Disclaimer in chapter 1
"..." - Common Tongue
"~...~" - Elvish language
Chapter 15: The Beacons
I stood next to Éowyn in the Great Hall when Aragorn came bursting in, breathless from his sudden run. "The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid," Aragorn called out, stopping in front of the King.
I folded up Haldir's letter, saying that he had arrived home safely, and put it in one of my tunic pockets. I awaited the King's decision with the rest of the hall.
"And Rohan will answer." Theoden announced and I smiled brightly at Aragorn, glad to finally be some use around here. "Muster the Rohirrim." Bells were rung and everyone saddled their horses to get ready to ride, as well as saying their farewells.
"Will you ride with us?" Aragorn asked Éowyn while saddling Brego. I watched them curiously as I saddled my own horse, a different one from the last this time.
"Just to the encampment. It's tradition for the women of the court to farewell the men," She replied. I caught sight of a glittering object under her blanket and walked around my horse to see what it was. I smirked when I lifted it up to see the hilt of a sword.
Sharing a smirk with Aragorn as Éowyn covered it back up and glared at me before turning to Aragorn. "The men have found their captain. They will follow you into battle, even to death. You have given us hope," Éowyn told him before walking off, pulling the reins of her horse.
"No pressure there." I said with a smirk, Aragorn chuckled slightly. "You know, I have a distinct feeling that she doesn't like me." I said sarcastically as Aragorn pulled me into a hug.
"Now where would you get that idea?" He replied, playing along. I slapped him on the back of his head before pecking him on his lips.
"~I love you.~" I whispered into his ear as I embraced him. "~As I love you,~" He returned. We let go and swung up onto our horses as I steered mine away towards Legolas and Gimli.
"Horsemen. I wish I could muster a legion of Dwarves, fully armed and filthy," Gimli grumbled. "Your kinsmen may have no need to ride to war. I feel war already marches on their own lands." Legolas said, ignoring my presence. Ever since he found out he has done everything he could to pretend I wasn't there.
"Legolas-" I started but he kicked his horse gently and trotted off, leaving me behind. I hardly saw Gimli look back at me with a saddened gaze before turning back to speak with Legolas. Tears sprung to my eyes but I swallowed and forced them back down, showing no weakness as I held my head high and rode beside Aragorn.
"Now is the hour. Riders of Rohan, oaths you have taken. Now, fulfill them all. To lord and land!" Éomer shouted and we rode off, our course set on Dunharrow then Minas Tirith.
We came upon the encampment after a day and a half's ride. "Make way for the King!" Soldiers shouted. I rode on the left of Aragorn, looking at the camp, seeing many people and tents.
"Grimbold, how many?" Theoden asked a man in the crowd. "I bring 500 men from the Westfold, my lord." "We have 300 more from Fenmarch, Theoden King."
"Where are the riders from Snowbourn?" Theoden questioned from on top his horse. "None have come, my lord."
We rode to a cliff and unpacked our things. "Éowyn!" I called out when I saw her. She turned to look at me surprised, bit her lip then slightly turned her head away. She nodded her head in acknowledgment the rushed off, leaving me standing confused. I was just joking earlier, did she really hate me? I shook my head to get rid of the unwelcome thoughts and joined my brother as he walked.
"The horses are restless and the men are quiet." Legolas observed. "They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain," Éomer explained and I followed his gaze to see a foggy path.
"That road there, where does it lead?" Gimli asked and Legolas' eyes sparkled with recognition. "It is the road to the Dimholt, the door under the mountain," Legolas told the Dwarf as my eyes widened in shock and fear. I took a step back and I could have sworn I saw Legolas' hand twitch to comfort me like he usually does, even when it is not necessary.
"I have read about the Dimholt many times before but had never thought I'd actually see it, or at least the path leading to it." I whispered in muted awe.
"None who venture there ever return," Éomer whispered. "That mountain is evil."
"Aragorn!" said Gimli gruffly, walking up to a frozen Aragorn which made him snap out of it. Gimli looked nervously down the path before turning back to Estel. "Let's find some food." I watched my lover with slightly narrowed eyes, wondering what he was doing, as he looked back at the path before following Gimli.
A/N: Sorry if it's short, tons of homework and I don't really have enough time anymore. Don't worry, I will finish it. Only a few more chapters anyway (About 5 or 6) Oh, thanks to the people who reviewed! Alright, if you want me to update Chapter 16, there must be at LEAST 5 reviews. I'll be counting...
Well thanks for reading my story, I'll try to update again tomorrow (If I don't I promise to update next Friday {Or Sat- Sun})