Hello everyone. Lately I've been trying to lengthen the chapters somewhat so as to give you guys more reading pleasure. I realized they were a bit short. I hope the results are satisfactory. Please enjoy this new chapter.
The sun has risen high on a new day when we finally take sight of our destination. Helm's deep lies ahead, build snugly up against the mountainside. There is only one approach and that fact can be both a blessing and a curse. Considering the legions approaching, I'm leaning towards the latter, because should the keep fall, there will be nowhere to hide.
Riding up towards the deep, we are welcomed with warm greetings. It does not take long for word to spread and Gimli is the first to approach, making his way through the gathered crowd. "Where is he? Where is he? Get out of the way. I'm gonna kill him!" he threatens, only for his face to soften and lighten up in a smile once he actually sees Aragorn. "You are the luckiest, the canniest and the most reckless man I ever knew! Bless you, laddie!" he cries out, wrapping the beaten man in his sturdy arms.
Aragorn however has other priorities, asking for the King's whereabouts. Gimli gestures towards the halls further up. Aragorn makes his way through the people until he comes across a relieved looking Legolas, who gladly returns the Evenstar to its proper holder.
I take Gimli by the arm, following after Aragorn. On my way I whisk Legolas off as well giving him no time to voice the greeting he was about to give. "Come, there is a great peril approaching. We need to discuss our next course of action." I tell them, stepping into the hall. Aragorn has already addressed the King and is explaining the matter at hand.
"A great host, you say?" Théoden muses. "How many?" he asks, looking Aragorn in the eye. "Ten thousand strong at least." is the answer he receives, causing his eyes to widen, baffled. "Ten thousand?!" Aragorn nods in confirmation before continuing: "It is an army bred for a single purpose: to destroy the world of men. They will be here by nightfall."
King Théoden looks thoughtful, before a speaking up, his words full of conviction: "Let them come!" he says before stalking off, no doubt to make plans. The others follow after him, while I decide to stay behind. I'm tired from the journey and lack of sleep, not to mention that my stomach has been begging me for food for the last few hours.
I have to make due with soup and bread, as that is near at hand. I don't dare ask for meats or other luxury foods during a time of great distress, not that I mind, I've definable done worse.
"My lady?" a timid voice pipes up in the otherwise silent hall, drawing my attention to Lady Éowyn. She carefully strides over, taking a seat opposite me. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" I ask, wondering what's on her mind. We only have spoken fleetingly before, but I could sense that this would by my first full conversation with Rohan's shield maiden.
"I..I wanted to thank you, for bringing back lord Aragorn." she starts. I indeed see a great depth of gratitude in her eyes. She is very fond of him still. Sitting up straight, I look her in the eyes. "Do not thank me my lady. Aragorn is a dear friend who still has much to do in the world before I give up on him and let him perish." She nods in understanding.
"Have you known him for long?" she questions, making me nod. "Many years ago we met. He was only a boy at the time." I answer, making her eyes widen in surprise. "Does that mean, that you are one of the Dunedaîn as well? You hardly look a day older than myself, if I may be so bold to say so."
I chuckle. "No, I am no Dunedaîn, but I am indeed many a year older than men can become." I reveal, making the curiosity in her eyes grow. "Oh, you are an Elf then?" she wonders, though looking at my rounded ears skeptically. I don't have any Elven features to support such a claim.
I shake my head. "No, I'm sure you can tell already. I'm afraid you might not know of my species, for we have thinned out greatly and I suppose it's the sad truth that at this time…I'm the only one left of my kin." I explain, feeling a jab of sadness in my gut at speaking the words out loud.
Her mouth falls open slightly as her eyes grow sad. "I'm so sorry." she whispers. "I should not have asked." she apologizes, but stops when I hold up my hand, and smiling at her slightly, to show that no harm is done. "There is nothing to be done about it now. I can only make myself useful now and hope to be remembered when my time has come."
Éowyn says no more for a moment, surely caught up in her thoughts. Just when the silence was about to grow awkward, she smiles slightly. "I'm sure you will be remembered my lady. Though I do not what you are and it matters little, you as a person caught my attention. You see, I can tell that you are a great warrior and have earned your place among your companions. They show great trust in you. I look up to you my lady, for I would very much like to be in your position. I hope to prove myself as a fighter as well." she confesses, making me look up at her in slight awe at her forwardness. I never could have guessed that this was the reason why she had been so interested in me.
"Thank you my lady." I say after letting her words sink in. "I realize I have been taking my position for granted. I never knew that someone might be willing to walk in my shoes. Thank you for looking at me thus. I hope you will be able to make your dream come true. If I can help you in any way, I will."
Éowyn beams in glee. "I am glad to have your support. My uncle, though he means well, shelters me from battle. I have been practicing with a sword in secret however." she admits before looking at my shyly. "I'm not very skilled yet though. Would you mind, my lady, to give me some advise?" she asks finally.
I smile at her. I will probably earn the King's wrath when he finds out, that is, if he ever does find out. I nod in consent, finishing my meal. "I suppose I could use a warming up for the battle to come. I'm no teacher in the arts though, but if I can help you even only a little so you may defend your people in what's to come, I will do what I can." I tell her, getting to my feet.
With that said, we find a secluded room, big enough to practice in and away from prying eyes and do what little I can to help improve her swordsmanship, which isn't all that bad if I do say so myself. She has indeed been training vigorously.
The sky grows dark as clouds gather and the sun steadily drops when I make my way outside and fall in pace with my companions as Aragorn strides through the deep to make preparations. "Where were you hiding lass? The elf has been looking all over for you." Gimli says, making Legolas glower at him in embarrassment.
"Indeed I was hiding well if even Legolas' skills were parried." I say jokingly before explaining. "I believe I made myself a new friend, though." Gimli chuckles. "Ah. Leave that to you to make friends when doom threatens." I smile at the dwarf. "Is that not the best time?" I joke.
"We will place the reserves among the wall." Aragorn speaks up, not distracted from his mission. "Aragorn, you must rest. You are no use to us half alive." Legolas scolds his friend. He hasn't sat still for a moment since we arrived has he? I narrow my eyes at the man, silently agreeing with Legolas.
"Aragorn! Therith!" a feminine voice calls out, making me look to see Éowyn rushing up to us. Her face is set in a deep scowl, making me wonder what is bothering her.
"I'm to be sent with the women to the caves." she says upon arrival, glancing my way. She is clearly unhappy with this decision. Now that I understand her drive, I can understand why. "That is an honorable charge." Aragorn tries. "To mind the children, to find food and bedding for when the men return. What renown is there in that?" she continues, not seeing it Aragorn's way.
"My lady, time may come for your bravery without our vigor. Whom then will the people look to for their last defense?" Aragorn asks her, hoping she will back down. She will have none of it though. "Let me stand at your side." she requests him, wanting nothing more than to do just that.
"It is not in my power to command." Aragorn says sternly, knowing he cannot let the King's niece fight with us at this time. She looks towards me for aid, but there is nothing I can do for her at this point. If the King perishes in the coming battle, she will have to lead her people and I know she will do well. However eager she is to fight, to let her barge into a fight of these proportions might prove too much for her right now.
Disappointed, she reels on Aragorn. "You do not command the others to stay! They fight beside you because they would not be parted from you…! Because they love you." she says, her voice filled with emotion as she spits out the confession. I'm startled at her hidden admittance of her affections for Aragorn and she seems to have startled herself as well.
Aragorn says nothing, but only looks at her meaningfully. He does not return her feelings. It is clear now. Realizing this, she backs off. "I'm sorry." she whispers, clearly hurting, before rushing off. I look to the ground. That was painful to watch.