Last Act of Love (Sequel to The Last One)

Chapter 18

"Move back! Move to the caves! Come on, people! Quickly, now!" The soldier urged.

The women and children were slowly shuffling into the caves. Meanwhile Ruive, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were walking around the Keep as Ruive was devising battle tactics and plans.

"We'll place the reserves along the wall. They can support the archers from above the gate." She explained.

Legolas, who was walking beside her tried to reason with her.

"Ruive, you must rest. You're no use to us half alive."

"He is right, Ruive." Aragorn concurred.

"I'm fine. I've been through much worse you both know that."

It was true, she was tortured for 90 years straight and she took on the likes of Azog while sporting severe injuries. She'd be fine by the time nightfall came. 

"My lord! Aragorn!" The distinct voice of Éowyn came.

The blonde woman pushed through the crowds and approached Aragorn.

"I'm to be sent with the women into the caves." She confessed.

It was clear that she was not pleased about this.

"That is an honourable charge." Aragorn replied.

"To mind the children, to find food and bedding when the men return. What renown is there in that?" Éowyn scoffed.

"My lady, a time may come for valour without renown. Who then will your people look to in the last defence?" Aragorn tried to reason.

"Let me stand at your side." She pleaded.

Her eyes turned to Ruive for help.

"You would let Lady Ruive stand at your side."

Ruive spoke up in defence of Aragorn, though she felt bad for the young woman.

"All due respect, my Lady, but I have been fighting battles for centuries now. And it was Théoden's request that I stand with them."

 Éowyn pressed her lips together, in truth Ruive was a much better fighter than any of Rohan's soldiers, and definitely a much better warrior than her.

"It is not in my power to command it." Aragorn apologised.

"You do not command the others to stay! They fight beside you because they would not be parted from you. Because they love you." 

 Éowyn's eyes dropped to the ground as she realised her last words.   

"I'm sorry." She muttered before turning and disappearing into the caves along with the other women and children.

Ruive placed a comforting hand on Aragorn's shoulder before walking passed in search of Théoden to go over a few tactics she had in mind. She was walking up the stairs to the hall when a gruff voice stopped her.

"All women and children are to be sent to the caves, Miss. That includes you."

Ruive closed her eyes and sighed, clearly whoever it was hadn't taken notice of the weapons she was carrying.

"I assure you sir, it does not." Ruive replied turning around.

"But you are-"

"Ruive of the Dagnir, at your service." Ruive announced, bowing mockingly. 

The soldier looked at her wide eyed for a few moments, then remembered his orders.

"I'm sorry m'lady, but all women and children are to be sent to the caves." He insisted.