Disclaimer: Do we really need to go through this again? I do not own Lord of the Rings and I am making no profit from this.

Summary: See previous chapters.

Chapter Two – Choices

Natasha

There are times when what would seem a very small thing like making a single choice, can be harder than a butterfly trying to knock over a mountain, and the results can change the course of history.

We all hope never to have to make such choices, although sometimes there are no other options. Your fathers have often made such choices, like whether to fight or flee, but sometimes the choice between going and staying somewhere can have the greatest impact of all.

There have been three times in my life when I have had to make such a choice. The first was about a month after I arrived in this land. I had arrived in a group of four, and had to choose which two would return and which two would stay.

The second time was shortly after the battle of Helm's Deep, after we had returned to Edoras. I had to choose between sending my sisters away, or going myself.

The third time was the hardest, although I have never regretted it. I had to make the final choice between staying here, and returning to my land.


It was shortly before the wedding between Eowyn and Faramir and they, along with the Fellowship, Denethor, Bella, Eomer and myself, had gone out for the day, under the pretence of keeping Faramir's mind off the wedding. It was partly true, but the main reason was to get away from all the chaos and gossiping courtiers.

We had stopped to eat and rest the horses when a shimmer began in the air nearby. Gandalf gave me a grave look. "Now is your moment of Choice, Natasha. Bella's will be given when she is older. Will you return to your own world, or will you stay here?"

I looked at the portal. The outer edges still shimmered, but the inside was clear, showing a group of people clustered around a bed, which held a dark-haired figure that I had seen before, whenever I looked at a reflecting surface. I saw the pain and sorrow etched on their faces. Could I let it continue?

Then I turned to face those of Middle Earth. I saw Eowyn, worried at losing one of her few friends. I saw Faramir, Denethor and Boromir, the hope that I would stay and the despair that I would leave on their faces. I saw Gandalf, his face calm as he waited for me to choose. I saw the Hobbits, their faces filled with wonder, confusion and worry. I saw Legolas and Gimli, who returned my gaze, letting me know that it was for me to decide. I saw Aragorn, if there was one thing Aragorn hated, it was being helpless. I saw Arwen, we had only known each other for a short time, but we were friends.

I saw Eomer, his face unreadable, but his eyes holding something I had not seen before. Fear. Fear of what would happen if I chose to return, of my choice in this final test.

I looked at the portal. I was no longer the near-woman that they had known. My absence would cause them great pain, but I knew that I could not return. I had changed too much for that. I had also found my soul mate, and I would not leave that. My answer would have to be made from the heart, with complete surety.

I gave one last look at my family, drinking in the sight of them. I knew I would not see them again as they were now, knew I could not return to that world.

Gandalf spoke again. "It requires a formal answer, Natasha. The conditions are met, and the moment of choice is come."

Did the people of Middle Earth always have to go on like this? I turned back to the ones who I called family in this world. I walked to Eomer, knowing my choice, even as my soul screamed in grief. My voice was steady as I cried my decision. "I choose thee, Eomer! For good or ill, I choose thee!". Then I collapsed in his arms, weeping.

I could feel the relief coming from the rest of them, even as I lay with my head buried against my future husband's chest, giving voice to my sorrow as I accepted the fact that I would not see them again, never see my twin again, yet held no regrets. Eomer said nothing, no empty words or platitudes. He only held me as I wept, and I could feel all the things that he did not say.

I heard my adoptive father, now my father in truth; suggest setting up camp here for the night. The rest agreed, Eowyn, Bella and Arwen taking charge of me and going off a way to give the males room.

They, also, did not offer meaningless words, or tell me that they understood. Arwen had an idea of what I was going through, having forsaken her life for love, but Bella was too young and while Eowyn had also known great loss, she had not been torn away from everything she knew.

Arwen and Eowyn only told me that no matter what; they would always count me as friend. Bella said nothing, only offered silent support. That child was far too perceptive at times.


I gradually became used to my life in this world. I was no longer Natasha Anne Ross; I had stopped being her a while ago, even if I had not known it. Now I became Lady Natasha, only daughter of Lord Denethor, Steward of Gondor, sister to the Lords Boromir and Faramir, wife of Eomer and Queen of Rohan.

It does not mean I forgot those back in my world, nor ever stopped loving them, but even given the chance to do things differently, my choice would remain the same. I have built myself a new life, a life that I would not change for anything. I was happy with my husband and the 'Daycare' that I had created. I could feel Elfwine and Theodred slumbering beneath my heart (Never mind, boys, it's a woman thing.) and I would not give up what I had, regardless of what was offered. I had my new family and my new friends, I have five wonderful children and I will not change that for the world.


Now it is Aunt Eowyn's turn to tell you a story. I am going to ask a maid to bring something to eat, because we skipped lunch.

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A/N – Third Chapter up! Coming Soon: The dos and don'ts when a woman is pregnant.

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Thank you, everyone who reviewed.

Nathalia.