Ch. 27 - A little kindness never goes amiss

March 7 TA - Dunharrow

Héohelm charged up the plateau path to the entrance to the cavern.  He quickly dismounted and rushed through the stone entrance which had been left open.  It was asked of Éowyn to leave it open by some of the people who were having troubles with enclosed places.  Dunharrow was a marvel of engineering and well-ventilated but some were still having problems. So the stone door was left open and guards posted at the entrance and one Rider near the Stairs of Hold for early warning.  It was not ideal but Éowyn felt it was important to put her people at ease as much as possible.  

Héohelm saw Aethelred stationed just inside and handed him the reins of Bright Star his mount.  “I must find the Lady Éowyn, quickly.”

“What is happening?” Aethelred asked in a low voice filled with flared urgency.

“Riders approach!”  Héohelm whispered urgently as he tried too quickly to take off his glove on his hand of his injured arm wincing.  “Can you take Bright Star to the stables!”

“Aye!” as he motioned Haling, another of the Riders to take his place at the entrance.

Héohelm ran to find Éowyn and fortunately spied Gamhelm coming out of one of the kitchens.  “Gamhelm!  Do you know where the Lady is!”

“Not precisely, but I can make an educated guess!”

“Good, because riders are approaching!”

Gamhelm’s eyebrows shot up as he placed his mug and plate back inside the kitchen entrance. “Come with me!”

~*~*~*~*~

Éowyn sat at the underground shores of the lake she and Gamhelm had discovered two days previous.  When not consumed with duties she found herself by this lake with its shimmering colors and feeling of tranquility.  It calmed her restlessness; quieted her anxiety.  

Gamhelm entered the lake cavern motioning for Héohelm to wait just outside.  He was about to call Éowyn’s name but was stopped by the sight of the softly shifting light playing upon the peaceful visage of her face.  He was loath to disturb because peace came too infrequently to his daughter-of-the-heart.  Hers was such a beautiful but restless soul.  He sighed.  

“What is it, my friend?” Éowyn spoke with an ever-so-slight resignation in her voice. 

“I am so sorry to disturb, My Lady.  But riders approach.”

That statement rent was left of her peace.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Aragorn approached the Stairs of Hold and looked at the winding upstairs path.  “Shall we all go up.”

Halbarad, his kinsman among the Dunedain stated, “It is our path.  That way we shall go.”  Legolas looked at the Dunedain rider, laconic did not begin to describe the man but that was not always a bad thing.  He smiled a knowing smile at Erithain, “Then let us go that way.” He touched Arod’s flank lightly to spur him to the first smooth stair upon the Hold.

“Careful, lad,” Gimli stated, “It’s a bit narrow!”

Legolas spoke without turning but with a smile in his voice, “Aye, friend Gimli!  That it is! I’ve not dropped you yet and I have no intention of starting now.”

“Aye lad, I don’t doubt you…but it is a long way down.”  Gimli looked at the winding path upwards. 

Legolas smiled, “Aye. it is. But have no fear.”  He heard gruffling and puffling from behind him and felt oddly comforted for those sounds were becoming as dear to him as any elvensong heard among Mirkwood leaves. “Walk on Arod,” and the ascent began.

~*~*~*~*~

Éowyn rushed through the large enclosure near the entrance to the lake cavern as she listened to Héohelm’s report.   “It was not easy to tell their numbers as they rode into view by the route we did. I could not tell their intent from such a scant viewing.”  

Éowyn looked at the young rider with his arm once again in his sling and a face trying desperately hard not to look afeared.  Once more she was stuck by the youth of the boy before her.  He had been thrust into this situation and so much had happened to them all.  She paused briefly, sparing a moment to say, “Thank you, Héohelm.”  She laid a hand on his shoulder and then on his cheek, “You have done very well to alert us to this!”  With an older, more seasoned Rider she would never have attempted such a personal gesture.  He would not have needed it but her riders were young and needed a little more than terse words and immediate compliance that would be expected later on in their service. “Go and gather the other Riders and we shall meet this instance with as much readiness as is possible.”

Héohelm, eyes shining with pride at her words, placed fist on heart and bowed his head, “At once, My Lady!” and sped ahead to complete his task.

Gamhelm tilted his head, looking at Éowyn, “You realise that all your Riders are going to be a little in love with you by the time this is over.”

Éowyn replied, “Pish! A little kindness never goes amiss.  It can’t possibly be mistaken for love!”  She looked at her dear friend.  “Besides who knows when this is end?” she said with a chagrined half-smile.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Having ascended the Stairs of Hold, Aragorn rode onto the path cut into the Firienfeld and for reasons unexplained he felt somehow protected.  It was not unwelcomed; for in many years of traveling throughout Middle Earth, welcome was something that was often in short supply.  Oddity though it was, it was still somehow comforting.  He looked to his left and saw that Legolas’ face held that same peace.  Smiling, he looked around at the strange figures that had been carved so long ago as to look indistinct.  He cast his mind back to the lessons he had with Glorfindel a lifetime ago and even he knew very little about these figures that lined the slightly bent way that led to the caverns.

The three walkers and the members of Grey Company arrived at the closed stone entrance.  Aragorn looked around and shouted “Come out!  We mean you no ill-will!”  Near silence greeted him but for a slight rustle of a branch.  “Come forth!  I am Aragorn, son of Arathorn and friend to the people of Rohan!” 

At this a youngish Rider who could not be more than seventeen winters jumped down from where he had been hiding, a strung bow and knocked arrow at his side.  “Aragorn!”  he voiced as he unknocked arrow from bowstring, “The Lady has often talked of you!”

“The Lady Éowyn?”

“Aye,” came the reply from the young Rider, as if to say “Is there another?”  Aragorn smiled at the apparent love and loyalty this young Rider had for Éowyn.   “Riders, stand down.  We are among friends!”  About nine other riders revealed themselves and met on the path as they unknocked their arrows from bowstrings returning them to their quivers.

Aragorn looked at the lead Rider, “And you are, Sir Rider?”

“I am Háláf, son of Déor!”  Háláf said, head bent, fist on heart.  At this a grinding of door in groove was heard and all looked towards it.   

The door revealed Éowyn arrayed in her corslet and helm flanked by the other fifteen riders.  Aragorn dismounted Brego and knelt.  “My lady Éowyn!” All dismounted and knelt.  

Éowyn had eyes only for Aragorn.  Had she known what love and admiration for this man who seemed to understand her worth was pouring from her eyes she would have flushed red to her roots.  Háláf did notice and looked upon Aragorn with new appreciation of who he was.  

“Lord Aragorn!”  she tried to say in as regal a voice as she knew how but felt she must have failed miserably.  She looked to her Riders, “Stand down, they are friends.”  All the Riders sheathed their swords.  She sheathed her own sword and removed her helm and handed it to Heruling, the closest Rider.  These actions allowed her time to recover some equilibrium.  She stepped forth to greet Aragorn, bending her head in acknowledgement and raising him from his knee.  With noble restraint and manners drilled into her since childhood though some of the lessons had not always found fertile ground, she turned to both Legolas and Gimli extending a hand to each.  “So good it is to see you both as well.”

Legolas bowed, “And you My Lady,”

Gimli said in a gruff but affectionate way, “My Lady!”

Next she beheld two bright and beautiful beings, partially plaited dark hair and radiating a sense of pure joy.  Éowyn smiled despite herself and then she looked upon a hooded rider at the front of the unknown company.  He shook off his hood and she noticed a strong familial resemblance between Aragorn and this older man.  “And who do we have here!”

Aragorn nodded and gestured towards the two bright and beautiful beings.  “These are the sons of Lord Elrond of Imladris.  Elladan,” 

The elf on the right of Legolas bowed his head, “Mae Govannen! My Lady.” as he kissed her hand with an elven flourish. Aragorn just looked at his foster brother, shaking his head.

“And this is his brother, Elrohir!”  Not to be out done by his brother Elrohir dramatically threw one side of his cloak over his shoulder and executed a deep bow and proclaimed "Gîl síla erin lû e-govaded vín" when receiving a confused look from Eowyn, "Forgive dear lady, your beauty stunned me into eloquence,  he followed quickly in Westron, “A star shines brightly upon our meeting!” and also kissed her hand.

Aragorn smiled and shook his head, “Ai Elbereth!  I cannot take you two anywhere!”  

Elrohir smiled impishly,  “It is our great pleasure to discomfit you whenever we can, Muindoreg nin!”*

Éowyn did not understand the last two words but the love and affection behind them was clear for all to see.

Aragorn smiled and again shook his head, sighing.  He then stated, “This is my kinsman from the North.  My uncle, Erithain, son of Dirhael.” 

The older man who bore resemblance to Aragorn touched his head and heart in the way of his people nodding, “My Lady.”  He said in a kindly way, the two words filled with purpose and resolve.  

Aragorn continued, “And the Grey Company. They ride with us to war.”

At the word “war” reality slammed back in Éowyn’s conscience, shattering her bedazzlement upon seeing Aragorn.  “Come inside.” 

“All, My Lady?”  queried Erithain.

“Aye, My lord.  You will find the cavern of Dunharrow a most unusual place.  Follow me!”  She said quietly in a small voice incongruous with her attire.  Aragorn sensed something was amiss and for some reason he did not think that it was the overall danger they found themselves in. He wanted to speak with her but in truth he did not know her that well and did not want to misspeak.  So he mutely followed, aware of unspoken words that weighed heavily on his heart.

They entered and beyond the sloping downward from the entrance they beheld a large antechamber with pathways leading off in various directions.  Following Háláf the young Rider they arrived at a stable big enough on the first level to accommodate the company’s horses.  Aragorn stated, “This is truly a marvel!” as he looked around the stabling.  

“Impressive enough even for Rohirrim horses!”  said a gruff voice.

Aragorn looked at the owner of the voice.  A hale, broad chested man with an earnest and open face.  

“A true compliment if ever there was one.”  Éowyn stated as she rejoined them after talking with Saelith about their guests. Her voice had regained her usual spirit Aragorn noted with happiness. “My Lord, may I introduce, my chief advisor,  Gamhelm, son of Galdor!”

Aragorn bent in acknowledgement.  Gamhelm rejoined, “Or rather, master of his king’s horse.  And longtime friend of My lady.” he said with great affection.  Gamhelm noted a strange tenor in Eowyn's voice as she introduced them and he glanced at the man beside him.  So this was Aragorn, he thought.  Éowyn had spoken of him along the trail and though she was not prone to gushing, as other young noblewomen were, given as they were usually empty-headed ninnys, she had had admiration in her voice when they spoke on the way to Dunharrow.  Gamhelm looked him over and approved of what he saw.   

“And have you known the Lady long?” began the man.

“Since she was a firebrand slip of a girl!”

Aragon nodded sagely. "Even on short acquaintance, I can see your words as truth!"

“If you two are done discussing me!”

Gamhelm had a broad smile on his face and he winked, “See what I mean?”  Aragorn choked back a laugh but Éowyn saw a twinkle in his eyes.  At that moment she wanted to kill both of them.

“I was coming to inform you of a banquet, such as can be provided in captivity,” Éowyn informed them with asperity.  “But I can just as easily set you up in here with the horses!”  

“Nay, My Lady, thank you for your efforts.  We will gladly accept your hospitality.” Aragorn acceded.  Gamhelm watched with amazement as Éowyn’s face mottled with a light red, though not with anger.  That he had seen many times over the years and this was not it.

“Come, then. It is ready.  And after that I have many questions.” She turned on her booted heel to show Aragorn and the others the way. 

Gamhelm overheard the remark said under breath, “You may have questions, but I am not sure I can give many answers…”  So it was with an alarmed heart that Gamhelm attended the sparse banquet.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Even in such times as a war footing, there are joys to be had.  Though the fare was meager by Edoras’ standards the warmth of companionship provided the cheer.   The mead and ale flowed in as much as was advisable.  Háláf was in deep conference with the Lord Erithain hanging on every word he said, Déor observed quaffing his cup of ale.  His pride in his son knew no bounds.  He had blossomed so wonderfully into a leader of men and he knew he had Éowyn to thank for this.  He looked at his lady and friend at this thought and was troubled by what he saw.  After many years of friendship he knew her well and though she smiled it did not reach her eyes.  He moved to speak with her.  “My Lady?  You seem troubled?”

Éowyn looked at her longtime friend, “Do I?  Sorry.  It is nothing.”  Déor looked to where her eyes had drifted.  The Lord Aragorn. The small party had been welcomed into their little enclave and Déor and Saeryth had been invited to the banquet in one of the larger caverns.  

He seemed to his eyes a stern warrior, but also earnest of intent.  Déor had liked him immediately.  “He seems a very worthy man.”

Éowyn replied distractedly, “Hmm…Oh aye, he is.” She abruptly changed the course of conversation. Looking over at Háláf still in deep discussion with Erithain, “I’ve been meaning to tell you how proud of Háláf I am!  He is becoming quite the leader.” She smiled.

“Aye that he has, and we have you to thank for that.” Déor stated.

“Oh, Pish!  I may have held the door open but it was he who did the walking.  You have raised him well.”

“Thank you, but we did have help…”

Éowyn merely shrugged off the comment.

Gamhelm found himself watching Éowyn closely as she spoke with Déor.  Only briefly did she glance at Déor when they were talking.  That was unlike Éowyn who always gave everyone her full attention.  It was the Lord Aragorn who seemed to have it and given the overheard words of the Lord Aragorn after she had departed to make ready the banquet; he worried.  

The evening progressed.  News was heard of how a second battle at the Fords of Isen had been lost and why they retreated to Helm’s Deep.  Éowyn grieved at that news but she rejoiced as she heard of the valorous deeds done at Helm’s Deep.  “The Hammerhand himself must have guided your steps,” she enthused at Aragorn’s words.

Aragorn just smiled, “It was not so certain as it seems now.  To be sure Erkenbrand’s Riders did bring about a change in the tides of battle, but the orcs entered into the suddenly appearing forest and afterwards during the night there was crashing, crushing and thrwumping, ominous sounds. And the orcs were never seen again.”  Éowyn stared.  She had heard the legend of sentient trees told in the Great Hall in the winter at the fireside, “Huorns?”  she whispered, incredulously.  Aragorn nodded, his eyes holding much amazement.  Legends come to life Éowyn pondered, quite the times they were living through.

Legends abounded apparently for also was told that one of the Holbytla, the little folk of childhood stories was traveling with Theoden.  Apparently, her uncle accepted the Holbytla, who was called Merry, into his service as his squire.  From the tales told of him around the table he seemed quite a worthy sort.  Her imagination was piqued at soon meeting of the 'wee folk.'

She grieved when she heard of Hama's loss at the Hornburg. He was one of her favourite doorwarden and always had a ready smile for her whenever she crossed his door.  She knew that Theoden held him in great affection and knew that his sadness would be great, when he had time to grieve.  She thought of her cousin, denied the long grieving that were due the royal family by family and citizenry alike.  He had been well-loved by all and would have made a great king.  She shook herself out of melancholy with the thoughts of the victory of Helm's Deep and that she would soon be seeing her brother and uncle again.

Late into the evening Éowyn regretfully said, because she had truly enjoyed conversing with those who were actually able to be out there and involved, not sequestered away as she was, “Lords, you are weary and shall now go to your beds with such ease as can be contrived with haste,”  She suppressed a sigh, as she was once again performing the womanly duties as Chatelaine, but she soldiered on, “tomorrow fairer housing shall be found for you.”*

“Nay, Lady,” Aragorn demurred, “be not troubled for us! If we lie here tonight and break our fast tomorrow, it will be enough. For I ride on an errand most urgent, and with the first light of morning we must go.”*

Éowyn looked at this man with the gentle grey eyes and smiled, speaking to him as if she and he were the only ones in the room. “Then it was kindly done, lord, to ride to this solitary place to bring tidings to Éowyn, and speak to her in her exile.”

Aragorn saw the hurt and self-denial in her turbulent blue eyes and his heart felt a pang for this valiant lady, “Indeed no man would count such a journey wasted.”  Éowyn’s heart swelled with the kind words. “And yet, lady, I did come to Dunharrow to seek the road I must travel.”

“But there is no road to travel past Dunharrow, you must retrace the path to rejoin the path of living.”

“Nay, lady,” Aragorn demurred, his gentle grey eyes replete with purpose growing as Éowyn saw, “There is a road out of this valley, and that road I shall take.  Tomorrow I shall ride by the Paths of the Dead.”*

~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N:  Technically Aragorn  meets up with Éowyn in Edoras but using all the wonderful reference sources in print and online I was able to determine that it takes a column of people and carts two days to travel the thirty miles to Dunharrow which makes it March 5 the time of arrival.  They would have had to set out the next morning, March 6 in order to make it back to Edoras in time to meet Aragorn in Edoras at Sundown on the 7th.  And they would have had no way of knowing it was safe to return.  Having researched this and pondered it for a couple of days I decided that Éowyn and the refugees were going to stay put in Dunharrow because that is where the muster happens and she will be joining them. Apologies to the Professor for the change.

* – Are direct quotes from ROTK book.

* Muindoreg nin - My shaky construction in Sindarin, My Little Brother