Well here it finally is. I am so sorry I took so long to post this new chapter. At the beginning of the year I had to go back to work. Yeah someone has to make the candy you all eat. Plus we had a family tragedy that I had to deal with. So I hope that everyone enjoys this latest entry and I hope not to keep you waiting too long the next time.

Truth Be Told

The sun had just broken the horizon, throwing a crisp bright light on the countryside. An eerie mist was rising from the warm water, making the surrounding forest look almost surreal. Legolas' eyes flew open and he woke with a start. A wild look around confirmed that they had fallen asleep in each other's arms and did not wake in time for Gwenneth to return to the camp unnoticed.

"Gwenneth," he said as her gently shook her awake. A bright smile graced his face as her eyes slowly fluttered opened.

It took her a moment to understand her surroundings, but when she finally did, she smiled at the beautiful face that was above her. She felt a peace as she took a deep breath of the cool air. "Hello," she whispered.

Legolas' hand lazily brushed away the hair that fell over her face. "Did you sleep well?"

"Like a child! But it seems we have slept till morning," she said as she sat up and squinted to the bright morning sky. Then suddenly she felt her head being guided down until her gaze met his. Without warning he placed a series of kisses over her face. An incredible sense of happiness filled her as she broke into laughter. "What are you doing?" she asked as he continued his playful assault on her face and neck.

"It is something that I plan to do every morning from now till the end of our time on earth," he said, stopping only for an instant to explain before he continued. Gwenneth tried to push him away, laughing gleefully, but he would have none of that as he pulled her tighter to him and strengthened his hold around her waist.

Again she squealed in delight as his kisses tickled her throat. "Really, Legolas! I have to return…someone will notice that I am…gone," she managed between the laughter.

Sighing in defeat Legolas loosened his hold and his tormenting kisses ceased. "Aye, I am afraid you are right," he replied with reluctance. "I have to keep reminding myself that it is only for one more day, and tomorrow we will belong to each other."

"We already do my love," she corrected as she leaned in and kissed him. Legolas was pleasantly surprised by her boldness.

Legolas rose to his feet and pulled her up into his arms. "Will I see you at the competitions today?" he asked as his had combed through her silky coal black hair.

She smiled as she looked deeply into his incredible blue depths. "I am sure that Eomer will pull me there, and have me there by his side like some kind of luck token," she stated flatly with a hint of disgust in her voice.

Legolas ran his hand over her cheek and smiled. "Just knowing you are there will be all the luck that I need. I will win because of you," he murmured with confidence before he kissed her deeply.

Then he reluctantly pulled away, leaving Gwenneth breathless. With a sigh they both realized that they could linger no longer. Legolas pulled her to her feet and they both dressed. Funny that now Gwenneth was not ashamed to be seen by him. Everything had changed now. Nothing would ever come between them, and their bond was solidified.

After putting on their garments Legolas reached down and took her hand as they carefully crept out of the trees and onto the path that lead to Gwenneth's camp. Blissfully aware of only one another, neither of them took notice of the walker in the distance behind them.

***

Having been robbed of a night's sleep, Aragorn could not justify what he was now seeing before him. Surely his tired eyes were playing tricks upon him! For it seemed that Gwenneth had just stepped out onto the path ahead, holding hands with none other than…Legolas Greenleaf! Aragorn immediately rubbed his eyes to make sure this was not a spell. But the sight before him stayed the same. It was definitely Gwenneth and Legolas!.

Seeing them ahead of him, walking hand in hand and hopelessly lost to each other, brought back the pain that he had felt years ago. Suddenly the vision crashed into his sight and it felt as though he was living through the past again.

He could still taste the droplets of strawberry wine that glistened on her sweet lips as they grazed ever so softly over his. Her skin was as smooth as a stone that had been lying at the bottom of a flowing river and had become as slick as glass from the relentless friction. Her golden hair was in a long braid that fell along her spine. Looking into her deep green eyes he swore he could swear that he could see his future within them. His whole being rejoiced when they were together and it ached with her absence. He would travel through the depths of Mordor to be with her if that was what she requested! Aragorn was sure that this fair maiden from Anfalas was the love that he was meant to have.

One day, after having traveled a long distance to be with her, he saw the same sight that he was now witnessing. Only it was not Gwenneth with that elf. It was…his love. In his absence Legolas had come to her aid and was now lavishing her with all his cunning lies and devilry. Legolas had managed to weave a spell around her that could not be broken, no matter how hard Aragorn fought. He knew that Legolas did not love her like he did. He knew that Legolas only did this out of his hatred for him. The elf filled the woman's head with ill words and lies about Aragorn till she no longer even wanted him to be near. Then the elf played with the girl's emotions, just like a cat torturing his prey before finally the prize was drained of all will to fight. It was then that Aragorn's contempt for elves grew to zenith proportions.

The sound of Gwenneth's laughter in the distance brought him back into the present. He stood in his tracks, unable to continue and suddenly felt strange. He looked around for a place to rest and found himself sitting on a fallen tree, staring down the path as he watched the couple fade from his sight. "What is she doing?" he asked himself while he rubbed his face with his calloused hands.

His mind was reeling at the thought of Gwenneth with "that" elf. He could not help the rage that started to flow through his veins! He swore that he would not let history repeat itself. Could it be that this was why Arwen was so opposed to the courtship?  Was this why Gwenneth fought him so vehemently over his decision to give her hand to Eomer? As he looked up into the bright morning sky, the next nightmarish thought came to him: was Gwenneth in love with Legolas? He could not believe such a thing! It was well beyond anything he could imagine. He had failed to protect her!

For a moment Aragorn could have sworn that he heard his sister's voice echoing in his head. "Protect me from what?" Gwenneth yelped in annoyance.

Then again, maybe all of this was just assumptions. But…he only knew of one other than Gwenneth, who would know the truth. And now that person was not really willing to talk to him. But he had to try. For the sake of his sanity, for the sake of his heart, he had to talk to Arwen!

Aragorn quickly rose from his seated position and started briskly down the path towards the Rivendell elf's encampment. Aragorn walked for what seemed a lifetime, but in truth it was really only a few minutes before he came upon the enchanting Lady Arwen. Earlier he had told himself that he would not seek her presence, but circumstances had now changed and it was inevitable. As they neared each other, his steps wavered and his courage shriveled in her presence.

Arwen's blank expression did not change as she approached the human. She had hoped that he would not be on the path, but now that she saw him, her pulse quickened and the excitement increased, although she fought hard not to show it. They paused when they were merely paces away from each other. The corner of Aragorn's mouth curled up to reveal a half smile that was to die for. Arwen's heart melted as she lost the inner battle and returned his smile.

"Good morning My Lady," he greeted as he bowed deeply.

"Suilad, Aragorn," she said in return. "It is most surprising that we meet again. From what occurred during our last council, I did not expect us to meet again."

This made Aragorn laugh. "Honestly…I did not expect this either, but something has occurred and I needed to speak to you."

Intrigued, Arwen raised an eyebrow. "And what might this be concerning?" she asked curiously.

Aragorn glanced down at the ground as if he paused to think how to ask her his questions, but then decided that there was no easy way to ask. "Do you know about my sister and Legolas?" he blurted.

The color drained from Arwen's face upon hearing his question. She stood motionless in front of him, unable to move from the shock. "Wha…what do you mean?" she stammered finally after catching the breath that had left her briefly.

Her expression betrayed her and Aragorn instantly knew that she had indeed known about the affair between his sister and that elf. "I can see that you know what I speak of," came his response that was cold, but not intentionally so.

Arwen hung her head. "Yes…I know about them," she whispered, her head hung low as she seemed to be afraid and ashamed to look him in the eye.

Aragorn slowly reached out slowly and hooked his fingers under Arwen's chin to guide her head up to meet his sight. "Tell me everything," he coolly demanded.

Arwen sighed once, and then began to tell him everything that she knew about Gwenneth and Legolas. She told him about how they met and how much they cared for each other. She went into great detail about how Gwenneth had told her about the arrangement he had made with Eomer and the devastation they both felt about the pending courtship. But she made sure that she did not tell him about their plan to leave together. She was afraid the he would not understand.

Aragorn listened intently, trying to believe what she was telling him. It was as he had feared - his sister was indeed in love with Legolas. He was not quite sure how to take this news. He felt anger that it was Legolas, but deep down inside he could not help feeling happy for her.

When Arwen finally had nothing more to share –willingly, that is- Aragorn shook his head and combed his hand through his already tousled mane. "I have been unjust to my sister," he stated dryly with little emotion. He paused to sigh deeply and shove his hands deep into his coat pockets. "Thank you Arwen. That is all the information I require. I will leave you now and never burden you again," he added and nodded his head before he spun around and started to walk away.

"Wait! Aragorn!" she said as he stepped away from her and the ranger slowly turned to face her once more. His eyes were filled with confusion and pain, but his face remained a blank page. "They love each other, Aragorn. Nothing you do will change that fact," she added with a whisper. "They deserve to be happy together."

They stood in the morning sun, facing one another with no words passing between them. Now more then before Aragorn's conflicting thoughts battled in his mind. He wanted Gwenneth to be happy and content in her life, but the fact remained that it was with Legolas that she had found her happiness and he did not know if he could accept that.

"What are you going to do?" asked Arwen after the silence became unbearable.

"I am going to put an end to this!" he said with much anger. "Legolas does not deserve Gwenneth. He only deserves death!"

"But she is happy! THEY are happy!"

"She can be happy with someone else. Maybe Eomer…but not him!" he spat. "Legolas cut me deeply before…he will not cut my sister. I will not let that happen!" Aragorn quickly started to walk away.

Arwen chased after him and grabbed his arm to stop his stride. "I know that Legolas has hurt you before, and I know that he is deeply sorry for that. He regretted it more then you know."

"Oh, please do tell me!" was the sarcastic reply, his face loaded with fury.

"Legolas cared for her deeply. And at first he did not know about the two of you, for she never revealed that her heart belonged to another. He thought she loved only him. But, the truth is, she never stopped loving you." Aragorn's anger slowly faded in front of her eyes. "Legolas gave her everything he could possible give to win her love. And it almost cost him his soul," the elf added and paused to study his reaction.

"Please do not stop there. I…I need to know everything," he pleaded with a whisper.

Arwen sighed. "In the end it was neither of you that she loved. After Legolas gave her all that he possible could, she went to another without so much as a farewell. Legolas was dead to the world - he cared not if he lived or died. Before her he would have never thought about crossing paths with "men". He was always kind and peaceful. But she changed everything. That is why he caused trouble for you and your friends. He was just waiting for you to strike him down. He really wanted death."

Aragorn suddenly knew that he shared the same misery as Legolas. Because he, too, had longed for death after she left him for the elf. It was strange to learn that you had something in common with the person you most despised. After hearing what Legolas had gone through, he realized that men and elves were not so different after all. They both loved with a passion and grieved with vengeance.

"He has told me many times since then that he was truly sorry for the way things happened. He was wrong and he knows it," she said, but then quickly added: "How long are you going to hold this over his head? Have you both not had enough pain?"

"Yes, it seems that we have both suffered needlessly over someone who only cared for her own gain," he stated. "Maybe we have endured enough pain."

"Now you can put an end to the grief of both of you. Let them be."

"Thank you my lady, for showing me the light," he said a long moment later. He gave her a warm smile before he turned once more and walked away.

Arwen suddenly felt torn. The desire to reach out to him bloomed in her – she realized that she did not want to see him walk out of her life like this. She wanted to comfort him, to support him in his decisions, to soothe his pain. "Stay!" she suddenly called out, again stopping him in his tracks.

Aragorn's head turned ever so slightly, and he barely saw the elven Princess in his peripheral vision. "What?" was the only word he could utter.

"Stay," she said once more, and then added, "Walk with me."

He turned completely to face her and an incredible smile swept over his face while the sun glistened in his eyes. Arwen's breath hitched at the sight of the beautiful man that stood before her. Slowly she held out her hand to him, and without further hesitation he walked to her and took the extend hand in his, placing a deep kiss on the smooth elven skin of her palm. "I would be most honored to walk with you, My Lady."

"Did you come to any conclusions of what you might do?" Arwen asked after they had walked a while in silence.

"I want the best for Gwenneth. But I am still uncertain that the best is Legolas. However, in the same sense I know it is not Eomer, either, for with him her life will be without purpose or passion, and I do not want that for her. So I must talk to Eomer and end the courtship."

Arwen's face lit up. "End the courtship? Do you think Eomer will be willing to do what you ask?"

"That is a question only he will be able to answer," was his flat response. He met her gaze. "Alas, let us not waste time talking about that. Let us talk about more cheerful things. Let us talk about us."

"Yes…about us," she replied as a seductive smile graced her lovely face.

The future king paused in his tracks and gazed at the elf. "You mean to tell me that there is an 'us' to talk about?" he asked with mild excitement.

"Your willingness to talk to Eomer is a great accomplishment and it shows me that you are willing and capable of change," Arwen and continued her walk, leaving Aragorn behind.

He watched her take a few steps, then laughed out loud as he chased after her. "If you would do me the honor, I wish to accompany you to the tournament today?" was his bold question when he managed to catch up with her.

Arwen kept her gaze ahead and didn't miss a step as she slowly sauntered down the path. After a moment of suspense, she chose to answer. "No. *I* would be honored to have you escort me.' She looked into his eyes that had never left hers.

Aragorn smiled and nodded softly in acceptance. "Very well then," he confirmed with a nod, and they continued their stroll.

***

Luck was on Gwenneth's side, for there was not a soul around when she returned to her tent and silently slipped in. Once safely inside, she took a long look around. She was ready to leave all these belongings behind to start a new life. True, there was a part of her that felt a little sad about the whole thing. But the sadness soon fell to the background as the excitement began to take over again.

She imagined all the wonderful and daring things that her and Legolas would do together. All the far off lands that she had longed to see she would now visit and no one was going to stop her. She regretted that Eowyn, her best friend, would not be there with her to share all of her adventures. If only Eowyn could see that this was the best thing for her! Gwenneth desperately needed to talk to her and settle things between them before she left. Just as she was getting ready to leave to search for her friend, Eomer came calling for her. She quickly pulled her hair back, tied it on top of her head and went out to greet him.

"Eomer…I was not expecting you this early," she said almost out of breath as she hurried out of her tent.

"Well, I just wanted to check on you and see if you slept well. You were so tired last night and I hope you are feeling better now."
Gwenneth wanted to tell Eomer the truth - that she had snuck out to meet her lover for a secret rendezvous, but she knew better. "Honestly I did not sleep well at all, and if you do not mind, I would like to go lay down for a little while longer," she lied. "I will be ready to accompany you to the tournaments later today."

"I will be most honored to have you by my side today," he replied happily before he leaned in and kissed her lips softly.

"Very well," she said as she broke away and turned to make her way back into her tent. Once inside the let out a deep sigh of relief. It was for only one more day and tonight herself and Legolas would be free to do whatever they wanted.

She realized that she still had her hair tied up for Eomer and quickly untied it to let it fall down her shoulders. She wondered why she did such a thing to please him when he meant nothing to her. Quickly dismissing the thought, she decided to leave her tent once more in search of her friend, but as luck would have it, as she pulled back the flap, Eowyn was standing there, about to enter.

The two girls stood for a moment staring at one another in shock and bewilderment. Then Eowyn broke the awkward silence with a slight smile. "I…wanted to catch you before you went out for the day."

Gwenneth's mouth curled into a wide smile. "I was just coming to find you," was her reply.

"I think we should take a walk and talk," Eowyn said with an almost demanding tone.

"Yes…of course."

The morning air was crisp and clean. A light breeze blew and teased their hair as the two friends started to walk along the path that Gwenneth had just come from. While they strode, they exchanged a few words. Neither wanted to bring up the main issue between them, but they both knew that it would ultimately have to be addressed. Another while passed before finally Eowyn summoned enough courage to speak of the strain between them. "Is tonight the night you are planning to leave?"

Gwenneth stopped in her tracks, causing her friend to stop as well. The two girls stared at each other for a moment. "Aye. It is," she replied. "Tonight when everyone is asleep."

"Where are you going to go?" the blonde asked. "When Aragorn and Eomer find out that you are missing, they will come after you."

A soft breeze softly tussled Gwennth's hair as she turned to face the wind to push the hair from her face. "We are going to Mirkwood. Legolas assures me that we will be safe and no one will find us there."

Eowyn looked down, searching for the right words to say. Then suddenly all of her feelings poured out from her heart. "I am sorry that I have acted so poorly. I should have been more supportive," she confessed as tears started to pool in her sad blue eyes. "I was jealous of Legolas, and in a way I still am. It has always been you and me against the world, and now he has taken you away from me."

Gwenneth's heart dropped when she heard her friend's explanation and apology. What could she possible say that would make things better? In no way did she want her friend to feel like that. She reached out and embraced the blonde woman with love. Feeling Eowyn's overwhelming emotions, Gwenneth, too, started to cry.

And then all the ill feelings that Eowyn was holing on to, slowly melted away. After all, she had only wanted her friend to be happy. And if Legolas was the key to her happiness, so be it. In that moment she realized that their friendship would not end and that it would endure many more hardships. "I am so sorry," she sobbed, trying to wipe the tears from her eyes.

Gwenneth gently pushed her friend back so that their eyes would meet. "No need for apologies my friend. I understand that you felt threatened. But you need to know that our friendship means more to me than anything. Although my love for Legolas would not lessen or end, it just would not be the same if I did not have you to share it with," said the Princess while she brushed away the stray hair that was covering Eowyn's face. "I would not have left without coming to seek your council before my departure," she added.

Swallowing down her final sobs, Ewoyn smiled up at the girl in front of her. How many times did they comfort each other these past years? Too many times to count. It was a testament to the friendship that they had. Nothing would ever break them apart. "Just promise me that I will be there when you and Legolas bond together," she demanded with a bit of laughter.

Gwenneth erupted into a hearty laugh. "I would not have it any other way," was her reply. She took Eowyn into her arms once more to reassure her, like only a true friend could.

***

The past two days had been perfect for Eomer. So far this trip to the Shire had proven to be most amazing he had done. He had the girl of his dreams in his grasp. It was funny that only a year ago he had thought of her as a mere child - his best friend's little sister. But now she was a woman. A beautiful vibrant, exciting woman, who was going to make a wonderful wife. He knew what Aragorn wanted for her and he was prepared to give her that. He would not fail his friend.

He had enjoyed their time together as they got to know one another better. It was also funny how after all these years he had never really known her. And now he was definitely enjoying the journey they were taking together. He planned to make it a lifetime event. A lifetime of joy and happiness spent together. He did not know how she felt about him, but he was sure about his feelings for her. In time she, too, would feel the same way about him.

Today he would have her accompany him and with her by his side he knew that he would be invincible! He would show the elves that humans were the superior race!

Eomer was sitting in the afternoon sun inspecting his weapons for the games that were set to begin shortly when Aragron approached him. He looked up at his friend and welcomed him with a smile. "Ah, Aragorn my friend! What a glorious day!" he said joyfully.

Seeing Eomer's elation made Aragorn rethink his decision to ask him to stop the courtship. But then he was reminded of his sister's feelings and that quickly eased any second thoughts he was having. "Yes it is. And what a day for some friendly competition!"

Eomer looked up to the clear sky and breathed in the fresh air. "Indeed!" was his enthusiastic reply.

Aragorn smiled and patted his friend's back before he sat down beside him. He picked up a dagger and carefully inspected it. As he turned it over in his hand, the blade caught the sun and gleamed brightly. The dwarves who dwelled deep in the Misty Mountains crafted it. The craftsmanship was incredible - not quite the elven style, but it was beautiful to say the least.

He marveled at the man sitting beside him. Eomer had always kept his weapons in pristine condition. He took great pride in them and was always cleaning and caring for them. Aragorn knew that Eomer kept this habit in his personal life as well, and that Gwenneth would be well kept if she married him. But now his feelings had changed. He did not know how Eomer would take this, but it was something that had to be done.

"Tell me Eomer, how are you proceeding with Gwenneth?" he asked, still admiring the dagger in his hands.

"Very well, my friend. She is an amazing woman. Quite a difference a year makes!" he replied, not stopping his vigorous rubbing of his sword.

"So I take it that she has pledged her love to you?"

This made Eomer stop his cleaning to look up at the man's profile. "No," he answered cautiously, not sure where this line of inquiry was going. "But I am sure it is only a matter of time. Why do you ask such a question?"

"I…was just…wondering…if she felt the same way about you as you do about her. It could be quite difficult if she does not. You would not want to spend the rest of your life with someone who does not return your feelings," he said after a bit of hesitation. He finally turned his sight to meet his friend's strange stare.

"Wh…what it this all about?" Eomer said in annoyance, his eyes searching for an answer from Aragorn.

Again Aragorn cast his gaze down and once more inspected the dagger as if it held all the answers to Eomer's question. "I…I think…it might be wise to put off the courtship until you are sure that she will return her love," he finally blurted, happy to get it off his chest.

Eomer's eyes narrowed and he leaned back and gave Aragorn a look from head to toe. He wondered what had changed Aragorn's mind when only two days ago he had seemed elated about the prospect of him marrying his sister. For a long moment Eomer was at a loss for words, not really knowing what to think of his friend's revelation. He shook his head and looked away for a moment. "Why do you ask this? Have you changed your mind? Did you not just two days ago give me your blessing?"

Aragorn felt Eomer's sudden anger and rose to look down at the man. It was only moments before Eomer, too, jumped to his feet to stare at Aragorn. His eyes scanned the ranger's face and Eomer was unsure that this was the same man that he had known for years. Something was truly amiss. "I just think that it would be wise for both or you, "Aragorn tried to explain. "Could you live your life knowing that you wife does not love you?"

The other man crossed his arms across his chest in frustration "What is wrong here? Why do you change you mind with such haste?"

"I am concerned about my sister's happiness!"

"And I can not give it to her?!" Eomer asked as his face reddened.

Aragorn looked away, ashamed to meet his friend's unrelenting glare. "No…I do not think you can," he whispered under his breath.

Eomer staggering a few steps back as he felt Aragron's betrayal slice through him as if the man had cut him with his own dagger. The look of shock was most evident on his face as his anger slowly turned into hurt. How could Aragorn, his best friend, not trust that he could provide happiness to Gwenneth? This was definitely not the man that he grew up with and knew inside and out.

Eomer's hurt quickly abated as anger once again spread through his being. He could feel the heat and rage boil from his very soul. "Hmmm…it is an ill deed that you try to achieve. It seems so unfitting for a future King to go back on his word. I think it would be most misfortunate if this got out," were the words that escaped him. "No…I think it is wise this courtship continues - with no further distractions, I might add!" he hissed. "And no matter what you say…I will make her happy and in time she will pledge her love to ME!"

"Are you threatening me, Eomer?" Aragorn asked sternly, not wanting to back down.

"If that is what it takes!" Eomer spat before he walked away rather calmly. Then suddenly he stopped in his tracks and turned to face Aragorn once more. "I think we will marry once we return home. I always wanted a summer wedding," he added with a sly smirk. With those final words he spun on his heels and headed off.

Aragorn watched the blonde man walk away and wondered if he had done the right thing. By the looks of it, he did not accomplish what he had intended, but only seemed to make the situation worse. He wondered how Eomer would act towards Gwenneth now that he knew that she did not hold the same feelings for him. Aragorn sighed as he bent down to gather the weapons that lay askew on the ground into his arms. He walked to Eomer's tent and laid the assortment of knives, daggers and swords near the opening of the tent before he turned and slowly walked away.

Yes, things were definitely worse now.

As he rounded the corner, he saw that Gwenneth and Eowyn were just returning. He quickly ran to catch up to his sister. "Wait Gwenneth!" he yelled as he approached her.

Gwenneth looked at her brother with distaste. "Oh, Valar! I wonder what more ill news he has for me?"

Eowyn turned to face her friend and smiled. "Do you want me to stay with you?"

Gwenneth sighed, her eyes glued to her brother. "No…I think I will be fine. I have learned how to deal with him. But you are most kind in your offering," she said before she then turned to face her young friend. "I will meet you later?"

"Yes!" was Eowyn's reply. She gave Gwenneth a last hug and left her standing alone to wait for Aragorn.

When Aragorn reached his sister, the look of distrust was covering her face. "So tell me brother…what ill news do you carry today?" was her cruel greeting.

"Let us go inside," he said, motioning to her tent.

Gwenneth gazed at him with confusion. "Sure," she replied softly. They entered the tent and Gwenneth sat and looked up at him. "Now tell me, what is so secretive that we had to come in here?"

Aragorn drew in a deep breath and clasped his hands behind him. "Please…what I am about to tell you is very important and I need you to just listen to me."

"You have my attention."

The man's gaze fell to the floor as if it held all the answers. After finding none, he raised his head to stare into his sister's face. Suddenly imagines of her as a child came rushing back to him. He could feel her jumping into his arms, greeting him eagerly when he returned from a long journey. He remembered how she used to look up to him with such adoration and love! Now it had all changed. Eomer was right about one thing – almost overnight she had grown from a child into a woman. But not into the woman Eomer wanted. No…she was a woman with her own thoughts and a strong will and for these things Aragorn admired her immensely. Yes, she had definitely changed and things between them would never be the same again. Aragorn could not decide if that was a good thing or not.

"I know that I have made some unfair decisions concerning your welfare," he finally spoke. "But my intentions were good." He paused for a moment to see her reaction and then continued. "I know that you do not love him…I know you are in love with another. An elf."

Gwenneth gasped with horror. All color washed from her face as she sat in shock, staring at her brother. It took her a few moments to speak again. "You…you…know about…Legolas?" she whispered before she hung her head to wait for the wrath that was sure to follow. But oddly enough, only Aragorn's gentle voice came.

"Yes. I saw you early this morning with him." Aragorn waited for Gwenneth to deny it and protest that it was not so. But she seemed willing to confess. "I can not say that I am pleased about your behavior. I would much rather have you with Eomer. But ultimately I would rather have you happy, and if the elf gives it to you…well then who am I to stop it?"

Gwenneth met is gaze, speechless. Never would she have expected these words to fall from her brother's mouth.

But…there still seemed to be a strain in his words. "Legolas and I have a past and I do not know if that will ever change. I…on my part will do my best to suppress it for you, of course," he explained. "But I am afraid that the damage is done with Eomer."

"How? What do you mean?"

"I just spoke to him. I wanted to make it right again. I asked him to call off the courtship," he stated softly and let his gaze drop to the ground. "But he would not hear of it! I am sorry Gwenneth; I cannot stop what I have started. Please forgive me," he added. A few moments later he turned to leave, not expectant of an answer.

"Aragorn!" she called to him before he reached the exit. He paused at her intrusion. "I forgive you," was her simple statement. The man paused for a moment, and then strode out. After he left, Gwenneth sat in silence for a long moment. She had never felt so much anger as she felt right now for Eomer. If he would only listen to Aragorn, then maybe she and Legolas would not have to run off in the middle of the night like thieves! Everything could be different.

The day was quite warm and therefore Gwenneth chose to wear a simple white cotton dress that hung slightly off her shoulders. And since Eomer insisted for her to wear her hair up, she decided to leave it loose. She would not go out of her way to please that man! But she was still quite willing to go to the tournaments, if only to see Legolas. Even though she knew that she would not be able to publicly support him, she would do so in her heart.

Eowyn met her at the entrance of her tent and together they stood in the hot sun, waiting for their escorts to arrive. Soon Eomer and Faramir happily greeted the two young ladies. Her blood boiled when Eomer latched onto her and would not let her go. It took all her will power not to pull away from him. She detested everything that he was! She had to get away from this man!

"Eomer…I think we need to talk. Alone!" she spat, staring coldly into his eyes.

"As you wish," Eomer graciously said and then followed Gwenneth into her tent. "What is of such importance, my love?" he asked when they were finally inside. He already knew that Aragorn had already spoken to her. There was no way he was going to end their courtship - not for Gwenneth, nor for Aragorn. He would have her, no matter what.

Finding great courage and will within herself, Gwennth turned sharply to face the man she had known all her life and who had suddenly become a complete stranger. "I know that Aragorn has asked you to call off the courtship," she stated.

"Yes, he has. But we decided that it would be better for it to go on and for us to marry as soon as we return to Minas Tirith," he replied rather coldly while he approached her and ran his hand through her long mane, taking in the soft texture. "He gave me his word and he knows now that it is not wise for him to go back on that," he added with a calm tone.

'What a snake!' she thought as she glared at him with burning anger. Why was he being so stubborn? This could all end if he would just understand that she would never love him! "But I do not love you! And I never will! Why can you not understand?" she seethed through her teeth. "My heart belongs to another," she said, turning away from him. "Please accept that and let it go!"

Eomer's anger finally erupted as he grabbed the girl's arms forcefully and pulled her to himself. She tried to free herself but his hands were like a vice. She could feel his hot breath on her face and see the dancing flames of rage in his eyes. "No! I will never accept that. You brother tried to go back on his word and I did not give in to him! What makes you thing that I would give in to you?" he asked, his tone almost evil. "You are mine. And no one will stand in the way! Not you, nor the soon to be King!" Eomer's face was red with fury; his eyes bore into Gwenneth like a branding iron digging into the skin of an animal. "And if I were you, I would forget about this other man, or he will die by my hand. I promise you that, Gwenneth!"

Gwenneth's anger was quickly replaced by the fear that welled up within her. She suddenly feared for her own life, as his grip grew stronger and more forceful. Her body began to tremble. He was showing her a side of him she never knew existed, and now after seeing it, she never wanted to glimpse it again. He had made it clear that he was not willing to stop for anything and the fear for herself now expanded to include the fear for the life of her beloved Legolas and perhaps even Aragorn's, too. Any doubts she had about leaving with Legolas faded away at that very moment. She lowered her gaze, knowing what she had to do. "Very well…but know this: I will never love you," was her soft whisper of a reply.

"In time you will," he said and pushed her back a few steps when he finally released her. Gwenneth didn't have the words to say as suddenly she felt like a child and a coward before him. "Good. Now, if you have nothing more to say, I don't want to be late," he added and placed her hand into his arm as he pulled her along. Gwenneth submitted to him and followed him obediently.

Love. What a simple word! One solitary syllable that rolled off the tongues of so many so easily. Like saying "mother" or "father" for the thousandth time - it is such an easy utterance. It is a word that could heal a broken heart and find a lost soul. But at the same time that same word could destroy that very heart or soul in the blink of an eye. A word used so often and so leisurely that most knew not the true power of it.

Unfortunately Eomer would never know the meaning of the word. He would only know what he was told. He would empty onto her all the feelings and emotions that he believed to be love. Deep down inside he believed that he could make her love him. But sadly he was mistaken, because one never knows when love will strike or envelope someone. And it would not strike Gwennth's heart - at least not for Eomer. For she would never return his feelings and his heart would be hollow for all times.

Walking with Gwenneth's arm in his made him feel invincible. His blonde hair furled in the breeze as it surrounded his strong chiseled face. His eyes were intense with passion and conviction. Eomer held his head high as if to show off the women on his arm. No man -or elf, for that matter- was going to make him look like a fool in the eyes of his lady! No…not this day. This was his day and nothing was going to stand in his way.

As they approached the tournament grounds a crowd of humans, elves, dwarfs and even hobbits surrounded them on the field. The past few days had proven to be successful indeed, for only a few days ago this same field would have been divided. But now the races mingled freely and without care.

When they arrived Gwenneth discretely searched the throng for Legolas. But instead of him, the first person she saw was her brother talking and laughing with a woman whose back was turned to her. She struggled to see the face of this mystery lady, but failed and succeeded to find out. She glanced at Eomer, forcing a smile on her lips. "I would like to talk to my brother."

Eomer's brow furrowed as he looked back in confusion. "Why would you want to speak to him?" he asked, his tone nervous. He felt afraid that she would tell him that he had threatened her.

Gwenneth, still upset about what had happened earlier, tried to choose her words wisely, but her sharp tongue took over. "He is my brother and I would like to talk to him," she replied, at the same time wondering why she had to remind him of that fact. "Do not worry, I will not speak of our conversation."

"Then…I shall come with you!" he added, staring into her blue depths.

"Don't be foolish! I can talk to him without your presence," Gwenneth replied, feeling braver. She pulled her arm from his and swiftly strode to Aragorn and the mystery woman. As she neared, she observed her brother behaving rather strange. It reminded her of how she felt and acted when she was with Legolas. A moment later Aragorn looked up to see his sister approaching them. A wide smile graced his rugged face. And then the woman turned to face Gwenneth.

Her steps briefly came to a pause. Upon realizing it was no other than the lovely Arwen, Gwenneth's mouth stretched into a wide grin. 'Maybe Aragorn and I have something in common,' she thought to herself as her feet began to move again. When she reached the couple she looked at them with approval. "I saw you from afar and I was wondering who could make you smile like this," she spoke to Aragorn. Then her eyes wandered to the elf and a wicked smile graced her lips. "Lady Arwen, this is the most pleasant surprise of all! To see my brother so involved and taken with you warms my heart and gives me hope that he might actually be willing to change."

Aragorn gave Gwenneth a soft chuckle. "Indeed…I HAVE changed! And since you two have already made each other acquaintance, I will leave you to talk while I go and sign up for the tournaments."  With that he took hold of Arwen's delicate hand, placed a soft but lingering kiss upon it, and disappeared into the crowd.

"So is everything prepared for tonight?" Arwen asked when she was sure that Aragorn was far enough and could not overhear their words.

"Yes. But I am a little apprehensive. I mean not about leaving with Legolas, but about Aragorn." She paused to look in his direction and she noticed the bright smile on his face. "I…I feel guilty almost. Did you know that he went to Eomer and tried to put an end to this farce of a courtship?"

"He did?" Arwen asked in surprise. "He told me that he would, but I was not certain."

"He did. But Eomer will not change his mind," explained Gwenneth, too afraid to tell her about the rage that Eomer had shown. "That is why I know that I must leave with Legolas tonight," she added and glanced over her shoulder at Eomer who was watching her intently. "But I still wonder if Aragorn would understand if I told him the truth about our plan?"

"That is something that I cannot tell. It is something that you must decide, for you alone must trust what his reaction will be," she said in her familiar deep voice.

Gwenneth sighed. "Yes, I wish I could trust my instincts and tell him, but I am too afraid it would enrage him. Alas, I must keep it hidden and hope that one day he will forgive me."

"I am sure that when all calms down, he will understand and forgive you in your decision," Arwen replied.

Gwenneth smiled wearily "I can only hope my friend."

Just then she felt an arm snake around her waist. Thinking that it was Legolas, she turned with excitement and felt a punch of disappointment when she saw Eomer instead.

Gwenneth forced a smile. "Eomer! I thought you were busy getting ready for the games?"

"I was, but I wanted to make sure of your safety."

"I am fine," she spat with annoyance. "What could possibly happen to me here with you and Aragorn to watch over me?" The words had barely left her lips when her body lurched forward as something or someone pushed into her from behind. Eomer was swift and kept her from falling over. Instantly they both turned around to see who or what had caused such a fuss.

Gwenneth's eyes were full of anger and confusion, but when she saw the most magnificent creature standing in front of her, the annoyance she was feeling drifted away. She wanted to smile and jump into his arms, but was reminded that that was not possible when the strong arm around her waist pulled her tighter against Eomer's body.

"Pardon me, my lady, I did not see you there," said Legolas as his gaze locked with hers and his beautiful mouth curled into a brilliant smile. He nodded his head slightly and bowed deeply.

Eomer was not overjoyed to see that is was Legolas who had almost knocked Gwenneth to the ground. He glared at the elf, clenching his free hand into a tight fist. Eomer took a few steps towards the elf coming within inches of him. Eomer could feel the anger beginning to boil within him.

Seeing Eomer's anger only amused Legolas. His eyes never left Gwenneth's. "I want to congratulate you on your bonding, Eomer. She is very lovely," he quickly said before Eomer could start his tirade. "I am sure she will make a wonderful wife," he added as his intense blue eyes meet Eomer's cold stare.

The rage was evident in Eomer's crimson face. "I do not know how to take that, coming from you!" he spat. "But I think it would be wise of you watch where you are going from now on!"

Legolas looked at Gwenneth and once again smiled and bowed his head. Then he turned back to Eomer and repeated the gesture. "No harm done. Forgive me, I will remember your wise words," was his sarcastic reply. Then the elf turned and walked away into the crowd.

A churning, almost like a dancing tornado could be felt inside of Gwenneth's stomach as she watched the tense moments that unfolded in front of her. When Legolas left, she let out a sigh of relief, realizing that nothing more was to come of the situation. At least not this time.

"Are you well?" asked Eomer.

The young princess looked up with confusion. "It was an accident Eomer, nothing more. I am sure master elf meant no harm by it. I think you were a bit hasty with your words," she scolded. Not waiting for an answer, she abruptly turned to Arwen.

The blonde man just stared at her back for a moment. As he studied her, her wavy black hair flew in the breeze, reminding him of a bird gliding on the wind. When he finally came out of his shock, his temper flared at her comment. He grabbed the young girl's arm and flung her around to face his anger. "It will do you well to know your place, young one, and never raise your voice to me in that manner again!" he said with red fury, his eyes boring into hers.

"Or what?" came a cold stern voice from behind him. Eomer's color faded from his face as he slowly turned to face Aragorn, who was standing directly behind him with his arms crossed over his chest and a cold stare that chilled Eomers blood. "I would like an answer," Aragorn said most calmly.

The two men stared relentlessly at each other. "She is still young and she needs to know how to conduct herself with her husband," stated Eomer finally.

Aragorn moved to Gwenneth's side and smiled before turning back to the other man. "I am sure she knows what is proper and what is not, and it will not happen again," he said, more like a threat to Eomer than an explanation. "Do I make myself clear?"

Eomer nodded in agreement, "Yes, my Lord…crystal clear."

Satisfied with Eomer's answer, he looked at Arwen and then took her hand in his. "Come, the games are about to begin," he stated and guided the elf through the crowd to the sets.

Gwenneth remained behind, her mouth wide open. She could not believe that this was the same Aragorn from just a day earlier! He was a changed man indeed. Maybe he would understand, after all. And hopefully no more ill feelings would bloom this day.

But…it was early yet.