Hidden Secrets
Disclaimer: I only own the plot and the characters that you don't recognize!
Chapter Thirty-six: Beacons
T.A. 3019A few days passed before Aragorn noticed the beacons were lit. Aranwen was rapidly healing from her 'accident' at the river and slowly returning to normal. She had become more talkative in recent days, but not nearly as social as she had once been. Her closet confidant appeared to be Eowyn. He often spotted them speaking in whispers, and once or twice, he had seen his daughter smile. He had not bothered to bring up her marriage to Beran again. It was pointless.
"The beacons! The beacons are lit!" cried Aragorn as he dashed into the Golden Hall. He slowed down as he reached Theoden's throne. "Gondor calls for aid!"
Silence permeated the Hall for a few moments, whilst everyone waited for Theoden's reply. Finally, he said, "And Rohan shall answer!"
Word spread quickly throughout Edoras. Aranwen approached him as he headed back to his room to gather his meager belongings. She was dressed as a Ranger for the first time in days. The blue tunic that she wore under her leather vest accented her sparkling eyes. Her sword was belted at her waist and resting on her left hip, her knife on her other side. She did not wear a cloak or her leather jacket, but he knew it would only take her mere minutes to throw on the remainder of her clothes.
"Ada, I'm coming with you," Aranwen stated, not asking. She was telling him.
"No, Aranwen. You are still too weak to travel," Aragorn insisted, shaking his head solemnly. He wanted her to come with him, but he knew that she was in no shape to fight and being nearby to battle would make her join the fight. She could never resist a battle and he did not want to add to the temptation.
"I am fine. I can fight!"
"Lau, Aranwen! I will not send you to your doom!" cried Aragorn. (No, Aranwen!)
"Hain ú-'rogon! It will not be my doom, but theirs!" (I do not fear them!)
"It is not a question of fear, neth rana nin. It is a question of your health. I will not send you out there to die!" (my young wanderer)
"Ada, I cannot stay behind. I am a Ranger. I have a duty…" she protested feebly. She knew that she should remain behind.
"I also have a duty. I need to keep you safe. I will not let you die. If staying behind keeps you alive, then so be it. I have made my decision," Aragorn said, a sense of finality filled the air.
"You cannot keep me here! I am an adult!"
"But I am still your father. Whether by your will or not, you will remain."
Aranwen shook her dark tresses and then turned around to leave. How dare he believe that he could keep her in Edoras? She was a warrior—it was in her blood. The same blood that ran through his veins ran through hers. She was strong enough to fight and she felt driven to battle. She knew very well that she should remain behind and care for herself and her growing child. But Aranwen could not bear the thought of being useless in Rohan and Gondor's hour of need.
Against Aragorn's wishes, she packed her saddlebags and borrowed a helm and cloak from one of the Rohirrim. She would blend in as much as possible. Armed and cloaked in false identity, Aranwen joined the group of riders heading for Gondor. She would fight, despite her knowledge of the impending danger and despite her father's well-intentioned wishes.
Author's Notes:
Once again, I cannot believe how long it has been since I last updated. I apologize profusely. Sorry that this is only a short one, but I promise that there will be a longer one to follow, hopefully tomorrow or Sunday, once I re-watch the movie. It's been (gasp) a few months since I last watched any part of LotR or read the books. I became obsessed with the movie 'Red Eye' and lost touch with my LotR stuff. But I'm taking a break from 'Red Eye' to finish up this story. I'm aiming to be down with this story by early March. Hopefully, I'll get back to updating every day or every other day. If you are reading this, thanks for sticking around for more story. I hope that I won't disappoint you.