Winds
By
Necole
Disclaimer: I do not own a thing!! All of this belongs to Tolkien!!
Author's notes: OKAY! So this is based on the movie ROTK! *SPOILERS* I'm really changing some stuff in this chapter! I use book, I use movie, and I use a lot of my imagination!!! It's really turning into an AU! I'm worried you guys are going to think that the characterization is WAY off! Not just A/E but everybody! So remember I am sensitive and really do not like flames. Please Review!!!!
Okay, now some thank yous and some apologies
First, to Saldemar the Fantabulous, I spelled your name wrong, not once, but twice! My last chapter was posted very quickly! I'm really sorry! Those were two mistakes I should have caught!
Skyler, you do not have to be a writer of fanfic to join the group. PLEASE continue working on your fic! PLEASE OH PLEASE! But go ahead and join! Hopefully we will have more fics soon! So come on over, you are most welcome to join!
Everyone who posted a review, THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Hope you all enjoy!!!
Chapter Three: The Promising Stars
Forgotten is not the sun during long dark nights. The twinkling of the stars consumes the solitude of the darkness, promising to all who see them that light will come again. Dark and sorrowful had been his days. Neither sun nor stars had held any joy. Guilt had brought his loneliness. Some days had passed since the departure of Gandalf. Aragorn looked for the sign of Gondor's need with every new day. Each day he would leave the company of others to sit in isolation, waiting. Today, the waiting had come to an end. The clouds that hovered over the mountains had parted and there in the distance was the light, burning.
The beacons had been lit.
Rohan would answer.
That left one night, one night of peace. King Théoden had made ready a feast. Proclaiming that all would eat, drink, and speak of happier times. The morning would come soon enough, and with it the realization of war.
"Let war fall from your shoulders this night. Take rest, and lay your troubles down. For at dawn we ride. We ride for Dunharrow. We ride for war."
A bright fire burned in the hall, but hearts did not feel the warmth. All who sat attempted to laugh and hide their troubles away, but few succeeded. The seriousness of the day to come was all too much. Contemplation and doubt sat heavily on the brows of each face that entered into the feast.
Aragorn made his way in unnoticed and sat down next to Legolas.
"Your heart is dark tonight, my friend"
Legolas spoke in the tongue of his people, summoning privacy among the large group.
"These are dark times," answered Aragorn.
Legolas nodded his head, agreeing with his statement.
"Yes, but there is something else, another burden. You've brought this loneliness, this shadow upon yourself."
Aragorn looked at him in confusion, catching the sparkle that sprung to life in the Elf's eyes.
"Go to her Aragorn."
Aragorn's eyes betrayed him as he looked up, and immediately caught sight of the Lady Éowyn. Quickly, he blinked and diverted his eyes back to the table that sat in font of he and Legolas.
"I cannot."
A throat was cleared behind them, breaking the growing tension.
"We'll have none of that! Speak in a tongue we can all understand." Gimli mumbled as he sat himself down between Aragorn and Legolas.
"Théoden has prepared a kingly feast indeed! Even in the eyes of a Dwarf." His plate of food clattered as it fell upon the table.
"Is there any food left?" asked Legolas
Gimli chuckled,
"One day Master Elf you too will know the hospitality of Dwarves. The feasts we will share in will be nothing, nothing compared to this!"
Gimli continued eating and telling of the grand things that his kindred had accomplished.
Aragorn heard nothing. All of his attentions were drawn across the room. His eyes called to her, but she did not turn around.
Éowyn instead listened to Merry, her new companion of late. Since Pippin's departure, Merry had become quite attached to the Lady of Rohan. There was not jealousy in Aragorn's heart, only want and guilt. If she were to turn around, then he would go to her. He watched, waiting for his sign. But it did not come. Merry continued on with his amusing tale, taking all of Éowyn's awareness. So immersed was she in Merry's story that she did not realize how much laughter had escaped her lips. Aragorn watched as her eyes gleamed with happiness, life ran through her veins. She was no longer the stern faced maiden that had greeted he and his company with their arrival to Edoras. For a moment Aragorn wished that it had been he who had caused her delight. His jaw clenched as a burst of her laughter echoed through the wide spaces of the hall.
Maybe he was slightly jealous.
"Come Master Merry. Fill all the ears of this hall with your tales of cheer."
Merry looked to King Théoden with confusion.
"You call for me, my lord?"
"Yes, come forth. No such laughter have I heard from my niece in many a year. Come, cheer our hearts as well."
Merry nodded his head vigorously,
"Yes, my lord"
Merry took his leave of the Lady of Rohan, by standing, bowing, then taking her hand and kissing it gently.
"My lady."
Then away he went to stand before the king. Suddenly, he fell upon one knee and knelt in front of the king.
"Before I tell any tales in this, your great hall. Please allow me to lay the sword of Meriadoc of the Shire upon your lap, Théoden King? Receive my service if you will!"
The room fell silent.
Théoden's eyes. widened, surprised by the noble act.
"Gladly will I take it." Then he stood and laid his hands on Merry's head.
"Rise now, Meriadoc, esquire of Rohan of the household of Melduseld! Take you sword and bear unto good fortune!"
Merry stood and turned to the crowd. Cheers erupted and hands clapped for the new esquire of Rohan.
Clapping and cheers filled Aragorn ears, yet he stood still. A stare now lay upon him, the stare of the Lady Éowyn. Cold and lifeless it was. Her eyes bore straight through him, telling him of the sadness that darkened her heart.
It was then, with the sad lifeless stare of Éowyn filling his eyes that the world went cold. Flashes appeared in front of Aragorn's eyes. Flame, shadow, and the dark stain of blood on a field of grass.
Reality left him as his vision captured his senses. Flames of the sun beat down upon his face, then a shadow of dark cloud came and blotted the sun from his view. Darkness covered the land, no stars could he see. In the dark vapors of shadow his eyes could see one small figure. The figure stood alone, his head bowed, his shoulders shaking with grief. As Aragorn approached, he saw that he was looking upon the face of Pippin.
"Aragorn!"
Then it seemed that Pippin disappeared from the field, leaving Aragorn with the sight of a new nameless body. Light sprang from the fallen victim. Light that was disappearing among the many shadows. Slowly he went, called by some mysterious need. His breath, his heart, both were frozen by the lifeless eyes that met his.
Éowyn lay dead.
And somehow he had been the cause of it.
Aragorn was startled back into reality. He felt Gimli's hand leave his back.
"You alright lad?"
Aragorn looked down at Gimli and nodded his head slowly. He then returned his gaze to where Éowyn still stood. Her eyes were not the lifeless eyes that he had seen in his vision. No, her eyes held nothing but sadness and confusion.
His eyes still looked upon Éowyn, but his ears heard Legolas speaking.
"Why can you not go to her Aragorn? There is want in your eyes, and your heart."
Gimli looked to Legolas,
"What? Do not speak your Elvish!"
Aragorn turned to face Legolas, anger burned in his eyes.
"I simply cannot!"
Gimli quickly faced Aragorn,
"What did you say? What is going on?"
Legolas took one step closer to Aragorn.
"You cannot mourn Arwen Evenstar forever. Why not go to the Lady Éowyn?"
Aragorn raised his voice, silencing many in the crowd that surrounded he and his company.
"Because I will be the death of her!"
With those words Aragorn fled from all members of company.
Gimli and Legolas watched as he went. The doors to the hall slammed telling of his departure. Gimli then turned to his Elf friend.
"Well, that was interesting, considering I still have no idea what the two of you were bickering about."
Legolas put his hand on Gimili's shoulder.
His heart is torn, my friend. It veils his vision
Gimli grunted in irritation,
"Elves! Elves and their riddles!"
* * * * * * *
Aragorn fled to the haven of solitude. Cold air filled his lungs. No moon was there in the sky, only the distant twinkling of many stars. He looked up, wanting to capture the promise of the coming light. A star fell, streaking its way across the night sky and into the great void of forgotten promises.
A promise.
A promise of light to come. Yes, and where was that light? Arwen had left these shores, forgetting the promise she had made so many twilights ago. Now, now Aragorn had seen the bright burning light of a new future, only to have it extinguished. His vision of Éowyn had spoken of her death. His heart froze with the memory of that vision.
With their first meeting, cold her glance had been. Now the clasp of winter had withdrawn from pale spring, leaving only warmth and light shining from her eyes. Yet, all he could see was the lifeless stare of dead winter calling to him. Death she would find, death on a battlefield of his making.
He could not be responsible for her death.
Hope still burned in his heart, melting the frost. Foresight would forever be forsaken as a gift to him. A curse to the men of the west it was, a curse. Twice this gift had come, bearing little but guilt and pain. Yet, he would not ignore it. Somehow, the vision of death would have to be changed. It was not truth, at least not yet.
His eyes begged the stars for an answer. How was he to save her? How was he to secure the safety of one woman, when the world was at stake? He would fight. He would fight, battling the forces of darkness back. He could not insure the safety of all, but he could try to protect as many as possible. It was to be his duty to protect and he now chose to protect the Lady Éowyn.
"Forgotten is not the sun." he muttered to himself.
A warning he would give and nothing more. A cage was not to be her place.
But a promise he would also ask, a promise to be kept for him. A promise could still be forgotten, or worse, broken. And though Aragorn's heart still carried the scar of forgotten promises that had since departed to the west, hope still remained. Twinkling stars still filled the night sky. The light would come, he would make sure of it.
* * * * * * *
With hope again intact, he went in search of the Lady Éowyn. He came to the main hall, no one was in sight, the feast had ended. Aragorn exhaled with impatience. He then left the main hall, hoping to find someone who knew of her whereabouts. His attentions were elsewhere as he made the corner, running into a hobbit fashioned in the gear of Rohan.
"Aragorn! Hello!" said Merry as he stumbled back .
True mirth burned in Aragorn's eyes.
"Merry?"
Merry stood proudly in front of his friend. With a fierce growl, he pulled his sword from its sheath. He jabbed the sword close to Aragorn's side, causing the ranger to sound with surprise. Then before Merry could continue with anymore of his well practiced moves, his unsteady helmet fell covering his eyes.
Aragorn raised his eyebrow and cleared his throat. A small chuckle sounded deep within him.
Merry pushed his helmet up, viewing the amused look on Aragorn's face. Merry's eyes squinted with irritation. He placed his sword back in its scabbard, then with his most noble of voices spoke.
"Don't laugh. The Lady Éowyn said that I looked like a true esquire of Rohan."
Aragorn's eyes became determined.
"You've seen Éowyn? Where is she?"
Merry looked at Aragorn with confusion.
"Yes, of course I've seen her. She helped me with . . .well, just about everything. She made sure that I was prepared for battle. Tonight she gave me most of my gear. A helmet, as you can see. A shield, a knife and this . . ."
"Merry! Where is she?"
Merry jumped at the intensity of Aragorn's words. He then quickly pointed down the hall.
"She's that way! In her room!"
Aragorn brushed passed the hobbit mumbling,
"Thank you, goodnight."
Feeling very much alone, all Merry could do was look on as Aragorn made his way down the hallway.
"Well, that was strange."
He wished for the ever optimistic voice of Pippin to answer from his side.
* * * * * * *
"Merry! It is late . . .but you may come in."
Aragorn's brow furrowed at her beckoning. Aragorn hoped that the laughter in her voice would not fade when she realized that it was not the hobbit who wished to see her. He opened the door to Éowyn's room slightly. His face peeked in,
"It is not Merry, my lady."
Éowyn was laying in her bed, covered with a blue blanket. She sat up with surprise when she saw Aragorn's face. Her grey robe slipped off her shoulder, exposing her fair skin.
"My-my lord! Come in."
She looked at him with wide eyes, then tossed the blanket away so she could stand. Aragorn moved quickly in her direction. His hand raised trying to stop her.
"No, please do not get up. What I have come to say will not take long."
He entered and shut the door quietly behind him.
Éowyn stayed in bed, though she did not relax her stiff posture. She gave a small uncomfortable laugh.
"I thought you were Merry. He is always knocking, coming in at night to ask some question."
Aragorn only nodded in response. His intense stare concentrated solely on her eyes. He walked the remaining steps to her bed. Strange was her effect on him. He reached out taking the soft blanket, slowly with delicate precision he covered her lower body. His eyes were still fixed on hers as sat down on the edge of her bed. Soft golden beams of candle light streaked through her hair. Stern her face was not, kind, sad eyes warmed his heart. The guilt of his first devotion faded into the hallows of his mind. Mourning the loss of Arwen seemed wrong, when in the presence of such illumination. Memory of his lifeless vision faded as his affection grew. He reached out and took hold of her hand. Only then did his powerful stare leave hers.
He looked to there clasped hands, then he opened his mouth to speak. He did not yet know of the words he wished to speak to her. His mouth felt dry as he took in a deep breath. Finally, his voice came, but the words were not what he had planned.
"You and Merry have become very close friends."
Éowyn's eyes still gazed with intensity upon his face. An eyebrow questioned his statement.
"Yes, he is lonely. I-I am lonely too. I understand his want for friendship."
Her eyebrow became determined as her gaze changed to pleading. The need or want of a certain response was quite evident. Yet, Aragorn only said,
"We are all lonely."
Éowyn's determined eyebrow fell with defeat as her face went blank.
"Are you, my lord?"
Quickly, Aragorn's eyes met hers. He did not know how to answer.
Silence ensued, making the air heavy and uncomfortable. Éowyn withdrew her hand. Her tone changed, becoming more formal.
" My lord Aragorn, why have you come? What news do you bring?"
The tone of her voice stung his heart, making reality come back to his senses. Reluctance filled him as he delivered the words of his purpose.
"I came to warn you."
Éowyn's brow furrowed in confusion,
"Warn me? What do you warn of?"
He took a deep breath,
"I do not know for certain. I only know that danger lies in your future."
Her words became defensive.
"How? How lord Aragorn? How do you know of this danger?"
Aragorn moved closer to her, reaching for her hand again.
"The men of the west are granted the gift of foresight. Whether it is gift or curse, I cannot say. I only know that danger lies ahead of you. I beg you, please stay far from battle."
A wild light burned her eyes.
"You wish to protect me from my own want. You, like the others, wish to lock me within a cage."
Aragorn looked away from her blazing eyes.
" It is not a cage that I wish for you. I only ask that you do not seek valor in war."
The fire in her eyes faded quickly. She raised herself from her pillows and leaned closer to him.
"Why do you ask this of me?"
His gaze returned, wanting to explain. But Éowyn silenced him by placing her free hand on his lips. Calm and loving she was now.
"If the enemy does succeed, then battle might be the end of you and I both."
Slowly she raised her hand from his mouth and caressed his cheek. Causing Aragorn's eyes to close at the gentleness of her touch.
"Death could come to us all."
The weight of her statement caused Aragorn to open his eyes. Their closeness stifled his breath.
"I do realize that the end could hold battle for us all. My only wish is that you promise not to enter battle without true need. Do not venture into any harm foolishly."
A soft smile touched her face.
"I am no fool."
Aragorn watched her lips as she spoke. The want of touch burned through his senses.
"No, indeed you are not."
Then there was no longer any space between them. His lips came down upon hers with a passion that was both strong and tender. Slowly they kissed enjoying the intimacy of the long awaited moment. Aragorn's lips traveled down Éowyn's neck, tasting her skin. Her eyes closed as she ran her hands through his hair. Slowly his exploration came to her exposed shoulder. His hand came up and with two fingers he traced the length of the bone that outlined the base of her neck. Éowyn's head went back as a sigh of pleasure escaped from her mouth. He then placed his lips where his fingers had been, retracing their new knowledge. His attentive mouth slowly stopped as he reached the top of her neck. Fast was his breath as he lay his forehead upon her still exposed shoulder. She leaned her head against his, caressing his hair with one hand.
"I should go," he whispered.
She brushed her cheek against the side of his face.
"Stay."
His lips again kissed her neck.
"You know I cannot."
He lingered for some time, simply celebrating the peace he found with her touch. Then he took the fallen robe and with careful hands placed it back on her shoulder. Slowly his eyes found hers.
"I will go. Tomorrow we will say our farewells."
Éowyn's eyes glittered with emotion as she placed both her hands on his face.
"There will be no need for farewells. I shall ride with you tomorrow."
Aragorn's eyes widened with misunderstanding. Éowyn gave a small laugh before kissing him on the forehead.
"I ride as far as Dunharrow. It is tradition."
Sadness then entered her voice.
"There I shall wait, until victory or death send word of some end."
Aragorn covered her hands with his own and leaning closer asked,
"I wish not to rule over you. I only ask that you promise not to take up a sword needlessly."
She smiled a bright smile of happiness.
"I know. And I swear on the promise of the shining stars, that I will not wield a blade without need."
He captured her lips, sealing the promise.
He then stood with her hand still in his. Their hands let go of each others with reluctance. Space grew between them as Aragorn's footsteps carried him closer to the door. He turned before exiting.
"Goodnight, my lady."
The door shut, leaving him very much alone. He turned from the door and placed his head in hands. Shame washed over him. The sight of Arwen danced in his head. Her beauty and love far from forgotten. He felt in his pocket for the Evenstar. When he found it he held it in his hand. Anger and self hate consumed him as he tried to crush it with only the strength of his hand.
"Why must my heart be torn? Why can I not simply forget about her."
He whispered this to himself, wanting to forget about Arwen. Now in his anger he saw her departure as abandonment. A promise broken.
He inhaled and released the tight grip if his hand. There were small intentions of the Evenstar left on his palm. Would he forever be haunted by her? He placed the necklace back into its hiding place. He turned and walked slowly, his destination unknown. All he did know for certain was that he was glad the morning was near. With the coming dawn came his departure from Edoras. And hopefully the contradictions of his heart would somehow disappear.
By
Necole
Disclaimer: I do not own a thing!! All of this belongs to Tolkien!!
Author's notes: OKAY! So this is based on the movie ROTK! *SPOILERS* I'm really changing some stuff in this chapter! I use book, I use movie, and I use a lot of my imagination!!! It's really turning into an AU! I'm worried you guys are going to think that the characterization is WAY off! Not just A/E but everybody! So remember I am sensitive and really do not like flames. Please Review!!!!
Okay, now some thank yous and some apologies
First, to Saldemar the Fantabulous, I spelled your name wrong, not once, but twice! My last chapter was posted very quickly! I'm really sorry! Those were two mistakes I should have caught!
Skyler, you do not have to be a writer of fanfic to join the group. PLEASE continue working on your fic! PLEASE OH PLEASE! But go ahead and join! Hopefully we will have more fics soon! So come on over, you are most welcome to join!
Everyone who posted a review, THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Hope you all enjoy!!!
Chapter Three: The Promising Stars
Forgotten is not the sun during long dark nights. The twinkling of the stars consumes the solitude of the darkness, promising to all who see them that light will come again. Dark and sorrowful had been his days. Neither sun nor stars had held any joy. Guilt had brought his loneliness. Some days had passed since the departure of Gandalf. Aragorn looked for the sign of Gondor's need with every new day. Each day he would leave the company of others to sit in isolation, waiting. Today, the waiting had come to an end. The clouds that hovered over the mountains had parted and there in the distance was the light, burning.
The beacons had been lit.
Rohan would answer.
That left one night, one night of peace. King Théoden had made ready a feast. Proclaiming that all would eat, drink, and speak of happier times. The morning would come soon enough, and with it the realization of war.
"Let war fall from your shoulders this night. Take rest, and lay your troubles down. For at dawn we ride. We ride for Dunharrow. We ride for war."
A bright fire burned in the hall, but hearts did not feel the warmth. All who sat attempted to laugh and hide their troubles away, but few succeeded. The seriousness of the day to come was all too much. Contemplation and doubt sat heavily on the brows of each face that entered into the feast.
Aragorn made his way in unnoticed and sat down next to Legolas.
"Your heart is dark tonight, my friend"
Legolas spoke in the tongue of his people, summoning privacy among the large group.
"These are dark times," answered Aragorn.
Legolas nodded his head, agreeing with his statement.
"Yes, but there is something else, another burden. You've brought this loneliness, this shadow upon yourself."
Aragorn looked at him in confusion, catching the sparkle that sprung to life in the Elf's eyes.
"Go to her Aragorn."
Aragorn's eyes betrayed him as he looked up, and immediately caught sight of the Lady Éowyn. Quickly, he blinked and diverted his eyes back to the table that sat in font of he and Legolas.
"I cannot."
A throat was cleared behind them, breaking the growing tension.
"We'll have none of that! Speak in a tongue we can all understand." Gimli mumbled as he sat himself down between Aragorn and Legolas.
"Théoden has prepared a kingly feast indeed! Even in the eyes of a Dwarf." His plate of food clattered as it fell upon the table.
"Is there any food left?" asked Legolas
Gimli chuckled,
"One day Master Elf you too will know the hospitality of Dwarves. The feasts we will share in will be nothing, nothing compared to this!"
Gimli continued eating and telling of the grand things that his kindred had accomplished.
Aragorn heard nothing. All of his attentions were drawn across the room. His eyes called to her, but she did not turn around.
Éowyn instead listened to Merry, her new companion of late. Since Pippin's departure, Merry had become quite attached to the Lady of Rohan. There was not jealousy in Aragorn's heart, only want and guilt. If she were to turn around, then he would go to her. He watched, waiting for his sign. But it did not come. Merry continued on with his amusing tale, taking all of Éowyn's awareness. So immersed was she in Merry's story that she did not realize how much laughter had escaped her lips. Aragorn watched as her eyes gleamed with happiness, life ran through her veins. She was no longer the stern faced maiden that had greeted he and his company with their arrival to Edoras. For a moment Aragorn wished that it had been he who had caused her delight. His jaw clenched as a burst of her laughter echoed through the wide spaces of the hall.
Maybe he was slightly jealous.
"Come Master Merry. Fill all the ears of this hall with your tales of cheer."
Merry looked to King Théoden with confusion.
"You call for me, my lord?"
"Yes, come forth. No such laughter have I heard from my niece in many a year. Come, cheer our hearts as well."
Merry nodded his head vigorously,
"Yes, my lord"
Merry took his leave of the Lady of Rohan, by standing, bowing, then taking her hand and kissing it gently.
"My lady."
Then away he went to stand before the king. Suddenly, he fell upon one knee and knelt in front of the king.
"Before I tell any tales in this, your great hall. Please allow me to lay the sword of Meriadoc of the Shire upon your lap, Théoden King? Receive my service if you will!"
The room fell silent.
Théoden's eyes. widened, surprised by the noble act.
"Gladly will I take it." Then he stood and laid his hands on Merry's head.
"Rise now, Meriadoc, esquire of Rohan of the household of Melduseld! Take you sword and bear unto good fortune!"
Merry stood and turned to the crowd. Cheers erupted and hands clapped for the new esquire of Rohan.
Clapping and cheers filled Aragorn ears, yet he stood still. A stare now lay upon him, the stare of the Lady Éowyn. Cold and lifeless it was. Her eyes bore straight through him, telling him of the sadness that darkened her heart.
It was then, with the sad lifeless stare of Éowyn filling his eyes that the world went cold. Flashes appeared in front of Aragorn's eyes. Flame, shadow, and the dark stain of blood on a field of grass.
Reality left him as his vision captured his senses. Flames of the sun beat down upon his face, then a shadow of dark cloud came and blotted the sun from his view. Darkness covered the land, no stars could he see. In the dark vapors of shadow his eyes could see one small figure. The figure stood alone, his head bowed, his shoulders shaking with grief. As Aragorn approached, he saw that he was looking upon the face of Pippin.
"Aragorn!"
Then it seemed that Pippin disappeared from the field, leaving Aragorn with the sight of a new nameless body. Light sprang from the fallen victim. Light that was disappearing among the many shadows. Slowly he went, called by some mysterious need. His breath, his heart, both were frozen by the lifeless eyes that met his.
Éowyn lay dead.
And somehow he had been the cause of it.
Aragorn was startled back into reality. He felt Gimli's hand leave his back.
"You alright lad?"
Aragorn looked down at Gimli and nodded his head slowly. He then returned his gaze to where Éowyn still stood. Her eyes were not the lifeless eyes that he had seen in his vision. No, her eyes held nothing but sadness and confusion.
His eyes still looked upon Éowyn, but his ears heard Legolas speaking.
"Why can you not go to her Aragorn? There is want in your eyes, and your heart."
Gimli looked to Legolas,
"What? Do not speak your Elvish!"
Aragorn turned to face Legolas, anger burned in his eyes.
"I simply cannot!"
Gimli quickly faced Aragorn,
"What did you say? What is going on?"
Legolas took one step closer to Aragorn.
"You cannot mourn Arwen Evenstar forever. Why not go to the Lady Éowyn?"
Aragorn raised his voice, silencing many in the crowd that surrounded he and his company.
"Because I will be the death of her!"
With those words Aragorn fled from all members of company.
Gimli and Legolas watched as he went. The doors to the hall slammed telling of his departure. Gimli then turned to his Elf friend.
"Well, that was interesting, considering I still have no idea what the two of you were bickering about."
Legolas put his hand on Gimili's shoulder.
His heart is torn, my friend. It veils his vision
Gimli grunted in irritation,
"Elves! Elves and their riddles!"
* * * * * * *
Aragorn fled to the haven of solitude. Cold air filled his lungs. No moon was there in the sky, only the distant twinkling of many stars. He looked up, wanting to capture the promise of the coming light. A star fell, streaking its way across the night sky and into the great void of forgotten promises.
A promise.
A promise of light to come. Yes, and where was that light? Arwen had left these shores, forgetting the promise she had made so many twilights ago. Now, now Aragorn had seen the bright burning light of a new future, only to have it extinguished. His vision of Éowyn had spoken of her death. His heart froze with the memory of that vision.
With their first meeting, cold her glance had been. Now the clasp of winter had withdrawn from pale spring, leaving only warmth and light shining from her eyes. Yet, all he could see was the lifeless stare of dead winter calling to him. Death she would find, death on a battlefield of his making.
He could not be responsible for her death.
Hope still burned in his heart, melting the frost. Foresight would forever be forsaken as a gift to him. A curse to the men of the west it was, a curse. Twice this gift had come, bearing little but guilt and pain. Yet, he would not ignore it. Somehow, the vision of death would have to be changed. It was not truth, at least not yet.
His eyes begged the stars for an answer. How was he to save her? How was he to secure the safety of one woman, when the world was at stake? He would fight. He would fight, battling the forces of darkness back. He could not insure the safety of all, but he could try to protect as many as possible. It was to be his duty to protect and he now chose to protect the Lady Éowyn.
"Forgotten is not the sun." he muttered to himself.
A warning he would give and nothing more. A cage was not to be her place.
But a promise he would also ask, a promise to be kept for him. A promise could still be forgotten, or worse, broken. And though Aragorn's heart still carried the scar of forgotten promises that had since departed to the west, hope still remained. Twinkling stars still filled the night sky. The light would come, he would make sure of it.
* * * * * * *
With hope again intact, he went in search of the Lady Éowyn. He came to the main hall, no one was in sight, the feast had ended. Aragorn exhaled with impatience. He then left the main hall, hoping to find someone who knew of her whereabouts. His attentions were elsewhere as he made the corner, running into a hobbit fashioned in the gear of Rohan.
"Aragorn! Hello!" said Merry as he stumbled back .
True mirth burned in Aragorn's eyes.
"Merry?"
Merry stood proudly in front of his friend. With a fierce growl, he pulled his sword from its sheath. He jabbed the sword close to Aragorn's side, causing the ranger to sound with surprise. Then before Merry could continue with anymore of his well practiced moves, his unsteady helmet fell covering his eyes.
Aragorn raised his eyebrow and cleared his throat. A small chuckle sounded deep within him.
Merry pushed his helmet up, viewing the amused look on Aragorn's face. Merry's eyes squinted with irritation. He placed his sword back in its scabbard, then with his most noble of voices spoke.
"Don't laugh. The Lady Éowyn said that I looked like a true esquire of Rohan."
Aragorn's eyes became determined.
"You've seen Éowyn? Where is she?"
Merry looked at Aragorn with confusion.
"Yes, of course I've seen her. She helped me with . . .well, just about everything. She made sure that I was prepared for battle. Tonight she gave me most of my gear. A helmet, as you can see. A shield, a knife and this . . ."
"Merry! Where is she?"
Merry jumped at the intensity of Aragorn's words. He then quickly pointed down the hall.
"She's that way! In her room!"
Aragorn brushed passed the hobbit mumbling,
"Thank you, goodnight."
Feeling very much alone, all Merry could do was look on as Aragorn made his way down the hallway.
"Well, that was strange."
He wished for the ever optimistic voice of Pippin to answer from his side.
* * * * * * *
"Merry! It is late . . .but you may come in."
Aragorn's brow furrowed at her beckoning. Aragorn hoped that the laughter in her voice would not fade when she realized that it was not the hobbit who wished to see her. He opened the door to Éowyn's room slightly. His face peeked in,
"It is not Merry, my lady."
Éowyn was laying in her bed, covered with a blue blanket. She sat up with surprise when she saw Aragorn's face. Her grey robe slipped off her shoulder, exposing her fair skin.
"My-my lord! Come in."
She looked at him with wide eyes, then tossed the blanket away so she could stand. Aragorn moved quickly in her direction. His hand raised trying to stop her.
"No, please do not get up. What I have come to say will not take long."
He entered and shut the door quietly behind him.
Éowyn stayed in bed, though she did not relax her stiff posture. She gave a small uncomfortable laugh.
"I thought you were Merry. He is always knocking, coming in at night to ask some question."
Aragorn only nodded in response. His intense stare concentrated solely on her eyes. He walked the remaining steps to her bed. Strange was her effect on him. He reached out taking the soft blanket, slowly with delicate precision he covered her lower body. His eyes were still fixed on hers as sat down on the edge of her bed. Soft golden beams of candle light streaked through her hair. Stern her face was not, kind, sad eyes warmed his heart. The guilt of his first devotion faded into the hallows of his mind. Mourning the loss of Arwen seemed wrong, when in the presence of such illumination. Memory of his lifeless vision faded as his affection grew. He reached out and took hold of her hand. Only then did his powerful stare leave hers.
He looked to there clasped hands, then he opened his mouth to speak. He did not yet know of the words he wished to speak to her. His mouth felt dry as he took in a deep breath. Finally, his voice came, but the words were not what he had planned.
"You and Merry have become very close friends."
Éowyn's eyes still gazed with intensity upon his face. An eyebrow questioned his statement.
"Yes, he is lonely. I-I am lonely too. I understand his want for friendship."
Her eyebrow became determined as her gaze changed to pleading. The need or want of a certain response was quite evident. Yet, Aragorn only said,
"We are all lonely."
Éowyn's determined eyebrow fell with defeat as her face went blank.
"Are you, my lord?"
Quickly, Aragorn's eyes met hers. He did not know how to answer.
Silence ensued, making the air heavy and uncomfortable. Éowyn withdrew her hand. Her tone changed, becoming more formal.
" My lord Aragorn, why have you come? What news do you bring?"
The tone of her voice stung his heart, making reality come back to his senses. Reluctance filled him as he delivered the words of his purpose.
"I came to warn you."
Éowyn's brow furrowed in confusion,
"Warn me? What do you warn of?"
He took a deep breath,
"I do not know for certain. I only know that danger lies in your future."
Her words became defensive.
"How? How lord Aragorn? How do you know of this danger?"
Aragorn moved closer to her, reaching for her hand again.
"The men of the west are granted the gift of foresight. Whether it is gift or curse, I cannot say. I only know that danger lies ahead of you. I beg you, please stay far from battle."
A wild light burned her eyes.
"You wish to protect me from my own want. You, like the others, wish to lock me within a cage."
Aragorn looked away from her blazing eyes.
" It is not a cage that I wish for you. I only ask that you do not seek valor in war."
The fire in her eyes faded quickly. She raised herself from her pillows and leaned closer to him.
"Why do you ask this of me?"
His gaze returned, wanting to explain. But Éowyn silenced him by placing her free hand on his lips. Calm and loving she was now.
"If the enemy does succeed, then battle might be the end of you and I both."
Slowly she raised her hand from his mouth and caressed his cheek. Causing Aragorn's eyes to close at the gentleness of her touch.
"Death could come to us all."
The weight of her statement caused Aragorn to open his eyes. Their closeness stifled his breath.
"I do realize that the end could hold battle for us all. My only wish is that you promise not to enter battle without true need. Do not venture into any harm foolishly."
A soft smile touched her face.
"I am no fool."
Aragorn watched her lips as she spoke. The want of touch burned through his senses.
"No, indeed you are not."
Then there was no longer any space between them. His lips came down upon hers with a passion that was both strong and tender. Slowly they kissed enjoying the intimacy of the long awaited moment. Aragorn's lips traveled down Éowyn's neck, tasting her skin. Her eyes closed as she ran her hands through his hair. Slowly his exploration came to her exposed shoulder. His hand came up and with two fingers he traced the length of the bone that outlined the base of her neck. Éowyn's head went back as a sigh of pleasure escaped from her mouth. He then placed his lips where his fingers had been, retracing their new knowledge. His attentive mouth slowly stopped as he reached the top of her neck. Fast was his breath as he lay his forehead upon her still exposed shoulder. She leaned her head against his, caressing his hair with one hand.
"I should go," he whispered.
She brushed her cheek against the side of his face.
"Stay."
His lips again kissed her neck.
"You know I cannot."
He lingered for some time, simply celebrating the peace he found with her touch. Then he took the fallen robe and with careful hands placed it back on her shoulder. Slowly his eyes found hers.
"I will go. Tomorrow we will say our farewells."
Éowyn's eyes glittered with emotion as she placed both her hands on his face.
"There will be no need for farewells. I shall ride with you tomorrow."
Aragorn's eyes widened with misunderstanding. Éowyn gave a small laugh before kissing him on the forehead.
"I ride as far as Dunharrow. It is tradition."
Sadness then entered her voice.
"There I shall wait, until victory or death send word of some end."
Aragorn covered her hands with his own and leaning closer asked,
"I wish not to rule over you. I only ask that you promise not to take up a sword needlessly."
She smiled a bright smile of happiness.
"I know. And I swear on the promise of the shining stars, that I will not wield a blade without need."
He captured her lips, sealing the promise.
He then stood with her hand still in his. Their hands let go of each others with reluctance. Space grew between them as Aragorn's footsteps carried him closer to the door. He turned before exiting.
"Goodnight, my lady."
The door shut, leaving him very much alone. He turned from the door and placed his head in hands. Shame washed over him. The sight of Arwen danced in his head. Her beauty and love far from forgotten. He felt in his pocket for the Evenstar. When he found it he held it in his hand. Anger and self hate consumed him as he tried to crush it with only the strength of his hand.
"Why must my heart be torn? Why can I not simply forget about her."
He whispered this to himself, wanting to forget about Arwen. Now in his anger he saw her departure as abandonment. A promise broken.
He inhaled and released the tight grip if his hand. There were small intentions of the Evenstar left on his palm. Would he forever be haunted by her? He placed the necklace back into its hiding place. He turned and walked slowly, his destination unknown. All he did know for certain was that he was glad the morning was near. With the coming dawn came his departure from Edoras. And hopefully the contradictions of his heart would somehow disappear.