The Silver Flame (LOTR)

Not Alone

The Golden Hall of Meduseld was quiet that night, save for the flickering flames casting long shadows on the stone walls. Outside, the wind howled against the wooden structure, carrying the chill of Edoras across the open plains. The remaining members of the Fellowship were restless, their thoughts heavy with the weight of what was to come. Gondor's beacons would soon be lit, and the time for action would be upon them all.

Visenya stood by one of the great pillars, staring out into the darkened night through an arched window. Her heart raced with uncertainty. The time for her to make a choice was drawing near. She knew she had a part to play, but what that part was still eluded her. She feared she might lose herself in the coming battle, unsure of where she would find her place when the dust settled.

Footsteps approached from behind. She didn't need to turn to know it was Aragorn. His presence was familiar, comforting even. He was the one she had grown closest to since her strange arrival in Middle-earth. There was a kinship between them, forged in battle and bolstered by a mutual understanding that each carried burdens heavier than most.

"You should rest, Visenya," Aragorn said, his voice soft yet firm. "Tomorrow may bring the call to Gondor, and you will need your strength."

Visenya smiled faintly but didn't turn to face him. "Rest has never come easily to me, Aragorn, not with so much weighing on my mind."

Aragorn came to stand beside her, leaning against the same pillar and casting a sidelong glance at her profile. "It is not uncommon to feel burdened by what is to come. We all carry our doubts, our fears, but we must also trust in ourselves and in each other."

She sighed, crossing her arms as she continued to gaze out into the night. "I trust in you. I trust in our companions. But I... I do not know what will become of me when this is all over. Where will I fit in this world, Aragorn? Do I even have a place here?"

He was silent for a moment, studying her. "Why do you ask this now?"

"Because," she began, hesitating before finally turning to meet his gaze. "When we go to Gondor... when you take your rightful place as king, I wonder if I will have a place there with you. As your friend, your advisor... or perhaps..." She trailed off, uncertainty filling her heart as she spoke aloud the thoughts she had kept hidden for so long.

Aragorn's brow furrowed slightly, but his expression softened. He reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Visenya," he said, his voice full of warmth and reassurance. "You will always have a place in my kingdom. You are as much a part of this world now as any of us. But..." He smirked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "From the looks of it, your place may be here in Rohan... with Éomer."

Visenya's breath caught in her throat. She looked away, a deep sigh escaping her lips. She had not expected him to say that, but she couldn't deny that Éomer had been on her mind more often than not. She had grown fond of him, but her heart was heavy with other thoughts—secrets she had kept from everyone, including Aragorn, including Éomer.

"I... I care for him," she admitted quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "But there are things he does not know about me, things that I fear will change how he sees me."

Aragorn's gaze shifted over her shoulder, and a knowing smile touched his lips. "Then perhaps now is the time to tell him the truth," he said, nodding toward the shadows behind her.

Visenya frowned in confusion before turning slowly. Her breath hitched as she saw Éomer standing just a few feet away, having clearly overheard their conversation. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes were locked on hers, intense and searching.

Aragorn gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze before stepping away. "I will leave you both," he said, his voice gentle. "This is your moment, Visenya."