The Wild Westfold

By: Lauthica Green Clinkenbeard

Chapter Thirty-One: Truths and Choices

The walk back down the corridor to the queen's chamber seemed to take even more time to return than it did to leave. I clicked the latch quietly and pushed open the door. The hobbits remained in bed fast asleep and did not stir as I shut the door and crossed the room. I had barely made it halfway when a light knock on the heavy wood shifted my attention.

"Go away, Eomer." I whispered. "You will not crawl back to me this time. It will take a lot more than just an apology or…"

"It's me." Aragorn whispered back cutting me off.

I sighed. There was no doubt that he had overheard the commotion back in the king's bedchamber. I turned around and returned to the door opening it slowly. He stood with a deep and sorrowful expression.

"Deya…." He whispered. "I am so sorry. I had no intention…I did not know that he would…"

"This was not your fault, Aragorn…" I shook my head, "Uh, I mean, your grace."

"Please Deya, I am your friend. You need not address me so formally." He whispered and he reached out and set his hand on my shoulder. "May I please come in?" he asked.

"Merry and Pippin are still asleep." I whispered.

He looked past me to the bed and a small smile came to him face. "I am sorry. I did not know there were in here." He whispered. "How is Merry?"

"He is not wounded, only a few bruises. He just needs a good rest." I said.

"What about you, Deya?" he asked and he looked over my face, "Have you not been crying?"

"Enough tears have been shed for Eomer already." I said. My patience was starting to grow thin.

"Would you come and speak to me in my study then?" he asked and gestured down the corridor.

"It has been a long day, your grace, and an even longer night. Whatever matters that concern you can wait for the morrow." I said.

"The hallway then, please." He said.

I sighed and stared at him for a few seconds. He held genuine concern in his eyes. I nodded my head and followed him into the hallway. We walked down about halfway to the king's door when I stopped and turned to face him.

"Deya," he said, "Please do not despair nor do anything rash. I understand what it feels like to have a love distant. I understand the pain of turning them away for war and glory. I know the way you think. Do not look at this as if all you have fought for is lost. You are part of something far greater. Surely you must see that. You are the fair warrior with hair that flows like fire. These quarrels with Eomer are but a dark shadow on something much brighter. Isn't that why you came with us into the Dimholt? You willingly left him behind because you knew it had to be done, did you not?" he asked.

"Yes," I said and I looked down to my feet. "You welcomed me into your fellowship. I left everything that mattered to me forsaken because I knew it to be the right thing to do. Please do not think of me as a love sick fool. I understand that I have a responsibility to Middle Earth as well as you. But now…" As the words crackled in my voice I felt my eyes grow blurry. I turned away from him. "Eomer dismissed me. I am not a solider anymore. If anything I am but a sell sword…a vigilante… Whatever small title I had earned is now gone. When this war is over I would be no better than a kitchen maid or some farmer's wife spending my days knitting, cooking, and birthing and my nights under a dirty, drunk bastard that I will not love. What then, great king? What then shall become of the fair warrior with the hair that flows of fire?" I asked.

"Deya…." He said and he seemed upset. "That will not be your life. You have the warrior's passion within your blood. Honor as well. Steel in your hands is like a paintbrush to an artist. I have basked in your courage and your strength. If it is still a title you seek I will give you one. Fight for me. Fight for Gondor. Fight for freedom and peace. And if it is something that you wish for in the future, I could help find you a good match in marriage. There are many fine men that would be…"

The king's door opened and one of the guards stepped into the hallway.

"The Prince of Mirkwood is requesting an audience, your grace." He said.

"Prince of Mirkwood?" Aragorn said raising an eyebrow. "Oh, Legolas! Yes, yes, send him in."

The guard nodded and turned away but kept the door open.

"What could Legolas want at this hour?" I asked looking up at Aragorn.

"An elf can see farther than a mortal man…and can also hear the faintest of whispers." Legolas said as he appeared in the doorway. He walked toward us briskly shutting the king's door behind him.

"Forgive me, my lady Deya," he said nodding toward me, "But I overheard the commotion. My chambers are right on the other side of the citadel."

"That's kind Legolas, but I am fine." I said as I reached up and wiped away what few tears that had escaped.

"You are a dear friend to me as well as a companion in the fellowship. Hearing Aragorn's offer, I want you to know that I may have a proposition to offer as well." Legolas said.

"Legolas?" Aragorn asked confused. "Your father would never stand for having a mortal woman in his court, and who knows how long his court would remain in Middle Earth. What is this?"

"I knew Deya's grandmother," Legolas said turning to him. "She is a revered guest of the elfkind and was one of my most valued friends."

Aragorn said nothing back to him, still looking confused, but nodded at Legolas anyway. Legolas turned back toward me.

"Deya, when this war is over, I would be honored if you come to live in Mirkwood. My father would be delighted to meet you, and if marriage is what troubles you so, I would be happy, and honored to claim you as my wife for the remainder of your life."

Both Aragorn's and mine own mouth dropped open.

"WHAT?!" I exclaimed.

"Legolas, have you harbored feelings for her this entire time?" Aragorn asked

"No, no," Legolas said quickly. "Do not misunderstand my intentions. There never has to be any obligation of passion or love. You would be well taken care of, you would have the freedom and liberties to pursue any trade. I would feel like I have done a great kindness to the spirit and memory of your grandmother should you accept."

"You are an elvish prince! Have you gone battle mad?!" I asked.

"I have older brothers that could claim the throne in time. You would have no royal duties to worry about." He said calmly. How could he be so calm?

"Marriage is a serious matter, Legolas," I said, "and I would rather stay here in Gondor and serve for Aragorn once he is King proper."

"Well then, marry me anyway and we could stay here. I would spare you of the ravenous suitors. Besides, you would long die before me, and I would return to the house of my father." Legolas said.

"You don't have to make any final decisions tonight, Deya." Aragorn said. "There are still war plans to be made. Nothing is certain."

I nodded toward both of them. "I know…." I said barely above a whisper as all the thoughts raged in my mind. I looked back up at them both. "Please excuse me, friends. I am very tired."

"Of course," Legolas said.

"Good night, my lady" Aragorn said smiling.

I walked away from without so much as a peep or a smile. I returned to the queen's chambers and closed the door climbing into the bed. Pippin stirred only for a moment but he did not wake. I scooted away from the hobbits and curled up in the far corner away from them.

I found no sleep, and the morning seemed like it would never come. I stared at the wall until my eyes felt as dry as bark. My mind remained surprisingly blank, but I wasn't sure if that was a blessing or a curse. At the first indication of the room lightening I rose from the bed and crossed the room. I drew back the heavy, velvet curtains. The sun was barely rising through the thick black storm that still shadowed the sky. Sauron's force had been defeated…Gondor was safe…what comes next?

I washed quickly and braided back my hair. I changed from the silken gown into my old, wool chemise and slipped on my thick, green day frock. I instinctively reached out for my armour but paused. I wasn't a solider of Rohan anymore. Then was I of Gondor? I had not answered Aragorn last night. Should I then visit the royal armorer? Aragorn had said that he would appoint me after the war, but the war was far from over. I decided to skip the armour and left the room quietly.

The morning was now well underway as I left the queen's chambers. I wanted to go and explore the courtyard. I had never seen the white tree before, but as I drew nearer to the bottom of the citadel a Gondorian solider approached me.

"Lady Deya?" he asked.

"Yes?" I asked back.

"The wizard has requested your presence in the throne room, my lady." He said.

"Thank you," I said, "Would you like to escort me? I do not know the way."

"I am sorry, fair lady. I cannot. The wizard was adamant about the meeting to be of the strictest of privacy and confidence. The throne room is just down that hall to the left and down the stairs. You cannot miss it."

"Thank you," I said and I walked away from him down the hall. The stairs were narrow but opened up into a great room. The walls and floors were of black and white marble gleaming in the rays of the rising sun. A chair rose from the middle of the floor on a tall pedestal of stone…the throne of Gondor. Next to it was a smaller chair for the steward. Niches were carved under the windows and held massive statues of the old, ancient kings. Aragorn stood in front of one of these statues with a look of deep thought on his face. He had changed from the regal robes back into his ranger's clothing.

As I came around the throne I realized that Gimli was sitting in the steward's chair smoking a pipe. Next to him stood Legolas…and next to Legolas stood Eomer. My heart twinged with a great pain as my eyes fell upon him. He glanced at me for a moment but looked away quickly. The tension in the air grew thick, and the tension between Legolas and Eomer grew even thicker.

I came to stand on the other side of the throne opposite of Gimli. Legolas and Aragorn both turned to note my presence but when Gimli looked at me he motioned me to remain quiet and pointed at Gandalf. Gandalf had his back to the throne and his eyes were glossy and unblinking. I nodded at Gimli and stood still and silent. The room remained as such for several minutes, at least half an hour passed before Gandalf's eyes finally shifted and he looked over at Aragorn.

"Frodo has passed beyond my sight." Gandalf said sighing. He walked across the marble behind Aragorn. "The darkness is deepening."

"If Sauron had the ring, we would know it." Aragorn said sternly.

"It's only a matter of time." Gandalf said with as exasperated tone. "He has suffered a defeat, yes, but…" Gandalf paused and looked around the room at all of us. "Behind the walls of Mordor, our enemy is regrouping."

"Let him stay there," Gimli said taking his pipe out of his mouth, "Let him rot! Why should we care?"

Gandalf glared over at the dwarf and walked back toward the throne, "Because ten-thousand orcs now stand between Frodo and Mt. Doom." He said. Gimli took the pipe out of his mouth and sighed. Gandalf turned away from the throne and shook his head, "I've sent him to his death…"

"No," Aragorn said turning away from the statue. Gandalf looked over at him. "There is still hope for Frodo." Aragorn continued, "He needs time, and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that."

"How?" Gimli asked.

"Draw out Sauron's armies…Empty his lands…Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate."

Gimli was so shocked at Aragorn's words that he coughed out his last puff of smoke. Eomer looked less than happy at the idea and he walked toward Aragorn.

"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms." Eomer said.

"Not for ourselves," Aragorn continued, "But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's eye fixed upon us." He then turned to Gandalf. "Keep him blind to all else that moves."

"A diversion." Legolas said half smiling.

"Certainty of death…" Gimli said raising his hand into the air. "Small chance of success…" he said forming a zero with his fingers. "What are we waiting for?"

Gandalf stepped forward and leaned toward Aragorn, "Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait." He said shaking his head.

Aragorn stared at the old wizard and smiled, "Oh, I think he will."

"What makes you so sure?" Eomer said speaking up again. Aragorn turned to him. "What makes you so confident?" Eomer continued and for a moment his eyes flickered to me. "What inspiration have you found in this citadel that bolds your blood?" he asked looking back at Aragorn.

Aragorn's brow furrowed. "Trust me in my endeavors, Lord Eomer. My friends old…" he said as his own eyes flickered to me, "and new…" he continued, "will be at my side. Won't you?"

"Aragorn? What is this?" Gandalf asked looking between the two men.

"Nothing of importance, Mithrandil. A power shift perhaps, or a shift of loyalty." Eomer said glaring at Aragorn.

"Nonsense. I will have none of this!" I said speaking up. "Whatever has rifted between you two leave it behind. You are now the leaders of the men of the west," I said walked over to them and I leaned toward Eomer, "Act like them."

Eomer's faced turned red on anger but he said nothing and stormed out of the throne room. Gandalf turned toward me and raised an eyebrow. He then looked at Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas.

"Leave us," he said to them. "You stay, Deya."

"About time, I'm starving!" Gimli said standing up from the steward's chair. He headed for the door but stopped and turned around. "Legolas?" he asked.

Legolas was staring at me and then at Gandalf and Aragorn. Aragorn nodded to him and Legolas nodded back following Gimli. As Aragorn also headed to leave the room he stopped and leaned into my ear.

"Tonight, meet me in this room as soon as it is dark. And do not worry of my intentions again. It is nothing as what was misleading as last night," he whispered resting his hand on my shoulder for a moment before he too left the room and I was alone with the white wizard.

I looked up at Gandalf and he looked very displeased.

"What has happened between you and Eomer now?" he asked. "Has foresight not helped both of your affections? Has love, passion, and fornication not been enough to tame one another?"

I blushed, embarrassed and in shock, "How did you know about that?!" I asked.

"Please, child. Do you think that I had no part in drawing you two together? I have known of you since before you were born." He said and he walked over and sat in the steward's chair. "Come, Deya. Sit." He said and gestured to the stairs leading up to the king's throne. I gulped now nervous, but sat down by him anyway.

"Did you know my grandmother as well?" I asked.

"No, sadly I never got to meet her, but I did see her once and heard tales of the bold, strong mortal beauty dwelling with the elves." He said smiling.

"I am told that I look like her." I said.

"You have her hair…but your feathers are more like your grandfather's side of the family." He said.

"I saw a portrait of him once. He looked strong and proud, a true lord of Rohan. I was told that he was kind and generous to his bannermen, but his face was flat and round. My father didn't look or act anything like him." I said. "My father was rash, and had demons within his head."

"Yes, he took after his father instead. Nearly a mirror image, if I am so bold as to say." Gandalf said.

"Didn't you hear me? My father was nothing like his father." I said raising an eyebrow.

"Did you not hear me?" Gandalf asked giving me a half-smile. I was confused for a moment…and then my face exploded in shock.

"What…..what do you speak of?" I asked barely able to form words.

"Your grandmother was already pregnant went she wed your 'grandfather'." Gandalf said. "It was a great secret. While in Mirkwood she met Lady Galadriel's younger brother, Gilgaladir."

"Galadriel?! The lady of light? Lady of Lothlorien? Younger brother?" I asked barely able to form thoughts.

"Gilgaladir was rash and vain. He swore he could see into the future but he only saw dark things. Terrible things. He was always slightly off as if he was cursed by the valor, touched by darkness. And he was a charmer with females. He already had a wife, but your grandmother was very pretty, young, and rash. He too took his own life when the secret was found out. The elvish counsel came together and arranged the marriage of your grandmother to the Rohan Lord before she started to show. Nobody else knew the wiser. That's why Galadriel and Elrond have helped you so in all your despair. You are of their blood-kin, and though your father's elvish birthright was denied to him before he was even born, you seem to have the same fair light within you. This light you were gifted is your passion and destiny. The elves are leaving Middle Earth. Within the next thousand years or so, they will all be gone. But this light within you must continue to burn and inspire. All those you have touched have been drawn in like moths to a flame. You bring a joy and happiness to them. Aragorn will wed Elrond's daughter, Arwen who has the same light, but you must marry Eomer. These royal lines are important for peace and keeping darkness at bay when the rest of the lights go out. Your responsibility to this world is much greater than you could possibly imagine."

I sat on the steps mouth wide and limbs as numb as a corpse. I never asked for all this! I don't want to be a great light! I just want to fight!

"Are you saying that I fell in love with Eomer because the counsel made me fall in love with him?" I asked.

"No, no," Gandalf said shaking his head. "That was all between you two. Have you not noticed that it wasn't until after you met Eomer that your dreams began?"

I stood up shaking my head, "Gandalf…I cannot do this." I said sternly. "I am not meant for such greatness. I will fight in this war, but afterward…my future will be my own and I will make my own choices."

"Ah, yes. Choices. That is what foresight is all about. One's choices. But only your own. Someone else's choices can change your future. If an orc on the battlefield chooses to kill you what then? If you choose to leave this room and go find some beggar on the street and marry him what then? It is a choice and I am powerless to your free will." Gandalf said as he too stood up. "Ponder your choices, Deya. Think and act wisely." He said reaching into the pocket of his tunic. He pulled out a book and handed it to me. I took the book from him, but he said nothing else and left the room.

I sat back down on the steps and used my sleeve to wipe away the thick dust on the front cover of the old book.

"Breaking into a Mountain," I read aloud, "An account of letters and entries of Thorin's lost years."

I raised my eyebrow. Thorin Oakenshield? The lost dwarven king of Erebor? Everyone knows that story. What was Gandalf trying to tell me now? Was Gimli some lost brother to me? I flipped through the pages briefly skimming over random paragraphs until one caught my eye. "A collection of entries copied from Thorin's own hand during his time in the east of Gondor regarding a lover." I knew my face twisted up for a moment. The last thing I wanted to read was some tome of passion about mating dwarves. I closed the book and stood tucking it under my arm. This was no time for reading. I needed to find breakfast, and then perhaps a long walk to clear my head and deal with all this new information…and I had choices to make…much sooner than I was ready to make them.

*Author's Note: The random Thorin tidbit thrown in here is a cameo and sneak peak at my next project. A Thorin/OC story based on Thorin of the new Hobbit movies. Stay tuned and keep a sharp eye. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to review. Your loyalty is what really keeps me going. I love you all. Also, don't forget to check out my page on Facebook for Lauthica Green Clinkenbeard.

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