The table groaned with the succulent dishes placed upon it. Around the
table were happy faces and much laughter echoing in the room. Aragorn stole
many looks at the fair Lady of Rohan and realized that it no longer seemed
to gnaw away at his heart. He felt no remorse or guilt at the sight of this
enchanting woman. He heard her musical laughter and saw the delight on her
face as she shared a light moment with Legolas. Looking at Èowyn he knew
daily he was growing fonder of this woman.
"My lord.... Sire?" the soft voice of Matejé broke into his thoughts and he smiled at the elf maiden beside him.
"I am sorry my Lady forgive me for my impertinence. I was somewhat distracted." He half smiled.
She looked at Èowyn and her lover as they were engrossed with each other and smiled at Aragorn. She knew beneath those blue grey eyes of steel there lay something hidden for the golden haired woman of Rohan. Legolas had told her about them both as well as Aragorn's past history with the famed Undomiel and her heart was sore for she could not bear parting from Legolas. Watching Èowyn, she realized there was immense power radiating from the mortal. She was a warrior and a healer the same as Aragorn. There was something almost mystical between the King of men and the Daughter of Kings. It would unfurl in time if they both desired it.
"Mithrandir you said you needed me for some reason?" Aragorn asked the silent Gandalf as they finished their meal.
"Yes. I have no doubt that Eomer has by now informed you of his quest for the Hicus flower." He asked and Aragorn nodded silently.
"The legend behind the flower is filled with pain and sadness. All those who have ventured for it have paid with their lives. Yet it is predicted that it shall be obtained when one of pure heart desires it." Gandalf said quietly attracting the attention of all gathered around the table.
"Tell us Gandalf." Èowyn whispered.
"It has been told during the rule of Eorl the Young, a child had ventured into Fangorn forest and was never heard of again. The child was supposedly taken by dark forces and made a protector of the Hicus flower. A flower of amazing value and incredible healing properties. However the innocent soul of the child was corrupted and replaced by a soulless creature Halas saw. As time went by more children disappeared and though he knew what was happening, Eorl could do nothing about it." Gandalf continued. "They say that there is the creature which dwells in the bowels of the forest dark and terrible as Sauron and these supposed children are called duens for they are the ghosts of the lost ones" He said. "He must be defeated in order to obtain the plant and free those which have been taken prisoner." Gandlaf ended as the entire table grew silent with concern.
"How can he be defeated?" Eomer asked "And how does Aragorn and the Eadig family come into this?"
"Like the ring of power, there is a weapon to defeat the creature. Hidden in the bowels of Lorien, there are two swords waiting to be unearthed. However to attain them, there are many creatures of unspeakable names you must face. These swords have the power to defeat the creature and achieve your quest. But be warned this journey is not as simple as it seems." Gandalf said solemnly.
"I am ready to accept the quest Gandalf."Eomer said standing, his eyes flashing with a desire to achieve.
Gandalf looked at the King of The Mark a small smile playing upon his lip. Of what he was thinking no one was sure but it was something important. Turning he faced the young king and nodded to him.
"I know you would be eager to do this Eomer. However it is not your journey to make. Lord Elrond once told me the swords must be obtained by the King of Gondor and another who would receive renown in a battle against a most powerful opponent. At the time I did not understand what he meant but after the War I understood at last." Gandalf finished.
"My sister? Nay Gandalf you must be jesting. I do not deny her valour or courage but it is not fair to ask her or Aragorn to endure a journey which may cost them their lives. All because it is needed." Eomer said springing up from his chair and began to pace. "I will not allow it. If it must be this way then I do not desire this flower anymore." He said his frustrations swiftly turning into anger.
"Eomer." Èowyn said softly touching her brother calming him with her gentle speech and demeanour. "I will do this for you and for the people of Rohan, Gondor and Arnor. If this plant is obtained, this will end all suffering of our people. Have no fear Eomer. I have faced the Nazgûl lord and survived. Then I can do this."
Eomer looked at his younger sister and saw that like himself, she showed no fear at what fate had in store for her and he desperately wished his mother was here to help him. Yet he knew instinctively once Èowyn had decided on something there was no getting out of it and he was afraid that he would lose his sister just as soon as she had become part of his life once more.
"Èowyn are you certain you wish to make this journey?" he asked tentatively and she nodded her head aggressively.
"For the best of our people I willingly accept this task Eomer." She replied her blue orbs flashing dangerously in the soft lights.
"And I agree as well Eomer, we both swore of the Oath of Eorl and I intend on fulfilling my promise." Aragorn replied quietly. "I shall send word to Faramir about this quest and we shall leave immediately at first light if it suits Lady Èowyn." He continued as smiled as she nodded gracefully.
"Aragorn then I shall accompany you for I wish to assist as well as revisit the beauty of the lands upon fair Middle Earth."Legolas stated as they began to quiet once more.
"Your company is greatly appreciated Meldiramin." Elessar replied. "However are you willing to leave behind the fair Lady Matejé?" he asked with an amused smile upon his face.
"Nay milord. My Lady is very accomplished in the art of weaponry and is a master marksman with the bow. She and Lady Èowyn have much in common as I have learnt by experience during practice." Legolas replied smugly evoking much laughter from the men and shocked expressions from both ladies.
"Then sir, I shall have to be gentler in our future practices." Matejé replied with a small laugh.
"Nay Meleth nín I did not say I did not like your bruises for then I receive more attention." He retorted causing more hilarious chuckles around the table and a furious deepening of the cheeks on his lady face.
"Then it is settled. We shall leave fair Medusled at sunrise."Aragorn stated as they all nodded in agreement.
"Come then let us enjoy the night among friends."Eomer said and settled into his chair once more. "Lady Matejé, I would be delighted if you continued with your facinating tale of the kingdom of Evanroné. It seems to be a place of much beauty and mysticism." He said encouraging her to speak.
"It is sire. Evanroné is as close to the grey heavens as possible. We elves have been secluded from the rest. It was amazing when Price Legolas together with Gimli came into our little world. I must say they did cause quite a disruption in our lives but I am thankful for that."she said and smiled lovingly in the eyes of her love.
"How did you manage to arrive on Middle Earth?" Èowyn asked curiously.
"We have ships similar to the ones of Rivendell, Legolas desired I should see fair Middle Earth so I consented. So we left Evanroné for a while on our own adventures. Gimli decided to remain for though he wished to see his companions once more. He was persuaded to stay until we returned. He is immensely popular among our people and especially our maidens." She ended and laughed as they all found it very strange. " I know what you are all thinking however Master Gimli is our only dwarf and a brave one at that. He is loved by us all." She said and smiled at Aragorn who sat quietly contemplating her words, a troubled look on his face. Èowyn wished he would confide in her but she knew at this moment it would be impossible.
"These ships you speak about, my Lady can you come and go at will to any place?" he finally said.
"Yes I believe so. Is there any place you would like to visit King Elessar?" she replied and shot a knowing look at Legolas. They both watched him intently at his reaction, they knowing fully well the meaning of his question.
"Nay it was just a random thought in my mind." He replied quickly and shot another quick look at Èowyn who was chatting quietly with Gandalf. Had Aragorn not been occupied with his musings, he like would have seen the falsh of pain on the White Lady of Rohan's face.
"It is late my dear friends. I am sure you are all weary so we shall retire for the night. Tomorrow a new day begins and the journey of a lifetime."Eomer said standing, beckoning the servants to lead the guests to their respective quarters. All but the siblings remained. He sat next to her and watched her beautiful features highlighted even more in the soft light.
"Èowyn, are you sure you are willing to do this?" he asked his younger sister. "I do not fear for your safety but for your heart." He said wisely and she smiled sadly at him.
"We shall soon find out dear brother by the end of this journey if my destiny lies truly with Aragorn or elsewhere." She replied softly
"Then I wish you all the best in my heart. May mother and father watch over your blessed soul." He replied and kissed her forehead gently. "Go to bed you have a long day ahead of you." He said as he rose to take his leave.
"In a moment I shall." She replied as he left her. It was a long time though she stayed at the table, lost in her own machinations and her private world.
A/N:- Duens are creatures from my country's folklore, so I'll be incorporating them into the plot line for future reference.
"My lord.... Sire?" the soft voice of Matejé broke into his thoughts and he smiled at the elf maiden beside him.
"I am sorry my Lady forgive me for my impertinence. I was somewhat distracted." He half smiled.
She looked at Èowyn and her lover as they were engrossed with each other and smiled at Aragorn. She knew beneath those blue grey eyes of steel there lay something hidden for the golden haired woman of Rohan. Legolas had told her about them both as well as Aragorn's past history with the famed Undomiel and her heart was sore for she could not bear parting from Legolas. Watching Èowyn, she realized there was immense power radiating from the mortal. She was a warrior and a healer the same as Aragorn. There was something almost mystical between the King of men and the Daughter of Kings. It would unfurl in time if they both desired it.
"Mithrandir you said you needed me for some reason?" Aragorn asked the silent Gandalf as they finished their meal.
"Yes. I have no doubt that Eomer has by now informed you of his quest for the Hicus flower." He asked and Aragorn nodded silently.
"The legend behind the flower is filled with pain and sadness. All those who have ventured for it have paid with their lives. Yet it is predicted that it shall be obtained when one of pure heart desires it." Gandalf said quietly attracting the attention of all gathered around the table.
"Tell us Gandalf." Èowyn whispered.
"It has been told during the rule of Eorl the Young, a child had ventured into Fangorn forest and was never heard of again. The child was supposedly taken by dark forces and made a protector of the Hicus flower. A flower of amazing value and incredible healing properties. However the innocent soul of the child was corrupted and replaced by a soulless creature Halas saw. As time went by more children disappeared and though he knew what was happening, Eorl could do nothing about it." Gandalf continued. "They say that there is the creature which dwells in the bowels of the forest dark and terrible as Sauron and these supposed children are called duens for they are the ghosts of the lost ones" He said. "He must be defeated in order to obtain the plant and free those which have been taken prisoner." Gandlaf ended as the entire table grew silent with concern.
"How can he be defeated?" Eomer asked "And how does Aragorn and the Eadig family come into this?"
"Like the ring of power, there is a weapon to defeat the creature. Hidden in the bowels of Lorien, there are two swords waiting to be unearthed. However to attain them, there are many creatures of unspeakable names you must face. These swords have the power to defeat the creature and achieve your quest. But be warned this journey is not as simple as it seems." Gandalf said solemnly.
"I am ready to accept the quest Gandalf."Eomer said standing, his eyes flashing with a desire to achieve.
Gandalf looked at the King of The Mark a small smile playing upon his lip. Of what he was thinking no one was sure but it was something important. Turning he faced the young king and nodded to him.
"I know you would be eager to do this Eomer. However it is not your journey to make. Lord Elrond once told me the swords must be obtained by the King of Gondor and another who would receive renown in a battle against a most powerful opponent. At the time I did not understand what he meant but after the War I understood at last." Gandalf finished.
"My sister? Nay Gandalf you must be jesting. I do not deny her valour or courage but it is not fair to ask her or Aragorn to endure a journey which may cost them their lives. All because it is needed." Eomer said springing up from his chair and began to pace. "I will not allow it. If it must be this way then I do not desire this flower anymore." He said his frustrations swiftly turning into anger.
"Eomer." Èowyn said softly touching her brother calming him with her gentle speech and demeanour. "I will do this for you and for the people of Rohan, Gondor and Arnor. If this plant is obtained, this will end all suffering of our people. Have no fear Eomer. I have faced the Nazgûl lord and survived. Then I can do this."
Eomer looked at his younger sister and saw that like himself, she showed no fear at what fate had in store for her and he desperately wished his mother was here to help him. Yet he knew instinctively once Èowyn had decided on something there was no getting out of it and he was afraid that he would lose his sister just as soon as she had become part of his life once more.
"Èowyn are you certain you wish to make this journey?" he asked tentatively and she nodded her head aggressively.
"For the best of our people I willingly accept this task Eomer." She replied her blue orbs flashing dangerously in the soft lights.
"And I agree as well Eomer, we both swore of the Oath of Eorl and I intend on fulfilling my promise." Aragorn replied quietly. "I shall send word to Faramir about this quest and we shall leave immediately at first light if it suits Lady Èowyn." He continued as smiled as she nodded gracefully.
"Aragorn then I shall accompany you for I wish to assist as well as revisit the beauty of the lands upon fair Middle Earth."Legolas stated as they began to quiet once more.
"Your company is greatly appreciated Meldiramin." Elessar replied. "However are you willing to leave behind the fair Lady Matejé?" he asked with an amused smile upon his face.
"Nay milord. My Lady is very accomplished in the art of weaponry and is a master marksman with the bow. She and Lady Èowyn have much in common as I have learnt by experience during practice." Legolas replied smugly evoking much laughter from the men and shocked expressions from both ladies.
"Then sir, I shall have to be gentler in our future practices." Matejé replied with a small laugh.
"Nay Meleth nín I did not say I did not like your bruises for then I receive more attention." He retorted causing more hilarious chuckles around the table and a furious deepening of the cheeks on his lady face.
"Then it is settled. We shall leave fair Medusled at sunrise."Aragorn stated as they all nodded in agreement.
"Come then let us enjoy the night among friends."Eomer said and settled into his chair once more. "Lady Matejé, I would be delighted if you continued with your facinating tale of the kingdom of Evanroné. It seems to be a place of much beauty and mysticism." He said encouraging her to speak.
"It is sire. Evanroné is as close to the grey heavens as possible. We elves have been secluded from the rest. It was amazing when Price Legolas together with Gimli came into our little world. I must say they did cause quite a disruption in our lives but I am thankful for that."she said and smiled lovingly in the eyes of her love.
"How did you manage to arrive on Middle Earth?" Èowyn asked curiously.
"We have ships similar to the ones of Rivendell, Legolas desired I should see fair Middle Earth so I consented. So we left Evanroné for a while on our own adventures. Gimli decided to remain for though he wished to see his companions once more. He was persuaded to stay until we returned. He is immensely popular among our people and especially our maidens." She ended and laughed as they all found it very strange. " I know what you are all thinking however Master Gimli is our only dwarf and a brave one at that. He is loved by us all." She said and smiled at Aragorn who sat quietly contemplating her words, a troubled look on his face. Èowyn wished he would confide in her but she knew at this moment it would be impossible.
"These ships you speak about, my Lady can you come and go at will to any place?" he finally said.
"Yes I believe so. Is there any place you would like to visit King Elessar?" she replied and shot a knowing look at Legolas. They both watched him intently at his reaction, they knowing fully well the meaning of his question.
"Nay it was just a random thought in my mind." He replied quickly and shot another quick look at Èowyn who was chatting quietly with Gandalf. Had Aragorn not been occupied with his musings, he like would have seen the falsh of pain on the White Lady of Rohan's face.
"It is late my dear friends. I am sure you are all weary so we shall retire for the night. Tomorrow a new day begins and the journey of a lifetime."Eomer said standing, beckoning the servants to lead the guests to their respective quarters. All but the siblings remained. He sat next to her and watched her beautiful features highlighted even more in the soft light.
"Èowyn, are you sure you are willing to do this?" he asked his younger sister. "I do not fear for your safety but for your heart." He said wisely and she smiled sadly at him.
"We shall soon find out dear brother by the end of this journey if my destiny lies truly with Aragorn or elsewhere." She replied softly
"Then I wish you all the best in my heart. May mother and father watch over your blessed soul." He replied and kissed her forehead gently. "Go to bed you have a long day ahead of you." He said as he rose to take his leave.
"In a moment I shall." She replied as he left her. It was a long time though she stayed at the table, lost in her own machinations and her private world.
A/N:- Duens are creatures from my country's folklore, so I'll be incorporating them into the plot line for future reference.