Chapter 19
Forgiveness
King Théoden had made the decision to leave Edoras and make for Helms Deep. Gandalf was less then happy about this. He had decided to go in search of Eomer and his company. I sat in the Golden Hall while Eowyn rummaged through her trunk. She drew a sword and smiled.
"Eowyn do you believe your uncle had made the correct choice?" I asked.
She turned and looked at me.
"Helms Deep has protected us in the past…."
"Yes but that is the past. Things have changed." I added.
She nodded and then looked away.
"I cannot sat whether it is wise or not. I believe he does what knows to be best."
I nodded and then she began to swing her sword. I closed my eyes but they flew open when I heard her sword collide with another. It was my father's knife.
"You have some skill with a blade."
She swung out of his block and pointed the blade at his chest. I smirked and held back my laughter.
"Women of this country learned long ago. Those without swords could still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain." Eowyn said as she began to put her things away.
"What do you fear my lady?" Ada asked.
She turned and looked upon him slowly. I watched carefully.
"A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire." She answered.
She sound like myself. Father looked at her seriously and then shook his head.
"You are a daughter of kings! A shield maiden of Rohan. I do not think that shall be your fate." He said.
She looked at him with a different expression. One of awe and caring. It made me a little uncomfortable. He sheathed his knife and bowed. He then walked away.
"Ever my father has spoke in some sort of a riddle." I said.
She turned and looked at me. Shock was on her face.
"Lord Aragorn…..is your father?" She asked.
I smiled and nodded.
"Yes he is. My mother is Arwen Undomiel, and elf of Rivendell." I added.
I could see disappointment in her eyes. She….cared for my father!?
Oh no, no, no, no, no!
Eowyn was my friend, but only my mother would have my father. I stood and put my hand on her shoulder.
"You must remind him of myself. He…was always away whilst I grew up. But I decided to change this. I came on this quest for many reasons but to become closer to my father was the most important."
She nodded and then we went to the stables. We mounted our horses and then left for Helms Deep with the others. It would be a long and dangerous journey through the mountains, and I had still not fully healed. I could only hope we did not run into any trouble. I avoided Legolas, I was still rather upset for his words.
My only other predicament was that Eowyn was becoming….quite close to my father.
"Where is she? The woman who gave you that jewel?"
"She awaits our return in Rivendell." I answered.
I smiled and then rode ahead. This was becoming a daily task, to come between Eowyn and my father. That night I sat awake and looked at the stars.
"Gilraen."
I sighed and stood to walk away. Legolas grabbed my arm.
"Gilraen please listen to me!" He begged.
I sighed and nodded. I stood with my hands on my hips waiting for him to continue.
"~I was wrong to speak such words to you. You were right, I should not have said it. You had your reasons for what you did. But I implore you to see my reason.~"
"Legolas…"
"~I was not finished. If ever I were to lose you I would not have a reason to live. I would depart this world to be with you. Whether or not the war was over, I would not live without you. I will never fight without you and I will never love anyone so much.~"
He stopped and I looked down.
"~Are you finished?~" I asked.
"Yes."
I looked up at him with tears in my eyes.
"~Legolas I love you more then anything, but I am not one to follow rules, nor be chained down. I am free and independent, I cannot change who I am. But I understand your words and I am sorry for what I did. I am sorry for avoiding you as I have been and I ask your forgiveness.~"
He stepped closer and put his hand on my face.
"~YOu shall have it, but only if you can find it in you to forgive me.~" He said.
I smiled and nodded.
"~I will always forgive you.~" "~And I you.~"
I smiled wider and embraced him. He wrapped his arms around me and rested his head on mine. I looked up and kissed his lips softly. When we separated I rested my head against his chest and we stayed there for a long while. No words were spoken for we needed none to tell each other how we felt. We were connected and knew he knew what I felt, as I knew how he felt. He pulled back and smiled at me.
"~You should rest.~" He whispered.
"~Not without you.~" I murmured.
He chuckled and we both lay down and fell fast asleep.
