**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 Seven: Save a Prayer
Geniveve's eyes opened slowly, the skies a periwinkle blue. It was not yet dawn in Rohan. She sat up and found herself in the stables with hay sticking in her hair and clothes. She had fallen asleep sitting up in the crook of Legolas's arm.
Her eyes were still filled with sleep, but they began to focus on her surroundings. She turned to where Legolas sat, and could tell that he had been awake the entire night. What was he thinking? What thoughts churned in his mind?
"Did you sleep well?"
Geniveve smiled lightly and Legolas chuckled at how childlike she looked. Her stray hairs pulled from their binding and into her face, while her eyes were fighting off sleep's call.
She sat up straight and gave a little yawn, "Yes. Will the others be angry with you?"
Legolas shook his head, "Elves need little rest; it is not uncommon for me to wander."
Geniveve stood up and brushed the hay from her nightclothes. She sighed thickly; they would have to soon say goodbye yet again. Her thoughts fell on her dreams during the night. This time she was barefoot on a beach, throwing stones at a seagull that was swooping at her head. What is it about the seagulls?
Legolas stood by her, "What are you thinking of? You're brow tells of worry."
Geniveve smoothed her hair and walked to Taralom's stall to pat him on the nose, "I've been having strange dreams. All containing the same themes."
Legolas looked curious and raised an eyebrow to her, "What are they?"
Geniveve shrugged, "They make no sense to me. In the first, Christopher warned me about seagulls. He was very stern. In the second, I was on the beach. It was a very gray day, no sun or bits of orange on the horizon. A Seagull was swooping at my head, pulling at my hair and my clothes. I couldn't seem to escape it, so I began to toss stones at it; trying to get it to leave."
Legolas's eyes widened a bit, remembering the message that Gandalf brought him from Lady Galadriel. Beware of the sea. She warned him of the gull's cry.
Geniveve turned around and looked at Legolas with concern. He had not commented or said anything in quite a few moments. She studied him cautiously, "What's wrong, Legolas?"
Legolas snapped out of his pondering, " It's Galadriel. The Lady sent words by Gandalf for Aragorn, Gimli and I. She warned me of the sea and the gull's cry."
Geniveve's jaw dropped a little. She now remembered. The sea would bewitch him. He would build a boat and travel the sea with Gimli. He would never return. She fought back tears with a vengeance. Her heart pulled at her chest. This is what heartbreak felt like, she knew why poets lamented and pined.
Geniveve caught her breath and steadied her hands, "Coincidence."
Legolas looked worried, "Perhaps."
She fought every instinct to scream out in pain and anger. She spoke gently to him, "I think we should go back to the hall. Without doubt, the others are preparing to go."
He nodded solemnly, his fair and proud features darkened by revelation. As they walked up the stairs to Meduseld, neither Geniveve nor Legolas spoke. As they entered, Geniveve spied Aragorn, Gimli and the sons of Elrond making preparations for their departure. In the dark corner, she could just make out a wisp of a figure clad in white. It was Eowyn.
Geniveve could not move, she stood stiffly like a statue at Rivendell, lost in her mist of uncertainty and malcontent. Just last night her world was full of joy, and now it has shattered like a broken mirror at her feet.
As the company assembled their weapons and provisions, they gathered in the hall ready to leave. Eowyn stepped out of the shadows, sword on her hip and a cup in her hands. The company began to file through the door and to their horses. Before Legolas walked out, Geniveve pulled him by the arm and close to her.
"What is it Geniveve?"
Geniveve felt tears collecting in the corner of her eyes, "I cannot bear to see you depart again. I cannot watch you ride off. I am sorry."
Legolas's heart dropped, "We will be together again. I promise you. No matter what should happen."
Geniveve wanted to believe him, but now her heart filled with doubt. She took his face in her hands and kissed both of his cheeks. She rested her forehead against his and whispered, "Legolas, I wanted to tell you that I-I- "
Legolas smiled gently and placed his fingertips against her lips, "Do not tell me now, I wish to hear it when I return."
Geniveve nodded, tears clinging to her dark eyelashes. Legolas fought a fit of sadness and made her look at him, "Remember your promise, Geniveve. Stay with Eowyn."
She nodded solemnly. He lifted her chin with his hand and kissed her chastely on the lips. He stepped away and nodded, "Farewell, Geniveve."
She smiled sadly, "For now."
He turned and walked out the door. Geniveve's tears ran freely and she scurried away to her quarters. She threw open the door and found Dascha still asleep in bed. Geniveve fell on her bed, the pillow muffling the sounds of her fitful sadness. She cried and cried until her eyes were swollen and she felt physical pain.
~~
Hours later, Dascha woke to find Geniveve on her bed. Her face was puffy and she looked exhausted. Dascha sat up and stretched, "They left, no?"
Geniveve shook her head, "Yes."
Dascha looked disdainfully at her friend, "Why are you upset?"
Geniveve sighed, "You ask questions when you already know the answer."
Dascha rose quietly and did not talk to Geniveve until later that evening when Geniveve finally decided to get out of bed, wash, her face and brush her hair. As she went to the main hall, she saw Dascha and Eowyn with armloads of blankets and provisions, "What are you all doing?"
Eowyn's face was swollen with sadness. Geniveve could tell that she had been crying as well. Eowyn's hair fanned out behind her, "We're setting up a pavilion for those that return tomorrow. The King, Eomer, and the rest of the Rohirrim."
Geniveve shrugged, "Oh. Can I do anything to help?"
Eowyn smiled and nodded, "If you wish, you can carry the rest of the provisions. You may want to take a cloak and your blade, we will have to ride there and spend the night."
Geniveve nodded in return and went back to her quarters. She changed into her riding garb that was still stained with Uruk blood on one arm. She fastened the thick silver clasp of her gray coat and tied the front part of her hair back. She fastened her blade to her side and hid the dagger in her boot and met the others in the main hall. There she picked up her share of the provisions and they went to the stables to ready their horses.
Taralom whinnied happily when Geniveve saddled him, "Yes boy, I know. We get to run free and fast tonight."
Geniveve helped Dascha saddle Ireth and then she mounted Taralom swiftly. Eowyn rode a dark chestnut horse with a dark brown mane and a white strip down his nose. She smiled to her companions, "Are we ready?"
Geniveve and Dascha nodded and they set off over the plains of Rohan.
~~
They arrived in the early afternoon to a small city of tents and lodgings that the Rohirrim would occupy. As Geniveve, Dascha and Eowyn lie on bedrolls, trying to rest awhile, Eowyn turned to Geniveve quietly.
"My heart breaks."
Geniveve smiled with empathy, "Mine as well."
Eowyn sighed, "Evangeline, Aragorn would not let me go with them."
"Legolas won't let me either, but I end up doing it anyway. He has gotten cross with me quite a bit. But this time I intend on keeping my promise to him."
Dascha fidgeted uncomfortably on the bedroll on the other side of Geniveve. Eowyn sighed, "I can do it, Evangeline. I can fight."
Geniveve nodded, "I know you can."
Suddenly, a man keeping lookout came to their tent, "My lady, the King approaches."
Eowyn rose to her feet and put on a coverlet of mail over her dress. Her hair was tied back in braids and she wore a blade at her waist. Both Geniveve and Dascha sat up on their bedrolls. Eowyn turned to them and nodded, "I shall go out and meet them. I will return soon."
With that she mounted her horse and she was gone. Geniveve looked at Dascha, while Dascha looked at Geniveve in a disgruntled manner, "You tell Eowyn more than you tell me. You think that I don't know what is going on. You think I am stupid, no?"
Geniveve wrinkled her brow, "What are you talking about? Eowyn confided in me, I just empathized with her. You are not and you will never be stupid. What is with you anyway? You have been so angry with me recently."
Dascha sneered, "There is nothing here for me, Gen. I cannot live trapped up like we have the past days. I was happier at Lothlorien. You have Legolas. Now you have Eowyn. You don't need me anymore."
Geniveve began to fume, "Would you listen to yourself? I am the one that went mad, but you are just being irrational. I am your friend Dascha. Always. You will be with me wherever I go."
"What if I no want to?"
Geniveve looked panicked, "What are you trying to say to me?"
"I am your friend, Gen. Always will be like you say. But I no want to follow you and Legolas forever. What if I want my own life?"
"So you're saying that you are going to leave me?"
"Perhaps."
"Dascha, what if I don't go with Legolas? What if he gets called off to the sea?"
Dascha looked confused, "The sea? What are you talking about?"
"Lady Galadriel foresaw that Legolas will go over the sea and will not return."
Dascha still looked confused; "We'll have to see, Gen. But there are things that I want to do here. Places I want to see."
Geniveve stood up, angry as can be at her friend's feelings, "Fine. If that is how you are going to be."
She left their tent and walked outside. Many gathered outside the tent of the King, no doubt where Eowyn and Eomer were. She spied a small tent right next to the King's lodgings and saw a familiar form sitting in the grass outside of it, watching the people walk to and fro.
Geniveve's eyes widened and a grin crept over her. She sprinted towards the figure and called, "Merry!"
Merry's head snapped with the call of his name and saw a lady in a violet riding dress running to him. Her long hair shone gold in the late afternoon and she wore a bright smile. As she neared, he recognized her as Geniveve.
As he rose, Geniveve scooped him up in her arms, "Oh, Merry! I am so glad to see you."
She kissed him on the cheeks and his forehead. Merry blushed at the attention and smiled sheepishly, "Geniveve? What are you doing here?"
Geniveve released him and stood up straight. She raised an eyebrow to him before she answered his question, "Have you gotten taller?"
Merry stood straight and nodded, "Ent draught."
Geniveve acted like she didn't know what he meant and inquired of his journey. He told her about Pippin and Treebeard, Entmoot, and the ent draught. He told her of Saruman's captivity in his own tower and Gandalf rushing Pippin away to Minas Tirith.
When he finished, he looked back to her, "Now what are you doing here?"
"Dascha and I followed the company out of Lothlorien a day later. We arrived to Amon Hen during the Uruk attack. Right after you and Pippin where taken. Where we found Boromir. Legolas and Aragorn made us swear not to follow them as they looked for you. We arrived to Edoras days before they did. We have stayed with the Lady Eowyn with the King's bidding."
Merry looked at her happily, "King Theoden made me an Esquire of Rohan."
Before she could congratulate him, a trumpet rang out and a man came for Merry, "Come, the King needs his esquire."
Merry nodded and turned to Geniveve, "I must go."
Geniveve smiled in return, "We shall talk later."
~~
After seeing Merry, Geniveve went to visit Taralom and walk him around for a while. As Taralom chewed on a patch of grass, a man on a horse came raging up to the camp. The captain of the Rohan guard called for Theoden and both the men walked to the King's tent. Geniveve followed, leading Taralom with her. As the man approached the tent, he clasped in his hand an arrow with a red tip. Geniveve squinted to see the look on Theoden's face as he accepted the news that Denethor; the steward of Gondor needed Theoden's help. The city was surrounded and hope was fast fading. Theoden promised to go himself with riders behind him.
Soon the meeting broke up and Theoden dismissed everyone to gather rest. Geniveve held Taralom's reins and patted him lovingly as he found a patch of fresh grass he favored. Geniveve saw Eowyn and Eomer leave their uncle's tent deep in thought. She tried to look busy with her horse as they passed. Eowyn stopped and stroked Taralom's mane, "He is such a fine horse."
Geniveve smiled, "Indeed. He is also a dear friend."
Eomer stood off to the side and watched as his sister chatted with Geniveve. When she was done she said to her, "Will you come with me?"
Geniveve smiled, "I will be along in a bit, I think Taralom has found a patch of grass he likes. I will put him with the other horses, then I will retire."
Eowyn nodded and said farewell to Geniveve and Eomer and walked up to her tent. Geniveve stood with Taralom, trying not to look as awkward as she felt. Eomer sighed and stepped closer to Geniveve, "I am glad to see you, Evangeline."
Geniveve looked up at him and smiled, "And I you."
As Taralom lifted his head and finished chewing, Geniveve pulled him gently towards the post with the other horses. Eomer walked beside her, choosing his words.
As she tied Taralom to the post with the other horses, Eomer studied the horse carefully, "Eowyn is right. He is a fine animal. Where did he come from?"
Geniveve patted Taralom's nose, "He was a gift from Lord Elrond of Rivendell as well as his stable mate Ireth, Telvilya's horse."
Eomer nodded and gently took her hand, "Evangeline. I owe you an apology. The way I acted the last time we met was rash and forward. I am sorry. Please forgive me."
Geniveve smiled in return, "It's all right Eomer, I have held no ill feelings toward you."
Eomer sighed, "Good. But Evangeline, I must tell you that my feelings are still there. There is no way to make you reconsider my offer?"
Geniveve shook her head, "I fear not, my lord. I can offer you nothing but my friendship."
Eomer looked downtrodden and then nodded, "Then so it must be. I must bid you goodnight, my lady."
He released her hand and turned toward his own lodgings. Geniveve sighed; everything is so complex.
~~
Geniveve and Dascha awoke the next morning with the cries of the Rohirrim outside. They rushed from their tent to find everyone looking at the sky, shock and fear awash on their faces. The sun did not shine; the sky remained dark and foreboding. It looked as though the sun had been completely blotted out.
King Theoden, Eowyn and Eomer planned. The Rohirrim would ride to Edoras and then to war. Merry was to stay and serve Eowyn as she led the people in Theoden's absence. Neither of them looked pleased at this news. They both wanted to go and fight.
When everyone started making preparations for Gondor, Geniveve and Dascha followed Eowyn to Edoras on Ireth and Taralom. She looked hurried and determined. Geniveve called to her, "Eowyn!"
Eowyn turned around and spoke sternly; "There is something that I must do. Forgive me if I do not tell you, for I fear that you would try to change my mind."
Geniveve shook her head; "You must do what you have to. I will not try to stop you, Eowyn. We will leave you now. I shall go find Merry."
Dascha followed Geniveve curiously out Eowyn's room and confronted her before she could get too far, "What is going on, Gen. Tell me right away."
Geniveve sighed, "She is going with them. In disguise."
Dascha looked defiant and slightly jealous, "You will allow her to go, but not me."
Geniveve rolled her eyes, "She has a purpose. Don't you see? Don't you understand? We can't change it or it will change the outcome. We are staying right here."
Dascha clenched her fists furiously; "You didn't say that the other times we went against what we were told. Did anything change then?"
Geniveve thought and then shook her head, "No. Not that I know of. But you must understand. This is different. Eowyn must do this. We don't."
Dascha frowned, "No, Gen. I no understand."
Dascha stormed off, leaving Geniveve to her thoughts and anger. She ran to Merry's new lodgings. She heard him inside, fuming.
"Merry?"
The hobbit poked his head out and frowned, "They won't let me go."
"I know. I heard. I'm sorry. Why don't you come out with me?"
Merry came out, clearly in a foul mood and watched the preparations begin. They stood on the steps of Meduseld. Riders, thousands of them mounted horses and carried great spears, shields and banners. She watched as Theoden bid farewell to his esquire and mounted his horse, Snowmane, alongside Eomer. She turned to talk to Merry and found that he was whispering with a young man, clad in mail and wearing a helm. Geniveve recognized him instantly as Eowyn in disguise.
Eowyn mounted her horse and secured Merry hidden beneath her cloak. Geniveve smiled secretly and watched as the Rohirrim rode into the darkening horizon banners blazing. When they were no longer to be seen, Geniveve went to her room and fell asleep on the bed without a second thought. Little sleep the night before and much riding had worn her down.
When she woke early the next afternoon, Geniveve turned to Dascha's bed and saw that it had never been slept in, but on the coverlet, a small scrap of parchment sat. Geniveve rose and read it out loud.
"Gen,
I followed the Riders. I left two hours after they did. I am sorry, but I must go. I will not ride with them, but I must fight.
--Dascha."
Geniveve washed and dressed hurriedly in her riding clothes. She braided her hair and grabbed her weapons. Dascha was nearly a day ahead of her. She must stop her from making this mistake. She ran to the stables and noticed Ireth's empty stall. Geniveve shook her head in disbelief and began to saddle Taralom.
"We must hurry, boy. Dascha is making a big mistake. Are you up for a long ride?"
Taralom whinnied boisterously. Geniveve nodded to him in affirmation. She hoisted herself up and thought about everything that was going to happen. She was breaking her promise to Legolas. She hoped that he would not lose trust in her, because she was trying to stop Dascha-trying to save her. He would do the same for his friends.
With defiance she kicked Taralom into motion and they rode towards Minas Tirith.
~~
A/N: And thus concludes the second part of the Evangeline Series. Please read and review.
Coming up in part three entitled, "Green and Gray," Geniveve arrives late, many die and the Houses of the Healing.
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 Seven: Save a Prayer
Geniveve's eyes opened slowly, the skies a periwinkle blue. It was not yet dawn in Rohan. She sat up and found herself in the stables with hay sticking in her hair and clothes. She had fallen asleep sitting up in the crook of Legolas's arm.
Her eyes were still filled with sleep, but they began to focus on her surroundings. She turned to where Legolas sat, and could tell that he had been awake the entire night. What was he thinking? What thoughts churned in his mind?
"Did you sleep well?"
Geniveve smiled lightly and Legolas chuckled at how childlike she looked. Her stray hairs pulled from their binding and into her face, while her eyes were fighting off sleep's call.
She sat up straight and gave a little yawn, "Yes. Will the others be angry with you?"
Legolas shook his head, "Elves need little rest; it is not uncommon for me to wander."
Geniveve stood up and brushed the hay from her nightclothes. She sighed thickly; they would have to soon say goodbye yet again. Her thoughts fell on her dreams during the night. This time she was barefoot on a beach, throwing stones at a seagull that was swooping at her head. What is it about the seagulls?
Legolas stood by her, "What are you thinking of? You're brow tells of worry."
Geniveve smoothed her hair and walked to Taralom's stall to pat him on the nose, "I've been having strange dreams. All containing the same themes."
Legolas looked curious and raised an eyebrow to her, "What are they?"
Geniveve shrugged, "They make no sense to me. In the first, Christopher warned me about seagulls. He was very stern. In the second, I was on the beach. It was a very gray day, no sun or bits of orange on the horizon. A Seagull was swooping at my head, pulling at my hair and my clothes. I couldn't seem to escape it, so I began to toss stones at it; trying to get it to leave."
Legolas's eyes widened a bit, remembering the message that Gandalf brought him from Lady Galadriel. Beware of the sea. She warned him of the gull's cry.
Geniveve turned around and looked at Legolas with concern. He had not commented or said anything in quite a few moments. She studied him cautiously, "What's wrong, Legolas?"
Legolas snapped out of his pondering, " It's Galadriel. The Lady sent words by Gandalf for Aragorn, Gimli and I. She warned me of the sea and the gull's cry."
Geniveve's jaw dropped a little. She now remembered. The sea would bewitch him. He would build a boat and travel the sea with Gimli. He would never return. She fought back tears with a vengeance. Her heart pulled at her chest. This is what heartbreak felt like, she knew why poets lamented and pined.
Geniveve caught her breath and steadied her hands, "Coincidence."
Legolas looked worried, "Perhaps."
She fought every instinct to scream out in pain and anger. She spoke gently to him, "I think we should go back to the hall. Without doubt, the others are preparing to go."
He nodded solemnly, his fair and proud features darkened by revelation. As they walked up the stairs to Meduseld, neither Geniveve nor Legolas spoke. As they entered, Geniveve spied Aragorn, Gimli and the sons of Elrond making preparations for their departure. In the dark corner, she could just make out a wisp of a figure clad in white. It was Eowyn.
Geniveve could not move, she stood stiffly like a statue at Rivendell, lost in her mist of uncertainty and malcontent. Just last night her world was full of joy, and now it has shattered like a broken mirror at her feet.
As the company assembled their weapons and provisions, they gathered in the hall ready to leave. Eowyn stepped out of the shadows, sword on her hip and a cup in her hands. The company began to file through the door and to their horses. Before Legolas walked out, Geniveve pulled him by the arm and close to her.
"What is it Geniveve?"
Geniveve felt tears collecting in the corner of her eyes, "I cannot bear to see you depart again. I cannot watch you ride off. I am sorry."
Legolas's heart dropped, "We will be together again. I promise you. No matter what should happen."
Geniveve wanted to believe him, but now her heart filled with doubt. She took his face in her hands and kissed both of his cheeks. She rested her forehead against his and whispered, "Legolas, I wanted to tell you that I-I- "
Legolas smiled gently and placed his fingertips against her lips, "Do not tell me now, I wish to hear it when I return."
Geniveve nodded, tears clinging to her dark eyelashes. Legolas fought a fit of sadness and made her look at him, "Remember your promise, Geniveve. Stay with Eowyn."
She nodded solemnly. He lifted her chin with his hand and kissed her chastely on the lips. He stepped away and nodded, "Farewell, Geniveve."
She smiled sadly, "For now."
He turned and walked out the door. Geniveve's tears ran freely and she scurried away to her quarters. She threw open the door and found Dascha still asleep in bed. Geniveve fell on her bed, the pillow muffling the sounds of her fitful sadness. She cried and cried until her eyes were swollen and she felt physical pain.
~~
Hours later, Dascha woke to find Geniveve on her bed. Her face was puffy and she looked exhausted. Dascha sat up and stretched, "They left, no?"
Geniveve shook her head, "Yes."
Dascha looked disdainfully at her friend, "Why are you upset?"
Geniveve sighed, "You ask questions when you already know the answer."
Dascha rose quietly and did not talk to Geniveve until later that evening when Geniveve finally decided to get out of bed, wash, her face and brush her hair. As she went to the main hall, she saw Dascha and Eowyn with armloads of blankets and provisions, "What are you all doing?"
Eowyn's face was swollen with sadness. Geniveve could tell that she had been crying as well. Eowyn's hair fanned out behind her, "We're setting up a pavilion for those that return tomorrow. The King, Eomer, and the rest of the Rohirrim."
Geniveve shrugged, "Oh. Can I do anything to help?"
Eowyn smiled and nodded, "If you wish, you can carry the rest of the provisions. You may want to take a cloak and your blade, we will have to ride there and spend the night."
Geniveve nodded in return and went back to her quarters. She changed into her riding garb that was still stained with Uruk blood on one arm. She fastened the thick silver clasp of her gray coat and tied the front part of her hair back. She fastened her blade to her side and hid the dagger in her boot and met the others in the main hall. There she picked up her share of the provisions and they went to the stables to ready their horses.
Taralom whinnied happily when Geniveve saddled him, "Yes boy, I know. We get to run free and fast tonight."
Geniveve helped Dascha saddle Ireth and then she mounted Taralom swiftly. Eowyn rode a dark chestnut horse with a dark brown mane and a white strip down his nose. She smiled to her companions, "Are we ready?"
Geniveve and Dascha nodded and they set off over the plains of Rohan.
~~
They arrived in the early afternoon to a small city of tents and lodgings that the Rohirrim would occupy. As Geniveve, Dascha and Eowyn lie on bedrolls, trying to rest awhile, Eowyn turned to Geniveve quietly.
"My heart breaks."
Geniveve smiled with empathy, "Mine as well."
Eowyn sighed, "Evangeline, Aragorn would not let me go with them."
"Legolas won't let me either, but I end up doing it anyway. He has gotten cross with me quite a bit. But this time I intend on keeping my promise to him."
Dascha fidgeted uncomfortably on the bedroll on the other side of Geniveve. Eowyn sighed, "I can do it, Evangeline. I can fight."
Geniveve nodded, "I know you can."
Suddenly, a man keeping lookout came to their tent, "My lady, the King approaches."
Eowyn rose to her feet and put on a coverlet of mail over her dress. Her hair was tied back in braids and she wore a blade at her waist. Both Geniveve and Dascha sat up on their bedrolls. Eowyn turned to them and nodded, "I shall go out and meet them. I will return soon."
With that she mounted her horse and she was gone. Geniveve looked at Dascha, while Dascha looked at Geniveve in a disgruntled manner, "You tell Eowyn more than you tell me. You think that I don't know what is going on. You think I am stupid, no?"
Geniveve wrinkled her brow, "What are you talking about? Eowyn confided in me, I just empathized with her. You are not and you will never be stupid. What is with you anyway? You have been so angry with me recently."
Dascha sneered, "There is nothing here for me, Gen. I cannot live trapped up like we have the past days. I was happier at Lothlorien. You have Legolas. Now you have Eowyn. You don't need me anymore."
Geniveve began to fume, "Would you listen to yourself? I am the one that went mad, but you are just being irrational. I am your friend Dascha. Always. You will be with me wherever I go."
"What if I no want to?"
Geniveve looked panicked, "What are you trying to say to me?"
"I am your friend, Gen. Always will be like you say. But I no want to follow you and Legolas forever. What if I want my own life?"
"So you're saying that you are going to leave me?"
"Perhaps."
"Dascha, what if I don't go with Legolas? What if he gets called off to the sea?"
Dascha looked confused, "The sea? What are you talking about?"
"Lady Galadriel foresaw that Legolas will go over the sea and will not return."
Dascha still looked confused; "We'll have to see, Gen. But there are things that I want to do here. Places I want to see."
Geniveve stood up, angry as can be at her friend's feelings, "Fine. If that is how you are going to be."
She left their tent and walked outside. Many gathered outside the tent of the King, no doubt where Eowyn and Eomer were. She spied a small tent right next to the King's lodgings and saw a familiar form sitting in the grass outside of it, watching the people walk to and fro.
Geniveve's eyes widened and a grin crept over her. She sprinted towards the figure and called, "Merry!"
Merry's head snapped with the call of his name and saw a lady in a violet riding dress running to him. Her long hair shone gold in the late afternoon and she wore a bright smile. As she neared, he recognized her as Geniveve.
As he rose, Geniveve scooped him up in her arms, "Oh, Merry! I am so glad to see you."
She kissed him on the cheeks and his forehead. Merry blushed at the attention and smiled sheepishly, "Geniveve? What are you doing here?"
Geniveve released him and stood up straight. She raised an eyebrow to him before she answered his question, "Have you gotten taller?"
Merry stood straight and nodded, "Ent draught."
Geniveve acted like she didn't know what he meant and inquired of his journey. He told her about Pippin and Treebeard, Entmoot, and the ent draught. He told her of Saruman's captivity in his own tower and Gandalf rushing Pippin away to Minas Tirith.
When he finished, he looked back to her, "Now what are you doing here?"
"Dascha and I followed the company out of Lothlorien a day later. We arrived to Amon Hen during the Uruk attack. Right after you and Pippin where taken. Where we found Boromir. Legolas and Aragorn made us swear not to follow them as they looked for you. We arrived to Edoras days before they did. We have stayed with the Lady Eowyn with the King's bidding."
Merry looked at her happily, "King Theoden made me an Esquire of Rohan."
Before she could congratulate him, a trumpet rang out and a man came for Merry, "Come, the King needs his esquire."
Merry nodded and turned to Geniveve, "I must go."
Geniveve smiled in return, "We shall talk later."
~~
After seeing Merry, Geniveve went to visit Taralom and walk him around for a while. As Taralom chewed on a patch of grass, a man on a horse came raging up to the camp. The captain of the Rohan guard called for Theoden and both the men walked to the King's tent. Geniveve followed, leading Taralom with her. As the man approached the tent, he clasped in his hand an arrow with a red tip. Geniveve squinted to see the look on Theoden's face as he accepted the news that Denethor; the steward of Gondor needed Theoden's help. The city was surrounded and hope was fast fading. Theoden promised to go himself with riders behind him.
Soon the meeting broke up and Theoden dismissed everyone to gather rest. Geniveve held Taralom's reins and patted him lovingly as he found a patch of fresh grass he favored. Geniveve saw Eowyn and Eomer leave their uncle's tent deep in thought. She tried to look busy with her horse as they passed. Eowyn stopped and stroked Taralom's mane, "He is such a fine horse."
Geniveve smiled, "Indeed. He is also a dear friend."
Eomer stood off to the side and watched as his sister chatted with Geniveve. When she was done she said to her, "Will you come with me?"
Geniveve smiled, "I will be along in a bit, I think Taralom has found a patch of grass he likes. I will put him with the other horses, then I will retire."
Eowyn nodded and said farewell to Geniveve and Eomer and walked up to her tent. Geniveve stood with Taralom, trying not to look as awkward as she felt. Eomer sighed and stepped closer to Geniveve, "I am glad to see you, Evangeline."
Geniveve looked up at him and smiled, "And I you."
As Taralom lifted his head and finished chewing, Geniveve pulled him gently towards the post with the other horses. Eomer walked beside her, choosing his words.
As she tied Taralom to the post with the other horses, Eomer studied the horse carefully, "Eowyn is right. He is a fine animal. Where did he come from?"
Geniveve patted Taralom's nose, "He was a gift from Lord Elrond of Rivendell as well as his stable mate Ireth, Telvilya's horse."
Eomer nodded and gently took her hand, "Evangeline. I owe you an apology. The way I acted the last time we met was rash and forward. I am sorry. Please forgive me."
Geniveve smiled in return, "It's all right Eomer, I have held no ill feelings toward you."
Eomer sighed, "Good. But Evangeline, I must tell you that my feelings are still there. There is no way to make you reconsider my offer?"
Geniveve shook her head, "I fear not, my lord. I can offer you nothing but my friendship."
Eomer looked downtrodden and then nodded, "Then so it must be. I must bid you goodnight, my lady."
He released her hand and turned toward his own lodgings. Geniveve sighed; everything is so complex.
~~
Geniveve and Dascha awoke the next morning with the cries of the Rohirrim outside. They rushed from their tent to find everyone looking at the sky, shock and fear awash on their faces. The sun did not shine; the sky remained dark and foreboding. It looked as though the sun had been completely blotted out.
King Theoden, Eowyn and Eomer planned. The Rohirrim would ride to Edoras and then to war. Merry was to stay and serve Eowyn as she led the people in Theoden's absence. Neither of them looked pleased at this news. They both wanted to go and fight.
When everyone started making preparations for Gondor, Geniveve and Dascha followed Eowyn to Edoras on Ireth and Taralom. She looked hurried and determined. Geniveve called to her, "Eowyn!"
Eowyn turned around and spoke sternly; "There is something that I must do. Forgive me if I do not tell you, for I fear that you would try to change my mind."
Geniveve shook her head; "You must do what you have to. I will not try to stop you, Eowyn. We will leave you now. I shall go find Merry."
Dascha followed Geniveve curiously out Eowyn's room and confronted her before she could get too far, "What is going on, Gen. Tell me right away."
Geniveve sighed, "She is going with them. In disguise."
Dascha looked defiant and slightly jealous, "You will allow her to go, but not me."
Geniveve rolled her eyes, "She has a purpose. Don't you see? Don't you understand? We can't change it or it will change the outcome. We are staying right here."
Dascha clenched her fists furiously; "You didn't say that the other times we went against what we were told. Did anything change then?"
Geniveve thought and then shook her head, "No. Not that I know of. But you must understand. This is different. Eowyn must do this. We don't."
Dascha frowned, "No, Gen. I no understand."
Dascha stormed off, leaving Geniveve to her thoughts and anger. She ran to Merry's new lodgings. She heard him inside, fuming.
"Merry?"
The hobbit poked his head out and frowned, "They won't let me go."
"I know. I heard. I'm sorry. Why don't you come out with me?"
Merry came out, clearly in a foul mood and watched the preparations begin. They stood on the steps of Meduseld. Riders, thousands of them mounted horses and carried great spears, shields and banners. She watched as Theoden bid farewell to his esquire and mounted his horse, Snowmane, alongside Eomer. She turned to talk to Merry and found that he was whispering with a young man, clad in mail and wearing a helm. Geniveve recognized him instantly as Eowyn in disguise.
Eowyn mounted her horse and secured Merry hidden beneath her cloak. Geniveve smiled secretly and watched as the Rohirrim rode into the darkening horizon banners blazing. When they were no longer to be seen, Geniveve went to her room and fell asleep on the bed without a second thought. Little sleep the night before and much riding had worn her down.
When she woke early the next afternoon, Geniveve turned to Dascha's bed and saw that it had never been slept in, but on the coverlet, a small scrap of parchment sat. Geniveve rose and read it out loud.
"Gen,
I followed the Riders. I left two hours after they did. I am sorry, but I must go. I will not ride with them, but I must fight.
--Dascha."
Geniveve washed and dressed hurriedly in her riding clothes. She braided her hair and grabbed her weapons. Dascha was nearly a day ahead of her. She must stop her from making this mistake. She ran to the stables and noticed Ireth's empty stall. Geniveve shook her head in disbelief and began to saddle Taralom.
"We must hurry, boy. Dascha is making a big mistake. Are you up for a long ride?"
Taralom whinnied boisterously. Geniveve nodded to him in affirmation. She hoisted herself up and thought about everything that was going to happen. She was breaking her promise to Legolas. She hoped that he would not lose trust in her, because she was trying to stop Dascha-trying to save her. He would do the same for his friends.
With defiance she kicked Taralom into motion and they rode towards Minas Tirith.
~~
A/N: And thus concludes the second part of the Evangeline Series. Please read and review.
Coming up in part three entitled, "Green and Gray," Geniveve arrives late, many die and the Houses of the Healing.