A/N: I'm glad everyone liked the last chapter. I was afraid of serious Aragorn backlash from the slap. It was the opposite actually. All the reviews were people wanting Eomer to kick his a**. I will warn you now the slap will have some repercussions that will affect some things later on. Also I forgot the Nazgul in the last chapter so I'm putting it in this one, so don't sh*t bricks because it is out of order ok? Also I know Eowyn was at Helm's Deep in the movie but I'm going to have her at Dunharrow in my story. As always Leiawyn is a Mary Sue and this story is A/U. Things directly from the books will be marked with *.
Tara: Put down the sword! Trust me Eomer will not let Aragorn get away that.
Welsh-dragoon: I would be a little paranoid with Legolas "sleeping" near me but that was the point. Aragorn wanted Leiawyn there so someone would always keep an eye on her.
Rachel: Aragorn does look rather..um...grimy. We will see the quick temper that Eomer is supposable known for, in this chapter. So it would be best if Aragorn hid.
Disclaimer: I only own Leiawyn and my plot twists.
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Leiawyn ran with tears streaming down her face. She reached the outer edge of camp when the guards blocked her path, telling her it was unsafe to go any farther. She turned on her heels and walked a little ways into the trees so they would not see her cry. She could not believed Aragorn hit her. She knew she was out of line, saying what she did, but she figured he would get mad, and maybe walk away after a few harsh words. Never did the thought of him hitting her cross her mind.
Reaching up and touching her left cheek, she felt it swelling already and hurt to touch. 'Great, how am I going to hide this from everyone?' she thought as she slid down the tree she was leaning on and slumped to the floor.
"Leia? What are you doing back here alone? Do you know how dangerous this is?" Came a voice from behind her. Leiawyn knew that voice, it belong to the one person who always seemed to know where she was.
Leiawyn quickly brushed the tears from her face and pulled down some hair to cover the swollen cheek. Eomer walked over to where she was sitting and squatted in front of her. He knew in an instant something was wrong. The first night she laid sleeping in his tent, he watched her and memorized every part of her face down to the last freckle. He could tell she had been crying and noticed her hair hung in her face, when she always wore it pulled back. He reached up to tuck her hair behind her ears, and she jerked back in pain when he grazed her cheek.
"What happened?" He asked as the moon light reflected off her left cheek, he could see now that it was swollen.
"Nothing." Leiawyn replied softly avoiding his gaze.
"Do not nothing me! I know something happened, now tell me!" His voiced filled with anger.
"I said something I shouldn't have to Aragorn. He got mad. It was an accident!"
Leiawyn looked up at him finally and was terrified by what she saw. He had stood up to his full height and even in the dark, Leiawyn could see his eyes blazing with anger. Without a word he headed in the direction of where Aragorn was staying. Stories Leiawyn had heard while at the Riders camp flashed through her mind. She had listened, through the thin fabric of the tent, to tales of Eomer's quick and heated temper. 'Aragorn!' She raced after Eomer to try and prevent him from doing something terrible.
"Eomer! Stop! Eomer!" He walked forth with out heeding her, his hand on his sword. As they passed other Riders, Leiawyn heard them whisper, wondering what had anger the man so much. "Eomer listen to me! You can't do this! It was an accident!" She grabbed his arm and he shook her off.
Aragorn and Legolas were sitting a little ways ahead. Aragorn looked up and saw Eomer coming towards him with Leiawyn following and knew what this was about. He stood quickly, as did Legolas, prepared to face the consequences of his actions.
Leiawyn tried to stop Eomer and reason with him once more. Without a word he raised his hand and signaled a Rider. The Rider walked over and grabbed Leiawyn pinning her arms to her side. He wasn't hurting her, so all she could do was stand there and watched the scene unfold before her.
"What kind of man hits a woman?!" Eomer demanded as he stopped less than a feet away from Aragorn. Legolas looked at Leiawyn and she knew he would stop things if they got out of hand, but she prayed that no one would end up dead.
"That is between me and Leiawyn. It was an accident." Aragorn tried to reason with Eomer. He saw the anger that flashed in the tall Rider's eyes, and had to admit he was unsure of how this would end.
"An accident! An Accident! That was no accident! If things were different, and we were not going to war, I would have slayed you without warning. Yet there are things you must do still. So I will inform you of how things will be from now on." Eomer paced in front of Aragorn. A crowd had gathered to watch the two men. "You are to stay away from Leiawyn. She WILL go back to Rohan with me. She will never go with you anywhere, and you will not send her back to Gondor. If you ever lay another hand on her, you will die a painful slow death. I can promise you that." The two men's eyes locked for a moment then Eomer turned and left, causing the crowd to jump out of his way as he went.
As he walked by Leiawyn, he grabbed her hand dragging her behind him. He said nothing as they walked to the other side of the camp he was staying at. Once they reached his bedding he let go of Leiawyn and she sat down on his blanket. He continued to stand, pacing in a small circle.
"I'm guessing that is your favorite thing to do." Leiawyn finally spoke up trying to lighten the mood.
"What is?" Eomer looked at her as he paced.
"Pacing. I have seen you pace at least once a day. If there were orcs following us, your pacing would throw them off course for awhile." Eomer stopped and looked at her like she had grown a second head. However, she could still see the anger in his eyes. "You cannot forbid me from being with Aragorn. He has been in my life for as long as I can remember. He was one of my father's best friends. He is a good man, and the only thing resembling a family I have left.." Once more Eomer paced, widening his radius.
"Good man! If he is a good man then I am a saint. I do not care if he was your father's best friend, I don't want you around him."
"You don't know what I said to him. If you knew then you would understand!" Leiawyn stood and faced Eomer. His six foot frame towering over her 5'5.
"Ok then try me. I want to understand what you could have said that would have given him a reason to hit you. For the idea is lost on me."
"I told him that he was jealous of me and you. I told him that Arwen left him to die alone." Her eyes were down casted as she remembered the look that crossed Aragorn's face. Even as she remembered the words leaving her mouth she felt like she was slapped all over again.
"Who is Arwen? What does she have to do with Aragorn?" Now it was Leiawyn's turn to pace, so Eomer sat down where she had been earlier.
"Arwen is an elf. Aragorn lived with her in Rivendell and over time they fell in love. She pledged to live a mortal life with him before he set out with the others. Then the day the Fellowship was to leave, he told her that he couldn't let her live a mortal life with him. It broke her heart and his. Now she is heading to the Gray Havens and left him here alone. My words to him were like salt in an open wound." Leiawyn kneeled in front of Eomer taking his hands in hers. "Maybe slapping me was out of line, but I brought it on myself. I'm not asking you to forgive him. I'm asking you to tolerate him. For me, please?"
Eomer looked into those pale blue eyes he had come to love, and felt his anger melt. Aragorn meant a lot to Leiawyn, and while he could not understand completely why Aragorn slapped her, he understood it better now then before. He knew if something happened and Leiawyn left him to die alone, anyone who spoke of it would surely ignite anger within him.
"I can't not forgive him right now. However, for your sake I will tolerate him. Maybe through this war he can redeem himself." Eomer gave in and Leiawyn threw herself at him, knocking him to the ground, and gave him a big hug and kiss.
Their moment was interrupted by a shadow that fell over the camp. Looking up Eomer saw a winged creature and heard several of his men crying out. He quickly rolled over and covered Leiawyn with his body, afraid of what the creature might do. He felt Leiawyn draw in close to him and hold her breath. As quickly as the shadow appeared, it was gone. Eomer pulled back and looked at Leiawyn, her eyes were wide with fear.
"What was that?" Leiawyn asked as Eomer got to his feet.
"A Nazgul. Though I have yet to see one in the air. We must find Gandalf." He helped Leiawyn up and together they went back to the part of camp Gandalf was in. Once they reached where he was suppose to be, It was too late, he was already gone with Pippin.
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Word was sent throughout the camp to be ready to leave at once. The king wanted to travel in the cover of darkness, which provided a little bit of safety. Eomer and Leiawyn separated so he could help ready his men and she could gather her things. Leiawyn picked up her pack and walked to where her horse was kept. After she secured the pack to it, she mounted her horse and trotted over to where Aragorn and the others were.
"Leiawyn I'm sorry." Aragorn apologized once she was close enough. He would have given anything to take back what he did.
"I'm sorry too. Let's just forget about it." Leiawyn gave Aragorn a smile to let him know she understood and was not mad.
"We can, but can Eomer? I don't want him angry that we are talking. I also don't want to live in fear of him killing me in my sleep. " Aragorn saw Eomer talking to the king, and knew he hadn't seen Leiawyn and Aragorn together.
"I spoke to him about what happen. He understands it better and will be civil to you. Though he does not trust you completely yet." She followed Aragorn's gaze and saw Eomer and the king. Even from a distance, she could see both men were deeply troubled.
At that moment Eomer looked over in Leiawyn's direction and mounting his horse, headed their way. She held in her breath as he got closer and prayed that he would not lose his temper again. Eomer stopped his horse by Leiawyn's and looked at Aragorn, his expression stern but not hostel.
"We are leaving now." He spoke nothing more.
The King rode up with the remaining Riders, and the company set out with Leiawyn between Aragorn and Eomer. They had just passed the mounds at the Fords of Isen when a scout rode up to the king and informed him that there were riders coming their way. The company halted and Aragorn dismounted and drew his sword, standing near the king. Eomer and his esquire rode to the back leaving Leiawyn with Legolas and Gimli. A sound of hooves filled the darkness and shapes were seen traveling over the Fords. Eomer's voice rang out in the darkness causing Leiawyn to jump.
*"Halt! Halt! Who rides in Rohan?"
The shadows stopped and one rider was seen dismounting. Leiawyn felt the tension in the air and feared that a battle was going to break out. She was so worried about a fight that she didn't notice Legolas whisper to her horse, until the horse turned and walked back into the edge of the trees, much to her protest. She knew Legolas was worried about her, but now she couldn't even hear what was being said. Even when she tried to dismount the horse bucked so she would hang on tighter. 'Stupid elves!' she though as she watched from her spot in the trees.
Eomer and the man were speaking and then Leiawyn saw Aragorn run and embrace the man. They spoke for awhile then Aragorn turned to the riders to speak to them. Leiawyn strained to hear what was being said, but to no avail. The king must have giving the mysterious riders permission to join them, because the next thing Leiawyn knew Legolas came and got her saying they were heading out once more.
"I hope you are not angry for what I did earlier. I was just worried about your well being." Legolas explained as they rejoined the group.
"No, I understand. Though I would like a little warning next time. You do always seem to cause me problems." Legolas smiled and said he would warn her next time he did something like that. Leiawyn saw the twinkle in his eyes and knew he was lying.
"Why does that voice sound familiar?" Leiawyn turned at the sound of the question and saw Halbarad Dunadan a ranger friend of her fathers.
"Halbarad! What are you doing here?" She reached out and grabbed his hand. Any Ranger was family in her eyes and he was the closest to her after Aragorn.
"I have come here to help. What are you, a daughter of a Ranger, doing here?" He squeezed her hand as he took the place between her and Aragorn.
"I came to tell Aragorn of my father's passing and got caught up in all of this." Halbarad looked at her cheek in the moonlight, and handed her a leaf from his pack and told her to place it on it. She did as she was told and knew that the bruise would be gone in a couple of hours. "Thank you."
Eomer and his men had ridden a little ways a head to give the Rangers a chance to talk in private. Leiawyn took the opportunity to speak a little more to Halbarad. She learned her brother was alive and with another group of Rangers, this pleased her very much. He then turned to Aragorn and the two caught up on what was going on in the north. Leiawyn forgot how great it was to be surrounded by Rangers and listened intently to all they had to say. She even tried to listen to Legolas and the two elves, Elrohir and Elladan talk in elvish. The new company had lightened her mood and she was almost completely happy.
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After a few hours of riding they reached the Hornburg. It was already recovering from the battle, as men were seen cleaning and rebuilding. Leiawyn slept for awhile once they stopped, then woke to hunger pains in her stomach. She went in search of the meal hall and found it without much difficulty. In it she found Eomer and the king sitting at a table eating. She walked up and Eomer stood to get her some food while she sat down across from the king.
"So I see you have managed to capture my nephew's heart. I must tell you many have tried, but none were able to achieve what you have. I never knew Gondor had such beautiful maidens. It is no surprise that he fell for you." Leiawyn felt her cheeks burning. For this was only the second time in her life someone had called her beautiful.
"Thank you, your Highness. You are too kind. I only hope I can keep his attention, for I fear I am a rather boring woman." She looked down at her hands unable to meet the King's eye. She feared he would tell her that it was true.
"Nonsense! I see how he looks at you, and I have seen that look once before. My sister use to look at Eomer's father in that manner. Trust me my dear girl, you have nothing to fear." Leiawyn smiled and saw Eomer returning with her food.
She ate, telling the King and Eomer of her land, her family, and her friends. A few minutes later, Merry, Legolas, and Gimli appeared and the conversation changed to Merry. After some debate on whether there was any battle gear in his size, Merry laid his sword at the king feet and swore his service to the king. Leiawyn smiled at the brave gesture from such a small person. Then Legolas, Gimli, and Merry joined the King, Eomer and Leiawyn at the table eating and the talk changed to lighter subjects.
*" It is near the hour that we set for our going, lord" Eomer spoke. "Shall I bid men sound the horns? But where is Aragorn? His place is empty and he has not eaten."
*"We will make ready to ride," said Theoden; "but let word be sent to the Lord Aragorn that the hour is nigh."
Everyone rose when they were done eating, and went to the gate of the Burg, except for Eomer, where the Riders were assembled. Leiawyn had never seen so many horses, and knew it was a great army they were setting out with. She heard that a thousand riders had set out at night and now there were five hundred to go with the king. It was finally sinking in at just how big a battle this will be. After a few minutes Eomer appeared with Aragorn. She could tell Eomer was starting to forgive Aragorn, for the two acted like they had when they first met, like good friends.
They walked over to the king and Aragorn spoke to him in a quiet tone. Leiawyn watched from her place atop her horse, unable to hear once again. She saw Eomer and several Riders look at Aragorn with fear and got off her horse, walking over to them. Something Aragorn said upset the king, Eomer and any Rider within ear shot. When she reached them Aragorn turned to her and spoke, his eyes emotionless.
"Leiawyn. I have to go. I must hurry and have to take the Paths of the Dead." Leiawyn's knees went weak. No man had come through the Paths alive.
"The Paths of the Dead, but that is suicide. We'll all die!" He placed a hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes.
"It is a possibility for those who go. That is why you are not going. You are to go with Eomer and the Riders to Dunharrow where the Lady Eowyn waits, and there you will stay until this war is over." His tone of voice was strict, like a father telling his daughter to be in before dark.
"The Riders? Then it is the Rangers and our company that is going to the Paths? I want to go also!" She did not want to be left behind with all the other maidens of Rohan. "I'm part of that company!"
"You cannot." He signaled her horse over and tried to put her on it, but she resisted pulling away from him. "Leiawyn. You are to go to Dunharrow. Now get on your horse!"
"No! I will not be left behind to wait for news of your death. I want to go!" Aragorn looked past her to Eomer who had mounted his horse already. "Aragorn you can't leave me alone! The Riders will leave me also! I can fight!" Aragorn grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up, handing her to Eomer.
"I will see you again, and so will the others. I love you Leiawyn." He said before letting her go.
"You can't leave me! Aragorn please!" She tried to get off the horse.
Eomer placed her in front of him and wrapped his arms around her, holding her in place. Theoden sent the Riders on their way and Leiawyn looked back as Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and the Rangers watched the Riders depart. Her heart was heavy as she felt that this was the last time she would lay eyes on the closest thing to a family she had. Eomer squeezed her tighter and Leiawyn closed her eyes, praying that everything would turn out for the best.
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A/N: That one took awhile to write. I hope it was good. Next up Leiawyn meets Eowyn and the two DO NOT hit it off.
Tara: Put down the sword! Trust me Eomer will not let Aragorn get away that.
Welsh-dragoon: I would be a little paranoid with Legolas "sleeping" near me but that was the point. Aragorn wanted Leiawyn there so someone would always keep an eye on her.
Rachel: Aragorn does look rather..um...grimy. We will see the quick temper that Eomer is supposable known for, in this chapter. So it would be best if Aragorn hid.
Disclaimer: I only own Leiawyn and my plot twists.
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Leiawyn ran with tears streaming down her face. She reached the outer edge of camp when the guards blocked her path, telling her it was unsafe to go any farther. She turned on her heels and walked a little ways into the trees so they would not see her cry. She could not believed Aragorn hit her. She knew she was out of line, saying what she did, but she figured he would get mad, and maybe walk away after a few harsh words. Never did the thought of him hitting her cross her mind.
Reaching up and touching her left cheek, she felt it swelling already and hurt to touch. 'Great, how am I going to hide this from everyone?' she thought as she slid down the tree she was leaning on and slumped to the floor.
"Leia? What are you doing back here alone? Do you know how dangerous this is?" Came a voice from behind her. Leiawyn knew that voice, it belong to the one person who always seemed to know where she was.
Leiawyn quickly brushed the tears from her face and pulled down some hair to cover the swollen cheek. Eomer walked over to where she was sitting and squatted in front of her. He knew in an instant something was wrong. The first night she laid sleeping in his tent, he watched her and memorized every part of her face down to the last freckle. He could tell she had been crying and noticed her hair hung in her face, when she always wore it pulled back. He reached up to tuck her hair behind her ears, and she jerked back in pain when he grazed her cheek.
"What happened?" He asked as the moon light reflected off her left cheek, he could see now that it was swollen.
"Nothing." Leiawyn replied softly avoiding his gaze.
"Do not nothing me! I know something happened, now tell me!" His voiced filled with anger.
"I said something I shouldn't have to Aragorn. He got mad. It was an accident!"
Leiawyn looked up at him finally and was terrified by what she saw. He had stood up to his full height and even in the dark, Leiawyn could see his eyes blazing with anger. Without a word he headed in the direction of where Aragorn was staying. Stories Leiawyn had heard while at the Riders camp flashed through her mind. She had listened, through the thin fabric of the tent, to tales of Eomer's quick and heated temper. 'Aragorn!' She raced after Eomer to try and prevent him from doing something terrible.
"Eomer! Stop! Eomer!" He walked forth with out heeding her, his hand on his sword. As they passed other Riders, Leiawyn heard them whisper, wondering what had anger the man so much. "Eomer listen to me! You can't do this! It was an accident!" She grabbed his arm and he shook her off.
Aragorn and Legolas were sitting a little ways ahead. Aragorn looked up and saw Eomer coming towards him with Leiawyn following and knew what this was about. He stood quickly, as did Legolas, prepared to face the consequences of his actions.
Leiawyn tried to stop Eomer and reason with him once more. Without a word he raised his hand and signaled a Rider. The Rider walked over and grabbed Leiawyn pinning her arms to her side. He wasn't hurting her, so all she could do was stand there and watched the scene unfold before her.
"What kind of man hits a woman?!" Eomer demanded as he stopped less than a feet away from Aragorn. Legolas looked at Leiawyn and she knew he would stop things if they got out of hand, but she prayed that no one would end up dead.
"That is between me and Leiawyn. It was an accident." Aragorn tried to reason with Eomer. He saw the anger that flashed in the tall Rider's eyes, and had to admit he was unsure of how this would end.
"An accident! An Accident! That was no accident! If things were different, and we were not going to war, I would have slayed you without warning. Yet there are things you must do still. So I will inform you of how things will be from now on." Eomer paced in front of Aragorn. A crowd had gathered to watch the two men. "You are to stay away from Leiawyn. She WILL go back to Rohan with me. She will never go with you anywhere, and you will not send her back to Gondor. If you ever lay another hand on her, you will die a painful slow death. I can promise you that." The two men's eyes locked for a moment then Eomer turned and left, causing the crowd to jump out of his way as he went.
As he walked by Leiawyn, he grabbed her hand dragging her behind him. He said nothing as they walked to the other side of the camp he was staying at. Once they reached his bedding he let go of Leiawyn and she sat down on his blanket. He continued to stand, pacing in a small circle.
"I'm guessing that is your favorite thing to do." Leiawyn finally spoke up trying to lighten the mood.
"What is?" Eomer looked at her as he paced.
"Pacing. I have seen you pace at least once a day. If there were orcs following us, your pacing would throw them off course for awhile." Eomer stopped and looked at her like she had grown a second head. However, she could still see the anger in his eyes. "You cannot forbid me from being with Aragorn. He has been in my life for as long as I can remember. He was one of my father's best friends. He is a good man, and the only thing resembling a family I have left.." Once more Eomer paced, widening his radius.
"Good man! If he is a good man then I am a saint. I do not care if he was your father's best friend, I don't want you around him."
"You don't know what I said to him. If you knew then you would understand!" Leiawyn stood and faced Eomer. His six foot frame towering over her 5'5.
"Ok then try me. I want to understand what you could have said that would have given him a reason to hit you. For the idea is lost on me."
"I told him that he was jealous of me and you. I told him that Arwen left him to die alone." Her eyes were down casted as she remembered the look that crossed Aragorn's face. Even as she remembered the words leaving her mouth she felt like she was slapped all over again.
"Who is Arwen? What does she have to do with Aragorn?" Now it was Leiawyn's turn to pace, so Eomer sat down where she had been earlier.
"Arwen is an elf. Aragorn lived with her in Rivendell and over time they fell in love. She pledged to live a mortal life with him before he set out with the others. Then the day the Fellowship was to leave, he told her that he couldn't let her live a mortal life with him. It broke her heart and his. Now she is heading to the Gray Havens and left him here alone. My words to him were like salt in an open wound." Leiawyn kneeled in front of Eomer taking his hands in hers. "Maybe slapping me was out of line, but I brought it on myself. I'm not asking you to forgive him. I'm asking you to tolerate him. For me, please?"
Eomer looked into those pale blue eyes he had come to love, and felt his anger melt. Aragorn meant a lot to Leiawyn, and while he could not understand completely why Aragorn slapped her, he understood it better now then before. He knew if something happened and Leiawyn left him to die alone, anyone who spoke of it would surely ignite anger within him.
"I can't not forgive him right now. However, for your sake I will tolerate him. Maybe through this war he can redeem himself." Eomer gave in and Leiawyn threw herself at him, knocking him to the ground, and gave him a big hug and kiss.
Their moment was interrupted by a shadow that fell over the camp. Looking up Eomer saw a winged creature and heard several of his men crying out. He quickly rolled over and covered Leiawyn with his body, afraid of what the creature might do. He felt Leiawyn draw in close to him and hold her breath. As quickly as the shadow appeared, it was gone. Eomer pulled back and looked at Leiawyn, her eyes were wide with fear.
"What was that?" Leiawyn asked as Eomer got to his feet.
"A Nazgul. Though I have yet to see one in the air. We must find Gandalf." He helped Leiawyn up and together they went back to the part of camp Gandalf was in. Once they reached where he was suppose to be, It was too late, he was already gone with Pippin.
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Word was sent throughout the camp to be ready to leave at once. The king wanted to travel in the cover of darkness, which provided a little bit of safety. Eomer and Leiawyn separated so he could help ready his men and she could gather her things. Leiawyn picked up her pack and walked to where her horse was kept. After she secured the pack to it, she mounted her horse and trotted over to where Aragorn and the others were.
"Leiawyn I'm sorry." Aragorn apologized once she was close enough. He would have given anything to take back what he did.
"I'm sorry too. Let's just forget about it." Leiawyn gave Aragorn a smile to let him know she understood and was not mad.
"We can, but can Eomer? I don't want him angry that we are talking. I also don't want to live in fear of him killing me in my sleep. " Aragorn saw Eomer talking to the king, and knew he hadn't seen Leiawyn and Aragorn together.
"I spoke to him about what happen. He understands it better and will be civil to you. Though he does not trust you completely yet." She followed Aragorn's gaze and saw Eomer and the king. Even from a distance, she could see both men were deeply troubled.
At that moment Eomer looked over in Leiawyn's direction and mounting his horse, headed their way. She held in her breath as he got closer and prayed that he would not lose his temper again. Eomer stopped his horse by Leiawyn's and looked at Aragorn, his expression stern but not hostel.
"We are leaving now." He spoke nothing more.
The King rode up with the remaining Riders, and the company set out with Leiawyn between Aragorn and Eomer. They had just passed the mounds at the Fords of Isen when a scout rode up to the king and informed him that there were riders coming their way. The company halted and Aragorn dismounted and drew his sword, standing near the king. Eomer and his esquire rode to the back leaving Leiawyn with Legolas and Gimli. A sound of hooves filled the darkness and shapes were seen traveling over the Fords. Eomer's voice rang out in the darkness causing Leiawyn to jump.
*"Halt! Halt! Who rides in Rohan?"
The shadows stopped and one rider was seen dismounting. Leiawyn felt the tension in the air and feared that a battle was going to break out. She was so worried about a fight that she didn't notice Legolas whisper to her horse, until the horse turned and walked back into the edge of the trees, much to her protest. She knew Legolas was worried about her, but now she couldn't even hear what was being said. Even when she tried to dismount the horse bucked so she would hang on tighter. 'Stupid elves!' she though as she watched from her spot in the trees.
Eomer and the man were speaking and then Leiawyn saw Aragorn run and embrace the man. They spoke for awhile then Aragorn turned to the riders to speak to them. Leiawyn strained to hear what was being said, but to no avail. The king must have giving the mysterious riders permission to join them, because the next thing Leiawyn knew Legolas came and got her saying they were heading out once more.
"I hope you are not angry for what I did earlier. I was just worried about your well being." Legolas explained as they rejoined the group.
"No, I understand. Though I would like a little warning next time. You do always seem to cause me problems." Legolas smiled and said he would warn her next time he did something like that. Leiawyn saw the twinkle in his eyes and knew he was lying.
"Why does that voice sound familiar?" Leiawyn turned at the sound of the question and saw Halbarad Dunadan a ranger friend of her fathers.
"Halbarad! What are you doing here?" She reached out and grabbed his hand. Any Ranger was family in her eyes and he was the closest to her after Aragorn.
"I have come here to help. What are you, a daughter of a Ranger, doing here?" He squeezed her hand as he took the place between her and Aragorn.
"I came to tell Aragorn of my father's passing and got caught up in all of this." Halbarad looked at her cheek in the moonlight, and handed her a leaf from his pack and told her to place it on it. She did as she was told and knew that the bruise would be gone in a couple of hours. "Thank you."
Eomer and his men had ridden a little ways a head to give the Rangers a chance to talk in private. Leiawyn took the opportunity to speak a little more to Halbarad. She learned her brother was alive and with another group of Rangers, this pleased her very much. He then turned to Aragorn and the two caught up on what was going on in the north. Leiawyn forgot how great it was to be surrounded by Rangers and listened intently to all they had to say. She even tried to listen to Legolas and the two elves, Elrohir and Elladan talk in elvish. The new company had lightened her mood and she was almost completely happy.
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After a few hours of riding they reached the Hornburg. It was already recovering from the battle, as men were seen cleaning and rebuilding. Leiawyn slept for awhile once they stopped, then woke to hunger pains in her stomach. She went in search of the meal hall and found it without much difficulty. In it she found Eomer and the king sitting at a table eating. She walked up and Eomer stood to get her some food while she sat down across from the king.
"So I see you have managed to capture my nephew's heart. I must tell you many have tried, but none were able to achieve what you have. I never knew Gondor had such beautiful maidens. It is no surprise that he fell for you." Leiawyn felt her cheeks burning. For this was only the second time in her life someone had called her beautiful.
"Thank you, your Highness. You are too kind. I only hope I can keep his attention, for I fear I am a rather boring woman." She looked down at her hands unable to meet the King's eye. She feared he would tell her that it was true.
"Nonsense! I see how he looks at you, and I have seen that look once before. My sister use to look at Eomer's father in that manner. Trust me my dear girl, you have nothing to fear." Leiawyn smiled and saw Eomer returning with her food.
She ate, telling the King and Eomer of her land, her family, and her friends. A few minutes later, Merry, Legolas, and Gimli appeared and the conversation changed to Merry. After some debate on whether there was any battle gear in his size, Merry laid his sword at the king feet and swore his service to the king. Leiawyn smiled at the brave gesture from such a small person. Then Legolas, Gimli, and Merry joined the King, Eomer and Leiawyn at the table eating and the talk changed to lighter subjects.
*" It is near the hour that we set for our going, lord" Eomer spoke. "Shall I bid men sound the horns? But where is Aragorn? His place is empty and he has not eaten."
*"We will make ready to ride," said Theoden; "but let word be sent to the Lord Aragorn that the hour is nigh."
Everyone rose when they were done eating, and went to the gate of the Burg, except for Eomer, where the Riders were assembled. Leiawyn had never seen so many horses, and knew it was a great army they were setting out with. She heard that a thousand riders had set out at night and now there were five hundred to go with the king. It was finally sinking in at just how big a battle this will be. After a few minutes Eomer appeared with Aragorn. She could tell Eomer was starting to forgive Aragorn, for the two acted like they had when they first met, like good friends.
They walked over to the king and Aragorn spoke to him in a quiet tone. Leiawyn watched from her place atop her horse, unable to hear once again. She saw Eomer and several Riders look at Aragorn with fear and got off her horse, walking over to them. Something Aragorn said upset the king, Eomer and any Rider within ear shot. When she reached them Aragorn turned to her and spoke, his eyes emotionless.
"Leiawyn. I have to go. I must hurry and have to take the Paths of the Dead." Leiawyn's knees went weak. No man had come through the Paths alive.
"The Paths of the Dead, but that is suicide. We'll all die!" He placed a hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes.
"It is a possibility for those who go. That is why you are not going. You are to go with Eomer and the Riders to Dunharrow where the Lady Eowyn waits, and there you will stay until this war is over." His tone of voice was strict, like a father telling his daughter to be in before dark.
"The Riders? Then it is the Rangers and our company that is going to the Paths? I want to go also!" She did not want to be left behind with all the other maidens of Rohan. "I'm part of that company!"
"You cannot." He signaled her horse over and tried to put her on it, but she resisted pulling away from him. "Leiawyn. You are to go to Dunharrow. Now get on your horse!"
"No! I will not be left behind to wait for news of your death. I want to go!" Aragorn looked past her to Eomer who had mounted his horse already. "Aragorn you can't leave me alone! The Riders will leave me also! I can fight!" Aragorn grabbed her around the waist and lifted her up, handing her to Eomer.
"I will see you again, and so will the others. I love you Leiawyn." He said before letting her go.
"You can't leave me! Aragorn please!" She tried to get off the horse.
Eomer placed her in front of him and wrapped his arms around her, holding her in place. Theoden sent the Riders on their way and Leiawyn looked back as Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and the Rangers watched the Riders depart. Her heart was heavy as she felt that this was the last time she would lay eyes on the closest thing to a family she had. Eomer squeezed her tighter and Leiawyn closed her eyes, praying that everything would turn out for the best.
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A/N: That one took awhile to write. I hope it was good. Next up Leiawyn meets Eowyn and the two DO NOT hit it off.