A/N: Howdy again. Lets chill out a little bit before the inevitable end comes. Still own nothing. Notes at end.
Healing
Though the battle for Minas Tirith was for now won Harry knew that there would be no rest for him yet. Within the City the casualties had been steep and he knew that the Rohirrim would have suffered many injuries upon the spears of Mordor. They would need his help.
"We need to bring the King back to the City," he said to Éowyn as he looked out at the remnants of the battle, "And you and Merry too. We should go to the city so that you can rest. Once you're safe inside the walls I'll heal your wounds then I fear I have much work yet to do here."
Then a hand, pale and fair reached out and gently pulled at his face and his sight found the pale grey eyes of the Lady of Rohan. He saw much weariness and grief within, but there was happiness too. "I know you will do what you can Harry, you saved my uncle even when his own words demanded otherwise. All the service you have done Rohan is as nothing in the face of this thing. You have my eternal gratitude."
In those eyes then Harry did see love, the love he knew when the Witch King had been driven before them. He knew that he would let no man come between them. Finally and after searching two worlds he had found the woman who would possess his heart through his life and into the unknown journey of men beyond the Walls of Night and into the embrace of Ilúvatar.
They both shared in that moment and simply sat content in the presence of the other. All around them was death and ruin yet they felt no urgency.
"We should go," said Harry eventually. "If you want, I can carry you?"
"I do not think it would be proper," said Éowyn without fire and shook her head. She swayed as she rose and a weakness took her and she could not stand. Against her protests Harry swept her up in his arms and looked between the fallen form of Théoden and Merry's tired face as the Lady of Rohan rested her gilded head upon his chest.
"I cannot carry all of you," he said apologetically as he realised the Hobbit had been almost ignored in their exchange. "But I can perhaps do better."
Though it was difficult with Éowyn held in his arms he was able to flick his wand at both the King and the Hobbit and they rose smoothly into the air. As the Hobbit rose his eyes grew wide in wonder and he shifted so that he bobbed through the air as Harry began walking towards the City. He would have Apparated but he could not risk causing further hurt to Théoden who still teetered upon the brink of death.
"Why, Gandalf has been holding out on me!" cried Merry as he shifted in the air. "I should have much preferred this method of travel to the long days trudging over windswept hills and mountains."
Harry smiled at the still somehow irrepressible Hobbit. "I don't know if Gandalf can do this," he said before lowering his voice and jesting. "I think he might be a bit of a phony, I haven't seen him conjure a single dove from that hat of his in all my time near him."
"And yet without him my heart might yet be too cold and distant to accept you," said Éowyn as she turned her head up to him upon his chest. "For it was he who released my uncle from the spell of Saruman and by that taught me the meaning of happiness again."
"Then he is a much greater wizard then me!" laughed Harry. "I can conjure doves by the swarm but I've never been able to produce anything so fair as you."
Then he brought them all to the Gates of the City and walked through the cheering men who filled the streets, jubilant at the hard-won victory. Not far behind him came the victorious commanders atop their horses with their banners streaming through the air and horns proclaiming their victory.
The Rohirrim soon clustered around their fallen King and questioned Harry as he walked. He was much gratified that they had an almost complete confidence in his ability to save their leader and they made no move to take the King from him.
With as much speed as he could muster he took them to the Houses of Healing where he laid Éowyn down in a soft bed made all the more comfortable by a little transfiguration and charm work. Next he created another bed each for Théoden and Merry, both just as fine and comfortable as Éowyn's.
The Hobbit squirmed into the sheets, delighting in the comfort he found there. "I don't care what you say," he declared, "I would much prefer you had joined us from Rivendell than Gandalf. I have much missed my bed back at home but this is a very passable alternative."
Harry then begun work on healing the broken bones and minor ailments suffered in the battle and he started with Éowyn for of all the people now in the Houses her hurts seemed most important to him.
It took just minutes to set and heal her bone, for it was a minor break only and his magic was more than up to the task. He then healed her minor cuts and bruises though she protested that they troubled her none he would not leave them when the solution was so simple.
Soon Éowyn was once more of sound body though the exhaustion of the day still weighed in her bones. She bid Harry look to Théoden and Merry next for she would have to sleep after the long night's ride before.
Harry looked first to Théoden for his situation was still the most tenuous. His body was now well enough that he should not die yet still he would not awaken. Harry did what he could to ensure the man had the best possible chances and took a short time to heal the more minor wounds he had initially passed over. He then turned to Merry.
The Hobbit did not on the surface seem to be grievously injured and yet his health was weakening. A chill and a shadow had settled over the Halfling and sat most heavily on the arm that had stabbed the Black Captain of Sauron. That arm from the fingers to the elbow was deathly cold and pale and Harry could not understand the cause.
He checked for curses and magic but he could find none about the Hobbit and it was not the Hobbit alone that suffered that mysterious ailment. As more of the injured were brought in he found that those who had been closest to the darkness suffered similarly though none so acutely as the one who had injured he who had never before felt the bite of a blade.
Both Théoden and Faramir, captain of Gondor were so injured too. Théoden's strength continued to wane as his will to fight was drained from him. Harry healed his injuries and he was for the most part healthy yet he would not wake nor could Harry find the true cause.
Faramir too had fallen under the darkness and his hurt was worse even than Merry's. A day and a night had passed since he had taken the wound and the chill had brought him to the very edge of death. His breathing was shallow and rasping and his heartbeat perilous and slow. Despite this Harry could find no cause for his malady and he was left without solution as the now ruler of the city edged ever closer to death.
For Steward of Gondor he was now, though he held the position in name only. Gandalf had been unable to combat the madness that had taken his father in the darkest moments of the battle and Denethor had lit a fire in his flesh. He had cursed Gandalf with his last words and accused the Wizard of taking his son from him. Thus was a small victory won. Denethor passed from the world yet his son still lived and for that the city was most grateful.
Harry knew that Faramir had fallen while holding the walls of the Pelennor but once again he could not understand the cause of his deathly cold. He asked those in the houses how Faramir had come to this state and they told of how the winged Nazgûl had descended upon his as he lead the rearguard of the force that was retreating from the Rammas Echor once it had been overrun.
Harry panicked for a moment when the made the connection. If this darkness was related to the Nazgûl then Éowyn, Théoden and Merry all could have been touched by it. He found that indeed Merry and Théoden had felt the dark influence, and a shadow had settled about their souls. To his relief he found that Éowyn was untouched by the darkness for she had been under his influence only briefly and the warmth of Harry's light had kept the chill from her.
He went to Gandalf then to ask his counsel, he had never seen anything like what befell his patients and hoped Gandalf might have more experience. There was no comfort to be found in the wizard's words.
"These hurts are beyond my ability to heal," he said wearily. "They are wounds of the soul, not of the body and I do not have the ability to right them though there is perhaps one who could."
"Who, Gandalf?" asked Harry.
"Aragorn could heal them perhaps," said the Wizard, "yet he will not pass into the city until the war is done and he may take up his crown."
Even though Denethor, son of Ecthelion and Steward of Gondor had fallen to madness and was no longer present to linger jealously over his unoccupied throne Aragorn would not pass the Gates. He claimed that to do so would surely cause disagreement among the Captains of Gondor and so he stated he would not take up his crown before he felt he had earned that right.
Despite the return of the King, the assembled armies of the West and the rebirth of the White Tree Gondor was still imperiled. All the armies of Men were now combined yet they still could not hope to contest the numbers of the Dark Lord. The army that had sieged Minas Tirith was but one of many and should they come together again the armies of Men would be sorely outmatched.
So, out of respect for Denethor who had ruled Gondor well and with great wisdom for many years until the Dark Lord's machinations overthrew his courage Aragorn would not pass into the City.
Others did come. Éomer came to see both his ailing King and his sister. He was so much gladdened when he entered to find his sister healed and well rested that he collected Harry into a crushing bear hug. "Beortwiga for truth!" he cried in joy. "For I owe you the life of my King, my sister and perhaps the lives of all my people. Would that I could thank you with a gift fitting of your valour but I think you already possess that which is fairest and most dear to me in this world. Know this, you will ever be a friend of the Mark and all of your line will know that they shall have a home at Meduseld should they have need of it."
It was not all good news for Théoden continued to decline. His age caused his strength to fail more rapidly even than Faramir's and soon his grip upon life became tenuous in the extreme. Éomer was grim when Harry explained this to him but understood there was nothing more Harry could do. He resolved to bring Aragorn to the Houses as soon as may be, he declared that Aragorn would not allow Théoden to perish.
Éomer stayed long that day with his sister for he wished to understand the madness that had driven her to follow them to battle. He was not wroth with her for he of all men knew her ways best and knew how powerfully she clung to that which she felt was hers. He also had shared in her grief and loss when Éomund their father died at Emyn Muil when both were young.
Soon after their mother followed their father in her grief and Théodwyn, sister of Théoden passed on too to leave them alone. Yet alone they did not remain for Théoden adopted them as his own and they grew up alongside Théodred as brothers and sister.
Their losses had returned again. Théoden was taken from them for the longest time by the sorceries of Saruman and on times would not even recognise the face of his own children and then Théodred also was taken from them, eldest brother and protector.
Small wonder she refused to leave Théoden's side once he was returned to them. That Éomer rode beside him only ensured she should not be unsure in her choice.
Éomer could not begrudge her that. Her presence had saved the King's life and her and Harry's battle against the Witch King would be sung of until the world grew old and the lands of the earth changed beyond all reckoning.
When he left that day he promised he would convince Aragorn to come to the Houses for he had seen the shadow laying upon some of those who dwelt there and knew the importance was absolute.
Another visitor was Peregrin Took of the Shire and now Guard of the Tower. He lingered long at the side of his longest friend and brother in all but blood and spoke often to his now sleeping form. Harry tried to give what comfort he could but there was precious little to give, he had no answers for the fearful young Hobbit.
So too came Legolas and Gimli. Gimli was gruff and uneasy as he looked over the unconscious Hobbit for Dwarves were not known for great displays of emotion before strangers. Legolas was much different, he spoke kind words and sang uplifting songs in beautiful lilting tones that brought a little light to the room and a smile to Pippin's face.
Harry listened in interest when they both explained just what had happened when they passed into the Paths of the Dead little more than a week earlier.
"Never have I felt such a chill in my bones," said Gimli darkly. "The fear of that place was heavy upon me and I near turned away at the entrance. A Dwarf retreating in fear of the dark beneath a mountain!"
"I felt it too, Gimli," Legolas said. "The feeling of watchful darkness. Unlike anything I have ever experienced."
"Aye," said Gimli, "but you did not come near so close to turning back as I, much to my great shame."
"But what did you see?" asked Harry in interest.
"I would not speak of it," said Gimli. "Save to say that it is no journey I would undertake again." He shuddered in remembrance.
"There was little enough to see in truth," admitted Legolas. "Ever as we walked through the darkness there was the feeling of watchful eyes upon us and grey forms of dread lingered in the corners of my vision. I saw nothing more until we passed from the Path and into the Blackroot Vale."
"A whole day our passage took us for it was night again when we emerged from the mountain. We rode then to Erech and were followed. Dead things moved in the night and spectral banners snapped in unfelt winds behind us."
"At last we came to Erech, the place where the Men of the Mountain swore their Oath to Isildur and Aragorn promised that if they followed him he would hold the Oath they broke to be fulfilled. They followed."
"When the next day came the host remained still faint, shapes in the air," continued Legolas. "Frail they seemed to me, the last mortal whispers of Men long diminished yet when Sauron's darkness came it seemed they grew more terrible. I still do not know if their arrows can pierce or their swords bite for it seemed their only true weapon was fear.
"When we came at last to Pelargir upon the Anduin we were met by the fifty great ships of Umbar and a number of smaller vessels. The Army of the Dead swept towards them and they were filled with panic. None stood before the Dead when they came, the Corsairs threw themselves from their ships in panic and of them most drowned or fled south.
"Behind us came men of Lamedon and Lebennin and we rode through the fleeing men recklessly for none would turn to fight in their terror. After the battle was won the King of the Dead asked Aragorn to free them of their Oath to him and he did. At that moment the Grey Host simply melted into the air and a sigh of wind came to my ears, the great host of the Dead granted rest at last."
"We then boarded the ships and freed those slaves chained within before we made all haste to Minas Tirith. We were lucky indeed as a wind blew up from the West in our time of need and drew us here at greatest speed." When Legolas finished his tale Harry was fascinated.
The ghosts sounded like ghosts that Harry knew, almost exactly. None knew exactly why some people lingered upon the mortal plane in his home world but whatever the reason it seemed nigh universal. Perhaps there was something to be learned there of the nature of death. Whatever it might be Harry could not guess.
They then talked of other things. Eventually Harry excused himself to visit Éowyn when Gimli began for the third time describing just what he intended to do with the Glittering Caves once the war was done.
On the next day Aragorn did come, though he did not do it openly for still he wished to avoid conflict among allies ere the battle with Sauron was ended. Upon arriving he spoke to the Master of the Houses. Though he was learned in the leechcraft of Gondor it was much waned from the days of Kings and Aragorn was unimpressed by the man. Harry had done much to aid those who dwelt in the House and it was as if all others had stopped their efforts in the face of Harry's miraculous healing. Aragorn commanded them to return to work for much and more yet needed to be done and no one man could shoulder the burdens of them all.
Aragorn called for Athelas but there was none to be found for the men of Gondor had long forgotten the uses of that plant named in the Sindarin tongue the 'healing leaf'.
One of the women of the Houses, Ioreth, was sent into the city to find the plant and soon the herb-master came to him spouting lore and stories and discounting the properties of the plant as fable. The combined ire and Aragorn and Gandalf both drove him from the room in short order for they had no use for such wasted academics.
Aragorn kneeled by the pale and gaunt form of Théoden whose breath came much too weak and it seemed to Harry that he held in the land of the living by his will and magic alone. Quietly he called to Théoden, trying to guide him back and stay him from death yet even Aragorn did not have the strength to defy the Black Shadow alone.
Harry then stood over him and the light of his patronus pushed away the dread and darkness for but a moment and Aragorn was strengthened. Yet the shadow had sunk deep into Théoden's flesh and could not be purged so easily.
The influence of Saruman was not wholly passed and now that wound was pulled open again by the shadow of the Witch King. He would not return so easily.
A child ran into the room alongside Pippin the Hobbit and in his hands he grasped a few meagre leaves and dry, but Aragorn smiled to see them for they would be enough.
He crushed them in his hands and from them came a light scent that brought life to the heavy atmosphere and if it were possible the colours in the room became deeper and more vibrant as it seemed joy and pleasant feelings were brought to all. He commanded hot water be brought to to him and when it was he cast the leaves into the water and the scent became greater still and the very air seemed to sparkle with it.
Aragorn asked Éowyn to join him and together they coaxed the old man back to awareness. His eyes flickered open and settled immediately on his niece.
"Twice now I have returned to the living to see your face my daughter," he said softly. "There is no kinder fate a man may bear."
Éowyn cried out and hugged the man who was father to her until he hissed in pain for though Harry had done much to heal him his aches and pains would remain for some days.
"It would seem you have little respect for my position, master wizard," said Théoden when his eyes alighted upon Harry. "Yet I would not begrudge you it for I have now another chance to see that which is fairest to me."
Harry inclined his head. "I am sorry my King, but I've never been good at watching people die."
"It is not a thing any man should become accustomed to," said Aragorn. "Harry has done both Rohan and Gondor a great service in seeing you saved."
Aragorn then left the room to tend next to Faramir for he was ruler of the City and next to Théoden was in the most dire condition. It did not take as much time to bring Faramir back for his will was still as strong as his body had been. Faramir of Gondor had resisted the pull of the Ring and now with the aid of Aragorn he resisted the call of the shadow. His eyes opened at the command of his king and they looked to Aragorn with light and life not seen in them for months.
"You called me, my King, and I came," he said reverently. "What would you have of me?"
"Dwell no more in the shadows!" Aragorn said. "Long weariness have you suffered but your hurts are healed. Return now to the light and rest for I will have need of you soon."
"As you will, my Lord," said Faramir. "For I am a loyal servant of the King returned."
And Aragorn went to the others who had fallen beneath the shadow for they were many, yet as he approached and called to each in turn they returned and knew him for it was spoken by the women of the house. "The hands of the king are the hands of a healer, and so shall the rightful king be known."
After all Aragorn went to Merry for though the strong spirit of the halfling had fought the shadow better than any other still he was falling beneath its pull. Of all the men injured so by the Nazgûl Merry should have been worst for none among the others had dared to smite the cursed flesh of that fell creature.
Of such strength and gaiety was his spirit, however, that even that black shadow could not entirely best him and it took only a short time for Aragorn to recall the Hobbit from his dark sleep and back to the world of the living. A laugh came from all who witnessed this last awakening for the first words to pass his lips were truly those of a Hobbit. "I'm hungry. What is the time?" he said as his eyes fluttered open.
Pippin smiled broadly at the return of his oldest friend. "Dinner is past but it's not yet supper-time," he said. "If you asked though I should think they would not begrudge you this."
"Indeed," said Gandalf, "nor would they begrudge you anything that may be found within the City for they hold your name in high honour for your deeds."
"And if there's anything they cannot fetch you then just ask me," said Harry. "You may have saved my life yesterday and that's not something I take lightly."
Merry then asked for much food and for his pipe and he took up residence by his injured King and they both talked together and talked finally of the Shire and the herb-lore of his home as Théoden had promised. Harry was only too happy to oblige his two charges and such food was brought forth that he proclaimed, "Gandalf, I think you need to have a talk with Harry, for if he is any measure you have been holding out on us! How much rabbit did we have to eat and yet here Harry has produced a spread to rival even the elves with just a wave of his wand!"
The White Wizard chuckled at the Hobbit's jest. "Indeed it seems I have been rather overshadowed, it seems youth has a few tricks yet to teach me in my dotage," he said good naturedly.
Soon though the good cheer departed for all knew that the war was yet to be won. Though he heard some news travelling about the city upon idle lips Harry was not privy to the councils of the captains of the west for though his opinion was sought and valued there were yet things that must be kept in most secure confidence.
Word came from Rohan on the day after the battle and the news was good. The host of Orcs from Dol Guldur had been driven from their land by allies unlooked for. A great Elven host from Lothlórien had crossed the Anduin and given battle upon its banks. Those few men who remained in Rohan, having been late for the muster had joined them and the Orc host had been broken and put to flight. The news was well received by all within the city and Éowyn spoke of her joy at the news.
Apart from that Harry was not told of the many plans that were surely in the making. He was unsure why for he did not believe anyone still harbored any distrust of him but from discussion with Gandalf he understood that his presence was like a beacon in the Unseen and would surely draw the Eye of Sauron upon him. It would be best if one so watched was not involved in the most secret of councils.
"I fear for you," said Gandalf when Harry approached him. "The Eye of the Enemy cannot now be ignorant to you and such is your power that it could be put to dire use should you come into his possession."
"I can look after myself Gandalf," said Harry resolutely, "I have done it for many years and I guarantee you he will get nothing from me."
"It is not what he may get from you that I fear," said Gandalf. "It is what he may do with you."
"I don't understand?" said Harry.
"Your powers are like nothing seen before on Middle-earth," Gandalf said. "That light spell of yours is curious. I have been granted the ability to summon the light of Anor in even the darkest of places and yet even that cannot wholly compare. How did you come to learn of it?"
"Years ago," said Harry. "I encountered creatures that feel a bit like the Nazgûl when they're near. A patronus can shield you from them or even drive them off. I learned it from a friend."
"Hmmm." said Gandalf as he seemingly became lost in thought. "Yours is the light of Eärendil or even the trees long past and it will only do you ill. Not since before the sun was placed in the sky has such purity been seen within Arda and when it was…" he trailed off into thought again.
Harry waited a moment before prompting, "And when it was…?"
Gandalf started from his thoughts and looked grim. "Dark things befell the trees. Ever does the dark seek to snuff out the light. Morgoth coveted it beyond all things and sought to destroy it in his jealousy."
"But Aragorn said Morgoth was dead? Defeated and cast out?" asked Harry.
"Not dead!" said Gandalf. "For no child of Ilúvatar's mind may be killed in truth. Cast out, yes, beyond the Walls of the World. Yet he could return, if he could but find his way."
Harry's eyes widened as he understood what the White Wizard was saying. "Then I will stop using the patronus," he said. "With no beacon then Morgoth will be stranded?"
"We must hope it is so, and we must also hope that no other fell things are drawn hither," said Gandalf.
For that reason Harry was kept from many of the secret councils for Gandalf still feared what could happen if he took a more central role in the conflict.
Their concern was appreciated by Harry but his curiosity still drew him to think on what he did now and what he'd so far heard. He knew that an item of value to the enemy had been found and that someone bore it on a quest though he did not know to what end nor for what purpose. His conversation with Gandalf convinced him that further knowledge could prove dangerous. He did not fully appreciate the power that Sauron wielded but he knew enough to be wary. He intended to ask Gandalf when next they talked.
Much of the rest of his time he filled with the company of Éowyn. Much they did walk about the gardens and the streets of the White City and on their walks Harry did all he could to return the buildings to their unbroken state. Both found the city beautiful but the white walls and stone felt stifling for both had long grown used to the wide open spaces of Rohan and the sight of a horizon that stretched far into the distance.
The gardens of the city were beautiful though and much time was spent walking the fragrant healing gardens of the House of Healing. After the darkness of Mordor had been pushed back upon the death of the Black Captain the many flowers of blooms in the garden reopened and a great riot of colours was unleashed. Both Harry and Éowyn found them to be beautiful and the time they spent there was some of the happiest they had known despite the black cloud that yet hung over the mountains to the east.
Two days after the Battle of Pelennor Fields it was announced that all able bodied men were to be ready to move out for the captains of the West intended to challenge Sauron in his own domain and were not content to wait for the hammer to fall upon them.
Harry was with Éowyn again, walking arm in arm with her through the gardens as they discussed their childhoods, Harry's was not a happy subject. He had mentioned his war against Voldemort to her already but no he was finally willing to talk of his life with the Dursleys.
"I don't think they hated me," he explained sadly as he spoke of his aunt and uncle. "But they hated what I was. I suppose they tried to protect me from it in their own cruel and ignorant way."
"How could any person treat a child with such callous disregard?" she asked as she shook in vicarious anger.
"I never cared to ask," Harry said as if it didn't matter. In truth it didn't. Long years and the wall between worlds now separated him from that childhood. He may not have forgiven them their actions but there was at least one lesson of value that he had learned from Severus Snape. He would not let the past dictate the future. "I'm sure their reasoning would seem unsatisfactory."
Éowyn remained quiet at that and simply gave him her unspoken support.
She now understood a little better how he could live alone for so very long without company. Over long years and many hurts her own heart had become cold and unfeeling to stave off the pain of her many losses. Harry had seen a similar fate and she now understood that he perhaps didn't even realise his own loneliness after a time. A cruel fate that one so full of love could be so bereft that he did not even notice the lack.
"For the longest time I thought my parents were drunken wastrels," Harry spoke after a long pause. "I think that was what hurt the most. Not the ridicule, or the chores or anything else. When I found out that they weren't, that they were loved by many and died to save me… well it awoke something within me I suppose. Like I finally had hope?"
"You have more than hope Harry," Éowyn said, her eyes glimmering with unshed tears. "And I declare that you will never go without again."
"For the longest time after coming here I wanted nothing more than to return," said Harry. "Now, I think, finally, I have found a true reason to remain."
Then he smiled softly and decided that the mood was in much need of cheering. "Enough of those dark thoughts. Tell me of the happy times in your childhood, I do not doubt you have some tales you could tell of your brother that might somewhat reduce his lordly stature."
Then she laughed again and it seemed to Harry that the sun shone brighter over them. So she told him of the time Éomer had tried to scare her from her saddle and had lost two of his teeth upon being kicked in the mouth by the pony she was riding. Of how their mother, Théodwyn had to threaten to take his horse from him if he would not bathe at least once a week. Happy stories from a lighter time, and each was glad for the company of the other.
That was how they were found by the runner who came to fetch Harry. Both knew that the final days of the war approached, for good or ill and Harry would once again fight against the darkness.
Again Éowyn was offered a choice, would she sit idle and watch her heart ride away to an uncertain doom or would she go with him and do all she could to lend him strength? For her it was no choice. No longer did she thirst for valour and renown on the field of battle but she was still the shieldmaiden of Rohan and would fight any foe that would threaten those whom she loved.
Both knew that King Théoden would not wish her to ride out and Éomer who was to command the Eorlingas would not suffer his sister to join him as it was likely that the entire host rode to its death under the dark shadow of Mordor. Their need for the other was heedless of this though and both decided in secrecy that Éowyn would join them under the cloak of Harry's magic.
It was unlikely that they would be able to deceive the eyes of Gandalf as they had the men of Rohan. Harry went to Gandalf in the hope that he might stay quiet yet he would not condone such deception for the command to leave Éowyn in Minas Tirith was only to her good. Though she was recovered in both mind and body from the battle below the City she was not yet wholly free of weariness.
Théoden was to remain within Minas Tirith for the time being. His age and the hurts he had taken in the battle were much too serious for him to consider riding again to war so soon. It was fortunate indeed that Théoden was older and wiser than most for he realised his situation and accepted it much though he wished to stand at the fore of the battle that would decide the fate of his people.
Théoden's presence did cause some issue for Harry and Éowyn for it was impossible that should would not be missed soon after the main force departed.
In the end they decided to attempt the deception anyway. The greater part of the host was to travel afoot for a great many of the horses of the Rohirrim had fallen in battle and most of those that remained were to be sent along the west road to protect them from the force they had bypassed which was still residing in Anorien to the North.
Instead of using charms of concealment this time Harry transfigured Éowyn into a different form though he would not change her eyes nor her hair. Her voice was deepened and the bones of her face altered to be more masculine, he hoped that this would be enough to fool Gandalf. Unfortunately their deception would be for nought if it was noticed that Harry was spending time with some hitherto unknown man and so it was agreed that they would travel merely in sight of the other and not side by side. They would surely be looking for Éowyn among the thousand who rode to battle ahorse but she would be among the infantry and likely below their sight.
Remembering how close she had come to death upon the field at Pelennor Harry imbued her armour and weapon with every protection he could think of. While it might not make her unkillable he felt it was unlikely that any Orc or Troll would be able to best her.
On the next morning the army formed up before the city and Harry and Éowyn embraced before the gates to leave the impression that it was a sore parting. Harry then climbed atop Hildwig with whom he had been reunited after the battle and joined the Captains of the West at the fore of the force.
Before the army had marched away Éowyn had thrown on what armour she could and had joined the rear of the column. The mood among the men was dark, yet as Harry rode and Éowyn marched they felt the lightness in their hearts and went confidently towards whatever doom awaited them.
A/N: This chapter does feel perilously like filler with a couple of ominous words thrown about but I really wanted to calm things down after the big battle. The next chapter goes right back to high-tension everyone on a knife-edge stuff again so I hope folk will put up with this. Every now and then I like to stop and take a breather.
Ever wonder what the elves were doing while all the humans were dying at Minas Tirith? Yep, fighting another big-ass battle to make sure Rohan wasn't burned by Sauron's northern armies.
I'll admit not a great deal happens here save some mushy stuff and ominous words from Gandalf. It's breathing space between Pelennor and the final battle. In fact I'm not sure there's anything I need to cover in terms of Tolkien stuff.
Oh, Earendil was a half-elf (but a mortal) who sailed to Valinor to ask the Valar for help against Morgoth. For a mortal to set foot upon Valinor was forbidden but he did it to save the Men and Elves of Middle-earth so the Valar were ok with it. To reward him he and his children were given the choice of a mortal (Mannish) or immortal (Elvish) life. This is why Arwen can choose to forsake her immortal life for Aragorn. After Morgoth was defeated and thrown beyond the Door of Night into the Timeless Void Earendil was set into the sky (he has a sky ship) with one of the Silmarils and became a star. He watches from the sky for the day Morgoth returns to Arda.
The vial Galadriel gives to Frodo contains the light of Earendil, thus it is a derivative of the light of a silmaril and through them of the light of the trees. This is why dark creatures fear it.
There is a theory that athelas works best in the hands of one with elven blood, or possibly just elven education. Harry obviously has never had reason to learn about it so it's a good job Aragorn's around.
I have a feeling I may get shouted at when I put up the next chapter. It's a little bit evil.