Title & Chapter Number: An Unexpected Love 23-24/26
Author(s): - Author's Index
Website: Éowyn's Musings
Fandom: Middle Earth
Rating: NC-17
Disclaimer: All characters are J.R.R. Tolkien's, well; I'm playing with their feelings a bit :) I'm not writing to make any profit but for writing's sake, and because I love the world of Middle-Earth.
Warnings: Angst (I guess).
Betas: Undomiel ... you're a gem :)
Cast: Haldir/Éowyn
Timeline: TTT Movieverse AU
Spoilers: Some for Books & Movies
Summary: After loosing Aragorn to Legolas a broken and angry Éowyn finds love where she least expected it...
Notes: Haldir did not die at Helm's Deep, or did you see a grave? Basically I'm following the books and the movies. However I made some "slight" alterations :) Aragorn isn't in love with Arwen but with Legolas and they are already bound. Also, Éomer wasn't exiled but went to Helm's Deep with the rest of Théoden's army.
Chapter 23 - The Return of the King
The festivities had already lasted for over a week. And Gondor had indeed reason to cheer. Not only had their greatest enemy perished, but once again the rumour spread that their King would return to them. Many were now talking of the greatness of the Ranger of the North, Aragorn. Those warriors who had remained at Morgul Vale had returned to Minas Tirith and were now busy telling everyone about the king. Elessar he called himself now ... the Elfstone.
Every time either of the three Lórien elves, Éowyn or Meriadoc heard these talks they would smile to themselves. He was loved by his people even before he had been crowned. Only Haldir seemed to be a bit uneasy whenever Aragorn was mentioned. No one realized it, but some part of him feared the return of Éowyn's first love. If he desired her for his queen, now that all battles had been fought and won, would she reject him?
~*~*~*~
It was one of the last days of April. The sun had become warmer over the last few weeks; life was stirring in the gardens and parks in and around Minas Tirith. Éowyn had just had word from Haldir that a messenger had arrived, announcing the return of the Hosts of the West. The elf, as one of the king's friends, had been asked to assist Imrahil with the preparations of the coronation that would take place in just a few days.
Faramir had not taken over all fields of his now ending reign as Steward and had left the preparations in the hands of the wise Prince of Dol Amroth. 'Come to think of it,' Éowyn mused, 'Faramir has been rarely seen these last days. Just like Rúmil.' She smiled to herself, 'Nothing has apparently changed into something. Just wait till Orophin finds out...' She still couldn't quite understand why Orophin had reacted the way he had. Was he really thinking so little of his brother to assume that he would hurt Faramir, on purpose even?
Her feet had led her to one of her favourite places in Minas Tirith, the palace gardens. The quiet of the nature consoled her and she thought of what lay ahead of her with a joyful heart. Haldir would show her Lórien. He had been talking about hardly anything else ever since the day they had heard of Sauron's fall. She could feel that he was up to something; his eyes gleamed almost wickedly whenever he spoke of their journey to the Golden Wood.
She had sunken down by the side of a small pond, her back resting against an old willow. Trees could talk, Haldir had told her. She wondered if she would ever be able to hear them. But now as she leaned back against the trunk, closing her eyes, she could almost feel the tree's spirit, its voice a murmur that warmed her heart. A smile appeared on her features. How she longed to see the Realm of the Lady of the Wood. She still marvelled at her own stupidity at times. Had she indeed tried to hate all things elvish? An elf had awoken her soul, had become the reason for her to go on living. She could still see his face contorted in pain when he had found her on the battlefield. She almost had lost him there. But thanks to Aragorn she had survived. And in only a few days time she would be able to finally thank him for it...
Lost in her thoughts, she was startled when she heard the sound of clear laughter. Elvish laughter. She opened her eyes and saw Rúmil almost running down to the edge of the pool, dragging a grinning Faramir with him. Suddenly the elf turned around and threw his arms around the Steward. When their lips met in what could only be called a passionate kiss, Éowyn decided that it might be better to leave. 'Is this nothing for you Rúmil?' she chuckled as she questioned herself thus.
But before she could make only a few steps towards the palace, she stopped, thunderstruck. Orophin came strolling towards her, smiling warmly. "My dear Lady Éowyn. Haldir asked me to tell you..." His eyes had glided beyond her to the pool and now he stood rooted to the grassy slope. His usually mild and gentle features turned to a mask of rage and anger.
Éowyn had no time to react as the elf suddenly stormed towards his brother and Faramir. She was following on his heels, calling Rúmil's name, trying not to sound too worried. Orophin had reached the two lovers and pulled his brother out of the other's embrace. "As I thought, so this is 'nothing' in your eyes?" His voice was not raised, but still sounded like thunder. He shortly turned to Faramir, "Yes, my dear brother called the thing that was between you two 'nothing'. His words, not mine..." he added seeing the surprised expression on the face of the Steward.
"How dare you," Rúmil snapped. "Go back to your beloved Míriel and trouble her. Leave me in peace..." Éowyn stood next to Faramir, smiling weakly at the Steward. "Orophin, Rúmil ... please..." she was literally begging the two brothers to refrain from a new display of hostility. It would hurt Haldir if his brothers were fighting like this, and she would try everything in her power to prevent this. "It's Rúmil's life. Please, Orophin... You're a family, think of Haldir as well..."
Orophin sighed and slowly nodded. But still he glared at his brother again. "I am not through with you yet." He was about to turn around and leave when Rúmil addressed Éowyn, "Dearest sister, would you please tell Haldir that I intend to remain in Gondor when you return to the Golden Wood? I wish to deepen the new friendship between elves and men..." Without a word Orophin walked away. But Éowyn had seen the grief in his face. What was the matter with the two brothers?
She quickly replied, "Are you sure this is wise, Rúmil?" After his shrug, she signed and continued, "I will tell Haldir, don't worry. Now, will you excuse me? My Lord," she added with a nod to Faramir. Then she ran after Orophin, who had almost reached the gates of the garden.
"Orophin, what is the matter? He's happy, don't you see?" When the elf turned towards her, she was rendered speechless for a moment. His eyes were filled with agony, and she only remembered too well the time she had felt pain equal to his. The moment she had almost lost Éomer because of his inability to accept her feelings for Haldir. "Orophin..."
"I should watch over him. He is my younger brother. I've always kept him out of harms way. How often did Haldir and I back him up in front of our parents, taking credit for the foolish things he had done. And now ... I failed." She couldn't believe her ears. "What do you mean?" she inquired. "Faramir, he is mortal..." Suddenly she understood. It made sense. Both Haldir and Orophin had not intended to hurt Rúmil's feelings when confronting him; they were worried that grief might befall their little brother.
"Then ... do you feel the same way about Haldir and ... me?" Slowly Orophin shook his head. "No, I can see the love between you, it surrounds you. I am sure that you are meant to be together, no matter what. For you there simply must be a way... But Rúmil..." She took his hands in hers, squeezing softly. "I think you really underestimate your brother's capabilities to feel. They, too, are in love. And if there should be a way for Haldir and me, why not for the two of them?" Orophin suddenly smiled and nodded. "Maybe I should stop seeing him as the child he once has been. If he wishes to stay here, we should not stand in his path. Haldir was right, Éowyn, we were in desperate need of someone, well, sensible."
~*~*~*~
The brothers had made their peace again that very night. Both Rúmil and Orophin had whispered to her, "If ever you should need anything..." and softly kissed her cheeks. The latter much to Haldir's annoyance. "She may be a sister to you, but in any other way, keep your fingers off her..." The threat in his voice was negated by the twinkle in his eyes. And as he took Éowyn in his arms he added, "Nín anoriel, cuiamin. You belong to me, forever..."
~*~*~*~
The sound of trumpets announced the return of the armies of the West. All of Minas Tirith had been emptied, the people of Gondor all once again assembled on the Fields of the Pelennor. Éowyn stood by Haldir's side. With them were Imrahil, Faramir, Orophin, Rúmil and, of course, Meriadoc. The hobbit was itching to see his friends again. When he had heard that Frodo and Sam were safe, he had cried with joy. In front of Éowyn. Now he glared at her, daring her to reveal as much to the now returning hobbits.
Faramir was almost happy not to have to rule the country. He had never been as interested in the Stewardship as his brother, Boromir had been. And now the King was returning. He would no longer be needed. And he was glad about it. He had seen his father falter under the pressure of the office. No, he had never wanted to end like him.
Finally the Captains of the West came into view. Aragorn was riding next to Legolas, of course, Éowyn thought. At long last she could feel nothing but happiness for them. They would have a difficult path to take from now on. But their love was strong enough to endure, she was sure of it. On Aragorn's other side rode Éomer, who had raised his hand to greet her at the first sight of his sister. Gandalf was also riding with them. There also were Gimli and Peregrin. And two other halflings, Frodo and Sam.
Before long they had reached those waiting for them and Éomer dismounted before any other. Quickly nodding towards Haldir he drew his sister into a tight embrace. "Sister dear, I missed you." Tears were welling from Éowyn's eyes, "Beloved brother. Éomer, King of the Riddermark. At last you return to me." The others had also dismounted and were welcomed by their friends. The four hobbits stood together, too moved to speak.
Suddenly Aragorn stood before Éowyn and took her face into his hands, softly kissing her forehead. She smiled at him, "When your time allows it, would you spare a half-hour for me?" The man inclined his head in consent. "Of course my Lady." Haldir's heart felt as if it would break into pieces soon. But for the time being he was able to brush these silly feelings aside. Finally Legolas greeted Éowyn, his fair elvish face gleaming with joy. "You look radiant my Lady," he whispered as he leaned down to his her hand. "Meldiramin ... you've been missed."
~*~*~*~
Chapter 24 - A Heart of Stone
Éowyn was sitting by her brother's side, listening to his account of the last battle with Sauron. Many brave soldiers had fallen to the weapons of the Dark Lord's minions. Too many. Her eyes filled with tears hearing the names of some of the dead. Men she had known from her early childhood on. And Éomer was only alive because of Frodo and Sam; those two hobbits had saved Middle-Earth.
Slowly and calmly she then informed her brother and king that she would leave Rohan once her uncle had been put to rest. "I wish to be with him, Éomer. It is my heart's greatest desire..." The Rohirrim nodded, "You belong with him, forgive me for not seeing it before." Éowyn pretended to be deep in thought, "Let's see, you almost killed him, twice if I'm informed correctly. You wanted to make me choose between the two of you. I almost lost you because of your stupidity..." Éomer looked hurt, but then he saw the grin on his sister's face.
"Still, you're my brother, and I love you. I think I can forgive you this time..." Strong arms went around her, pulling her into a tight embrace. "How shall I do without you?" Never had the two siblings parted for longer than a month. But now it could be well over a year until he would see her again, if not longer. "You will have to, brother. You're King now, you will have so much to do that you will forget to miss me." She said the last words with a sigh. "Make me proud of you. Restore Rohan to its past glory. I know you can do it ... after all, you're my brother."
The two siblings did not realize the presence of another until the servant spoke to Éowyn, "My Lady, the King sent me to ask you if you cared to join him for a walk..." Éomer looked at his sister, trying to search her soul for the meaning of this. She just smiled and nodded, "I'll be right there." Turning to Éomer she added, "There are some things left unsaid between the two of us, and I wish to settle this before I begin my new life by the side of the one I love."
~*~*~*~
Haldir had been searching for Éowyn ever since he had left the remaining Galadhrim warriors, his friends of old. He had been told by one of the city guards that the Lady Éowyn had last been see just outside the city gates, with the King. Had a dagger just pierced his heart? What business did Éowyn have with Aragorn, of all people? Now he stood on the city wall, looking down at the couple that was strolling over the meadows beyond the white wall of Minas Tirith.
~*~*~*~
"You wished to speak to me, fair Lady. I'm here, ready to hear whatever you wish to say to me." Aragorn was holding both Éowyn's hands in his, his dark blue eyes locked with the light blue pools of hers. "I did, my Lord Aragorn. Nay, it should be `my King Elessar', shouldn't it?" she smiled, the first genuine smile he ever saw upon her face. Her life had changed dramatically during the past months, and now it seemed that she finally had found the peace he could never have given her.
"I wanted to thank you, thank you for saving me. For restoring me ... bringing me back to the one I love." Understanding registered on the King's face. `So Legolas has been right, once again. She has found love in the arms of ... of Haldir...' He still had problems seeing the Guardian of Lórien as something else than the haughty elf he had known since his first visit to the Golden Wood. But Haldir's actions on the day of the Battle of the Pelennor... Aragorn smiled to himself remembering the fury of the silver-haired elf. Éowyn stared at him in question.
With a chuckle he related to her what had happened before he had healed her. Éowyn's eyes grew larger and larger at the revelations. "He was ready to kill you?" she asked in wonder. "I never knew." The King raised one of her hands to his lips, kissing it softly. "Well, I can understand him very well. To think that he had just found you ... the possibility to loose you again, he just couldn't bear it. Come to think of it, if it had been Legolas..." Éowyn nodded, "I believe you would have acted in a similar way, would you not?"
Aragorn smiled weakly. Maybe he'd still loose his beloved. He would have to marry, needed an heir. Would Legolas be able to accept that? As if she could read his mind, Éowyn added, "Your love is strong enough to see everything through. You are bound, your souls are one." Aragorn stared at her in disbelief, "How do you..." She shrugged, "Orophin told me many things. He's bound as well ... and I was curious to find out more about the life of a Lórien elf. After all, Haldir is one," she added with a smile that reached her eyes and made her shine with a light that came from within.
Slowly Aragorn leaned in and kissed her forehead. "When I saw you standing next to him, I knew that finally you had found what you once thought to have found in me." He didn't know why, but slowly he moved his hand under her chin, lifting her face to his. Softly he kissed her cheeks and then for a fleeting moment brushed his lips over hers. She did not struggle against him, but smiled, "I will always carry you in my heart as the one who led me to see who I was destined for." Gently she touched his face with her hand, "Without you, I would still search for my destiny ... for Haldir."
~*~*~*~
Haldir stood thunderstruck. Éowyn, his one and only love ... she had never been his. Now she was with the one she truly desired, and his heart turned to stone. No one took something away from him, not without paying for it. And he would make Aragorn pay, if it was the last thing he did. And what of Legolas, the Prince had bound his soul to the King of Gondor. Yet another reason to seek out revenge.
Éowyn, his beloved sun-maiden. She had betrayed him. Had she ever been truthful towards him? Probably, while she still hated him. How could he have forgotten that she was of lesser blood then him? Just like Aragorn. Humans were known for their abilities to deceive and manipulate. He had been entangled in her web of lies before he even realized it. A new feeling took hold of his soul, need for revenge, anger and hatred.
Quickly he left the battlements and went up to the palace again. He would attend the royal dinner as if nothing had happened. And then he would have a little chat with Aragorn, a chat that would involve the use of his twin knives...
~*~*~*~
The sun was about to set, and Aragorn and Éowyn made their way back to the seventh ring of the city. In two days Aragorn would be crowned, would finally take over what had been his fate from his birth on. He looked at the woman who walked by his side. Her face was gleaming with happiness and for a short moment he wished he had given her this joy. She would have been a wonderful queen, and he would have been able to love her. But it would have never been enough. His heart and soul belonged to Legolas, and never would he part with the elven Prince, not while his heart was beating.
They entered the banqueting hall together, oblivious to the cold gaze that mustered them from out of a corner. Aragorn led Éowyn to a seat and leaned down to kiss her hand once more. Only then did Haldir leave the corner and caught the eye of Éowyn. She smiled, and quickly pointed at a seat next to her. She was startled when he shook his head and ventured further down the table, taking up a seat far away from her.
"What is wrong with him?" the soft voice of Legolas whispered in her ear. She looked up, shaking her head in frustration. "I don't know. Perhaps he just wishes to spend more time with his friends." She gestured towards where Haldir sat amongst the Galadhrim warriors. Legolas nodded, "Then do you mind if I take his place by your side?" Éowyn smiled, "Of course not."
Soon Éomer sat by his sister's other side, while Orophin had taken up a seat next to Legolas. The Prince of Mirkwood inquired after Rúmil, causing Éowyn to laugh and almost choke on her whine. "What is so funny?" Instead of answering, she only indicated towards the door where just in that moment both Rúmil and Faramir appeared. Whatever they had done until now, it had resulted in the destruction of Rúmil's braids.
Legolas' head snapped from Rúmil to Orophin and back to Éowyn. "Let me put it that way. Rúmil has followed his brother's example and, well, got involved with a human." She had problems speaking because she was still chuckling hard. Orophin added in a more serious tone, "He finally grew up and left his childish games behind him, it seems. He wishes to remain at Minas Tirith with Lord Faramir. I am sure that you will find a way to explain that to Aragorn, will you not?" he added with a grin.
~*~*~*~
The banquet was over. And some guests couldn't leave quickly enough. Legolas grinned at Éowyn as Rúmil and Faramir practically ran out of the hall. "That reminds me, you would not mind if I excused myself. There are some important matters I wish to discuss with Aragorn." But he had no time to leave, for in that very moment...
Haldir had been watching Éowyn all evening. Now was the time to make her see what she had lost. But then, she had never really wanted it. Slowly he had made his way towards her seat and now stood behind her.
"Haldir, meldiramin," Legolas exclaimed. The Lórien elf nodded to the Prince. Éowyn was about to rise but then felt two strong hands push her down into her seat. "But Haldir," confusion had once again taken over her whole being, and she looked at her beloved shocked to see the coldness in his eyes. "Leave me alone, would you? And never come under my eyes again," he snarled. He was turning away, about to take care of his appointment with Aragorn when Éowyn's small hand closed about his wrist.
"Haldir, what is wrong with you?" Haldir glared at her. `Your pleading voice will not help you this time.' Aloud he snapped, "Let go of me." He forced his hand from her grip and stormed out of the hall. Éowyn stared after him, unable to comprehend what had just happened. It were Éomer's words that brought her back to reality. "I'll teach him ... how dare he treat you like this." Legolas interrupted him, "No, I think it would be better if Orophin and I would confront him. After all, I do not think that Éowyn would be too happy to find him slaughtered."
She was too shocked to speak, and so she only nodded. The look she gave both elves conveyed her message, `Thank you...' Slowly she stood, firmly shaking her head as she felt her brother rise as well. She walked through the corridors of the palace as if in a trance, only stopping once she was in the gardens again, sitting in the same place she had occupied the day she had seen Rúmil and Faramir. Her body leaned against the same willow, only this time her mind was not at peace but in turmoil. What had she done to Haldir to deserve such treatment?
She pulled her legs up to her body. Her arms encircled her shins, head resting on her knees. She felt lost, as if someone had just pulled the ground she stood upon from under her. Haldir's eyes haunted her, so cold and filled with only one feeling, utmost contempt. Only once she had seen him like this before. That night at Helm's Deep when she had been still infatuated with Aragorn. Could it be that this was the reason for his actions once again?
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