A/N: Can anyone tell me exactly how many times I have said 'Aragorn realised,' specifically those relating to Éowyn? I'm really starting to worry about the dude. Either he's really slow, or just plain dumb. Anyway, I found my notes for Chapter 5. I searched high and low, and finally, my sister suggested for me to look in my laptop case. DUH! Why didn't I think of that? They've been there since the holidays. Well, now they're found, and here's the product of my work. Enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, blah, blah, blah. I like to expand on my fave characters. But they're Tolkien's, and no matter how I try, I can't seem to raise a couple of million dollars for the rights to them.
Chapter 5: CagedÉowyn spent the next few days, recovering in the Houses of Healing. She longed for company, particularly that of Faramir during this time. She missed him so.
He had been with her during her last stay in the Houses of Healing. He had been her strength and her comfort in those dark times. She remembered their time here together, and with the halfling, Merry.
Dear Merry.
She had not had the chance to visit Merry on her travels before she was forced back to the city. She felt badly about this. She was alone here, with no company.
Éowyn would sit quietly on a bench in the gardens of the Houses of Healing, her eyes closed. She loved the gardens for their beauty, their serenity, and their simplicity, but most of all, for their peace. She would loose herself in the peace.
The sun was falling behind the mountains to the west, and a cool breeze blew in from the south, stirring Éowyn from her daydream. The pain of her loneliness would return to her as she opened her eyes and stared out. She admired the surroundings, but the twinge of loneliness ever remained.
She could find no joy in anything here.
On this day, once more, she sat quietly in the gardens of the Houses of Healing, her eyes closed peacefully, listening to the breeze as it passed. The rustle if the trees, and the warmth of the sun on her face.
It was here that one of the healing women came to her.
"My lady," she said. "You have a visitor."
Éowyn opened her eyes and looked at the woman.
"Who asks for me?" she inquired.
"He did not give a name," said the serving woman. "He only desired to speak with you."
"Is it the Lord Aragorn?"
"No, my lady."
"I will see him," said Éowyn.
The serving woman bowed and walked away. She returned shortly after, followed by a young man, rather tall, who wore a rich green cloak fastened with a gold clasp. On his head was a magnificent crown of gold, set with a large diamond. His eyes glittered as he caught sight of Éowyn and a wide smile spread across his face.
"Éomer!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to him and embracing him.
"I am so pleased to see you here," she said, smiling. "But how did you discover my whereabouts?"
"A messenger from Minas Tirith was sent to Edoras as soon as you arrived in Minas Tirith," he said. "I encountered him on my search for you, and came as hastily as I could."
"And of that I am glad," said Éowyn.
She smiled at her brother warmly.
"I will not inquire as to your injury," he said. "As you are sure to tell me that nothing is wrong with you."
Éowyn laughed.
"There is another who came with me, and who very much desires to see you," said Éomer.
He motioned towards the entrance from where he had just come. A small head popped out from behind the wall, smiling at them. He walked out of his hiding place. It was Merry. He approached Éowyn and her brother.
"Merry," said Éowyn, smiling at the hobbit.
"My lady," said Merry. He dropped to one knee before her.
Éowyn took hold of his hands and brought him into a stance before her and Éomer.
"Do not bow, my friend," she said. "I am indebted to you. I owe you my life"
"As do I," he replied.
"Then, we are equal," said Éowyn. "Come and sit with us."
The three sat on the stone bench in the gardens.
"Merry came to the city not long after I returned," said Éomer. "He requested to accompany me to search for you, and then to continue on to Minas Tirith."
"My friends Frodo, Sam and Pippin ride from Edoras behind me," said Merry. "They wished to visit the city once again and see Aragorn."
Éowyn's smile vanished, and her face became rigid at the mention of Aragorn's name.
"It is the King who bids me stay here, within these walls," said Éowyn bitterly. "I am but a prisoner here."
Éomer said nothing, only observed his sister.
"He means well," said Merry reassuringly. "He wants you to recover, my lady."
Éowyn did not reply. Éomer watched her closely.
"Come," he said, breaking the silence. "Master Meriadoc, will you not tell the tale of your journey from your home? I very much wish to hear of the Ring quest."
Merry began to tell the tale of the hobbits' journey from their homes to Rivendell, and the adventures of the Fellowship, as they knew only a little of the quest. Éowyn was keen to meet the other three hobbits, as she had not been introduced to them. She saw them only briefly at the coronation. She listened intently to his story. Merry spoke of their humble beginnings in the Shire, their first encounter with a Black Rider, and of meeting Aragorn. At this, Éowyn grimaced upon hearing that name. She did not wish to think about him. She did not wish to see him. She wanted nothing more than to put him out of her mind forever. Then, and only then, would she be at ease.
They spoke of all things for a while. Time passed, and Merry decided to take his leave of Éowyn, promising to return the following day and continue his story. Éomer remained, however, and both watched as Merry left the gardens.
"I see that more than mere blades have wounded you."
Éowyn said nothing.
"He hurt you," Éomer went on. "I know he has."
"How can you know," whispered Éowyn.
"I know you," he said. "I know your heart."
"No man can know my heart," she said bitterly.
"I am your brother," said Éomer. "I will not see you hurt so."
"It is too late to save me from pain," she said.
"Éowyn, look at me," ordered Éomer.
She turned her eyes reluctantly to stare into the face of her brother. He stared back.
"Éowyn," said her brother. "From whom are you hiding the truth?"
"There is nothing to hide," she said.
"Then from whom are you hiding?" asked Éomer.
Éowyn averted his gaze, staring blankly at the ground. She was silent for a few moments before rising from her seat and walking to the wall, which overlooked the city. She stared out blankly, the wind in her face.
Éomer rose from the bench, but did not move towards his sister.
"Éowyn," he said gently.
Éowyn did not speak, only stared. The wind whipped against her face, stinging her eyes.
"Do you love him?"
She turned her head to face him. A tear fell from her eyes, rolling down her cheek. Éomer walked towards his sister and brushed it away.
"You must tell him," he said.
Éowyn nodded slowly, closing her eyes and lowering her head. Éomer made his way back to the entrance to the gardens.
He glanced back at his sister, silhouetted against the evening sky, staring out at the setting sun. She stood in sullen silence.
So lost.
"Regain your happiness," he said. "Regain your self. You will be rid of this pain."
With those words, Éomer left her. Éowyn continued to stare to the West, until the last glimmer of light had vanished from the sky and the shadows fell down upon the city.
There she stood; and there she remained.
A/N: Well, perhaps not a cliffhanger, but a very questionable ending. What was Éowyn's reply to Éomer's question? I don't know. I haven't decided yet. Only he knows what the tear meant for now. Was it that she was crying because she can't get over her love for Aragorn? Or was it because she can't bear to face the prospect that he doesn't love her and that it will never work? Or indeed, is it that she doesn't love him, and it will hurt him? Find out… a lot later. Hehehehe. A few more months, perhaps.
A list of things that will NOT happen in this story as long as I am the author:
1. Aragorn will grow a brain (never going to happen)
2. Wormtongue will return from the dead
3. Éomer will stop threatening Aragorn
4. Elrond will kill Aragorn
5. Arwen will kill Aragorn
6. Éowyn will kill Aragorn (ok, I can't promise that)
7. Éowyn will kill Arwen
8. Arwen will kill Éowyn
9. Arwen will die
10. Faramir will die
11. Aragorn will die
12. Éowyn will die (ok, can't promise that one either)
13. Arwen and Aragorn will marry and leave Éowyn bitter and cold, plotting to destroy their marriage
14. Legolas and Éowyn will marry and leave Aragorn lonely and miserable, plotting to destroy their marriage
15. Everything will be fluffy and romantic, and work out perfectly (completely unrealistic, and completely unlike me)
16. Éowyn will be forever happy (come on)
17. Éowyn and Aragorn will marry and live happily ever after until Éowyn gets bored and runs off with Legolas
18. Aragorn and Éowyn will marry and live happily ever after until Aragorn gets bored and runs off with Arwen
That's it!
Thank you to all those who reviewed:
The Dark Wanderer – Yes, lol, it is a bit like 'There and Back Again, Éowyn's Tale'. Maybe I should rename the chapter that.
Aurdomiel, Ravenstar – I thought it was a bit of a modern thing to do, her slapping Aragorn. But that's how I felt. I was like 'I want to hit him!' because he's such an idiot sometimes, but a gorgeous one. Damn bloody school! It can go to hell! (Actually, it's done that). I love to learn, but what they teach us is pointless. We learn how to pass our HSC, as my French teacher put it. She'd like to teach us real French, and I want to learn real French.
helen – Thanks, I think my writing has improved too. I have improvements I want to make to the first one, when I get a chance.
Calleigh – The horse chase had to be in it. I have the whole thing visualised in my head. Every story should have a chase scene, lol. So much more fun and exciting. Hehehe. My new Harry Potter story has a very funny chase scene in it. A few in fact, only one of which is really written, but not posted yet.
Necole – I really like the 'caged' theme. I like to play around with it a bit. I try to use everything that Tolkien wrote and incorporate it in. The 'caged' theme was a big one, as was the 'steel lily'. More of that coming soon. Aragorn and Éowyn, yet another confrontation. Éowyn is like the 'Ice Queen'. Aragorn is going to get it, big time. No violence, but about the coldest attitude you've ever seen.
perkygirl – I'm hoping that the slap did knock some sense into Aragorn, but we'll have to see. (It annoys me how I act as though I don't know what's happening. I'm the bloody WRITER! I HAVE to know what's happening!)
anfieldgyul – Hey Van, I'm back with a new chappie. Don't worry, I'll still write, but maybe I won't get as much done. We'll have to see. Glad you liked the slap scene. I didn't want Aragorn to be out of character so I tried not to go over the top with the anger. He's not supposed to be insensitive, but he can sure get peeved. I think he had the slap coming too. Lol. Hope you liked this one.
sora-doragon – Thanks so much. Hope you liked this chapter.
Lady love – I'm praying that the Houses of Healing scene will be in it. It's my fave part in the whole book, such a cute scene. Tolkien wrote it so well. I love Faramir, so be sure that he will not be heartbroken in this story. I couldn't do that to the poor guy. He's too sweet for that.
Iris Tigerlily Hardbottle – Hey Evie, here's the chapter I was working while we were all up at the beach. I won't be posting the funeral ficlet for a while, because it isn't quite finished. Eddie told me where I put my notes. She's been bragging about it all week. Can't get over it. Thanks so much for the Two Towers soundtrack copy. I listen to it constantly. Hope you liked this chapter.
TheOneAndOnlyElbereth – Lol, thanks so much. Sorry about the delay on this chapter. I lost my notes. Second LotR marathon? Wow. I ended up seeing RotK again, with my best friend. We made funny comments through the whole thing. Lol, so funny. Thank god that there weren't any other people near us. Only about 12 in the whole theatre. We came up with our new Harry Potter story. Have a look, if you want. It's a comedy, only 2 chapters so far. I'm hoping to finish the third tonight. Good luck with everything at Uni.
Arwennicole – Well, thanks very much. I haven't stopped writing. I can't seem to stay away. I think it's a good think, but my teachers might not. Oh well. Keep watching for more. Frodo, Sam and Pippin make their appearance soon.
Eowyn – I love E/F, but I love A/E better. I don't want Faramir to be left broken-hearted, so he won't be.
she-elf-hunnie – I hope you liked this chapter.
luv-LOTR – Thanks, I'm glad you liked 'Hope in the Darkness'. I'm trying to make this romance realistic, which is why they haven't married yet, or even kissed properly, at least not when both are conscious. They are both so stubborn, and determined. Wait and see what happens.
Alece – Well, I haven't decided yet about whether this is going to be a happy ending or a sad one. It won't be for at least 10 more chapters. I have so much I want to do yet. They still have to kiss!
Voldie on Varsity Track – I had to reply to this question as soon as I got it. Éowyn is played by Miranda Otto in the movie, who is about 37 yrs old. Éowyn, as Tolkien wrote her, was 24 in the books when she met Aragorn. In my story, to emphasise the theme of Aragorn saying she's too young, Éowyn is 19. Apologies for the confusion and for changing her age, but it fit better. Also, Frodo hasn't left, so he, Sam and Pippin are coming to see Aragorn sometime in this story. Thanks very much for the review. Nice to know you don't want Éowyn to get killed off. Lol. Hope you like the rest of the story.
Byeeeeee,
Lisa