Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any of the characters, settings, or events I have taken from Tolkien's works. I just can't help writing about them.
Chapter note: Quotations between Aragorn and Eowyn come from Return of the King from the chapter titled The Passing of the Grey Company.

A/N: I'm late, as always. But now I'm on summer vacation, so at least some of the madness of my life has calmed! I promise that I will not leave this story without an end. I actually have most of it planned out, but I have found that little details tend to pop up that greatly extend the amount of time I spend writing each chapter. Thank you for your patience.

To Shield Maiden- I'm glad you like Eomer and Eowyn. I didn't realize how complex they were until I tried to write about them. I think my personal favorite chapter has to be Chapter 7, with Eomer. He's such an interesting character... Thanks for reading and letting me know what you think.

Moon scar- You're right. So here's the update. Sorry it took so long.

WeasleyTwinsLover1112- It's okay, Erin's fine. I'm glad you like Herubrand; I think he's been the most interesting original character to create (correction: Tolkien named him, I made him a character). Sorry he doesn't really show up in this chapter, but you'll see him again. I promise.

Samus- I'm sorry nothing is happening, but I guess I'm more of a character author than an action author. Maybe if you'd let me know what you would consider exciting...? I'm trying hard to keep the plot moving while sticking to the books. I hope you enjoy the brief book character appearance in this chapter. Personally, I'm looking forward to introducing Merry into the mix...

Chak- I hope it's not just the average girl in ME story. If it becomes to stereotypical or Mary-Sueish, please let me know so I can steer it straight.

Tigerlily- I must say, I think I was off FF.net for about as long as you were, so don't worry about it. I'm just glad you're still here. You've been a very faithful and candid reviewer, and I really enjoy reading your input. By the way, Happy Birthday (even if I am a bit late)!

KaterineKasdorf- Hello again. Thanks for being so great about this story, and please let me know if you have any suggestions.

Note to all readers: If you like stories about Rohan, take a look at KaterineKasdorf's story Rider of Rohan (story ID 1245620). She has a very original narrator and a wonderful view of Middle Earth.

Now on to Erin...


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14) The Path

Quick footsteps, and a breath of fresh air.

What happened to her? will she be all right?

A rustle of cloth.

She collapsed, but nothing is wrong that cannot be mended. She is simply exhausted.



So far as I can tell, the girl has been so preoccupied, and with good reason, since the rider arrived that she has neglected both food and sleep. As he is now in recovery, the nervous energy that has been sustaining her gave out. She should wake ravenous in a few hours with no worse side effects.

A deep release of breath.

I was so worried. If something had happened to her...

A catch in the voice.

I understand completely, my lady. Now, if you could, Herubrand has been asking if he could talk to you. I believe he has some details about the King's plans that he would like to relay.

Of course I will come. She will be fine alone?

The best thing for her at the moment is rest. Come, Lady Eowyn.

Retreating footsteps...

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Erin's eyes snapped open and darted around the tent.

Simbel! How is Herubrand? I shouldn't be in here resting. He may need me... Simbel began to laugh.

Calm down, child. There is nothing to be concerned about. Herubrand is awake and feeling quite well. You, however, gave me quite a shock when you collapsed.

Erin pulled herself into a sitting position. She was fully dressed and sunlight shone through the tent flap.

I'm sorry. I really didn't mean to. How long have I been asleep?

For nearly half the day, Simbel said, placing a wooden bowl of stew on Erin's lap along with a chunk of bread. Might I ask you, Fara, to simply tell me next time you want attention, rather than behaving in such a dramatic fashion.

Erin opened her mouth to protest but Simbel raised a warning hand.

Not a word until you've eaten, young woman. You have behaved yourself quite badly.

Erin snorted in laughter at the mock severity in the healer's manner, then began to cough as the bread she was eating lodged in her throat. An overly hearty slap from Simbel dislodged the offending food, but Erin dissolved in helpless laughter and slumped back on the cot.

When Erin finally subsided to hiccups, the healer spoke again.

It gladdens my heart to see you smile again. I have heard that you have been rarely seen in the past few days and when seen have the appearance of a wraith: pale, drawn, and abstracted.

Erin giggled. That's quite a description. But I'll be all right now that Herubrand is recovering. She mopped up the last of the stew with her bread crust, then looked up at Simbel.

May I rise now that I have eaten?

Of course you may. If I were you, Fara, I would return to Lady Eowyn as soon as possible, as you have been absent from her service for several days now and she may have need of your assistance.

Oh. Right. Has it only been a few days? It feels like and age... I wonder when King Theoden and Lord Eomer and the others will be arriving. I better go... Standing, Erin curtsied respectfully.

I thank you for both your tutelage and your care, Healer Simbel.

Simbel answered seriously and formally, They will ever be yours, Fara, maidservant of the Lady.

Erin started to leave, then spun and impetuously embraced Simbel. Simbel's strong arms folded Erin into a loving embrace...

Like a mother's. A wave of sadness washed over Erin. I wonder if my mother misses me. For all I know it could be as if I never existed... Erin broke off her train of thought and slowly pulled away from Simbel before quickly exiting the tent.

As she strode out facing the high walls of the cliff, a chill wind picked up for a brief moment, making her shiver. The dark grove of trees that marked the Door rustled and whispered.

The call of the Dead... But they have been cheated of one today in Herubrand's recovery. Will they claim another?

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The riders arrived with the night, a company of around thirty-five, silent and gray cloaked. When they were spotted, Eowyn sent Erin to gather a meal. She returned as the riders reached the tent and saw the leader dismount and greet Eowyn. Erin approached slowly, awed by the company.

Two riders stood out, tall and dark haired, with an undefinable air of grace. They're elves... Erin gaped. So is blond one with the short... dwarf? sharing his horse.

Erin finally walked up to one of the cloaked men.

May I take your horse, my lord? A weather worn face with hawk-like gray eyes looked down at her. The voice that spoke to her was gruff but kind.

Who might you be, my lady?

I am but a servant to Lady Eowyn. My name is Fara.

He slid easily from his horse and bowed courteously. I am Halbarad Dunedan, kinsman of Lord Aragorn. If you would show our company where to bring our horses, I would be most gratified. You may lead Lord Aragorn's mount.

Erin took the reins of the great gray horse and led the way across the encampment. The men did not talk, though they scanned their surroundings alertly.

When they were satisfied with the comfort of their mounts they walked swiftly back to Eowyn's tent, already sure of the way.

Eowyn stepped forward when they returned, saying, My lords, a meal has been prepared for you in a nearby tent. I invite you to come and partake in it now. The men followed gladly and set into the food with a strong appetite.

Erin stayed in the shadows, keeping cups full of drink and listening to the tale of battle that she had heard only briefly from Herubrand.

She heard Eowyn's assurance that proper lodgings would be found for the company, and Lord Aragorn's reply that they would be leaving in the morning. Erin smiled and talked with the men as she filled their plates and cups.

Suddenly the entire company fell silent; Erin nearly dropped the pitcher and cup she held, so startling was the complete silence.

She looked up to see Eowyn sitting like a statue, her face bloodless, her eyes wide and staring. her gaze was locked on Lord Aragorn, who looked even more stern than he had earlier.

What on earth just happened? Eowyn looks terrible, like she's going to faint or something.

None of the men moved; they watched their leader motionlessly, their gleaming eyes the only sign of life in their grim faces. Lord Aragorn's eyes were hooded, betraying no emotion or thought. Eowyn's lips parted slightly, as if she was trying to say something, but still she was silent.

Fighting an urge to run to Eowyn's assistance, Erin her her breath and waited. This one looks to be way over your head, Erin... As if this whole thing hasn't been, she thought distractedly.


A voice broke through the heavy silence, so quiet that Erin could not at first place it: Eowyn spoke.

But, Aragorn, is it then your errand to seek death? For that is all you will find on that road. They do not suffer the living to pass.

Lord Aragorn stared back at her, resolute and unflinching. They may suffer me to pass, but at the least I will adventure it. No other road will serve.

Erin's head reeled. He's taking the Paths of the Dead. What else could they mean? But why? What good will it do for all of these men to die? Erin swallowed hard. Have I just pulled Herubrand back from death only to see these men go to it willingly?

But I shall take the Paths of the Dead, alone, if needs be.

Lord Aragorn still spoke to Eowyn, stopping with that last declaration. Eowyn's eyes dropped to her plate. Looking around the room, Lord Aragorn met the eyes of all of his men, probing and finding an affirmation that each would follow wherever he might lead them.

Erin's nose began to burn and she blinked away tears.

I finally can see what Eowyn saw that first day. he can inspire men to follow him to the death, if needs be, as he is now... But it's not easy for him. He doesn't want to take the Paths, but for some reason, he has to. And he will.

Her breath caught as Aragorn's piercing gray eyes met hers, and she slowly nodded. I would follow you, my lord, if I could. Do you understand? Can you tell? I would follow you too. But my place is with my Lady Eowyn.

When Aragorn looked away, Erin gazed at Eowyn. Her mistress's eyes were tormented and desperate as they looked on Lord Aragorn, making Erin cry out inside.

Why do the Dead have to claim him? He is a noble man, and my lady loves him...


The men began to rise, paying their respects and bowing to Eowyn, then entering the dark night. Erin followed them, quietly directing them to temporary lodgings. Halbarad bowed courteously to Erin and thanked her for her service.

As he turned to leave, Erin put out a hand and asked softly, If you would, my lord, could you tell me why you follow Lord Aragorn? I myself feel drawn to his service, and I don't understand why...

Her voice trailed off and she waited.

Halbarad looked down at his hands as he spoke.

Lord Aragorn is my kinsman, and I trust him implicitly with my life. He looked her straight in the eyes.

But Fara, I would follow him even if I knew without a doubt that I would die. Because I know that if I give my life in his service, I give it for something good. He is striving for the right. Perhaps you could sense that, young though you are.

With these words, he strode off to rejoin the rest of the company, leaving Erin to turn to another group of men exiting the tent and direct them to their sleeping quarters.

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When all of the men were gone and the tent tidied, Erin blew out the tapers and walked back to Eowyn's tent. It seems like forever since I've really slept in here, she thought, ducking through the entrance.

The tent was empty, lit by a solitary candle flickering by Eowyn's bed. Eowyn's inexplicable absence worried Erin as she remembered her lady's turmoil at supper, so she left behind the dancing shadows of the tent for the deep shadows cast by the moon.

She had not gone far when she caught a glimpse of white amongst the tents allocated to the company of Lord Aragorn.

A low voice questioned, What do you fear, lady?

Eowyn's voice replied intensely, A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them, and all chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall or desire.

The same steel that had entered Eowyn's voice the night of the arrival at Dunharrow had found its way into her words. Lord Aragorn, as Erin now recognized the voice to be, paused before answering.

And yet you counseled me not to adventure the road that I had chosen, because it is perilous?

So may one counsel another. Yet I do not bid you flee from peril, but...

Erin slipped away silently, not wishing to eavesdrop on her mistress's conversation, especially one so private. Back in the tent she kindled a fire, blowing out the candle afterward, then sat on a stool to await Eowyn's return.


She was not long in coming, entering quietly and sitting immediately on her bed. She drew her knees up to her chest and hugged them close, her face strained with emotion. Erin knew neither she nor Eowyn would sleep that night, so she simply continued to watch the dance of the flames as she waited.



An anguished whisper cut through the silence.

Erin met her lady's eyes, aching at seeing their tortured depths, and softly replied, I am here, my lady.

Each word dropped into the night with deliberate weight as Eowyn gazed steadily back at Erin. Finally, Eowyn sighed and dropped her eyes, having found all the confirmation she needed. Erin had made a pledge, and she held fast to it.

I will be there to help you, my lady. I am here.


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Eowyn looked up from her silent vigil as a bird called out from the darkness.

Fara, dawn is near. Go and fetch some wine.

Erin rose and slipped out obediently. The night was alive with movement. Lord Aragorn's company was moving through the camp, packing saddlebags and leading horses. No one else stirred outside the tents.

In their gray cloaks, the men seemed shadows, moving without noise. Returning with a wineskin, Erin could see their grim faces in the faint light that was creeping into the dark sky. They were intense and focused, each rider withdrawn and remote.

Eowyn was fully dressed in riding clothes and was girding her sword and belt about her waist. She handed Erin a beautiful cup of silver and motioned toward the wine.

Pour some into the cup. Erin carefully splashed the dark red aromatic liquid into the goblet and handed it back to Eowyn. The lady's face was pale and resolute.

Stay here, Fara. As Erin nodded, Eowyn stepped outside; from the door of the tent, Erin watched Eowyn walk up to Lord Aragorn, who looked ready to jump on his horse and leave.

She drank from the cup and offered it to Lord Aragorn, her face drawn with silent tears streaking down it as he made a gracious farewell. Her lips moved and the great lord answered, but their words were quiet and Erin could not hear them.

Suddenly, Eowyn fell on her knees before the whole company and reached up imploringly toward Aragorn, crying out, I beg thee! He looked down for a moment, his face lined and tired, then lifted her to her feet, shaking his head slowly.

Nay, lady.

After kissing her hand gently, he was in the saddle and the company was following behind him, progressing rapidly toward the cliff, a silent gray shadow against the faint morning light.


Eowyn did not move, watching wordlessly as the men rode out of sight without a backward glance. Erin could see her lady's knuckles turning white as her hands clenched unconsciously.

When the last rider had passed into the dark pin grove, a strangled cry tore out of Eowyn's throat, a wild sound of grief and loss. She turned to go back to the tent, her eyes not watching her steps and her feet tripping and hesitating.

Erin stepped from the tent frame and reached out in concern, catching Eowyn's stumbling figure just as she was about to fall. Her mouth opened to say some works, however inadequate to comfort her mistress, then shut as she met Eowyn's eyes.

The bright blue was icy and bleak, and the contact forced an involuntary gasp from Erin's lips.

Death is in her eyes...

She put a trembling arm around Eowyn's bent shoulders and led her inside, her lady's despair enveloping her and darkening the way.