Woot, I am out of school for the summer! :) Already busy though :/ Anyway, I did have the time to give you all this chapter. It's long, but goes by quickly(or so I think; just a lot of dialogue). As always, Read and Review, please :) Oh, and I'm really, really excited for the next chapter. It'll be long - that much I know because I'm nearly done with it already, other than some revising - but I'm really excited. It'll have Faramir finally making an appearance, which is my cause for excitement: he is my absolute favourite in the trilogy(why I haven't written a fic on him, I'm not entirely sure..) and I love anything involving him, lol. So I hope you all enjoy this chapter, and I think I'll have the next one up by the 10th - my birthday :)
Disclaimer: I own none of LOTR - it is entirely Tolkien's genius. And any dialogue and such from the movies are credit to P. Jackson and Co.
It was shortly after that Aragorn appeared over Éomer's shoulder, and easily read the good news from the golden-haired man's eager features. He was given a briefing of Alandria's time awake, and then contented himself with checking her fever - it was a little less - and making sure fresh athelas was applied to her wounds. For the time being, that was all he could do.
Her eyes opened for the second time, a little over two hours later. The room was lit brightly by the sunlight falling through the wide window, and she could hear soft murmurs of movement coming from the door. The movement at her side though was what interested her. Éomer sat there again, or still, and smiled warmly when she woke. She returned it, comforted by his presence. "You're still here?" She asked softly.
"I had to leave for a little while, but yes, I'm here again." His thick voice soothed her, and she sighed, closing her eyes again. "Are you alright?" She heard him shift, and opened her eyes upon feeling his rough palm lightly cradle her cheek. His dark brows were furrowed in concern, making her smile slightly.
"I'm fine." She replied. "Still just a little tired. And sore."
"I'll get Aragorn-"
"No, don't worry about it right now. I'm just not used to having a lame leg and aching ribs." She tried to joke, but the man at her side was oddly serious. Her smile fell then, as did the thoughts of any injury she had, and she studied the Horse-lord's firm features carefully. His jaw was tight, his brows low, and his dark hazel eyes swam with worry and sadness. "Éomer?" She said softly, and watched as his features relaxed slightly.
"Yes?"
"Are you alright?"
"Of course."
She paused, watching him again. "You're lying. Éomer, what's wrong?"
"Nothing, Alandria. It'll be alright."
"What? What will be alright?" She was worried now, seeing him lean away as he realized his slip-of-tongue. "Éomer, what's going on?"
"What makes you think something is happening, Alandria?"
"You don't look right." She stated simply. "You're worried..and sad..."
"Shouldn't I be? You and my sister are hurt, my uncle dead...should I not be worried and sad?" Not the right answer. Alandria pushed away the hand that reached for hers, and then slowly pushed herself into a sitting position, wincing slightly. "Alandria? What are you- lay down, don't-"
"Oh, stop it!" She snapped, brushing away his helping hands, and then sighing as she sat up properly. She glared at Éomer now, studying him again. "What are you worried about, Éomer?"
He stared back at her for a moment, further worry clouding his handsome features at her sudden actions, and then he sighed. "I don't want to trouble you with it."
"With what?" Her voice suddenly softened, hoping to coaxe out his words.
"I do not want to say right now, Alandria. Not to offend or anger you, but only because I need to talk to Aragorn again."
"Éomer, please. You're scaring me."
He shook his head, sighing. "Not right now."
"Éo-"
"Not right now, Alandria." He let anger and authority slip into his words, silencing her easily.
She paused, watching him worriedly, before whispering, "Then what? Then what right now?"
The irritation that had taken him quickly dissolved, as he beheld Alandria's frightened emerald gaze. His own dark eyes softened, and he moved closer to her bedside. He held out his hand, fearing rejection, but Alandria put him to rest as she immediately set her own smaller hand in his warm palm. He pulled gently and she understood, shifting to move closer to him as he moved to sit on the side of her bed. His hand let go of her's, to wrap his arm around her back and hold her closer to him. Alandria was unsure for a moment, then quickly banished her unease to take comfort in his warm, strong hold. One thing still bothered her however, and she remained silent to contemplate what it was. Éomer sighed after a moment, his hot breath blowing down on her hair, and then she realized what was wrong - she was leaning against the hard surface of the Rider's breast-plate, not the softness of a tunic. She could not feel the warmth of his body through the metal and leather, nor hear the beating of his heart, or feel the rise and falls of his breaths. He was in his armor, and that knowledge gnawed at her worry.
"Alandria?" Both persons on the bed looked up at the voice, and the lady who strode forward as quickly as she safely could. "You're awake!"
"Éowyn, be careful-" Éomer started, but the Lady ignored him with a sweep of her free hand.
"Oh shush, Éomer. I can walk across a room."
"Éowyn." Alandria smiled warmly, interrupting Éomer's comeback, and he let her go in defeat, moving a short distance away.
The White Lady of Rohan hurried across the small room, and immediately sat in the chair beside the bed, her wide blue eyes excited. "Do you feel better?"
"Much, thank you. I needed the rest. And you?" She glanced at the sling her Lady's arm was in with concern. "Your arm?"
"Healing, do not worry. How long have you been awake?"
"Not long, but once before now-"
"You've been awake before?" The woman glanced sharply at her brother. "How come you didn't tell me?"
"She needed her rest." He answered feebly, but she dismissed him.
"It's so good to see you awake Alandria, you have no idea how worried we've been!"
Alandria flushed slightly, looking guilty. "I'm sorry my lady. I don't-"
"No, no, don't be sorry. Why should you ever be sorry? It is not like it was your fault, yes? I am just glad you are alive." The Lady touched her friend's arm with her free hand gently, and smiled as warmly as she could manage. "Éo-" She stopped short, realizing the man was gone, and then glanced out the door, where his figure was quickly disappearing. She turned back to Alandria, who's dark green eyes were studying the abandoning figure.
It took Alandria a moment to realize Éowyn wasn't speaking anymore, and when she did she blinked a couple times, then hastily turned back to her Lady. "Sorry my lady - you were saying? About your brother?" Éowyn remained silent for a moment, watching her friend with sympathetic eyes. "...My lady?" Alandria asked carefully, unnerved by both she and her brother's odd attitudes.
"Did he tell you how long you've been asleep, Alandria?"
"Two nights and a day. So I'd say around...thirty six hours or so, yes?"
"Close to it, I'm sure."
Éowyn seemed hesitant, glancing at the empty doorway, and Alandria had to encourage her again. "What, my lady?"
"My brother didn't once leave your side Alandria, in all that time. He wouldn't have slept had I not forced him too, just this morning, and only for a few hours. He slept in here even then. He hardly ate either, unless he was reminded to." Éowyn's dark blue eyes were serious, holding Alandria's gaze intensely. "He was terrified that you would wake up when he wasn't there, or, worse yet, you wouldn't wake up at all."
"Why are you telling me this, Éowyn?" Alandria asked cautiously, more unnerved by the second and using confusion to mask her surprise at what the Lady was telling her.
Éowyn's eyes softened again, and she gazed desperately into Alandria's weary face. "Do you not understand?"
"I don't.." Alandria glanced quickly at the still-empty doorway. "I don't know what you mean by it. He was only worried. Your brother is a good man like that - it is not surprising."
"Yes it is, Alandria." The Lady argued softly. "And you are lucky to have him."
"Have him? Éowyn I have nothing, certainly not him."
"But you do Alandria! You have his worry, and care, and concern."
"Do I not have the worry and care and concern of you as well? And Aragorn? Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf - any of them?"
"Alandria, it's not the s-"
But they were interrupted, as the sound of hurried footsteps travelled through the doorway. Both women turned, just as two small figures dashed into the room. One leapt easily on to the bed beside Alandria and took her hands excitedly, an impish smile lighting up his entire face. The other stood nearby, one arm bandaged but otherwise just as enthusiastic as his friend.
"Pippin?" Alandria exlaimed, laughing at the little hobbit beside her. "Merry?"
"You're finally awake!" Pippin cried. "We've been so worried, 'aven't we Merry?"
Merry nodded, smiling broadly but calming down quicker than the other. "Pip's right, milady. You've had all of us up with worry!"
"Not all of us, perhaps." A gentle voice floated from the doorway, and Alandria looked up to see Legolas smirking down at Gimli, who too had appeared.
"Ah shut it, Prince-ling. I've been just as worried for ye as all, Alandria, I assure ye."
Alandria laughed gently. "I have no doubt Gimli."
"Are you feeling better?" Legolas asked.
"Yes, much, thank you."
"Does your leg hurt?" Pippin inquired. "I heard you got hit with an arrow!"
"Yes, I did, and it hurts but I'll be alright. What about all of you?" She asked, glancing around the room. "Merry - what happened to your arm?"
The little hobbit glanced at Éowyn, then back at Alandria. "The Witch-King, my lady. The Lord of the Nazgul. I stabbed 'im, and somethin' happened to my arm. 'Tis alright now though."
Alandria's eyes were wide. "You fought the Witch-King?"
"Nay. Lady Éowyn did." He gestured towards the White Lady, but she shook her head at Alandria's alarmed glance.
"Later." She said softly, seeming suddenly sad, and Alandria obliged.
"I found 'im out there." Pippin piped up. "On the field. Took hours, but I found him - bloody and weak and scared me 'alf to death, he did. But Aragorn's wonderful and got him healed in no time!"
"Aragorn.." Alandria said softly. "Where is he?"
"Here." The soft voice of the Ranger answered her almost immediately, as if he had been waiting for her to ask. He stepped into the suddenly crowded room proudly, and Alandria was quick to notice the difference about him. He seemed taller, prouder, more confident. Kingly.
"I assume I have you to thank for my recovery." She smiled gently and he returned it, but shook his head.
"Not entirely, Alandria. I did what I could, but I had many patients to tend to. Your Lord Éomer was most helpful in your healing."
She then noticed Éomer as well, forced towards the back wall of the room. His already dark features were further darkened, and not by shadows. His eyes were focused intensely out the window, and he seemed both furiously angry and tremendously worried - and even faintly sad. He bothered her, and she quickly looked away, back to Aragorn's gentle - yet guarded - turquoise gaze. "I thank you nonetheless."
He smiled faintly. "I'm just glad you're awake, and well. You will heal quicker now." She nodded, and then he glanced around the room, before his gaze fell on Éomer. He seemed sad then too, and glanced down for a moment before moving towards the doorway. "Everyone, come. We...have things to prepare for, and Alandria needs room and rest."
"But Strider," Pippin protested. "We just got to see her. Can't we please stay a little longer, if we promise to be quiet? With the battl-"
"No." Éomer spoke now, and his thick voice was harsh, snapping everyone to attention.
Pippin glanced uneasily at the tall man, then back at Aragorn, who sighed softly, seeming sad again. "I know, my friends, but no you cannot. The rest of us need you right now. You will have a chance again."
Both Merry and Pippin looked doubtful, and Alandria was surprised to catch the glimpse of equal doubt pass on both Gimli and even Legolas' features. But each person filed dejectedly and obediently out, saying or faintly smiling their goodbyes as they left. Even Éowyn reluctantly got up and left, after a look from Aragorn. Soon it was only Alandria, Éomer and Aragorn left in the room, and after a long, silent look between the two men, the Ranger left as well.
The silence slammed down like an avalanche. It hung in the air thick and heavy, and Alandria itched to be rid of it. But a stubborn side of her refused to be the one to break it. Éomer seemed to be the cause of the sudden abandonment of her friends, so he was the cause of the silence, and he would be the one to end it. She waited. Impatiently, as he stared endlessly out the open window. The murmur of healers and nurses and the healing came easily through the doorway, but it seemed to fade in the heavy silence between the two people. Alandria shifted, her anger and frustration at Éomer fading to worry. Tension mixed with the silence. Finally, a deep, heavy, defeated sigh broke it.
Éomer drew his hand across his face, and his eyes fell to the floor, losing the startling emotions from earlier and now appearing only sad. He walked slowly across the still room, to her bedside. His slow, scuffing footsteps seemed alarmingly loud. He paused beside her, and she turned to stare at the cream colored sheets covering her legs, avoiding looking at him. He seemed to wait an eternity, and just when she felt about to break, he lowered himself to his knees beside the bed with agonizing slowness. Equally slowly, she turned to look at him. His hazel eyes were already gazing intensely at her, and then sunlight illuminated them just so to reveal green beneath their surface. The deep, beautiful, forest-green colors that swam beneath the surface of warm brown caught her off guard, and quickly weakened her defenses.
"Éomer?" She barely breathed his name, but it was clear and plenty loud in the heavy silence.
"I'm sorry." He replied, deep, thick voice sliding along the path of noise her word had already made.
"For what?" The fear and sadness and guilt she saw in his dark, beautiful gaze disturbed her.
He glanced down, but only for a moment. "I'm leaving. Today. We all are." She started to ask questions - leaving where? Why? She was coming too, right? But he shook his head, and she obeyed. "We've all discussed it - Aragorn, Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas and I - and we decided it was the best option. The only option. It's the only way there's any chance. So we leave today - soon, actually. Nigh immediately. It will take a few days to get there, and then..." He stopped, his gaze dropping again as he sighed. "Then I don't know."
Alandria let the silence remain in the air for several seconds, studying the bowed features of the Horse-lord, his face partially hidden from her. "Where are you going?" She finally asked, and it was the question that would give her all the answers she needed.
"The Black Gate."
Éomer's voice was flat, and the words fell heavily through the air, landing with a slam in Alandria's mind. It suddenly all made sense to her - Éomer's worry, and anger, and sadness; Aragorn's sadness; Pippin being silenced when he began to speak about a battle; the armor Éomer wore. It made sense. And she didn't want it to.
"No."
Just the one word, it was all she could manage out. The only protest she could muster just then.
"I have no choice, Alandria."
"Of course you do." She argued, but her voice was soft, because she knew he was right. "You can stay here."
"I can't do that."
"But you can't go to the Black Gate. It's suicide."
"Perhaps not." She didn't reply - they both knew their armies could not have victory against Mordor. There were too few. "It is not for our victory, Alandria. It is for Frodo and Sam to have a chance. We are their last hope."
She shook her head, tears suddenly stinging her eyes. "You can't go."
"I must."
"You can't!"
His large, rough, warm hands tenderly held both of her's, and he gazed intently into her eyes, forcing her to look at him just with his own stare. "I would give anything not to leave you, Alandria, but I have no choice. I must go. You know this. Would you have me stay, knowing what it might cost in the end? Would you?"
"No." She whispered, her eyes falling from his, her words defeated.
"I am sorry, Alandria. I'm so sorry.." He reached up, and his right hand cradled the side of her face comfortingly.
"I want to be there with you." She said firmly, but he immediately shook his head.
"Don't. You know that can't happen."
"Why not? Who's to say I'm still so weak?" She brushed his hand away and suddenly, irrationally, turned and stepped up from the bed. She stood on both feet for barely a second, before a white-hot pain exploded in her right leg, and her left side ached sharply. Her leg gave out and she gasped, falling, but into a warm, strong hold.
"You fool.." The Horse-lord muttered, but gently rested her back on the bed and returned to his previous position. His bold features were tired now, tainted only faintly with sadness. "You are to stay here, Alandria. With Éowyn. Look after her, please. I know she won't like staying behind any more than you."
"You cannot leave me here to watch your sister!"
"Alandria.." He sighed heavily, and appeared even more weary.
"I'm sorry." She quickly apologized, realizing the sorrow she was causing him. Did she really think it was any easier for him to leave her? "I just don't want you to have to go... I don't want any of you to go.."
"I know, but we must. And soon." He glanced towards the doorway, then shifted. "Very soon. Would you like me to retrieve them all, so you can say your goodbyes? I do not know if you will have a chance other than now."
Alandria paused, surprised by how quickly things were moving, then nodded. "Please."
Éomer squeezed her hands gently, then stood and strode out the door. Alandria waited in the still, silent room, her eyes falling to the lit window and briefly wondering when she'd be able to walk over and look out it. Her leg burned again from her previous movement, and she felt extremely tired. It disgusted her, the helpless, weak feeling that she was currently plagued with. She couldn't stand. It hurt to even breathe. And now she was to be left behind in the city, while everyone she cared for - save the Lady Éowyn - rode into a hopeless battle. Ridiculous.
"Alandria?"
Her brooding was interrupted by a soft, hobbit-sounding voice, and she looked up to see Pippin's head peeking around the door. She smiled as best she could. "Hello Pippin."
He stepped in the room, and Merry appeared as well, following his friend to her bedside. They both seemed surprisingly serious. "So Éomer told you about where we're going?" Merry asked.
She nodded. "Yes." She paused, and the other two were silent. "Are you frightened?"
"Of course."
"I never liked any battles as it were." Pippin chimed in. "And it especially don't feel right, knowin' you're gonna be back here."
Alandria half-smiled. "Well it gives you all the more reason to come back, now doesn't it?"
"We don't need a reason, milady." Merry answered solemnly, and Alandria nodded just as seriously.
"No, I know you don't. Here, come here." She held out her arms, and the little hobbits stepped into her embrace eagerly. Alandria held them tightly, relishing their sweet, innocent comfort. "I'll see you two when you win that battle for me, okay?" She pulled back and tried to smile. The hobbits mimicked her expression, both nodding. "Now go on - finish getting ready." She gently pushed them back towards the door, unwilling to draw out her goodbye any longer than necessary, and they obeyed slowly.
"'Bye, Alandria." Pippin waved slightly.
"Goodbye, my lady." Merry nodded, and ushered his friend out the door.
As soon as they were gone, the other three of the Fellowship stepped in. Gimli came to her side first, already in his full armor, but head low.
"I'm sorry to be goin', lass."
"It'll be alright, Gimli."
"I know, I just wish ye could be there with us. It would make it seem more right, if you get my meaning."
She nodded, touched. "I do, and thank you. But with me there, you'd have less numbers to beat Legolas by."
The Dwarf smiled at her weak joke, and chuckled softly. "Aye, that's true. So maybe it's best you stay here after all."
She chuckled as well. "Maybe."
"Get well, milady. I want to see ye walkin' around when I return."
Alandria smiled softly, noting his 'when', not 'if'. "Will do, my friend." He nodded, bowed his head to her, and then left.
Legolas came next. "I do not know what to say, Alandria." He paused, glancing down, then steadily meeting her gaze again. "We will meet again, I am sure, whether it be in this world or the next. And so I will not say goodbye, for it seems too dark. I merely say I look forward to our next meeting." He bowed low, and Alandria smiled softly.
"And I will say the same, only lacking your way with words." The Elf smiled in reply, and touched her hand gently, then left quickly and silently.
Aragorn stood alone now, and quiet. "Do you not have any 'goodbye' as well?" Alandria asked.
His turquoise eyes were sad, and thoughtful. "I do not know. I try not to think that we will not return, for if I lead men into battle with no hope in my mind, how can I expect them to fight? Yet I am not so foolish as to think we can have victory in arms. But we may still have one."
"A victory?"
"Yes."
"How?"
He gazed at her firmly. "Frodo, of course. And Sam."
"You still think they're alive out there?"
"Don't you?"
She shrugged slightly. "Truthfully, I haven't thought much on it lately. But really, what are the chances?"
"We would know if Sauron had the Ring."
"Doesn't mean they still have it either."
"But it is likely they do. And so, if we can distract Sauron long enough for them to destroy the Ring...then that is our chance of victory."
"So that's what this is - a distraction?"
"Yes." Alandria sighed, shaking her head and turning away. "Alandria, I am sorry for this, but there is no other way."
"I know."
"If I could, I would have Éomer stay."
"...What? Why?"
"For you, my lady. I would, but I know he will not-"
"For me? Aragorn, you speak madly."
He smiled softly. "I do not think I do."
"You do, no matter." She shook her head again. "But I am sure you need to leave soon. I will delay you no longer. Go Aragorn, be the leader you were born to be." She smiled warmly. "Lead the greatest stand there has yet been."
He returned her smile, softly. "Thank you. And as you've already been told - get better soon, my lady. And have hope for us." He bowed his head to her, and quietly left.
The room felt silent again, and it stayed empty and silent for seemingly so long that Alandria began to fear that they had all suddenly left. Even Him. But then the sound of booted footsteps sounded softly, and He came round the corner, and into her chamber once more. His handsome features were solemn, faintly frightened, even though he tried to disguise it. He came to a stop at her bedside, and slowly lowered himself to one knee. They said nothing, as his dark gaze fell down to the bed, and then he gently took her hands in his larger ones. He merely played with her fingers for a moment, twisting and untwisting them with his. Alandria allowed herslef to watch their hands entwine again and again, not soothed in the least bit by the nervous action, but surprised at the ease with which he had been touching her since she'd first woken.
"Éomer?" She asked softly, and he glanced up quickly, then back down.
"I'm worried, Alandria. About you."
"Me? I'm not the one riding into battle."
"Yes, but to leave you here is not any more comforting." He looked up again, holding her gaze. "You know I would have you by my side, if I could, yes?"
"I know. It is alright though. I will watch Éowyn." She tried to find something reassuring to say, knowing he was troubled to leave her. "I'm so sorry Éomer...I'm so sorry..."
"Sorry?" He asked softly, cradling her face in his hands.
"I'm sorry for how I behaved towards you after the celebration after Helm's Deep... I- I'm sorry about how..how cruel I w-was.." Tears choked her words now and blurred her vision, as she struggled to control herself in spite of what was happening. "I'm sorry I w-was always s-so..angry... I never meant it... Anger was j-just easier..t-than the truth..." She gasped through the heavier tears, the pain inside her impossible to bear silently. She'd never realized just what the Horse-lord truly meant to her. "I'm sorry I never l-let you know what I t-truly felt... And n-now..now, it's too late.."
He sighed softly, dark eyes warm and sympathetic, and pulled her close into a firm embrace. "I will come back, Alandria." He murmured huskily. "I promise you, I w-"
But she was shaking her head, pulling away. "Don't." She commanded harshly, to his surprise. "Don't try to promise me that."
"But-"
"No, Éomer. P-please."
He obeyed, falling silent but continuing to stare at her with worry and confusion. His dark hazel eyes were again illuminated by a shaft of sunlight, and they burned into her, the rivers of deep green and flecks of gold swimming in them blazing like jewels. She ached already with the pain of missing him, and the sorrow of knowing he likely would not return. She acted on impulse; her hand reached forward to hold the side of his warm face, the hair of his short beard scratching her palm. And then she pressed her lips to his. The action flared a fire inside her, and the connection was soft, sweet. The Lord's warm lips parted hesitantly under hers, moving slowly with surprise. She was quick to withdraw however, and leaned back nervously. Éomer looked extremely disoriented: his eyes wide with surprise, and lips still partially parted. Alandria fought the urge to kiss him again.
"Now go." She whispered roughly instead. "Go."
"Alandria-"
She shook her head, feeling water in her eyes. "Go."
He looked almost offended, but accepted her order and stood. He hesitated though, dark eyes searing into her once more, rough fingertips trailing along her jaw a final time, before slowly turning away and striding quietly out the door. Alandria could not watch him go. Her eyes stayed focused on the stone work of the wall, and the soft sound of his fading footsteps was only a backdrop to the softer fall of her tears. She was suddenly horrified by what she had just done.