- - CALINA - -
As if on cue, the very man in question walked in from a nearby corridor. His eyes turned wide at the sight of her. Then, without even the slightest care of the others present, he ran to her and embraced her fiercely. They parted, and the widest of smiles broke out across both of their faces.
"My dear Calina…" Boromir said, carefully holding the side of her face, "I thought I had lost you."
She leaned into his hand, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."
"Sit down. I'll get you something to eat." After an affectionate thumb to her cheek, he bolted off from where he'd come.
"With your reunion aside, we still have much to discuss." The King said from his throne.
"I beg your pardon, my Lord." Calina curtsied before hastily making her way to the others. No sooner did she sit down did Boromir reappear with a bowl of soup in hand. He smiled and set it down in front of her before coming to stand beside Aragorn, waiting for the counsel to continue.
It was then Calina noticed two children, a boy and a girl, seated at another table devouring their own soup. A beautiful woman stood beside them. While the children looked nothing short of utterly haggard, the woman wore a beautiful thick navy dress, her hair pulled back into a long braid with a golden circlet resting on her blonde hair.
Gandalf had since returned to his seat beside the King. He then gestured to the woman, "Calina, this is Éoywn. She is the niece of the King." They both smiled and nodded to each other before Calina contentedly enjoyed her soup as she listened to discussion, "The wrath of the Wildmen is only a taste of the terror that Sarumon will unleash." Gandalf proclaimed, "All the more potent for he is driven mad by the fear of Sauron. Ride him out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight."
Aragorn paused in his smoking, "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their King."
Théoden rose from his throne and stepped down from the dias, pacing, "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now! Éomer cannot help us." He then turned back to Gandalf, who had also risen from his chair. Théoden's expression was hard, "I know what it is that you want of me. But I would not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not." Aragorn said boldly.
The King then strode over and stood before the ranger, "When I last looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was King of Rohan."
Gimli then burped loudly. Calina glared at him, spoon in hand. The Dwarf only paused in his eating to wash his food down with a drink from his tankard and wipe his mouth with the back of his hand. Calina huffed, shaking her head at his antics.
"Then what is the King's decision?" Gandalf asked.
"We will make for Helm's Deep. Seek refuge there. Hama," A bearded man stepped out from nearby at having been summoned, "Tell the people we are to depart immediately. Let us waste no time." The man then nodded and walked from the great hall, set on his task.
.
"Helm's Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their King?" Gimli boomed as the Fellowship followed Gandalf as he hurried off to the stables.
Aragorn strode beside the wizard with the others in tow, "He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past." The ranger commented.
The wizard turned, facing the ranger directly, "There is no way out of that ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he is leading them to safety, but what he'll get is a massacre. Théoden has a strong hold but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan." All of them looked at Gandalf with their own level of unease before following after him into the stables. "He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."
"They will hold." Aragorn replied resolutely.
Gandalf then turned to the white horse in the stall behind him. He placed his hand on the animal's neck, "The Grey Pilgrim. That is what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth and now, I have no time." He then mounted the horse, looking down to them all, "Look to my coming, at first light, on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east."
"Go." Aragorn said.
Gandalf then urged the horse forward and out of the stable. The others hurried after them and watched as they bolted down the main road and out of the city. Their eyes followed after them until they were nothing more than a speck in the distance.
.
A couple hours later they were all on horseback heading across the countryside along with the entire population of Edoras. Calina had been granted a horse at her brother's insistence. Though the siblings were riding side by side, Boromir's concerns persisted, "You are sure you are well? The wound isn't causing you trouble?"
Calina rolled her eyes deeply, "Yes, Boromir. I'm fine, I promise. The healer said it was doing well." She said in an effort to comfort her brother's endless fretting over her well being.
Though he did not look entirely convinced, he did not press the issue further. "I will let you know if I need anything." To this comment, Boromir finally seemed satisfied. She then changed the topic, "Have you and Aragorn discussed his return to Minas Tirith? Will he take his place as King?" She asked.
To this, her brother's brow furrowed, "He is uncertain. Why that is, I cannot say." They both looked ahead towards the ranger in question, who was riding beside the King.
"He is not immune to self-doubt." Haldir said, having come to walk beside them. The duo looked at him as he continued, "He has blamed himself for many of the Fellowships' misfortunes. He questions himself and doubts his wisdom."
"But nothing that happened was his fault." Calina assured.
"Be that as it may, he cannot yet see it so." The Elf said while looking up to her. "But there is still time yet for that to change."
"Let us hope so." Boromir added. He then looked to his sister, "So tell us. What happened at the riverbank?" Her eyes glassed over at the memory. Calina then told them the story, looking ashamed all the while. "Do not be upset with yourself." Boromir insisted at the conclusion of the tale. "You did all you could to help the little ones. All that matters is that we're all alive and well."
She hummed in response, "It seems we are setting up camp for the evening." Calina suddenly declared. Sure enough, ahead of them the other refugees had stopped beside a small stream, beginning to lay out blankets and set up fires.
They pulled their horses to a stop when they arrived. Calina hardly had time to swing her legs around before Boromir popped up in front of her, "Let me help." He said from below, arms outstretched to help her off the horse.
She did not argue and let him help, "Thank you." She said sincerely.
With her now safely on the ground, Boromir smiled. "I will return. I am going to speak with the King and then bring back something for us to eat." She gave him a smile accompanied by a wave as he went.
"I am surprised you are allowing him to dote on you." Haldir commented as he came up beside her.
She put a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "It puts him at ease. I've caused him enough worry."
The Elf gave a short nod, "Admittedly, he was devastated. I have never witnessed someone so stricken with worry as I had your brother these past days."
Calina clenched her jaw, looking at Boromir from afar as he walked up to Théoden. Guilt washed over her at the thought of the unimaginable distress her brother must have been in during her absence. "I feel awful." She murmured.
Haldir put a comforting hand on her shoulder, "We are only glad you are still among us. But do try your best to keep out of trouble moving forward. Otherwise you might drive Boromir to an early grave." The Elf said in jest.
She couldn't help but let out a little laugh, "I'm sure I've already given him more than a few gray hairs."
They both then took a seat on the grass as they continued to chat. Gimli eventually arrived and joined them. By this point, fires were lit and the sun was beginning to set. "Oh boy." Gimli said suddenly. Calina and Haldir followed his gaze. They landed on Aragorn and Éowyn a short distance away. The shieldmaiden had handed the ranger a bowl of stew and they talked for quite some time.
"She has taken a liking to him." Haldir said plainly, for both he and Calina had been able to hear their conversation clearly.
"She is setting herself up for heartbreak. Aragorn's heart belongs to Arwen." Calina commented as she recalled all of Aragorn and Éowyn's previous interactions.
Haldir eyed her curiously. Calina eyed him back, "The Evenstar made it obvious. That, and I've seen the way they look at each other." They watched her expression dip a little as she began to fiddle with a blade of grass. Haldir and Gimli shared a glance. Fortunately, it was here that Boromir returned, two bowls of stew in hand, steering the conversation elsewhere.
"I apologize Haldir, Gimli. I would've brought more if I had more hands." He stated.
Gimli stood, "It's alright, laddie. I'll fetch it."
"Don't take Éowyn's." Boromir added hastily, making a face of distaste. Gimli nodded in thanks before heading off.
Calina carefully took the bowl from her brother. "Is her stew really that bad?" She inquired, carefully blowing the steam off her spoon.
"The look Aragorn gave me said more than enough." Boromir said as he sat down beside her. "By the way, Éomer said you gave him your true name when you met. Why?"
She waved her hand in front of her open mouth, the stew still very hot, "I honestly don't know. It kind of just came out. I blame it on the fever."
Gimli reappeared with another two bowls of soup in hand. He handed one to Haldir. "Thank you, Gimli." The Elf said as he took the bowl that was offered to him. A smile spread across the Dwarf's face at having been addressed so kindly. He then plopped himself down beside Haldir and began to enjoy his meal. "You were right, Boromir. Aragorn looks like he's about to be sick." To this, they all laughed at the ranger's expense, their pleasant conversation going on well into the night.
Boromir eventually came to stand, "I must be off. I am to assist in the watch."
"As am I." Haldir said, standing as well.
"Let us go then." Boromir said. He waited for Haldir and they walked in tandem to the other side of the camp. To their leave, Gimli and Calina laid out their blankets in hopes of getting some sleep.
Gimli was leaned up against a rock with his ax laid across his lap. "So. How're you holding up, lassie?"
Though his words were simple, they both knew they harbored another meaning. Calina shifted against the ground. "I'm fine. My wound is doing much better now." She said, laying down nearby, picking at the dirt with a fingernail.
He opened and closed his mouth a number of times before landing on the right words, "That's not what I meant, but I'm glad to hear it nonetheless." The Dwarf paused, "He'll be back, you know. It's just a matter of time." Gimli settled himself further against the rock, trying to get comfortable.
Her eyes landed on the Dwarf and she studied him, her face now marred with despondency. "How can you be so sure?" Calina said weakly, pulling her blanket tight around her.
"Because sometimes things must fall apart before they can come together. And while Legolas is as stubborn as they come, he will come to his senses."
There was a pause. "That was very wise of you." She eventually said with a small smile.
"I've been known to have my moments."
She couldn't help but giggle and let her dismay trickle away. She then settled further against the ground, "Goodnight Gimli."
"Goodnight lassie."
.
They rose with the sun early the next morning and continued their journey. Though it was slow going, everyone was in fairly good spirits. As the day rolled along, they all couldn't help but notice Éowyn and Aragorn walking side by side, talking while they each led a horse along by the reins. This time, none of them commented.
'I think I've seen enough.' Calina thought as she motioned her horse forward.
Boromir called out to her, "Where are you going?"
"To check in with Haldir." She answered, trotting away to the front of the column.
As she departed, she could hear Gimli work to console her brother, "Relax, laddie. She's fine."
She carried on. It didn't take her long to reach the front of the group. Haldir had stopped at the peak of a hill while two of the King's most trusted men, Hama and Gamling, were even further ahead. Calina approached the Elf and pulled her horse to a stop beside him. Haldir and Calina watched as Hama and Gamling disappeared down into the next valley ahead of them.
"See anything worthwhile?" She asked.
"To our good fortune, no." He answered. A sudden scream from the hill beyond caused their heads to snap around, "It would seem I spoke too soon." Haldir said before bolting off.
"Come on Léod." Calina urged the horse forward and they ran after Haldir. Calina had hardly crested the hill in time to see Haldir let loose an arrow into a massive beast as it fought with Gamling. It resembled an enormous grotesque wolf with muddy fur and a terrifying set of canines. On the beast rode an orc rider, who fell victim to Haldir's next arrow. Even from the distance, she could see that Hama had been viciously attacked by the creature, his head crushed as he lay unmoving.
Haldir had run down the hill and quickly retrieved the arrows. He then shouted back up to Calina, "It's a scout! Wargs!"
She hastily forced Léod around and headed back towards the villagers. Upon her rapid approach, the King called out to her, "What is it? What do you see?" Théoden asked, turning his horse towards her.
"Wargs! We are under attack!" She said, pulling her horse to a rapid stop before the King. She could not dampen the volume of her words, and they quickly spread like wildfire amongst the villagers. Panic was quick to ensue.
"All riders to the head of the column!" Théoden commanded. He then looked to his niece, who was next to him getting ready to mount her horse, "You must lead the people to Helm's Deep and make haste."
"But I can fight!" Éowyn said defiantly.
"No! You must do this — for me." The King implored.
Another voice cut in, "Calina!" It was Boromir. He pulled his horse to a stop in front of them as well, "You will go with the people. You are still recovering. You must do this – please." His tone sounded much like that of the King's. Reluctantly, Calina tucked her chin and gave a short nod.
Théoden cut in, "We will see you when the fighting ends. Yah!" With that, the King and Boromir bolted, joining the rest of the men and towards the impending battle.
The two women watched them ride off. Calina watched as Aragorn and Éowyn shared a look before the ranger fully turned and headed into the fray. Calina looked at the love struck women, "We need to go." She murmured.
Éowyn finally turned, "Make for the lower ground!" She called, beginning to jog to the front of the mass of frantic villagers. Calina trotted along after her, watching the last of the men disappear over the hill, their battle cries echoing out across the piercing blue sky.
"Come! This way." Éowyn instructed, leading the people away from the battlefield. Driven by panic and the close presence of danger, the peoples' pace had quickened. This energy went on for some time until they had woven their way between a number of large hills and the sounds of battle had faded away.
Having resumed a normal pace and now a safe distance from the battle, Éowyn eventually came to walk beside Calina at the head of the group, "How is your wound?" She asked.
"Better, thanks for asking."
"Your brother wouldn't let you fight because of it."
"Yes, but he was right. It isn't completely healed and he would've been worried about me the entire time, which would've distracted him from battle. And I'd rather he focus on staying alive than wondering if I'm alright." To this, the shieldmaiden did not argue. Calina carried on, "The King worries because he cares about you."
"That doesn't make it any less infuriating." Éowyn added, though her anger was starting to fizzle. For a moment, they walked in silence, a small breeze rustling around them through the rolling hills.
"So," Calina began, "Aragorn." At the mere mention of the ranger's name, a faint blush overcame the shieldmaiden's cheeks. Calina couldn't help but laugh, "You're as bad as me."
"What do you mean?"
"You wear your heart on your sleeve." The humor left her voice and was replaced with somber tones, "It's obvious you've taken a liking to him. But you should know his heart belongs to someone else."
"I know. He told me." This time it was Calina who looked taken aback. Éowyn carried on, "But she is sailing for the Undying Lands with what's left of her kin. Which means there is perhaps hope."
'I didn't know Arwen was leaving.' Calina turned dejected at the prospect of her new friend's departure. After a time, she spoke, "Just because she is leaving these lands doesn't mean she'll so quickly leave his heart."
Éowyn seemed to think deeply on Calina's words. The younger woman then looked up to her, "What about you? Do you have someone who holds a special place in your heart?" Calina's shoulders noticeably slumped, which was all the shieldmaiden needed to interpret the answer to her question.
Calina's hands were now wringing the reins, her eyes getting pulled to the sky as she spoke, "Prince Legolas of the Woodland Realm." She answered. She glanced over Éowyn, whose jaw had sufficiently dropped. Calina was immediately flustered, "Don't give me that look! You're pining after the true King of Gondor."
To that, Éowyn's jaw snapped shut. "Fair." She added with a laugh. "Alright. So what's going on then? Does he know how you feel?"
"I'm… not sure. It's complicated."
Éowyn offered a welcoming smile, "Well, I'm all ears."
Calina hesitated, 'It would be nice to talk to someone outside the Fellowship about this…' Having finally made up her mind, Calina then proceeded to bring Éowyn up to speed on how she and Legolas met, what had transpired over their journey with the Fellowship, and the result of his subsequent betrayal.
At the conclusion of Calina's story, Éowyn remained silent as she contemplated it all. Finally, she spoke up, "I would wager his feelings are mutual." She decided. Calina eyed her, silently asking her to explain. "You said he never bore you any hard feelings to begin with, and over your journey he made an effort to get to know you. That's all without even mentioning how devastated he was about what he'd done."
To the younger woman's deduction, Calina felt her heart lift. "Thank you. I appreciate you listening. It's made me feel a bit better." Calina concluded with a small smile.
Éowyn smiled back, "I am glad."
For an instant, the people just chatted around them, "I just wish he would come back." Calina added quietly, her sadness apparent by the littleness of her words.
"He will. I'm certain of it." Éowyn declared confidently.
From nearby, a joyous voice broke you, "Look! Helm's Deep!" Sure enough, when the two women crested the hill and looked ahead to see that the great keep was at last within their sights. To this, they both let out a sigh of relief knowing they were almost to their safe haven.
.
The mighty fortress was nestled within a great gorge. Calina's neck craned upwards at the towering cliffs on either side of them. "A stronghold indeed." She mused as they made their way through the gate of the outer stone wall.
The entrance was already crowded with locals as well as other refugees. Calina dismounted her horse and patted him on the nose, "Good job Léod." In front of them stood a large stone statue of a strongly built man who was dressed for battle. From nearby, Calina watched two children as they reunited with their mother. She couldn't help but smile at the little moment of joy.
Éowyn was also nearby, assessing their food situation. "Where is the rest?" She asked.
"This is all we could save, my Lady." An old man answered, holding up one of the food carts.
"Take it to the caves." Éowyn ordered.
It was at that moment, the riders from the remainder of their party returned. "Make way for King Théoden! Make way, make way!" Someone called.
Both women hurried over to meet them. "So few. So few of you have returned." Éowyn's words were downtrodden as she spoke them.
Théoden dismounted his horse, grabbing it by the reins, "Our people are safe. We have paid for it with many lives." Boromir, Haldir, and Gimli came in from behind him. Calina felt a wave of relief wash over her at the sight of them. But it was then she realized someone was missing.
"My Lady…" Gimli said, walking to Éowyn.
"Lord Aragorn, where is he?" She asked.
Gimli squeezed the top of his ax, his words shaking, "He fell…"
Shock rocketed across Éowyn's face and her eyes glassed over in a mere blink. She then turned and looked to her uncle in disbelief. The look he gave was regretful, but he soon turned away, pulled into other matters.
"I refuse to believe it." Calina's words surprised them all. "What exactly happened?" She pressed.
"He was pulled off a cliff by a rogue Warg and fell down into the river below." Boromir said gravely.
"Did anyone search for him?" She asked firmly.
"We were instructed to leave the dead." Gimli continued, eyes trailing to the King, who issued the order.
Both Calina and Éowyn looked back at Théoden. His back was to them as he spoke to a few other men. "Until I see his body, I refuse to believe he is gone." Calina declared, folding her arms across her chest. "He's chased me across Middle Earth for over 15 years. Something like that wouldn't do him in."
"Calina…" Boromir began, "the cliff was too high and the river too fast. The chances of him surviving were–"
"He will be back." Calina defended, deadset in her belief. She then turned and went back to her horse, taking him by the reins and leading him to a nearby stable. Boromir ran his hand across his face.
Haldir noticed the man's distress, "She is in denial." The Elf proclaimed.
"Yes and no. Calina has always been one to hold onto hope, even if the odds are slim." Boromir filled in.
To their surprise, Eyown spoke up as well, "No, Calina is right. Lord Aragorn is strong. He will return." While her eyes had glassed over, she managed to push her sorrow away before turning and hurrying off after Calina, both women set in their minds that the ranger would return.