Disclaimer: None of Tolkien's characters belong to me.
A/N: I will try to update at least once a week, but school is reopening and well, you know the rest- homework (times 500) Answers to lovely reviewers of mine:
Tap Dancing Hobbit: Haha, definitely feeling proud. *struts around like a peacock*
Enelya: Thank You, muh dear. *feels honoured*
Kika: You mean the speech? Yeah, I have been doing extensive studies of Tolkien's works, I want my story to fit in, if you get what I mean?
Luna: Concerning your birthday, I am not telling. *Grins evilly*
Jagwen: I will try and update soon, promise. Thanks btw.
Chapter 18
Eowyn listened in rapt attention as Ariel told her how the battle went.
Ariel did not explain in too vivid detail, for the memories of the fallen Rohirrim were still etched indelibly in her mind. The Uruks were merciless, even after striking down a man they would continue hacking at the lifeless body, taking delight in the mere mutilation of it.
She wondered how such evil beings came into existence, and decided to ask Gandalf later. Then Eowyn's angry tirade broke through her thoughts.
"Curse this body I have been born into! Were I a man I could have fought and died in battle, with honour and glory, even if death be the only way! As a lady I am tied to my people, never to be of use in war." Eowyn exclaimed bitterly.
"But if not for you the people of Rohan would not survive. Do not look down on the task bestowed to you, though it may seem to hold less merit." Ariel replied, a touch of annoyance in her voice.
Why was this lady so eager to do battle? 'Twas as if she welcomed it. Why was she so bitter against her birth?
The answer came to her at once.
Of course. Naturally. Wormtongue. He must have darkened Eowyn's childhood with naught but lies. Ariel felt anger rising on her friend's behalf.
"Everyone says the same thing. How I weary of being told of my rightful place."
"Patience! Do not speak ill of thyself. Thy time will come soon, but 'tis not now. This at least you should know. For the present, be the Lady of Rohan."
"Ill fated I am, if it is as you say. But I have little patience left. I will not sit back while others fight."
"Ariel shook her head at the departing figure of Eowyn. Trying to shake sense into that woman was as easy as trying to fly to the moon.
~~~~~*
They were back at Edoras. Gandalf, Theoden, Eomer and his vanguard, Legolas and Gimli rode to parley with Saruman.
Ariel passed the days riding Phil, and when dusk fell she spent most of the night brushing the mare's coat till it shone to her liking.
Afterwhich, she would take a leisurely stroll around the city, surveying the purple black sky dusted with stars innumerable. Though she enjoyed solace, she did not deny that she wished someone were with her.
~~~~~~~~*
On the second night she was making her way to the kitchens with the promise to Phil that she bring a sugar lump, when she met the stable hand bring in about thirty horses. They were different from the horses of Rohan, sturdier and weather beaten, as if out in the wild for days and she recognized them as the type the Rangers of the North rode.
'They are here already?' She thought, scrambling up the slope in her haste to the Hall.
There, Eowyn was supping with about thirty rangers or so. Also present was Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and her brothers.
'Her brothers?' She stared incredulously at the two elves making their way towards her, unable to believe her eyes.
"We though Aragorn was only jesting when he said you were here." Elladan said as a form of greeting.
"Why is there straw in your hair and dirt on your clothes?" Elrohir demanded, brushing bits of hay caught in her hair.
"You should be home by now, but no available escort can be spared. Father's hair is tinged with gray, and Arwen is no better, thanks to you." They continued fussing over her like two mother hens.
Ariel sat in between them, asking them questions about home, when she noticed a black standard furled in black cloth, and recognized it immediately.
"Aragorn, I see Arwen has completed it in time."
"Aye." And he said naught else, clearly troubled about something. The lines in his face looked worse, 'twas as if he was carrying a great burden.
The Shield Maiden of Rohan, on the other hand, looked as if someone had dealt her a blow. Ariel asked her concernedly, only to get a slight shake of the head from her friend.
"She has been like this ever since she found out Aragorn would be taking the paths of the Dead." Elladan whispered.
"She puts too little faith in the heir of Elendil."
Ariel, remembering Phillifax, grabbed a lump of sugar from the tables and hurried to the stables.
Legolas, was there too, murmuring words of comfort to Arod.
"You spend much time with your horse."
"A horse such as her deserves it." She ran a hand through the glorious mane lovingly. She fairly startled to detect a trace of jealousy in his voice.
Silence reigned for a moment.
"Legolas?" She asked. The sound of his name on her lips sent sensations down his spine, forcing him to turn around.
"Aye?" He tried his hardest not to stare at those luscious lips of hers, now pulled into a pout, though she knew not, they seemed to beckon to him, waiting to be kissed. Shaking himself, he summoned every ounce of self- control he had and kept his hands to himself.
"Is it hard being a prince? You do not seem to speak of your life in Mirkwood."
"Nor do I have the wish to. I do not wish for the ruling over the kingdom, neither for marriage. The freedom I have now, I would not willingly give it up."
Ariel felt a slight twinge of disappointment, though she did not show it. Why does he see marriage as a confinement? True, she herself has no desire for a lifelong mate and be bound to him, but surely Legolas would find his love? She posted this question to him.
Legolas beheld her silver eyes, so earnest, sincere her question had been, but he had never experienced true love before, and the very thought of it made him feel vulnerable.
Deliberately, but forcefully he changed the subject to one of less delicate measure.
"Will thou go with us to the Paths of the Dead tomorrow?"
"Of course!" Came her indignant reply.
"The Paths are perilous, Ariel. I would rather not have you forfeit your life." There was a touch of urgency in his voice.
"I fear the Dead no more than you do."
"Nevertheless, I forbid thou to go." At this Ariel instantly flared up.
"What claim do you have over me?"
"He's right, you know." Elladan said, stepping in with Elrohir.
"Then whither do I go?"
Phillifax turned a baleful look on Legolas, as if to tell him he was to blame for her mistress' distress.
'Just like Ariel.' Legolas thought wryly.
"Stay here." Elrohir said, "Tis safer at Edoras, then wait for an escort from home."
"Why should I?" Ariel asked defiantly, her chin slipped up a notch too.
She truly was a sight to behold when riled, Legolas noted. Fire leapt dangerously in her eyes, now rapidly turning dark violet.
Elrohir sighed in deep exasperation, trying to imply that the answer was blatantly obvious. "'Tis too dangerous for you."
"But you are only a hundred and eleven years older than me!" Ariel stormed off, leaving behind a scent of honey and cinnamon in her wake.
Legolas started after her, but was pulled back by Elladan.
"Leave her be, she has gone somewhere to sulk. And unless you do not want to be vented anger upon, take my advice."
~~~~~~*
Ariel complained to the first person she saw, which was Eowyn.
"So thy brethren have forbidden thou to go thither? Lord Aragorn refuses to give me leave to ride forth too."Eowyn said grimly, and Ariel as if noticing her for the first time saw her tear stained face.
"Nonetheless, we have ended up in the same predicament. How is it a woman's rightful place is only at home?"
"I weary of always being chosen to govern the people. I can ride and wield blade, am I not a Shield Maiden? Why is it I have to stay and skulk the hills, till the chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall and desire?" Her voice held bitterness, welled up from many years. Whereas Ariel was only mildly furious at her brothers, for a plan was starting to form in her head.
"Alas for all womenfolk! But tomorrow I shall tarry here no longer, I shall mount Phillifax and rode to Minas Tirith to war. On my own, if need be."
"Let me ride with you." Eowyn asked eagerly, her face shone anew with that thought, before darkening as Ariel shook her head.
"At least stay till Theoden King comes back, I wish not to provoke his wrath, ere I think of a way to fulfill thy desire."
"How can I find words to thank thee?"
"Simply say naught of this to my brothers, and I will be content."
~~~~~*
Midnight passed, and a lone figure stands stock still upon the hard, cold stone steps. Icy winds from the east blew across his face, and yet it bothered him not. A short and stout figure soon joined him.
"Legolas, don't you ever sleep?" Gimli asked, ere yawning loudly.
"Elves need not sleep like mortals."
"I see you have a troubled mind. Care to share those problems?"
"I do not see how you can solve them."
"Ah, Master Elf, you look down on us dwarves again."
"I doubt verily would you know anything on the matters of the heart."
"Indeed. You would be surprise by how much I know."
Another sigh from the elf.
"Lady Ariel, she has a temper, that one." Gimli remarked.
"You do know then, that she is angry with me? I do not know why it bothers me so. Why should I care how she feels towards me? I was just trying to protect her; she does not know the danger of the Paths of the Dead. I do not want to endanger her life."
"Indeed, my heart darkens at the though of out journey on the morrow. I dread venturing into that path. But since it is the will of Aragorn, I will go willingly. Maybe if I come out alive it will prove naught but that Durin's folk are still as hardy as they once were! Do not worry overmuch about the Lady, mayhap she will understand in time to come."
"I doubt it. Sometimes I see her as an unyielding flame, to reach out and touch her, enjoy its warmth, only to get burnt when I am in too close a proximity."
Gimli looked up at his friend, and saw, an elf falling in love.
~~~~~~End
A/N: I am not so sure if Ariel and Arwen are only 111 years younger than Elladan and Elrohir, my maths is not that good.
A/N: I will try to update at least once a week, but school is reopening and well, you know the rest- homework (times 500) Answers to lovely reviewers of mine:
Tap Dancing Hobbit: Haha, definitely feeling proud. *struts around like a peacock*
Enelya: Thank You, muh dear. *feels honoured*
Kika: You mean the speech? Yeah, I have been doing extensive studies of Tolkien's works, I want my story to fit in, if you get what I mean?
Luna: Concerning your birthday, I am not telling. *Grins evilly*
Jagwen: I will try and update soon, promise. Thanks btw.
Chapter 18
Eowyn listened in rapt attention as Ariel told her how the battle went.
Ariel did not explain in too vivid detail, for the memories of the fallen Rohirrim were still etched indelibly in her mind. The Uruks were merciless, even after striking down a man they would continue hacking at the lifeless body, taking delight in the mere mutilation of it.
She wondered how such evil beings came into existence, and decided to ask Gandalf later. Then Eowyn's angry tirade broke through her thoughts.
"Curse this body I have been born into! Were I a man I could have fought and died in battle, with honour and glory, even if death be the only way! As a lady I am tied to my people, never to be of use in war." Eowyn exclaimed bitterly.
"But if not for you the people of Rohan would not survive. Do not look down on the task bestowed to you, though it may seem to hold less merit." Ariel replied, a touch of annoyance in her voice.
Why was this lady so eager to do battle? 'Twas as if she welcomed it. Why was she so bitter against her birth?
The answer came to her at once.
Of course. Naturally. Wormtongue. He must have darkened Eowyn's childhood with naught but lies. Ariel felt anger rising on her friend's behalf.
"Everyone says the same thing. How I weary of being told of my rightful place."
"Patience! Do not speak ill of thyself. Thy time will come soon, but 'tis not now. This at least you should know. For the present, be the Lady of Rohan."
"Ill fated I am, if it is as you say. But I have little patience left. I will not sit back while others fight."
"Ariel shook her head at the departing figure of Eowyn. Trying to shake sense into that woman was as easy as trying to fly to the moon.
~~~~~*
They were back at Edoras. Gandalf, Theoden, Eomer and his vanguard, Legolas and Gimli rode to parley with Saruman.
Ariel passed the days riding Phil, and when dusk fell she spent most of the night brushing the mare's coat till it shone to her liking.
Afterwhich, she would take a leisurely stroll around the city, surveying the purple black sky dusted with stars innumerable. Though she enjoyed solace, she did not deny that she wished someone were with her.
~~~~~~~~*
On the second night she was making her way to the kitchens with the promise to Phil that she bring a sugar lump, when she met the stable hand bring in about thirty horses. They were different from the horses of Rohan, sturdier and weather beaten, as if out in the wild for days and she recognized them as the type the Rangers of the North rode.
'They are here already?' She thought, scrambling up the slope in her haste to the Hall.
There, Eowyn was supping with about thirty rangers or so. Also present was Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and her brothers.
'Her brothers?' She stared incredulously at the two elves making their way towards her, unable to believe her eyes.
"We though Aragorn was only jesting when he said you were here." Elladan said as a form of greeting.
"Why is there straw in your hair and dirt on your clothes?" Elrohir demanded, brushing bits of hay caught in her hair.
"You should be home by now, but no available escort can be spared. Father's hair is tinged with gray, and Arwen is no better, thanks to you." They continued fussing over her like two mother hens.
Ariel sat in between them, asking them questions about home, when she noticed a black standard furled in black cloth, and recognized it immediately.
"Aragorn, I see Arwen has completed it in time."
"Aye." And he said naught else, clearly troubled about something. The lines in his face looked worse, 'twas as if he was carrying a great burden.
The Shield Maiden of Rohan, on the other hand, looked as if someone had dealt her a blow. Ariel asked her concernedly, only to get a slight shake of the head from her friend.
"She has been like this ever since she found out Aragorn would be taking the paths of the Dead." Elladan whispered.
"She puts too little faith in the heir of Elendil."
Ariel, remembering Phillifax, grabbed a lump of sugar from the tables and hurried to the stables.
Legolas, was there too, murmuring words of comfort to Arod.
"You spend much time with your horse."
"A horse such as her deserves it." She ran a hand through the glorious mane lovingly. She fairly startled to detect a trace of jealousy in his voice.
Silence reigned for a moment.
"Legolas?" She asked. The sound of his name on her lips sent sensations down his spine, forcing him to turn around.
"Aye?" He tried his hardest not to stare at those luscious lips of hers, now pulled into a pout, though she knew not, they seemed to beckon to him, waiting to be kissed. Shaking himself, he summoned every ounce of self- control he had and kept his hands to himself.
"Is it hard being a prince? You do not seem to speak of your life in Mirkwood."
"Nor do I have the wish to. I do not wish for the ruling over the kingdom, neither for marriage. The freedom I have now, I would not willingly give it up."
Ariel felt a slight twinge of disappointment, though she did not show it. Why does he see marriage as a confinement? True, she herself has no desire for a lifelong mate and be bound to him, but surely Legolas would find his love? She posted this question to him.
Legolas beheld her silver eyes, so earnest, sincere her question had been, but he had never experienced true love before, and the very thought of it made him feel vulnerable.
Deliberately, but forcefully he changed the subject to one of less delicate measure.
"Will thou go with us to the Paths of the Dead tomorrow?"
"Of course!" Came her indignant reply.
"The Paths are perilous, Ariel. I would rather not have you forfeit your life." There was a touch of urgency in his voice.
"I fear the Dead no more than you do."
"Nevertheless, I forbid thou to go." At this Ariel instantly flared up.
"What claim do you have over me?"
"He's right, you know." Elladan said, stepping in with Elrohir.
"Then whither do I go?"
Phillifax turned a baleful look on Legolas, as if to tell him he was to blame for her mistress' distress.
'Just like Ariel.' Legolas thought wryly.
"Stay here." Elrohir said, "Tis safer at Edoras, then wait for an escort from home."
"Why should I?" Ariel asked defiantly, her chin slipped up a notch too.
She truly was a sight to behold when riled, Legolas noted. Fire leapt dangerously in her eyes, now rapidly turning dark violet.
Elrohir sighed in deep exasperation, trying to imply that the answer was blatantly obvious. "'Tis too dangerous for you."
"But you are only a hundred and eleven years older than me!" Ariel stormed off, leaving behind a scent of honey and cinnamon in her wake.
Legolas started after her, but was pulled back by Elladan.
"Leave her be, she has gone somewhere to sulk. And unless you do not want to be vented anger upon, take my advice."
~~~~~~*
Ariel complained to the first person she saw, which was Eowyn.
"So thy brethren have forbidden thou to go thither? Lord Aragorn refuses to give me leave to ride forth too."Eowyn said grimly, and Ariel as if noticing her for the first time saw her tear stained face.
"Nonetheless, we have ended up in the same predicament. How is it a woman's rightful place is only at home?"
"I weary of always being chosen to govern the people. I can ride and wield blade, am I not a Shield Maiden? Why is it I have to stay and skulk the hills, till the chance of doing great deeds is gone beyond recall and desire?" Her voice held bitterness, welled up from many years. Whereas Ariel was only mildly furious at her brothers, for a plan was starting to form in her head.
"Alas for all womenfolk! But tomorrow I shall tarry here no longer, I shall mount Phillifax and rode to Minas Tirith to war. On my own, if need be."
"Let me ride with you." Eowyn asked eagerly, her face shone anew with that thought, before darkening as Ariel shook her head.
"At least stay till Theoden King comes back, I wish not to provoke his wrath, ere I think of a way to fulfill thy desire."
"How can I find words to thank thee?"
"Simply say naught of this to my brothers, and I will be content."
~~~~~*
Midnight passed, and a lone figure stands stock still upon the hard, cold stone steps. Icy winds from the east blew across his face, and yet it bothered him not. A short and stout figure soon joined him.
"Legolas, don't you ever sleep?" Gimli asked, ere yawning loudly.
"Elves need not sleep like mortals."
"I see you have a troubled mind. Care to share those problems?"
"I do not see how you can solve them."
"Ah, Master Elf, you look down on us dwarves again."
"I doubt verily would you know anything on the matters of the heart."
"Indeed. You would be surprise by how much I know."
Another sigh from the elf.
"Lady Ariel, she has a temper, that one." Gimli remarked.
"You do know then, that she is angry with me? I do not know why it bothers me so. Why should I care how she feels towards me? I was just trying to protect her; she does not know the danger of the Paths of the Dead. I do not want to endanger her life."
"Indeed, my heart darkens at the though of out journey on the morrow. I dread venturing into that path. But since it is the will of Aragorn, I will go willingly. Maybe if I come out alive it will prove naught but that Durin's folk are still as hardy as they once were! Do not worry overmuch about the Lady, mayhap she will understand in time to come."
"I doubt it. Sometimes I see her as an unyielding flame, to reach out and touch her, enjoy its warmth, only to get burnt when I am in too close a proximity."
Gimli looked up at his friend, and saw, an elf falling in love.
~~~~~~End
A/N: I am not so sure if Ariel and Arwen are only 111 years younger than Elladan and Elrohir, my maths is not that good.