A/N: I didn't go to school today so I thought I would treat ya'll to another chapter. I hope you like it. A/U.
Rachel: I am speechless at your compliment and have no idea what to say. Thank you sooo much. It are reviews like yours that keep me motivated to write. I can't begin to thank you enough for your encouraging words.
Tara: I happy you keep coming back for more. Sadly the two lovers will be separated in this chapter. I'm not sure if the will reunite at the end of it or not.
Rondrah: Thank you! I'm thrilled you think it is really, really good. I'm happy! I'm impatient and had to get them together. If there is some REAL action it will probably come later in the fic like when they are all at Gondor.
Disclaimer: Only Leiawyn is mine.
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At the sound of the Riders moving around, Leiawyn woke up in Eomer's arms. Her moment of bliss sleeping in his arms, was interrupted when word was sent throughout the camp for everyone to get ready to leave.
"Leia?" Eomer whispered in her ear. The sensation of his breath on her neck sent chills down her spin.
"Hmm?" Leiawyn mumbled as she hugged herself closer to him. Sleeping in his arms felt so great she didn't want to wake up and face what laid ahead of them.
"We must leave now. We have to begin the final part of the journey to Helm's Deep." His voice was soft and even a little sad. Eomer knew that Helm's Deep was important and could not let his concentration be lost on Leiawyn.
Leiawyn felt herself wake up fully at that sentence, as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water on her. In only a few hours they would be separated, maybe forever. Eomer was to fight in Helm's Deep and Leiawyn was to wait for his return, if he returned. She felt Eomer's arms and legs untangle themselves from hers. That action told her mind that it was really beginning today, war was going to happen. They both sat up and looked at each other. Even though they didn't speak, their eyes said more in silence their mouths could have with words. Eomer stood first then he reached down and pulled Leiawyn to her feet. There was a chill in the air, an omen of things to come, and Leiawyn pulled Eomer's cloak tighter around her. She watched in silence as he packed up their belongings to secure to their horses.
"This will not be in vain. Though things look dark now, light will come." Leiawyn turned and saw Gandalf standing behind her, and could tell he knew every thought that flowed through her head.. "Do not give up hope. Your faith in Eomer, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli can help to change the world. As long as you believe so will they." He then left without another word to go find Shadowfax.
"The men are ready, my lord." A Rider came to inform Eomer. Eomer nodded and Leiawyn could see the look of war that came over him. In the early morning light, she saw why he was the Third Marshal of the Mark. Looking at him so determined, she did not think there was a man she knew that he couldn't take down in battle, not even Aragorn.
After the Rider left Eomer walked over to Leiawyn and looking deep into her eyes, trying to find a bit of peace in the madness that had begun, kissed her. Hand and hand they walked to his horse, and Leiawyn got on first then Eomer. Gandalf rode up next to them and let them know that the Riders were ready.
"We must ride at a steady pace. It is night now. By dawn we must be at Helm's Deep. If we are too early or too late all will be lost." He set the pace with Shadowfax and the Riders followed.
Eomer held Leiawyn closer and tighter than the day before. He was scared he would lose her so soon after finding her. The closer they got to Helm's Deep, the less time they had left together. Thirty minutes passed, then an hour. Time was going faster than both had wanted, and they felt that fate was playing a cruel joke on them. They had just met and now they were being torn apart, it wasn't fair.
"When the battle is over, and we have won, please let Aragorn know I am ok." Leiawyn said. "I figure he must be worried about me."
"That I will, my love. Whatever the outcome I will send a Rider to you. If we lose this battle you must leave and go to Minas Tirith. I know you will not want to, but you must promise to do this for me." He kissed her hair. "I am only willing to fight to the death if I know you will be ok even if I don't return."
"I promise Eomer. I will do as you wish, but if we fail here Minas Tirith will provide little protection, for it too will fall." Leiawyn spoke with no emotion.
Eomer said nothing to her observation, for he knew she was right, and that gave him little hope.
They rode in silence for another three hours, and then it was time. Eomer sent for two Riders to come to him. Once they arrived, the group stopped at the fields just outside of Helm's Deep, it would be light soon.
"This is where the journey for you ends, Leiawyn." Gandalf spoke kindly.
Leiawyn and Eomer dismounted and the other Riders could see that this was painful for their fearless leader. Eomer walked her to her horse and they stood next to it looking at each other one last time, not sure if they would see each other again. Eomer gentle tucked a lose strand of hair behind her ears, and Leiawyn trembled at the touch. Their eyes met once more and Leiawyn spoke first.
"I don't want you to go. It isn't fair." Her voice broke, and Eomer felt the pain in his heart. "I love you Eomer. You have to come back to me, and you have to bring my friends back to me also." Tears filled her eyes that were now dull with pain.
"I don't want to go either, but it is my duty and my destiny. I love you too Leiawyn. I swear to you I will return and I will bring your friends with me. I made a promise to protect you, and I will keep that promise. I will return, you must believe I will return."
He kissed her then, and after helping her onto her horse, he held her hand for a moment, and tears slowly slid down her face. He then left her to mount his own horse, before he too would be over come with emotion.
He rode off without looking back, signaling the Riders to battle. He knew if he looked back he would see her crying on her horse with the wind blowing through her hair, and her bright eyes full of pain he was causing. If he saw her, he would not be able to leave her, he would want to stay. Staying was something he couldn't do. He set his mind on the battle that laid before him, he must lead his men to battle with a clear head. He would not fail, he could not fail.
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Leiawyn watched Eomer's tall, masculine frame disappear in to the mass of Riders. She said a silent prayer, to whoever was listening, that he and all those who fought would return safely. Leiawyn was brought back to reality when the two Riders left with her, headed off the field to a small opening in the side of the mountain.
"Here, my lady, is where we shall wait out the battle." One told her as she entered the cave. It was dark and cold, and Leiawyn pulled the cloak tighter around her.
Once she was inside the two Riders stood guard at the entrance. Leiawyn sat down and looked into the cave. No matter how hard she strained she couldn't tell how deep it went. She finally gave up and looked outside instead. She was in her own little world when she saw the sun rising over the plain that laid outside the cave. Leiawyn quickly stood and went to the entrance her heart racing and fear filled her soul. The Riders were to join the fight at sunrise, and she knew everything would be decided now. She could tell the guards were as worried as she was. For they exchanged a look and their faces became determine as if they felt they we still riding with the other Riders.
An hour went pass with no messenger, and no sound of defeat of victory. Leiawyn was pacing, deep in thought and prayers, when the two guards drew their swords and pulled her into the darkness of the cave. They were ready to fight, that much was clear, but Leiawyn didn't know what had made them get ready to fight. Then she saw them, those foul creatures...orcs. They were leaving from the direction of Helm's Deep. From what they saw, it was a good sized group. Leiawyn's mind raced questions. Were they running in fear or in celebration? The battle had to be over, right?. If so who had won?
The orcs never saw the cave, for they ran like Sauron himself was chasing them. After time had passed without any more orcs, the three people left the cave and looked in the direction of Helm's Deep. Leiawyn's legs went weak at what she saw next.
Riding up on a horse, bloody and dirty was Aragorn. He dismounted, smiling and ran to Leiawyn giving her a huge hug.
"You are ok! I'm so relieved." Aragorn hugged her tighter and relief filled his heart.
"I'm fine. I was worried about you Aragorn. I couldn't stand the thought of losing you too." They hugged tighter.
Looking past his shoulder, Leiawyn saw Gandalf on Shadowfax and Legolas and Gimli on another horse. Then came what looked to be a king, on one more horse, followed closely by his guard. Leiawyn's scanned the faces in relief and panic. One was missing, the most important one to her, next to Aragorn. She felt herself getting light headed at the terrible thoughts that filled her mind, when she saw him ride up last.
Eomer was on his horse covered in sweat and a wearing a look of pride. Leiawyn knew he looked like the great warrior he was meant to be. Breaking out of Aragorn's embrace, Leiawyn ran towards Eomer. He dismounted and felt his heart race with joy as he watched her run with her hair streaming behind her and the sun shining on her. He met her with open arms, picking her up and spinning her as they hugged, then kissing her passionately.
"I told you I would return, my love." Eomer told her, smiling, when they stopped kissing.
"I never doubted you for one second." Leiawyn replied and kissed him once more.
"Is there something you would like to share with the rest of us?" Aragorn asked looking at Eomer sternly. He did not like not knowing what was going on. Especially since it involved Leiawyn kissing a man.
"There is no time for catching up. We have business at Isengard. Eomer, are your men coming?" Gandalf wanted to know, a small smile played on his lips at the sight of the young lovers.
Eomer didn't need to answer because he saw his company of twenty five men appear from Helm's Deep. Eomer kissed Leiawyn once more and then helped her onto her horse. After he got on his horse the small company set out for Isengard.
Leiawyn was riding between Eomer and Aragorn, and could feel the tension between them. After the fifth drop dead look Aragorn gave Eomer, Leiawyn spoke up.
"What is wrong Aragorn?" Leiawyn asked causing Aragorn to jump.
"Nothing. I just don't understand how the two of you could be in love so soon. I left you five days ago and now you are in love with someone. A war has begun and you go and fall in love with someone who will fight in it." Leiawyn finally knew what this was about.
"You are worried about me. You think that he is going to die, or maybe you think it will end up like you and Arwen." Aragorn shot her a look at this. "I know it is fast and others may not understand it, but we love each other. Not everyone has a lifetime to grow to love their soul mate, like you had with Arwen. I can't even explain why we fell in love so fast, we just did." She looked at him pleading. "You are the closest thing I have to a father now, I want your blessing."
"He is a good fighter. From what I have seen and heard he is a good man as well. He makes you happy, that is clear. I still don't like you two finding each other now." Aragorn said reluctantly. "There are to many chances for you to be ripped from each others life."
"It will work out for you and Arwen, you just have to believe. She loves you enough to stay and live a mortal life. She won't listen to you and she will defy her father and stay." Aragorn looked at Leiawyn and smiled. She was trying so hard to make him have faith in love. Eomer interrupted their conversation with a question to Gandalf.
"Gandalf? We know why Saruman wanted the hobbits, but why did he want Leiawyn?" Gandalf was quiet, deep in thought, then answered.
"I do not know. I do know that he will not be happy when he sees her with us. When we get there be on your guard. Saruman is more slippery then you can imagine. Whatever his reason I feel he will still want what he lost."
Leiawyn looked at Eomer with a hint of fear in her eyes. His eyes were filled with determination and she knew he wouldn't let harm come to her. Still she was scared of what would happen at Isengard. Would there be another battle? Would Saruman try and take her? Would they ever find Merry and Pippin? Leiawyn was afraid but felt safe at the same time. Her friends and the man she loves were ok and back with her. They had won the first major battle for Middle Earth. Plus, she had the company of twenty five Riders and the King of Rohan. She couldn't think of a better group of people to be riding to Isengard with.
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A/N: Ok I hope this one didn't stink. I might take a day or so to update because I am pondering if Leiawyn should go to Gondor with Gandalf and Pippin or back to Rohan with Eomer and the king. Maybe the two lovers need to separated so the can de reunited. Reunions are the best! Review as always!
Rachel: I am speechless at your compliment and have no idea what to say. Thank you sooo much. It are reviews like yours that keep me motivated to write. I can't begin to thank you enough for your encouraging words.
Tara: I happy you keep coming back for more. Sadly the two lovers will be separated in this chapter. I'm not sure if the will reunite at the end of it or not.
Rondrah: Thank you! I'm thrilled you think it is really, really good. I'm happy! I'm impatient and had to get them together. If there is some REAL action it will probably come later in the fic like when they are all at Gondor.
Disclaimer: Only Leiawyn is mine.
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At the sound of the Riders moving around, Leiawyn woke up in Eomer's arms. Her moment of bliss sleeping in his arms, was interrupted when word was sent throughout the camp for everyone to get ready to leave.
"Leia?" Eomer whispered in her ear. The sensation of his breath on her neck sent chills down her spin.
"Hmm?" Leiawyn mumbled as she hugged herself closer to him. Sleeping in his arms felt so great she didn't want to wake up and face what laid ahead of them.
"We must leave now. We have to begin the final part of the journey to Helm's Deep." His voice was soft and even a little sad. Eomer knew that Helm's Deep was important and could not let his concentration be lost on Leiawyn.
Leiawyn felt herself wake up fully at that sentence, as if someone had thrown a bucket of ice water on her. In only a few hours they would be separated, maybe forever. Eomer was to fight in Helm's Deep and Leiawyn was to wait for his return, if he returned. She felt Eomer's arms and legs untangle themselves from hers. That action told her mind that it was really beginning today, war was going to happen. They both sat up and looked at each other. Even though they didn't speak, their eyes said more in silence their mouths could have with words. Eomer stood first then he reached down and pulled Leiawyn to her feet. There was a chill in the air, an omen of things to come, and Leiawyn pulled Eomer's cloak tighter around her. She watched in silence as he packed up their belongings to secure to their horses.
"This will not be in vain. Though things look dark now, light will come." Leiawyn turned and saw Gandalf standing behind her, and could tell he knew every thought that flowed through her head.. "Do not give up hope. Your faith in Eomer, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli can help to change the world. As long as you believe so will they." He then left without another word to go find Shadowfax.
"The men are ready, my lord." A Rider came to inform Eomer. Eomer nodded and Leiawyn could see the look of war that came over him. In the early morning light, she saw why he was the Third Marshal of the Mark. Looking at him so determined, she did not think there was a man she knew that he couldn't take down in battle, not even Aragorn.
After the Rider left Eomer walked over to Leiawyn and looking deep into her eyes, trying to find a bit of peace in the madness that had begun, kissed her. Hand and hand they walked to his horse, and Leiawyn got on first then Eomer. Gandalf rode up next to them and let them know that the Riders were ready.
"We must ride at a steady pace. It is night now. By dawn we must be at Helm's Deep. If we are too early or too late all will be lost." He set the pace with Shadowfax and the Riders followed.
Eomer held Leiawyn closer and tighter than the day before. He was scared he would lose her so soon after finding her. The closer they got to Helm's Deep, the less time they had left together. Thirty minutes passed, then an hour. Time was going faster than both had wanted, and they felt that fate was playing a cruel joke on them. They had just met and now they were being torn apart, it wasn't fair.
"When the battle is over, and we have won, please let Aragorn know I am ok." Leiawyn said. "I figure he must be worried about me."
"That I will, my love. Whatever the outcome I will send a Rider to you. If we lose this battle you must leave and go to Minas Tirith. I know you will not want to, but you must promise to do this for me." He kissed her hair. "I am only willing to fight to the death if I know you will be ok even if I don't return."
"I promise Eomer. I will do as you wish, but if we fail here Minas Tirith will provide little protection, for it too will fall." Leiawyn spoke with no emotion.
Eomer said nothing to her observation, for he knew she was right, and that gave him little hope.
They rode in silence for another three hours, and then it was time. Eomer sent for two Riders to come to him. Once they arrived, the group stopped at the fields just outside of Helm's Deep, it would be light soon.
"This is where the journey for you ends, Leiawyn." Gandalf spoke kindly.
Leiawyn and Eomer dismounted and the other Riders could see that this was painful for their fearless leader. Eomer walked her to her horse and they stood next to it looking at each other one last time, not sure if they would see each other again. Eomer gentle tucked a lose strand of hair behind her ears, and Leiawyn trembled at the touch. Their eyes met once more and Leiawyn spoke first.
"I don't want you to go. It isn't fair." Her voice broke, and Eomer felt the pain in his heart. "I love you Eomer. You have to come back to me, and you have to bring my friends back to me also." Tears filled her eyes that were now dull with pain.
"I don't want to go either, but it is my duty and my destiny. I love you too Leiawyn. I swear to you I will return and I will bring your friends with me. I made a promise to protect you, and I will keep that promise. I will return, you must believe I will return."
He kissed her then, and after helping her onto her horse, he held her hand for a moment, and tears slowly slid down her face. He then left her to mount his own horse, before he too would be over come with emotion.
He rode off without looking back, signaling the Riders to battle. He knew if he looked back he would see her crying on her horse with the wind blowing through her hair, and her bright eyes full of pain he was causing. If he saw her, he would not be able to leave her, he would want to stay. Staying was something he couldn't do. He set his mind on the battle that laid before him, he must lead his men to battle with a clear head. He would not fail, he could not fail.
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Leiawyn watched Eomer's tall, masculine frame disappear in to the mass of Riders. She said a silent prayer, to whoever was listening, that he and all those who fought would return safely. Leiawyn was brought back to reality when the two Riders left with her, headed off the field to a small opening in the side of the mountain.
"Here, my lady, is where we shall wait out the battle." One told her as she entered the cave. It was dark and cold, and Leiawyn pulled the cloak tighter around her.
Once she was inside the two Riders stood guard at the entrance. Leiawyn sat down and looked into the cave. No matter how hard she strained she couldn't tell how deep it went. She finally gave up and looked outside instead. She was in her own little world when she saw the sun rising over the plain that laid outside the cave. Leiawyn quickly stood and went to the entrance her heart racing and fear filled her soul. The Riders were to join the fight at sunrise, and she knew everything would be decided now. She could tell the guards were as worried as she was. For they exchanged a look and their faces became determine as if they felt they we still riding with the other Riders.
An hour went pass with no messenger, and no sound of defeat of victory. Leiawyn was pacing, deep in thought and prayers, when the two guards drew their swords and pulled her into the darkness of the cave. They were ready to fight, that much was clear, but Leiawyn didn't know what had made them get ready to fight. Then she saw them, those foul creatures...orcs. They were leaving from the direction of Helm's Deep. From what they saw, it was a good sized group. Leiawyn's mind raced questions. Were they running in fear or in celebration? The battle had to be over, right?. If so who had won?
The orcs never saw the cave, for they ran like Sauron himself was chasing them. After time had passed without any more orcs, the three people left the cave and looked in the direction of Helm's Deep. Leiawyn's legs went weak at what she saw next.
Riding up on a horse, bloody and dirty was Aragorn. He dismounted, smiling and ran to Leiawyn giving her a huge hug.
"You are ok! I'm so relieved." Aragorn hugged her tighter and relief filled his heart.
"I'm fine. I was worried about you Aragorn. I couldn't stand the thought of losing you too." They hugged tighter.
Looking past his shoulder, Leiawyn saw Gandalf on Shadowfax and Legolas and Gimli on another horse. Then came what looked to be a king, on one more horse, followed closely by his guard. Leiawyn's scanned the faces in relief and panic. One was missing, the most important one to her, next to Aragorn. She felt herself getting light headed at the terrible thoughts that filled her mind, when she saw him ride up last.
Eomer was on his horse covered in sweat and a wearing a look of pride. Leiawyn knew he looked like the great warrior he was meant to be. Breaking out of Aragorn's embrace, Leiawyn ran towards Eomer. He dismounted and felt his heart race with joy as he watched her run with her hair streaming behind her and the sun shining on her. He met her with open arms, picking her up and spinning her as they hugged, then kissing her passionately.
"I told you I would return, my love." Eomer told her, smiling, when they stopped kissing.
"I never doubted you for one second." Leiawyn replied and kissed him once more.
"Is there something you would like to share with the rest of us?" Aragorn asked looking at Eomer sternly. He did not like not knowing what was going on. Especially since it involved Leiawyn kissing a man.
"There is no time for catching up. We have business at Isengard. Eomer, are your men coming?" Gandalf wanted to know, a small smile played on his lips at the sight of the young lovers.
Eomer didn't need to answer because he saw his company of twenty five men appear from Helm's Deep. Eomer kissed Leiawyn once more and then helped her onto her horse. After he got on his horse the small company set out for Isengard.
Leiawyn was riding between Eomer and Aragorn, and could feel the tension between them. After the fifth drop dead look Aragorn gave Eomer, Leiawyn spoke up.
"What is wrong Aragorn?" Leiawyn asked causing Aragorn to jump.
"Nothing. I just don't understand how the two of you could be in love so soon. I left you five days ago and now you are in love with someone. A war has begun and you go and fall in love with someone who will fight in it." Leiawyn finally knew what this was about.
"You are worried about me. You think that he is going to die, or maybe you think it will end up like you and Arwen." Aragorn shot her a look at this. "I know it is fast and others may not understand it, but we love each other. Not everyone has a lifetime to grow to love their soul mate, like you had with Arwen. I can't even explain why we fell in love so fast, we just did." She looked at him pleading. "You are the closest thing I have to a father now, I want your blessing."
"He is a good fighter. From what I have seen and heard he is a good man as well. He makes you happy, that is clear. I still don't like you two finding each other now." Aragorn said reluctantly. "There are to many chances for you to be ripped from each others life."
"It will work out for you and Arwen, you just have to believe. She loves you enough to stay and live a mortal life. She won't listen to you and she will defy her father and stay." Aragorn looked at Leiawyn and smiled. She was trying so hard to make him have faith in love. Eomer interrupted their conversation with a question to Gandalf.
"Gandalf? We know why Saruman wanted the hobbits, but why did he want Leiawyn?" Gandalf was quiet, deep in thought, then answered.
"I do not know. I do know that he will not be happy when he sees her with us. When we get there be on your guard. Saruman is more slippery then you can imagine. Whatever his reason I feel he will still want what he lost."
Leiawyn looked at Eomer with a hint of fear in her eyes. His eyes were filled with determination and she knew he wouldn't let harm come to her. Still she was scared of what would happen at Isengard. Would there be another battle? Would Saruman try and take her? Would they ever find Merry and Pippin? Leiawyn was afraid but felt safe at the same time. Her friends and the man she loves were ok and back with her. They had won the first major battle for Middle Earth. Plus, she had the company of twenty five Riders and the King of Rohan. She couldn't think of a better group of people to be riding to Isengard with.
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A/N: Ok I hope this one didn't stink. I might take a day or so to update because I am pondering if Leiawyn should go to Gondor with Gandalf and Pippin or back to Rohan with Eomer and the king. Maybe the two lovers need to separated so the can de reunited. Reunions are the best! Review as always!