Journey's End
Pairings: There are some book pairings.
Events: This fiction is one that follows the path of Rohan through the end of the War of the Ring. Beyond the end of the story, there are chapters concerning the first few years of the Fourth Age, after the passing of the Ringbearers into the West.
Disclaimer: J.R.R. Tolkien owns 'The Lord of the Rings' book series. Joss Whedon controls the world of Buffy. Peter Jackson and company own 'The Lord of the Rings' films. We only own a part of the plot.
Summary: Buffy is summoned to fulfill an oath before she can rest in peace.
In Gratitude: As this story takes its final turn, well… I hope you have enjoyed the ride!
marcus aure1ius - many, many thanks to you. And neither, really, can I.
Sukera - I promise that I will try.
XinnLajgin - I only hope you continue to believe that by the end of this chapter. And I will try to update sooner than I have been.
Russa - You didn't really confuse me. I just chose to be a smartass in my comments. This chapter is mostly original (as are the next few), so I hope to create the illusion that Tolkien did not really miss out on these parts.
spike10101 - well, thank you. I am glad you have enjoyed it thusfar. This is the first time I ever wrote anything with a pairing in a crossover ever.
vkky - I will update, but sometimes I am rather slow and for that you have my apologies.
tdk99992000 - well, thanks!
Evilelvengoddess - Well, they won't make it easy for that little quote to come true, although it would be rather ideal. The return to Rohan is one with great expectations but is met with... well, something else entirely. Buffy's friends will not make an entrance in this fiction, but I do have something sort of planned later on.
spk - Well, I'm glad I convinced you that this is going to work out. I only hope you still think so after this chapter. And, yes, sadly, this story is coming to an end. It is like watching a child grow and move onwards.
Chapter Summary: Éomer returns to lead a broken nation rebuilding after devastating battles. Buffy returns only to find that things aren't as easy as they once were and complicated choices need to be made, which may cost her the happiness she had been yearning for.
Chapter Warning: This chapter, I believe, is almost entirely original except for the part at the beginning. While many of you have expressed your pleasure at having my pairing worked to a tee, I should have forewarned you that I do have a nasty habit of ripping the rug from beneath the feet of the assured. After reading the sixth Harry Potter installment, I was sorely tempted to scrap this chapter and force it to have a happy ending. But, I stuck with the story, as it has been completed and I felt rather guilty about this chapter. Many of you were probably expecting grandeur. I can promise good times ahead. This is just one of those "when you fall, you have to learn to pick yourselves back up" lessons.
x-x-x
Chapter 25
A Royal Welcome, Part II
By Alyson Kay
x-x-x
The days that followed were busy, to say the least. King Elessar had his hands full, that much was for certain. Already embassies of the Southrons and Easterlings had appeared before him and he had been merciful, declaring their freedom. He had made peace with Harad, giving them their own spit of land. Already he was preparing emissaries to send into the far breaches of the world in the attempt to extend his hand, but even his mercy had limits. He had seen the darkness and bitterness of this battle and even then, he could not look upon too many more with such aplomb and grace.
It was then that he turned his eye to the heroes of the war. And one of the first he welcomed into his citadel was none other than the Slayer that had been dropped upon them. For a moment, neither one of them could speak. Buffy longed to throw a smartass comment in the air, but decided against it, considering this man was a grand King.
"It pleases me greatly that you have come," he finally said after a few awkward moments of silence.
"It's not like I'm going anywhere," she replied, but she was smiling as she said it. Aragorn walked forward before pausing. "And you have something to say to me."
"I was hoping that I would never have to say this," he said in a worried voice. Her eyebrows lifted in surprise.
"Oh… you know, you could always tell me to go away," she said in a friendly voice. "I can take a hint."
"No, lady, stay," he said, waving her forward. "It is just that… there is little to say to you that has not already been said. Your strength is in your will and for this you will reap great benefits in your life here. I do wish that you would consider a life in Gondor or in Ithilien. A woman of your skills would be most welcome."
"So I've been told," she said, folding her arms. "But I think you know that I'm going back to Rohan."
"They are very lucky to have you," he replied, returning to his throne seat.
"There is so much that I want to know about this world," she said, shrugging. "I think I'd like to stick around and find out what happens next."
"Knowing that our greatest foe has been defeated does not necessarily mean all evil has perished forever," Aragorn reminded her. "There may be need for your skills should the time come."
"And you will have it," she replied simply. "Just say the word."
His smile was reassurance enough. "I would not care to break you from your life," he said, tilting his head. "But to know that I have your allegiance..."
"Gondor has my allegiance," she said, straightening up. "Its King has something just a little bit more." She paused. "King Éomer has been talking about returning to Rohan in a few days."
"Naturally, you will go with him," Aragorn said, his smile widening. Buffy felt her eyes roll before leaning back into her column. "I mean you no disrespect."
"None taken," she said wryly. "I'm getting used to it."
Aragorn seemed to think about this for a moment. Then, "You must care for him if your silence protects him."
She shrugged and broke eye contact, her eyes glancing at the ceiling of the ornate citadel. "It's something like that," she muttered, before shaking her head. "Well, it's been… interesting."
Aragorn rose and gestured to the doorway. "Do know that the friendship of Gondor awaits those who fight for her."
"Thank you," she said, giving him a quick smile before ducking outside of the doors. The guards on the outside shut the doors and sealed them as she walked back out into the daylight. She paused as she saw Éowyn waiting for her near the gates leading off of the top tier. "Good morning!"
"I was hoping to speak with you," Éowyn said, joining Buffy as they began to walk back towards the rest of the city.
Buffy felt slightly guilty. She had been spending a fair bit of time with Gandalf these past few days. He was still a huge part of her life, no matter where she lived. He still felt responsible for her and his amusement at her attempt to act like a true woman of this world was laughable by both. Buffy had to admit that wearing the armor was much simpler than spending hours upon hours each day beautifying herself. "I've been busy," she admitted, going for the truth.
"You have," Éowyn agreed. She paused, a slight smile playing about her lips.
"What?" Buffy asked, recalling her confusion on the day of the coronation.
"My brother spoke that you were with Mithrandir yesterday," she finally said.
"Did he?" Buffy asked slowly.
"He seems to know much about you," Éowyn prompted, hoping that the other woman would open up and speak freely.
"He does," Buffy admitted. "We do talk, you know. He's… something." She wasn't quite sure what he was, but she knew her vague answer would appease the King's younger sister.
"He speaks the same of you," Éowyn teased. Buffy threw her a dry, sarcastic look while Éowyn shrugged. "I was hoping to speak with you about that."
"About him?" Buffy asked, frowning. "What is there to ask?"
"Aside from Mithrandir, you have spent a bit of time with him," Éowyn replied triumphantly.
Buffy sighed. "You and the rest of your people… is that all you do, gossip?"
"We do not mean to pry, Buffy," Éowyn said comfortingly. "They have precious little to speak of. To know that their King cares for his counsel…"
She sighed again as they reached the gate leading to the sixth tier. "You know you sound like a broken record, right?"
"I do not wish for him to be hurt," she said stoically. Buffy turned and saw the serious expression on Éowyn's face.
"Is that what this is about?" she asked curiously.
Éowyn nodded.
"I…" Buffy started, but she felt her lungs deflate. How was she going to explain how hurt she had been before and how much she wished it wouldn't happen now? She knew that what she was feeling was wrong, but it had been such a hard journey that she felt she could live a little and enjoy herself. If that meant romancing the one man who found her attractive in armor, what harm was there in that? Apparently his sister thought there was some, because she had never seen Éowyn look so serious and this was the same woman who had ridden into battle. "I honestly don't know what this is," she said at last. "I know I feel something, but it's too soon to be anything…"
Éowyn sat on a bench, watching Buffy as she spoke. She longed to tell Buffy of her own romance and her own happiness, knowing that this woman would find happiness once her heart was settled, but remained silent.
"Your brother means a lot to me," she tried again. "I do care for him. I don't know if I can care for him the way your people ask me to. I'm not ready for something like that. You can't just expect me to live one life, get dumped into another and expect me to be happy about it. You have no idea what I've been through." She saw that Éowyn looked ready to protest and continued on before the other woman could interject. "But you should know something about me. I'm not someone who'll give up without a fight. I can't promise that I'll never hurt him, but one thing I can promise is that I will stand beside him. We're both new at this, you know. He's spent most of his life out in the fields with his horses. I've had my destiny fighting the big bads and the many little bads. But we'll make it work because that's what people like us do."
Éowyn looked relieved as she let out a long stream of pent-up breath. "Thank you," she said with her bright smile.
"Anytime," Buffy replied, joining Éowyn on her bench. "So… you with the glow, come on… tell me."
Éowyn felt her smile return as she began to tell Buffy about Faramir. "The thought of marriage frightens me," she admitted in a low voice.
"It frightens me, too," Buffy added in an undertone.
"The thought of leaving my people is even worse," Éowyn said sadly. "Though I know you have intentions for them, do you not? My brother is a valiant man, but you see us as we are and not as what we were. Our people may have life again, with you leading them. Women in our country can stand and bear arms besides their men and fight for their countries. Even if they remain behind to watch over the children, they will know how to bear strength in arms. It will be a glorious day when women can stand beside the men instead of remaining locked behind in their cages, trapped for an eternity, bound by the chains of family and tradition."
"Would you live to see your women that free?" Buffy asked her in a serious voice. She knew the implications of such freedoms. Faith had to be the best example that she could think of. "To live a life of fighting and winning and battles… you lose bits of your soul, Éowyn. I'm not like other women."
"No," Éowyn agreed, lowering her gaze. "You are not. You remind me of a tale I heard in my youth, of the warrior Queen of Númenor. She was ever strong and valiant and led her people to peace beyond her years. She loved only because she chose to and not because it was expected of her." She leaned over and gently lifted Buffy's hands into her own. "You can have the life you desire. I only wish for your happiness as I have found mine. You have the opportunity to bring great change to our people. My brother knows this. You are bold and resilient and you would make a great Queen."
Buffy sighed and rose, walking away, a hand sliding through her hair.
"You misunderstand me," Éowyn said from behind her. "Éomer knows nothing other than battle and the land. You know the character, the desires, the wants. There is much you can do for our people. I only hope when the time comes, you will understand that Rohan needs you. They do not need a Captain under a great King. They have need for a Queen."
Buffy turned to look at her. She saw the open look on Éowyn's face and suddenly felt the need to keep her mouth closed. "Yeah," she said, crossing her arms. "The choice might be simple for you. But for someone who has loved and lost and screamed and bled… the choices are never easy."
"Have you not wanted more from your destiny?" Éowyn asked. "I may be a simple woman, Buffy, but even I am old enough to understand. I have seen it in your eyes. You desire more than a simple woman ever would. You have taken it because you believe you have earned it. Look at the faces of those you have saved. Even King Elessar vies for your loyalty. Imagine all that you can be and see and do should you take this final step."
"Éowyn," Buffy sighed, before sitting down again. Trying to explain this to her was getting frustrating. But she knew, deep inside, that these were only excuses that she was throwing out. Éowyn had a perfectly sane argument going. Rohan did need strong leadership to help it recover from a devastating war. And she knew that her experience would help greatly. The only problem was that the commitment to being a Queen usually meant having to marry the King. It wasn't that she didn't like Éomer in that way. It was far more complicated than that. Buffy had loved very few men in her life and trusted even less with her entire being. She just wasn't sure if she could love Éomer. To her, he was a simple man with a simple royal duty of caring for his country. She had led the Scoobies for years alone.
It was marrying into a royal family with all of its rules, obligations and privileges that scared her. Buffy didn't scare easily. But love was something of a mystery to her. She had loved Angel with every fiber of her being. She supposed she loved Riley despite the fact that her relationship with him had started right after Angel had left. Spike was another story altogether, but she could safely convince herself that she was in lust with him. Éomer was something of a different sort altogether. She was attracted, but she had the feeling that the laws of this land were different and that it would be totally taboo to sleep with someone and then move on. No, from what she had seen and heard these people mated for life. The prospect of living a long life alone did not appeal to her.
"What is it?" Éowyn asked, seeing the different emotions spread across Buffy's face. "There is something bothering you."
Buffy nodded and took a deep breath. "I'm not ready for what you're asking me to do," she replied uneasily. "I can't… I'm sorry." She quickly stood and walked off into the crowds, struggling to control her pounding heart and her racing pulse. She heard Éowyn calling her name behind her, but she didn't dare turn back.
Once she had returned to the cottage that she had been given as a gift, she saw the many tents of the soldiers below. They were all singing and preparing for the return trip to Rohan. How easy it would be to hide amongst them until they set off! She was sorely tempted because she was starting to feel claustrophobic from all of the attention. Now that the battles were over and the biggest bad was gone, all eyes seemed to turn to who controlled what country and who was marrying whom. It was all unfair and just because she was the new girl… they felt she deserved more grief than others, she supposed.
She went and lay upon her cot, pressing her hand to her eyes. What she needed now was to cool down before she blew up at the wrong person. Getting back to her feet, she reached for her cloak and a small bar of soap and headed towards the back of the house. The cool water was soothing for her sore muscles, and she felt her skin tingle to life as she scrubbed vigorously. Once she'd rinsed herself off, she wrapped herself in the cloak and made her way back towards her simple room.
The problem was, someone was already standing there.
"What in the hell are you doing here?" she asked, outraged as she grabbed at her tunic and trousers while trying to hold the cloak around her body. For some reason that she couldn't begin to fathom, Éomer felt that the barriers between them had disappeared completely, but to barge in unannounced was a thing unheard of!
"I was looking for a reprieve," he said by way of apology, watching as she held her clothing to her body, her hair spilling droplets of water onto the floor at her feet, which peeked out from beneath the hem of the cloak. He felt his thoughts stray elsewhere and fought to keep his attention to the reason why he was there and not the reasons he was thinking of now. Clearing his throat slightly, he raised his gaze to meet hers. She was watching him, her eyes narrowed.
"So you thought you could just hide here?" she asked, her tone rising as she backed away from him. "Haven't you ever heard of knocking?"
"My apologies, my lady…"
"And quit it with the 'my lady' crap," she snapped, tugging the long blanket across the small room as she began to vigorously dry her skin. "Obviously people have been listening to you and they have been giving others some pretty crappy ideas."
He listened to her rant behind her blanket, but said nothing. He sighed and lifted his gaze to the ceiling before making himself comfortable on the sole chair in the room. She was still raving on the other end and he saw a bare arm slip above the blanket before the other did. He knew that he had caught her off-guard, but he was getting desperate. He was to meet with the King Elessar the evening, but his own people kept following him like rabid dogs. The only peace he ever felt was while he was in this room. And he knew it well.
The blanket was pushed aside as Buffy, now fully dressed, re-emerged. "What?" she asked him, seeing the look on his face. She set her wet cloak aside and sat on the end of her bed. "What is it?"
He told her what had been going on since he'd vowed to spend more time with his people.
"You're not much of a people person, are you?" she said at last, getting back to her feet and walking towards the pitcher and glasses that remained on a small table near the narrow doorway. "Water?"
He accepted his glass and watched as she sat, her eyes never leaving his face. "What feel you?" he asked, sensing that something was on her mind.
"Just… it's nothing," she said, shaking her head and forcing a smile. "Think nothing of it."
"There is something on your mind," he surmised. "You are bothered by this."
"It's just that the more I hear this… thing, the more I believe it'd be good for me. I'm running out of excuses." She saw that he had no idea what she was going on about and elaborated. "They keep telling me that I would be a good Queen," she continued, waving her hand impatiently. "But they don't understand what it's like for me to—"
Éomer put his hand in the air, sufficiently silencing her. "Worry not," he said calmly, "for I have heard all of this and more."
The look of relief on her face was something that surprised Éomer. Would it truly be that bad to be a Queen?
"Don't get me wrong," she said softly. "I do care for you." She set her glass aside and moved towards him. "But it's not love. It's too soon to be love." She stopped right above him and moved to his side to glance out the doorway. He gently reached over and took her arm, drawing her near.
"To whatever end, Buffy, you are worth the price of every battle," he said softly. He saw her eyes glance down and reached up to push her gaze towards him again. "Never believe you are nothing more than what you can become."
Her sweet smile flashed at him as he rose to tower over her. For some reason, this didn't intimidate her in the least. "Thanks for the vote of confidence," she said in a tired voice.
He caressed her face a moment longer before pressing his forehead to hers. "But know that what I feel is lasting," he said as her arms reached up around his shoulders.
"For someone who knows so little about dating, you sure are insightful," she teased.
"For one who claims she knows nothing but battle, you are certainly a taunt," he shot back.
She shrugged a little. "Hey," she smirked. "It's what I do."
He bent down and took her lips, her damp hair cool between his fingertips. She responded rather quickly for one who claimed that he didn't hold her interest all that much. After a long moment, they broke apart. Her look was almost dewy as she pulled back slightly. He released her as she stepped away, her fingers moving towards her lips. "I thought you had a meeting with Aragorn," she said, sitting back down on the bed and stretching slightly.
"I will meet with him when he calls," Éomer replied.
"Meaning that whoever comes to get you is going to just sit there and watch the show?" she asked, pushing the wet cloak from her cot and lying down upon it. Éomer watched as she settled down for a late-afternoon sleep. "What are you going to do while you wait?"
"That is the reason why I am here," he replied, watching as she turned to him sleepily. "We will leave tomorrow."
"Already?" she asked, frowning. "Didn't we just get back here?"
"There is much to see to," he explained. "I have not seen my home since before the final battle."
"I bet it'd be great to see it again," she said, watching him as he paced around. "I know I'm looking forward to it."
He watched her sleepy eyes follow him before he paused. "Get some rest," he said in his comforting tone. "I will see you at the dinner tonight."
"Yeah, you will," she yawned before closing her eyes. "But you don't have to go."
"I do not feel it is proper to—"
"Yeah, yeah," she said, rolling onto her back. Éowyn's words about her loneliness were ringing in her ears. "But you don't have to leave just because I want to sleep. You can stay."
He quickly sat beside her cot, watching as she drifted off to sleep. Lifting his rough hands, he stroked her damp hair, feeling the silky texture beneath her fingertips. She seemed to relax beneath his touch, as though he were protecting the world from darkness as she rested. He watched her face as she slept, his fingers brushing over her cheeks and lips. She truly was something and it took every fiber of his being to ensure that it remained proper. He knew not of this love but felt that she had felt it. There must be something so liberating about feeling thus, he thought, watching her as she slept. He only hoped that one day he would understand how it felt to feel it.
He heard the sound of a throat clear behind him and turned to see one of the messengers waiting in the doorway. "My lord," the boy said uncertainly. "King Elessar calls for you."
"I will come," he said, rising. He turned to make certain that he hadn't awakened her.
"My lord," the boy said, watching as Buffy slept. He had been hearing rumors about this supposed warrior on the streets and the fact that she was also a suitable candidate for a queen. After witnessing the tender moment between the two, he now knew those rumors to be true. "Do you wish to wake her?"
"Nay," Éomer replied, a smile settling on his face. "I would not awaken her for the world." Turning, he followed the boy out of the cabin and through the crowded streets of Minas Tirith.
King Elessar was awaiting him on his throne. The moment Éomer entered, Aragorn rose and embraced Éomer like a brother. "Between us there can be no word of giving or taking or reward, for we are brethren," he said as they parted. "In happy hour did Eorl ride from the north and neither people has failed the other nor shall we fail. Now," he continued, returning to his seat, "as you know, Théoden lies in wake. Do you wish to return him to the land of your fathers or would you rather he remain in a tomb of the Hollows, to remain with the Kings of Gondor forever?"
"Since before you came from the grass, I have loved you," Éomer replied. "But for awhile I must return to Rohan for there is much to heal and affairs that must be set. But as for the former, when we are prepared, we will send and he will sleep forever in his beloved country."
"As you wish," Aragorn replied simply.
"And I will return as well," a female voice declared loudly from the doorway. Both men turned to see Éowyn walking inside, her long gown brushing the floor. "I will help you with your labors, brother," she said, setting her hand upon Éomer's arm. "I wish to look upon my land once more but I will return."
Aragorn glanced at her curiously, but the answer to his question was revealed as Faramir returned. Seeing Éowyn standing beside her brother and before the King, he moved forward. "Éowyn?"
She quickly relayed her message to Faramir, who appeared startled, but easily accepted her decision. "I will wait for you," he said, pressing a hand to her face. "For as long as you endeavor to leave, I will wait for you. There will be a day when I will wed you and all you have dreamt will be brought forth."
"You have been given a great gift," Aragorn agreed as both Faramir and Éowyn turned to regard him. "Ithilien I have given you, but this woman's love shall not be taken lightly, for long have I wished her happiness. To see her smile is a great victory." Éowyn looked down despite her wide smile and felt Faramir's arm tighten about her shoulders. "Long may your love stand." To Éomer, he added, "And as for you, my brother, your heart speaks truly?"
"It does," Éomer concurred. He felt fairly confident in admitting this.
"The truth will be revealed 'ere the end," Aragorn replied. "She has spoken of returning to Rohan?"
"She will return," Éomer said. He could feel Éowyn tense from next to him and gave her a puzzled look, but for once she held her tongue.
"Very well," Aragorn said, rising.
"We will leave in the morning," Éomer said, bowing his head slightly. "We will hasten to return."
"Of that I have no doubt," Aragorn replied. "The thoughts of our people go with you," he said, indicating both himself and Faramir. "Farewell and may your journey be most safe."
x-x-x
The early morning light was just breaching the valley when thousands of riders were gathered, their belongings packed atop their steeds. Buffy carefully wove Sador amongst the crowd, Éowyn following close behind her, Faramir's steed bearing his soon-to-be bride. With them were Elladan and Elrohir, the kin of Elrond, who would return to collect something, or at least that is what Buffy got from the conversation. All of the men gave calls of welcome, and Buffy returned the greeting, her smile broad and her mood bright.
All too soon, King Éomer was leading his many troops through the Pelennor. Many Gondorians were lined alongside the roads, praising the passing men and women. Buffy and Éowyn rode directly behind the King and the rest of the captains and Marshals followed close behind. Elladan and Elrohir rode one on either side of the King. But as the day wore on, they dropped back, allowing Buffy to push forward. Éowyn remained behind with her brother's closest guards, wishing to give her brother and his counsel some privacy.
"We will return to Edoras in two day's time," he said, giving her his usual report.
"Not bad," she said, frowning as Sador continued walking. "Then again, I have been looking forward to this since you started talking about it."
"Your anticipation is most enlightening," Éomer agreed.
Much to Éomer's delight, Buffy had spent a majority of their last dinner in Gondor at his side the night before. When he had asked her about it, she said that she felt comfortable at his side, knowing that he rather liked her nearby. He replied that he did, because he did enjoy her company. Under the eyes of their guards, they laughed together, sharing glances over yet another delicious meal. They even left the dinner together as the King had wanted to escort his counsel back to her cottage. Gandalf, who had been most amused, claimed that Éomer was acting most gentlemanly. Altogether, Éowyn thought from across the room, their first public appearance in the eyes of Gondor had been rather pleasant.
Of course, they were both grateful to leave such a feat. They had enjoyed their walk together as they had both been under the effects of the rather intoxicating Elvish wine. Buffy did have to admit that it was one of their better evenings together.
"You know you like it," she shot back at him. He turned to her before clearly rolling his eyes. Hearing her laugh was like listening to fine music as she continued riding by his side. He rather enjoyed the company and the familiarity of having such a figure ride by his side. "Or," she added quietly, "at least you did last night."
His gaze was on her so quick that she smirked. His eyes narrowed at the look on her face. "You rather enjoy the humiliation, do you?" he asked, glancing around to make certain that none could hear them. Though they were traveling at a brisk pace, they were still ahead of Éowyn, who seemed to be perfectly happy riding alone about fifty feet behind them.
"It's not embarrassing if you like it," she admitted. His eyes spied the faint amount of color on her cheeks and he watched her look down. They continued riding on.
As they neared the capital city, small boys rode up on ponies for word, only to return back to the city to prepare for the coming of their King. Buffy could easily sense the overwhelming feeling of relief and gratitude that these soldiers had made it home alive. Even Éowyn was full of smiles, talking endlessly about her experiences in Edoras, growing up as a child. Éomer was most talkative, speaking of reforms and decisions he had already made. Even as they passed through burnt-out shells of houses and farms leftover from Saruman's days, Éomer was already deciding to rebuild these towns and to make them stronger. Buffy remained by his side, offering suggestions as he spoke. Éowyn became increasingly aware that this pairing did make a good team as they both seemed genuinely concerned for the people they saw as they passed. There was much work that needed to be done and many hurts to heal before a true peace was really found.
They stopped and remained in the valley their last night before coming to Edoras. Buffy remained alone near her pack, staring at the wide open sky. In Minas Tirith, the sky was limited by mountains. In the open plains, however, north of the mountains, the stars seemed more vivid than ever. The answers to her endless questions had to be up there, she surmised. She only wished she could find them.
"My lady," Elladan said quietly, breaking her concentration. She turned to give him an irritated look, but by this point he was used to her mood swings.
"Can I help you?" she asked testily.
"I wish to prepare you for tomorrow," the Elf replied, extending his hand to the woman. She ignored it and scampered to her feet, stumbling slightly in the sharp darkness.
"Did he put you up to this?" she demanded, obviously meaning the King.
"Nay," Elrohir replied for his brother, appearing from behind a tent. "Nor did his sister. This was a wish that we had for you bequeathed to us by our brother."
"So this was all Aragorn's idea," she grumbled, following them into their tent. "I have no wish to be your guinea pig tonight. I'm tired and, if you couldn't guess, I'm not exactly pleasant."
"There is no need for good will," Elladan said in a soothing tone as he moved over to something wrapped in a cloak that had been placed on a cot. When Edoras had heard of their King's return, they had prepared an encampment for him. This was just one of the hundreds of tents that lined the valley. "This was given to you by one of the women of Gondor," he continued, unwrapping a long gown from one of the cloaks. "She had heard you had nothing of sorts to wear for your own coronation."
"I'm not being coordinated," she snapped in reply, but her protests fell short the moment she saw the gown. It was a deep shade of red, the deepest color, almost the same shade as blood. It cut across the neck and had those long, billowing, floor-length sleeves and a tight, laced-up bodice. It was one of the more provocative gowns she had seen and she felt a slight bit of color fall onto her cheeks.
"I believe she likes it," Elrohir said with some satisfaction as he turned, revealing the shoes that went with the gown. "It took us many days to procure these, but we felt them necessary."
"Of course you did," she replied.
"Before we prepare you for your day tomorrow," Elladan said, giving her a critical eye as he returned the dress to its cloak, "you must rest. You will take our tent. We will ensure that you will have no visitors tonight. Even the King will be forbidden to enter."
Of this, she was grateful. For the past three days of riding, she hadn't gotten much sleep. She gave them a thankful smile and shooed them from the tent before dropping onto the second cot. She was asleep within minutes.
As soon as dawn broke the next morning, Buffy found herself being pushed from one end of the tent to the other. After a rather cold bath, she found her hair being pulled from her scalp in the attempt to dry it 'ere they broke camp. A few extra hours had been given for all to clean themselves up for what was sure to be one hell of a spectacular celebration.
At last, Buffy was allowed to rise. She felt slightly off-balance on heels, since she was used to her battle boots. The dress was surprisingly light-weight, despite the long train and flowing sleeves. When Elladan admitted that this was an Elvish dress of old, she felt like slapping him. They had been planning this torture all along. Her hair had been twisted into a simple twist behind her head and Elrohir had insisted she wear a strand of silver atop her head. As soon as they led her from the tent, she began seeing the difference between the soldiers and herself. For one, they kept bowing left and right wherever she walked. She quickly walked over and forced them back up, sometimes lifting them clear off their feet, demanding they not do that anymore. Éowyn, who watched this last exchange while struggling to hold in her laughter, next fell under the wrath of a pissy Slayer.
"Do not concern yourself with them," Éowyn chided gently, taking Buffy's arm and leading her through the camp. "They see you as you do not see yourself. Today you look like royalty." Lifting her flat clay bowl of water, she held it towards Buffy so that the younger woman could gaze at herself.
"Wow," Buffy said softly, watching as the softened image of herself looked upon the water with awe. Lifting her eyes, she saw Éowyn's watery smile.
"You are truly a vision," she said, bowing her head as she returned to bowl to its table. "Please do not take offense. They only wish the best for you. And today is for you." Turning, she collected a long dark cloak and wrapped it around Buffy's slender shoulders. "This will hide your appearance from my brother if you wish."
But, for some reason, Buffy was sick of hiding. "Not today," she said, quickly slipping the cloak from her shoulders. "Today I feel free and I want to show it, you know?"
Éowyn smiled, indicating that she understood all too well. Buffy quickly turned and made her way to Sador, who appeared to be startled to see her master without her usual armor and fifty extra pounds of weaponry. Every last dagger and axe was stripped from Sador's saddle and Buffy quickly took to Sador's back, rubbing her muzzle reassuringly. The camp began to prepare to make way and by late morning, they were all in long, grand lines. Éomer finally appeared from his tent, dressed in the iron-clad armor of a King. He suddenly paused, startled when he saw the small-boned blonde atop Sador, moving to the left and talking easily with the other captains. She was truly a vision in red, he thought, watching as her smile caught the light. And then their eyes met.
Time seemed to pass an eternity before they finally returned to their previous tasks. He felt as though he could breathe again, but it was certainly not easy.
It wasn't until they were halfway to Edoras did her horse finally come beside his. "I have to say… love the armor," she said with her wide smile.
"You are quite the vision yourself," he replied with a small bow of his head. "I was not under the impression that I had asked you to take such care in your costume."
"Neither was I," she said airily. "But now I feel pretty. And I didn't want to look all sloppy and normal on your first big day."
He looked ever so relieved as he realized this. A King was looked upon with great respect by the company he traveled with. Traveling with his counsel in armor was one thing, but traveling next to a woman he cared for adorned in such beautiful clothes was another thing altogether. "It means a great deal that you have taken such care. Today, you are the most beautiful creature under such sky as I see revealed," he spoke seriously, his eyes never leaving her face.
Her sarcastic smile melted away as she felt a blush creep to her cheeks. No matter what he said in that certain way he said it, it always managed to touch her. "You are one hottie yourself," she replied softly. Reaching between their horses, he grasped her hand and squeezed it. She returned the gesture, but they didn't release hands until they came over the final hill. Edoras was settled on the great mound before them, but it was clear that between their forces and Edoras was yet another throng of people awaiting the return of their King and war heroes. After releasing his hand, Buffy drifted back to Éowyn, who wore a knowing smile. "Oh, shut up," she told the smirking Lady.
"You did this for him," she told Buffy in an understanding voice, gesturing at Buffy's elaborate costume.
"Oh, really?" Buffy asked sarcastically.
"You could have made yourself far less obvious," Éowyn teased gently, yet she was smiling.
"And what if I don't want to be so un-obvious?" Buffy asked, riding forward. Éowyn watched her as she rode on, shaking her head slightly. When the full impact of Buffy's words hit her, she smiled. She had done a great service, a selfless act, and she was becoming increasingly aware of the respectful glances the lesser men were giving her. There were many now riding alongside the army that never knew their King Théoden had fallen, much less the name of a potential queen riding aside their newest King.
As they rode into the hilly valley, there was a long line of banners held aloft, the brisk mountain winds sweeping them gaily over the heads of what appeared to be every last man, woman and child of Rohan. There was a group of children standing before the flag bearers, each holding a single branch of what appeared to be some light-colored wood. Adorning the wood were a few pale green leaves and the smallest white blossoms she had ever seen. Behind the bearers were the sounds of the soft horns, a lament to all of those who had fallen. Éomer drew his horse to a stop and the others obediently paused behind him.
Buffy frowned as she recognized the rider moving towards them. There was one rider on either side, and the man riding held something in his hand. It was a larger version of a white stick, only it looked more like a scepter. She had seen enough of these during her time in Giles' apartment. The tip of the white rod was painted red. Buffy glanced above her and saw their own standard, slightly grubby-looking to the other banners waving freshly about a hundred feet away. The crowd was not making a sound. Some people were on their toes, craning their necks to find a familiar face in the rather diminished crowd. Some were standing silently with tears streaming down their cheeks, accepting the comforting touch of their loved ones and friends. Others still lowered their heads and bowed before the King, who accepted the white rod with a heavy look upon his face.
And, without warning, he passed it over to his right. Sador was standing slightly behind him, yet rode forward without Buffy's signal. As many pairs of eyes turned to her, she took the white rod into her hand. Now, at closer inspection, it almost looked like plastic. She glanced up towards Éomer as though to ask what she was supposed to do now, but found that he had dismounted and was walking forward. Noticing that the Captains and Marshals were also moving away from their steeds, Buffy shot a glance over her shoulder towards Éowyn. She made a very small hand gesture. Buffy understood this as to dismount and follow. She did so as quickly as she could, easily overtaking the now swelling group as it descended on the children in the front. Quietly, they all began removing the flowers from the stem and tossing them at the ground. The horns began again just as a large gust of wind came. Buffy felt the exhilarating force of the gust as the small white petals took flight, looking like large snowflakes spiraling upwards.
The sound of the horns died away, leaving behind a long silence. At last, Éomer stepped forward and called out, "The days of darkness have ended. Assured our bond with Gondor has become. We will now share in the days of peace!"
Unlike the people of Gondor, who weren't able to keep their noise level down, the mood in Rohan was downright somber. Buffy took to glancing around at the children in the front row, all staring ahead. Her eyes in particular took to a small girl with long golden hair, wide dark eyes staring forward. From where she was standing, Buffy could see her chin trembling and felt the overwhelming desire to comfort the little girl. She was shaken by her thoughts with a powerful jab to her elbow. One of the Marshals was pointing forward, a sarcastic glint on his face. She quickly followed his instruction as he muttered, "Give him the white rod," behind her. As soon as she was behind him, she reached out to hand him the rod, but he took her wrist and drew her level with him.
Suddenly face-to-face with thousands of stone-faced peasants blinking uncaringly at her caused her a momentarily lapse of thought. It was like facing the potentials all over again. Only these were people of all ages. She noticed that the children had gathered before them. Catching the little girl's eye, she attempted a smile and received a faint one in return.
"My Counsel," Éomer announced to the crowd at large. Buffy lifted her eyes and felt her arm being lifting in the air along with the rod. For some reason, she saw many of the younger women casting her mutinous glances. Buffy was slightly taken aback, her eyes glancing from looks of deep distrust to gazes of open hostility. She could hear Éowyn's voice with the rest of the army behind them, until she saw the fair-haired Lady step up to her brother's side.
"Your King returns and with him valiant men," she spoke, taking over the role for which Buffy had not been informed of. "They have fought long and hard and together we will share in the days of peace."
And that was that. At last, the people seemed to have some reaction other than staring at them. Every last one of them, even those who carried the flags, bent to one knee and lowered their heads. Noticing the others around her making the same gesture, she tore her hand from Éomer's grip and quickly dropped into the unfamiliar position. When they all stood up, there was naught but silence. It nearly deafened her from where she was standing. Then, moving aside, King Éomer was able to walk into his city. Buffy and Éowyn obediently waited for Sador and her borrowed horse and soon followed the King.
The Golden Hall was its usual somber self, but it had not seen one moment of attack. It looked the same as it had the last time Buffy had seen it, and for this she was relieved. It was nice to know some things hadn't changed.
Upon their arrival, she handed Sador off to one of the returning stable boys, who glanced at her, slightly fearful.
"What, like I'm going to bite?" she called out as the boy positively hurried away from her. "What did I say?" she asked, turning to one of the Marshals, her tone clearly indicating that she was hurt.
"You are important to us," the Marshal replied, giving her a rather pertrubant look. "He said it with few words. But his feelings were made absolutely clear."
"So I keep being told," she sighed, trudging past him towards the house. "And told again and again and…"
Once inside the grand building, she stopped to look around, folding her arms to her chest and smiling at the familiar interior.
"My lady," a young voice inquired. She turned and saw two boys looking at her, slightly awestruck.
"Can I help you?" she asked, moving her arms to her sides. They exchanged an unnerved look and moved away from her slightly.
"Lady Éowyn has asked for you," the first boy said, looking nervous.
"Oh, okay," she said, and left it at that. "Where is she?"
"Upstairs, lady," the second boy said, his voice gaining confidence, "in the throne room."
"Thanks," she said, giving them both a cheerful smile and hustling away. Despite being away for the past few months, she seemed to remember the way. She soon found the winding staircase that led to the side of the room and found it empty except a woman standing at the edge of the room, staring up at the large green banner bearing a white horse hung over the throne. Éowyn turned as she heard footsteps. "You called?" Buffy asked simply, dragging her dress behind her.
"There is a ceremony tonight," Éowyn said by way of greeting. "It is more of a welcome."
"Do we get to sit and be stared at all night?" Buffy asked, still quite unimpressed with their somber welcome. Éowyn, on the other hand, looked troubled.
"Today was our welcome back to this land," Éowyn replied quickly. "Tonight we will celebrate the dead."
"Oh, so it'll be just like the last few weeks?" Buffy asked, making a face. Éowyn's troubled face seemed to relax a bit as she realized that they both had reservations for the evening they were about to face. "So… what's the deal then? Dress up, dress down, what?"
"Tonight is a night that we celebrate those who have died," she said, smoothing her worn traveling gown. "All who appear tonight will wear their best attire."
"So, it's another dress up?" Buffy asked, moodily brushing hair from the hem of her rather glamorous gown. "I would have waited to wear this had somebody told me."
"That is not the more pressing matter," Éowyn said, looking almost ashamed to bring up the next subject. "Buffy, the men are one thing. They have seen you in battle and they respect you because you never turned your back on them. But these are the common people that my brother leads. They have known no peace for so long because of Saruman's grasp. They did not wholly trust Théoden and Éomer is even more unknown to them because he spent so much of his time away from the city. They know even less of you."
"Is this a problem?" Buffy asked.
"They have to get to know you," Éowyn said, and Buffy found at last what Éowyn had been stressing over. "They will not welcome you as warmly as the others. It will take time for them to accept you."
Now Buffy knew what healing the hurts meant. These people had been terrorized for so long that they didn't really have a leader. Now that their peripheral leader had been brought forward into the limelight, these people were going to need a lot of convincing. "You don't think I can do it, do you?" she asked suspiciously.
"There is no ill feel towards your skills," Éowyn replied, looking ashamed again. "But there may be ill will towards your relations with Éomer."
"I see," Buffy said, her voice distinctly colder.
Éowyn's eyes widened at the look on Buffy's face. "It is not that they do not trust you. They do not know you. They will not trust you. They see you as an intruder in our suffering. The men will follow you but the people…" Her tone trailed off. "You are the outsider here as is he."
"Uh huh," Buffy said, drawing herself up to her full height.
Éowyn gave a great sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Until they accept him as King, you may want to distance yourself from him. It would do you both a great service."
"All right," Buffy said in the same strained voice.
"I am sorry," Éowyn said, giving her an apologetic look. "This was brought to my attention by Éothain, who speaks for those he has spoken with since his arrival back to Edoras." She paused. "Perhaps this is what you have been looking for."
Buffy didn't like the accusatory note in Éowyn's voice and chose to ignore it. Shaking her head slightly, she felt the sudden need to escape. It was suddenly becoming a lot harder to breathe. "Sure," she added, pressing a hand to her chest. "Where…?"
"The room where you stayed last time is available for your use," Éowyn replied, her body now hidden in shadows.
Buffy said nothing more except rush towards the staircase and soon found herself in a less-than-familiar room, but it was one that was comforting all the same. Closing the heavy door behind her, she smacked her palms into the ornate wood and sighed angrily. Was it possible that she had made the biggest mistake of her life by coming to a country that didn't even know her? What had she been thinking? Was there a reason why she expected to be loved and accepted by a people that didn't even know her name? Was there…?
There was a gentle knock on the door. Pulling her face off of the wood, she straightened her skirt, pushed back a few wayward strands of hair towards her bun, and pulled the heavy handle.
On the other side, Éomer looked irate as he stormed into her room.
"You shouldn't be here," she said quietly, closing the door behind him.
"I must apologize," he said in a rush of words, "but this was a course I have never expected."
"It's okay, really," she said, struggling to smile, but falling short. "I understand. I just don't think it's very fair."
"I thought that this is what you would have wanted," Éomer said, adopting Éowyn's accusatory tone.
She was glad at that moment that her back was to him. She closed her eyes and felt as though it took every ounce of strength to say what she was about to. "It isn't," she said softly, turning to look at him. "I didn't want this." She failed to register that he was still wearing that armor that seemed to make him even more kingly than before. "I… If I can't…"
"I will not lose you," he said, coming up behind her and resting a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"You won't," she said, trying to keep the odd tightening in her abdomen from controlling her voice. "I'm still here. I'll be here. I just…"
"Do not say that this has been for nothing," he said, his tone more forceful as he reached for her arm and pulled her about to face him.
"It wasn't for nothing," she said in a blank tone, because she had lost every last thought on how to explain how she felt. It would have been so much more comforting to just break it off there, but part of her wanted to hold onto the one good thing that had happened to her in this world. "I want you."
There was a complex range of emotions across his face as he reached down to touch her cold cheek. "When all of this pain is over," he said, bending down to press his lips to her forehead. "I will find you."
"I'm not going anywhere," she said tightly as his arms tightened around her. "But you can't expect me to wait forever."
She felt his body slacken as he pulled away. "I assume you mean to return to Gondor or else travel with Mithrandir?"
"If I have to," she said, her tone very tight now. She stepped away from him. He took one last lingering look at her and smiled.
"You truly are a vision," he said softly, as though speaking to himself. "My Uncle should have lived to see you like this."
She felt as though her tight smile were reaching a breaking point. She struggled to control the manic laughter which was easily threatening to overwhelm her overtaxed senses but watched as he gave her one last, sad look before departing. Once the door had closed, she walked over and collapsed onto her mattress, pressing her hands to her face. Sighing, she withdrew her hands and felt her body fall backwards onto the rather comfortable mattress.
For reasons she had yet to understand, things had become that much more complicated. And she had no idea how to fix them.
x-x-x
In the next chapter, Éomer prepares to return to Minas Tirith as Buffy struggles through life in Edoras. Éowyn, on the other hand, is torn between the love for her country and her pending marriage.