Intersecting Paths
LET ME KNOW IF ANYTHING IS WEIRD in this chapter. I've reloaded it twice to fix things that ffn keeps messing up. Hopefully I got it this time.
A/N: Almost there… Only this and one more chapter. Some of you…well, okay, one person…made the snide remark "Leander, though...does he know the way to everywhere in Middle Earth? Pretty darn handy, I'd say." – What? You don't think a horse in Middle Earth could have On-Star Navigational programming? Sheesh!
Jazzcat raised a couple of issues: "That reminds me of another Eomer/Lothiriel tale you wrote which is my favorite of them all, where the wild girl was tamed by the king of Edoras." – There's a good reason for that. "The Truest Friends", I think, was my SECOND LOTR story and begun as I was losing interest in this one, so certain elements carried over to it, though hopefully I made it a bit more believable. It was only after that that I got involved in the idea of Eomer/Lothiriel and you've seen how much I've written (am writing) on THAT subject!
She also commented: "I only wonder now how he can justify giving up his immortal life for her, or if they will just part ways..." – Does anyone know – do Elves HAVE to become mortal if they marry a mortal, or is it a choice, or what? I don't really address that. I know most Mary-Sue stories have the girl turning immortal to be with Legolas forever, but my presumption is that Elves can marry mortals and still be immortal. True, that have to deal with the pain of death, but I don't assume they have to become mortal also.
And now, to your 'willing suspension of disbelief' - someone is going to make the trip from Edoras to Minas Tirith in the same amount of time it took Theoden to get there with the Rohirrim from Dunharrow. Try not to notice!
Chapter 5
Eowyn had recognized Módwyn while she was feeding her horse, and went to invite her to share her tent. Knowing Eowyn's reputation for being a less-than-stellar cook, Módwyn offered to prepare the evening meal for them in exchange for her bed. It didn't take much effort to convince Eowyn to agree, and a large pot of stew was soon cooking over the fire.
When Módwyn stepped into the tent, she found Eowyn outfitting the hobbit, Merry, in battle armor that she had somehow found in his size. Módwyn noticed another pile of armor lying bundled near Eowyn's bedding, but when she glanced at Eowyn she was given a challenging stare in response to her raised eyebrow. She lowered her eyes, then shrugged her diffidence and asked the hobbit, "So you ride to battle tomorrow, do you, Master Merry?"
He enthusiastically launched into a discourse on his anticipation of fighting alongside his friends. Eowyn cast a few questioning glances at Módwyn, but when she did not bring up the subject of the bundle she had seen, Eowyn visibly relaxed. More than many others, Módwyn had some idea of the life Eowyn had lived the past few years and knew of her frustrations with her position. Were anyone to learn she had made no effort to stop the lady from whatever she was planning, they would likely be upset with her, but she felt Eowyn had to choose her own path. She would not take that privilege from her.
Most of the camp turned in early, though Módwyn found herself still awake and thinking of what would happen on the morrow. Legolas had told her over dinner that Theoden and Aragorn were concerned at how few men they had raised to take to the aid of Gondor. She knew that when the army departed, many – perhaps even most, or all – would not return. And if they failed at Minas Tirith... She tried to turn her thoughts from the fate of Middle Earth if Mordor could not be stopped.
Casting about for a more pleasant subject to end her evening on, Legolas came to mind, and she was reminded of their journey that day. A feeling was stirring inside her that worried her. Despite his attentions in their time together, she realized full well that his superior skills and physical endowments might not be enough to protect him in the great battle that was coming. If she allowed her heart to continue on its present course, she feared a great deal of heartbreak might be ahead. Even if he did return from the battle, what were his intentions? Could things work between them as it had for her friends?
She sighed heavily, lost in thought until she heard movement outside the tent. At first she believed it was Eowyn, returning to sleep, but then she heard hushed male voices and realized it was not. She rose and adjusted the lantern as she waited to see if the voices would pass or were coming to her tent.
Legolas stopped outside the tent and called softly to Módwyn. His ears could detect movement so he knew she was awake. A moment later she pulled the tent flap aside and stepped out to face him, a smile crinkling her eyes.
He caught her by the hands and told her earnestly, "We must leave, to enter Gondor by another path. Come with us – Aragorn has agreed to have you join us. I want to have you with me."
Módwyn was silent, lost in thought for several minutes, then finally responded as a tear trickled down her cheek, "I should like very much to be with you, Legolas, and Lord Aragorn is most generous to allow this, but we all know that I would be more a hindrance than a help to you." She glanced past his shoulder to where Aragorn stood, a look of approval crossing his face at her words.
She raised a hand to stymie Legolas' protest, "I know what you would say, but the most I can offer to such a company is my healing skill, and Aragorn is nearly my equal in that regard. I am unsuited to travelling swift and light, or in battling orcs or other enemies." Now her voice began to tremble, "But I will anxiously await your return. Be well – all of you." Her arms slipped up around his neck and she pulled him close.
Slowly his arms encircled her and he returned the embrace. When he pulled back to look in her eyes, she saw disappointment with her answer, but also understanding. Reluctantly, Aragorn called to him, "Legolas, we must be going." Legolas stared a moment longer, then quickly kissed her and hurried away, not looking back. She stood and watched them out of sight, then morosely returned to her tent, knowing sleep would not be her occupation this night.
xxxxx
The unlikely trio had once again beaten the odds, and found themselves journeying toward Minas Tirith with a ghost army to aid them. Having passed through the mountain, and travelled quickly most of the day, the three finally took a few hours rest that night. Gimli was quickly asleep and Legolas volunteered for first watch, but as Aragorn lay down on his bedding, he saw the Elf gazing up at the stars, sadness shadowing his face.
Aragorn closed his eyes in empathy for his friend. He could deny Legolas nothing, so he had reluctantly agreed when Legolas asked that Módwyn be allowed to accompany them. He suspected the Elf wanted as much time as possible with this woman he had so obviously come to care about, before war or death could claim either of them. In that sense, he was sorry she had declined. If he was indeed leading his friends to death, he would wish for them every moment of happiness possible before it happened.
Rising, he moved over to stand close to his friend, trying to offer consolation in his silence.
Legolas broke the quiet, "You knew what her answer would be – when you agreed to let her come?"
Aragorn shifted uncomfortably, "I hoped it would be no; I thought it might be. She is a woman who does what is needed, even if it is not easy." He caught Legolas by the shoulder, "I hoped she would say no, not because I did not want her to be with you and have you be unhappy – I just believe that for now it is the best thing. She is right – she would have been a hindrance. And where we are going we may never return. I would not have her face the horrors that lie ahead."
Legolas looked over at this final comment and gazed piercingly into Aragorn's eyes, where he saw the truth of his words. Slowly he nodded in acceptance, and gripped Aragorn's shoulder in return. "You are right. Our focus must be ahead, not back. If we fail, nothing else will matter for Middle Earth will no longer exist."
After a few moments of camaraderie, Aragorn returned to his bedding and slipped off into a hasty, but relieved, slumber.
xxxxx
Módwyn had dozed lightly during the night, but the time was not particularly restful. She heard the first sounds of movement in the camp and rose to face the day. Eowyn was still asleep and she moved to kneel beside her. Shaking her shoulder gently, she said, "Eowyn, the camp is arousing. We must be up and about if we wish to say our goodbyes."
Eowyn's eyes blinked open and she slowly sat up. "Is bread and cheese alright for breaking your fast?" Módwyn asked.
Eowyn nodded and rose to begin dressing. After they had eaten quickly, they ventured into the camp and sought out those they particularly wished to farewell. While Eowyn said goodbye to her brother, Módwyn gave Gamling a hug. "Come back to me, Gam. I do not wish to lose any more family," she told him quietly. He nodded, not speaking for fear of weakness in his voice. He finally managed, "It is good to know that someone will watch for my return." She hugged him again and kissed his cheek; then he turned quickly away to hide the emotion on his face.
When Eowyn stepped away from Eomer and moved to the King, Módwyn went to Eomer and laid a hand on his arm. His eyes were still on Eowyn, but he turned at the touch and smiled gently at her. Without a word, he pulled her into a warm hug and they stood silently together. Reluctantly Módwyn pulled back, "May the Valar be with you, Eomer." He nodded, but made no comment and turned to finish preparing his horse. Módwyn wiped at the tears that had begun to slip down her cheeks as she stepped back out of the way. How hopeless it all seemed! But Legolas had told her of the Ring-bearer's journey into Mordor, and she chose to hold to the belief that he would succeed and this great evil would be lifted from Middle Earth. She could only hope that not too many of her friends perished in battle.
When Eowyn returned to her side, they moved away as the men began to mount. Eowyn's jaw was set and she asked quietly, "Módwyn, would you saddle my horse for me? I will ride with the men down the mountain." Módwyn glanced sideways at her but merely nodded, "Of course. I'll bring him to the tent."
Eowyn disappeared, and Módwyn turned to her task. When the horse was ready, she took it and tied it to a tree near the tent she had shared with Eowyn and then called at the tent flap, "Eowyn, your horse is tied behind the tent. I have some things to do, but will return shortly."
Eowyn's voice called from within, "I must ask another favor, Módwyn. I have things I need to do this day and may not see much of you. Would you strike my tent and see that it gets back to Edoras? I will come for it there."
If Módwyn thought it an odd request, she did not say so; nor did she venture inside the tent. "I would be happy to be of service, my lady. I will see you back in Edoras, if not on the journey." As she turned away, she whispered softly to herself, "Be well, Eowyn."
Módwyn moved to the cliff edge to watch the riders depart. After they were gone, she returned to the tent to find it empty and Eowyn's horse gone. Quietly she began breaking camp and packing up the contents of the campsite, as others around her were doing.
There was little conversation among the small group returning to Edoras. Less than a dozen women had made the trip and two older men were accompanying them for protection. No one felt much like speaking as all were lost in their own thoughts. Módwyn encouraged the men to push as rapidly as they could with the group, to lessen the chance for an attack on them, and they readily agreed. Within a day and a half, they were back inside the walls of Edoras.
The journey had given Módwyn much time for contemplation, and she had come to some decisions. Her first order of business was to check on Imlion. He had progressed rapidly with the new treatment he was receiving, and she was pleased that he had even been up and moving. The quick recuperative powers of his kind were now functioning and he was getting stronger daily.
As she sat down to the evening meal with him, she told him, "The men of Rohan are gone to aid Gondor in what may well be a final battle for Middle Earth. I am no soldier, yet I believe I could be of assistance there tending to the wounded."
He made no comment and waited for her to continue. "I would like to gather a party of women to go with me to Minas Tirith, taking supplies and bandages with us. But we would need a guide, and someone who could protect us. I have skill with a bow and somewhat with a sword, but the others may or may not be of use in that regard. Would you consider being our guide and protection?"
Leaning back in his chair, the Elf looked closely at her. "It would be a long, and possibly dangerous, trip. My battle skills are considerable, but I am still recovering, and they may prove inadequate in protecting very many people."
"I understand the risk, and I will make certain that anyone who travels with us understands as well. But I do not wish to sit idly by when I may be of use."
He smiled then and replied, "Nor do I. It would be an honor to repay my debt to you in this manner. I will do as you ask."
"How soon do you feel you would be up to it?"
He considered a moment, then told her, "My strength increases daily. I believe I could be ready to travel at first light the day after tomorrow."
She nodded. "Then I will seek out our companions and make preparations. Thank you."
By noon the next day, she had a group of four women who were busily preparing bandages and kits for the trip. Fetige would have been a first choice to go with them, but Módwyn did not wish to leave Edoras without a healer and so asked that she remain behind in that position since she had the most experience. Módwyn also ventured out to gather more plants and herbs to take along, and Imlion rode out with her to test his stamina on an easy jaunt.
When the morning of their departure came, the group gathered by first light and were quickly on their way. Luckily the trip proved largely uneventful, for Imlion was adept at spotting dangers and avoiding them with such a small party. Imlion and Módwyn shared guard duty at night, feeling they were the best suited to defense should the need arise. As most of the women were not accustomed to spending so much time in the saddle, the trip took longer than it would have for the men, but they were still able to make good time and arrived less than a week behind the riders of Rohan.
The battlefield was still strewn with mangled bodies of men, horses and various of the enemy. They rode through in silence, most trying to avoid looking too closely at the carnage, their noses and mouths covered with bandanas to ease the stench of death.
By the time they were admitted through the shattered remains of the main gates of Minas Tirith, Módwyn was glad they had come, though concerned at how few survivors there might be who needed aid. When they reached the seventh level and rode into the main courtyard, they were greeted by the heir to the throne of Gondor, Aragorn, along with his friends and companions. Word had apparently been sent on ahead from the gate of their arrival. Imlion had led the party up the hill and Módwyn trailed at the rear, having engaged the guards in gaining their admittance.
Aragorn did not immediately recognize the Elf leading the party of riders, though he could tell the women were from Rohan. Before he could question their presence, the horses moved aside to allow a rider forward from the rear and his attention shifted to her from the Elf. And then a smile creased his face as he asked, "What have we here? What brings these riders from Rohan?"
"Lord Aragorn, I bring aid for the healers of your city, along with plants, herbs and bandages. Please, put us to work," Módwyn told him formally.
Aragorn responded in kind, "Your help is most welcome, my lady." He called over his shoulder, "Legolas, Pippin would you care to arrange for the stabling of the horses and show the ladies of Rohan to the Houses of Healing?"
Legolas and Pippin quickly strode forward. Legolas put Pippin up behind Imlion on his horse, and then swung up behind Módwyn, taking the reins from her to guide Leander to the stables.
Except for the way he held her around the waist, Legolas gave no outward indication of his feelings, and Módwyn acted accordingly. At this point, she needed to keep her mind focused on the work that needed doing anyway.
While they got the horses stabled, Legolas told her quietly, "It is good to see you, but..."
When he paused for an extended period, she glanced up and looked at him questioningly, "Legolas, what is it?"
"Our victory here at Minas Tirith did not end the conflict. We believe the Ring-bearer is now deep in Mordor, and we must improve his chances of reaching Mount Doom." He stopped and she was filled with an unexplained fear; whatever he was about to tell her was not something she wished to hear.
Finally, he continued, "Tomorrow we ride for the Black Gate. We will attempt to draw out Sauron's forces and fix his eye upon us rather than the Hobbits."
Anyone else might not have understood the import of his words, but she had spent too much time listening to Gamling explain the ways of war and the political situation in Middle Earth. This was a battle Legolas did not expect to return from; indeed, it would be a miracle if anyone survived.
Unable to think of a response, she reached her arms up around his neck and clung to him. His arms went around her waist and he pulled her close. For several minutes, they stood there in silence, until finally she drew back and looked him in the eye. "Then I am very glad I came to Minas Tirith, that I might see you again," she whispered. She left unsaid the thought that perhaps it would be the last time she would ever see him.
She finished with Leander, and then Legolas and Pippin led the way to the Houses of Healing and introduced them to the warden, who was very glad of the assistance. Knowing they would need to begin working immediately, Legolas excused himself and told her he would return later in the evening. Pippin followed him and, after dropping their belongings in an out-of-the-way spot, the women got busy.