Chapter Five: The Curse Broken

A/N: Well, I'm finally updating! Yay! I'm listening to Enya's album Shepherd Moons, it's SO pretty! Especially Caribbean Blue! Anyway, back on subject, for the umpteenth thousandth time, I know Aragorn has a son named Eldarion. I know Faramir and Éowyn have son named Elboron, and I know Éomer has a son named Elfwine. Please be patient, they are going to come later. I just have a terrible time typing, it's not fun. Also, I'm going to use Aragorn's name Elessar as much as possible, so don't be confused. With that being said, on with the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything except AndúmîrBeranna, and various other people soon to come.

"What do you mean my lament was inappropriate?!" Andúmîr shouted.

"Do not raise your voice at me, young one, for you will not like the consequences," Elessar thundered back. Then, more gently, he said, "I know this is a strange place to you, sell nîn, but really, since you are the King's Heir, you shouldn't sing a public funeral song in Rohirric."

Elessar knew he was pressing too hard on the matter, but he needed to break his daughter out of her Rohirric ways. He felt that if the more she learned of Gondor, the less she would feel homesick for Rohan. But his plan was backfiring.

"Why do you hate Rohan so?" Andúmîr asked meekly. Elessar's eyes widened in surprised. "Or is it perhaps you dislike me, because I am not your son. That I am not like him, that I cannot be like Arathen?"

Elessar was shocked at his daughter's comment. It touched him deeply. Perhaps he was trying too hard to make her accept her new role.

"I do not hate you or Rohan, sell nîn. I'm only doing what is best," he said.

"It's because you are grieving." It was a statement, not a question.

"Andúmîr, how would you like to visit Osgiliath," Elessar said, trying to change the subject.

"You wish to show me your kingdom?"

He nodded. "It could be a family outing, if you wish, a chance for us to get to know each other."

More like a chance to make me more Gondorian, Andúmîr thought. "I accept your offer, Ada."

Within a few days, the royal family set out for Osgiliath. "During our stay, we can visit the Pelennor Fields," Elessar suggested.

"You never told me how Arathen died."

For a long moment, time seemed to stand still. Finally, Arwen spoke. "He-Arathen-was killed in a riding accident." Her tone clearly stated that no more was to be discussed about it, but Andúmîr guessed there was more.

The family soon reached Osgiliath and received a royal welcome from the residents. After the midday meal, Aragorn gave Andúmîr a tour of the city. For the first time since her arrival, she actually enjoyed herself. By the time the tour ended, it was past sunset.

"Tomorrow I will show you the Pelennor Fields," Elessar promised.

But Andúmîr had other plans. She desired to see the battlefield before her father left a permanent impression on her from his point of view. That night she waited until she heard the soft snores coming from her parents' room. She quickly slipped out to the stables and retrieved her horse, Oeric, and stole out of the city.

She wandered into the fields, seeing the battle in her mind. She passed the place where Théoden was slain; cantered where Legolas took down an oliphaunt single-handedly. It was all fascinating. Finally, she stopped where her mother slew the With-King of Angmar because the night was cold and her body was chilled. She quickly lit a fire to warm herself.

As she sat by the fire, something caught her eye. It looked like a crumbled metal crown. She picked it up and instantly saw an image flash before her. An evil aura surrounded her, and clouded her vision. It appeared to be something in black robes.

"Release me," it said. "Release me from my prison." Andúmîr had a strange desire to put it on, but she fought against it. "Let me complete my curse," it hissed. Mustering all of her strength, she cast it into the fire and watched it disintegrate. Frightened, she rode back to the safety of Osgiliath.

Her father was waiting for her when he returned. Andúmîr had never seen her father so angry, but she guessed he had a right to be. For a moment she feared he would take a switch to her backside, but instead she was confined to her room for rest of the day. She admitted to sneaking out in the middle of the night unbidden and without an escort, but did not mention the spirit-possessed crown.

A month passed since Andúmîr's midnight escapade in the Pelennor Fields. She had been kept busy learning the ways of a proper Gondorian princess, although never completely reforming. One day, she was summoned to Elessar's council room.

Curious and full of apprehension, she obeyed. "You desired to see me, Ada?"

"Yes, Andúmîr, come in. I would like to know what you did when you left Osgiliath under the cover of darkness," he said.

Her eyes widened in shock. "How....?"

"Did you think I do not have eyes watching while I sleep? You have nothing to fear, sell nîn; there will be no punishment for your escapade. I merely wish to know what happened."

Reluctantly, Andúmîr told him everything. This time she told him of the metal crown. Elessar listened intently. When her tale was finished she asked, "Why do you wish to hear this?"

He was slow to answer. He walked over to a window and faced it. "I received a message from Rohan," he said, his back to her.

"Rohan?!" Andúmîr gasped. "Is everything alright? Is father ill? Are Easterlings attacking? What-"

"All is well in Rohan," Elessar said, "better than well, in fact." But before I tell you, do you realize what you did?" he asked.

Andúmîr shook her head. He smiled. "Apparently the Witch-King's spirit resided within his helm all of these years. He was never completely destroyed. But since you destroyed his place of residence, his spirit has no where to go except to where all evil spirits go - to the abyss. You've broken his curse. And Éowyn is expecting her first child."

A/N: Well, how was it? Does anyone even read my authors notes? Anyway, I hope to be posting more chapters soon.

Aragorn daughter of Arathorn: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you like it!

Voldie on Varsity Track: Thank you for your reviews and prayers.

Only two reviews? sniff I'm hurt. I'll try to update as soon as possible. May an Evenstar shine upon you.