The Return of the King and Queen

Chapter 22: I Love You

Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli followed Amdiriel around the fortress as she gave them advice for their battle plan.

The civilians were being led into the glittering caves to hid while the battle was to take place, which was the opposite directions the others were walking in. "We should place men of the reserves along the wall, so they can support the archers from above." she said as she pointed to the hit part of the wall. Legolas pushed through the crowd to get to Amdiriel's side.

"Amdi, you must rest. You are no good to us half alive." he told her "I'm fine." Amdiriel waved him off. "No you are not." said Aragorn as he tried to make his way to Amdiriel's side. "There is no time and as I said I am fine." she said even though she was exhausted there were preparations to be made for the fight that was approaching them quickly.

"Then you better make time." Aragorn said as he grabbed Amdiriel's wrist, making her stop in her tracks and turn to look at him. "You have gone to death and back again and rode 3 days just to get to us. You are no good to us dead nor will I risk losing you because you are too stubborn to rest." Amdiriel looked to protest but Aragorn just continued on "We will take care of the preparation, you need to rest. As your future king, I command you to rest." Amdiriel did not know if she was more shocked by the fact that he had commanded her to do something or by the fact that he just claimed that he would be the king of Gondor.

"Aragorn." She whispered to him. Aragorn moved forward, placing his hand on her cheek. "We will take care of everything. Rest." he said, his eyes boring into hers. Amdiriel could not help but nod, giving in to his wishes. This caused the man to give her a small smile "Amdi, I-" he said, hoping to be able to tell her everything but that hope was shattered when a female voice from behind them called out his name. Aragorn let his hand fall away as the two turned to see the fair Éowyn trying to make her way through the crowd. "My lord! Lord Aragorn!" she said and was finally standing before the man. Amdiriel made sure to take a step back, joined the elf and the dwarf

"I am to be sent with the women into the caves." Éowyn told him. "That is an honorable charge." he replied.

"To mind the children and find food and bedding for when the men return? What renown is there in that?" she asked him. "My lady, there may come a time for valor without renown. Who then will your people look to in the last defense?" he questioned but the woman was persistent "Let me stand at your side." she said. Aragorn shook his head "It is not in my power to command it." he told her, he went to turn away but Éowyn spoke up.

"You do not command the others to stay. Nor do you command the same of Lady Amdiriel even after all that she has been through." she said. It was clear to anyone that there was jealousy in the lady's voice. Aragorn looked to Amdiriel who wore a confident expression. Amdiriel knew that Éowyn wished to be in the battle, to fight for her people but she had been sheltered from the full violence of war whereas Amdiriel grew up with it. She had fought long and hard and earned her spot to stand with the men of Gondor and then lead them into war. Aragorn knew this, he had seen it long ago.

Aragorn turned back to Éowyn and said "The Captain of Gondor is well trained and experienced in the art of war, she has earned her place among the men." he told her but Éowyn shook her head "They stay because they would not be parted from you because they love you." she said to him.

There was a moment of silence from the two as they processed what had just been said. Aragorn looked to the ground in thought for a second before he looked up at Éowyn again, who was already staring at him longingly. It was then that she seemed to realize what she had said, breaking eye contact she whispered an "I am sorry." and walked past them quickly into the caves with the woman and children. The 4 hunters watched as she left including Aragorn. This did not go unnoticed by Amdiriel as pain was felt in her heart.
Aragorn looked to Amdiriel who looked back up at him. He wanted to tell her but now was not the time for it. He knew things needed to be done and she needed to rest so against his better judgment and the desire of his heart, he called to the soldier near them. "My lord?" he asked "Take the Lady Amdiriel to my quarters so she may rest and bring her whatever she may need if you please." he told the man. "Yes, my lord." replied the soldier.