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Aragorn enters the tent and sees a cloaked figure sitting with the king.
Theodin says "I shall leave you alone". He gives a nod to Aragorn as he leaves.
The cloaked figure rises and removes his hood revealing Lord Elrond.
"My lord" Aragorn says in surprise as he gives a small bow.
As Aragorn takes in his face he notices Elrond's eyes seem to hold a new sadness.
"Arwen has taken the ship to valinor" Elrond states "she is now safe from the darkness that threatens all Middle Earth"
Aragorn feels all the air leave his lungs. As he struggles to breathe it feels like a hole has opened in his chest. He knew Elrond had been pushing Arwen to leave Middle Earth but he was still holding out hope that he would see her again. Now he will never be able to feel her arms around him or seek her calm counsel when the weight of his heritage feels too much to bear.
"Take comfort knowing that her light shall now never dim. She will be among her people at the feet of the Valar."
Aragorn nods but still struggles to regain his composure.
Elrond sighs, " when given the choice my brother, your ancestor, choose the gift of Iluvatar, the life of a mortal. Watching him fade and die while I could do nothing is one of the greatest pains of my long life. I could not bear the thought of watching my daughter go through that same pain at your side."
Again Aragorn nods in understanding. But understanding and accepting having never felt so far apart.
"Before she left, she bid me to do everything in my power to aid you in this dark time."
From beneath his cloak Elrond pulls a gleaming sword. "The sword that was broken has been reforged. Anduin the flame of the West forged from the shards of Narsil."
Aragorn knows he must push through his personal pain. There will be time to grieve once Sauron is defeated. And if the worst should happen and Middle Earth falls at least Arwen will be safe.
Aragorn straightens and takes the sword from Elrond with awe.
"Sauron will not have forgotten the sword of Elendil. The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith".
Elrond looks pleased as Aragorn examines the sword and feels its mighty weight. "She is proud of the man you are, and the king you will become. The man who can wield the power of this sword can summon to him an army more deadly than any that walks this earth. Put aside the ranger. Become who you were born to be. Take the Dimholt road"
Aragorn removes his old sword and attaches Anduin to his belt. As he straightens he feels a new determination and hope fill his chest. Arwen never doubted he would be able to carry the burden of kingship even when he felt the weight bearing down on him. He will not let her confidence be in vain.
He nods to Elrond again, this time with his shoulders back and his head held high.
Elrond reaches into his cloak again and this time pulls out a folded piece of paper. "She also asked me to give you a letter. She said it was for the day of your coronation. Keep it with you and let it give you hope and strength."
Aragorn tales the letter with reverence and holds it carefully to his chest.
He takes a deep breath and tucks the letter into his coat. He looks at Elrond " I will do what I must"
Elrond squeezes his shoulder and nods "good".
Eowyn approaches Aragorn in shock as he prepares his horse to leave.
"Why are you doing this? The war lies to the East. You cannot leave on the eve of battle! You cannot abandon the men."
Aragorn looks at Eowyn sadly. “Eowyn”
“We need you here.”
“Why have you come?” Asked Aragorn wearily.
“Do you not know?” Eowyn asks pleadingly.
"It is but a shadow and a thought that you love. I cannot give you what you seek."
Eowyn feels a tear slip down her cheek.
"I have wished you joy since first I saw you."
Says Aragorn as he wipes the tear from her face.
Her look of sadness pains him but he doesn't have the space in his heart for more than grieving the loss of Arwen and determination at what must still be done. He must focus on the task ahead, if he fails he will lose even more people he holds dear.
Sadness and loss fill Eowyn's eyes almost enough to match his own. She turns and leaves without another word.
At first they thought she was dead. Her body seemed lifeless and broken. A small puff of air was the only thing indicating she was still fighting. Eomer refused to leave her side. He had already lost a cousin who was like a brother and an uncle who was like a father. He could not bear to lose his sister.
"Do something!" He screamed at the healers. They had never seen a wound like the one she and Merry bore. All the remedies they tried did nothing against the blackness that still seemed to creep further up their bodies.
Aragorn came quietly to the houses of healing. After so much death and loss he needed to help where he could. He saw Eomer’s face first and the look of utter despair sent his heart plummeting. She could not be dead. The brave woman who would have given him her heart if only he had the space to accept it.
The head healer approached him and saw where he was looking. "Her wound is something we have never seen. Nothing we try has helped. I am worried we will lose her. She has fight, if she did not I think she would have been gone already."
"I can help." Aragorn stated simply. "Please bring me as much athelas as can be found"
"We have a small amount here but I will send others out into the city to fetch more"
"Good" Aragorn said as he rolled up his sleeves and approached Eowyn.
"Please" Eomer begged as he looked at Aragorn with forlorn hope in his eyes. He had seen his friend fight armies, perhaps he could fight death itself.
"I will do what I can but she will also have to fight."
As he tended her Aragorn was struck with awe that this small human had been able to stand up to and defeat the dreaded witch king. But he should not be surprised, he has seen that size and shape have very little to do with bravery or strength of heart.
The first night was the hardest as the cursed wound seemed determined to take her. But with Aragorn's aid she was able to fight it back. Inch by inch the blackness began to fade. Finally after many hours she took a deep breath and seemed to relax, as color came back to her face. Aragorn sits back and looks at Eomer. "The worst is past. She still has a long journey of healing before her but she has beaten the darkness"
Eomer broke down in sobs and clutched at his friend, "Thank you. I don't know what I would have done without her"
Aragorn hugged him back as they both grieved what had been lost and gave thanks for what had been saved.
The aftermath of the battle is overwhelming. Denethor is gone, Faramir his heir is still fighting for his life from injury and fever. The people don't know who to look to as they begin to clean up. There isn't even enough space to fit the bodies of loved ones. The remains of the enemy must all be taken outside the city and burned before disease can spread. The danger is not over, the evil of Mordor is still out there waiting to strike again. As the people begin to despair a whisper of hope starts spreading in the city. "The hands of the king are the hands of a healer". An old prophecy, that tells of the return of the king. The smell of athelas and fresh air seems to be coming down from the top of the city. The smell brings hope to the hearts of the people.
She awoke to quiet. As she opened her eyes she had the faintest memory of someone saying "fight my lady, fight".
She tries to sit up and is immediately overwhelmed with pain from her arm. She lays back down gasping as a healer rushes over.
"Go slowly my lady your wound is still healing"
"What happened? Where is my brother? Did he survive?"
"He sat by your side for days my lady and only left when Lord Aragorn called him to battle"
"To battle?! Is it not over yet?"
"The battle of Pelennor is over my lady and Gondor was victorious with Rohan's aid. My lord Aragorn is leading the army to the black gates to fight Sauron himself"
Eowyn was speechless with shock. They barely survived Sauron's generals; how did he think they could defeat Sauron himself in open battle?
"They will all be killed" she exclaims.
"Do not lose hope my lady" a voice comes from the doorway. Eowyn looks and sees a man with his arm in a sling. "I have witnessed Aragorn heal the sick and bring hope to a city in despair over the last few days. With Mithrandir at his side we should not doubt what he can do"
"And who are you my lord?" She asks
"I am Faramir" he says and pauses.
"The Steward of Gondor." The healer adds.
Faramir looks down, seemingly overcome with sadness.
"Indeed, now that my father is dead. Though I am not yet sure what that shall mean with the return of Lord Aragorn who will be king"
"If he comes back at all" states Eowyn.
The room is quiet
"Now you both need to rest" the healer says softly.
Faramir nods and with a small bow to Eowyn turns and leaves.
Even though she just awoke, Eowyn feels exhausted. She lies back down and falls asleep.
Over the next few days Faramir comes to visit with Eowyn daily. He tells stories of growing up in the city, Eowyn shares of exploring the plains of Rohan. They try to distract each other from thinking about the battle they aren't fighting in and have no news from. Eventually Faramir shares of the difficulty of growing up in his beloved brother's shadow and the disdain of his father. Eowyn shares of tending her aging uncle under the leering gaze of Wormtongue. Each felt trapped in their own way by expectation and duty. Acquaintanceship turns into friendship while they heal and wait for news.
Gandalf places the crown upon his head. Aragorn feels the weight settle upon him. He places his hand over his heart where he has tucked Arwen's letter under his coat. He hasn't read it yet. He is waiting for a quiet moment in the evening when he can read it in private.
There has been scarcely a moment to think over the last few weeks. Since Sauron fell it has been a never ending task of cleaning, healing, grieving, and trying to sort out a kingdom that hasn't had a king in centuries.
He stands and Gandalf gives him a reassuring look. With a deep breath he turns to face the crowd. He closes his eyes and signs
"Et Earello Endorenna utulien
Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta"
He looks about at the faces of friends and brothers in arms and feels a swell of gratitude for those he has fought beside that are still here and will help build a new world. He sees Eowyn and Faramir standing together and is pleased they both look well. He has only had time to briefly stop by the houses of healing and thinks he needs to make time to check with them both. If Faramir is well enough they will need to have a meeting soon. What role does he hope the Steward will play in this new time?
Looking at them together Aragorn wonders if something more than friendship has bloomed between the two. This thought brings a pain to his chest. He had never thought he would be taking on his kingship alone. He always pictured Arwen at his side. Doing this without a partner to lean on feels overwhelming. Glancing at Eowyn he thinks of her strength and envies Faramir a partner like her.
Shaking himself from these thoughts he puts on a smile and continues on.
Later that night after the banquets are finished and everyone else has gone to bed to sleep off the celebration. Aragorn pulls out the letter from Arwen. He opens it slowly and begins to read.
"My beloved,
I am so proud of you on this day of your coronation and I am incredibly sad I could not be there with you. The choice to sail to Valinor was not made lightly. I had hoped to spend the rest of my days by your side. However watching my father succumbing to grief as the shadow of evil seems to keep growing longer over Middle Earth was unbearable. He does not have your strength. I knew you would be able to do what you must and would be able to rule justly without me. Even if it is not what we wanted. Now my hope for you is that you will learn to live in the light. You no longer need to hide who you are. I hope you have many long days filled with joy and even love. Our love will never end but that does not mean there is no room for more. Love is boundless. Your line will no longer be known as the heirs of Isildur but as the heirs of Aragorn. Be well my love and know that I am wishing you all happiness and joy from Valinor.
Forever yours,
Arwen"
Aragorn carefully refolds the letter and holds it to his chest. He cannot hold back his sobs and cries himself to exhaustion before falling into a dreamless sleep.
Eowyn looks around her new room in the house that has been given to the Rohirrim who had stayed in the city. Faramir had left the houses of healing a week ago and she is glad to be staying near her brother and countrymen again. She misses her daily visits with Faramir but the city needs to be rebuilt and he was one of the people needed to make that happen. She had just wandered out into the common area when a maid announced that she had a visitor. As she looked over, Faramir came through the door.
"I am glad to see you, my lord. You look well"
"As do you, my lady. I wanted to come and see how you were settling into your new quarters."
"They will serve me well. I am glad to be out of the houses of healing. The healers were very good at their jobs but it will be nice to not be constantly coddled and watched over."
"Indeed I don't think I could take another person suggesting I should sit down for a bit." he said with a chuckle.
"How is the rebuilding going?"
Faramir sighed "slowly, as can be expected, but everyone wants their parts of the city tended to first. The lowest tier is almost completely destroyed and those who managed to survive just want to go home. It will be some time before parts of the city are livable again. And even then it may be that once people return they may not be able to stand the memories that will live in those places"
"To survive does not mean there won't be scars, especially unseen ones"
They look at each other knowingly.
"Well." Faramir says as he straightens "if you need anything while in the city please just ask."
Eowyn nods "I appreciate that. I do not need much. Mostly as my body heals I am starting to feel restless."
"Once you have been cleared by the healers there is more work then people. We can find you something to keep you occupied."
"I am sure you can."
"Speaking of which, I must go meet the king to discuss the south wall. Good day my lady"
"Good day my lord"
As Faramir turns to leave, Eomer walks through the door.
"Good day Lord Faramir is there anything I can do for you"
"Good day Lord Eomer. I am just on my way out, I only stopped by to check that Lady Eowyn was settling in alright."
"That is very generous of you my lord. Thank you"
The men give each other a nod and Faramir goes out the door.
Eomer turns to Eowyn with a quizzical look on his face.
"A personal visit from the Steward, to see how you are settling in, hmmm. Should I be expecting a specific chat with Lord Faramir soon?"
Eowyns rolls her eyes and gives him an exasperated look "it isn't anything like that. We are friends, nothing more."
"Does he know that?"
"Of course he does. Waiting to find out if all of our loved ones have succeeded in saving the world, or if everyone is dead with us soon to follow does not lend itself to romance."
"Hmmm, the heart doesn't always follow logic, but if you say so. Just, be careful. I don't wish to see you in more pain than you have already endured. You deserve happiness."
"No one deserves happiness, anymore than anyone deserves sorrow. We just must learn to live with what is dealt to us."
"We'll be that as is it may, do try to give me a heads up before anyone comes asking me for your hand"
"I will endeavor to keep you informed dear brother"
"See that you do" he said with mock seriousness.
Aragorn looks out over the plains of Pelennor in the quiet of the evening. It had been another long day of meetings and councils. He wished he could just vanish into the woods for a short bit, but now was not the time. As he sighs he hears the brush of shoes on stone.
"Were you alerting me to your presence or has Gimli been rubbing off on you?"
"You seemed deep in thought and I didn't want to startle you." Legolas says as he approaches.
"Just wondering how far I could ride and still make it back in time to meet Faramir in the morning."
"You don't mean that"
"No I don't. It's just, I never thought I would be here without her strength beside me. I should be happy she is forever safe beyond these shores unlike so many in this city, but I can't help but grieve for the loss."
"We can feel many things at once, happiness can come with sadness, anger with relief. Grief is something we must feel for there to be healing."
"Thank you my friend. I will try to take that to heart."
"And anytime you wish to go for a ride I will help distract the guards"
Aragorn's face breaks into a large grin as he claps Legolas on the back.
"I will take you up on that"
Faramir drops a paper on Aragorn's desk.
"The report on the progress of the repair work to the houses on Peddlers Lane. They are almost ready for habitation. Just need a few more dry days for the mortar to set."
"Thank you. That is good news. It will lessen the crowding in the third level refugee camp."
"Yes, and then work can start on the new gateway on the second level."
Aragorn gives a frustrated sigh.
"I am still not sure how best to tackle the issue with the Masons Guild"
"You should speak to Eowyn about it"
"Eowyn?" Aragorn asks in surprise.
"Yes she dealt with something similar not long after Theoden first fell ill. Theored and Eomer were off on a hunt so it fell to her to sort out."
"How do you know this?"
"She told me about it while we were in the houses of healing. There was not much to do besides talk of the past and worry for the future"
Aragorn feels something like envy in his chest, he would not call it jealousy.
"You became close during that time?" Aragorn asks.
"We did. Our lives have shared many common themes. We both know what it is to live in another's shadow and to be left behind to do all the hard work with no glory to be gained."
"The work we do now does not bring glory but is needed. Do you feel burdened by the role of Steward?"
Faramir pauses with a considering look on his face.
"I was never supposed to be Steward. According to my father nothing I did amounted to anything. There may not be glory in overseeing the fixing of roofs but seeing each family that gets to return to a home...that feels more important than anything I have done up until now."
Aragorn studies him silently for a moment.
"I am glad you have decided to take on the role. Your knowledge of the city has been invaluable. And I hope that in the future if we work together we both may be able to go out into the wilds to seek a little glory, or at least come back needing to take a bath."
Faramir chuckles "I would like that"
"Good" Aragorn states. "I will go speak to Eowyn about the masons tomorrow. I have been meaning to check in and see how she is doing anyways”
“She would be glad to see you. I think she is starting to feel cooped up. Especially as Eomer prepares to return to Rohan”
“How do you have time to do all the work and still woo a maiden?”
Faramir blushes “No my lord, we are just friends. We have a bond not formed in battle but from waiting to hear the outcome of another's”
Aragorn looks surprised. “Forgive me, it was an inappropriate question to ask.”
“I know many are speculating, people are looking for any possible good news they can find, and what is not good news but new love. Especially when so many have lost theirs.” Faramir looks at Aragorn with a knowing look.
Aragorn pushes himself up and says “Right, well then I guess I don't have to warn you that she is an abysmal cook”
Faramir laughs out loud. “That doesn't surprise me. Come let's get some food from the excellent citadel cooks.”
“The king is here to see you my lady”
Eowyn rises in surprise at the maid's words.
“Show him in please”
She hasn't seen him but from a distance since the first few days in the houses of healing. She knows he is busy but has still felt some hurt that he hadn't even sent a note until now. She knows he can never be to her what she might have hoped but they had grown close had they not?
As he comes into the room she thinks he looks well but there is a tiredness to his eyes and a tightness to his jaw that were not there before.
“Forgive me, my lady. I had meant to come see how you were doing well before now.”
“Have have become a king, your time is not your own anymore”
“Still it is no excuse to not check in on a friend who has fought back death.”
Eowyn dips her head in embarrassment at hearing her healing put so.
“I believe you did much of the healing work my lord”
“None of it would have worked if you did not have the strength to fight the cursed wound.” Aragorn says simply.
“I may be hale but I am not yet hearty my lord. The healers say all is well but I feel as weak as a newborn lamb”
“It takes time to return to full health, but I am glad you are doing well. However that is not the only reason I have come to visit”
“Oh, my lord?”
“Faramir tells me you may have some insight into a problem we are having with the masons guild.”
“I know nothing of masonry but tell me what the problem is and we will see if I live up to Lord Faramir’s esteem”
Aragorn gives a small smile and describes the issue.
“Aw, I see. Faramir is referring to the story I told of the leather workers. Yes I can see that the situations have some similarities. Come sit and I can explain my thoughts.”
Aragorn comes and sits at a small table while Eowyn calls for tea.
She then proceeds to explain a complex story of politics and personality which she navigated with grace and insight. As she finishes Aragorn simply says,
“Be on my council.”
Eowyn looks taken aback.
“I thought you only sought my advice on the issue of the masons?”
“That was indeed my original purpose but it is clear to me that yours is a voice I need in more than one area of this city.”
Eowyn is quiet for a moment.
“May I think about it my lord.”
“Or course my lady. It is no small task at the moment and I know it may not be the work you would choose for yourself but I need as many thoughtful, intelligent people at my side as I can get”
“I will have an answer for you in a few days”
“Thank you my lady”
Aragorn rises to go, as he is almost at the door he turns.
“A small group has started morning exercises in the training yards. Many are recovering from various wounds so we are starting light. You should join us. Bring your sword and build your strength back up.”
“Thank you my lord.” Eowyn say sincerely, “that sounds…good”
“I hope to see you there, whether your answer is yes or no to the council.” With a small bow Aragorn turns and leaves.
Both feel a small flicker of what might be hope in their chests.
Two mornings later, Eowyn enters the training yard quietly. Faramir who is speaking to Aragorn is the first to spot her.
“Eowyn!” He exclaims as he comes over “you are joining us for exercises?”
She glances at Aragorn who seems to have a pleased look on his face.
“His majesty invited me. Though I may not make it through more than a pass before needing to rest”
“Well then you would be doing better than I was on my first day back. His majesty and Lord Legolas seem to be the only ones to have made it through the battles with barely a scratch on them.”
“For me it was due to superior skills, Aragorn was merely lucky” Legolas jests from across the yard.
“Tell that to the orc who would have had your head if not for me” Aragorn hollers back.
“Yes yes you are both big strong men, now can we get to it? I am hungry for breakfast and the faster this is done the faster I can eat.” grumbles Gimli as he picks up his ax.
Eowyn thinks it is good to see the friends teasing each other. It gives her some hope that maybe she will be able to find humor again.
Eowyn works with some others that are just returning to practice doing simple strengthening exercises and sword figures. After only a half hour she is drenched in sweat and breathing hard. But it feels so good to move her body with purpose again. As she takes a moment to catch her breath she looks around the yard. There are about 20 men in all, in various stages of recovery and strength. Faramir is sparing with Gimli. She has never seen him fight before his injury so can't speak to how far he has come but he seems to be moving well. It makes her glad to see her friend so improved.
She looks over to where Aragorn and Legolas are sparring. Faramir was correct in saying they look like they haven't spent a day not training. The speed and precision of their movements is mesmerizing to watch. Aragorn looks the calmest and most relaxed she has ever seen him. For all that he now bears the burden of kingship, having the threat of Sauron lifted from his shoulders makes him seem lighter. Legolas manages to sweep his legs out from under him and he crashes to the floor. The Gondorians in the courtyard go quiet, until Aragorn's full body laugh rings out as Legolas gives him a hand up. The Gondorians relax but seem uneasy with the idea of their king being thrown to the ground in a sparring match.
“Well I guess that is it for me today my friend” Aragorn says as he slings his arm around Legolas shoulders. This seems to be the cue for everyone else to start cooling down.
As Eowyn wipes her brow she hears someone approaching.
“I am glad you came my lady.”
She turns to find Aragorn standing near her. The sight of him so near rumpled and sweaty from sword practice nearly takes her breath away.
“Thank you for inviting me, my lord.” she says quietly.
“Have you had a chance to think of my other invitation?”
“I have my lord” Eowyn says with a pause, “I will accept the invitation to the council, though I still do not know when I might return to Rohan.”
“Gondor will benefit from your council for as long as you are willing to give it.”
Eowyn nods, and they looked quietly at each other for a moment.
“We meet daily for now while dealing with reconstruction. Hopefully that will lessen as the city heals. Do you know where the council chamber is?”
“I can show you my lady” said Faramir as he approached. “I can escort you from the Rohan house this afternoon if you would like.”
“That would be much appreciated my lord”
“Aragorn! Come on, I am starving” shouts Gimli from across the yard.
Aragorn chuckles, “I will be right there my friend”
He gives Faramir a clap upon the back and looks at Eowyn. “I look forward to seeing you later.”
Eowyn watches as he goes to join Gimli and Legolas.
“Come, let's get some breakfast ourselves.” Faramir says.
Eowyn tears her gaze from Aragorn and smiles at Faramir. “Yes, lets”
Aragorn keeps glancing at the door as each councilor comes in. He is unsure how some of the older council members from Denethor's time will react to a woman joining them. Let alone a woman from another country. Gondor has been too comfortable doing the same thing for generations. It is time for some changes and the sooner the old guard figures that out the better.
He glances at the door again just as she walks in. She looks well, he thinks. The practice this morning seems to have returned some color to her cheeks. She was always a beautiful woman but now she carries herself with a different sort of grace. Facing death head on has a powerful effect on people.
Faramir shows her to a seat midway down the table. Aragorn notices some confused looks from the older councilors. He stands to address the group.
“Before we get started today I wanted to introduce our newest member. Lady Eowyn of Rohan.” He gestures to her with a small bow. “I for one look forward to her thoughts on the many problems the city is now facing.”
He turns to look at faramir “My Lord Faramir can you please report on the repair work to the second gate.”
And with that he leaves no space for any questions regarding Eowyns joining the council.
Eowyn spends most of her first council meeting just listening and trying to get a sense of the issues as well as the personalities of the group. There seem to be two factions on the council, those who want to return everything to the way it was, led by Lord Ulf, and those who want to see changes both to the reconstruction and the policies of the city led by Lord Faramir. Aragorn seems to mostly agree with Faramir but does his best to listen to the old guard. Looking at the body language around the table he has a lot more work ahead of him if he wants to win them over. Her presence certainly isn't helping matters.
As the meeting comes to an end Aragorn catches her and indicates for her to hold back as the others leave.
“What do you make of it all?” He asks her.
“You have your work cut out for you.”
He chuckles and nods.
She continues “Inviting me to join will not have made that work easier.”
“Maybe so but I am hoping some fresh perspectives will make the work better in the long run.”
“Perhaps,” she says “but you should keep an eye on Lord Erikson.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I would not like to be caught with him alone at night. He has a face that seems pleasant but he could not hide all his displeasure when Lord Faramir was talking. Was he close to Denethor?”
“He was” Aragorn is surprised she picked up on that after only one meeting.
She continues “I think he was hoping to keep Faramir under his wing, he was not expecting you and the Steward to get on so well.”
“Hmm, I shall have to think about that. None of them were prepared for Faramir to become Steward at all let alone so soon. Then with the long forgotten king returning they are all on edge for where their power and influence will lie.”
“Which makes them potentially dangerous.”
“Thank you” he says simply
“For what? Pointing out your peril?”
“No” he chuckles “for joining the council. I know this role is not one you would have sought out yourself but your experience aiding your uncle is valuable”
“It isn't a role I would have chosen but being asked to do it instead force to out of need is very different. And without the leering gaze of Wormtongue” she gives an involuntary shudder.
In a serious tone Aragorn says “I hope you know this is not a demand, you are free to leave at any time. I would not have you feel you have escaped one cage just to be in another.”
Eowyn gives him a soft look “Thank you my lord, I appreciate your concern.”
Faramir looks into the council room as he passes the door. He sees Eowyn and Aragorn standing close in quiet conversation and he wonders.
Eowyn gives a small knock as she steps into Aragorn's office. He looks up from a pile of papers and gives her a smile.
“I have the report from the master masons” she says as she hands him a folder.
“Excellent”
She sits as he begins to skim the file.
“I will need to read through this in more detail but so far this looks like excellent work. Thank you for saving me from trying to figure this out on my own.”
“I am sure you would have managed just fine my lord, but I am happy to help.”
At that moment a maid comes in with a tray and sets it on a small table by the window. “Shall I bring in another tray my lord?” The maid asks
Aragorn looks to Eowyn “Would you care to have lunch with me my lady?”
Eowyn looks at his open face and agrees.
“Yes please Birla, thank you very much.”
They both sit quietly while they wait for the other tray.
Aragorn studies her as she looks out the window and thinks she looks particularly lovely today.
“You seem well.” he says.
“Indeed, I am feeling well. The morning practices are feeling better each day. It is good to push myself.”
“And your spirits?” he asks
She pauses and looks out over the plain “I miss my uncle, I had only just gotten him back then to lose him again. Eomer and the others are set to return to Rohan within the week. The house will feel so empty.”
“Do you wish to join them?” he asked quietly
“No I don't think so,” she said thoughtfully. “The golden hall has not felt like a home for many years. Eomer is sure to make changes, but I don't know that I would want to live there again. There are too many dark memories”
Aragorn nods in understanding “I don't think I could go back to Rivendell for many years, the memories of Arwen would be too painful.”
She looks at his care worn face and reaches across the table to place her hand on his. “We shall both need to strive to create new memories in Gondor. Not to forget the old but to grow from them.”
Aragorn looks at her hand on his then raises his eyes to her face. “Well said my lady.”
Just then Birla returns with another tray.
Aragorn picks up his glass and raises it in a toast. “To new memories.” Eowyn clinks her glass with his as she repeats “To new memories”
Aragorn finds himself inviting Eowyn to join him for lunch before meetings more and more. Her insights into the problems facing the realm have been invaluable. Her humor and wit have brought a new light to his days. He finds he does not spend as much time thinking about escaping to the woods anymore.
Eowyn watches Faramir talk with a striking woman across the courtyard after morning practice.
“Is my steward falling for the madam of one of the top brothels in the city?” Aragorn asks as he comes up beside Eowyn.
“I believe he is my lord. She has been helping with the refugees but they have been spending more and more time together.”
“I am glad for him. He deserves to find some happiness.”
“If I may say so my lord, so do you. I know your heart belongs to another but that does not mean you can't find a different happiness.”
Aragorn turns to look Eowyn full in the face. She is still sweaty and red from her excursions, and there is a lightness to her eyes he has not seen since the celebration after Helm's Deep.
“Do you think it would be fair of me to seek that out even if part of my heart will always be in Valinor?”
Eowyn's heart rate quickens.
“I think there are many kinds of love my lord, and the heart can never have too much.”
They look at each other and Eowyn does not want to let her heart hope.
“My lady…” he begins to say when someone across the yard shouts for his attention.
As he turns to look, Eowyn slips out of the yard. She would rather not know what he was going to say then find out he would again tell her his heart could not be hers.
Aragorn sits by the fire. It is late, later than he intended but he cannot seem to sleep.
Every time he closes his eyes he sees her face. Not the face of his beloved Arwen, but Eowyn's face. Her face of determination, as she makes her point in a council meeting. Her laugh, as she talks with Faramir. Her face, full of strength and excitement after a morning training. He did not think he would ever be able to open his heart to love again. But maybe he just needed someone who would lay siege to it until he could no longer keep it closed.
May I have a word in private, your majesty?” Faramir asks.
“Of course. What is it, my lord?”
“Since her brother has returned to Rohan I feel it falls on me to ask what your intentions are with Lady Eowyn? I have noticed the growing closeness between you. I would not want her to experience more pain than she already has.”
“It has never been my intent to cause her any pain.”
“Then my lord if you do not intend to pursue her you must step back. It is not fair to let her hope bloom if you cannot give her your heart.”
Aragorn looks pained as he says “I hardly know my own heart. I had planned to be with Arwen for the rest of my days. I have always admired Lady Eowyn's strength and bravery. I am only just coming to terms with ruling without a queen by my side. Is it just loneliness spurring my feelings? When we first met I wondered if her feelings for me mostly came from seeing me as a way out of the darkness she was living in. Can we ever be enough for each other just as we are?”
Aragorn braces his arms on the table and heaves a sign.
Faramir comes closer and puts his hand on Aragorn's shoulder.
“Talk to her. Keeping you both wondering will just hurt more in the long run”
“I suppose I should take the advice of my Steward” Aragorn huffs.
“You have a very wise one my lord” Faramir teases.
In the last week Eowyn has started sparring again. Feeling her strength return has done much to improve her spirits. She watches Aragorn spar with Gimli across the training yard. She knows his heart can never be completely free but watching him grow into his role as king in council meetings and still seeing the ranger devoted to his friends in the training yard has only deepened her feelings. The man she met in Rohan is only one facet of this beautiful captivating man.
Legolas approaches her.
“Would you care to spar my lady?”
Eowyn gives him a dubious look. “Only if you promise to go easy on me my lord. I have only just returned to full sparring.”
Legolas gives her a friendly smile “Come now, you may surprise yourself.”
“Says the elf” Eowyn mutters, louder she says “come my lord, let's see how this goes.”
Eowyn and Legolas face off against each other. She knows he will be more agile and has a longer reach.
Eowyn starts aggressive and moves right in trying to get past his guard. He lightly springs backs but keeps more space between them than there had been.
He makes some quick feints that she is barely able to keep up with. She manages to catch his blade and binds it into a high position. If they had daggers she might have been able to nick him on the side before he disengages and spins away.
They continue until Eowyn is breathing hard. As she regroups Gimli catches her eye and sticks the butt of his ax out into their fighting area. Eowyn gives a small grin and rushes Legolas with a yell. Legolas skips back and trips over Gimli's axe. Anyone else would have fallen down but in the short time it takes him to right himself Eowyn has her sword at his chest.
He lets his sword drop and glares at Gimli.
“What? You should really look where you are going.” Gimli says innocently. Eowyn laughs and shakes hands with Legolas.
Aragorn has been watching from the side lines. He is struck dumb by the sound of her laughter. It isn't until he hears it that he realizes she hasn't laughed like that since before Helms Deep. He is glad but wishes he had been the one to make her face light up. He wants that, he wants more. He wants every one of her looks to be his.
Aragorn approaches the group. Legolas glances at his face and gives Gimli a nudge. “Come my friend, let's get cleaned up and eat.”
“What's the rush?” Demands Gimli. Legolas gives him a pointed look and nods towards the approaching Aragorn.
“Oh right, yes, umm, let's go then. Good day my lady.”
Eowyn gives them a nod and turns towards Aragorn.
Her smile turns to puzzlement as she sees a new look on Aragorn's face. As she is trying to puzzle it out, he takes her face in both his hands and kisses her fiercely. At first she is surprised then she relaxes into his kiss and slips her arms around his neck. He deepens the kiss. She realizes what his look had been, it had been hunger.
By the time they pull apart the training yard is empty.
“My lord” she breathes “what….”
“I could no longer stand watching you laughing and teasing others without knowing you were mine.” He pauses and says softly, “will you be mine Eowyn? I know standing at my side will not be easy, but I feel with you there we can accomplish anything.”
“I was not who you planned to have at your side. That hasn't changed.”
“No it hasn't. But that was a different future, one I shall always think of fondly. But with you, it is real and not a dream. With you we can make a new future, one in which we rule together, and share a life together. You are the queen I need. You, Eowyn.”
A tear slips down her cheek and Aragorn brushes it away with this thumb.
“The last time I made you cry, I said I wished you joy. Let me make up for those tears, let me be the one to bring you joy.”
Eowyn smiles and nods her head as she leaps to embrace him.
Aragorn lifts her off her feet and spins her around.
When he sets her down and pulls back they smile at each other.
Eowyn has spent many years with nothing in her future to look forward to. Now she cannot wait to see what is to come.
The end