Chapter 12 - Journey under the Shadow

Three days had passed since the host had set out from Edoras. Three days in utter darkness, hearts getting heavier with every mile they put between them and their beloved home. But Éowyn was glowing, her heart almost bursting with happiness. She still rode with the elves, always by her lover's side. Upon the second night Meriadoc had witnessed her helmet falling from her head, revealing her golden hair. "Éowyn," he had whispered in awe. Haldir had almost strangled him when he pressed the promise out of him not to reveal Dernhelm's true self. Éowyn could only laugh at this. After all, should the hobbit wish to give her away, he'd also have to reveal his presence, his presence against the order of the King, which was close to treason. Haldir had glared at her, unable to understand her reaction.

With Meriadoc knowing the truth, the journey became almost pleasant. Even though they were riding in an éored with many riders of Rohan, the group of elves kept to themselves. The men stayed some way off, half-fearing, half-admiring the proud warriors of Lórien and Imladris. So no one noticed the swift meetings of their hands or the glances that the two exchanged. No one except the rider who followed them like a shadow.

After the first night, they now stayed with the other elves. They had never seen their captain like this. He was changed, at least as long as they did not say anything negative about her ... Haldir would hold Éowyn in his arms, watch her in her sleep. He still could hardly believe that this was truly happening. That she was here, with him ... his love, his life. The only one who could touch his heart. To think that she was mortal, that she would leave him forever one day ... the feeling was overwhelming. He pulled her closer to him, unwilling to ever let her go.

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That day they had heard drums all around them. They were now moving through Anórien, last day they had passed the border to Gondor. Wild men lived in these parts it was said, and the proud horsemen were ever watchful. "The Woses," Éowyn told the elves, "they've been living in these parts for ages. They don't hunt us, and this is lucky. For they use poisoned arrows. But I feel that they want something with us. Can you hear; the drums are getting ever closer to us?" And so it was. When they stopped for the night, they were surrounded by the sound of drums.

Fear and worry grew in Éowyn's mind; she needed to know what was going on. She turned to the hobbit. "Meriadoc, would you do me a great favour? I need to know what these drums mean. I myself can't go; the danger that someone could recognize me is too huge. But you, with your elven cloak..." The hobbit bowed, "I will always be grateful to you, my fair Lady. It'll be an honour to do what you wish of me." With that he vanished into the darkness.

Haldir could see the unrest of Éowyn, unable to help her. Inwardly he cursed himself. Why did this have to happen now? War was upon them, maybe the last war ever. And only now did he have to find her. He felt helpless, unable to take the agony off her beautiful face. If anyone were to look at her right now, they would see right away who Dernhelm really was. No longer caring if they were found out about he reached his arms around Éowyn's waist. She leaned against him, resting her weary head against his cheek. "Everything will be alright. You said yourself; these men do not hunt us. They have a different reason for closing in..."

A shadow appeared next to them. A shriek of pain and then something falling to the ground. Éowyn's head spun around. Meriadoc lay at her feet; she herself stared into the flaring eyes of her brother. "Éomer," she whispered. Quickly she withdrew from Haldir's arms, eyes lowered. "I have found your little sentry, sister." Her head snapped up, he knew! "He was unfortunate enough to collide with me as he was crawling back here."

"Let me explain..." Éomer's hand closed around her chin and she gasped in pain. "I don't want to hear your explanations. It's clear that you decided not to be left behind for once. Sister, do you really think we did this because we think you're too weak to fight? We love you! This was done for your safety!" Éowyn's eyes shot bolts of fire at him, "My safety, how dare you talk of my safety! If you'd fail in this battle, what safety could there be for me? None, and you know that. Don't you dare to use it as an excuse, brother!"

Elfhelm had joined them, "My Lord, is everything alright?" Éomer just nodded, "Yes, leave us ... and inform your people that we will leave the road. We will make our path through the hills." The Marshal looked at him puzzled. "The road is held by orcs. Not many, but they would delay us. Minas Tirith is besieged; we need to get there as soon as possible. The leader of the Wild Men is going to lead us." Elfhelm looked startled at the news, but bowed to Éomer and turned on his heels.

Éomer now turned to Haldir, "You, you and your people will leave us here. I don't care where you go, but you'll leave! I thought you were a friend of Rohan, but you really are a thief and a traitor. You should have told me of Éowyn's plan, but instead you seduced her!" He drew his sword, "Go or I will kill you myself. I warned you..." Haldir's hand moved to the hilt of his own sword and only stopped when he felt Éowyn's small hand on his.

"I remember, but you said you would kill him who hurt her. If ever I did I would kill myself before you could even reach me." His voice was filled with anger, Éomer had challenged him, his pride was screaming for revenge. But then he looked into Éowyn's eyes, no; he could not raise his sword against her brother. It would destroy her if he, the one she loved, hurt or even killed Éomer, her beloved brother.

"Éomer, you couldn't have stopped me. Only had you chained me in the prisons of Edoras would I have stayed behind. Haldir knew that it was hopeless to try to talk me out of my plan. But he had one condition, that he would get the horses he had asked for and would be able to ride with me." Éomer was not finished yet, "He seduced you didn't he?" - "I love him," she screamed at him.

By now everyone around them knew who she was. Lady Éowyn, she had come with them. It filled their heart with joy that their proud Shield-maiden was amongst them. They all would willingly give their lives defending her.

"You what? And what of Aragorn? I remember very clearly your tears over the ranger." How could she love the elf, she had told him again and again how arrogant and terrible Haldir was. "I was meant to meet Aragorn as only through him could I recognize the one that was meant for me. The only one who could fill my heart with all the love that is in this world." She reached out for his face, stroking his cheek, "Brother, my feelings for Aragorn were nothing compared to what I feel for Haldir. I have tried to fight my love, but it was stronger. I love him; he's everything to me. Please ... don't hate me for not telling you. But I was so afraid of your reaction."

Slowly Éomer cupped his sister's hand in his, pulling it down to his lips, kissing her fingers softly. "Beloved Éowyn. If this indeed is your destiny who am I to stand in your path. The King must not know of this of course. He'd send you back to Edoras." He swallowed hard and turned to Haldir, eyes still filled with rage. "You will be responsible for her safety. I put her into your hands; she's most precious to me. If anything should happen to her, you will have to answer to me."

For a last time he looked into Éowyn's eyes again, "I have to return now. Make ready to move out. Sister, be careful ... we are less than a day from the outer wall of the Fields of the Pelennor." He drew her into a tight embrace and then quickly broke it and left.

Éowyn stared after him. She could feel Haldir's arms close around her. She sighed, leaning back against his strong body, heard him whisper to her, "Meleth nín. I will hold to what your brother asked of me. Not because of him, but because I could not live without you." She turned around in his arms, her lips meeting his in a passionate kiss. "I will remind you of that, my Lord of Night and Silver," she whispered when she finally broke away. "You shan't forget these words, ever."