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What the East Wind Brings	By : Fael Category: -Multi-Age > Het - Male/Female Views: 1152 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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.

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A/N: Thanks goes to Mesopotamia and Laivin for the reviews and also to Nitpicking Nitpicker whose rather unkind comment has only spurred this author to continue to write (mostly out of spite.)

March 16^th: The commanders of the west meet a princess of the east

�Victory cannot be achieved by arms, whether you sit here to endure siege after siege, or march out to be overwhelmed beyond the river.�
Quickly spreading like a flame, the rumor began that the soldiers of Gondor had vanquished a war princess of the Harad. The rumor also said that it had taken six men to bring her down and that she had killed two of the men in the melee. The citizens also gossiped about what she looked like; some said she was as tall as any of their tallest men, that her eyes burned with dark flames and black asps hissed and writhed in her hair. Others said she was enticingly beautiful and that all men must be careful not to fall victims of her charms and still others claimed that she was so horribly ugly that only orcs could bare to be around her.
Of course Asano was unaware of all of this for she was still deeply unconscious, her mind swimming with images of dark battle, a fierce probing eye, and a glowing figure offering a respite from her wearying troubles. Once again Asano found herself waking from unconsciousness, but at least this time her head was not pounding. Bringing her hand to her face she felt the softness of linen wrapped around her head where her wound from the fall was. Well, Asano thought, now I know I�m still alive, but I�m still imprisoned.
Sitting up slowly and looking around she realized she was not in a cell, but a sparsely furnished room. Asano was lying on a narrow bed and beside it was a small side table with a burning candle on top. There was also a chair and a table pushed against the far side wall next to a small window which had bars criss-crossed over it.
When she realized she could stand, Asano did so with great care for her midsection had suffered quite a beating. The citizenry of the great city had not been gentle in their ways of dealing with her, their welcome could still be felt across her back and ribs. Their angry shouts and accusations ringing in her ears.

The thick leather belt that was a part of her gear was missing as well as what remained of her weapons, her tunic hung loosely about her. When she lifted the maroon garment she realized why it was missing, much of her ribs and midsection were wrapped in the same linen. Curious as to the extent of her injuries Asano began to unwrap her bindings, �I would leave those be, the healer took more care with you than necessary.� Came a voice from the door, the voice belonged to another guard and she could tell there would be along line of them to come.
Pulling her tunic down quickly in embarrassment as the guard opened the door and stepped over the threshold into her little room.
At this time, Asano decided to speak, �what�are you,� she said jerkily. Unused to speaking the Westron tongue even though she had knowledge of it.
The guard smirked a little at her faulty linguistic abilities and strange accent. His eyes glittered in strange manner; not wholly ill natured, but wary and curious.
�So you do speak the common tongue, I was to see if you were awake and if you were, bring you to the commanders,� stated the nameless guard.
�I am�to be..eh�executed?� Asano asked of the man.
�I would not know, but come we cannot keep them waiting for long, there is much to do,� the guard answered.
Asano stepped closer and allowed the guard to take her arm and lead her from the room. As she walked by she could see into large, wide open, rooms holding many of the injured and with a sudden stab of guilt she wondered how many she herself had wounded or killed. It was suddenly very terrible to behold the suffering she helped cause. Even if part of her wanted to cry out that her share of suffering was worse. At least this way, Asano thought, everyone will suffer, but still that thought was cold comfort and empty of any bravado she could hide behind.
The nameless guard lead her from the house of healing past two whispering healers and then through a deserted side path. Asano imagined the man had been briefed before about what had happened the day before and would try to keep away from crowds.
Soon they came to the top level where the great citadel she had seen in the distance a day before, gleamed unharmed in pearl and silver. Asano was awe inspired, to her it nearly touched the face of the sky she had never seen the like of it before. At the very top was a shining pike of silver with a bright white flag fluttering in the high wind. How in the name of creation, she wondered had this been built. She imagined this was once a home of giant men, who built huge castles if trying to reach the gods.
�How�,� she whispered, her voice soft with amazement.

�I suppose you�ve just seen the splendor of the citadel, as to how it was built that is beyond my reckoning. Save that it was constructed by our great, forefathers in a time long ago,� the guard replied. Pride filling his deep voice as he too beheld the tower.
�You guard�this place?� Asano inquired, having forgotten the word for �tower.�

�You speak much for someone who does not know the language well. But, yes I did guard the citadel,� his voice lowering a bit.
Asano noted that the man spoke in the past tense about his duty, but said nothing about it, it was not her place. She too understood the pain of regretting something.
Making their way across the courtyard she saw that a dead tree stood sadly in the middle of the courtyard and she wondered at it�s purpose. Everything else seemed well tended, why leave that corpse of a tree standing. Yet there seemed a sense of reverence about it, something Asano could not grasp, but realized it�s importance. This must be apart of the grandeur and history of the place and part of it was in that tree.
The two of them now stood before the great white doors of the citadel when a certain amount of apprehension fell upon Asano. She now stood a few feet away from the commanders of her enemies and she was unsure of how she would fare. There did not seem much of chance of her survival. It was now that she wished that she had not been saved by the glowing figure, and wished instead that she had been left to the mob. Asano was sure could not face death twice, but no matter, her dual nature returned. In reply to her internal cowardice she squared her jaw and prepared to face the decisions of her foes, as well as her own that had now finally caught up to her.
Opening the door the guard said, �good luck, girl soldier. May he be merciful on us both.�
Then Asano was inside the great stone body of the tower and it seemed her breath sounded like a bellow and her heart drummed loud as thunder.
Before her was a surprisingly sunlight throne room, the white marble was blindly bright a head of her was a group of men talking amongst themselves. When the large doors shut loudly they finally took notice.
The guard gave her a slight nudge and she was forced to step forward, head held high.
The group ahead silently watched her approach and as she grew closer she was able to make out that there was only three men, a dwarf, and to her eternal amazement the glowing figure who saved her.
The first to approach her was a dark haired man with a solemn face, his clothing was worn yet his stance was regal. Asano could tell almost automatically that she looked upon a made king. A man made of steel and suffering.
Thinking quickly she had to find away to evoke some sort of mercy from him. Some would call this cowardice, and Asano would probably agree with them, but she found that she would be more useful to her people alive that valiantly dead.
She dropped to her knees suddenly and pressed her hands and forehead to the cool face of the marble tiles. Prostrating herself in the hopes of winning some mercy. With her face hidden they would not see her burning in shame. But by the heavens above! Asano wanted to live! To be able to go home and help the people that she left behind.

This sudden motion rather spooked some of those present; especially the broad shouldered blonde man who gripped the hilt of his blade. They knew she was a haradrim and expected some fierce reprisal for her capture even though she remained in their hands.
Aragorn did not seem so perturbed or uneasy, certainly she was inscrutable, but there was still five of them and one of her and she was injured. The ratio seemed in their favor. There seemed little to fear from here yet.
�Is this the one you rescued Legolas from the crowd,� the dark haired man inquired turning to the glowing figure.
�Yes, the very one Aragorn,� Legolas, the now named elf answered.
Turning her head slightly, Asano was able to get a better look at the elf man; he was tall, a little more than all present, curious blue eyes that changed shade, straight black eye brows and perfect bow lips that not even her handsome Karn had possessed. Once possessed, but no longer, she thought sadly. Asano noted that he was built much like the men of Harad; lean, but strong and long-legged. Except that he was blonde, white as any of the people of the west and his skin glowed. All in all, Asano thought, he was unbearable beautiful and that made her flush fiercely. Shaking her head Asano could not believe herself, this was no time to be going about admiring handsome elf-man and blushing like an untried maiden. And if there was one thing Asano was not was a maiden, not any more.
The man named Aragorn reached down and taking her wrists, pulled her to her feet to meet his steely-blue eyes. Much to her surprise and delight he began to speak to her in her own language. He said once again he was Aragorn, chief of the northern rangers and asked of which part of Harad she hailed from. Asano answered that she was from Near Harad where her clan had settled close to the Harnen River in the desert.
She did not understand at first, but there was something about this man that made her want to be honest, to not prevaricate, to lay everything before him. She spoke quickly and frantically to Aragorn gripping his wrists in return. Speaking first of her father, the Ra-Huru*, then of her dead brothers lying on the field that it was important that they not be buried. But instead set ablaze to release their souls.
Asano saw that she had gotten a bit ahead of him that she would have to slow down and not ask so much of a foreign commander. He questioned her again; this time if she spoke westron. When she said yes, her released her hands and turned to face his companions.
Legolas watched the young woman with mild interest, in all his many years and the many people he had met he had yet to meet a person from the south lands. Legolas was intrigued with the woman�s appearance and language. She was no longer wearing the turban or scarf and her maroon tunic was loose; without her copper and leather armor she was more narrow than he thought. The woman�s hair; black and curly was long and braided with golden twine, which was done in a similar style of own kin. In her small round ears were many dangling gold coins: starting at the lobe and ending at the tip of the shell. Her skin was light brown, her nose straight and broad and her lips were plush and wide. Since her arrival he could feel the weight of her green eyed gaze on him. She seemed as curious about him as he was of her.
Legolas watched as Aragorn spoke with the woman in her own tongue. He was equally as astonished as she was, although he did not show it, what could Aragorn not do? When had he taken the time to learn the far language of the Haradrim. She spoke quickly and was surprised by it�s sound; it was not smooth or musical, but instead bounded rhythmically up and down. It was not like anything he had heard before, and though old it sounded lively making her seem more excitable than she was. It was as strange and exotic as the woman herself, even a little harsh at the same time. Aragorn soon stopped her, and seemed to ask her something which she assented to. He let go of her wrists ad turned to face them.
�This my friends is Asano of Near Harad. Daughter of a War lord�� and it looked as if he would have continued, but the woman, Asano had other ideas.
Asano quickly spoke up, lest they get the wrong idea about who she was, �Ra, I�..talk for myself,� she said in a thickly accented voice.
If Aragorn had been thrown off guard, Legolas watched, he did not show it. Instead he gestured for her to continue with a gentle dip of his head. To his right the easily riled Eomer frowned deeply and looked like he was about to say something. Though for now he was stolid and silent, arms crossed over his chest. Legolas then looked over at his friend Gimli and smirked a little at the goings-on, Gimli returned the expression with a wry smile the brashness of the woman amused him as well as intrigued Legolas. It took strength to stand before one�s enemies and not flinch.
�Ra in return for my life being saved by your�..com..comrade, I wish to help you,� Asano said firmly. First looking quickly to Legolas hoping he understood her gratitude even if she couldn�t rightly say it.
Then someone other than Aragorn spoke; it was the old man dressed in immaculate white. His blue eyes stared sharply at her under brisling brows.
�And how would you help us? If we are to truly believe you� the old man asked.
Ah yes, Asano thought, here is the suspicion I hoped for, I was beginning to get nervous. This Aragorn is far too kind. Smirking she turned to face the old man looking him straight in the eyes.
�True old sir, little I can do to make you trust me. Except my word,� Asano said as calmly as she could keeping her voice steady and strong.
�How would you help us? Your master has already massed his armies behind his walls and will soon move to take back the free world,� the old man explained. He seemed to be pushing for an answer that wouldn�t be obtuse.
Anger flared inside of Asano and her temper was ready to take over, �My Master! Is not inside those black walls!� She exclaimed, not in a shout, but a clear statement of fact, filled with vehemence. �He is in the desert fighting those who want to kill us.�
Aragorn smiled at the old man, �there�s hope for this one Gandalf. She is the daughter of a chief perhaps she can persuade the others to follow her in changing sides.�
The blonde man who had been quiet most of the time spoke up suddenly and furiously, �Aragorn! You would use enemy soldiers! They could turn on us at the final moment!�
Asano frowned deeply at such an implication, but didn�t speak because she was now a turn-coat and not quite deserving trust as of yet, so it seemed to her.
�Eomer raises a good question Aragorn,� the dwarf said, �how can we trust this woman.�
Aragorn it seemed wanted to leave that up to Asano and turning to her, �how would you have us believe your word.�
Asano took a deep breath and looked first at the elf, Legolas whose stare was enigmatic and constant.
�I know being your enemy does not create trust�.. But if I may Ra, I will hold this place as dear as I hold my home�.. My life was saved in this place, so now I�in debt to you and to Ra-Leglas.� Asano explained, now feeling in return the full force of elfish discernment upon her character. Legolas� perspicacity was powerful indeed, it made her sweat from nerves.
�For a debt you are willing to turn against your people, possibly kill those you once fought beside,� the wizard Gandalf replied.
�I sacrifice for them, I do this�for them,� was Asano�s answer. Her frustration with herself over not being able to say what she wanted to say was growing. Why did she not pay better attention to that Westron speaking slave.
�So what are you willing to sacrifice, what would you give up,� the old man Continued to inquire, pressing her with his mind.
�I give you�.infor..information about battles. I give my life,� she answered quickly. Trying to rein in her agitation at the constant pressure that not only the old man was putting on her but Aragorn as well.
�Well,� came the gravely voice of the dwarf, �don�t die right away woman, you would waste all the effort the elf and I put into saving your hide.�
Legolas smiled, little effort had been needed to subdue the people and take her away.
The tension finally broke like a wave over a rock wall and Asano found she could breathe again. The old wizard sighed then turned his gaze from her to face Aragorn again.
�So the decision must be made; do we attack at the Morgul Gate or do we go straight on to the Black Gate itself.�
�Frodo was last seen going through the Morgul Gate, the Dark Lord would least expect an attack there. For he would not think anyone would dare the venture,� Aragorn said.
�Frodo has passed beyond my sight. I can no longer say where he is or even if he�s alive,� Gandalf replied sadly.
�I believe he still lives. If Sauron had the ring we would know. So we must decide the Morgul Gate or the Black Gate,� Aragorn explained with certainty in his voice.
�Aragorn, those gates are guarded by more than just orcs. A sleepless terror abides there; it is of the like of which no mortal could stand. You could not do this even if you brought every man capable of bearing arms,� Legolas pronounced. He knew that Aragorn had more courage than any man alive, but he could not say that for the rest.
The Black Gates, Asano had been told about them by other soldiers ones that had seen them, they said that they were great and terrible. They were like jagged black teeth grinning at the sky emanating dark terror, only fools went to the Black gates.
Then Asano remembered something, the last great battle; every soldier of the Dark Lord knew it even though it had never been told to them. It was there implanted like a seed germinating as time went by. As their days grew numbered the plan became clearer, if they were to do something it would have to be soon. For the mouth of hell was smiling readying itself for utter bloody death.
Asano shuddered and blanched, how she ever thought peace would come to her this way she could not understand.
�Ra! You must not take the ghost gate�eh�do instead what is ex.. Expected. Go to the gate of Black teeth,� she informed them. Her voice shaking with both fear and conviction.
All eyes turned to look at her, judging whether they should believe her, �Please! Ra�.go to the black one. Or He will come out from the ghost gate to you. Strike before struck.�
�Yes, it would draw all eyes, even His away from Frodo. It would give him clear passage across the Gorgoroth,� Gandalf replied. Sudden understanding dawning upon his ancient brow. �We must willingly walk into a trap. And we must go soon for the hasty stroke often goes astray.�
Aragorn was silent in dark contemplation, then he spoke, �have every able bodied man and horse ready to ride in two days time. We are going to the Black Gate for this last stand.� Then quietly to himself, �Anduril I fear you shall not be sheathed again, not until whatever end.�
With that the meeting of the Commanders of the West came to an end. Gimli stood and grumbled out loud, �certainty of death, small chance of survival, what are we waiting for.�
Eomer who had been who had been stubborn and stony, relented and went to round up his remaining men and see his sister.
Asano still stood, unsure of what to do with herself as people began to move about in a hurried fashion. She imagined she was still in the custody of her captors and there by subject to their orders. So she could not just leave the citadel on her own.
When the guard came to retrieve her, Aragorn called out, �hold Beregond a moment.�
They both froze and while Beregond the guard saluted, Asano met his eyes steadly.
�This is a dangerous rouse we have planned, on the information you have told us. Is this the sacrifice you spoke of.�
�Ra, I have lost much, but�.this I give gladly,� she said.
Curious, Aragorn inquired, �why?�
�I do not know Ra, I do not know,� Asano answered honestly. Allowing a bit of the weight she was feeling to creep into her voice.
�Very well, Beregond you may return her to the house of healing. For now lady Asano shall abide there.� Then speaking to her again, �for your safety and others I expect, you are not allowed to leave the premises of the house. Unless with an escort.� With his final words spoken Asano�s guard took her away.
�You think she�s dangerous, Legolas,� Aragorn asked as he turned to his elven friend.
Legolas watched her go, black curls swaying as she departed, �yes,� and in many ways, he added silently.
Aragorn nodded, �if you can, find out anything there is to know about her. My heart tells me she is not wholly evil, but your keen discernment would help me greatly.�
�I will do what I must Aragorn,� and he would, Legolas thought. He would dig like a dwarf for treasure to get through her green barriers and know the mind she so stubbornly blocked from him. The woman may have had fierce strength on her side, but no one was as calculating as Legolas, prince of Mirkwood.

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*- This is a term I made up: Ra- lord. Ra-Huru- great lord.

It�s not real Haradrim, I don�t know if Professor Tolkien made a language for them. If he did let me know.

I always appreciate reviews: What I�m doing right, or wrong, or just give me praise (yeah! Praise) You can even insult me (I hope you don�t.)

-Fael
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What the East Wind Brings