Aralas Oneshots

Overstepping boundaries

"I can see it! Edoras, high on its hill of former glory", Legolas exclaimed. His horse Brego neighed animatedly and the elf laughingly turned around to his companions. They had finally reached the goal of their journey, now that Gandalf had returned. Together, they rode up the small hill and through the surprisingly open gates of the capital of Rohan. Its inhabitants, the farmers and riders of Rohan, Rohirrim they called themselves, came out of their small dark houses and stood silently on the sides of the streets, watching these strange people enter their city. Aragorn noticed the resignated look on almost all of their faces. Only the children played happily in the dirt and mud between the huts.

Gandalf led them through the city and towards Meduseld, the halls of Théoden, king of the Riddermark. As far as the companions could see, nobody was awaiting them, not even guards were seen outside the king's doors. But on a terrace that looked out over the city, a fair maid was standing, and her hair floated in the wind, as if it wanted to fly away with her.

"Who is this fair lady?", Aragorn asked Gandalf, as they approached the halls. 

"The white lady of Rohan", the wizard answered. "Éowyn, shieldmaiden of the Rohirrim and skilled in arms and in words."

"She is trapped", Legolas whispered to himself, not knowing, that Aragorn heard him. His elven senses could detect the feelings of sorrow and impatience in the heart of the lady.

"How come, Legolas?", Aragorn answered quietly, making the elf startle in his saddle, and in his turn making Gimli almost fall off the horse.

"Watch it, elf!", he exclaimed angrily, and put his arms closer around the elf's body. His face went red with humility.

"Never mind, Estel", Legolas replied, instead giving him a small peck on the cheek. Aragorn smiled to himself.

---

Aragorn grinned happily as he leant back in his chair and enjoyed the nice evening. After Gandalf had saved the king from this disgusting snake Gríma, Théoden had arisen once again, and had recovered quickly from the illness Gríma had sown in him and now they were having dinner together. At the table sat the king, Gandalf on his right and his nephew Éomer on his left. Next to Aragorn sat Legolas and Gimli, and lady Éowyn was seated opposite to them. Even though they were so few, it was a lovely party and the companions all enjoyed the first peaceful night since they had left Lothlórien.

"May I go outside, uncle?", Éowyn spoke up suddenly. "I just need some fresh air."

"Of course, dearest!", Théoden replied and smiled. He loved his niece more than anything in the world, one could tell.

Éowyn stood up and quickly left the hall. She seemed upset in some way, Aragorn noticed, and just as she reached the door, one of her hands flew up to her face, as if she wiped away a tear.

"Should I go after her?", Aragorn asked Legolas quietly, who had noticed too. 

"I'm not sure", he answered hesitantly, wrinkling his nose in a cute way. "She seems to want to be alone, but that's what she is all the time. Perhaps she needs someone to talk to for once."

How come Legolas was so wise?, Aragorn thought to himself. He admired the elf, and often wondered, why he had chosen him, a forlorn ranger, living in the woods and never having worn finer clothing than his old beloved coat. But it was so, they were engaged, and when this terrible war was over, they would be married! He was so looking forward to it.

"Yes... let's follow her and see if we can help her", the elf now concluded, then excused him and the man from the table. They earned a raised eyebrow from Gandalf, but of course he didn't stop them.