**I don't own anything from Lord of the Rings, J. R.R. Tolkien, or any of
the poetry or poets referenced (such as John Keats, Shakespeare, Poe,
Donne) or the song "Judgement of the Moon and Stars (Ludwig's Tune)" by
Joni Mitchell-all I own is Dascha, Ivy, Geniveve, Christopher, Ireth and
Taralom**
A/N: This story is the second part of "The Evangeline Series," the first part being found in the story "A Sorta Fairytale." Please read it and review if you have not already done so. Happy reading!
PART TWO OF THE EVANGELINE SERIES:
Judgement of the Moon and Stars
By Leah Pensotti
Chapter Five: La Belle Dame sans Merci
Geniveve moped down the halls of Meduseld while all that depart for Helm's Deep readied weapons, chained mail and helms. Thoughts attacked her brain from different angles. Perhaps all of the devil-may-care crusading had made things more muddled. Suddenly, while lost in her thoughts, Geniveve connected with a thin figure. She looked up to meet eyes with a rather distracted Eowyn.
"I'm sorry, Evangeline. I fear that I did not see you there."
Geniveve caught the distant look in her eyes, "Nor did I see you. Eowyn? Are you alright?"
Eowyn kept her eyes on the activity in the great hall, "Yes, yes. I'm fine. Your friend, Lord Aragorn-"
Eowyn stopped short, but Geniveve prodded, "What about him?"
The Lady of Rohan shook her fair head, "Nothing. Forgot what I was going to say. What about you, Evangeline? How do you feel?"
Geniveve sighed and place her hands against the dark wood barrier, "Confused."
Eowyn smiled, "Three days without eating will have that effect, my friend. Evangeline-"
Geniveve smiled at Eowyn, "Yes?"
Eowyn sighed, "They elected me to lead, while the others are away."
Geniveve squeezed Eowyn's elbow; "You will do a fine job. You are one of the strongest women I have ever met."
Eowyn chuckled lightly, "Thank you. By the way, Eomer was looking for you. He looked rather urgent."
Geniveve sighed yet again and nodded, "I saw him."
A silence came upon them and then shattered as Eowyn spoke plainly, "I think my brother may fancy you."
Geniveve inhaled deeply; "Did he tell you that?"
Eowyn shook her head, "No, but I know him well. I daresay that it would be a good match."
"Eowyn, there are things you must know. However, I cannot reveal them here and now. There are circumstances-"
Eowyn looked panicked, "There is somebody else? Is it Aragorn?"
Geniveve giggled, "Heavens no. Not even close."
Eowyn looked relieved, "But there is somebody else?"
"Sort of-yes--"
Geniveve looked around and realized that she had not seen Dascha in quite some time, "Eowyn, have you seen Telvilya?"
"No, not since I brought you both the dresses."
Geniveve bid Eowyn farewell and set off to find Dascha. She walked down dark hallways, almost certain she was lost. She heard a creak in the floor and called for her friend, "Dascha? Are you here?"
Suddenly, a strong hand pulled her by the arm and into a crevice in the wall. Her eyes took a moment to adjust and then she found herself presented with a familiar face.
"I have to tell you why I came to your room."
"Eomer?"
"Evangeline, please-"
"What are you doing here?"
"Thinking. I need to be truthful to you."
"About what?"
"About why I came to your door in the first place; when I should've knocked."
"So you grab me in a dark hallway?"
"Forgive me for that, please listen to what I have to say."
"What is it?"
Geniveve saw an uncomfortable look awash on his face; "I came to tell you that I am going into battle, into war."
"Yes?"
Eomer sighed, "I wanted to tell you, that if I did not come back, if I did not see you again-"
"But you will-"
"And now I know that you want him, but I do not care. I have to tell you-"
"For Pity's sake, what is it?"
Eomer fell silent and looked Geniveve straight in the eye. He leaned forward and gently captured her mouth with his. She didn't return the kiss and softly pushed him away, not wanting to rebuff him.
"Eomer, I'm sorry---but I-"
"Love him."
Geniveve looked at Eomer intently. Love? Love? She had never thought about that seriously, the truth is that she couldn't really explain how she felt, "Well-"
Eomer grasped her hands in his, "I offer you all I have."
Geniveve smiled sadly, "And I have nothing to offer you, Eomer. I will not age, as you will. Even elves make choices to give up their immortality. I do not have that choice. You must go a different route."
Eomer brushed a finger against her cheek, "Then it is farewell."
Geniveve sighed, "You will return."
Eomer gave her one last look and then released her hands. He walked out of the crevice and left her immersed in her own thoughts. After regaining herself, she walked down the corridor and to the space above the hall, where she now saw Dascha leaning over, watching the preparations for battle.
Her friend looked at her quizzically, "What's wrong. Gen?"
"I'm not sure."
~~
Later that night, it was decided that the Rohirrim would ride in the morning to Helm's Deep. During the evening meal, Geniveve stepped out. She was unwilling to see Eomer and really didn't know what to say to Legolas. She headed quietly to the stables to seek sanctuary with Ireth and Taralom.
The horses lazily allowed her to feed them apples and soft shoots of hay. She pressed the side of her face against Taralom's muzzle. Lost to her thoughts and the rest of Middle-Earth in the stable in Rohan.
"I thought that I might find you here."
Geniveve opened her eyes to see Legolas standing at the mouth of the stable. She remained silent and avoided eye contact. Legolas cocked his head, sensing her mood.
"Is everything alright, Geniveve? You seem sad and distant."
"That's because I am sad and distant."
Legolas stepped closer to her and made her face him; "There is something wrong."
Geniveve shook her head, "Let's not speak of it Legolas. There are many things that are more important."
"Such as?"
She looked at him truthfully, "Merry, Pippin, Sam and Frodo."
Legolas looked serious, "If you wish for me to leave, I will."
Geniveve chuckled, "That doesn't sound like Legolas. He would incessantly badger me until I told him each and every little thing on my mind."
Legolas nodded and turned to go, "I do not wish to torment you."
Geniveve grabbed him by the hand, "Please don't leave. Stay."
"If you wish."
"I wish."
Geniveve led Legolas by the wrist, outside of the stable and to a place littered with hay. Geniveve sat down beneath the starry sky and pulled Legolas by the wrist to sit down beside her. They sat in complete silence until Geniveve finally spoke, "Are preparations ready then?"
Legolas nodded solemnly, "Yes, they are. Geniveve, I was thinking about what you said earlier. About how we're opposites."
Geniveve let loose a thick exhale, "Yes?"
He paused thoughtfully, "We are very much opposites."
She stared at him intently, "So what are you saying?
"Well, you don't listen and you're headstrong."
"Thanks."
Geniveve wrinkled her brow at his statements and shot back at him, "And you're haughty and self-important."
Legolas shook his head; "I do not want to fight with you, Geniveve. But I cannot imagine how we would be if we were completely the same."
Geniveve smiled sweetly, "If ever there was an irritating elf, it is you. However, I couldn't imagine it either. It would be strange and scary."
He chuckled good-naturedly, "Indeed. Shall we go back in?"
Geniveve shook her head, "Not just yet. Let's stay for awhile longer. We have but a few hours before the world turns dark and thrust into warfare."
Legolas nodded, "Alright then."
She moved herself closer to him until they finally sat shoulder to shoulder. Legolas looked up at the stars and Geniveve whispered carelessly,
"I am not yours, not lost in you,
Not lost, although I long to be
Lost as a candle lit at noon,
Lost as a snowflake in the sea."
She trailed off, lost in thought. Legolas continued to look upwards, though he asked, "Is there more?"
Geniveve looked surprised, "More of what?"
"More of that verse."
"Yes. It's a poem by Sarah Teasdale."
"Well go on, then."
Geniveve ran through the lines in her head. No, she couldn't. The poem was too exposing and too personal, "Perhaps I will tell you sometime. But not at this moment."
Legolas nodded, "Ah, I see. A mystery."
Geniveve yawned, "Mmm-hmm."
Legolas smiled and stood, offering a hand to Geniveve, "Come now, you must rest. It has been a very long day."
Geniveve took his hand and stood. He led her back to her quarters and then kissed her brow, "I will come in the morning before we leave."
She nodded gently, "Alright. Goodnight, Legolas."
He murmured goodnight to her and she then pushed open the door and fell into bed.
~~
Dascha woke Geniveve up before dawn, urging her to get ready to see the others off. She wearily rose and looked oddly at Dascha, "What are you so chipper about?"
Dascha wore a light blue elvish dress, obviously she was not a fan of the Rohirric dresses, "I am no chipper, but I think it is very interesting to see them off."
Geniveve patted her face dry and picked up her brush, "You want to go with them, don't you?"
Dascha sighed, "I can no deny that there is a thrill in battle. But I do no want to go with them."
Geniveve turned away from her friend and twisted her hair into a long braid. She pulled out the violet dress from Lothlorien, even though it made her feel out of place amongst the dark clothes of Rohan.
They walked out of Meduseld and on to the great steps. There they saw many horses being readied; men dressed in shining mail, and weapons being counted. Geniveve took notice of the Rohirric women saying goodbye to their husbands and sons with tears trailing down their faces. Geniveve searched the crowd to see King Theoden, fully restored and dressed in regal armor with Eowyn and Eomer at his side. Eomer wore armor, too. His helm was in his hands as he bid farewell to his sister.
The Rohirric men looked drawn and pale. Geniveve remembered her favorite Keats poem,
"I saw pale Kings, and Princes too,
Pale warriors, death-pale were they all;
Who cry'd-'La belle Dame sans merci
Hath thee in thrall!'
I saw their starved lips in the gloam
With horrid warning gaped wide,
And I awoke, and found me here
On the cold hill side. "
Geniveve continued to look amongst the crowd, now hundreds strong. Suddenly a voice came from behind her, "What does that mean?"
She turned to see Aragorn, bedecked in mail, eyeing her curiously, "La Belle Dame sans Merci. It is 'the beautiful woman without thanks'."
Aragorn rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, "I want you ladies to stay with Eowyn. Legolas tells me that you have sworn on it."
Geniveve smiled at Dascha, who looked displeased and then turned to Aragorn, "Yes, we will stay with Eowyn. You have our word."
Aragorn nodded, "Good. I fear I must bid you farewell. Take care of each other."
Geniveve and Dascha nodded earnestly and in unison, "Goodbye, Aragorn."
As he walked away, Geniveve caught sight of Legolas's tall form amongst the crowd, with Gimli by his side. She picked up her dress hem and trotted down the stairs. She had to push through the crowd to make her way to them.
"Legolas!"
He turned fast and met her excited gaze. He wore his knives, bow and quiver on his back and was adorned with pieces of Rohirric armor. Gimli looked surprised by the exchange.
Geniveve stepped closer; "I've been looking for you. I thought you would've come to say goodbye."
Legolas smiled, "I did come. Did Dascha not tell you?"
"No."
"I could not bear to wake you."
Geniveve felt her lips pull into a smile as he stepped closer to her. She looked up at him; "I shall keep our promise."
Legolas nodded, "I know you will."
Geniveve's hand trailed to his face and rested on his high cheekbone, "I just want you to know-"
She felt Gimli watching them intently, and she pushed the discomfort to the back of her mind. She didn't care anymore. She pulled Legolas to her gently and kissed him firmly on the mouth. Legolas enfolded her in his arms and pressed her to his chest. As the kiss continued, they heard a stifled chuckle coming from behind.
Geniveve drew back rather unwillingly and they both turned their gaze on Gimli, who was leaning on his axe trying unsuccessfully not to ruin the moment. Geniveve smiled, "I'm sorry, Gimli."
He laughed heartily, "No worries, Lassie!"
Gimli patted Legolas on the arm with gusto, "There's hope for you yet, Elf."
As Gimli walked away, chuckling boisterously, Geniveve turned back to Legolas, "You should go."
Legolas nodded and kissed her again, "I will find you, when this is all over."
Geniveve looked sad, "It seems we are always saying goodbye."
He squeezed her hand, "For now."
They gave each other one last look before Legolas walked away. He mounted his horse and then pulled Gimli up behind him. Geniveve turned away and spied Eomer giving her an odd look. She walked in the direction where Eowyn stood with her brother and uncle.
Eowyn gave her a sad smile, "Hello, Evangeline."
Geniveve nearly mumbled, "Hello."
Theoden nodded to Eowyn, "We must go, sister-daughter."
Eowyn embraced her uncle and watched as he mounted his horse. Eomer stood for a few moments more and Eowyn said, "Ride safe, brother."
Geniveve felt like taking a step back from this moment, it was too awkward and personal. Eomer took his sister in his arms and hugged her. They gave each other encouraging looks, then Eomer turned to Geniveve, "Farewell, Lady."
Geniveve nodded, "Farewell."
With that, Eomer mounted his horse Gandalf emerged on his snowy horse, Shadowfax. The army of a thousand men looked to their King and Gandalf, their horses chomping at the bit to ride fast over the plains. Eowyn walked up to the door at Meduseld where Dascha stood. Geniveve followed her and when reach ing the door; she looked down at the swell.
"Forth Eorlingas!"
Theoden raised his hand as a signal and the swell rode speedily out the gates of Edoras and over the plains. The three looked wistfully as the Rohirrim faded out of sight.
~~
A/N: Next up Geniveve, Dascha, and Eowyn alone in Meduseld. Aragorn returns to take the Path of the Dead. Please read and review!
--While you're waiting for the next chapter, read my new story "My Fair Barmaid: A Comedy"!
A/N: This story is the second part of "The Evangeline Series," the first part being found in the story "A Sorta Fairytale." Please read it and review if you have not already done so. Happy reading!
PART TWO OF THE EVANGELINE SERIES:
Judgement of the Moon and Stars
By Leah Pensotti
Chapter Five: La Belle Dame sans Merci
Geniveve moped down the halls of Meduseld while all that depart for Helm's Deep readied weapons, chained mail and helms. Thoughts attacked her brain from different angles. Perhaps all of the devil-may-care crusading had made things more muddled. Suddenly, while lost in her thoughts, Geniveve connected with a thin figure. She looked up to meet eyes with a rather distracted Eowyn.
"I'm sorry, Evangeline. I fear that I did not see you there."
Geniveve caught the distant look in her eyes, "Nor did I see you. Eowyn? Are you alright?"
Eowyn kept her eyes on the activity in the great hall, "Yes, yes. I'm fine. Your friend, Lord Aragorn-"
Eowyn stopped short, but Geniveve prodded, "What about him?"
The Lady of Rohan shook her fair head, "Nothing. Forgot what I was going to say. What about you, Evangeline? How do you feel?"
Geniveve sighed and place her hands against the dark wood barrier, "Confused."
Eowyn smiled, "Three days without eating will have that effect, my friend. Evangeline-"
Geniveve smiled at Eowyn, "Yes?"
Eowyn sighed, "They elected me to lead, while the others are away."
Geniveve squeezed Eowyn's elbow; "You will do a fine job. You are one of the strongest women I have ever met."
Eowyn chuckled lightly, "Thank you. By the way, Eomer was looking for you. He looked rather urgent."
Geniveve sighed yet again and nodded, "I saw him."
A silence came upon them and then shattered as Eowyn spoke plainly, "I think my brother may fancy you."
Geniveve inhaled deeply; "Did he tell you that?"
Eowyn shook her head, "No, but I know him well. I daresay that it would be a good match."
"Eowyn, there are things you must know. However, I cannot reveal them here and now. There are circumstances-"
Eowyn looked panicked, "There is somebody else? Is it Aragorn?"
Geniveve giggled, "Heavens no. Not even close."
Eowyn looked relieved, "But there is somebody else?"
"Sort of-yes--"
Geniveve looked around and realized that she had not seen Dascha in quite some time, "Eowyn, have you seen Telvilya?"
"No, not since I brought you both the dresses."
Geniveve bid Eowyn farewell and set off to find Dascha. She walked down dark hallways, almost certain she was lost. She heard a creak in the floor and called for her friend, "Dascha? Are you here?"
Suddenly, a strong hand pulled her by the arm and into a crevice in the wall. Her eyes took a moment to adjust and then she found herself presented with a familiar face.
"I have to tell you why I came to your room."
"Eomer?"
"Evangeline, please-"
"What are you doing here?"
"Thinking. I need to be truthful to you."
"About what?"
"About why I came to your door in the first place; when I should've knocked."
"So you grab me in a dark hallway?"
"Forgive me for that, please listen to what I have to say."
"What is it?"
Geniveve saw an uncomfortable look awash on his face; "I came to tell you that I am going into battle, into war."
"Yes?"
Eomer sighed, "I wanted to tell you, that if I did not come back, if I did not see you again-"
"But you will-"
"And now I know that you want him, but I do not care. I have to tell you-"
"For Pity's sake, what is it?"
Eomer fell silent and looked Geniveve straight in the eye. He leaned forward and gently captured her mouth with his. She didn't return the kiss and softly pushed him away, not wanting to rebuff him.
"Eomer, I'm sorry---but I-"
"Love him."
Geniveve looked at Eomer intently. Love? Love? She had never thought about that seriously, the truth is that she couldn't really explain how she felt, "Well-"
Eomer grasped her hands in his, "I offer you all I have."
Geniveve smiled sadly, "And I have nothing to offer you, Eomer. I will not age, as you will. Even elves make choices to give up their immortality. I do not have that choice. You must go a different route."
Eomer brushed a finger against her cheek, "Then it is farewell."
Geniveve sighed, "You will return."
Eomer gave her one last look and then released her hands. He walked out of the crevice and left her immersed in her own thoughts. After regaining herself, she walked down the corridor and to the space above the hall, where she now saw Dascha leaning over, watching the preparations for battle.
Her friend looked at her quizzically, "What's wrong. Gen?"
"I'm not sure."
~~
Later that night, it was decided that the Rohirrim would ride in the morning to Helm's Deep. During the evening meal, Geniveve stepped out. She was unwilling to see Eomer and really didn't know what to say to Legolas. She headed quietly to the stables to seek sanctuary with Ireth and Taralom.
The horses lazily allowed her to feed them apples and soft shoots of hay. She pressed the side of her face against Taralom's muzzle. Lost to her thoughts and the rest of Middle-Earth in the stable in Rohan.
"I thought that I might find you here."
Geniveve opened her eyes to see Legolas standing at the mouth of the stable. She remained silent and avoided eye contact. Legolas cocked his head, sensing her mood.
"Is everything alright, Geniveve? You seem sad and distant."
"That's because I am sad and distant."
Legolas stepped closer to her and made her face him; "There is something wrong."
Geniveve shook her head, "Let's not speak of it Legolas. There are many things that are more important."
"Such as?"
She looked at him truthfully, "Merry, Pippin, Sam and Frodo."
Legolas looked serious, "If you wish for me to leave, I will."
Geniveve chuckled, "That doesn't sound like Legolas. He would incessantly badger me until I told him each and every little thing on my mind."
Legolas nodded and turned to go, "I do not wish to torment you."
Geniveve grabbed him by the hand, "Please don't leave. Stay."
"If you wish."
"I wish."
Geniveve led Legolas by the wrist, outside of the stable and to a place littered with hay. Geniveve sat down beneath the starry sky and pulled Legolas by the wrist to sit down beside her. They sat in complete silence until Geniveve finally spoke, "Are preparations ready then?"
Legolas nodded solemnly, "Yes, they are. Geniveve, I was thinking about what you said earlier. About how we're opposites."
Geniveve let loose a thick exhale, "Yes?"
He paused thoughtfully, "We are very much opposites."
She stared at him intently, "So what are you saying?
"Well, you don't listen and you're headstrong."
"Thanks."
Geniveve wrinkled her brow at his statements and shot back at him, "And you're haughty and self-important."
Legolas shook his head; "I do not want to fight with you, Geniveve. But I cannot imagine how we would be if we were completely the same."
Geniveve smiled sweetly, "If ever there was an irritating elf, it is you. However, I couldn't imagine it either. It would be strange and scary."
He chuckled good-naturedly, "Indeed. Shall we go back in?"
Geniveve shook her head, "Not just yet. Let's stay for awhile longer. We have but a few hours before the world turns dark and thrust into warfare."
Legolas nodded, "Alright then."
She moved herself closer to him until they finally sat shoulder to shoulder. Legolas looked up at the stars and Geniveve whispered carelessly,
"I am not yours, not lost in you,
Not lost, although I long to be
Lost as a candle lit at noon,
Lost as a snowflake in the sea."
She trailed off, lost in thought. Legolas continued to look upwards, though he asked, "Is there more?"
Geniveve looked surprised, "More of what?"
"More of that verse."
"Yes. It's a poem by Sarah Teasdale."
"Well go on, then."
Geniveve ran through the lines in her head. No, she couldn't. The poem was too exposing and too personal, "Perhaps I will tell you sometime. But not at this moment."
Legolas nodded, "Ah, I see. A mystery."
Geniveve yawned, "Mmm-hmm."
Legolas smiled and stood, offering a hand to Geniveve, "Come now, you must rest. It has been a very long day."
Geniveve took his hand and stood. He led her back to her quarters and then kissed her brow, "I will come in the morning before we leave."
She nodded gently, "Alright. Goodnight, Legolas."
He murmured goodnight to her and she then pushed open the door and fell into bed.
~~
Dascha woke Geniveve up before dawn, urging her to get ready to see the others off. She wearily rose and looked oddly at Dascha, "What are you so chipper about?"
Dascha wore a light blue elvish dress, obviously she was not a fan of the Rohirric dresses, "I am no chipper, but I think it is very interesting to see them off."
Geniveve patted her face dry and picked up her brush, "You want to go with them, don't you?"
Dascha sighed, "I can no deny that there is a thrill in battle. But I do no want to go with them."
Geniveve turned away from her friend and twisted her hair into a long braid. She pulled out the violet dress from Lothlorien, even though it made her feel out of place amongst the dark clothes of Rohan.
They walked out of Meduseld and on to the great steps. There they saw many horses being readied; men dressed in shining mail, and weapons being counted. Geniveve took notice of the Rohirric women saying goodbye to their husbands and sons with tears trailing down their faces. Geniveve searched the crowd to see King Theoden, fully restored and dressed in regal armor with Eowyn and Eomer at his side. Eomer wore armor, too. His helm was in his hands as he bid farewell to his sister.
The Rohirric men looked drawn and pale. Geniveve remembered her favorite Keats poem,
"I saw pale Kings, and Princes too,
Pale warriors, death-pale were they all;
Who cry'd-'La belle Dame sans merci
Hath thee in thrall!'
I saw their starved lips in the gloam
With horrid warning gaped wide,
And I awoke, and found me here
On the cold hill side. "
Geniveve continued to look amongst the crowd, now hundreds strong. Suddenly a voice came from behind her, "What does that mean?"
She turned to see Aragorn, bedecked in mail, eyeing her curiously, "La Belle Dame sans Merci. It is 'the beautiful woman without thanks'."
Aragorn rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, "I want you ladies to stay with Eowyn. Legolas tells me that you have sworn on it."
Geniveve smiled at Dascha, who looked displeased and then turned to Aragorn, "Yes, we will stay with Eowyn. You have our word."
Aragorn nodded, "Good. I fear I must bid you farewell. Take care of each other."
Geniveve and Dascha nodded earnestly and in unison, "Goodbye, Aragorn."
As he walked away, Geniveve caught sight of Legolas's tall form amongst the crowd, with Gimli by his side. She picked up her dress hem and trotted down the stairs. She had to push through the crowd to make her way to them.
"Legolas!"
He turned fast and met her excited gaze. He wore his knives, bow and quiver on his back and was adorned with pieces of Rohirric armor. Gimli looked surprised by the exchange.
Geniveve stepped closer; "I've been looking for you. I thought you would've come to say goodbye."
Legolas smiled, "I did come. Did Dascha not tell you?"
"No."
"I could not bear to wake you."
Geniveve felt her lips pull into a smile as he stepped closer to her. She looked up at him; "I shall keep our promise."
Legolas nodded, "I know you will."
Geniveve's hand trailed to his face and rested on his high cheekbone, "I just want you to know-"
She felt Gimli watching them intently, and she pushed the discomfort to the back of her mind. She didn't care anymore. She pulled Legolas to her gently and kissed him firmly on the mouth. Legolas enfolded her in his arms and pressed her to his chest. As the kiss continued, they heard a stifled chuckle coming from behind.
Geniveve drew back rather unwillingly and they both turned their gaze on Gimli, who was leaning on his axe trying unsuccessfully not to ruin the moment. Geniveve smiled, "I'm sorry, Gimli."
He laughed heartily, "No worries, Lassie!"
Gimli patted Legolas on the arm with gusto, "There's hope for you yet, Elf."
As Gimli walked away, chuckling boisterously, Geniveve turned back to Legolas, "You should go."
Legolas nodded and kissed her again, "I will find you, when this is all over."
Geniveve looked sad, "It seems we are always saying goodbye."
He squeezed her hand, "For now."
They gave each other one last look before Legolas walked away. He mounted his horse and then pulled Gimli up behind him. Geniveve turned away and spied Eomer giving her an odd look. She walked in the direction where Eowyn stood with her brother and uncle.
Eowyn gave her a sad smile, "Hello, Evangeline."
Geniveve nearly mumbled, "Hello."
Theoden nodded to Eowyn, "We must go, sister-daughter."
Eowyn embraced her uncle and watched as he mounted his horse. Eomer stood for a few moments more and Eowyn said, "Ride safe, brother."
Geniveve felt like taking a step back from this moment, it was too awkward and personal. Eomer took his sister in his arms and hugged her. They gave each other encouraging looks, then Eomer turned to Geniveve, "Farewell, Lady."
Geniveve nodded, "Farewell."
With that, Eomer mounted his horse Gandalf emerged on his snowy horse, Shadowfax. The army of a thousand men looked to their King and Gandalf, their horses chomping at the bit to ride fast over the plains. Eowyn walked up to the door at Meduseld where Dascha stood. Geniveve followed her and when reach ing the door; she looked down at the swell.
"Forth Eorlingas!"
Theoden raised his hand as a signal and the swell rode speedily out the gates of Edoras and over the plains. The three looked wistfully as the Rohirrim faded out of sight.
~~
A/N: Next up Geniveve, Dascha, and Eowyn alone in Meduseld. Aragorn returns to take the Path of the Dead. Please read and review!
--While you're waiting for the next chapter, read my new story "My Fair Barmaid: A Comedy"!