A/N: As always, thanks for the reviews. Tindomiel, Seven was not obligated to lead of the Rohirrim in Dunharrow like Éowyn was. Théoden left Éowyn in charge, which is why Aragorn would not consider allowing her to join them (or at least it's some of it); Seven had no such obligation, so she was free to leave. As you suspect and I hinted, yes, Gandalf did have something to do with it, too.
If anyone observes any spelling (or grammar) errors, please point out the specific error so that I can correct the problem. Simply telling me that they are there doesn't help me correct them.
Enjoy!
Chapter 13: Bad News
As the ships made their slow way up the river, Seven stood with Legolas and Gimli. Gimli had taken several turns on the oars already, and was beginning to despair, directing most of his complaints to Legolas. Suddenly, Legolas laughed. "Up with your beard, Durin's son! For thus it is spoken: Oft hope is born, when all is forlorn." Try as he might, Gimli could not get Legolas to explain, and Seven watched quietly. If Legolas would not explain himself to Gimli, his friend, there was no reason he would explain himself to her. Still, she wondered at the cryptic comment.
Night fell, but the travelers did not slacken their pace. There was a red glow on the horizon. Aragorn was the one to speak what they all suspected. "Minas Tirith is burning."
Near midnight, some of the seasoned sailors detected a subtle change in the air. Seven felt it, too. She did not know what it meant, but they did. The wind was changing. Soon there was a fresh, clean wind from the sea. They hoisted the sails and the water foamed at the prows of the ships. About three hours after the sun rose, they came within sight of the city. Enemy forces were everywhere, and a small group of defenders was trying to mount a last offensive.
Knowing that the ships would appear like enemy reinforcements, Aragorn hoisted his banner. It was white with a tree and seven jewels below a shining crown. Legolas told her the tree represented Gondor, but the Seven Stars represented the house of Elendil alone. Not for millennia had any lord borne those signs. The Dúnedain and the small army with them jumped from the ships and waded into the fray. Aragorn led them with the great sword of his forefathers. Halbarad carried the standard, and Seven ran with Legolas and Gimli into the thick of the fight.
Surrounded on three sides by the armies of the West and the river at their backs, the forces of Mordor had nowhere to go. Seven managed to catch Éomer's eye for a moment before turning back to the fight. She had never fought in a hand-to-hand battle like this before, but she could fight well with the sword and had fought against multiple opponents before. It was not difficult to apply the two types of experience to one battle.
Rather than work her way over to Éomer, Seven stayed close to Legolas and Gimli. Gimli fought with a heavy axe, and Legolas was using two long knives. The three of them complemented each other. Seven could take heavy blows on her shield, and her stamina was as great as either of theirs. Gimli was slower, but both Legolas and Seven moved with agility and speed. The three of them were virtually unstoppable, hewing through Orcs and Easterlings like grass. The battle continued the rest of the day. Seven, Legolas, and Gimli fought continuously throughout the day, scarcely stopping to rest. Both Gimli and Legolas were amazed that Seven was able to continue through the day, but there was no time to stop and marvel.
Finally, as evening came, the battle was over, and they came to the ruined gate of the city. Aragorn would not enter the city without the Steward's leave, so they camped outside the gate. Seven found Éomer as soon as she could. Like her, he was covered in blood and looked completely exhausted. Still, he perked up when he saw her.
"Lady Seven, it is good to see you. I despaired when I heard you had joined Aragorn on the Paths of the Dead. I thought I would never see you or him again. I am grateful to see you alive and well."
"Thank you. Is Éowyn well?"
Éomer glanced down. "Éowyn fell in the battle before you arrived, along with Théoden King." He swallowed hard. "We would not have allowed her to come, but she disguised herself, also bringing the Hobbit Meriadoc, who was injured fighting beside her…"
Éomer's words faded. Éowyn…fell in battle…dead. Dead. Images flashed through her mind: arriving in Edoras, the distrust between her and Éowyn at their first meeting, their growing friendship, sparring in her hiding spot, Éowyn taking charge of the people when Théoden left, the evacuation to Dunharrow, Éowyn's fear as she left for the Paths of the Dead…Éowyn had feared for Seven, but now it was Éowyn who was dead and Seven was unscathed. More images came: Chakotay on Voyager before they returned to the Alpha quadrant, reassuring her despite her fear of dying and leaving him alone, his reassurances as they returned to Earth, helping her integrate back into human society, holding his hand as he died because of a stupid, avoidable accident, his funeral where she refused to show any emotion for fear that any small opening in her emotional dam would cause all of it to fall apart and leave her in the grip of emotions she didn't know how to deal with…
Strong arms caught Seven from behind as she fainted. He lowered her to the ground gently and wiped the tears from her face. "I'll see to her." Éomer only nodded, weak himself from exhaustion and grief. Legolas lifted her gently and carried her away. Éomer needed time alone to grieve. Legolas carried Seven back to where the Dúnedain were pitching their tents. He turned away questioning looks until Aragorn came over.
"Éowyn has fallen." Legolas looked at the Man evenly. Aragorn closed his eyes for a moment, turning away from Legolas, then turned back without a word and checked Seven quickly.
"She was not injured?"
"No. She just fainted."
"She is unharmed. She should wake shortly." Legolas nodded, and Aragorn left the tent quickly. Legolas said nothing as he left, knowing Aragorn, too, would feel the grief at the news of Éowyn's death.
Seven woke half an hour later. Legolas was sitting by her pallet, staring out the door to the tent. Her memory came back irritatingly slowly. She usually had no trouble with her memory. When it did come back, it came crashing on her like a tidal wave. Legolas looked back to see her shaking as the memories of the day swept over her. He had never known Éowyn well, but he knew Seven had been very close to the Lady of Rohan.
When Seven realized he was watching her, the trembling stilled and she wiped the tears from her eyes angrily. "There is no shame in grief, Lady Seven. This has been a trying day for you. You needn't fear to cry."
The emotional dam Seven had carefully maintained finally burst. Legolas pulled her into his arms and held her as she cried. Eventually, she cried herself to sleep. Éomer found them like that a while later. Legolas looked up as he entered, but didn't move.
"I've been in the city. My sister was wounded, but not killed." Éomer's voice was soft, just enough to be audible to the Elf without waking Seven. "The Lord Aragorn saw to her and she will recover in time, and the Hobbit as well."
Éomer slipped out of the room quietly. Legolas nudged Seven to wake her. She blinked a couple times to clear her vision, then straightened awkwardly from her position leaning against him. "How are you feeling, lady?"
Seven nodded shakily. "I am able to function."
Legolas grinned at her phrase. "I've just received news of the Lady Éowyn. She was badly injured, but not killed as was thought." Seven's head snapped up. "I don't know the details, but she is recovering within the city. We can probably go in to visit her tomorrow. You should rest."
That was becoming his litany to her. You should rest. Still, she nodded and lay down on the pallet. She was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.