For Disclaimer, please view chapter one.
Author's Note: Sorry for the Delay, Finals week is next week and I'm frazzled. But here it is, another chapter for the lovely readers at Thanks for all your reviews, I love to read them. Read and Enjoy!
Chapter 25: Because I am an Elf
"Is there nothing that you have to say to me?" asked Aurel as she stared at him. He had not spoken one word to her, he only stared, in a way that she could not read or feel anything coming from him. "Why do you leave me always to say how I feel?" Her voice which had started out strong; quieted by the end of that question, and she took a deep breath in. She thought of leaving him alone and almost willed herself to walk out of the room, but when she went to move her feet she found that they were bound to the floor, waiting, as her heart was, a response from Legolas.
"I…" said Legolas, the word fumbling from his mouth, he stopped, not saying anything more, he looked as if he was in agony and he went to open his mouth to say something more.
Aurel raised her hand slowly to stop him. "You realize now what is in my heart. The conflict is in yours. If there is nothing that you have to say to me, then I shall go."
He shook his head and just stared sadly her way.
She began to slowly move her feet and found that she could not bare to look at him for the moment being, walking away without saying another word.
"Aurel." said Legolas without moving a limb, but she did not stop at the sound of her name and he was now staring only at emptiness next to the door she had just walked through.
She walked briskly, not daring to turn back or look back; she only wanted to get away. She had walked herself outside into the fresh morning air, and as she stared at the plain rolling hills she took a deep breath in. She finally felt at peace, at ease, away from Legolas, she could think clearly.
Below her she could see that many men were preparing to move out and weapons and armour where being laid out. She looked at the expression on their faces; they spoke of endless days of war and sorrow, how different then were the plights of Man to those of the Elves? In the old days before she had come to be, this too had been the look of her people. Eowyn happened to catch Aurel staring at the commotion below her and joined her in her watch. Aurel did not look her way when she felt the human woman appear by her side.
"Soon enough." said Eowyn.
"It will be difficult; do your people realize this?"
Eowyn smiled, "Since when has hardship deterred the will of Man? Would it stop you from doing what is right?"
Aurel shook her head no in response.
"I did not believe it would…why are you here alone?"
"Sometimes the only way to understand the way things are is to separate yourself and to be alone. Solitude has been an old friend of mine."
"Does it not fill you with sorrow?"
"Yes. But there is something to be learned from that sorrow. There is something to be learned in every action we take." The wind howled as it passed over the land and it blew fiercely against both Eowyn and Aurel.
"I sometimes forget that you are a much wiser being than I. From afar you look young and fragile, but soon I am reminded what a mistake I have made, standing next to you, I can sense the presence you bring with you. It speaks of centuries I do not know of, of places I will never see, of emotions I am too naïve to feel." Eowyn looked down at the Men, finding the one man she had been looking for all along, Aragorn. He was instructing the men, and speaking to them of routes they were to take. She frowned when she laid her eyes upon him.
Aurel felt a strange and unexpected emotion come from Eowyn and turned her head to look at her, she managed to bring herself too look into her eyes and was surprised in what she found in them. "He has told you of her."
Eowyn tilted her head to the side. "Who?"
"You love him." She said softly.
Eowyn suddenly looked frightened and did not want to look Aurel in the eyes. Aurel completely turned herself to face Eowyn.
"You know that he loves another, that his soul is bound."
"I do not know what you speak of."
"I can tell by the way you look at him."
Eowyn bowed her head in defeat.
"Did he tell you who she was?" asked Aurel.
Eowyn shook her head, "No."
Aurel began to feel a pang of protectiveness over her sister and Aragorn. She had known that her brother and Eowyn had spent much time together while she had been unconscious, but she never imagined that the human before her would fall in love with Aragorn. Before speaking another word she calmed her feelings, and turned back around to find Aragorn in the crowd. As if feeling her stare, Aragorn looked up to find Aurel looking at him; he raised his hand slightly to acknowledge her presence and continued on with his dealings. If he had any feeling for Eowyn, she would have known, and by the look in his eyes, she did not see any affection related to love, not for Eowyn, within him.
"I know that I am no match for Lord Aragorn, not compared with the woman he loves."
"Elf, she is an Elf. She is no woman. And you are correct; you are no match compared to her."
Eowyn was stung by Aurel's harsh words. "I had not realized…"
"Had things been different, perhaps you might have been his match." In her mind Aurel knew that had Arwen not met Aragorn, that surely Eowyn and Aragorn would have been perfect for one another. They were both of royal blood, both human, both fierce and fragile, both meant to lead, both mortal. It was something that she had pushed to the back of her mind, Aragorn's mortality. She had known from the first moment that Estel had arrived in Imladris that he was human, that he was destined to perish, like those before him. It would be a lie to pretend that she did not understand the consequences that held for Arwen, though she loved Estel deeply, she did not want to see her sister suffer. She had to find a balance, for Arwen was happy and had found her mate, why would something as simple as death betray that happiness and love, it was stronger than that. She looked at Eowyn. "You must rid the thought in your mind of having Aragorn by your side. It will never be."
Tears began to slide down Eowyn's cheek.
"I do not say these things to hurt you Eowyn. I am protecting you. Search for your mate in some other place."
"Your words are cruel."
"But they are the truth."
"And am I really suppose to trust in what you say? You tell me you say these things for my own protection. I believe you only protect what you believe is yours."
"It is not of my concern if you do or do not trust in what I say. Your beliefs are your own."
"Do you say these things to me because you are the one? Are you the Elf lady that he loves?"
Aurel almost wanted to laugh but suppressed it, fearing it might insult the already emotional Eowyn. "It will do you well to remember that I am not a deceiver. Trust your instincts Eowyn. Do not give into your emotions so easily. He loves me, but I am not the one, you know what I say is the truth."
Eowyn clenched her fists in frustration and said nothing.
Aurel could sense her inner-conflict over the situation, "I think that now would be a good time to show me these talents with the blade you say you possess." For a moment in time, Legolas was not concerning her. "What say you?"
Eowyn looked down at Aragorn one more time before nodding her head and asking Aurel to follow her down to the training grounds.
He had been shocked by the words that she had said to him, and cursed his inability to say nothing in response to her declaration. Why had he not been able to say anything? It was not like him to be left speechless. He could feel that she had been disappointed, almost to the point where he wanted to throw himself at her feet for being so daft, but he did naught anything he thought of. The words she said echoed in his mind, she would die a thousand deaths for him, but would he for her? It was a question he had to ask himself very carefully, for he still did not remember much. Pieces here and there of his memories were returning, but any of her were mingled with sadness, anger, confusion, of course there was always love, of that he had no doubt, but why the others? He decided that until he could remember fully why his memories were so contradicting, that he would not reply to Aurel's declaration. He had to be cautious. He was still very much confused about Lothluin, her death, and his lack of feelings for her. There was too much to think about and not enough time, there was a war at hand. He needed to leave the walls that surrounded him and decided to go outside to get some fresh air.
As he was walking down the hallway, he heard the loud footsteps of the dwarf behind him and stopped. "Master Gimli. It is good to see you."
"It is?" Gimli asked surprised.
"Yes."
"Well, good for you Lad." was all he could think of to say. "So you have finally decided to leave your chamber, I was just about to come and see how you were."
"I need fresh air."
Gimli agreed and they continued to walk down the hallway and out into the open air.
"Legolas!" cried out Merry as he latched onto his leg.
Legolas only looked down at the little hobbit that clung onto his leg and smiled. "Master Merry, I am glad to see you are well."
"Not as glad as I am to see you! They had told me you had lost your memory, but you remember my name!" He detached himself from Legolas's leg.
"I only lost some of my memory, but I remember you, little one." said Legolas.
"Have you come out to see Lady Aurel and the other lady spar?" asked Merry.
"What do you speak of?" asked Gimli.
"They fight as we speak." He replied.
"Well that should be interesting." said Gimli looking at Legolas. All three of them walked over to where they could hear the clanging of swords. A small crowd had gathered around the two females. When Legolas was spotted amongst the crowd, whispers began to flow. He paid no attention and looked on; he could see both of the females. Eowyn was armed moderately, with a small blade in her hands. On the other hand, Aurel had no armour on at all, and held her own Elvish blade in her hands.
"Arrogant little thing, is she not? Not wearing armour." said Eomer as he spotted Legolas looking at Aurel.
"Perhaps she did not see the need for it." He replied, not paying anymore attention to him.
"Then she does not know my sister." said Eomer standing there observing Legolas. "I am glad to see that you have recovered well, and are on your feet again."
Without looking at him, Legolas responded. "I do not remember you, but the sound of your voice tells me I should. Who are you?"
"Eomer. Nephew to the King." He was disconcerted with the fact that Legolas would not look at him.
"That would make Lady Eowyn, niece to the king. She should be more careful." He smirked and finally looked over at Eomer.
"We have no time for this!" shouted Aragorn, "There is no time for sport here." He interrupted the spar and both ladies stopped. He looked over to Eomer, and found no support coming from him, he continued on his own. "What do you do?" He asked looking at Aurel.
Aurel was a little surprised that he assumed that she was the one who had started the spar. "Could you not see what we were doing? We were merely testing our skills."
"Well test your skills some place else. You should not be sparring with Lady Eowyn."
"And why not?" asked Eowyn.
The crowd around them was now silent and awaiting the response from Aragorn.
"It was I who asked for the spar, am I not worthy of it?" asked Eowyn sharply.
Aragorn turned to face her and bowed his head slightly. "I do not mean to offend you or your worth."
"Then step aside and let us continue, we do not bother anyone, or disrupt the eminent departure of the men here." She responded.
Gentle whispers and laughs could be heard as Aragorn stepped out of the way and walked over to where Eomer and Legolas were standing. "Why do you allow this? Do you wish to put further strain between Elves and Men?"
"I do not see why you assume that it will." said Eomer. "She is doing quite well against your Elven friend. I think she will win."
"Yes, well, I've seen her fight, and I'm betting my lass wins." said Gimli with a snort.
Eomer cast Gimli a deathly gaze.
"The problem is that. It will not turn out well, whatever the outcome. If I were you, I would put a stop to it."
"And what makes you think I can? You heard what she said; there is no reason for it not to continue."
"You have been warned." said Aragorn before leaving them, not wanting to know anything more about the spar between Aurel and Eowyn.
"Perhaps he is right. It would be wise to stop." said Aurel to Eowyn.
"You leave, you lose, this is a spar and I have yet to see your skill."
Aurel was taken back, had this small human woman just insulted her craft with the sword? She raised her sword upwards to her face and readied herself. If it was a real fight she wanted, then it was a real fight she would receive, she only hoped she could control herself and not hurt Eowyn.
"I can't see anything!" cried out Merry.
"I will lift you, little hobbit." Said Eomer, and he picked Merry up and put him on his shoulders.
The fight was amazing, both females did have talent with the sword, but Aurel was clearly stronger. Legolas looked at them both and assessed them, surely he thought, Aurel had more talent in her than just to block all the blows, or perhaps she was trying to tire Eowyn out before striking. As soon as the thought left his mind, the crowd cheered, for Eowyn had struck at Aurel, and Aurel seemed shaken. Aurel looked at Eowyn and noticed how much better she fought when there was a crowd there to cheer her on, she thought of how it would be if Eowyn lost, and how maybe it could be detrimental to the way the people viewed her. A victory against an Elf would boost the people's morale, but most importantly it would gain Eowyn their respect, especially from the Men. Aurel understood how little it took to have people look down on you, and decided to let Eowyn win, though her pride would be hurt. When another blow from Eowyn knocked Aurel's sword from her hand, the crowd enveloped Eowyn and carried her away, leaving Aurel standing there staring at how happy Eowyn looked. She quickly picked up her sword, as the people passed her by, though some remained.
"You let her win." said Legolas.
Aurel did not say anything.
"You must have, I have never seen such poor swordsmanship from you Lady." said Gimli. "Why did you do it?"
"I did nothing, my shoulder still heals, she won."
"Ah well." Sighed Gimli as he walked over to where Eomer and Merry were.
Eowyn broke away from the crowd and praise and looked at Aurel. "Is that all the skill that you possess? I am disappointed." She said mockingly.
"I am sorry to disappoint you." said Aurel sheathing her sword.
"You will not underestimate the strength of man again."
Aurel almost wanted to slap her, or even better, truly show her what she could do, but she contained herself. Legolas, surprised at feeling the rise of emotions in Aurel smirked. "Your skill would be best if not mingled with anger." said Aurel.
"Ha! I have beaten you! You have no right to tell me where my skill lies."
"No right? To whom do you speak child?" asked Aurel.
"To the self-righteous creature in front of me, you thought you could beat me, only because I am human."
The crowd now came back to listen to their exchange of words, Aurel found lack of comfort and seeing the eyes of all the people staring at them both.
"You should find a nobler cause to fight for; anger will only lead to your downfall."
"Quiet with your riddles, I will hear none of it. Admit that you were mistaken."
Aurel looked over to Legolas, who looked right back at her. Instinctively he walked up beside her. "I think you have said quite enough Lady Eowyn, be glad in your triumph, do not ask for petty words to be thrown against one another."
"Do you always have him run after you whenever you cannot answer for yourself?" asked Eowyn.
"Eowyn!" growled Eomer.
Aurel walked closer to Eowyn, who suddenly lost her spirit, noticing how much Aurel towered over her. "Your victory is shadowed by your ignorance. I will only admit to a mistake if I see I have made one. You have shown me I have not, for you have only won a battle of the sword, it is the battle of the mind that really matters."
Legolas pulled lightly on her arm. "It is best if we leave for the moment, we are not wanted here now."
She looked back at Legolas, "No, if this is not resolved now, it never will be."
"Everyone get back to what you were doing before! I want to see none of you scrambling around here…move!" shouted Eomer, and the crowd dispersed themselves. "I do not know what has come over you Eowyn, but you will apologize."
"No need." said Aurel. "I do not want an apology, I only want understanding. You asked for the spar and I agreed to it. I will be more careful next time, for you took this as something you should not have, I am only sorry it has turned out in this manner." When there was not response from either Eomer or Eowyn, she followed Legolas's advice and walked away from them. Gimli and Merry were trailing behind them. Merry looked over his shoulders and saw the two humans still standing there looking at the Elves who were walking away.
"I don't understand; why she is so upset?" asked Merry.
"Who can ever understand women?" replied Gimli.
"Not me, that's for sure."
"You should have listened to me." said Aragorn.
"I tire of hearing you say that." replied Aurel.
"That's what I've been trying to tell him!" said Gimli.
Aragorn ignored Gimli's content, "And now things are no better between you and them."
"There has been strain before?" asked Legolas.
"Yes. Or have you not noticed how Aurel cannot seem to control herself around humans?"
Legolas did not understand why Aragorn would say that.
"You believe that I would have provoked such a scene?" asked Aurel in Sindarin.
"Huh?" said Merry, thinking perhaps he had misheard what Aurel had said.
"You had the power to stop it."
"Speak so that we can all understand you!" bellowed Gimli.
"And surely if I would have walked away, she would have taken that as an insult."
"And you thought that one more victory for you would prove what?" asked Aragorn.
"Victory? You do not even know what has happened, do you?"
"I do not need to know."
"Eowyn won the spar, Aragorn." said Legolas.
"What?" He looked at Aurel, "Then what was the commotion about?"
"What do you care, you defend them over me, because perhaps they are of your kind? Is that it? Now that you are amongst your people, you forsake me, and I am only a nuisance, if it is not because I am female, it is now because I am an Elf!"
"Your race does tend to have a way with words." said Gimli.
"Gimli." said Aurel in such a low and threatening tone, that he backed away slowly. She looked over at Aragorn, "I will not stand for this treatment Aragorn."
It was the first time ever that Aurel had used his more human name in his presence, she had always used the name Estel, and he knew that he must have upset her deeply if she did not want to utter his name. She looked over to Merry who looked troubled over the quarrelling they were all doing. "I am sorry if this is upsetting you Merry."
"It's just that you look so sad Lady Aurel, and it truly wasn't your fault, I really don't understand what's going on, but I don't like it." He said.
She smiled tenderly at Merry before looking at Aragorn once more and letting that smile turn into a frown. "It was she that insulted me Aragorn, and you will do well to remember that when she comes to you." She walked out of the room, leaving the other four to ponder what she meant by her words.
"What did Lady Eowyn say to her?" asked Aragorn.
Legolas went on to explain what Aurel had done, how she had let Eowyn win, and how after the spar, it had been Eowyn who had caused trouble. It was then that Aragorn realized the grave mistake that he had made.
