Disclaimer: Ok, ok, so I borrowed a few lines from the book. If I didn't it wouldn't make sense. I haven't used that many anyway and most have been altered. At least I'm admitting to it. And no I don't own any of these characters, but as soon as Tolkien decides that he doesn't want them in the Afterlife, I've got dibs on Aragorn and, if I can manage, Éowyn. This chapter is up there with the best of my work, I know that doesn't say much, but any way. Wait for the later chapters, especially those involving Éowyn and a certain bad guy (no I don't mean Gríma) along with a cute little hobbit.

A/N: Thank you to all of my reviewers. In particular, my faithful five, Rosa Cotton; flipperjlw; anfieldgyul, love your story and thanks for your comments; Salysha, hope you like this new part; and of course, my best friend KK, on behalf of the crazy ladies (get moving on that next chapter, I want to read it). It means a lot so thanks again.

Updated Elvish, and some story, I think…

Chapter 11: A Confrontation

Éowyn reached her room and flung the door open, slamming it behind her. Tears stung her eyes, but she wiped them away forcefully. She was angry with Aragorn. She wanted to be left in peace to brew over. This would not last for long, as a tapping soon came at her door. She rose from her bed and stood up.

"Who calls?" she demanded, fiercely. A reply came almost immediately.

"It is Aragorn, my lady," he called, "may I come in?"

Éowyn was silent; but the door opened slowly and Aragorn stepped inside.

"My apologies for disturbing you, lady," he said courteously, "but I fear that you are angry with me."

"I am, that is true," she said, heatedly, glaring at him. He was able to see the dampness of her eyes and the redness where she had wiped the tears away.

"I have heard that you intend to travel the Paths of the Dead," she added.

Aragorn fell silent for a minute.

"Well," she pressed, "is it true!"

"I am afraid to say that it is. I am in need of haste at this time, and I must leave tomorrow," he said.

"But it is madness!" she cried, "You will find nothing but death on that road. Why not wait for the Rohirrim to be gathered here and leave with Éomer and Théoden in three days time?"

"I must leave tomorrow," he said, firmly, "I cannot waste any time with this. The forces of Mordor are gathering and they will strike Minas Tirith soon. If I do not go, then all hope will be lost and the world of Men will fall into darkness."

"If you do not return from the Paths of the Dead, then the world of Men will fall, because they have lost such hope as you bring with your army, she said, "Are you prepared to risk the lives of your men with the thought that you may not come out?"

"These men follow of their own will," he replied, "it is their choice to do so."

"These men follow you because they love you, Aragorn, they have faith in you, they are prepared to fight with you and die for you and for what you believe is right," she said, "as am I," she added, quietly.

"Lady, I do not wish for any to be led into danger because of me, if I must, I will travel the Paths of the Dead alone. I am not afraid."

"Which is why I am," she cried, "Aragorn, let me go with you; if you must take this journey, I wish to ride beside you."

"I would not wish that you be put in such danger. I love you as your people love you; but your duty is with them, not with me."

Éowyn was silent with these words.

"I am the shieldmaiden of Rohan, and of the House of Eorl. I ask you then, if you do love me, why do you prevent me from spending my life as I will?" she demanded.

"Éowyn, I beg of you, stay here for your safety," he implored, "and it is not my choice to make. Théoden and Éomer would be inconsolable if you were injured and I would not forgive myself for it."

"I do not fear either pain or death," she said, "and as you have observed, I can ride and wield a blade as well as any."

"What do you fear, lady?" he asked.

"A cage," she said. "To stay behind bars, until use and old age accept them, and all chance of glory and honour are gone."

"You are not restrained from being free, but there are people who care deeply about you. Yet you counselled me not to take the road I have chosen, because it is perilous?" he asked her.

"As one may counsel another, yet I do not bid you flee from peril, but ride to battle and fight valiantly. I would not see you die for something that matters little, while I am compelled to remain and watch as you leave me forever."

"You are mistaken, Éowyn," he said. "It is important that I take this path, it is written that Isildur's heir, in his time of need, will pass through the Paths of the Dead and emerge with the army of the Dead to smite the foes of Mordor."

"How can you be certain that this is your journey, how can you be sure that you are not casting your life away needlessly?" she asked.

"I have received a message from Lord Elrond to remind me of this prophecy. He has been informed by the Lady Galadriel that this is my path, and that I must do this for my people, just as you must remain here for yours."

"I beg you, Aragorn, to let me ride with you," she demanded, "or I will not remain to see your victory. You have declared that you love me, yet you ask that I sit and watch as my love rides to his death. You claim that I have no bars to restrain me and I am as free as any, yet you deny me my right to such freedom."

"I do not deny you your freedom, lady," he said, "it is not my choice to make, whether or not you come with me to the Paths of the Dead. You must ask Théoden or your brother to let you travel with me."

"You know as well as I, what their answer will be," she snapped, "you heard the conversation before the Warg-riders attack. Am I always to be left behind and forgotten?" A tear rolled down her pale cheek.

"You will never be forgotten," he said, softly, wiping the tear from her face. "You are the White Lady of Rohan, Éowyn, you are their shieldmaiden. The time is near when you will put your skills to use, and it will be just as brave and require as much courage as any soldier's work; but it shall not be beside me in battle."

"Why, why must it be so?" she sobbed.

"It is not for a lady to fight alongside men on the field of battle. There are other duties to be fulfilled."

At these words, Éowyn turned sharply away.

"I bid you leave now, Aragorn," she said coldly, "I do not wish for your comfort nor your company."

Aragorn made his way towards the door, slowly, as if hoping that she would ask him to stop. When he reached it, he faced her again, but her back was still turned on him as she stared out at the evening sky.

"Never forget what I have said, estel ú-awartha le. Ú-anuir demado peth nîn." (Hope will not abandon thee. Never forget my words)

And with that, he left the room.

A/N: Don't ask me why, but every time I read this I cack myself. It's just so funny. They're both so bloody stubborn. I've begun work on a full parody version of my story. Watch out!