The Edge of Night

Promises

The bells ringing in the square only added to intensity that hung in the air. All around her, people that she had grown up with, men who served alongside her father, brother, and cousin prepared for what could possibly be Rohan's last stand. The thought chilled her to her very bones. Her people were sturdy, steady and as everlasting as the land they harvested. Could it really be that before the White City of Gondor that her country, her people, would meet their end?

Her horse was brought to her and Elfwyn sighs as she begins checking over everything. From her spot by the stables she watches as her father first sends off Eomer, and then Gamling. "Do not fret my lady. There is still hope." Legolas whispers as he and Gimli approach, horse in hand.

"A fools hope, maybe. Every day that passes with no news from Lórien is another day that I worry. Surely you worry for Mirkwood and your family while you're gone?'

"Of course. But this is almost finished, and I will be with them again soon."

She nods and looks across the plains. "I fear what I may lose before the end of this."

"That is no way to live, my lady." Gimli says, speaking up for the first time. "Death is a part of war."

"Are any of us really living right now? I think I have sacrificed enough to the hands of the enemy." The ghost of the pain from her wound slashes through her and she stands stock still, worrying the elf and the dwarf behind her. She sighs before turning back to them, forcing a smile. "Ignore me. I tend to speak too much when I am worried."

They don't look convinced but she doesn't explain further. She watches as Aragorn has an intense conversation with her cousin. Turning towards her horse, she sends up a quick prayer before mounting up, Legolas and Gimli following her example. "Horse-man," Gimli huffs. "I wish I could muster a legion of Dwarves, fully armed and filthy."

"Your kinsmen may have no need to ride to war. I fear war already marches on their own land." Legolas warns him and they all turn quiet again as the company begins the long ride to Dunharrow, the Rohan army camp on the road to Gondor.

Elfwyn rides up to her father, an identical grim look on their faces. "We will not meet our end here." She tries to tell him confidently. But neither of them are particularly convinced.

"You will survive this, my daughter. You will live to see these days renewed."

"You might be able to hide things from Eomer or Eowyn, but I am your daughter. I know what it looks like when you are not being completely honest."

"That is a worry for tomorrow. For now, we have far to travel today. Don't fall behind."

She laughs at this. "I am one of the most accomplished riders in Rohan. I would worry about others." Theoden smiles as he hears her laugh. Whatever may happen in Gondor, he knew his daughter would survive. She would live and have a very long, happy life. Haldir had promised such.

*Flashback*

"Walk with me." Theoden asks of Haldir the night before he is set to leave for Lothlorien. Haldir nods, turning his gaze away from where his mate lounges against her cousin's shoulder. Once they were outside they pause, Theoden looking down amongst the houses that make up the village of Edoras. "I want to thank you. For what you have done for my daughter in my absence."

"I did nothing more than the members of her fellowship." He says humbly, looking down to hide the blush rising in his cheeks.

"I have not seen her this happy in a very long time. Even before Saruman," Theoden spits out his name, "she did not have many reasons to be this happy. You have changed her for the better."

"And in doing so I have made it impossible for her to join you in the halls of your forefathers when this life ends."

At this, Theoden laughs. "If you think for one fleeting moment that my daughter did not choose this completely of her own free will, you do not know her at all. She chose right for herself, for a future she could live with. She is not rash, my Elfwyn. She knew all she was sacrificing when she chose to join you in immortality, and she knew all she would gain. But I do need you to promise me one thing."

"Anything your majesty."

"You protect my daughter, from whatever evils might yet linger in this world when this is over. Make sure her eternity is a long and happy one. Never, for a single moment, let her yearn for the life she might have had if she remained mortal."