Lady Hope of Middle Earth

Chapter 28: Nightly Festivities

Hope's POV:

It takes a few days, but eventually we make it back to Edoras. After the Battle of Helms Deep most of the remaining soldiers as well as the women and children when back. Back to their homes. When we get there Eowyn is waiting for us.

She embraces me and I still, holding my breath as I hug her back. I'm still having a hard time with control. With one last goodbye to Aragorn I am led away to Eowyn's chambers. She hands me a dress and tells me to change. "Why?"

"There's a banquet tonight in honor of those who fought at Helms Deep." She says. I blush and nod as she exits the room. I quickly bathe in the water she previously prepared. Once I'm clean I set my armor aside and slip on the dress. It's nice to wear a dress again. It's also nice to be clean.

As I brush my long brown locks I think about our adventure thus far. So much has happened it's almost overwhelming. First we lost Gandalf, then met Galadriel, we lost Boromir, Frodo and Sam went off on their own. We then lost Merry and Pippin, Gandalf came back, somehow.

I purged Theoden. We fought orcs on the way to Helms Deep and I thought Aragorn died. Aragorn was found to be alive. We fought the Battle of Helms Deep. I died and triggered my vampire side. We rode to Isengard and witnessed the death of Saruman.

Now we're back in Edoras. So much in so little time. I glance over at my bag to the side. Laying with my armor are my necklaces and Celebrían's amulet and crown. Neither one fell off durning the battle or when I shifted. I walk over to them and put everything on. 

I hear a knock at me door. "Come in." I call. The door opens and Aragorn walks in. He smiles at me. "You look beautiful my love. I blush and walk over to him, kissing him. "You don't look too bad yourself." "How are you faring?" He asks, meaning the bloodlust. I nod. 

"I'm ok. I fed right before we got in so I should be good till tomorrow." I say. "You know, my offer still stands. I'd rather be a little light headed than have you not at full strength." He says. I shake my head. "I'm fine really. Besides, I'm still figuring out control." 

He nods and extends an arm to me. "The feast is ready." I nod and take his arm, allowing him to escort me to the dining hall. When we get there we sit at a table with Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf. "You looks like an actual Lady, Lady Hope. Gimli says. I smile at the dwarf in thanks. 

Suddenly everyone grows quiet at Eowyn presents Theoden with his chalice. We all stand, glasses with whatever drink in hand. I think I have mead, maybe. "Tonight, we remember those who gave their blood to defend their country. Hail the victorious dead." He cheers. 

"HAIL!" Everyone echos before drinking. I glance at Aragorn who is hesitant. After the toast I go to talk to him, but am pulled away by a group of soldiers who want to talk about my sword skills. Never before has a human man, besides Aragorn, ever been ok with me being a woman in battle. 

After a while I decide that I need to find Aragorn and make sure he's ok. I quickly find him walking away from Gandalf who is watching Merry and Pippin dance on the table. "Hey." I say, going up to him. He turns his head towards me and smiles softly. "Are you ok?" I ask. 

He looks at me, confused. "At the toast earlier you seemed upset. What's wrong?" I ask, taking his hand in mine. "It's nothing. I'm just worried." He says. Then it dawns on me. "Frodo and Sam." He nods. I pull him into my arms and hug him tightly. "I'm sure they're alright." I mutter.

"But you can't be." He says, pulling away. I nod. "You're right, but in times like these hope is all we have to get us through. I have hope that Frodo and Sam are alive." I say. He nods and kissed my head. "I don't know what I would do with out you." "Hopefully you will never have to know." 

With that the two of us exit the party hand in hand. We go out a side door that leads to a balcony over looking the vast plains surrounding Edoras. It's beautiful out here. We stand there in silence, just enjoying the comfort of each other. 

We're both alive, that's what matters to me right now. We stay like this until hear the sound of the party dispersing. "I think it's time you lie down and rest." He says. I nod. I'm tired. When we walk into the hall servants are cleaning up and pushing the tables to the side. 

In the main hall the men are sleeping on pallets on the ground, in another room Eowyn is sleeping on one of the two couches set for us. I kiss Aragorn goodnight and head over to the other couch. I lay down and close my eyes, falling into a deep sleep. 

I wake up suddenly to the feeling of someone's hand on me, pulling the blanket over me. I know immediately who it is. "What time is it?" I ask without opening my eyes. "Not dawn yet." Aragorn tells me, brushing stray hairs out of my face. 

I hear him go to walk away and grab his hand, opening my eyes. "Why haven't you slept?" I ask. "I am not tired my love. I am fine." He says. "I worry you know. I worry that you won't take care of yourself until this is all over. 

You need to sleep so you're ready for whatever Sauron throws our way." I say. He nods. "I will try to get an hour or two, now, get some more sleep." He says, kissing my forehead. I close my eyes and he goes to walk out. 

"If you don't sleep I'm going to compel you to, just so we're clear." With that sleep overcomes me once more.