The Return of the King and Queen

Chapter 32: Road to the Dimholt

Sorry, this took so long to write and seems a bit shorter compared to the other chapters. I was having major writer's block. Hope to have the next chapter up soon. Thank you so much for all the love and support for this book! 

The couple dispersed quickly and quietly to their tents to gather the few things they would need for the journey ahead. They did not know what they would face in the mountain, but they knew they had to go, this was something only they could do, and they would not expect anyone to understand nor would they subject anyone to the dangers they were to encounter. 

Amdiriel had just about finished packing up Rohal when she saw a woman with blond hair and a white and brown dress glance at her and then walked away quickly. She knew it was Eowyn, Amdiriel let out a heavy sighed knowing she had gone to find Aragorn who was just a couple of tents away. "Ready Rohal?" Amdiriel questioned her horse earning a clicking noise in return as she grabbed the reins and began to lead him in the direction of Aragorn's tent. 

Not a second later Eomer appeared at her side. "So it is true? The queen has come forth and a dangerous rode she will take?" he asked. Amdiriel offered him a small smile "You know I must." She replied. "As much as it worries me to see my dear friend go at such an hour, I also know you would not leave us unless it was absolutely necessary." Eomer told her. Amdiriel nodded before she spoke again. "Do not let the men be discouraged by our absence. We go to bring more aid, not because we want to but because we must." Eomer nodded "I promise. I do believe it will be our burden not to destroy all the orcs until you arrive." Eomer joked causing a chuckle to fall from Amdiriel's lips. "I believe it will be the struggle for you, your men, Elladan and Elrohir." "I find great comfort knowing they go ahead of us and that they are to join alongside us." Amdiriel nodded but muttering that she must go. Eomer pulled Amdiriel in for a quick hug muttering that he would see her in Gondor. Amdiriel nodded as they pulled away before bowing to each other. "My Lady." "My Lord Eomer." and with that, the two went their separate ways. 

Amdiriel saw could hear Eowyn speaking with who she assumed to be Aragorn as she slowly approached the tent. 

Aragorn had been preparing his horse when Eowyn had suddenly approached him. "Why are you doing this?" she demanded to know, Aragorn turning to look at her curiously. "The war lies to the East. You can not leave on the eve of battle. You can not abandon the men." She told him. Aragorn sighed as he walked around her to adjust the reins "Eowyn." he said. He knew he had no time to explain his task to her nor did he think that she would understand. "We need you here." she told him. 

"Why have you come?" Aragorn asked her. Eowyn hesitated for a moment but spoke in a softer tone "Do you not know?" she asked just as Aragorn had finished with his horse. Aragorn sighed as he looked at the ground before meeting the blond woman's eyes that were filled with hope that he returned her feelings. Aragorn did not want to hurt the lady but he could not lie to her nor to himself and lead her on, so he spoke as kindly as he could. "It is but a shadow and a thought that you love." Aragorn told her causing Eowyn's expression to falter into one of sadness and heartbreak. "I can not give you what you seek." Eowyn's eyes glossed over with unshed tears as she took a few steps back away from the man. Aragorn sighed knowing he hurt her but stepped forward to Eowyn. "I wished you joy since first I saw you but it is not with me." Aragorn then let his fingertips touch her face softly. "I am sorry." he told her. Eowyn could see the sincerity of his apology in his eyes but it did not make the rejection hurt any less as he turned to leave. Eowyn heartbrokenly watched as Aragorn walked away, soon joined by Amdiriel and her horse. 

What she did not see was Aragorn lace his fingers with Amdiriel's. Once they were out of sight Aragorn pressed his lips to Amdiriel's, he knew she had heard of the conversation between him and the lady of Rohan. He knew that Amdiriel trusted him but he also knew of Amdiriel's insecurities. "I love you." he muttered to her meaning every word with all that he was. He felt bad for Eowyn, she was beautiful, young, innocent, and a beauty to the ugly world they lived in. But the woman in front of him was the queen of his heart and she would rule over it for all eternity, she had been his light in the dark even when they were separated, she lived on through his dream, comforting and encouraging him. Now that he had her he knew he could never let her go.