Aravan {A Lord of the Rings Story}

T•E•N

A/N: Here it is! I'm still in this huge writing mood, so I'm hoping to have the next chapter or two up this weekend. Thank you for your continued support! <3

Also, the picture to the right is an actress that kind of looks how I imagine Artanis. What do you guys think? 

T•E•N

They arrived at Helm’s Deep just as the sun was beginning to dip below the snowcapped mountain peaks. The people swarmed inside, quickly occupying every corner and setting up little places to call home for however long they would be staying. Artanis dismounted and helped the two little girls down from their perch on her horse. She took the reins in one hand and with the other, held one of the girls’ hands, who in turn held the other’s hand. She led them along the wall until she found their mother.

‘Thank you,’ she said gratefully, pulling her children into her arms.

‘It was my pleasure,’ Artanis replied with a weary smile on her face.

They said their goodbyes and parted ways. Artanis found the stables for the horses and left her horse inside with some fresh water and food. She pulled her hair over her shoulder and held onto it with both hands, trying to allow room for her neck to breath. She was sweating profusely from the long ride. She took a little time to observe her newest temporary home. The walls were high and thick and grey, giving it a look of a mountain pass. The ground was dirty and worn, but it was nothing too drastic to where it was unlivable. The air was brisk and every inch was covered in shadows. Nonetheless, Artanis liked it; it made her feel safe.

She weaved around the strings of people as they all moved about, trying to get settled. Multiple voices floated through the air, mixing and intermingling with each other. For once, Artanis didn’t feel overwhelmed by the sudden change of atmosphere. She couldn’t help but smile at the new situation, dire though it was. She felt like she finally belonged somewhere; she could almost call the citizens of Rohan her people. And she loved being able to say that.

She kept this happy thought in her head as she bounced up a set of aged stone steps, humming a tune that Blue used to whistle during their travels. Her cotton dress fluttered around her ankles as she ascended. She gently pushed one of the doors open and entered the hall of the Deep. Almost instantly, her smile fell from her face. Éowyn was in the middle of the room, her hands clasped together behind her back, a look of dismay written all over her face, pacing relentlessly.

Artanis quietly approached. Éowyn did not notice. She was too lost in her thoughts.

‘Éowyn,’ Artanis said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. Éowyn turned and looked at her, the distance that had clouded her eyes now fading away.

‘Artanis,’ she said, still somewhat blankly. ‘How is everyone doing?’

‘They seem to be managing just fine…’

‘Good, good. That is good,’ Éowyn said slowly, nodding and averting her eyes.

‘Éowyn,’ Artanis repeated. ‘You cannot hide your troubles from me; I can see the worry in your eyes.’

Éowyn sighed. ‘I need to start realizing that you read me like a book, Artanis,’ she commented, cracking a small, fleeting smile. ‘It is nothing. I should not worry.’

Artanis took Éowyn’s hands and led her to a chair, where she sat her down, proceeding to sit down across from her.

‘Tell me,’ she said. ‘It will help ease your mind.’