Part 47.
The night was old and the new day well into dawn, the Eastern sky gray when at last they halted at the Hornburg of Helm's Deep.
All cast themselves about to lie and rest unhindered for a brief while, and take council.
Arwen dismounted from Nallahir and reached up to take Merry from Aragorn. The hobbit had fallen asleep while they were riding, his head leaning against Aragorn's arm. She laid him down gently next to where Nallahir had chosen to lie, covering him over with a light blanket.
"Watch over him." She told them horse. "You have done well, my dear friend." She stroked his star gently and kissed his nose. "Be at peace for now, Nallahir. There are still many miles to go." Then Arwen disappeared into the crowd.
She made her way up onto the ruined battlements, where stone masons were already at work repairing the damage sustained during the Battle of Helm's Deep.
For a time she stood in the place where she had waited for the battle to ignite, high on the wall, flanked by Aragorn and her father.
After a time she became aware of someone standing behind her. She turned quickly. "My Lord, you startled me. I thought that I was alone here." She told Theoden.
"Be at peace Lady Arwen. You seem troubled." He said to her, concerned.
"My mind is troubled, my heart also." She confessed. "I am not sure of myself."
"Tell me about it." He told her gently, "It may help to ease your mind."
She smiled at him, tears glittering in her eyes. "I thought I had already made the choice to remain in Middle Earth." Arwen began. "But now I am not so sure. I am bound to Aragorn, my heart to his, and my grace to the hobbit known as Frodo Baggins. A storm is upon us and... I am not sure I will be able to weather it."
"Hope is yours dear Lady. Do not be afraid. The path that is yours has already been laid at your feet." He told her, "All you need to do now is follow it. Trust your heart, fair Lady and your instincts too. They will serve you well."
She smiled at him. "Thank you for your council my Lord. My mind is more at ease. By your leave I will return to the courtyard. I left my horse Nallahir there watching over the hobbit Merry."
"My leave you have, Lady Evenstar. May you shine brightly always." He answered her.
Arwen walked back down the stairs, into the courtyard to find Legolas and Gimli had roused Merry from his sleep.
"Ah, Lady Arwen." Merry began. "We were beginning to wonder where you'd gotten to."
"Are you feeling more yourself?" Legolas asked.
"If I was not myself who else was I?" Arwen asked him, a smile at the corners of her lips. "I went up to the battlements to think some more."
"At least you are safe and well." Gimli said to her. "We were beginning to worry about you."
"Where is Aragorn?" She asked them, "I wish to speak with him."
"Not in trouble is he?" Elladan asked, coming over to them.
"What makes you think he's in trouble?" Arwen asked her brother.
"You've been acting strangely. I thought maybe that's why." He answered.
Arwen shook her head, "I just have some things on my mind I can't seem to resolve. I am finding peace now. Do not worry about me. Now where is Aragorn?"
"He is in a high chamber in the Hornburg." Legolas told her. "He has neither rested nor slept, I think. Like you he went some hours ago, but he did tell us that he needed some time to think. He took only his kinsman Halbarad with him."
"Then I will go to the high chamber. If Aragorn returns before I do, tell him I must speak with him." Arwen told them.
"As you wish, dear Lady." Elladan answered as she began to walk away, Elessar following as always.
Arwen was silent as she entered the dimness of the Hornburg in search of Aragorn.
Her footfalls were light, barely audible on the polished stone floor. To keep out the coolness of the dark she pulled her cloak around her, burying her hands in the folds. Elessar perched on her shoulder, rubbing his feathered body against her neck.
As she approached the hall of the high chambers Aragorn exited one of the chambers.
Halbarad, who had been sitting outside the door, guarding it, followed him.
In one hand Aragorn carried a heavy leather bag, which Arwen knew contained the palantir of Orthanc.
Aragorn saw her immediately and walked over to her, a smile gracing his features, strangely pale and drawn. "Dear Lady what brings you inside, away from the sunshine?"
"I was looking for you. Legolas told me that you were deep in thought up here." She answered, as Aragorn reached out to take her hand.
"You have found me."
"I wish to speak with you." Arwen turned her head to look at him.
"I will always have time enough for you, nin melath." Aragorn smiled at her. "Halbarad, go and tell Elladan and Elrohir that if they can spare the time I would speak with them, as well as the rest of the Fellowship. Then send a messenger to Theoden and Eomer, telling them I must speak with them also." Aragorn said to his kinsman.
Halbarad nodded, "I will bring them up to you myself."
"Halbarad, will you take Elessar down to my brothers for me?" Arwen asked.
"Of course, sweet Lady. Elessar will be safe with me." He answered her.
"I will be in the high chamber." Aragorn told him. He turned to Arwen and gestured for her to enter the room.
Halbarad walked quickly down to the courtyard to round up all those his Chief had sent for.
He smiled as he saw them all speaking together. "Lord Aragorn has asked me to take you all to him. He wishes to speak with you." Halbarad greeted them.
"Where is he then?" The Dwarf Gimli asked.
"I left in him in the high chambers of the Hornburg. The Lady Arwen was with him."
"Maybe now her mind will be easier." Elladan said to his brother.
"Arwen's mind has been uneasy for some time, my brother. She is unsure of her choices, but council with Aragorn may help her." Elrohir answered. "She has been in doubt."
"What do you mean?" Merry asked.
"Arwen and Aragorn wish to be married someday." Legolas explained to him. "If all hopes remain, Aragorn will be King of Gondor, and Arwen will be his Queen."
"The Ladies of our family always seem to marry mortal men." Elladan shook his head. "I wonder why?"
"Many things I do not know," Merry began, "But one of the things I do know is that the hearts of women are unfathomable."
Legolas smiled. "Come then. If Aragorn has sent for us all, we should not keep him waiting."
When she entered Arwen was silent for a few moments. In these moments she looked out of the window, out across the land. Finally she spoke. "I have been consumed by doubt. Many have nurtured the seeds which I thought were dormant in my mind." She turned to him. "You know why I am in doubt."
Aragorn looked into her eyes. "I would have you sail for Valinor with the rest of your people, if it would made you happy, Arwen Evenstar. I love you, but do not want you to be unhappy, ever. You are too precious to me. If your heart wills it, I will send Halbarad and a small group of Dunedain to escort you back to Lothlorien, or Rivendell, if that is where you desire to go." Aragorn told her. "I love you too much to make you unhappy."
Arwen turned back towards the window. "Look at them out there. They now know that this world is changing, but it took a siege that almost caused the fall of the Rohirrim, risking their own lives to save those of their loved ones to realize it." She was silent for a moment. "I know that the world is changing. The time of my people is almost over. But I have bound myself to you, heart to heart, soul to soul."
"If you wish it of me, I will un-do those bonds. I will set you free."
Arwen wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close to her. "I do not wish to be set free, neither do I wish to be further than this from your side for the rest of our days in this Middle Earth."
"Arwen, I must ride the Paths of the Dead if I am to reach Gondor."
"I shall ride beside you." She told him, "I am not afraid to ride anywhere with you. I would follow you into the very depths of Mordor, just to remain at your side, my love."
Aragorn leaned down to kiss her. "I will not leave you until our time here is through, until the last moments are well and truly spent. I would have you by my side for all eternity, Queen of my Heart." He said softly in her ear.
"Ile vesta?" Arwen asked him. /Do you promise?/
"Im vesta." He answered. /I promise./ "I will never leave you."
As he finished speaking there was a brisk knock at the door.
Arwen pulled away from Aragorn, once more staring out of the window.
"Enter." Aragorn called.
Part 48.
The door opened, with all those Aragorn had sent for entering the room.
"What news Aragorn?" Legolas asked.
"My friends I have endured a great struggle. I have looked into the palantir of Orthanc."
Several gasps went through the room. "Do not be afraid." Arwen reassured them, still standing by the window. "Aragorn is the master of the Stone. His title will be proclaimed to the people of Rohan before the hour is through. Soon he will be proclaimed outside the gates of Gondor, the White City of Minas Tirith and the watchmen in the White Towers shall call the name of their King, returned to them from exile. Soon the pennant of the house of Elendil will fly." Arwen turned to them and blinked, as though re-focusing on the room.
"Lady, be still." Aragorn told her quietly, reaching out to reassure her.
"Time grows short, my Lord. Remember the message of Galadriel, and the message from Rivendell." Arwen said to him.
As she finished speaking Theoden and Eomer entered the room.
"My apologies, Lord Aragorn." Eomer said to him, "But we came as soon as we were able."
"You have arrived in good time, Lords of Rohan." Aragorn greeted them, "For my companions and I are only just about to begin the discussion I wished you to be present for."
"Speak then." Theoden commanded.
"Time grows short before the coming of the storm." Aragorn began. "What we have seen from Isenguard was a sprinkle of rain compared to what we shall see from Mordor. I have spent many hours pondering the paths I may take, but there is not enough time for any."
"Time has become less than before." Arwen said to them, her voice even, "For as we speak a messenger rides from Gondor. With him he bears the Red Arrow. Denethor can no longer defend Gondor alone."
"It that why you look to the fields, Lady Evenstar?" Halbarad asked.
Arwen smiled as she looked out of the window once more. "I look to them as a reminder of all that we stand to lose, should we fail. The messenger is plainly seen."
"Theoden, by your leave I must take new counsel for myself and my kindred and ride alone." Aragorn told him. "We will take the swiftest road east. I will ride the Paths of the Dead."
"I had hoped we would ride into battle together, Aragorn." Eomer began, "But if that is your road we have come to a parting."
"Merry, you will be safe here under the protection of Theoden. The rest ride with me." Aragorn said.
"What of the Lady Arwen?" Theoden asked. "If you wish it Eomer and I will escort her to Dunharrow, where she will be safe in the keeping of the Lady Eowyn, Shield Maiden of Rohan."
"I have sworn an oath to the Lady, that she will not be parted from me. She has agreed to ride beside me on the road I have chosen, and any other road I set foot upon. The Lady will remain at my side." Aragorn answered.
"Then I would ask Lady Evenstar to re-think her path." Theoden told him. "The Paths of the Dead are no place for the living, and most certainly, no place for a Lady such as she."
"I have chosen my path, and my fate." Arwen said to him. "Do not fear for me. The Grace of the Valar goes with us all as we prepare to ride. I thank you for your hospitality, Theoden King, and for your concern. Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo. Nai tirunvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar." With those words she left the room, speaking the last in her own language.
"What did she say?" Theoden asked the others.
"A star shone on the hour of your meeting. May the Valar protect you." Elladan told him.
"All is settled then." Gimli said.
"Yes Master Dwarf. All is settled. Prepare to move out." Aragorn said. "There are several things I must do before we leave."
"What do you have yet to do?" Legolas asked.
"Send word to Lord Elrond that Arwen is riding with me once more, but there is one other thing. Do not trouble yourself with it." He answered, turning to leave the room, carrying the palantir with him in its leather sack.
Arwen stood in the courtyard, gently brushing her fingers through Nallahir's forelock. "We must take a dangerous road, my friend, but the Grace of the Valar goes with us." She felt Aragorn approach and slip his arms around her waist. "Andelu i ven, nin melath." /The road is very dangerous, my love./
"Im tha dartho." She answer softly. /I will endure/. "I only wish to stay by your side."
"Then I shall send Illya back to Lothlorien. From there the Lady Galadriel will have a letter sent on to Lord Elrond. You must tell him of your plans." Aragorn told her.
"It is already done, Aragorn. I have written the letter, though I thought I would wait to send it, that you may want to write something too."
"I do, Queen of my Heart. I must ask Lord Elrond something." He said to her, producing a quill and taking the sheet of parchment she offered to him and adding several lines. Once he had finished he rolled the parchment up, sliding a silver ring around it, and tied it to Illya's leg.
"Fly swiftly to Lothlorien, Illya." Arwen told him, "May you reach your destination safely."
With those words she released him, watching as he spread his snowy-white wings and flew off into the distance.
The others found them there, in the courtyard, staring into the direction Illya had flown.
"Are you ready to ride out?" Elladan asked.
"We will be in a few minutes." Aragorn said. "You should all start getting ready."
"Aragorn, the others will need to be summoned." Halbarad reminded him.
Aragorn nodded, and rested his chin on Arwen's head for a moment. "I will summon them now."
Arwen pulled away from him. "Go, they will need time to prepare. Le a im tha dartho." She told him. /You and I will endure./ Aragorn kissed two of fingers and pressed them to his forehead, bowing his head to her. Arwen smiled at him, then turned to saddle Nallahir.
Aragorn raised his voice to call out, "Dunedain of the North, the hour in which we ride out draws swiftly near. Saddle up! Mount up!"
"Whither do we ride, my Lord?" One of the Dunedain asked.
"We ride to Gondor in the West, our road is the Paths of the Dead." Aragorn told him. "Will all follow?"
"Do death and beyond, Lord!" Came the cries from the Dunedain.
"Make haste now. We must reach Gondor before the White City falls to the enemy. The Red Arrow has been brought to Rohan." Aragorn called to his men.
"Can the living use such a road and not perish?" Gimli asked quietly.
"The Rohirrim cannot, my friend, but there is a verse long known to Lord Elrond, Master of Lore in this Middle Earth, which tells that the road shall be open to the heir of Isildur in his hour of need." Aragorn explained. "I believe we will have safe passage."
"What else does this verse speak of, My Lord." Halbarad asked.
"Over the land there lies a long shadow,
westward reaching wings of darkness.
The Tower trembles, to the tombs of kings
doom approaches. The dead awaken;
For the hour is come for the oathbreakers:
at the Stone of Erech they shall stand again
and hear there a horn in the hills ringing.
Whose shall the horn be? Who shall call them
from the grey twilight, the forgotten people?
The heir of him to whom the oath they swore.
From the North shall he come, need shall drive him:
he shall pass the Door to the Paths of the Dead."
Aragorn recited for them. "We must move out quickly, my friends, the days are becoming much too short."
"Come then." Arwen called to him. "All now stand ready, my Lord."
All watched as Aragorn's grim expression, split in to a smile as he looked over at her. "Come then, let us ride out, now that our hour is near." He called, leading Brego over to Arwen.
The other mounted up swiftly, and looked over to their Chief.
Theoden and Eomer came out of the Hornburg to see them off. "Ride swiftly my friends. May you arrive safely at the Gates to the White City. May Aragorn, son of Arathorn, soon fulfill his birthright and become King of Gondor." All who had attended the earlier part of Aragorn's council looked first at Aragorn, then to Arwen, her earlier words echoed by Theoden, though he didn't realize it.
"The Door to the Paths lies near Dunharrow, Aragorn. May you reach there safely. The Lady Eowyn will greet you there." Theoden told him.
"Farewell to Helm's Deep, and to Theoden King!" Aragorn cried before he turned Brego towards the causeway.
They rode swiftly, halting only to recover several hours of lost sleep. The horses they rested by running alongside when they tired.
The company stopped briefly in Edoras, then riding on Dunharrow, where they were expected.
The Lady Eowyn came out to greet them. "Welcome to Dunharrow, Lords of the Dunedain, Lady Arwen. Do you bring news from the King?" She asked.
"Theoden and Eomer have taken the road through the hills. They will be here in several days, the Grey Company however has arrived." Aragorn called to her, dismounting from Brego then turning to help Arwen down from Nallahir, by placing his hands lightly on her hips steadying her as she dismounted.
"Greetings to you Lady Eowyn of Rohan." Arwen said to her.
"Come into the Hall, all of you. I have had a meal prepared for you. Then you can tell me everything that has happened since the Battle of Helm's Deep." Eowyn told them, watching Aragorn in a way that suggested to Arwen that she was not the only woman in Dunharrow that was in love with Aragorn.
As they walked towards the Hall, Arwen walked alongside Eowyn, Aragorn holding her hand.
"Are your people recovering from the battle?" Arwen asked.
"The Rohirrim have not taken such a threat lightly, nor will they ever again." Eowyn answered, "My people are holding together, standing firm."
"That is good news Lady." Aragorn said to her as Eowyn led them into the Hall.
Part 49.
Eowyn sat with them while they ate, allowing the remaining four members of the Fellowship to tell her everything that had happened since they had ridden for Isenguard.
Arwen sat silently between Aragorn and Elladan, her head resting lightly on Aragorn's shoulder. Her eyes drooped closed as she teetered on the edge of sleep and dreams.
"Tula Hiril-nin, esta." Aragorn said softly in her ear. /Come my Lady, rest./
Sleepily she nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck as he moved to lift her.
"Get some rest, everyone." She heard Aragorn say as he carried her out of the room. "Lady Eowyn, thank you for your hospitality once more."
Somewhere upstairs Aragorn laid her down on a bed, loosing her swordbelt and slipping it out from underneath her. Then he placed her Scys on the floor beside it, and the throwing stars as well, covering her over with a thick wool blanket. "Quel Kaima nin Tarien. Quel esta, tenna'tul're." He murmured as he leaned down to kiss her good night. /Sleep well my Princess. Rest well, until tomorrow./
In her sleep Arwen smiled and curled up with the blanket.
"There are not many more beautiful sights in this world than she, are there?" Elladan asked quietly, standing in the door way.
"There are none." Aragorn told him.
"Come then, my brother." Elladan told him, "You also need to rest."
In the darkness Arwen began to dream. At first she dreamed of her mother and father, then Elladan and Elrohir, Legolas and the other members of the Fellowship, then finally Aragorn.
She smiled in her sleep as her dreams showed all she hoped for. For several moments Arwen was standing in front of her father, with her hand in Aragorn's.
Then, suddenly Aragorn was gone and the sound of hideous laughter filled the air. "Where is he? Bring him back to me!" She shouted to the voice, but only laughter resounded around her. She began to cry out in her sleep, unable to wake from the dream. Finally she screamed, at the top of her lungs, unaware that the sound brought people running to her side.
"Manke naa lle, Estel?" She called out, still unable to rouse herself. /Where are you, Estel?/
Then she was aware of gentle hands shaking her awake. "Hush now, Arwen. I am here, I am here. All is well, it was just a dream." Aragorn was telling her.
She looked up at him, tears gathering in her eyes and running freely down her cheeks. Still unsure of her surroundings she reached up to him, wrapping her arms around his neck while he helped her to sit up.
Gently he stroked her hair, holding her close. "It is all right, tithen min. All is well." He reassured her, rocking her backwards and forwards. /Little one./
"What did you dream of, Arwen?" Elrohir asked, concerned.
"It was just a nightmare. Just a dream." She told him, still curled up against Aragorn's chest, half listening to his heartbeat, which helped to soothe her troubled mind.
"Is everything all right?" Eowyn asked as she entered the room, fussing with the ties of her robe. "I heard screaming."
"All is well, Eowyn." Aragorn told her. "Arwen just had a bad dream."
"Is there anything I can do?" She asked.
"No Lady, I don't think so." Elladan told her, "Let me walk you back to your chamber. Arwen will be fine."
"All right then." Eowyn said, "Call if you need anything, though." Then she suffered Elladan to escort her back to her room.
"Arwen, be calm. Nothing can hurt you here." Elrohir tried to reassure her.
"Ada." She whispered, holding tight to Aragorn. /Father/.
"Has something happened to Father?" Elrohir asked.
Arwen shook her head as best she could, tears flying from her already wet cheeks. "I want my father." Her lower lip trembled.
"Come now," Aragorn said to her. "Lord Elrond is in Rivendell. Try and sleep now Arwen, I will watch over you."
She nodded, her fingers grasping at the Evenstar necklace she had given him.
It took a long time for Arwen to fall asleep once more, even with Aragorn lying beside her.
A/N: Thanks for everyone who has reviewed so far. With a bit of luck I might be able to update more often that I have been.
Review away, and happy reading.
Samantha.
The night was old and the new day well into dawn, the Eastern sky gray when at last they halted at the Hornburg of Helm's Deep.
All cast themselves about to lie and rest unhindered for a brief while, and take council.
Arwen dismounted from Nallahir and reached up to take Merry from Aragorn. The hobbit had fallen asleep while they were riding, his head leaning against Aragorn's arm. She laid him down gently next to where Nallahir had chosen to lie, covering him over with a light blanket.
"Watch over him." She told them horse. "You have done well, my dear friend." She stroked his star gently and kissed his nose. "Be at peace for now, Nallahir. There are still many miles to go." Then Arwen disappeared into the crowd.
She made her way up onto the ruined battlements, where stone masons were already at work repairing the damage sustained during the Battle of Helm's Deep.
For a time she stood in the place where she had waited for the battle to ignite, high on the wall, flanked by Aragorn and her father.
After a time she became aware of someone standing behind her. She turned quickly. "My Lord, you startled me. I thought that I was alone here." She told Theoden.
"Be at peace Lady Arwen. You seem troubled." He said to her, concerned.
"My mind is troubled, my heart also." She confessed. "I am not sure of myself."
"Tell me about it." He told her gently, "It may help to ease your mind."
She smiled at him, tears glittering in her eyes. "I thought I had already made the choice to remain in Middle Earth." Arwen began. "But now I am not so sure. I am bound to Aragorn, my heart to his, and my grace to the hobbit known as Frodo Baggins. A storm is upon us and... I am not sure I will be able to weather it."
"Hope is yours dear Lady. Do not be afraid. The path that is yours has already been laid at your feet." He told her, "All you need to do now is follow it. Trust your heart, fair Lady and your instincts too. They will serve you well."
She smiled at him. "Thank you for your council my Lord. My mind is more at ease. By your leave I will return to the courtyard. I left my horse Nallahir there watching over the hobbit Merry."
"My leave you have, Lady Evenstar. May you shine brightly always." He answered her.
Arwen walked back down the stairs, into the courtyard to find Legolas and Gimli had roused Merry from his sleep.
"Ah, Lady Arwen." Merry began. "We were beginning to wonder where you'd gotten to."
"Are you feeling more yourself?" Legolas asked.
"If I was not myself who else was I?" Arwen asked him, a smile at the corners of her lips. "I went up to the battlements to think some more."
"At least you are safe and well." Gimli said to her. "We were beginning to worry about you."
"Where is Aragorn?" She asked them, "I wish to speak with him."
"Not in trouble is he?" Elladan asked, coming over to them.
"What makes you think he's in trouble?" Arwen asked her brother.
"You've been acting strangely. I thought maybe that's why." He answered.
Arwen shook her head, "I just have some things on my mind I can't seem to resolve. I am finding peace now. Do not worry about me. Now where is Aragorn?"
"He is in a high chamber in the Hornburg." Legolas told her. "He has neither rested nor slept, I think. Like you he went some hours ago, but he did tell us that he needed some time to think. He took only his kinsman Halbarad with him."
"Then I will go to the high chamber. If Aragorn returns before I do, tell him I must speak with him." Arwen told them.
"As you wish, dear Lady." Elladan answered as she began to walk away, Elessar following as always.
Arwen was silent as she entered the dimness of the Hornburg in search of Aragorn.
Her footfalls were light, barely audible on the polished stone floor. To keep out the coolness of the dark she pulled her cloak around her, burying her hands in the folds. Elessar perched on her shoulder, rubbing his feathered body against her neck.
As she approached the hall of the high chambers Aragorn exited one of the chambers.
Halbarad, who had been sitting outside the door, guarding it, followed him.
In one hand Aragorn carried a heavy leather bag, which Arwen knew contained the palantir of Orthanc.
Aragorn saw her immediately and walked over to her, a smile gracing his features, strangely pale and drawn. "Dear Lady what brings you inside, away from the sunshine?"
"I was looking for you. Legolas told me that you were deep in thought up here." She answered, as Aragorn reached out to take her hand.
"You have found me."
"I wish to speak with you." Arwen turned her head to look at him.
"I will always have time enough for you, nin melath." Aragorn smiled at her. "Halbarad, go and tell Elladan and Elrohir that if they can spare the time I would speak with them, as well as the rest of the Fellowship. Then send a messenger to Theoden and Eomer, telling them I must speak with them also." Aragorn said to his kinsman.
Halbarad nodded, "I will bring them up to you myself."
"Halbarad, will you take Elessar down to my brothers for me?" Arwen asked.
"Of course, sweet Lady. Elessar will be safe with me." He answered her.
"I will be in the high chamber." Aragorn told him. He turned to Arwen and gestured for her to enter the room.
Halbarad walked quickly down to the courtyard to round up all those his Chief had sent for.
He smiled as he saw them all speaking together. "Lord Aragorn has asked me to take you all to him. He wishes to speak with you." Halbarad greeted them.
"Where is he then?" The Dwarf Gimli asked.
"I left in him in the high chambers of the Hornburg. The Lady Arwen was with him."
"Maybe now her mind will be easier." Elladan said to his brother.
"Arwen's mind has been uneasy for some time, my brother. She is unsure of her choices, but council with Aragorn may help her." Elrohir answered. "She has been in doubt."
"What do you mean?" Merry asked.
"Arwen and Aragorn wish to be married someday." Legolas explained to him. "If all hopes remain, Aragorn will be King of Gondor, and Arwen will be his Queen."
"The Ladies of our family always seem to marry mortal men." Elladan shook his head. "I wonder why?"
"Many things I do not know," Merry began, "But one of the things I do know is that the hearts of women are unfathomable."
Legolas smiled. "Come then. If Aragorn has sent for us all, we should not keep him waiting."
When she entered Arwen was silent for a few moments. In these moments she looked out of the window, out across the land. Finally she spoke. "I have been consumed by doubt. Many have nurtured the seeds which I thought were dormant in my mind." She turned to him. "You know why I am in doubt."
Aragorn looked into her eyes. "I would have you sail for Valinor with the rest of your people, if it would made you happy, Arwen Evenstar. I love you, but do not want you to be unhappy, ever. You are too precious to me. If your heart wills it, I will send Halbarad and a small group of Dunedain to escort you back to Lothlorien, or Rivendell, if that is where you desire to go." Aragorn told her. "I love you too much to make you unhappy."
Arwen turned back towards the window. "Look at them out there. They now know that this world is changing, but it took a siege that almost caused the fall of the Rohirrim, risking their own lives to save those of their loved ones to realize it." She was silent for a moment. "I know that the world is changing. The time of my people is almost over. But I have bound myself to you, heart to heart, soul to soul."
"If you wish it of me, I will un-do those bonds. I will set you free."
Arwen wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close to her. "I do not wish to be set free, neither do I wish to be further than this from your side for the rest of our days in this Middle Earth."
"Arwen, I must ride the Paths of the Dead if I am to reach Gondor."
"I shall ride beside you." She told him, "I am not afraid to ride anywhere with you. I would follow you into the very depths of Mordor, just to remain at your side, my love."
Aragorn leaned down to kiss her. "I will not leave you until our time here is through, until the last moments are well and truly spent. I would have you by my side for all eternity, Queen of my Heart." He said softly in her ear.
"Ile vesta?" Arwen asked him. /Do you promise?/
"Im vesta." He answered. /I promise./ "I will never leave you."
As he finished speaking there was a brisk knock at the door.
Arwen pulled away from Aragorn, once more staring out of the window.
"Enter." Aragorn called.
Part 48.
The door opened, with all those Aragorn had sent for entering the room.
"What news Aragorn?" Legolas asked.
"My friends I have endured a great struggle. I have looked into the palantir of Orthanc."
Several gasps went through the room. "Do not be afraid." Arwen reassured them, still standing by the window. "Aragorn is the master of the Stone. His title will be proclaimed to the people of Rohan before the hour is through. Soon he will be proclaimed outside the gates of Gondor, the White City of Minas Tirith and the watchmen in the White Towers shall call the name of their King, returned to them from exile. Soon the pennant of the house of Elendil will fly." Arwen turned to them and blinked, as though re-focusing on the room.
"Lady, be still." Aragorn told her quietly, reaching out to reassure her.
"Time grows short, my Lord. Remember the message of Galadriel, and the message from Rivendell." Arwen said to him.
As she finished speaking Theoden and Eomer entered the room.
"My apologies, Lord Aragorn." Eomer said to him, "But we came as soon as we were able."
"You have arrived in good time, Lords of Rohan." Aragorn greeted them, "For my companions and I are only just about to begin the discussion I wished you to be present for."
"Speak then." Theoden commanded.
"Time grows short before the coming of the storm." Aragorn began. "What we have seen from Isenguard was a sprinkle of rain compared to what we shall see from Mordor. I have spent many hours pondering the paths I may take, but there is not enough time for any."
"Time has become less than before." Arwen said to them, her voice even, "For as we speak a messenger rides from Gondor. With him he bears the Red Arrow. Denethor can no longer defend Gondor alone."
"It that why you look to the fields, Lady Evenstar?" Halbarad asked.
Arwen smiled as she looked out of the window once more. "I look to them as a reminder of all that we stand to lose, should we fail. The messenger is plainly seen."
"Theoden, by your leave I must take new counsel for myself and my kindred and ride alone." Aragorn told him. "We will take the swiftest road east. I will ride the Paths of the Dead."
"I had hoped we would ride into battle together, Aragorn." Eomer began, "But if that is your road we have come to a parting."
"Merry, you will be safe here under the protection of Theoden. The rest ride with me." Aragorn said.
"What of the Lady Arwen?" Theoden asked. "If you wish it Eomer and I will escort her to Dunharrow, where she will be safe in the keeping of the Lady Eowyn, Shield Maiden of Rohan."
"I have sworn an oath to the Lady, that she will not be parted from me. She has agreed to ride beside me on the road I have chosen, and any other road I set foot upon. The Lady will remain at my side." Aragorn answered.
"Then I would ask Lady Evenstar to re-think her path." Theoden told him. "The Paths of the Dead are no place for the living, and most certainly, no place for a Lady such as she."
"I have chosen my path, and my fate." Arwen said to him. "Do not fear for me. The Grace of the Valar goes with us all as we prepare to ride. I thank you for your hospitality, Theoden King, and for your concern. Elen sila lumenn' omentielvo. Nai tirunvantel ar varyuvantel i Valar." With those words she left the room, speaking the last in her own language.
"What did she say?" Theoden asked the others.
"A star shone on the hour of your meeting. May the Valar protect you." Elladan told him.
"All is settled then." Gimli said.
"Yes Master Dwarf. All is settled. Prepare to move out." Aragorn said. "There are several things I must do before we leave."
"What do you have yet to do?" Legolas asked.
"Send word to Lord Elrond that Arwen is riding with me once more, but there is one other thing. Do not trouble yourself with it." He answered, turning to leave the room, carrying the palantir with him in its leather sack.
Arwen stood in the courtyard, gently brushing her fingers through Nallahir's forelock. "We must take a dangerous road, my friend, but the Grace of the Valar goes with us." She felt Aragorn approach and slip his arms around her waist. "Andelu i ven, nin melath." /The road is very dangerous, my love./
"Im tha dartho." She answer softly. /I will endure/. "I only wish to stay by your side."
"Then I shall send Illya back to Lothlorien. From there the Lady Galadriel will have a letter sent on to Lord Elrond. You must tell him of your plans." Aragorn told her.
"It is already done, Aragorn. I have written the letter, though I thought I would wait to send it, that you may want to write something too."
"I do, Queen of my Heart. I must ask Lord Elrond something." He said to her, producing a quill and taking the sheet of parchment she offered to him and adding several lines. Once he had finished he rolled the parchment up, sliding a silver ring around it, and tied it to Illya's leg.
"Fly swiftly to Lothlorien, Illya." Arwen told him, "May you reach your destination safely."
With those words she released him, watching as he spread his snowy-white wings and flew off into the distance.
The others found them there, in the courtyard, staring into the direction Illya had flown.
"Are you ready to ride out?" Elladan asked.
"We will be in a few minutes." Aragorn said. "You should all start getting ready."
"Aragorn, the others will need to be summoned." Halbarad reminded him.
Aragorn nodded, and rested his chin on Arwen's head for a moment. "I will summon them now."
Arwen pulled away from him. "Go, they will need time to prepare. Le a im tha dartho." She told him. /You and I will endure./ Aragorn kissed two of fingers and pressed them to his forehead, bowing his head to her. Arwen smiled at him, then turned to saddle Nallahir.
Aragorn raised his voice to call out, "Dunedain of the North, the hour in which we ride out draws swiftly near. Saddle up! Mount up!"
"Whither do we ride, my Lord?" One of the Dunedain asked.
"We ride to Gondor in the West, our road is the Paths of the Dead." Aragorn told him. "Will all follow?"
"Do death and beyond, Lord!" Came the cries from the Dunedain.
"Make haste now. We must reach Gondor before the White City falls to the enemy. The Red Arrow has been brought to Rohan." Aragorn called to his men.
"Can the living use such a road and not perish?" Gimli asked quietly.
"The Rohirrim cannot, my friend, but there is a verse long known to Lord Elrond, Master of Lore in this Middle Earth, which tells that the road shall be open to the heir of Isildur in his hour of need." Aragorn explained. "I believe we will have safe passage."
"What else does this verse speak of, My Lord." Halbarad asked.
"Over the land there lies a long shadow,
westward reaching wings of darkness.
The Tower trembles, to the tombs of kings
doom approaches. The dead awaken;
For the hour is come for the oathbreakers:
at the Stone of Erech they shall stand again
and hear there a horn in the hills ringing.
Whose shall the horn be? Who shall call them
from the grey twilight, the forgotten people?
The heir of him to whom the oath they swore.
From the North shall he come, need shall drive him:
he shall pass the Door to the Paths of the Dead."
Aragorn recited for them. "We must move out quickly, my friends, the days are becoming much too short."
"Come then." Arwen called to him. "All now stand ready, my Lord."
All watched as Aragorn's grim expression, split in to a smile as he looked over at her. "Come then, let us ride out, now that our hour is near." He called, leading Brego over to Arwen.
The other mounted up swiftly, and looked over to their Chief.
Theoden and Eomer came out of the Hornburg to see them off. "Ride swiftly my friends. May you arrive safely at the Gates to the White City. May Aragorn, son of Arathorn, soon fulfill his birthright and become King of Gondor." All who had attended the earlier part of Aragorn's council looked first at Aragorn, then to Arwen, her earlier words echoed by Theoden, though he didn't realize it.
"The Door to the Paths lies near Dunharrow, Aragorn. May you reach there safely. The Lady Eowyn will greet you there." Theoden told him.
"Farewell to Helm's Deep, and to Theoden King!" Aragorn cried before he turned Brego towards the causeway.
They rode swiftly, halting only to recover several hours of lost sleep. The horses they rested by running alongside when they tired.
The company stopped briefly in Edoras, then riding on Dunharrow, where they were expected.
The Lady Eowyn came out to greet them. "Welcome to Dunharrow, Lords of the Dunedain, Lady Arwen. Do you bring news from the King?" She asked.
"Theoden and Eomer have taken the road through the hills. They will be here in several days, the Grey Company however has arrived." Aragorn called to her, dismounting from Brego then turning to help Arwen down from Nallahir, by placing his hands lightly on her hips steadying her as she dismounted.
"Greetings to you Lady Eowyn of Rohan." Arwen said to her.
"Come into the Hall, all of you. I have had a meal prepared for you. Then you can tell me everything that has happened since the Battle of Helm's Deep." Eowyn told them, watching Aragorn in a way that suggested to Arwen that she was not the only woman in Dunharrow that was in love with Aragorn.
As they walked towards the Hall, Arwen walked alongside Eowyn, Aragorn holding her hand.
"Are your people recovering from the battle?" Arwen asked.
"The Rohirrim have not taken such a threat lightly, nor will they ever again." Eowyn answered, "My people are holding together, standing firm."
"That is good news Lady." Aragorn said to her as Eowyn led them into the Hall.
Part 49.
Eowyn sat with them while they ate, allowing the remaining four members of the Fellowship to tell her everything that had happened since they had ridden for Isenguard.
Arwen sat silently between Aragorn and Elladan, her head resting lightly on Aragorn's shoulder. Her eyes drooped closed as she teetered on the edge of sleep and dreams.
"Tula Hiril-nin, esta." Aragorn said softly in her ear. /Come my Lady, rest./
Sleepily she nodded, wrapping her arms around his neck as he moved to lift her.
"Get some rest, everyone." She heard Aragorn say as he carried her out of the room. "Lady Eowyn, thank you for your hospitality once more."
Somewhere upstairs Aragorn laid her down on a bed, loosing her swordbelt and slipping it out from underneath her. Then he placed her Scys on the floor beside it, and the throwing stars as well, covering her over with a thick wool blanket. "Quel Kaima nin Tarien. Quel esta, tenna'tul're." He murmured as he leaned down to kiss her good night. /Sleep well my Princess. Rest well, until tomorrow./
In her sleep Arwen smiled and curled up with the blanket.
"There are not many more beautiful sights in this world than she, are there?" Elladan asked quietly, standing in the door way.
"There are none." Aragorn told him.
"Come then, my brother." Elladan told him, "You also need to rest."
In the darkness Arwen began to dream. At first she dreamed of her mother and father, then Elladan and Elrohir, Legolas and the other members of the Fellowship, then finally Aragorn.
She smiled in her sleep as her dreams showed all she hoped for. For several moments Arwen was standing in front of her father, with her hand in Aragorn's.
Then, suddenly Aragorn was gone and the sound of hideous laughter filled the air. "Where is he? Bring him back to me!" She shouted to the voice, but only laughter resounded around her. She began to cry out in her sleep, unable to wake from the dream. Finally she screamed, at the top of her lungs, unaware that the sound brought people running to her side.
"Manke naa lle, Estel?" She called out, still unable to rouse herself. /Where are you, Estel?/
Then she was aware of gentle hands shaking her awake. "Hush now, Arwen. I am here, I am here. All is well, it was just a dream." Aragorn was telling her.
She looked up at him, tears gathering in her eyes and running freely down her cheeks. Still unsure of her surroundings she reached up to him, wrapping her arms around his neck while he helped her to sit up.
Gently he stroked her hair, holding her close. "It is all right, tithen min. All is well." He reassured her, rocking her backwards and forwards. /Little one./
"What did you dream of, Arwen?" Elrohir asked, concerned.
"It was just a nightmare. Just a dream." She told him, still curled up against Aragorn's chest, half listening to his heartbeat, which helped to soothe her troubled mind.
"Is everything all right?" Eowyn asked as she entered the room, fussing with the ties of her robe. "I heard screaming."
"All is well, Eowyn." Aragorn told her. "Arwen just had a bad dream."
"Is there anything I can do?" She asked.
"No Lady, I don't think so." Elladan told her, "Let me walk you back to your chamber. Arwen will be fine."
"All right then." Eowyn said, "Call if you need anything, though." Then she suffered Elladan to escort her back to her room.
"Arwen, be calm. Nothing can hurt you here." Elrohir tried to reassure her.
"Ada." She whispered, holding tight to Aragorn. /Father/.
"Has something happened to Father?" Elrohir asked.
Arwen shook her head as best she could, tears flying from her already wet cheeks. "I want my father." Her lower lip trembled.
"Come now," Aragorn said to her. "Lord Elrond is in Rivendell. Try and sleep now Arwen, I will watch over you."
She nodded, her fingers grasping at the Evenstar necklace she had given him.
It took a long time for Arwen to fall asleep once more, even with Aragorn lying beside her.
A/N: Thanks for everyone who has reviewed so far. With a bit of luck I might be able to update more often that I have been.
Review away, and happy reading.
Samantha.