Chapter 9: Back in the Sunshine

It has been three days since the battle of Helm's Deep. When the men of Rohan and elves of Lorien suddenly, and unexpectedly, had victory over Saruman's forces. Gandalf had come – with Eomer! And with him were his men, those who went with him when he was banished. They had swept down on the dismayed armies and slain all. But the victory had come with a heavy price. For many men and elves also fell during the long battle.

It has been three days since Eowyn, along with Mowen, Laesien, Neisa, Tralede, Larewen, Ethoethien, Thathien, and Freda had defended the women and children from a surprise attack of orcs. Blood had been spilt under the ground for their valor and bravery. Only three days ago… But to Eowyn it seems like it has happened only yesterday -- and forever ago. She has not had peace or rest since the time they had all been preparing for the battle.

When Hama and the men with him had led the women and children out of the passage and caves, there had been many men waiting anxiously for them outside, looking for their loved ones. Eowyn remembered the shock and horror that filled the faces of those who recognized the women that had perished. She had witnessed both joy and grief that hour, when she saw the sun again. When she had walked away from the doors, she heard women telling of what they had experienced in the caves and passage. Eowyn could not bear to listen and had gone to look over the destruction of the fortress. Everywhere she looked there was death. One of the outer walls of the refuge was only rubble. And while she walked along the dead, never did she recognize the face of Lord Aragorn or his companions.

Eowyn helped tend to the wounded. She saw more death. She did not rest, despite her own tiredness and her wound which grew more painful as time passed. She tried not to worry about it by keeping herself busy. She had not even taken time to see her uncle and brother.

The tale of her and the others has been spreading quickly from mouth to mouth. Of her courage and leadership, and how if she had not been there, many more lives would have been lost. She had proven that she was a shieldmaiden. These praises, however, did not quiet the accusing voices that haunted Eowyn's thoughts. She could have done something to save everyone, including Larewen and Neisa. She has failed her people – and her King. She has failed. It would have been better if she had died during the battle instead of being spared.

~~~

Eowyn slowly climbs the steps to the Keep. She has not changed out of her dress which is dirty from mud and blood; her hair also has dirt and blood in it. She has not had any food or sleep since the end of the battle, for many people have been in need of her assistance.

She takes small gasps of air. Her side is screaming for the attention it has needed long ago. She holds her side with her hand while trying to keep her strength to reach the Keep and find a healer. Her eyes are downcast, concentrating on putting her wearied feet on one step at a time. As she slowly makes her way up, she bumps into someone coming down. She sways despite the bump not having much force, for she is weakening. Strong hands grab her shoulders gently and steady her.

"My Lady," a voice says.

With great effort, Eowyn raises her head slowly and meets a pair of blue eyes.

"Legolas," is all she manages to say, even though she is thankful to see him alive, and vaguely wonders if Gimli and Lord Aragorn are also alive and well.

"Are you well?" Legolas's face shows his growing concern. He takes in her dirtied dress and hair. With a deep frown he notices her hand holding her side. She blankly blinks in response. Her face is pale, pain shows in her eyes, which she is unable to hide. And it is his holding her that keeps her upright and steady.

"I –"

The effect is too much for Eowyn. All her strength has been spent. Her voice fades. Her eyes roll back. She collapses and Legolas catches her in his arms. His eyes widen when he sees the side of her dress soaked in blood – her own.

He turns and carefully rushes up the stairs as fast as he can. He must get her to her room and have a healer look at her. He is about to rush down a hallway when he senses eyes on his back. He glances over his shoulder and sees Aragorn looking at him questioningly. The ranger gives the elf a nod. Legolas holds his gaze for a few moments, debating what to do; he returns the gesture and disappears down the hall. He will talk with Aragorn later.

~~~

Author's Note: I started jotting down ideas for this chapter when I was on vacation – over two months ago! The only big difference between the first draft and the posted chapter is that Aragorn sees Legolas helping Eowyn in the original draft. I went back and forth for awhile debating if I wanted to keep it that way here; obviously I changed it. But I still wonder what would have happened if I didn't change it. (One thing would probably be that there would be another chapter before the epilogue.)

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