weary smile. "I know what must be done," she admitted. "It is just...it is not something I approve of!"
"Come here, my love," Celeborn beckoned. Galadriel came and perched herself on his lap. He waited a moment for her to let her strong facade drop, then gently kissed her lips. "You are so strong. I love you for it."
"It must be very hard to love me," Galadriel lamented, snuggling up to her husband, reveling in his strength and warmth.
"Nay," disagreed Celeborn, twirling one of her golden locks around his fingers. "Every day you make it easier." He kissed her again and pretended not to notice the single tear that splashed on his face from her seeing blue eyes. "Talk to me, Celebgil!"*
"I know that if Aragorn is to truly prove his love for Arwen, he must face Éowyn as a young, fair maiden," Galadriel explained. "If he has his memory of this, their love will stand no chance, meaing Éowyn and Aragorn's. Do you see, my dearest?"
"If he meets her and remembers his little shieldmaiden, nothing will come of it. All he will be able to think of it satutory rape," Celeborn sighed. "So you must take their memories."
"Aye," wept Galadriel. "I do not wish it, but Fate cares not what I wish."
"When will you perform the spell?" Celeborn frowned.
"Tomorrow morning," she answered.
"So be it," nodded Celeborn, pulling his wife closer.
~*~
"Éomer!" called a voice. Éomer spun around to see his sister grinning at him from his doorway.
"É-Éowyn?" he gasped.
"Who else would it be?" she teased. Éomer leapt to his feet and ran to her, embracing her tightly.
"Oh, thank the Valar!" exclaimed Éomer when he finally let go. "I never thought I'd see you again! I thought you'd found another older brother!"
Éowyn laughed. "Why would I do that, you bull-goose fool?" she scoffed. "I do not know anyone else who is weak enough for me to pound to the ground!"
Éomer grinned weakly. Secretly he thought she could pound him as much as she liked as long as she never left again. But that was certainly not what he said aloud. "You could not pound me if your life relied on it!"
The words were barely out of his mouth, when a fist rammed into his cheek. He crashed to the ground, slightly dazed. "You were saying?" Éowyn grinned, light rekindled in her eyes.
~*~
Éowyn curled deeper in Aragorn's lap, her face bathed in moonlight. His hand carefully stroked her hair. "Look," she whispered, pointing. "Carnil is so bright tonight! It is happy again."
"Yes," agreed Aragorn, kissing her head. "Éowyn, I want you to know, if I had what I wanted, you would never leave the Golden Wood. But, you must realize, they are your family."
"I know," smiled Éowyn sadly. She brightened slightly. "Uncle will let you come and visit whenever you want."
"Perhaps," Aragorn said, noncommitedly. He couldn't help but think that highly unlikely. "We will meet again though. I am sure of it!"
Éowyn smiled and sighed contently. "Never forget me, Aragorn," she begged.
"I assure you, forgetting you is the unthinkable," Aragorn grinned.
"Through the eyes of innocence
You will find, you will see
There'll come a time it all makes sense
And you won't know, but it will show
Deep inside."
Éowyn fell asleep for the last time to the sound of Aragorn's husky voice.
~*~
Galadriel once more convinced herself what she did was right as she descended into the somber courtyard. Théodred was seeing to his mount, occasionally shooting looks at Arwen. Elfhelm and Éomer were deep in conversation with Haldir and Gandalf. Arwen, face tear-stained, had just said her final farewell to her temporary daughter. Aragorn was talking to Celeborn, but as Galadriel approached, he moved over to Éowyn.
Their eyes seemed to speak volumes. Finally Aragorn pulled Éowyn close and whispered to her. "You will always be foremost in my mind," he promised.
'No, she will not," Galadriel thought bitterly. 'And it is all my fault!'
Aragorn kissed Éowyn's forehead, and they parted. Celeborn began his farewell speech. Galadriel stood beside him. "...You have been highly welcome guests," he finished. "If ever you should need refuge in our Wood, know that it shall be offered. This offer is particularly for you, dearest Éowyn, who is almost like blood to us. I hope you will visit us in the near future. Farewell on your journey home and in all others."
Galadriel knew it was time. She stepped forward. Arwen looked at her, curious. "I am so very sorry, but this must be done." A look of horror spread on Aragorn's face as he realized what was about to occur.
"No!" he hollered, sounding like a broken man. "No, the Valar damn you- NO!"
Galadriel tried to ignore him. "You are all going to..."
"Please, no," Aragorn wept. Éowyn began to run for him.
"...forget."
~*~
Éowyn yawned, the sun bright on her face. She sat up and gasped. She was in the middle of a ring of Orc corpses, but her brain seemed unable to register any shock at this odd waking place. Brytta stood grazing nearby. Her memory came rushing back to her. Why had she run away? What a foolish thing to do! What a little idiot she had been!
"Éowyn!" hollered a voice. Éowyn looked around. A single horseman galloped towards her. As he drew nearer, she recognized him as Marshall Elfhelm.
She smiled sheepishly. It looked as though she had not gone quite as far as she thought. Still in clear sight stood Edoras; no more than a mile away. But as Elfhelm came riding up, gaping at the corpses, she could not help feeling a dull, hollow ache.
~*~
Gandalf let out a cry of frustration. Once more Gollum had eluded them. "Estel, curse me, but this hunt has quite exhausted me. I am two weeks late. Denethor will not be pleased."
"Go on," sighed Aragorn, eyes twinkling. "I will hunt one week more afore I give up our elusive quarry. I am eager to visit Arwen." He frowned. Somehow, the thought of Arwen did not fill his heart completely.
~*~
"I will wait in secret five more months," Saruman degreed, studying the two Rohirrim traitors- Grima and Ella. "If in that time, you fools have not persuaded Théoden to support our noble cause, he will have to be disposed of. Can I count on your knife, Ella?"
"Of course, my lord," she assured him, an evil glint in her eyes.
"Grima, has Théodred proved difficult?" Saruman inquired shrewdly.
"Quite difficult, my lord," admitted Grima.
"Well, a cleverly laid raid will finish him," Saruman mused. "Are there any others you think will prove difficult?"
"Éowyn," hissed Ella maliciously.
"The King's niece?" frowned Saruman. "She is a child and a girl at that. Are you sure you are not seeing shadows at noon?"
"Quite sure," insisted Ella. "If she is not murdered, you will regret it!"
"Will I now?" smirked Saruman, more than slightly amused. "Do as you will." After all, she would not be the first promising child that fell beneath his blade.
~*~*~*~
AN: One more chapter to go! Please read and review!
*Celebgil- Silver star
A/N: Two more chapters to go- including this one. Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I beg you to continue to do so. It would be a real treat to reach 100 reviews! Enjoy!
Chapter 9- Reunions and Partings
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 propped his back up against a tree, and as she had done before, Éowyn cuddled up in his lap. They watched the sun begin to dip towards the horizon in a comfortable silence. Aragorn smiled down at his little shieldmaiden. She was taller now, and more genteel. But he could still see the fire in her steel grey eyes and her hair was still bleached from long hours in the sun. "I have missed you, my little shieldmaiden," he whispered softly. They had had a wonderfuly long and happy reunion, but he could no longer put off the inevitable. This would be Éowyn's last night in the Golden Wood.
"I missed you too, Aragorn," Éowyn declared. "I don't want you to ever leave again."
"Oh, Éowyn," sighed Aragorn. He gently lifted her and forced her to face him. Her eyes, observant as only a child's could be, picked up his taunt face and his mournful eyes.
"Aragorn?" she asked, worriedly, an ice cold fear developing in the pit of her stomach. "Aragorn, what is wrong?"
"Éowyn, I would never leave again, had I any choice. But, sometimes in life, our choices are made for us and there is little we can do."
"Aragorn?" whimpered Éowyn.
"Your family is here, Éowyn," Aragorn moaned. "They have come to take you home to Rohan."
Éowyn blanked. Part of her leapt for joy. She had been happy in Lothlòrien, but her spirit would always belong in the plains where it could be blown about by the infamous Rohirrim winds. It seemed like an eternity since she had ridden away and met Aragorn. She had missed her family dreadfully.
Yet, the other part of her sunk. How could she possibly leave Aragorn, especially after just being reunited with him? She had never felt so strongly about anyone before Aragorn. He made her forget all her troubles. When she was with him she felt...safe.
Yet, slowly, she was recalling the vision in the mirror, Galadriel's story and the love in Arwen's eyes when she spoke of Aragorn. If she lingered here, she could come between two people who had shown her nothing but kindness and love. Even as she felt two, fat tears drip down her cheek, she knew she had made the correct choice.
~*~
"Then the Halfling said 'Short! I'm not short, you are too tall!'" Haldir laughed. Arwen joined him. Haldir never failed to make her laugh- even though he had told her the popular elvish joke about the Ent and the Halfling nigh on one hundred times in the past mellenia.
Haldir and Arwen halted their horses and Haldir helped Arwen down. "Arwen Undòmiel!" called a voice Haldir knew in his very soul. Galadriel walked over to them, looking grand and out of place in the courtyard.
"Grandmother?" Arwen frowned, slightly bemused. "Is something wrong?"
"Perhaps I could have waited for you to come to me," Galadriel admitted. "But I did not wish to chance you crossing paths with him before hand."
"Crossing paths with whom?" Arwen inquired, exchanging puzzled glances with Haldir.
"Théodred Ednew has come to Lothlorien," Galadriel announced.
Arwen's and Haldir's jaws dropped.
~*~
Théodred sat at his window, staring blankly out at the beauty that stretched out before him. He had thought this would be simple. Come, retrieve Éowyn, and return home. Yet now he found he would first have to take her away from a man who he envied for his love with the woman who shared his dreams, and who he could not help but grant a begrudging respect.
He sighed, tears forming in his eyes due to the glaring brilliance of the setting sun. It was a prime example of the old adage 'Nothing is as easy as it looks.' A tap on the door startled him from his thoughts. "Coming!" he called, standing and crossing to the door.
He opened it. His world shattered. "We must talk, Théodred Ednew," Arwen Undòmiel said softly. The prince nodded and followed the elf-maid, in a daze.
She lead him through the graceful, open halls, not wasting a glance on him. He found himself painfully aware of the little things; the gleam of the sun on the white buildings, the rustle of her skirts and the pounding of his heart. She lead him out of the city and in the direction of a large, prominent hill.
"That is Cerin Amroth," she said absently, as though coming face to face with a thing of dreams was everyday.
"Do you not find this just a little out of the ordinary?" he could not help asking.
Arwen halted and turned to face him. She pursued her lips. He was a tall, lean man with a finely chisled face. His shoulder-length blonde hair was pulled back into a braid. His grey eyes were solemn and his mouth thin. He was a fine sight, but Arwen could not begin to compare him to Aragorn. "I wish your short soujourn here to be a pleasent one," Arwen explained. "But I do wish to speak on....it."
"In that we are agreed," Théodred commented. An awkward silence fell. It was their first true meeting, but after sharing dreams, introductions seemed foolish. "Lady Undòmiel," Théodred began. "I must say, though I know you belong to another, that I find your beauty surpassing that of the stars. In truth, I believe myself to be half in love with you."
Arwen smiled sadly and found his hand. "I am most honoured to be the object of your affection," she said softly. "But surely you know it cannot be. My heart belongs to another, son of Théoden." And such was the intensity in her blue eyes, that Théodred did not feel dismissed.
"You hardly sound surprized, my lady," he commented weakly.
"I am not," admitted the elf-maid. "Your heart was guided by the Fates, not by love."
"I beg your pardon, but what you mean is unclear," Théodred frowned.
"My grandmother, the Lady Galadriel, has a magical mirror," Arwen explained, beginning to walk again. "In it, she saw that if a man named Théodred should walk my dreams, than the love between Aragorn and I should be doomed."
Théodred hesitated, wondering how best to phrase his next question. "Lady, forgive me, but was the love not already doomed? I cannot believe that love between man and elf could be requited without grave sorrow."
"True, but I am afraid that the mirror showed me the woman who will replace me," Arwen agumented.
"My lady," Théodred said hoarsely. "Forgive me."
Arwen cupped his face with a slender hand. "Do not feel at fault," she begged. "It is merely another trial for Aragorn and I to overcome. I have faith in him, and in our love."
"Arwen Undòmiel!" exclaimed Théodred. "Your serenity astonishes me!"
"I have had three thousand years years in which to form a perfect facade," Arwen smiled. "Inside, I am screaming and crying. But it would not be proper for the people to see that!"
"No, of course not," Théodred nodded dumbly.
"Arwen?" called a male voice. "And Théodred?" Théodred did not miss the chill in Aragorn's voice as he and Arwen topped Cerin Amroth.
Aragorn stood waiting for them. Arwen smiled at him, love in her face. Dimmly, Théodred wondered where Éowyn was. Arwen voiced his question.
"Right here," answered Aragorn. He gently coaxed a lithe figure out from behind him. Théodred felt a heavy weight lift from his shoulder. Finally, their search was over.
He barely recognized his cousin. She had grown taller and seemed more slender and fair. She wore a pale pink elvish robe. Her blonde hair was braided in a strange style, far different from the popular style in Rohan. Her face was a mask, serene and unchildlike. Yet, her eyes were still quite animated. They shone with unshed tears. But, watery as the eyes were, they still held some small amount of joy.
"Are you not happy to see me, Éowyn?" he asked, wondering why the child did not run to him. Her grip tightened on Aragorn's hand and stepped back into his shadow. Aragorn met Théodred's and shrugged. "Éowyn?" coaxed Théodred. What would happen in Éowyn chose to stay in Lothlòrien? How would Éomer and Théoden go on? How would he, for that matter?
"I am happy to see you," Éowyn answered softly.
"You do not look it," Théodred attempted a weak jest.
"Looks can be deceiving," Éowyn said absently.
Aragorn gave her a light shove. She did not move. He knelt down. "He is your family," Aragorn whispered.
"No, you are my family!" protested Éowyn. "They do not let me be myself!"
"We are family in spirit," Aragorn replied, pulling her close. "I will always be with you, in spirit. I love you, my little shieldmaiden."
Éowyn said something too low for Théodred's ears. Aragorn squeezed her tighter, than let go and stood. Éowyn cautiously approached Théodred. She reached out her hand and he grabbed it. She began to cry and allowed him to embrace her.
"We have missed you in Meduseld," Théodred informed her. "Will you come home now?"
Éowyn looked up at Arwen, who was weeping silently, then back at Aragorn, whose heart was in his eyes. Helplessly, Éowyn closed her eyes, then turned back to Théodred. "I will come," she agreed.
~*~
Celeborn watched quietly as Galadriel paced their chambers. He knew she had reached her decision long ago, but was unwilling to state it. He supressed a sigh. It was not as though he was going anywhere. He had all the time in the world; literally.
After ten more minutes of watching his wife's distressed manner, he prompted her for an answer. She stopped and faced him with a weary smile. "I know what must be done," she admitted. "It is just...it is not something I approve of!"
"Come here, my love," Celeborn beckoned. Galadriel came and perched herself on his lap. He waited a moment for her to let her strong facade drop, then gently kissed her lips. "You are so strong. I love you for it."
"It must be very hard to love me," Galadriel lamented, snuggling up to her husband, reveling in his strength and warmth.
"Nay," disagreed Celeborn, twirling one of her golden locks around his fingers. "Every day you make it easier." He kissed her again and pretended not to notice the single tear that splashed on his face from her seeing blue eyes. "Talk to me, Celebgil!"*
"I know that if Aragorn is to truly prove his love for Arwen, he must face Éowyn as a young, fair maiden," Galadriel explained. "If he has his memory of this, their love will stand no chance, meaing Éowyn and Aragorn's. Do you see, my dearest?"
"If he meets her and remembers his little shieldmaiden, nothing will come of it. All he will be able to think of it satutory rape," Celeborn sighed. "So you must take their memories."
"Aye," wept Galadriel. "I do not wish it, but Fate cares not what I wish."
"When will you perform the spell?" Celeborn frowned.
"Tomorrow morning," she answered.
"So be it," nodded Celeborn, pulling his wife closer.
~*~
"Éomer!" called a voice. Éomer spun around to see his sister grinning at him from his doorway.
"É-Éowyn?" he gasped.
"Who else would it be?" she teased. Éomer leapt to his feet and ran to her, embracing her tightly.
"Oh, thank the Valar!" exclaimed Éomer when he finally let go. "I never thought I'd see you again! I thought you'd found another older brother!"
Éowyn laughed. "Why would I do that, you bull-goose fool?" she scoffed. "I do not know anyone else who is weak enough for me to pound to the ground!"
Éomer grinned weakly. Secretly he thought she could pound him as much as she liked as long as she never left again. But that was certainly not what he said aloud. "You could not pound me if your life relied on it!"
The words were barely out of his mouth, when a fist rammed into his cheek. He crashed to the ground, slightly dazed. "You were saying?" Éowyn grinned, light rekindled in her eyes.
~*~
Éowyn curled deeper in Aragorn's lap, her face bathed in moonlight. His hand carefully stroked her hair. "Look," she whispered, pointing. "Carnil is so bright tonight! It is happy again."
"Yes," agreed Aragorn, kissing her head. "Éowyn, I want you to know, if I had what I wanted, you would never leave the Golden Wood. But, you must realize, they are your family."
"I know," smiled Éowyn sadly. She brightened slightly. "Uncle will let you come and visit whenever you want."
"Perhaps," Aragorn said, noncommitedly. He couldn't help but think that highly unlikely. "We will meet again though. I am sure of it!"
Éowyn smiled and sighed contently. "Never forget me, Aragorn," she begged.
"I assure you, forgetting you is the unthinkable," Aragorn grinned.
"Through the eyes of innocence
You will find, you will see
There'll come a time it all makes sense
And you won't know, but it will show
Deep inside."
Éowyn fell asleep for the last time to the sound of Aragorn's husky voice.
~*~
Galadriel once more convinced herself what she did was right as she descended into the somber courtyard. Théodred was seeing to his mount, occasionally shooting looks at Arwen. Elfhelm and Éomer were deep in conversation with Haldir and Gandalf. Arwen, face tear-stained, had just said her final farewell to her temporary daughter. Aragorn was talking to Celeborn, but as Galadriel approached, he moved over to Éowyn.
Their eyes seemed to speak volumes. Finally Aragorn pulled Éowyn close and whispered to her. "You will always be foremost in my mind," he promised.
'No, she will not," Galadriel thought bitterly. 'And it is all my fault!'
Aragorn kissed Éowyn's forehead, and they parted. Celeborn began his farewell speech. Galadriel stood beside him. "...You have been highly welcome guests," he finished. "If ever you should need refuge in our Wood, know that it shall be offered. This offer is particularly for you, dearest Éowyn, who is almost like blood to us. I hope you will visit us in the near future. Farewell on your journey home and in all others."
Galadriel knew it was time. She stepped forward. Arwen looked at her, curious. "I am so very sorry, but this must be done." A look of horror spread on Aragorn's face as he realized what was about to occur.
"No!" he hollered, sounding like a broken man. "No, the Valar damn you- NO!"
Galadriel tried to ignore him. "You are all going to..."
"Please, no," Aragorn wept. Éowyn began to run for him.
"...forget."
~*~
Éowyn yawned, the sun bright on her face. She sat up and gasped. She was in the middle of a ring of Orc corpses, but her brain seemed unable to register any shock at this odd waking place. Brytta stood grazing nearby. Her memory came rushing back to her. Why had she run away? What a foolish thing to do! What a little idiot she had been!
"Éowyn!" hollered a voice. Éowyn looked around. A single horseman galloped towards her. As he drew nearer, she recognized him as Marshall Elfhelm.
She smiled sheepishly. It looked as though she had not gone quite as far as she thought. Still in clear sight stood Edoras; no more than a mile away. But as Elfhelm came riding up, gaping at the corpses, she could not help feeling a dull, hollow ache.
~*~
Gandalf let out a cry of frustration. Once more Gollum had eluded them. "Estel, curse me, but this hunt has quite exhausted me. I am two weeks late. Denethor will not be pleased."
"Go on," sighed Aragorn, eyes twinkling. "I will hunt one week more afore I give up our elusive quarry. I am eager to visit Arwen." He frowned. Somehow, the thought of Arwen did not fill his heart completely.
~*~
"I will wait in secret five more months," Saruman degreed, studying the two Rohirrim traitors- Grima and Ella. "If in that time, you fools have not persuaded Théoden to support our noble cause, he will have to be disposed of. Can I count on your knife, Ella?"
"Of course, my lord," she assured him, an evil glint in her eyes.
"Grima, has Théodred proved difficult?" Saruman inquired shrewdly.
"Quite difficult, my lord," admitted Grima.
"Well, a cleverly laid raid will finish him," Saruman mused. "Are there any others you think will prove difficult?"
"Éowyn," hissed Ella maliciously.
"The King's niece?" frowned Saruman. "She is a child and a girl at that. Are you sure you are not seeing shadows at noon?"
"Quite sure," insisted Ella. "If she is not murdered, you will regret it!"
"Will I now?" smirked Saruman, more than slightly amused. "Do as you will." After all, she would not be the first promising child that fell beneath his blade.
~*~*~*~
AN: One more chapter to go! Please read and review!
*Celebgil- Silver star