Chapter 19: To Heal and To Feel
Serena had felt the intense burning in her heart as if the very life force has been absorbed from her. There was no physical injury on her part but her Crystal had nevertheless been activated to heal her. Even though, Legolas now possessed a part of her startseed, he was certainly not hurt to trigger such an effect. The only other person with whom she held such a strong connection with was Lady Eowyn. Faintly, she grasped the cries of the Lady of Rohan and felt the familiar agony of the pain inflicted by the Morgul blade.
With the Crystal blazing in a single point, she muttered the words and called upon the gates of Elysium. She leaped from her horse and in mid air spiralled and landed onto that of Pegasus. She then drew the powers from water, fire, nature, and the wind along with the magic of the Elessar and the Elven powers and mingled them with the powers of the Imperium Silver Crystal to attempt a teleportation. This was not only transporting herself but the entire army led by Aragorn. Though the Crystal had been restored many of its capabilities in its original source of Middle Earth, Serena strained every bit of resources. The Men vaguely comprehended the phenomenon as they followed the white stallion. They only knew that it was the fastest they had ever ridden or ever would again.
They went though a portal of sorts and when the teleportation was extinguished, the horses slowed to a canter. Serena had teleported them to the ruined gates of Minas Tirith. Though she was Cosmos with immense powers, she had fainted from the strain of using such force for teleportation for the first time. Pegasus true to his vow to protect the Princess of the Moon and to keep his riders on his back, had stood off to the side. He did not allow Aragorn or even Legolas near him and Gimli stood away from the great beast. Instead, Pegasus galloped toward the city with the Princess on his back and the Men had no choice but to follow.
--oo--
In the city of Gondor, there lies a tedious soul and that of a unquenchable spirit - that of Lord Faramir and Lady Eowyn. They laid side by side in the faint glow of the fire burning in the House of Healing. No, they were not dead but their eyes remained close and shut off from the world of living. Merry the faithful servant knelt in between their beds, his eyes never leaving his charges. He had suffered grave pains but he bore them well until he too fell into the clutches of unconsciousness. The Men was moved by the devotion shown from the Hobbit for it mirrored their own loyalties to the King and the battles. So, the Men placed a small but comfortable cot in between the two beds and laid the young Halfling on top where the process of healing may commenced.
Theoden King of the Mark had barely survived the battle but he now trudged into the House supported by that of Eomer. Both their hearts were burden not merely by the battle but the loss that had resulted. Tears from these great Men were shed as they starred upon the wounded Merry, Faramir and most of all Lady of Eowyn. Theoden sustained greatly himself and all knew that he would not live past his injuries both physical and from grief. He untied his sword and sheath and laid them upon the Lady of Rohan, his sister-daughter and mouthed words that were only heard slightly by Eomer. Those words held such emotions and depth that they needed not repeating for the gravity was that Theoden breathed his last breath by the side of her bed.
The Men of Gondor and Rohan bear the great King and Steward out of the House of Healing with Mithrandir escorting them in front. At the doorway, they encountered Aragorn and the Company. A momentarily lapse of sadness, surprise, and awe ensued. Aragorn caught the eyes of the Wizard and his face creased as he saw the lifeless bodies of Theoden and Denethor.
"Come for it is said that the hands of the King shall heal us," counselled Gandalf. He led Aragorn into the House of Healing, followed by Legolas and Gimli to where the three most precious invalids laid.
Pippin was at side of his friends and his eyes lit up at the site of the familiar faces. "Oh Strider, I am awfully glad to see you again."
Aragorn's eyes sparkled in mirth as the settled upon the Hobbit. He did not say anything for time was of the essence as he moved towards the cot of Merry. He placed one hand over Merry's head and the other over the wound. He muttered a few words to summon the wondering spirit of the hurt. His hands shook slightly as if some supernatural form possessed him but it subsided soon after. He starred down at the Hobbit whose eyes opened and Merry cried out, "Strider, is that you?"
The tension was immediately alleviated and Pippin was by the cot in an instant. The two long separated friends embraced in a heartfelt reunion. Food and blankets were in due order. However, there was more to be done as Aragorn then moved upon to the bed of Faramir. Seeing the poor state of the new Steward, Aragorn ordered for Kingsfoil to be boiled in the House. As the soothing fragrance spread, the same healing process was repeated, but his time, there seemed to be an aura of gold and green-like tint around him, "I called upon you, Faramir. Let not your spirit roam."
Faramir's prone body moved slightly and his eyes recognized that of Aragorn's. "My Lord, I have seen my brother, he had sent me back to answer and serve your summon."
"Just rest now, my friend."
As Aragorn moved to the last bed, Faramir asked weakly, "Where is my father?"
All who knew the outcome of Denethor shifted nervously in their place and by the awkward silence that resulted, Faramir answered his own question, "He is dead. It is as he said it would happen. I am now Steward of Gondor."
"Time is the best healer, Faramir. Rest for now," consoled Gandalf as he placed a protective hand on the Man's shoulder.
Aragorn moved to the next bed beside the Steward and looked down upon the face of precious treasure of Rohan, who was lying like the single flower in fresh melted snow. With the sword across her chest, it was as if she formed a protective shield around herself, be prepared for battle. Aragorn recognized the sword to be Theoden'sa. From the solemn look that the shadow-blue eyes of Mithrandir gave him, Aragorn knew that his suspicions were confirmed.
Aragorn took one of the cold and limp hands of the Lady and bowed his head as if in prayer. His words were indistinguishable only those worthy of the King shall hear his words. He eyes were shut and to the onlookers, the previous gold and green glow surrounded both Aragorn and Eowyn. None could comprehend the magnitude of the powers of the Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Elessar, Elendir's Heir but Aragorn learned this much afterwards.
As he felt himself losing consciousness, into the shadows he roamed for a single drifting soul. He could hear her faint callings and as he strained to follow her voice, he heard another in the opposite direction. He recognized it to be Lady Arwen's, a song that he could always interpret no matter the situation. Now, he must choose whether to pursue the lost soul to perform the duty of the people or to turn back towards a love worth every sacrifice. His life depended on such a choice but they must balance for the greater good of the people. It was a choice that he was fated to make and now, he was at a crossroads but time was against him.
"No! I won't make this choice. I have a duty to the people but my duty shall only be fulfilled with Arwen by my side. This is a choice that I shall not risk," he shouted into the oblivion.
"You are right and that is your fate, your duty. You truly understand that the nature of destiny's path is to balance your duty to the people as in protecting Lady Eowyn and to finding your heart in Lady Arwen."
Aragorn saw in front of him the silhouette of a maiden but her voice was that Lady Serenity, more mature, solemn and melancholy. She was Cosmos and there was a single tear at the corner of her left eye and she stepped into view.
"You have made your choice and I shall have to make mine."
Aragorn starred at her in confusion and she smiled knowingly at the look. With that, gentle silver rain began to fall and Aragorn felt his heart healed and rejuvenated. Cosmos spread her wings and flew in the direction of Lady Eowyn's voice and came back clutching her body close and place her in Aragorn's opened arms.
The rain stopped as abruptly as it came and Aragorn looked up to find Cosmos gone but rather he was back in the House of Healing. Cosmos, now transformed back into Serena was breathing heavily wrapped in an embrace with the Elven Prince. Her azure crystal eyes caught his and two words came from her lips, "At last ..."
End of Chapter 19
