Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

Love's Redemption	By : mthorsta Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 7108 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings (and associated) book series, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
- 15
Chapter 12 - The White City
  Eowyn proved to be a formidable task master, pushing Jordan to her limits. One day of reprieve to rest was all she was allowed before they would depart for Minas Tirith. The soreness in Jordan�s muscles had subsided somewhat; now only a dull ache when she used certain muscles. She had begun to notice other, subtler changes taking place within herself as well since coming to Middle Earth. She considered her body type �average� before, but it had become sleeker; her muscles more defined, her skin smoother, and her hair longer and shinier. It was not just from her intensive equestrian training but her entire environment. The foods she ate here were whole foods; not processed and laden with preservatives. The air and water were free of pollutants. She no longer suffered the effects of the stress that came with her highly-demanding job.
   Although these were positive changes, the reality was that life here was more physically demanding. Currently, her position in the palace gave her an advantage. There were servants to perform manual labor duties such as sustaining the garden, harvesting, and cooking the food. In the winter, they would be the ones to chop the firewood and tend the fires that warmed the palace. But what if she lost that advantage? Could she ever live self-sustainably as Maggie did in her little valley? Somehow she doubted it. She did not know what the future held for her. In two years; ten years? She could not imagine what her life would be like then, no matter how hard she tried. She had no plan, no direction. How could she in a world so different from her own? Would there ever come a time when she felt like she belonged?
  The nearer their departure to Minas Tirith grew, the more her excitement turned to anxiety. She just wanted to hurry there and find the linking book; to hold it, touch it; know that it is real. Then she could take comfort in the fact that the option was there to return home if she so desired. It was her father�s wish that she start a new life in Middle Earth, and it was out of grief and her love for him that she did so; but was it the best decision? Perhaps there were other options that her father did not have time to explore. Sometimes it seemed the best thing to do was to leave now, before she became any more entangled in the lives of others; like Legolas. But yet, she could not bear the thought of never seeing him again. It was a difficult choice to make; one that weighed heavily on her mind. She cared about him greatly. He had rescued her; saved her life, and in her time of deepest despair, did not give up on her when she had all but given up on herself. But what is one able to give when they have lost all their faith in love? However well-intentioned Legolas was now, he could not foresee the future. There were no guarantees that circumstance would not change his thinking in the years to come. And what of Legolas� fate? For an Elf to become emotionally invested in a mortal, whether in friendship or love, was to endure heartbreak and pain. He must know this. Why he wanted to pursue that path, she could not understand. Why would he be willing to take that upon himself�for her? Surely there were other female elves that would be better suited for him.
  She exhaled with a heavy sigh, frustrated with her lack of clarity. She supposed it was because her body and mind were so weary that these thoughts were surfacing. Usually, she was better at suppressing them. At that moment, she heard a knock at her door. Odd. She was not expecting anyone. Upon opening it, she found it was one of the maids.

  �Lady Jordan,� She did a quick curtsy, �I bring a message. Lord Legolas requests that you meet him in the courtyard in one-quarter of an hour.�

  It was a strange request. Bewildered, she simply said, �Okay, thank you,� and began to shut the door.

  �Uh, Lady Jordan?�

  Jordan opened the door again to see the maid looking at her expectantly.

  �Yes?�

  �Shall I inform him that you have accepted his request?�

  �Oh�yes, of course. Thank you.� She said, still somewhat confused, and shut the door. �If he wished to speak with me, why didn�t he just come himself?� She wondered. �What could he possibly want?�
  She quickly changed into the dress she had specially made with short sleeves and sat down at the vanity table to brush her hair. The seamstress had thought she was out of her mind when she asked that the dress be made in such a manner. It was not proper for a lady of the court to bare her arms in public, she told her. She still laughed when she thought of the look on the seamstress� face. �You should see what they wear in my world, lady.� She thought. She considered herself neither a �lady of the court� nor a �lady� for that matter and it was just too damn hot to abide by their modest way of dressing. Who knows? Maybe she�d start a trend.
~~~~~
  She saw Legolas standing alone in the courtyard holding a basket in his hand. He wore a long white and gold tunic accented by a gold sash around his hips, breeches the color of pale champagne and brown doe skin boots that reached his knee. He bore a quiver of arrows on his back and his bow slung over his shoulder. As she approached, his smile turned to a look of puzzlement.

  �What happened to your gown?� He asked, pointing to her arms.

  She laughed. �You mean the sleeves? I had it made this way�much to the seamstress� dismay.� She said with a smirk.

  �Why?�

  �Because it�s summer and it�s hot. The people in my world wear much less than this in the summertime. Believe me; I would be wearing much less, too, if I thought I could get away with it.� She realized how that must have sounded to him after the words came out of her mouth. �Well, anyway, it was not considered immodest in my world.� She added.

  He stared at her arms. For a moment, he abandoned his senses and imagined what it would be like to run his fingertips across the smooth flesh that was now uncovered for his eyes to see; to press his lips to the delicate skin of the hollow of her elbow. He stopped himself before his thoughts could carry him any further, frustrated at his lack of control over them.

  �Are you planning on doing some hunting?� She asked in acknowledgment of his bow.

  �This?� He said, taking it off his shoulder for a moment. �No. This is for protection.�

  �From what?�

  �One never knows. These are still dangerous times. It would be foolish to be unprepared.�

  �Okay. Why did you ask me here, Legolas?�

  He slung the bow back over his shoulder. �A while ago, I said there was something I wanted to show you�when you recovered. It is not far and the path is not difficult. Will you come?�

  �What is it?�

  �You will discover that when we get there.� He said with a mischievous grin.

  �So, you�re not going to tell me?�

  With the same grin, he shook his head.

  �Fine, keep your secrets. Show me this �mystery� thing of yours.�

  He led her out the main entrance of the palace and across the bridge that spanned the small river.

  �It is not as much of a �thing� as it is an �occurrence�.� He explained as they walked.

  �Well, that narrows it down.� She joked. It came to mind how strange it was. Through no fault of his own, Legolas was partly the cause of her anguish; but every time he was near, she felt at ease. Those thoughts, those feelings were forgotten. It was only after they would part company that she felt regret. Her mind warned her not to become emotionally involved with him, and the more time she spent with him, the harder that would become. It was a battle, however, that her mind was losing, for her heart desired to let him in; to trust and care for him.
  �Can you at least tell me what�s in the basket?�

  �I brought some food so that we may enjoy mid-day meal there.�

  �Oh! Like a picnic.�

  �A picnic?�

  �Yeah. That is what it�s called in my world when you take food somewhere outside to eat.�

  �Alright, a picnic it shall be, then!�

  He had turned onto a path shortly after the bridge. It was probably a little more primitive than she was used to, but he knew better than to offer her assistance. She would refuse.

  �How is your leg? Are you faring alright?�

  �I�m fine, Legolas. How much further?�

  �We are almost there.�
  She started to hear the sound of rushing water in the distance. It grew louder and louder and after passing a bend in the path, a large, very tall waterfall came into view. It emptied into a pool of blue sparkling water and then cascaded down a slope, out of sight, on the opposite side from where they were standing. As she looked up, she could see the mist caught by the sunlight refracted into a rainbow.

  �Oh! It�s beautiful, Legolas!� The breeze from the force of the falls sent strands of her hair billowing in all directions as the mist cooled her face. He tucked one of the loose strands behind her ear and smiled. She turned from him to take in her surroundings and he let her do so for a moment before speaking.

  �Would you like to sit down and eat?�

  �Sure.�
  He picked a spot sheltered from the sun by the high rock wall over which the water flowed, on the grassy banks of the pool. While they sat in the coolness of the shade, they snacked on fruits, bread, and cheese and drank the wine that Legolas had brought.

  �Watch this.� She said and tossed one of the grapes up into the air and caught it in her mouth.

  Legolas grinned. �That is quite a trick. Let me try.�

  The first one bounced off his nose to his chagrin, eliciting laughter from Jordan. It only took a second try, however, for Legolas to master this trick. He did a few more, not missing a one.

  �You�re just showing off now. It took me years to learn that.� She said with mock indignity and tossed a grape at him which bounced off his shoulder.

  �You are starting a battle you cannot win.� He said with a devious smile.

  As she stretched out on her side in the grass, propping herself up with her elbow, he tossed a grape back at her. It hit her stomach and bounced onto the ground. It gave her an idea.

  She sat back up on her knees. �Open your mouth.�

  �Why?�

  She plucked another grape from the cluster.

  �I�ll toss one to you. Don�t move, okay?� She said with a laugh.

  Instead of the grape landing in his mouth, it bounced off his upper lip and rolled into the pool.

  �Oh!� She covered her mouth with her hands. �Oh, I�m so sorry, Legolas.� She said through her laughter, as she crawled over to him. He looked displeased, but only in jest to worry her. Rising up on her knees, she touched his face and ran her thumb over his lip where the grape hit.

  �I�m sorry.� She said with a grin.

  A smile spread across his face. �You have terrible aim.�

  This time they both laughed. She was so close. He could smell the fragrant oil she bathed with. Her lips were parted slightly, breathless from the laughter.

  �I would like to ask you something.�

  She cocked her head slightly to the side and smiled. �What?� She asked, oblivious to the desire rising up in him.

  �May I kiss you?� He asked softly, almost shyly.

  The smile faded from her face and for a moment he thought she was angry with him. Instead of answering, she leaned into him slowly and took his bottom lip in between hers, sucking on it gently, tasting him; then moved to his top lip. She cupped the side of his face in her hand and let it slide ever so slowly down his cheek and across his jaw as she licked at his lips, tracing them with her tongue. From her knees, she sat down in the grass pulling Legolas with her, never letting her lips part with his. He pulled away and she looked at him curiously. He picked up a grape and squeezed it just enough to break the skin, letting the juice ooze out. He ran it across her parted lips, first the top one and then the bottom, applying the sweet nectar. He kissed her in the same manner she did him; sucking and teasing her lips, tasting the juice on them. When he released them, she blinked a few times, stunned. Never before had she experience something so simple but yet so sensuous.
   It quickly became an awkward moment for them; neither one knew how to proceed from there. She smiled at him, eager to break the tension.

  �Could you hand me my cane, please?�

  As he handed it to her, he asked, �What are you going to do?�

  �I�m going to go wade in the water and cool off.� She answered with a grin.

  �Lady Jordan, that may not be wise. The bottom is rocky and unsettled. You could fall.�

  She shrugged her shoulders. �Then, I will fall.�

  Legolas laid back down in the grass, watching her, as he popped a grape in his mouth; the taste, a reminder of their kiss.
  She kicked off her shoes, gathered her skirt up in one hand, and stepped into the water; letting out a shriek at its coldness. She took small steps, each time going deeper. She would shriek each time the water touched a new part of her skin and then laugh at herself; all the while looking towards Legolas on the shore. The water was just a little above her knees now. She raised her hands in the air as if to exclaim �tah-dah�, then turned to take another step, but realized she had let go of her skirt. Not wanting it to get wet, she quickly scrambled for it, throwing herself off balance. Before she even knew what was happening, Legolas was behind her, catching her as she fell backwards. Grasping her shoulders, he steadied her on her feet again but did not move from behind her. She was breathing heavy and her heart was pounding from the rush of adrenaline.

  �Are you alright?�

  �Yes, thank you.� She panted.

  She started to turn around but he stopped her. He stayed closed behind her; a fingerbreadth�s width away, yet his body did not touch hers. Reaching down, he dipped both hands into the water.

  �Ah, Legolas, what are you doing?� She asked suspiciously.

  She knew he was up to something. He brought his dripping fingertips around the front of her, to touch the top of her arms where the sleeves ended, and as the cold water trickled down her arms, he slowly traced its path with his fingertips. She leaned back against him and sucked in her breath sharply as the cold water ran down her skin. He dipped his hands in the water again but this time reversed his path starting at her wrists and gliding upward.

  �You said you wanted to cool off.� He responded coyly.

  She shivered from his feather-light touch and the cold water. �Okay, okay, I�m cooled off.� She whined.

  �Good.� He laughed. �Can I return you to shore now?�

  Cane in one hand, Legolas holding the other, she was helped out of the rocky pool to the grassy bank. They took one look at each and laughed; they were both soaked from the waist down. Legolas sat down and removed his boots, pouring the water out of them. Jordan gathered up her skirt and rang it out by the water�s edge before sitting down to face him.

  �Would you like some more wine?�

  �Yes, please.� She said, handing her goblet to him. As he handed it back, full, she said, �Thank you for today, Legolas.� She paused to take a sip of wine. �How is it you always seem to know what I need?�

  �I do not. It just seemed like a good day for an excursion.� In truth, he did know but he couldn�t explain it, at least not in a way that she may understand, so he did not speak of it. It was a thought or a feeling that would come to him seemingly from nowhere, like a whisper carried on the wind.

  �That it was. After these last few days, I needed to get away for a while.�

  �If there are thoughts that weigh on your mind, you can always share them with me. I am more than willing to listen and perhaps I can help.�

  �There has just been so much to do; training with Eowyn, working with Ioreth, wondering what I should bring for the journey to Minas Tirith. It has definitely taken a toll on my body and mind.�

  �Your training is finished, now, and I am certain if you asked Eowyn, she would help you prepare for your journey; but that is not all, is it.�

  Jordan sighed. �I guess I�m just worried about going to Minas Tirith.�

  �I thought you were excited to go.�

  �I was; I am, but��

  �What is it?� He implored her, searching her face.

  �I am afraid. Afraid of the disappointment that will come if I do not find the linking book there and afraid of how your friends, a king and queen no less, will react to me. What if they don�t like me?�

  �There are certain things in our lives that are not in our control. Only Eru knows our true destiny. If you are meant to find the book, you will find it, even if not at Minas Tirith; for often it happens that things are not revealed to us in the time we would like or expect. As for Aragorn and Arwen; they are most kind and gracious and have been my friends for many years�they will love you.�

  �How is it you always know just the right thing to say too?�

  �You give credit where none is deserved. I simply speak what I know to be true in my life.�
  Legolas stretched out in the grass on his back and interlaced his finger underneath his head and with a sigh of contentment, he gazed at the sky. Jordan crawled over to the wine bottle sitting in the grass, filled hers and Legolas� goblets and scooted over to Legolas� side.

  �I poured you some more wine; I�ll set it in the grass beside you.�

  �Thank you.�

  Jordan laid down on her back as well, perpendicular to Legolas, resting her head on his chest.

  �I�m not hurting you am I?�

  �No, my lady,� he smiled down at her, ��Twould not be possible.�
  They both lay there for some time, lulled by the sound of the waterfall. Jordan could hear Legolas� heart beating and feel the rise and fall of his chest and for some reason, it was a comfort to her. After a while, Legolas lifted his head, reached for his goblet and took an awkward sip of wine. He left the hand that held his wine goblet outstretched on the grass. Jordan took it in her own, running her fingers in between his and tracing lazy patterns in his palm.

  �Will you tell me about your childhood?�

  Their fingers played and danced together as he spoke of the early years of Eryn Lasgalen, then called Greenwood, how the shadow of Sauron covered the land and how evil creatures came to dwell in the woods, the moving of the kingdom into a network of caves in the hills near the Forest River, and how he trained as a warrior from a young age and learned how to defend his homeland.

  �I�m so sorry, Legolas. It does not sound like your childhood was a very happy one.�

  �Perhaps, but it is all I have ever known.�

  �Yes, but to have to hide in the hills, fending off horrible, evil creatures all the time? I could not imagine what that must have been like.�

  �It was what I was trained to do. I do not fear death.�

  �What do you mean death? You�re immortal; you can�t die.�

  �Aye, my lady, we can. Though not affected by sickness or aging, our bodies cannot withstand grievous injury such as can be sustained in battle any more than a mortal�s. I have lost many of my kin in this manner over the ages.�

  The implication of this started to become clear in her mind. �And yet, you are left to linger on�forever.� Her voice trailed off.
   She felt a profound sadness for Legolas as well as the Elven race as a whole. All throughout history, the people of her world have sought ways to achieve immortality; from the explorers of long ago searching for the fountain of youth to the life-extending efforts of modern medicine. The notion of immortality was looked upon as glorious and romantic. How could they know the consequences of their desires when they had no reference? She had seen its effects firsthand and it was neither glorious nor romantic, it was a curse!

  �It is hard for me to imagine what it would be like to be immortal.� She said sadly.

  �Sometimes it is a burden in many ways. But let us speak of other things lest we taint the beauty here with such dark thoughts.�

  �I�m sorry, Legolas. I did not mean for the conversation to turn to such a depressing subject.�

  He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. �No, you do not offend, my lady. I find your curiosity about our ways endearing.�

  The fact that he was not some indestructible force gave him a certain fragility; made him more�human in her eyes.
  They lay with each other, quiet, unmoving, there on the grassy bank; fingers still entwined, until the sun hung low on the horizon.

  �I do not want you to leave Middle Earth.� Legolas said; his tone quiet and serious.

  She squeezed her eyes shut against the stab of pain that came in knowing how it would hurt him if she did. Hearing him speak those words made the decision she faced that much more difficult.

  �I know.� She said sympathetically. �Nothing is certain, yet.�

  Legolas was silent for a long while, then he spoke. �We should return to the palace. Daylight is waning and dusk will be fast approaching.�

  Legolas finished his wine, rinsed the goblets out in the water, and packed everything back in the basket.

  �Aw, I don�t want to leave this place.�

  �Nor I; though it would be difficult to take up residence here.� He said with a grin. �I would have you see the Elven colony where I live. This place pales in comparison.�

  �That good, huh?�

  �Indeed.�
~~~~~
  The sun was just beginning to set; shining its brilliant rays through the trees. They talked as they made their way back to the palace, enjoying this last little bit of time together.
  �Shh. There she is!� Ereganth whispered to Cirion. They ducked down lower in the bushes behind a tree.

  �Damn. She�s always with that Elf!� Cirion growled. �I shall have to find a time when she is alone.�

  He stared at her as one would stalk their prey; dark, vicious, devoid of all emotion.
   From the first day Cirion saw her riding past the Red Arrow Inn, they had been tracking her movements. Ereganth was beginning to see the first signs of Cirion�s twisted obsession and he feared for himself should he ever try to go against him. Never before had he seen this look upon Cirion�s face; it frightened him and a most disturbing thought came into his head.

  �You do not intend to kill her�do you?�

  For a moment, Cirion did not respond. When he turned to Ereganth, his expression was normal once again.

  �No�no, of course not. I just want to teach her a lesson; scare her, that�s all.� But there was no mistaking the glint of evil that flashed in his eye.

  The pair retreated silently into the woods and back towards the village.
~~~~~
  As Jordan and Legolas walked arm-in-arm up to the palace, Eowyn came running toward them.

  �Where have you been all day? I have been searching everywhere for you!�

  Their appearance was disheveled. Dust from the path had clung to the damp fabric of the hem of Jordan�s dress, forming mud. Legolas� boots and breeches were also smudged with dirt. Jordan�s hair was in tangles and the sleeves were missing from her dress.

  �What has happened to you? Good gracious! Were you attacked? Jordan, what happened to your dress?�

  Jordan and Legolas looked at each other and laughed.

  �No, my lady Eowyn, we have spent the day at a nearby waterfall,� he looked at Jordan again and smiled, �having a picnic.�

  �So, you were not attacked?� Eowyn said, exasperated that her worry was for nothing.

  �Well, I was struck in the face by an errant grape.� Legolas said in mock seriousness.

  Jordan slapped his arm. �I told you I was sorry!�

  �At least I was compensated for that indignity.�

  Jordan held her hand up. �I fell in.�

  �I saved her.�

  They both erupted into laughter again. Jordan felt like she was being scolded by her mother which made her laugh more.

  �As for my dress, it came this way.�

  �Have you gathered anything to take to Minas Tirith?� Eowyn asked Jordan.

  �Uh, no.�

  �That is what I thought.� Eowyn huffed. She grabbed Jordan by the hand and dragged her off towards the palace. Eowyn glanced back at Legolas and yelled, �We ride at dawn.�

  Jordan looked back at Legolas, grinned sheepishly and waved goodbye. He waved back, still standing in the place where he was left. As they walked, Jordan leaned in to Eowyn and whispered, �I had the most wonderful time.�
~~~~~
  Stars were still visible in the lightening sky, when Jordan felt someone waking her.

  �My lady, you must wake up. We are waiting for you,� came Legolas� voice from the dark.

  She groaned and pulled the covers over her head. �What time is it?�

  �It is near dawn.�

  He lit a candle and set it on the side table next to her bed.

  �I will wait outside while you ready yourself.�

  �You don�t have to. You�ve seen me in worse states.�

  She peeled back the covers and swung her legs around over the edge of the bed. There she sat; head drooped, eyes closed, with the subtle sway of a sleepy hazy.

  �Lady Jordan?�

  �Huh? Okay, I�m awake.� She groaned.

  Legolas handed her cane to her. Grabbing the dress Eowyn picked out for her the night before from the wardrobe, she padded off to the bathing chamber to change.
  The sky had lightened further and the stars had faded but it was still dim in Jordan�s quarters. Legolas went around and lit the rest of the candles, so that she would be able to see. When she returned to the great room, she sat down at the vanity and brushed her hair. She quickly wove it into a loose braid, securing the end with a small strip of leather.

  �Alright, I think I�m ready.�

  �Where are your bags?�

  �In the corner, by the door.�

  �I will carry them for you.�

  �Okay, thank you, Legolas.� She said, yawning.

  As they walked through the quiet, torch-lit corridors, their footsteps echoed off the stone walls. Jordan noticed Legolas was dressed differently than she had seen him before. He wore a dark outer tunic of what looked like suede belted at the waist, some type of leather wrist guards, with his bow and quiver slung on his back.
  Just outside the palace, Eowyn and Faramir were mounted and ready while two other horses stood, awaiting their riders. Faramir, like Legolas, wore an outer leather vest emblazoned with an ornate silver tree, leather vambraces on his forearms, and a sword at his side. They waved as Legolas approached with Jordan ambling slowly behind him; bleary-eyed and still half asleep.

  �We were beginning to think we would be riding without you, Lady Jordan.� Faramir quipped.

  �I�m not much of a morning person.� She said in a sleepy drawl.

  �What is a �morning person�?�

  Sighing, she closed her eyes. �Exactly.�

  Eowyn could not help but laugh at Jordan�s nonsensical reasoning. Legolas quickly secured his and Jordan�s bags to the horses� saddles.

  �Come my lady,� Legolas beckoned, �I will help you on your horse.�

  By the muted light of dawn, she could not see clearly, but the horse she was to ride seemed familiar to her.

  �Bromns�!� Jordan exclaimed with relief.

  �Yes.� Eowyn replied. �I thought it was the best match since you seem comfortable with each other.�

  Legolas took Jordan�s cane and slid it underneath the straps that held her bags to the saddle. To his surprise, she did not need any help mounting Bromns�; she was well practiced, so he stood by in case she slipped.

  �That�s right.� Jordan scratched Bromns� between the ears, �Bromns� and I are old friends, aren�t we?�

  In one smooth motion, Legolas mounted his own horse. Faramir looked around; everyone was ready.

  �To Minas Tirith!� He proclaimed.
   The first rays of sun were just beginning to spill over the horizon as the four passed through the gates of the palace, crossed the bridge, and set off down the road that would lead them to the White City.
  Jordan could feel the excitement and anticipation slowly building inside her once again; renewed by Legolas� reassurance that everything would work out the way it is supposed to. All she needed to do was to let go and trust in that. She could see more clearly now, what Legolas wore. He looked like he was ready to do battle; dressed in the colors of the forest. He sat up straight and proud; his presence commanding; he would make a formidable foe, but he was beautiful all the same.
  (To listen to the soundtrack for this section, visit this chapter at elvenladyofithilien dot com)
~~~~~
  The wooded road was quiet and peaceful; the only sound the horses� hooves and the occasional trill of a bird. Faramir led and Legolas took up the rear, keeping the women between them protected, though nothing could dare spoil a morning such as this. The sky; a stained glass ceiling of the richest blue unmarred by even the faintest wisp of cloud and as the sun rose higher, beams of light pierced the forest canopy turning the drops of dew on the leaves to beads of crystal. It seemed everywhere that Jordan looked, there was something wondrous to behold; the delicate carpet of pale violet flowers that covered the forest floor, the way the light illuminated the trees where it touched, as if they were lit from within; a giant sword fern sprouting from an old stump spilling over its sides here, an occasional waterfall there.
   Onward they pressed keeping a steady but gentle pace climbing and descending the rolling hills of Emyn Arnen. The sun was overhead when they finally came to where the road would make its final descent, leaving the hills behind, and empty out onto the sweeping plains. Minas Tirith was again within sight but remained in the distance against the base of Mount Mindolluin. From there, they would cross the Anduin at Osgilliath and pass through the Pelennor fields but for now they took a short reprieve, while still in the cool shelter of the trees, to rest the horses and take mid-afternoon meal.

  �The hour will be late when we arrive, but after we have taken our rest and the morrow comes, I will take you to meet my brother, Eomer.� Eowyn told Jordan.

  �But he is of Rohan is he not? I thought this meeting only concerned Gondor.�

  Faramir answered her. �Aragorn has summoned the kings of all nearby realms including Rohan as it lies in the path of one of the trade route; as well, he values Eomer�s counsel on this matter.�

  �It sounds like this is going to be quite an affair; with royalty abound. I hold no status. I�m afraid I�m going to feel a bit out of place.�

  �Nonsense. You are among friends; an honored guest. You do not need any status.� Eowyn said.

  �If you say so.� Jordan said, not fully convinced. �I look forward to meeting your brother.�

  �I must remind you, Eowyn; there may not be much time for reunions. Eomer will be caught up in counsel for a good many hours of the day, as we will be.� He motioned to himself and Legolas. �You will have to find ways to occupy yourselves, although I do not think you will find it difficult. There will be many women in the same circumstance.�
  The thought of Jordan meeting Eomer troubled Legolas somewhat. He held Eomer in the highest regard but, alas, he was a king who had yet to find a queen. There stood a chance they may take an interest in one another. Legolas could not lay claim to Jordan�s heart and no oath had she sworn to him; if this was the course she chose, he would have to let her go.

  �Faramir, we should continue on if we want to make Minas Tirith before nightfall.� Legolas said.

  �You are right, my friend. Let us gather our things and be off, shall we?�
  Reaching the eastern side of Osgilliath, Jordan looked around, aghast. What looked like a great city at one time was now in ruins.

  �This is Osgilliath? What happened here? It looks like it has been bombed!� She said in disbelief.

  �Bombed? What is this term you speak of?� Legolas asked.

  �It is a weapon of war in my world. It�s like an explosion; shattering its target to pieces and causing fire and destruction.�

  Faramir and Legolas looked at each other with the same thought in mind.

  �Helm�s Deep.� Legolas said. Faramir nodded in agreement. Rumor had spread about the terrifying new weapon of the enemy and those who heard rejoiced that its creator had perished.

  �No such weapon was used here, but a great many other implements of destruction were brought down upon this city. For years it has suffered countless enemy attacks. The fact that even one building remains is a testament to the craftsmen who built it. What you see now is an improvement. Much has been rebuilt; including the bridge we are about to cross.� Faramir said.

  It was hard to imagine this city looking any worse. It gave Jordan a sense of just how huge and fierce this war had been. Its effects were far-reaching; nothing was left untouched.
  The sun had disappeared behind the Tower of Ecthelion casting a long shadow across the land when they crossed the Anduin River and entered into the western side of Osgilliath. Here the damage was not as severe. The debris had been cleared away and numerous buildings had already been restored or were in the process. They came upon a group of such craftsmen as they wound through the city. As they approached, the men recognized Faramir immediately and ceased their work. They stood at attention out of respect for Faramir until his party had passed by. Faramir nodded to them in turn. Although Gondor now had a king, Faramir was well loved by the people. He was allowed to keep his title as Steward and served as high counselor to King Elessar.

  �You see? The work continues every day until the city is rebuilt.� Faramir commented.

  Upon leaving Osgilliath, they stopped at the edge of the Pelennor fields. Faramir turned to the group, his head held high. They all had suffered much; himself on a personal level as well as a city and as a people, but yet they remained; they survived. They would flourish and his heart swelled with pride.

  �There she is in all her glory�Minas Tirith, the White City.�

  Eowyn turned to Jordan with a mischievous grin. �Are you ready to run?�

  Before Jordan could react, Eowyn spurred her horse and he sprang forward with great speed towards the city. Jordan took off close behind her and together they raced across the fields. The women were no more than a blur of color streaking across the plain by the time Legolas and Faramir, taken by surprise, galloped away after them.
   The sun now had passed behind the Tower and came out the other side bursting forth with a blinding light that covered the fields like fire. The wind sang loudly in Jordan�s ears and drowned out all else except for the pounding of her heart and the horses� hooves hammering the ground. Jordan�s loose braid had come undone and her hair flew wildly behind her like a banner unfurled and caught in the breeze. At break-neck speed they raced and Jordan felt such freeness and elation, the likes of which a bird may feel soaring over the mountaintops, but also terror, and all at the same time. The man and elf were coming upon the women quickly, ready to overtake them. Out of the corner of her eye, Jordan could see Legolas pulling up along side her. She glanced quickly at him, smiled, and urged her horse on faster, laughing as she did.
  The great walls of the city and Mount Mindolluin loomed overhead higher and higher the closer they came. Just as the sun sank behind the White Mountains for the last time, and the sky faded to dusk, did they reached the gate, checking their speed as they approached. The enormous iron gate opened slowly and the group went forth into the city; and with a heavy clang it closed behind them.

  The guard proclaimed loudly for everyone to hear, �The Son of Gondor has returned!� Everyone came out of their homes and businesses, gathering on the streets to watch and wave as he passed by. Escorted by an entourage of guards, they were ushered to the stables to board their weary horses and, at last, shown the way to their quarters to rest and recover from their long journey.
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Love's Redemption