moonlightwave216: Thank you for the praise, I'm glad you are enjoying the story. I know I am enjoying writing it.

Herculeha: Yeah, I guess the title was a little frightening. It was the first thing I thought of and liked the sound of it and kept it. But Eowyn is alright…for now. And I am glad the chapter itself was okay. I think I am a little more at ease with writing the characters. I have had a terrible time writing Eowyn with keeping her as she is in the movie and book, but I think I am getting better at it. (I hope your inspiration will come back soon, such a pity not to finish that wonderful story…)

Orangeblossom Took1: I am happy you also were satisfied with the chapter. And of course we cannot have Eowyn die yet, she still has her fight ahead of her. Hmm, maybe I will write a sequel about her fight with the Nazgul. (Now look at what your comment has done, given me another idea for a story on top of the near dozen other ideas for stories I have – involving hobbits mostly, and a certain hobbit couple…) "Dernhelm of Pelennor Fields," mmmmmmmm. (And I will read and review the latest chapter of your story soon.)

mousie2: You don't know how relived I am that the last chapter was to your liking. (What good is it having a chapter dedicated to you if you don't like it?!) Please do keep me posted on how your story is coming. I am very eager for an update. ;)

On to the chapter now!

Chapter 11: Awakening from the Darkness and into the Light

She is alone. She is falling and falling… She gasps for breath as the blackness swirls around and under and above her, drowning her.

She hears shrieks, growls, cries, screams. She is no longer alone. A white light suddenly pierces the darkness and grows larger and brighter, blinding her.

When she can see again, she wishes she couldn't. On her left are the women and children, huddling together, trembling with fear. On her right are orcs charging toward the helpless women. She gasps. There are Mowen, Laesien, Neisa, Tralede, Larewen, Ethoethien, Thathien, and Freda – looking as frightened as the others. They have no daggers, nothing to use to defend them against the oncoming creatures.

Unable to cry out, she can only watch in horror as the distance between the two groups lessens to nothing…

The pain makes breathing nearly unbearable. The orc's aim was truer this time. She holds her side, threatening to let the darkness ensnare her. Shrieks make her want to stop her ears. But she cannot do anything against it.

"Eowyn! Eowyn…come back to the light…"

The calm, pleading voice pierces the horrifying screams that ring in her every sense and float around her. The voice is comforting in the terror and darkness that surrounds her. She struggles against the blackness that tries to tighten its hold on her.

"Hear my voice."

Eowyn slowly becomes aware of her hand being gently caressed. Where is she? What has happened? A great breath of air flows through her body. She feels terribly stiff. Slowly she moves first her free hand and arm, then each leg. She winces as her aching side protests to her moving. She gently touches her side and discovers it wrapped in bandages.

She slowly opens her eyes uneasily. Sunlight streams through the window in her room, causing her eyes to blink against the brightness. For a while she stares blankly up at the stone ceiling. She has been called out of the darkness and back into the light. Who was it? she wonders.

"Eowyn?"

Eowyn blinks in shock, and then slowly turns her head. She silently stares at Lord Aragorn in disbelief. He's alive. The words race through her mind over and over. His face looks worn and haggard. He peers anxiously into her face.

"How do you feel?"

"Sore," Eowyn says quietly, feeling suddenly very tired and weak. She returns her gaze to the ceiling. "How long have I been unconscious?"

"Three weeks," Aragorn immediately says.

"Three weeks…" she murmurs in shock.

What has happened during those weeks? How are Mowen, Thathien, Laesien, Tralede, Freda, and Ethoethien? What has been done with the bodies of those who died?

"Everyone has been very worried about you…" Aragorn's voice breaks into her thoughts.

Eowyn flicks her eyes back to him. Her breath catches in her throat as she sees the intense emotion in his grey-blue eyes as he stares at her, though she cannot read what the emotion is. She is suddenly aware of the warmth that comes from his fingers as he strokes her hand, sending a shiver down her spine.

Suddenly she realizes that it was he who called her back from the darkness. Why? He does not love her as she loves him. He does not need to love you to be concerned about you! her mind argues. He was concerned about your well-being. He cares for you like a daughter or sister, but nothing more. Remember, his lady waits for him.

Eowyn forces herself to stop drowning in Aragorn's eyes. Her gaze lands on the jewel that lies on his chest. She remembers Legolas telling her about the jewel. How Aragorn had loved the elf-maiden for many years… Why would the ranger accept her love? A love that is not as old as the love of which his lady has for him?

This moment between them now will never happen again. It is only happening because of the pity he feels towards her. A pity she does not desire. And she cannot help but wish it is not because of pity that he is so close. She suddenly recalls the promise she had made to herself on the way to Helm's Deep. A promise she is not keeping at the moment. In this maddening moment both of them have let down their defenses; otherwise, they would not be in this position…they would not be touching each other in such a physical and mental way… Eowyn builds her walls back up first.

Eowyn pulls her hand free from Aragorn's grasp – ignoring the sense of missing warmth – and turns her head away, drawing the covers closer. She feels Aragorn's unwavering and pondering gaze on her back.

"I am tired, my Lord" she says simply, formally.

There is a long silence. Then:

"I will let the king and your brother know that you are awake, my Lady," Aragorn says quietly. Eowyn tries to ignore a feeling of disappointment that washes over her with his calling her "Lady" instead of just "Eowyn" as he had done earlier. He then leaves the room without making a sound.

Eowyn looks at her hand which Aragorn held, gives herself a mental slap, closes her eyes and falls into a restless sleep.

Author's Note: Yes, I know what I said last time… It seems I am now going to go along with Plan B instead of Plan A; meaning there will be just a few more chapters, and most likely no epilogue. Hopefully you will once again be pleased with the continuing delay of this story ending. (Not that I'm tired of writing this or anything. I am just surprised by the turn of events that this story keeps pulling on me.) Don't forget to let me know what you think of the chapter.