Aleana and Aragorn

Chapter 37

***Aleana POV***

We enter the hall and see Theoden and Gamling speaking with one another. Aragorn walks up to them with my hand still in his. He stops before them and tells them of the trouble coming our way.

"All Isengard is emptied," Aragorn says.

"How many," Theoden asks.

"Ten thousand strong at least."

"Ten thousand," Theoden speaks in disbelief.

"It is an army bred for a single purpose: to destroy the world of Men. They will be here by nightfall."

"Let them come," Theoden turns and walks to Gamling, "I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms to be ready for battle by nightfall."

Gamling nods and walks off while Aragorn and I follow Theoden to the ramp outside the gate. Legolas and Gimli join us. Legolas places a hand on my shoulder, looking to me and asking with his eyes if I was okay. I nod in reassurement and he turns back to pay attention to Aragorn and Theoden's conversation.

"We will cover the causeway and the gate from above," Theoden continues, "no army has ever breached the Deeping Wall or set foot inside the Hornburg."

"This is no rabble of mindless Orcs," Gimli exclaims, "these are Uruk-hai. Their armour is thick and their shields broad."

"I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf," Theoden answers cooly, "I know how to defend my own keep. They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman's hordeswill pillage and burn. We've seen it before. Crops can be resown, homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them."

"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages," Aragorn speaks up, "they come to destroy its people...down to the last child."

"What would you have do," Theoden asks angrily.

"Send out riders, my lord. You must call for aid."

At this an idea sparks in my head and I turn to the four men, looking at Aragorn as I spoke.

"I have an idea, I must go."

"Where are you going Aleana," Aragorn asks worriedly.

"Do not worry, I will find you later Aragorn," with that I run back through the gates and up the stairs. I find a tower and quickly climb it. Once on top I mutter a few words in Sindarin, my eyes shut. When I feel a flutter of wings I open my eyes, a smile finding a way on my lips as the colorful butterfly settles on my outstretched hand. Bringing her close to my lips, I whisper to her before letting her fly. I watch as she flutters away and the only thing I hope is what I wished for happened sooner than later.

...

Once sending out the message, I descend the tower and look for Aragorn. But no matter how much I look, I can neither find him nor Legolas or Gimli. Finally, I see Eowyn and I run to her.

"Eowyn have you seen Aragorn?"

"I believe he is in the armory," she says curtly before walking off. I look at her disappearing form in surprise, before turning around and heading towards the armory. I slowly open the door and see Aragorn standing there alone, putting on chain mail. He doesn't notice me as he wears his tunic and I walk up to him, placing my hands over the belt he was tightening.

I can feel his eyes on me as I focus on the belt, tightening it for him. We were standing close, I could feel his breath on my face. He is the first to break the silence that hangs between us.

"Are you alright, Aleana," I move my hands up to tie the cords to hold the tunic together.

"You always ask me that. You worry too much," I say, tying one and moving to the second.

"Well you make me worry, my lady," he chuckles and I finish tying the last one, looking up at him. My hands rested on his chest as he looked down at me, us mere inches from each other.

"I wish you would stay with the other women and children."

"I know, but you know I can't do that. If I die, I will die fighting. I will not die cooped up in some corner, unable to help the ones I love. Besides, I'm a wizard's daughter. I do as I please," I laugh and he smiles down at me lovingly.

Then it was as if everything around us froze and the only thing that mattered was us. One of his arms goes around my waist, pulling my chest to his and a shiver passes through my body. His other hand comes up, caressing my cheek softly before tangling itself in my hair. I put my arms around his neck and push myself up, connecting our lips. It was gentle, yet it was filled with passion and love unlike any other.

Our breaths became one, our hearts beating in sync. Time itself seemed to stop as we kissed as if for the first time. I relished his taste, fearing for our lives in the upcoming battle, but happy at this small blissful moment that I would forever treasure.

He gently bites my bottom lip and I moan into his lips, feeling his tongue enter my mouth, exploring it slowly, enjoying. My own hands tangle in his hair and I pull slightly, causing him to groan in pleasure. I can't help but smile against his lips at making him feel in such a way.

Suddenly a clatter has us pulling away from each other and looking behind me. Legolas stood there, looking absolutely embarrassed and mortified. Aragorn's sword had fallen from his hands. I can't help but laugh softly at his facial expression, though a blush rises to my own cheeks with embarrassment.

"I am sorry, I should have knocked," Legolas finally says, picking up the sword. I move away from Aragorn to look at him.

"It is quite alright, I have some business to attend to anyway. I'll leave you two alone," I look back at Aragorn once to see him wink at me, his smile causing my smile to become wider. I pat Legolas on the way out and he stiffens under my touch and I laugh at his expressions.

I walk down the steps towards the gate when I hear a horn. I smile as I realize who it was and I hear the soldiers opening the gates. I stand on the steps as a large elven army march through the gates, passing the men who smile happily. Theoden walks down the steps towards them, stopping beside me. Haldir is leading them in bright golden armor. He bows to Theoden.

"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together," he looks to see Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli running down the steps towards us and smiles, "we come to honor that allegiance."

Aragorn runs down and hugs Haldir, "you are most welcome. But how?"

Haldir turns to me and he kneels before me, the whole elf following his suit.

"There is no need for that Haldir, thank you for coming," I say and he stands, looking to me mischievously.

"I am sure your mother, father and Lord Elrond would have my head had I not answered your call," I laugh at his joke, "besides, we are proud to fight alongside Men once more."

I nod in respect, a smile on my face, turning to see Aragorn looking at me with awe. A flutter of wings passes my head and I see my butterfly pick up a piece of my hair before letting it fall and flying off. After all I had learned a few tricks from father. My eyes once again find Aragorn's and he is smiling at me.

"Thank you," he mouths and I nod.

A/n: I really liked this chapter!!! When I first started writing the book, this chapter was like engraved in my mind. I like needed this to happen so I am so happy I finally got to write it and share it with you!!

Comment and vote!

Thank you!