NOTE: grandimagination you never let me down! Thanks so much! Your reviews
really do encourage me, and I'm incredibly thankful that you love the
story! With your question, I was thinking that Ewan sensed the whole
seriousness of the situation and it kind of pushed his memory to remember.
Sort of like, he was enjoying the spare time he was having with Amdiriel
since he was "lost" and all, so he really didn't push himself to remember,
type of thing. Also, they moved from one spot to another since Ewan
followed Eldarion to where they had been, and he recognized where they were
from that part of the forest. Okay, well, here's another chapter to add. If
you're reading and you like my story, or if you think it needs work, please
review! Any review is welcome. Hope you guys like this!
TWISTS AND TURNS: 10
"What are we going to do? We have no idea where they've been taken. We can't just wander Middle Earth searching for them." Faramir was standing to the side of Aragorn, as Aragorn slumped in his chair, rubbing his forehand with his fingers in frustration.
"If I have to, Faramir, then that's what I will do."
"Don't get me wrong, Aragorn, I would do the same, but this would be folly. We would only waste time; we're wasting time as it is."
"What am I to do then? What do you think we should be doing? You obviously think looking for them is folly, then what?" Aragorn had stood up to meet the eyes of his Steward, his voice rising in volume. Faramir stood straight to stare back at the king, eyes stiff just as Aragorn's. When both men realized that their anger was escalating only due to the fact that both were under an extreme amount of anxiety and stress, they both loosened up.
"I am sorry Faramir......."
"No, I am sorry, I pushed too far. It is just, I hate to feel so helpless. Just sitting and waiting, not even a hint of where they could be."
"I know," Aragorn simply stated. Just then Amrothos walked into the hall, eyes beaming.
"We have news."
EWAN'S CAMP
"So they just started fighting?" Arodiel was awake, but laying on the cot that had been provided, voice a bit weak, as she was still groggy. "That doesn't seem like your brother."
Amdiriel and Nestor were seated at her side, as Arodiel turned her head slightly to face them.
"My brother hasn't exactly been acting in character lately," Amdiriel replied.
"Do you remember anything, Arodiel? You've been insensible for almost two days," asked Nestor.
"Yes, Arodiel, do you remember anything?" Amdiriel added.
Arodiel turned her head to face the sky, looking up as if to remember what had happened. "Well, I remember being scratched at by Maethoriel, and she tried to push me, then everything went blank. I remember hearing voices, and seeing Anarion vaguely, then Eldarion creeping to me, with his sword in his hand. I didn't know the other figure next to him had been Laurelas, but I realized when I heard him speak my name. When I was first struck, I tried my best to stay awake, but I was slipping in and out of consciousness, and I knew that wasn't going to work to my benefit. When Laurelas held me though, I knew I was safe, so I didn't try so hard to stay alert."
Amdiriel and Nestor looked to each other, both with smiles to greet the other.
"Arodiel, why don't you admit how you feel," said Nestor, her voice gentle and calming.
"Feel about what?"
"You know of who we speak," replied Amdiriel.
"I do not know what you mean."
"Well, since we are on the subject, Amdiriel, what of Ewan?" Nestor inquired, turning to her sister.
Amdiriel let out a light chuckle. "What of Ewan, Nestor? He saved my life that is all. But I can't deny that I get the sensation as if I have met him somewhere before. He says he is from Rohan, and he left because of his father."
At that moment, Eldarion came into the tent, as the girls were startled to be interrupted so unexpectedly.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to interrupt, but I need to speak with you, all of you." The girls looked to him with questioning eyes, waiting for what news he had.
"We are leaving the camp tomorrow, and I need you, all of you, to stay here, until we return for you."
"What? Where are you going?" Amdiriel demanded, standing to meet her brother.
"To the Northern Waste. Laurelas, Anarion, Ewan and I."
"No. No, you're not going," said Amdiriel, shaking her head as she did so. "Wait, Ewan?"
"Yes. They wouldn't let us leave unless we took him with us. He will lead us there, a path chosen by Yrumyr, in hopes it would be the wisest one to take."
"And you agreed to this?"
"Not easily, but I did. That isn't of importance; Amdiriel, I am begging you to stay HERE. All of you, it's for the best." Eldarion didn't wait to hear the girls' responses, as he turned to leave the tent. Amdiriel turned to Nestor, who returned her glance knowing instantly what her sister was thinking.
"Amdiriel, maybe we shouldn't," she cautioned.
"Nestor, if you want to stay, then that is understandable."
Nestor sighed, as she admitted to herself that she was afraid, but she decided at that moment that she would not let fear keep her from saving her loved ones. "No, I will go. I would not let you go alone." The two sisters then looked to Arodiel, who was now sitting up from her cot, looking from one sister to the other then back again. "Well don't think you two are just going to leave me here; I am coming too."
THE NEXT DAY
The sun had just begun to rise, and few men of the camp were up and about. The boys had just finished their good-byes with the girls and were preparing to begin their journey, as Yrumyr set them aside to have a few words with the four first.
"Head east, and pass through Rohan, from there just go north. Do not go so far east that you are lining the borders of Rhun. Pass through friendly realms, and just be smart. Do not let land that is easier to pass through tempt you from what is the safest way. Ewan, if I may speak with you, privately." He motioned to Ewan to step forward to him, as Ewan did. "I know you do not wish to pass through Rohan, but for this matter I think it best of you to put those feelings aside. Do not sway their thoughts and persuade them to take another route for your own pride."
"I wouldn't, Yrumyr."
"Take care of yourself."
"I will."
Within a few moments, the four men mounted their horses, and headed east to the Gap of Rohan. Amdiriel witnessed this from the tent, and turned to Nestor and Arodiel, nodding to them that it was their cue to sneak away from the camp. Nestor gave support to Arodiel, as her functions weren't exactly one hundred percent perfect yet. The three girls were dressed in dark cloaks, their faces hooded, hoping not to bring attention to themselves to make a clean get away.
"Two horses only Nestor. Arodiel cannot ride alone." Nestor nodded; as they snuck their way threw the camp, to a small fenced area where the horses were kept. Nestor climbed a horse, as Amdiriel helped Arodiel to mount the same horse.
"Go on ahead, I will catch up." Nestor nodded once again, and clicked her heels to follow her brother's path. Amdiriel quickly got on a horse, as she saw two men notice her sister ride off and look to Amdiriel's direction. She clicked her heels, and ordered the horse to run fast, as the girls made their flight in the direction of Rohan.
IN ROHAN
After hours, upon hours of riding the boys made it to the city of Rohan. The sun was just about to set, as the boys entered the walls of the Golden City. Ewan lowered the hood of his cloak, trying to keep his face hidden from the people as they rode in. The boys dismounted their horses, as they reached the entrance to the King's home, but Ewan hesitated.
"Well?" Eldarion asked, looking to him puzzled.
"I think it best if I stay here; I will just watch the horses." The boys looked to one another, Anarion shrugging his shoulder as if to say okay.
"Suit yourself then. We will back soon. We will try not to take long," Eldarion told him, as the three began to ascend the steps to meet with King Eomer. When the three were inside, Ewan dismounted the horse he had still been seated upon, and headed for the homes of the villagers.
Amdiriel, and the two girls, who had set up their horses not too far away from the boys', spotted Ewan, and decided to follow him. "Nestor, I will be back. Don't go anywhere." Nestor watched her sister cover her head with her hood as she walked to the village.
"Eldarion!" Eomer was in shock as he witnessed Aragorn's son casually walk into the hall and up to the throne, bowing his head as he did so, his two friends doing the same behind him. "What are you all doing in Rohan? You must know your father is searching for you, and Laurelas; as is your father, my nephew Anarion, who sends word that my sister is madly worried for your safety. You will all go to Gondor, immediately, I will have a company ride with you." Eomer turned to give the order to a servant by his side, but he was halted in doing so.
"No, Lord Eomer, please. We've only come to visit, to check in really, if you could only send word to my father, and to Faramir that we are safe. I cannot tell you where we are going, for I fear you will only tell my father to look out for our best interest, but I will tell you that we leave to retrieve my sister, and Amrothos' daughter."
"Eldarion you cannot ask this of me. If your father finds out that I let you pass through Rohan, without trying in some way to keep you here to make sure you are safe, I do not think he will forgive me."
"I understand, but with all do respect my Lord, you have no choice. We will leave here, consent or none."
"I know this, Eldarion. For you are men and I cannot stop you. Well, I can tell your father that you are safe, but what of your sisters? You say you will retrieve one, then what of the others? And my niece, Anarion, I would think your mother would be relieved to know she is safe, as you are."
"Yes, uncle. Arodiel is safe with Amdiriel and Nestor at a camp not too far from here. We would not allow their company on this journey," Anarion replied.
"Yes, for it would be tragic indeed," stated Eomer.
Outside, Ewan approached an old man who was chopping wood outside of his home. The site of the man made Ewan smile, as he greeted the elderly fellow.
"Baerin," Ewan whispered to him. The old man looked up from his chopping, only to gasp in surprise at his visitor, quickly dropping his axe to hug the young man, as Ewan gave him a warm smile, hugging back. Amdiriel saw this, and discreetly hid herself from notice, keeping close to the two so she could hear their exchange of words.
"My Lord, you've returned?" the old man asked, hope evident in his tone.
"No, no Baerin. Only passing through. Not even an hour or so at the most I imagine."
The old man's expression changed, as he frowned slightly. "Forgive me my Lord, I know it to be your choice to evade Rohan, but you are greatly missed. When will you return home?"
"I do not know, Baerin. Time can only tell, for I feel my wound is still too deep to be forgotten. But how does my mother? She is well?"
"Yes, yes, very well. You know her spirit; it will never die. But she grieves my Lord, for your absence, though she tries to hide it, the people can see it in her eyes."
Ewan frowned, sighing as he did. "And of my sister? Has she changed?"
"Yes, drastically. She has grown to become as beautiful as your mother, though she is still innocent like a child. People say her spirit is that of your aunt's."
Ewan chuckled lightly, as did Baerin. Amdiriel wondered of what significance this old man was to Ewan. 'He can't be his father' she thought, for Baerin addressed Ewan as Lord. She heard them begin to speak again, and attentively listened.
"And my father, Baerin?"
"My Lord, he is aging, but still strong and bold just as he was when he first grew into manhood."
"Does he miss me, Baerin?"
"Greatly, my Lord, greatly."
Ewan hung his head low, his voice soft humbling himself. "I do not wish to come back, Baerin. I am not ready, but my heart breaks every day I am away from my family, from my home, from my people."
"My Lord, it is not my place, but I believe you let your pride cloud your judgment. If you were to return home this very moment, your father would welcome you with open arms. You are his son, nothing will change that."
"I know. But he expects me to be what I do not wish to be."
"You do not wish, my Lord, or you are afraid to be? My boy, listen to me, you are running away, and that is something I know you were never taught to do. Your father will not live forever, and you must learn to accept your place. YOU are his heir, Elfwine, he will have no other."
Amdiriel gasped when she heard this, her eyes wide filled with utter amazement. "Elfwine. I knew I have met him before. He is King Eomer's lost son; the prince of Rohan."
TBC. Sorry so long, but I hope you liked it! Not a very exciting chapter, but not entirely useless.
TWISTS AND TURNS: 10
"What are we going to do? We have no idea where they've been taken. We can't just wander Middle Earth searching for them." Faramir was standing to the side of Aragorn, as Aragorn slumped in his chair, rubbing his forehand with his fingers in frustration.
"If I have to, Faramir, then that's what I will do."
"Don't get me wrong, Aragorn, I would do the same, but this would be folly. We would only waste time; we're wasting time as it is."
"What am I to do then? What do you think we should be doing? You obviously think looking for them is folly, then what?" Aragorn had stood up to meet the eyes of his Steward, his voice rising in volume. Faramir stood straight to stare back at the king, eyes stiff just as Aragorn's. When both men realized that their anger was escalating only due to the fact that both were under an extreme amount of anxiety and stress, they both loosened up.
"I am sorry Faramir......."
"No, I am sorry, I pushed too far. It is just, I hate to feel so helpless. Just sitting and waiting, not even a hint of where they could be."
"I know," Aragorn simply stated. Just then Amrothos walked into the hall, eyes beaming.
"We have news."
EWAN'S CAMP
"So they just started fighting?" Arodiel was awake, but laying on the cot that had been provided, voice a bit weak, as she was still groggy. "That doesn't seem like your brother."
Amdiriel and Nestor were seated at her side, as Arodiel turned her head slightly to face them.
"My brother hasn't exactly been acting in character lately," Amdiriel replied.
"Do you remember anything, Arodiel? You've been insensible for almost two days," asked Nestor.
"Yes, Arodiel, do you remember anything?" Amdiriel added.
Arodiel turned her head to face the sky, looking up as if to remember what had happened. "Well, I remember being scratched at by Maethoriel, and she tried to push me, then everything went blank. I remember hearing voices, and seeing Anarion vaguely, then Eldarion creeping to me, with his sword in his hand. I didn't know the other figure next to him had been Laurelas, but I realized when I heard him speak my name. When I was first struck, I tried my best to stay awake, but I was slipping in and out of consciousness, and I knew that wasn't going to work to my benefit. When Laurelas held me though, I knew I was safe, so I didn't try so hard to stay alert."
Amdiriel and Nestor looked to each other, both with smiles to greet the other.
"Arodiel, why don't you admit how you feel," said Nestor, her voice gentle and calming.
"Feel about what?"
"You know of who we speak," replied Amdiriel.
"I do not know what you mean."
"Well, since we are on the subject, Amdiriel, what of Ewan?" Nestor inquired, turning to her sister.
Amdiriel let out a light chuckle. "What of Ewan, Nestor? He saved my life that is all. But I can't deny that I get the sensation as if I have met him somewhere before. He says he is from Rohan, and he left because of his father."
At that moment, Eldarion came into the tent, as the girls were startled to be interrupted so unexpectedly.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to interrupt, but I need to speak with you, all of you." The girls looked to him with questioning eyes, waiting for what news he had.
"We are leaving the camp tomorrow, and I need you, all of you, to stay here, until we return for you."
"What? Where are you going?" Amdiriel demanded, standing to meet her brother.
"To the Northern Waste. Laurelas, Anarion, Ewan and I."
"No. No, you're not going," said Amdiriel, shaking her head as she did so. "Wait, Ewan?"
"Yes. They wouldn't let us leave unless we took him with us. He will lead us there, a path chosen by Yrumyr, in hopes it would be the wisest one to take."
"And you agreed to this?"
"Not easily, but I did. That isn't of importance; Amdiriel, I am begging you to stay HERE. All of you, it's for the best." Eldarion didn't wait to hear the girls' responses, as he turned to leave the tent. Amdiriel turned to Nestor, who returned her glance knowing instantly what her sister was thinking.
"Amdiriel, maybe we shouldn't," she cautioned.
"Nestor, if you want to stay, then that is understandable."
Nestor sighed, as she admitted to herself that she was afraid, but she decided at that moment that she would not let fear keep her from saving her loved ones. "No, I will go. I would not let you go alone." The two sisters then looked to Arodiel, who was now sitting up from her cot, looking from one sister to the other then back again. "Well don't think you two are just going to leave me here; I am coming too."
THE NEXT DAY
The sun had just begun to rise, and few men of the camp were up and about. The boys had just finished their good-byes with the girls and were preparing to begin their journey, as Yrumyr set them aside to have a few words with the four first.
"Head east, and pass through Rohan, from there just go north. Do not go so far east that you are lining the borders of Rhun. Pass through friendly realms, and just be smart. Do not let land that is easier to pass through tempt you from what is the safest way. Ewan, if I may speak with you, privately." He motioned to Ewan to step forward to him, as Ewan did. "I know you do not wish to pass through Rohan, but for this matter I think it best of you to put those feelings aside. Do not sway their thoughts and persuade them to take another route for your own pride."
"I wouldn't, Yrumyr."
"Take care of yourself."
"I will."
Within a few moments, the four men mounted their horses, and headed east to the Gap of Rohan. Amdiriel witnessed this from the tent, and turned to Nestor and Arodiel, nodding to them that it was their cue to sneak away from the camp. Nestor gave support to Arodiel, as her functions weren't exactly one hundred percent perfect yet. The three girls were dressed in dark cloaks, their faces hooded, hoping not to bring attention to themselves to make a clean get away.
"Two horses only Nestor. Arodiel cannot ride alone." Nestor nodded; as they snuck their way threw the camp, to a small fenced area where the horses were kept. Nestor climbed a horse, as Amdiriel helped Arodiel to mount the same horse.
"Go on ahead, I will catch up." Nestor nodded once again, and clicked her heels to follow her brother's path. Amdiriel quickly got on a horse, as she saw two men notice her sister ride off and look to Amdiriel's direction. She clicked her heels, and ordered the horse to run fast, as the girls made their flight in the direction of Rohan.
IN ROHAN
After hours, upon hours of riding the boys made it to the city of Rohan. The sun was just about to set, as the boys entered the walls of the Golden City. Ewan lowered the hood of his cloak, trying to keep his face hidden from the people as they rode in. The boys dismounted their horses, as they reached the entrance to the King's home, but Ewan hesitated.
"Well?" Eldarion asked, looking to him puzzled.
"I think it best if I stay here; I will just watch the horses." The boys looked to one another, Anarion shrugging his shoulder as if to say okay.
"Suit yourself then. We will back soon. We will try not to take long," Eldarion told him, as the three began to ascend the steps to meet with King Eomer. When the three were inside, Ewan dismounted the horse he had still been seated upon, and headed for the homes of the villagers.
Amdiriel, and the two girls, who had set up their horses not too far away from the boys', spotted Ewan, and decided to follow him. "Nestor, I will be back. Don't go anywhere." Nestor watched her sister cover her head with her hood as she walked to the village.
"Eldarion!" Eomer was in shock as he witnessed Aragorn's son casually walk into the hall and up to the throne, bowing his head as he did so, his two friends doing the same behind him. "What are you all doing in Rohan? You must know your father is searching for you, and Laurelas; as is your father, my nephew Anarion, who sends word that my sister is madly worried for your safety. You will all go to Gondor, immediately, I will have a company ride with you." Eomer turned to give the order to a servant by his side, but he was halted in doing so.
"No, Lord Eomer, please. We've only come to visit, to check in really, if you could only send word to my father, and to Faramir that we are safe. I cannot tell you where we are going, for I fear you will only tell my father to look out for our best interest, but I will tell you that we leave to retrieve my sister, and Amrothos' daughter."
"Eldarion you cannot ask this of me. If your father finds out that I let you pass through Rohan, without trying in some way to keep you here to make sure you are safe, I do not think he will forgive me."
"I understand, but with all do respect my Lord, you have no choice. We will leave here, consent or none."
"I know this, Eldarion. For you are men and I cannot stop you. Well, I can tell your father that you are safe, but what of your sisters? You say you will retrieve one, then what of the others? And my niece, Anarion, I would think your mother would be relieved to know she is safe, as you are."
"Yes, uncle. Arodiel is safe with Amdiriel and Nestor at a camp not too far from here. We would not allow their company on this journey," Anarion replied.
"Yes, for it would be tragic indeed," stated Eomer.
Outside, Ewan approached an old man who was chopping wood outside of his home. The site of the man made Ewan smile, as he greeted the elderly fellow.
"Baerin," Ewan whispered to him. The old man looked up from his chopping, only to gasp in surprise at his visitor, quickly dropping his axe to hug the young man, as Ewan gave him a warm smile, hugging back. Amdiriel saw this, and discreetly hid herself from notice, keeping close to the two so she could hear their exchange of words.
"My Lord, you've returned?" the old man asked, hope evident in his tone.
"No, no Baerin. Only passing through. Not even an hour or so at the most I imagine."
The old man's expression changed, as he frowned slightly. "Forgive me my Lord, I know it to be your choice to evade Rohan, but you are greatly missed. When will you return home?"
"I do not know, Baerin. Time can only tell, for I feel my wound is still too deep to be forgotten. But how does my mother? She is well?"
"Yes, yes, very well. You know her spirit; it will never die. But she grieves my Lord, for your absence, though she tries to hide it, the people can see it in her eyes."
Ewan frowned, sighing as he did. "And of my sister? Has she changed?"
"Yes, drastically. She has grown to become as beautiful as your mother, though she is still innocent like a child. People say her spirit is that of your aunt's."
Ewan chuckled lightly, as did Baerin. Amdiriel wondered of what significance this old man was to Ewan. 'He can't be his father' she thought, for Baerin addressed Ewan as Lord. She heard them begin to speak again, and attentively listened.
"And my father, Baerin?"
"My Lord, he is aging, but still strong and bold just as he was when he first grew into manhood."
"Does he miss me, Baerin?"
"Greatly, my Lord, greatly."
Ewan hung his head low, his voice soft humbling himself. "I do not wish to come back, Baerin. I am not ready, but my heart breaks every day I am away from my family, from my home, from my people."
"My Lord, it is not my place, but I believe you let your pride cloud your judgment. If you were to return home this very moment, your father would welcome you with open arms. You are his son, nothing will change that."
"I know. But he expects me to be what I do not wish to be."
"You do not wish, my Lord, or you are afraid to be? My boy, listen to me, you are running away, and that is something I know you were never taught to do. Your father will not live forever, and you must learn to accept your place. YOU are his heir, Elfwine, he will have no other."
Amdiriel gasped when she heard this, her eyes wide filled with utter amazement. "Elfwine. I knew I have met him before. He is King Eomer's lost son; the prince of Rohan."
TBC. Sorry so long, but I hope you liked it! Not a very exciting chapter, but not entirely useless.
