Hello again! I can't believe another month has gone so fast! Heres another chapter for you all. I was going to separate it into two chapters but I though I'd give you a great big one instead! Read on and enjoy!
Elanor stared, terrified as Pippin convulsed a final time before collapsing. Gandalf turned around, shouting angrily. He paused when he saw Pippin and rushed over to him. The Wizard rested his hand upon Pippins head, muttering words she did not understand. Suddenly the Hobbit gasped loudly. His eyes flung open and stared around wildly. The Wizard spoke softly but with authority, asking the hobbit to tell him everything he saw. When Pippin had finished Gandalf stood looking worried.
The wizard looked over at Elanor and called her over, asking her to stay with Pippin. Elanor agreed and sat down next to the young hobbit as Gandalf left the room, followed by the others. Legolas glanced back at her briefly before following. Beside her Pippin shuddered and Elanor hushed him softly, holding him tightly. The hobbit clung to her, much as a child would, confused and afraid. Beside her Merry looked on worried.
"An honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing."
Gandalfs voice could be heard from the main hall as Elanor made her way towards them. As she entered the room, she glanced around. Everyone had gathered downstairs and was listening to Gandalf talk.
"How is he?" Aragorn asked as he saw her enter.
"Sleeping." She replied, moving towards them. "Merry is with him now. What was that thing?"
"One of the Palantir stones." Gandalf answered his voice serious.
"The seeing stones?"
Gandalf nodded.
"It has given us a glimpse of the enemies plan." Gandalf called, "Time is short and we have much to discuss."
King Théoden nodded and sat down on his fur covered throne. The two Rohan men, Éomer and Gamling, stood to his left. The fellowship remained standing, all but Gimli who slumped down at one of the tables. Edain, Halbarad and the elven brethren were sat around another table which Elanor sat down at, ignoring Théoden's surprised look.
"Saurons armies are moving." Gandalf spoke seriously pulling his pipe and pouch from his robes. "It will not be long before his attack upon Gondor is made."
Elladan nodded solemnly, "If Osgiliath falls, and then Gondors last line of defence will be broken."
"Gondor will not survive a direct attack." Elrohir added. "They will need our help."
"Rohan shall answer should Gondor call." Théoden said. "We will not abandon those who need our aid."
"Gondor should be warned." Aragorn said and he began pacing as he spoke.
"And they will be." Gandalf said. His words were calming, helping to ease the tension of the room. "I shall ride to Gondor. Shadowfax is swift; I can arrive in time to warn the Steward."
"And what if you can't persuade him?" Gimli asked gruffly, his head only just appearing over the table.
"Gandalf will find a way." Legolas said with a smile.
"At the Stewards request we shall take the road to Dunharrow where as many as my men that can be gathered shall meet." The King said.
"If you ride, how long shall it be before you get there?" Edain asked.
"If we are to leave the day after next, we should arrive on the night of the third day." Éomer answered.
"Four days," Aragorn murmured, "and the gathering shall only just begin and there is no way to hasten it."
The ranger chieftain sighed and ran a hand over his rough beard. "Then, with your leave, I shall ride a different path." He said to Théoden.
"You would leave on the eave of battle?" Elanor asked suddenly, surprise by Aragorns words. Edain hushed her with a stern look and Elanor shrunk back into her seat.
"For me the time of stealth has passed." Aragorn continued, "I must take the swiftest way, I will take the Paths of the Dead."
The room fell silent with a deathly hush. Elanor sat shocked, unbelieving of what she had heard. Gandalf said nothing and simple puffed quietly on his pipe. Elanor gazed up at Éomer whose face had turned pale. Even King Théoden could not hide the tremble in his voice as he spoke;
"If the stories are true, their gates lie in Dunharrow, but no living man may pass it."
"I had hoped we would ride together," said Éomer. "But if you seek the Paths of the Dead, then our parting will come much sooner."
"It is the road I must take." Aragorn said.
Elanor shook her head in disbelief. How could they all sit and talk so complacently about Aragorn leaving? Yet again he was going to disappear on his own, most likely to his death.
"The Paths of the Dead?" She asked quietly and all eyes turned to her as she spoke. "If it is death you seek Aragorn, then surely there are nobler ways."
"Elanor…" Edain chided, his voice rising in tone.
"Why must you always do things alone?" Elanor asked angrily.
"Hold your tongue." Elanor looked at Edain and then down at the table. "Please excuse her, My Lord." The older man said to the king.
Elanor glanced up at Gandalf, hoping for some support from the wizard but the man said nothing.
"And would you go with him?" Théoden asked her. "Would you ride the haunted road?"
Elanor stared at the king. "I would."
"Then you are braver than most, but you are still just a women. War holds no glory for you."
"You think glory is what I seek?" Elanor answered back, her voice rising in anger, "I have faced battles, My Lord. I have watched as my friends were killed before my eyes and I know there is no splendour in war. Do not mistake me for a simple woman." Her eyes fixed defiantly on Théoden's, "I am of the Dunedain."
"But in name only." The King replied severely, "A different blood runs through your veins. I do not doubt the bravery of your heart, Elanor Peredhil, but your place is not on the battlefield."
Elanors face flushed with anger and her hands were clenched tightly at her sides.
"My place is with my kin and not you or any man can convince me otherwise." She said, trying her best to keep the pure fury from her voice.
"That is enough Elanor." Aragorn spoke softly, but the tone of his voice told her she had gone too far. Elanor looked about nervously but none save Gandalf and Edain would meet her eye. Embarrassed and angry Elanor hung her head.
"Forgive me, My Lord." She said rising from the table. "I spoke out of place." She bowed and turned walking quickly from the room, letting the heavy wooden door bang shut behind her.
The cold night air hit her hard and Elanor let out a shuddering breath. Angrily she climbed the outside wooden stairs to the upper level of the building. She walked over to the fenced wall and looked out over the wide stretch of land. In the silence of the night and the dim light of the moon, Elanor could almost hear the distant rumble and glowing red from the east. She sighed loudly and rested her hands on the wall, suppressing the urge to scream.
A sudden noise behind her caught her attention. Elanor turned and was surprised to see Éowyn standing behind her.
"I overheard what you said." She said, moving beside Elanor. "I thought you spoke very bravely."
Elanor looked to her and gave a small, sad laugh. "I was a fool to think they would listen."
"My uncle is a good man." The Lady said. "But he's adamant in his beliefs."
"I do not doubt it, My Lady." Elanor replied. "But I think there are things we shall never agree on."
The woman let out a small laugh. "Please call me Éowyn."
Elanor smiled, "I feel you and I have much in common." Éowyn said nothing but confirmed Elanors thought with her silence.
"To be taught to use a blade but not allowed to wield it…"
"How did you know?"
"You carry yourself proudly." Elanor said with a warm smile, "Unlike any Lady of Court."
"You are lucky." Éowyn said sadly. "To be able to fight for those you love."
"I fought hard to gain their respect." Elanor said. "And even then I could not always follow."
The pair remained silent for a moment when Éowyn slowly began to walk back into the house. Elanor watched until the other woman was half way to the door when she spoke;
"Do you love him?"
Eowyn stopped and turned to face her. "Do you?"
Elanor paused and thought before answering. "I did once. Aragorn is my Lord and Chieftain and I love him dearly. A part of me will always love him, but someone else holds his heart and neither I nor you are capable of changing that."
Eowyn turned away from her, and deep frown upon her face. Elanor felt a stab of guilt and moved towards her, "Forgive me; I do not say this to upset you. I merely want to spare you what I have felt."
"I fear your council my have come too late." Eowyn said, looking back sadly at Elanor as she slowly moved back down to the hall. Elanor watched her go and heard Éowyn talking with another. Elanor waited and was surprised to see Legolas appear at the top of the stairs. He walked up to her and stood besides her, placing an arm on the wall.
"Have you calmed?" he asked, wary of upsetting her again. Elanor gave him a small smile.
"Yes." She said, with a sigh. "I apologise for how I acted."
"There is nothing to apologise for."
Elanor looked confused. After her outburst she expected to be reprimanded but instead he simply stood beside her and smiled at the look on her face.
"You were upset. It is only natural that you would be worried."
"Still I should not have spoken to the king in that manner. Edain must be ashamed of me. And my father… heavens know what he must think of me now."
"He will not think any less of you for speaking your mind."
Elanor sighed heavily but said nothing. Silently she looked up to the clouded night. "I cannot even see the sky anymore."
"The stars are all veiled."
Elanor looked to Legolas and asked him quietly, "Will he really take the haunted road?"
"I believe he will."
"Why must Aragorn leave?" she asked sadly, not really expecting an answer.
"We cannot choose our fate."
"Our fate? You talk like you have already accepted defeat." Elanor said bitterly.
"I have not. But I do not think this war can be won by strength alone."
"Then it is hopeless."
"Never, hil nin. For even on the darkest of nights, the moon is always there, even if it cannot be seen." Legolas turned to her and smiled softly, "We must have faith in Frodo and Sam."
"But it is too much." Elanor said shaking her head softly, her voice wavering. "Too much for such kind hearts."
Elanor hung her head, her face veiled by dark hair. "Why is this happening?" she whispered with shuddering breath. "Why do the people I care about have to leave?"
It was all too much. The last few weeks had taken its toll on her and Elanor could stand it no longer. She felt the hot sting of tears trail her cheek and she could not hold back the sob that choked in her throat. She clasped a hand to her mouth and her shoulders shook. She moved to turn away but was stopped when a pair of arms encircled her. Elanor stood still for a moment, surprised by the sudden contact but her eyes fell closed and she let herself be pulled into the protective warmth, letting her fears and anger wash away with her tears.
She stood against Legolas' chest and lent her head against his shoulder and felt him place his head atop of hers. Elanor brought up her hands and clutched at his tunic, taking comfort in the warmth beneath it. Slowly her sobs subsided and Elanor took an uneven breath. She drew back enough to raise her head and found herself enthralled by piercing blue eyes. Elanor stood captivated as a pale hand slid up beside her face and gently wiped away the watery trail. Elanor felt her heart quicken and her breath caught when Legolas moved closer. Her eyes fluttered close once more when soft lips pressed against hers and she responded. His mouth was warm and unlike anything she had felt before. Even her kiss with Aragorn could not compare to the feelings she was having now. A gentle hand moved down her spine, resting at the small of her back, the other moved up and cupped her head.
Elanor tightened her hold on his tunic as her body moved instinctively closer to his. Her mouth moved against his, capturing and recapturing. Her thoughts, feelings and emotions melted away as all she could focus on was his soft touch and delicate mouth. Her body tingled and her lips felt numb when they parted. Elanor let out a soft gasp of air and blushed heavily. Slowly her eyes opened and came to meet two blue ones
"Forgive me I should not have..." Legolas said flustered.
"No. It was- I mean- oh." Elanor stumbled over her words as embarrassment took over. Legolas' usually pale face was flushed and a soft smile graced his face. Elanor felt the warmth spread through her and smiled back. She laughed softly as Legolas gently brushed her hair behind her ear. Legolas said, smiling as he lent down to kiss her brow. "It is late. We should head back inside."
Elanor nodded, her head still swimming with warmth and shuddering of her heart. Legolas reached down and slipped his hand into hers. Elanor looked down at their clasped hands and then back at the elf. He squeezed her hand reassuringly and smiled as he led her down the steps. At the bottom a figure stood waiting, surprising the pair.
"Aragorn?" Elanor asked startled. The ranger turned as his name was called and Elanor saw his gaze fall upon the pair, walking hand in hand. He smiled softly and Elanors felt her face flush brightly and she let go of Legolas' hand.
"I was looking for you, Elanor." Aragorn said, unable to keep the amusement from his voice. "But I see I need not have worried."
Elanors blushed darker. "We were just heading back down."
"I see."
Elanor ignored Aragorns smirk as he turned to move back through the door. Elanor picked up Legolas' hand again and the pair followed the ranger back into the building. A few moments later they reached Elanors door where they stopped, Aragorn standing some paces away from the couple.
"Goodnight, again." Legolas said softly to Elanor. The elf gently took her hand and raised it to his mouth, kissing her palm, an act not unnoticed by Aragorn.
"Goodnight." Elanor managed to say. She stepped back slowly, waiting until Legolas had disappeared down the hall before closing the door and falling against it, her back leaning heavily on the strong wood.
She raised a hand to her temple and slowly rubbed. Her mind was as unsteady as her heart. Mixed emotions stumbled through her. She had kissed Legolas. She had done nothing wrong, so why did she feel so awful? She had been fine until she had seen Aragorn. Elanor thought she had put to rest her feelings for Aragorn, knowing that Arwen and he were in love but did she still have feelings for him? Was that what this unpleasant feeling was- Guilt? Was she guilty of betraying her feelings for Aragorn by kissing Legolas?
No. When she saw Aragorn she was embarrassed but not ashamed and not guilty. Legolas was important to her. Yet her feelings for him were still so new and yet different to those she had had for Aragorn.
Elanor shook her head, too tired and too confused to even try and make any kind of sense. She pushed herself away from the door and promptly fell upon her bed.
Ohh.. It's all gone a bit Mills and Boone! I hope that wasn't too cheesy.. I'm not very good when it comes to the slushy stuff!
My humble thanks once again to everyone who reveiewed, especially TheLonelyLoserGirl who gave me a whole chunk of info and a very good website to go ponder over! (and don't worry, we all have our guilty pleasures!) And thanks to all those who help me out with Legolas' age. I think most people agreed he was about 2,900 years old... cradle snatcher.