Aragorn awoke at first light. He turned onto his side and smiled. Sometime during the night Mariell had rolled off of him. She laid on her
back her dark hair creating a halo around her head on the pillow. The sheet had drifted down to her waist leaving her breasts bare. For
a moment he was so entranced that all he could do was stare at her. His gaze drifted to the scar just below her ribcage. His heart
twisted as he remembered how close he had come to losing her. His glance moved up to her pendant, which lay on her chest. His hand
came up and rested on her flat belly. Someday it would be swollen with their child. He worried about having children with Mariell. It
was not that he did not want children, but he knew that the day their child was born Mariell would have to pass her pendant on to it.
That would leave her vulnerable to Sauron's minions. He thought of Lindela, Mariell's mother, who had given her life to protect her
daughter. The thought of losing Mariell now was too painful to bear. Mariell moaned and turned on her side, facing him. It was then that
he noticed a long scar on her shoulder. Funny that he had never noticed it before. As he gently stroked it Mariell's eyes fluttered open.
She smiled at him.
"Where did this come from?" he asked her.
"When we were battling the Uraks after Frodo left us. One of them overpowered me and I was stabbed. I did not mention it because it
healed almost immediately. I did not have time to wonder about it at the time, now I know it was my pendant protecting me"
"It seems you are invulnerable, my love." Mariell smiled sadly.
"If I had known that I was immune to the ring's call I could have gone with Frodo. I miss him so much, Aragorn." Aragorn wrapped his
arms around her and pulled her close.
"I know you do," he said. "But if you had gone with him I would never have had a chance to tell you that I love you and we would not
be married now." Mariell grinned and kissed his shoulder.
"You and I have come quite far from where we were at our first meeting," she said giggling.
"Ah yes, I well remember a very angry young woman charging fearlessly into my room ready to slice me to shreds"
"I did not know you then. It took me a long time to trust you. I think I loved you since that time in the gardens at Imladris." Aragorn
smiled at the memory.
"I loved you since I saw you fighting those wraiths. But it was a while before I realized it"
"Galadriel showed me an image of my mother and father in Lothlorien. I looked into her mirror and I saw them so clearly. I could feel
their love for each other. They loved each other fiercely. That was when I knew I loved you, for the feelings they felt for each other
were the same ones I had for you"
"I was afraid to tell you how I felt," Aragorn confessed. "I was scared if I gave you my heart it would only hurt more if I lost you." Tears
welled up in Mariell's eyes and she held onto him.
"Well, I at least have the comfort of knowing that I will not lose you to an orc," Aragorn said, jovially.
"I do not have that comfort, unfortunately," Mariell said wistfully. Aragorn stroked her cheek.
"I wish I could promise you that you will never lose me," he said. "But I cannot. All I can promise you is that as long as I draw breath I
am yours." Mariell smiled and snuggled into his arms. They made love again until neither of them had any strength left.
As much as Mariell would have liked to stay in bed she knew that they had to get up. Today Edoras would empty and they would make
for Helms Deep. She had a bad feeling about this journey. They would not be able to go fast because of the children and elderly that
would be with them. She ran her fingers over her pendant and prayed that they would get there without being detected by the enemy.
She dressed quickly and was pleased to find that her clothes had been cleaned. She ran a brush through her hair and was about to braid
it when Aragorn stopped her.
"You should leave it down," he told her. "You look beautiful with your hair down." She felt her face turn red. She realized that this was
the first time Aragorn had told her she was beautiful. Come to think of it, it was the first time anyone other than Frodo or Gandalf had
told her that. She decided that if her husband liked her hair down, she would wear it down. She only hoped that Aragorn would not turn
into the sort of husband that expected his wife to be docile and obedient and never think for herself. She was not truly worried about it,
after all Aragorn had fallen in love with her in the midst of battling wraiths and orcs. After she had finished dressing Mariell decided to
check on Freda and Eothain. As she made her way down the hall she saw men and women scuttling about gathering food and blankets
and armor. Ahead of her she saw the King talking to one of his guards. He looked up and nodded to her before assuming his
conversation again. Mariell finally came to Freda and Eothain's door. She knocked and upon receiving no answer pushed the door
open. She smiled when she saw the two children asleep in the bed. She went to the window and pushed open the drapes. Eothain
slowly opened his eyes as sunlight flooded into the room.
"Good morning Eothain," she said. "Did you sleep well"
"Yes my lady," the boy said politely. "I slept very well"
"Please call me Mariell," Mariell said.
"All right," Eothain said. Mariell looked over at Freda who was still sleeping.
"Good luck waking her up," Eothain said. "That child can sleep through anything." Mariell smiled and gently shook Freda.
"Freda," she called softly. "Come on, it's time to get up." Freda slowly opened her eyes and looked around.
"Good morning," Mariell said. "Time to get up. We have a busy day today"
"We're going to Helm's Deep," Freda said remembering. "Are you coming with us Mariell?"
"Of course I am. I can't let you children go by yourselves now can I? You might get into mischief"
"We wouldn't get into trouble," Freda objected. "We rode all the way from our village by ourselves and didn't get into trouble. But I
am glad you are coming with us Mariell. I like you." "I like you too Freda. Well, we'd best hurry and get ready or everyone might leave
without us." She helped Freda get dressed and brushed out the little girl's tangled hair. Eothain was already dressed and though he
insisted he didn't need it, he allowed her to brush his hair as well. Once the children were ready they went to the stables. Mariell started
as she felt Freda's hand go into hers. Human children were so much more trusting than hobbit children were.
"I've never seen a woman carry a sword," Eothain remarked. "Or even dress in trousers. I mean no offense of course." Mariell nodded.
"None taken Eothain. I know there are not many woman who dress as I do." Mariell brought the children into the stables and found
Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli already there, horses saddled and waiting. Mariell's heart skipped a beat when she saw her husband.
Aragorn looked down at Freda's hand in hers and smiled.
"I hope Master Eothain does not mind," Aragorn said. "But we took the liberty of saddling your horse for you." Eothain gulped.
"Thank you sir," he stuttered, a bit embarrassed. "I wouldn't have been able to do it by myself"
"I couldn't help noticing, but the horse seems rather big for such a small lad as yourself"
"Papa told Eothain not to ride Garulf," Freda piped up. "He's too big for him"
"Is this true lad?" Aragorn asked Eothain.
"Yes sir," Eothain said looking at his feet. "But we had to get out of the village sir, and we have no other horse." Aragorn nodded. He
glanced at Mariell for a moment then at Garulf.
"Why don't you let me ride Garulf?" Aragorn said. "I think Hasufel is better for a lad your size." Eothain nodded.
"Yes sir." Mariell thought Eothain looked like he'd gotten a scolding. She knew that Garulf was too big for him but she didn't want him
to feel bad about it.
"I'll ride Hasufel with you, Eothain. Freda can ride Garulf with Aragorn, he won't let her fall off." The boy's eyes lit up as though he'd
been given the greatest gift in the world. Aragorn however did not look as pleased.
"I'm sure Freda would much rather ride with her brother"
"No I wouldn't," Freda said looking up at Aragorn. "I want to ride with you." Legolas and Gimli could barely suppress their snickers as
Aragorn looked helplessly down at the little girl who looked up at him in adoration.
"Good, then it's all settled," Mariell said handing Garulf's reign's to Aragorn and leading Hasufel out of the stable. She grinned as she
heard Legolas speak to Aragorn.
"Barely married a day and you've already lost her to a younger man." She did not hear Aragorn's reply as the King rode up to them on
a large black horse with Eowyn beside him on a gray mare.
"Good morning, uncle." Mariell said. "Good morning Eowyn." Theoden looked at her with a gentle smile.
"Good morning my dear. Is all of your party ready"
"We are," Mariell said climbing up behind Eothain who had already mounted Hasufel. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Aragorn
climb on Garulf's back. Legolas handed Freda up to him before climbing onto a borrowed horse named Malika. Gimli seemed to have
a bit of difficulty climbing onto Arod's back but he would not allow anyone to help him. Mariell wasn't sure but she had a feeling that
Eowyn's presence made the dwarf a little self-conscious. They set out for Helm's Deep. Mariell glanced behind her and saw that there
were several hundred people behind them. Some had horses but most walked. Many of the men carried old or sickly people on
stretchers. She couldn't help but notice the looks she got from some of the women. She recognized those looks very well. They were
the same looks she'd received in the Shire. But whenever she met the women's eyes they bowed their heads. No doubt they knew she
was the King's niece and bowed out of respect. Well, if they decided not to like her because she wore trousers and carried a sword
that was fine with her. She glanced over at Aragorn. He'd let Freda take the reigns but had a protective hand around her. As she
watched the two of them she realized that Aragorn would be a wonderful father someday. Someday she hoped they would have
children. But that day would have to wait. She turned her head as Legolas brought his horse up beside her. He met her eye and then
shifted his glance to Aragorn.
"I do not think he minds riding with her, though he'd never admit it," the elf said. Mariell laughed.
"Indeed I shall have to keep an eye on him for I now see how easily he is charmed by other women." Legolas laughed but Mariell could
see a bit of pain behind his eyes.
"Is anything wrong Legolas?" The elf looked at her a bit surprised.
"I didn't think you'd be able to pick up on my feelings so easily"
"I am half elven remember," she said. "What's on your mind?" Legolas looked wistful for a moment as his gaze shifted between her and
Aragorn.
"I suppose seeing you and Aragorn together brings the separation between me and my own beloved closer to my heart"
"Ah, of course, you miss Arwen." Legolas looked at her, startled.
"How did you know?" he asked.
"Elvish insight, woman's intuition, and Aragorn told me two nights ago," Mariell said with a grin. Legolas stiffened.
"I see," he said.
"Well, I would have found out eventually," she pointed out. "After all we'll be relatives once you and she marry"
"That is true," Legolas said. "Of course now I will also be related to Aragorn which is a slightly less attractive idea." Legolas raised his
voice loud enough so that the ranger could hear his last words.
"Like I find the idea of being related to you, all that wonderful?" Aragorn returned with a grin.
"Boys," Mariell said sternly, "do not make me separate you two."
"Sorry," both of them said, sulkily.
"Honestly," Mariell said trying not to chuckle. She was having fun with the two of them and they knew it. Just to tease them a bit more
she leaned over to Eothain and
whispered loud enough so that both of them could hear.
"I swear the dwarf is the most mature of all of them." Eothain chuckled as Aragorn and Legolas glared at her.
"You'll pay for that one later, my love. Mark my words." Mariell responded by sticking her tongue out at her husband and spurring
Hasufel into a gallop. She brought him up beside the king who was giving her an amused smile.
"You handle your husband like you handle that horse," Theoden remarked. Mariell grinned. If her uncle only knew.
"That horse seems rather familiar," the guard Hama said from the King's other side.
"Eomer gave him to us when our paths crossed," Mariell explained.
"Of course," the King said. "I should have recognized Hasufel. He was quite a handful when we first got him. I think Eomer would be
pleased if he could see how well you handle him." Mariell smiled sadly. She thought about Eomer, the man who she'd been ready to kill
when she thought he'd killed Merry and Pippin. She hadn't known that he was her cousin at the time, but she'd known he looked
familiar. Now she remembered why. There was a striking resemblance between him and her father. She looked at her uncle. She had so
many questions for him she didn't know where to start.
"What was my father like?" she asked him. The king was quiet for a moment.
"He was the youngest of the three of us. He was reckless as a child. Always getting into trouble. There was nothing he would not try.
Our mother was certain that he would get himself killed doing something foolish before he reached manhood. But he had a spirit like
none other. It was as if there were no fear in him. You have that same spirit." Mariell smiled at that. The thought that she was like her
father made her feel closer to him. "You look more like your mother," Theoden said almost as an afterthought.
"Yes," Mariell said remembering Galadriel's words. "I've been told"
"The entire kingdom was outraged when Thendilen announced his plans to marry your mother." Mariell raised an eyebrow. This was
something she'd not heard before.
"The relations between elves and man were rather unfriendly back then and I suppose they still are. When Thendilen declared that he
was in love with an elf I thought our mother's head was going to explode. Of course your mother's heritage did not help Rohan's
opinion of her."
"So he knew about her heritage and he wanted to marry her anyway?" Mariell said. She glanced back at Aragorn and thought about
how he'd proposed marriage only a short time after finding out the truth about her. " He loved her. And he loved you. But I'm afraid
Thendilen's pride was his downfall. He thought he could protect you and your mother from Sauron. Your mother wanted to raise you in
Lothlorien with your elvish kin but she stayed in Rohan because your father desired it. He thought that our armies had a better chance
against Sauron than the elves"
"But it was only when men and elves joined together that they were able to defeat Sauron," Mariell said.
"Well, he wasn't really defeated was he?" Theoden said sharply. Mariell lowered her head.
"I guess he wasn't." Because of the weakness of men, she added silently. She turned again and looked at Aragorn. Freda had fallen
asleep against him. He met her eyes and smiled. Mariell smiled back. My dear husband, so brave and strong. You are not your
ancestor.
"After Thendilen died I searched for you and your mother. We found your mother's body but you weren't with her. I thought for sure
you'd been killed. Gandalf came to me a month later and told me you were alive and safe. He did not tell me where you were and
though it pained me I knew it was for the best. For twenty-two years I have gone to sleep each night praying that you were safe and
happy"
"I was happy," Mariell said. "I loved the Shire and Bilbo and Frodo. But I knew I didn't belong there. There was always this empty
place in my heart that just couldn't be filled. I still don't know where it is I truly belong but at least I know where I come from"
"My dear niece," Theoden said lifting a hand to stroke her cheek. "I've lost so many loved ones in my life. Both of my brothers, even
my own son." Mariell felt her heart tighten. She'd had no idea her uncle had such a sad past.
"Now with Eomer riding north you and Eowyn are all I have. I don't intend to lose you again." Mariell nodded. "You will not lose me
uncle," Mariell said. She saw a sadness cross the king's face.
"Well," Mariell said brightly trying to lighten the mood. "It is a long way to Helm's Deep and I have a lot of family history to catch up
on. Tell me about my grandmother, my grandfather, everyone"
"Well your grandfather was Thengel and your grandmother Evaline…" The king talked about her heritage until darkness fell. The king
announced that they would stop and make camp. Mariell dismounted from Hasufel and helped Eothain down. Freda came over to them
dragging Aragorn behind her.
"Eothain," Freda said. "Aragorn has been telling me about his adventures with the Rangers." Freda dragged her brother off to tell him
her stories. Mariell turned to her husband with an amused smile.
"What?" Aragorn said. "It was the only way I could keep her quiet." Mariell raised an eyebrow at him skeptically.
"Indeed," she said. Aragorn wrapped an arm around her waist and kissed her.
"What were you and the King talking about for so long?" he asked her as they walked over to where Legolas and Gimli sat.
"He was telling me of my family heritage. On my human side that is. He's really a very kind man once you get to know him." Aragorn
kissed her again and they sat down. They ate a meager dinner of meat, bread and fruit. As the villagers bedded down for the night
Freda and Eothain came over to them. Freda crawled into Mariell's lap and Eothain sat beside her. Mariell smiled and stroked Freda's
hair.
"I don't like sleeping outside," the little girl said. "It's dark and scary and I hear all these noises"
"Shh," Mariell soothed her. "Everything is all right Freda. Nothing is going to happen to us. Try to sleep." Freda leaned against her chest
but Mariell could tell she was still scared. Very quietly so she would not disturb anyone else Mariell began to sing.
Mariell finished the song and saw that both children were asleep. Carefully, so as not to wake them she laid them on the ground and
covered them with blankets.
"You're very good with them," a soft voice said beside her. It was Aragorn. Mariell smiled.
"They remind me of Frodo and me when we were young," she said wistfully.
"You are going to be a wonderful mother someday," he said sitting beside her and pulling her into his arms.
"Someday," Mariell said.