Chapter 11: Good-byes and the Last Days of Rest

A/N: Okay in this chapter there are passage that I do not know. The conversation between Aragorn and Halbarad is not my doings but J.R.R. Tolkien's. I needed to use it though to make the story understandable and hopefully no one is made about it. Also, if you have not noticed I stick mainly to the book and it is very apparent in the next few chapters (for the warning of those who have not yet read them I would do so or at least RotK so you will understand my story better and the movies too!)
Through the men of Rohan went a shudder. Théoden and Éomer both tested Aragorn's will. They tried all that they could to convince him not to take this road, to travel by some other mean. But he held firm to his word. Then, they gave up and bid him their luck, and said farewell. Aragorn turned to Merry to say his good-bye.

"Long it seems since I found out that you were of Elven-kind. It was but four day ago." Éomer told Arway. "Longer shall be the time in which I again will look upon the face of my young friend. Yet, young you are not. Part of my hope goes with you. Both so that you do not change in your heart between our meetings, and also, that again I will be gifted to look upon the fairest face of the Rohirrim."

A sad smile played on Arway's lips before she replied in Éomer's tongue. "Long it shall seem before our next meeting, but do not give up any hope through the dark times. Only one thing shall see you through this darkness and that is the hope of a brighter day. Go Éomer, for nothing can keep you here. With you I send a piece of my hope."

Éomer embraced Arway like a sister. Then he left her. He mounted his horse and the group moved out. Arway watched as the King turned. Within her, she knew never again would she see him alive.

~~~ The young Hobbit looked back to see his three old friends and his new one. As he did so, he received an encouraging smile from Arway. And it was at that time that Merry saw the true beauty of the she-Elf. ~~~

"There go three that I love, and the smallest not the last." Aragorn said. "He knows not to what end her rides, yet if he knew, he still would go on."

"A little people, but of great worth, are the Shirefolk," replied Halbarad.

"Little do they know of our long labor for the safety of their borders and yet I grudge not."

"And now our fates are woven together," said Aragorn. "And yet, alas! here we must part. Well I must eat a little, and then we also must hasten away. Come, Legolas and Gimli. Arway also! I must speak with you as I eat."

As the four walked back towards the burg, Arway made her way next to Aragorn. "Do not despair Elessar for once more you will look upon their faces. You shall again see two in life," she foretold.

Once Aragorn had food before him, he again talked. "I have looked into the stone of Orthanc." He said.

"Not into the ball of witchcraft!" Gimli exclaimed.

Aragorn ignored the Dwarf for a moment, while he turned his gaze towards Arway. "You already knew this. Never before has anyone dared to read my mind and see what I have seen, save the Lady of Lórien. Yet, you did. And never have I felt my mind at such peace as when you did so. But did you not tell these two of what you had discovered?"

"I warned the two but I do not think they took to heart what was uttered. Only did I dare because long I have heard and felt your thoughts growing. And though you share much Elessar, you do not share all."

"You are the only one, to which I will allow such a power and to use it on me. Yet, in return I wish to know your tale someday."

"And someday I shall pay my due to you, but never will it give what you are worthy of. It is a bitter tale and a small gift to give you. If it is what you wish then I will relate it to you."

Aragorn nodded solemnly and turned back to the two who did not know what had occurred in the highest chamber. And to them much was revealed. But as Arway had said, not all. This tale was told briefly for there was much riding to be done. Once Aragorn had eaten a bit, he rose and bide all who wished to accompany him to rise and follow.

Legolas, Gimli, and Arway did not reply. Rather, they left their seats and followed Aragorn. There, in front of the Hornburg, the Rangers sat awaiting him. The four mounted and once all were ready, Aragorn set out. Across the field all went, and so began the riding of the Grey Company.