Winds
By
Necole
Disclaimer: All of this belongs to Tolkien!!!!! I stole directly from the book this time!!! Some things probably belong to Peter Jackson and the folks at New Line.
Author's notes: Once again this is VERY VERY AU!!! I mess with the book, but mostly the movie.* SPOILERS* So beware!!!! Please no flames! I am very sensitive! And last but certainly not least a BIG HUGE THANK YOU to everyone or reviewed my little story! I'm glad that some of you liked it! I'm not sure this second chapter is as good as the first. I had a real hard time writing it. So please do not be too rough. I have grand ideas for upcoming chapters. I hope to see that you all will have stuck with me when the end does finally come.
I'm very insecure about this chapter. Maybe I should have listened to Sandeman the Fantabulous' advice. Maybe chapter one should have the only part of this story. I guess I'll see what you guys think. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
First, to Samantha , and to anyone else who wishes to join my yahoo group. It's for Aragorn and Éowyn fanfic only! Go to my authors page and you will find the link as my homepage. Just click and you will be able to join. I have six cherished members and would love to see all of you there!!! Bring your fan fiction and your love of Aragorn and Éowyn!!
Marion, Rosa Cotton, Skyler, Trixy, liz, lelegurl9, Sandeman the fantabulous, Thank you all so much! (Marion, there are so many good fanfics here! I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!)
Dark Wanderer, I myself am glad to have found so many others who have found the light. My friends argue with me about my dislike of Arwen and Aragorn together. I feel like a missionary with them. Trying to sway their thoughts! I'm glad you liked the story!!!
Lisa and Calleigh, I am so glad that you both enjoyed my story! I am a big fan of the work you two have done! You guys inspired me to start participating here. SO Thank you! Lisa, I'm glad you saw ROTK! Glad you liked it! I liked the dress too!!!
Donna and Arien, I know you guys had a problem with Aragorn not mourning enough! I totally understand that note! I hope this chapter explains better, that Aragorn is not exactly done mourning. I hope you guys will stick with me.
Laire, Sorry you did not care for my story! But thank you for complimenting my writing! That means a lot! I wish you had enjoyed the actual story more!
On with the story . . .
Chapter Two: Choices
How does one mourn? How does one mourn for a love that has lasted a lifetime? Once again Aragorn stood on the porch of the Golden Hall. Where the wind freezes, but hearts are made warm. A vision he had seen tonight, a vision of he and another. The gift of foresight would forever allow the men of the west small views into possible futures. Yet this vision gave him little confidence. Doubt coursed through him, how could he ever love another. His grief for Arwen would forever veil his heart.
Still, there was Éowyn. Tenderness and affection blinded his senses when her presence was near. He knew not what to call his emotions. Not yet was he ready to utter the words of love, but still there was something more there.
Tonight had held the realization. He had gazed upon her standing illuminated in the light of golden flame. Her hair had come alive and suddenly light and shadow mixed. Reality had faded, allowing him a glimpse of what could come to pass. The last wisps of wind had blown causing the vision to fade into nothingness. His heart had warmed, leaving him feeling light and free. He had held out his hand for Éowyn to take. He knew she held tenderness for him, but he had felt the need to ask. So with the smallest of gestures he asked and she answered. And together they had entered back into the celebration. The fire was warm and the company merry. He found joy this night, when his heart should have not allowed it.
Now among the shining stars his heart called out for Arwen. His heart chilled when he no longer felt her presence there. The wind had brought a true farewell. One he had begged her to make, but still he had kept a vigil of hope. Hope that she would remain and forever be with him until the doom of man allowed them to fade. That vigil now needed to come to an end.
Many years ago he thought on this possible end. His love for Arwen had been new and he thought would forever be in bloom. He had sworn to remain alone, never even considering the possibility of another love.
Tonight his thoughts echoed that same promise. Though tonight in itself, had held many betrayals.
Éowyn.
Éowyn..
His heart had warmed at her sight, his eyes gleamed when she spoke, his hands and lips possessed wills of their own. Treacherous had been his actions.
Treacherous had been the actions of many this night.
The want for sleep had called the celebration to an end. All had gone to rest. He had parted ways with Éowyn by placing her hand in her uncle's. His eyes stared after, following her step. When she disappeared the light freedom of his heart faded into shadow as the guilt of many betrayals settled. He searched for peace, knowing that sleep would not find him. His heart was still too heavy. He ventured out onto the porch, right to the very spot where the winds of farewell had blown. He had wanted to smoke his pipe and repent for the betrayals he had committed. But this night would not allow time for that. Legolas stood looking to the skies, his eyes told of many things.
A piercing scream echoed through the wide spaces of the Golden Hall.
The eye of the enemy had come.
Dark were the whispers that embodied the scream. A shadow from the past it held, poisonous, foul were the sounds that mingled with the piercing cry. Gloom came pouring back into the rooms and hearts of those whose ears had heard.
Aragorn and Legolas entered the room where many of their company had gone to find sleep. There was Pippin, screaming and thrashing in pain. In his hands he held the evidence of his
treachery. The palantír shone with the brightness of the enemy's eye. Pippin again flailed in pain. Aragorn reacting on instinct had reached for and then snatched the palantír from Pippin's grasp. He too had become ensnared in the enemy's power. Pain filled his body, in his mind he tried to turn from Sauron. Now was not the time for he, Isildur's heir to come forth.
Sauron had heard this thought, but had not seen Aragorn's face. Aragorn was made to let go of the seeing stone, only because of the want of the enemy allowed it. The halfling was who he wanted.
Gandalf quickly threw his cloak over the palantír, chasing the darkness and shadow away. Pippin held the attentions of Gandalf, and those who still remained in the room. Aragorn, for the moment, was forgotten.
All was silent to Aragorn's ears and the world moved slowly. He rested on the floor trying to regain his senses. Aragorn had blinked his dazed eyes up at Legolas, trying to understand the words coming from the elf's mouth. His distant gaze then turned in the direction of the doorway. There at the threshold, standing with eyes filled with desperation, was Éowyn. He met her stare from across the room. Still, he could hear nothing and the world still tumbled, unrecognizable. The darkness and pain that the enemy had inflicted still confused his mind, still deafened his senses.
His face contorted with pain making his eyes leave hers. Éowyn took a frantic step in his direction, but was stopped by Legolas.
Suddenly Aragorn was called by a sweet whisper. Low and mesmerizing it was, like a song. It echoed in his mind, slowly reverberating, growing in pitch and volume until it formed a word, a name, his name.
"Aragorn."
The darkness and shadow fled from his mind. Now with clarity he could hear the sweet sound that had called him back.
It was Éowyn, calling to him.
His eyes now focused on her. She was struggling with Legolas, trying to break free from his arms. Aragorn stood and made his way slowly towards them.
"Éowyn"
He both heard and felt the tenderness in his voice when he had called to her.
Legolas looked back at his friend, relief filled his eyes. He then let go of Éowyn. Legolas watched with interest as they went to one another, then he turned and slipped out of the door unnoticed.
Éowyn ran to Aragorn and placed her two hands on either side of his face. Worry etched her face as her eyes searched his for some answer. He had placed his hands on top of hers, closed his eyes and took in a cleansing breath. Then taking her hands, he moved them from his face until they were simply clasped between their two bodies. His eyes fluttered open and looking down into her glistening gaze,
"Thank you, my lady."
Low and quiet was his voice, but it was still heavy with emotion. As Éowyn looked upon him he noticed that she had unshed tears glistening in her eyes. Her brow furrowed in confusion as his statement registered. The slight movement of her face caused one of the precarious tears to fall. It glided down her cheek leaving its stain on her perfectly white face. She took no notice of it, but instead asked,
"Why do you thank me?"
She blinked as she asked her question, causing another tear to fall. Aragorn let go of one hand, with his thumb he brushed her cheek gently to rid it of the tear. Then he leaned his face closer and with gentle lips kissed the other tear away. He heard her catch her breath, then as their eyes met she suddenly redirected her gaze to the floor. With the same free hand he took her chin and lifted her face to his.
"You called to me. I heard you. I'm thanking you for calling me back from shadow and pain."
He had then escorted her back to her chambers, where he told her all that he knew of the palantír. There had been many betrayals at her doorway. A glance, a touch, and a tender goodnight. Her door had shut quietly, and with it came the overpowering sensation of guilt.
Restless has been his night. Many choices were put forth to him. One concerned his heart. Was he to mourn the passing of Arwen forever? Or would he give his heart to another? His heart was torn. He walked the length of the porch many times, trying to gain some wisdom. Though matters of the heart were not the most pressing of the issues. His eyes caught sight of the rising sun. Its light barely touched the world, only certain shades of color had awoken. The shadow had not yet reached this land. Aragorn remembered the gloom and whispers of darkness that filled his mind earlier this night.
"Do not use it yet," that had been the words of Gandalf before the dawn. Aragorn looked down to the small leather bag that now rested by his feet.
A kingly charge indeed.
After leaving Éowyn, Gandalf had summoned him outside. They had stood alone in vast darkness, one flame from inside shed some light onto the area in which they stood. Gandalf had lifted from the leather bag a small covered object. Aragorn knew that it was the palantír by first glance. Gandalf had a twinkle in his eye as he looked from the stone and then back to Aragorn.
"I need you to take charge of something. Do not allow Peregrin Took anywhere near this."
Aragorn slowly nodded his head in understanding.
Gandalf then bowed and presented the stone to Aragorn.
"Receive it, lord! In earnest of other things that shall be given back. But if I may counsel you in the use of your own, do not use it - yet! Be wary!"
Aragorn took the stone from Gandalf and placed it back into the leather bag.
"I will not use it, not yet. I will wait until I am sure the time has come. When that will be, I do not know. My path is still hidden."
Gandalf had raised an eyebrow.
"There are no hidden paths, not anymore. Only choices. The time will come Aragorn, son of Arathorn when you will know what choice to make. Your heart will tell you."
With that Gandalf turned and went back inside. Leaving Aragorn alone.
More light beckoned from the rising sun, now higher in the sky then before. A cool breeze came and touched his face. He shivered from the slight chill that the morning brought. The porch of the Golden Hall, where the wind freezes, but hearts are made warm. Many things had happened here tonight, many had been inevitable, while others had been quite unexpected. All of his unanswered questions seemed to fill his mind. Riddles and guilt had been his only answers.
He looked upon the beginnings of a new day and wondered what this day held for him.
"Only choices" repeated Aragorn.
By
Necole
Disclaimer: All of this belongs to Tolkien!!!!! I stole directly from the book this time!!! Some things probably belong to Peter Jackson and the folks at New Line.
Author's notes: Once again this is VERY VERY AU!!! I mess with the book, but mostly the movie.* SPOILERS* So beware!!!! Please no flames! I am very sensitive! And last but certainly not least a BIG HUGE THANK YOU to everyone or reviewed my little story! I'm glad that some of you liked it! I'm not sure this second chapter is as good as the first. I had a real hard time writing it. So please do not be too rough. I have grand ideas for upcoming chapters. I hope to see that you all will have stuck with me when the end does finally come.
I'm very insecure about this chapter. Maybe I should have listened to Sandeman the Fantabulous' advice. Maybe chapter one should have the only part of this story. I guess I'll see what you guys think. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
First, to Samantha , and to anyone else who wishes to join my yahoo group. It's for Aragorn and Éowyn fanfic only! Go to my authors page and you will find the link as my homepage. Just click and you will be able to join. I have six cherished members and would love to see all of you there!!! Bring your fan fiction and your love of Aragorn and Éowyn!!
Marion, Rosa Cotton, Skyler, Trixy, liz, lelegurl9, Sandeman the fantabulous, Thank you all so much! (Marion, there are so many good fanfics here! I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!)
Dark Wanderer, I myself am glad to have found so many others who have found the light. My friends argue with me about my dislike of Arwen and Aragorn together. I feel like a missionary with them. Trying to sway their thoughts! I'm glad you liked the story!!!
Lisa and Calleigh, I am so glad that you both enjoyed my story! I am a big fan of the work you two have done! You guys inspired me to start participating here. SO Thank you! Lisa, I'm glad you saw ROTK! Glad you liked it! I liked the dress too!!!
Donna and Arien, I know you guys had a problem with Aragorn not mourning enough! I totally understand that note! I hope this chapter explains better, that Aragorn is not exactly done mourning. I hope you guys will stick with me.
Laire, Sorry you did not care for my story! But thank you for complimenting my writing! That means a lot! I wish you had enjoyed the actual story more!
On with the story . . .
Chapter Two: Choices
How does one mourn? How does one mourn for a love that has lasted a lifetime? Once again Aragorn stood on the porch of the Golden Hall. Where the wind freezes, but hearts are made warm. A vision he had seen tonight, a vision of he and another. The gift of foresight would forever allow the men of the west small views into possible futures. Yet this vision gave him little confidence. Doubt coursed through him, how could he ever love another. His grief for Arwen would forever veil his heart.
Still, there was Éowyn. Tenderness and affection blinded his senses when her presence was near. He knew not what to call his emotions. Not yet was he ready to utter the words of love, but still there was something more there.
Tonight had held the realization. He had gazed upon her standing illuminated in the light of golden flame. Her hair had come alive and suddenly light and shadow mixed. Reality had faded, allowing him a glimpse of what could come to pass. The last wisps of wind had blown causing the vision to fade into nothingness. His heart had warmed, leaving him feeling light and free. He had held out his hand for Éowyn to take. He knew she held tenderness for him, but he had felt the need to ask. So with the smallest of gestures he asked and she answered. And together they had entered back into the celebration. The fire was warm and the company merry. He found joy this night, when his heart should have not allowed it.
Now among the shining stars his heart called out for Arwen. His heart chilled when he no longer felt her presence there. The wind had brought a true farewell. One he had begged her to make, but still he had kept a vigil of hope. Hope that she would remain and forever be with him until the doom of man allowed them to fade. That vigil now needed to come to an end.
Many years ago he thought on this possible end. His love for Arwen had been new and he thought would forever be in bloom. He had sworn to remain alone, never even considering the possibility of another love.
Tonight his thoughts echoed that same promise. Though tonight in itself, had held many betrayals.
Éowyn.
Éowyn..
His heart had warmed at her sight, his eyes gleamed when she spoke, his hands and lips possessed wills of their own. Treacherous had been his actions.
Treacherous had been the actions of many this night.
The want for sleep had called the celebration to an end. All had gone to rest. He had parted ways with Éowyn by placing her hand in her uncle's. His eyes stared after, following her step. When she disappeared the light freedom of his heart faded into shadow as the guilt of many betrayals settled. He searched for peace, knowing that sleep would not find him. His heart was still too heavy. He ventured out onto the porch, right to the very spot where the winds of farewell had blown. He had wanted to smoke his pipe and repent for the betrayals he had committed. But this night would not allow time for that. Legolas stood looking to the skies, his eyes told of many things.
A piercing scream echoed through the wide spaces of the Golden Hall.
The eye of the enemy had come.
Dark were the whispers that embodied the scream. A shadow from the past it held, poisonous, foul were the sounds that mingled with the piercing cry. Gloom came pouring back into the rooms and hearts of those whose ears had heard.
Aragorn and Legolas entered the room where many of their company had gone to find sleep. There was Pippin, screaming and thrashing in pain. In his hands he held the evidence of his
treachery. The palantír shone with the brightness of the enemy's eye. Pippin again flailed in pain. Aragorn reacting on instinct had reached for and then snatched the palantír from Pippin's grasp. He too had become ensnared in the enemy's power. Pain filled his body, in his mind he tried to turn from Sauron. Now was not the time for he, Isildur's heir to come forth.
Sauron had heard this thought, but had not seen Aragorn's face. Aragorn was made to let go of the seeing stone, only because of the want of the enemy allowed it. The halfling was who he wanted.
Gandalf quickly threw his cloak over the palantír, chasing the darkness and shadow away. Pippin held the attentions of Gandalf, and those who still remained in the room. Aragorn, for the moment, was forgotten.
All was silent to Aragorn's ears and the world moved slowly. He rested on the floor trying to regain his senses. Aragorn had blinked his dazed eyes up at Legolas, trying to understand the words coming from the elf's mouth. His distant gaze then turned in the direction of the doorway. There at the threshold, standing with eyes filled with desperation, was Éowyn. He met her stare from across the room. Still, he could hear nothing and the world still tumbled, unrecognizable. The darkness and pain that the enemy had inflicted still confused his mind, still deafened his senses.
His face contorted with pain making his eyes leave hers. Éowyn took a frantic step in his direction, but was stopped by Legolas.
Suddenly Aragorn was called by a sweet whisper. Low and mesmerizing it was, like a song. It echoed in his mind, slowly reverberating, growing in pitch and volume until it formed a word, a name, his name.
"Aragorn."
The darkness and shadow fled from his mind. Now with clarity he could hear the sweet sound that had called him back.
It was Éowyn, calling to him.
His eyes now focused on her. She was struggling with Legolas, trying to break free from his arms. Aragorn stood and made his way slowly towards them.
"Éowyn"
He both heard and felt the tenderness in his voice when he had called to her.
Legolas looked back at his friend, relief filled his eyes. He then let go of Éowyn. Legolas watched with interest as they went to one another, then he turned and slipped out of the door unnoticed.
Éowyn ran to Aragorn and placed her two hands on either side of his face. Worry etched her face as her eyes searched his for some answer. He had placed his hands on top of hers, closed his eyes and took in a cleansing breath. Then taking her hands, he moved them from his face until they were simply clasped between their two bodies. His eyes fluttered open and looking down into her glistening gaze,
"Thank you, my lady."
Low and quiet was his voice, but it was still heavy with emotion. As Éowyn looked upon him he noticed that she had unshed tears glistening in her eyes. Her brow furrowed in confusion as his statement registered. The slight movement of her face caused one of the precarious tears to fall. It glided down her cheek leaving its stain on her perfectly white face. She took no notice of it, but instead asked,
"Why do you thank me?"
She blinked as she asked her question, causing another tear to fall. Aragorn let go of one hand, with his thumb he brushed her cheek gently to rid it of the tear. Then he leaned his face closer and with gentle lips kissed the other tear away. He heard her catch her breath, then as their eyes met she suddenly redirected her gaze to the floor. With the same free hand he took her chin and lifted her face to his.
"You called to me. I heard you. I'm thanking you for calling me back from shadow and pain."
He had then escorted her back to her chambers, where he told her all that he knew of the palantír. There had been many betrayals at her doorway. A glance, a touch, and a tender goodnight. Her door had shut quietly, and with it came the overpowering sensation of guilt.
Restless has been his night. Many choices were put forth to him. One concerned his heart. Was he to mourn the passing of Arwen forever? Or would he give his heart to another? His heart was torn. He walked the length of the porch many times, trying to gain some wisdom. Though matters of the heart were not the most pressing of the issues. His eyes caught sight of the rising sun. Its light barely touched the world, only certain shades of color had awoken. The shadow had not yet reached this land. Aragorn remembered the gloom and whispers of darkness that filled his mind earlier this night.
"Do not use it yet," that had been the words of Gandalf before the dawn. Aragorn looked down to the small leather bag that now rested by his feet.
A kingly charge indeed.
After leaving Éowyn, Gandalf had summoned him outside. They had stood alone in vast darkness, one flame from inside shed some light onto the area in which they stood. Gandalf had lifted from the leather bag a small covered object. Aragorn knew that it was the palantír by first glance. Gandalf had a twinkle in his eye as he looked from the stone and then back to Aragorn.
"I need you to take charge of something. Do not allow Peregrin Took anywhere near this."
Aragorn slowly nodded his head in understanding.
Gandalf then bowed and presented the stone to Aragorn.
"Receive it, lord! In earnest of other things that shall be given back. But if I may counsel you in the use of your own, do not use it - yet! Be wary!"
Aragorn took the stone from Gandalf and placed it back into the leather bag.
"I will not use it, not yet. I will wait until I am sure the time has come. When that will be, I do not know. My path is still hidden."
Gandalf had raised an eyebrow.
"There are no hidden paths, not anymore. Only choices. The time will come Aragorn, son of Arathorn when you will know what choice to make. Your heart will tell you."
With that Gandalf turned and went back inside. Leaving Aragorn alone.
More light beckoned from the rising sun, now higher in the sky then before. A cool breeze came and touched his face. He shivered from the slight chill that the morning brought. The porch of the Golden Hall, where the wind freezes, but hearts are made warm. Many things had happened here tonight, many had been inevitable, while others had been quite unexpected. All of his unanswered questions seemed to fill his mind. Riddles and guilt had been his only answers.
He looked upon the beginnings of a new day and wondered what this day held for him.
"Only choices" repeated Aragorn.