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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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Disclaimer: blah, blah, blah no money, yada, yada, yada, not mine.

March 17^th: Conversations in the Healing House
The healer had left her alone on a grassy porch, overlooking the rest of the houses of healing. From her position she could see the lower circles of the great city; some were still smoldering down below where great gray-white clouds billowed toward the sky.
Now that things had calmed and for the time being Asano was left to her own devices, which meant she would start thinking again. But not of herself, she thought of the other soldiers that might have been captured, were they receiving the same mercies as she? Were any alive at all? Of course, she thought, it could not be possible that she was the only one to survive the battle. No, more of my brothers must have lived; we will ask the king to let us return to our homes. Then Asano�s thoughts returned to her own family who seemed entire worlds away.
Her mind turned to her aging father; her lord, her Ra-huru. She knew he had not wanted her to go, all her brothers were dead and her sisters either married with children or too young to go. That was one of the reasons why she had offered to go. Another was to keep her father from going; he had lost his sword arm in their last clan war and could no longer fight so well. Besides, her people needed the Ra-huru more than they needed Asano, or at least that was how she reasoned it.
Turning her face to the south, she closed her eyes and as the wind blew across it she imagined she could smell the cooking spices and hear the beating of the drums. If she concentrated hard enough Asano found herself back home. There! She could see Mata, her older sister singing as she did her weaving and her father sitting outside their family tent sharpening a small dagger for Daro, her youngest nephew. Asano along with Cheva, her baby sister would take the family cattle down to the Harnen to water them. While there the two would splash in the shore line and sing bawdy songs that they would be scolded for if heard.
Then a north wind blew cold behind her and she turned toward it, Asano opened her eyes to the blurred image of the elf-man, Legolas. She was surprised to find that her eyes were brimming with tears she didn�t know were there. For a moment a flash of concern and sympathy passed across the elf�s measureless blue eyes. Quickly though, it passed, Asano blinked and scrubbed her tears away.
�Ra,� she bowed at the waist, �you need something.�
She watched Legolas move through the arched door way and came to stand beside her. He was not exactly smiling, but his face was friendly and beseeching in a way.
�I was visiting two of my dear, young, friends; one who was injured in the battle and is receiving healing in these fair houses,� Legolas explained. �I saw that you were standing here by your lonesome, so I came to speak with you.�
�Why?� Asano asked suspiciously.
�May I do as I wish? If I want to speak with you or anyone else it is my choice,� Legolas answered quirking an eyebrow; gesturing for her to respond.
Asano crossed her arms over her chest and sat back on the ground. She looked back up at the elf who gracefully sat down beside her both now facing the troubling east.
�Were you thinking of your home? Is that why you look south?� He inquired.
�Yes, family waits for me. I hope I get�to go back,� she replied. Turning to the elf-man beside her.
�I also hope I will get a chance to return to the forests of my home in Mirkwood,� he said a little sadly for he had heard the call of the gulls in Pelargir, and their cries were seductive. He knew he would not find peace under beech limbs any more.
�You live in �a forest, with trees, that the word,� Asano said.
�Yes, great trees but come tell me of yourself. I have never met the like of you before,� Legolas cajoled trying to get the woman to speak about herself, so that he might divine her purposes.
Asano put off her guard by the fairness of his face and voice as well as his speech with her readily told him about herself. And during this time Legolas listened attentively and she marveled at the idea of this not quite human being; this elf that to her eyes belonged to two different worlds should take such interest her up till now mundane existence.
After she told him much of her life, the elf studied her face for a moment then inquired, �What do the markings on your face mean? They do not come off?�
It took Asano a moment to understand what he was talking about and then touching the skin under her eyes. She smiled indulgently at him as if it were obvious, to her it was.
�Oh that�.tattoo, they mean I am grown woman.�
�When was this done to you?� He asked reaching out to touch the marked skin. Strangely it was rather pretty; those dots, they drew attention to her eyes.
Asano jerked back in surprise in the past only Karn had touched her like that. The memory of him, all the memories of him were painful.
Smiling and holding back her tears, Asano said, �sorry.�

�No, I should not have been so forward,� Legolas replied. He marveled at the feel of her skin; it was clean and smooth.
Then silence descended upon the pair as they sat on the ground, the waning sun was covered by a cloud and a shallow darkness covered the city.
Legolas watched Asano pull her legs to her chest and looking toward Mordor shuddered as a shadow suddenly fell over her. It alarmed him, he had seen fear, despair, and rage cover many even those of his friends. Even himself when they lost both Gandalf and Boromir.
Asano could feel Him staring at her; it was as if he was right behind her shoulder. Crushing her with his gaze the shadow in her mind grew leeching away her precious control of her thoughts and self. She knew he was tightening his control over his troops after his failure on the Pellenor and Oh! Was it a fight to keep herself above the dark waters.
There was a cool touch to her hand and her elf companion said, �A shadow has descended upon what has happened?�
�He is close. So close to this land, I feel like he can reach out for me,� Asano answered.
�You must learn to fight Him,� Legolas explained taking her hands in his.
�I know! But a part of him is there!� She exclaimed, her voice a little frantic, �always there! In my my�.mind!�
To calm the woman�s growing anxiety Legolas cupped her dark face in his pale hands and said, �Then instead turn your mind to what would please you.� He looked determinedly into her shocked green eyes, �think of your home in the drifting sands�think of me.�
Gaining control of herself Asano shook her head and pulled away. The shadow had departed for now; the dark lord had turned his mind to his own brooding thoughts. She now found herself in close proximity to Legolas and it made her nervous in the kind of way she had not felt since she was considered still a girl.
�I could not think of you�as you say Ra,� she said bluntly to his face.
Legolas felt the sharp jab of rejection, one which he was rather unfamiliar with. He was doing his best to be kind to her, but she was stubborn and the obtuseness of the situation was making them both uncomfortable.
Human women were a mystery to him in his long life most of his dealings with mortals had been with men and women were both like and unlike them. �Why will you not,� Legolas asked.
�I do not know you well, Ra,� she answered simply, as if that was that. Asano already had one stranger in her thoughts eating away her mind she didn�t need another one.
Right then their time together ended the gloom of an ending day was coming and the old healer had come to take Asano back to her room. The aged man was a stickler for rest when it came to his patients.
�I will come back to speak with you Asano,� Legolas said firmly.
She gave a slight half-cocked smile, �do as you will Ra.�
Legolas watched the woman go, walking ahead of the healer. Her injuries almost unapparent, her bearing pride in the face of all her former adversaries. He did like her as difficult, arrogant in a quiet way, and proud as she was. If she was not really a princess, she deserved to be one for Asano acted the part perfectly.
�Ah! One last moment Ra,� Asano turned, �ask Ra Argon to burn bodies of the Haradrim, even if it must be with orcs.�
�I will do so as a favor from one friend to another, but I expect more politeness on your part,� He replied.
Her face was inscrutable and she gave him a considering stare before turning on her heel and heading back to her room.
Once Asano had departed, Legolas quickly left the grassy porch in search of Aragorn. On the way out of the houses of healing he came upon young Pippin who was returning to Merry with one of his suppers. Legolas could not help but smile; one had to wonder where all that food went in such a small creature.
�Oh! Hello Legolas. I thought you had already left the houses. What are you still doing here?� Pippin asked staring up the very tall elf.
�When I left you fellows, I went to visit the Haradrim lady,� he answered.
Pippin nearly dropped the tray of food and exclaimed, �You have seen her, the Haradrim woman! Is she quite horrible to look at?�
Legolas laughed; obviously the inquisitive Pippin had heard the rumors as well about the physical attributes of Asano. �No fangs, at least none that I have seen; the lady is not monstrous at all. I find that her face is very pleasing to look at,� Legolas replied. �If you get a chance to see her you should. Now if you will excuse me I must seek out Aragorn.�
Legolas did find Aragorn standing outside the citadel near the prow-like pinnacle that jutted out into city staring intently into the fiery horizon of Mordor.
�Aragorn, perhaps you should rest we have much to do before the end. Already the weight of your worries is beginning to show,� Legolas said as he came to stand by his friend. At closer inspection he saw how Aragorn for a moment did indeed look old as if the history and passed shames of his forefathers sat upon his back. The whole of the world�s future in some way was in his hands. Legolas could not imagine the pressure that his friend was under.
�He knows of our plan and has fallen for the trap, but still I worry,� Aragorn replied. �For Frodo and Sam and everyone else who believes in me; if I could I would fight this alone.�
Legolas placed his hand on Aragorn�s shoulder, �we would not let you though, and your friends will follow you to the ends of Middle Earth Aragorn. Even if that means hearing Gimli sing more of Dwarfish folklore.�
Aragorn chuckled, his mood had lightened and said, �thank you my friend you reassure me although I don�t think Gimli will be quite pleased. Now tell me have seen Asano? What do you think of her?�
Legolas was quite as he considered his thoughts. What did he think of her? It was not clear to him yet.
�She poses no threat to us Aragorn. If she did or does it would not be by her own making.�

�How so?� Aragorn inquired, unsure of this response.
�Sauron has vile and insidious connection with all his slaves. So that they maybe under his control at all times,� Legolas answered.
�And you believe she is under his control,� he questioned.
�No. Not wholly, for her will is growing in strength now that she is free of his armies. But he is still a contemptuous shadow in the back of her mind that needs exorcising,� Legolas explained.
�We ride to battle there is no time for healing,� Aragorn replied.
�Mayhap through battle she can free herself,� Legolas said.
Looking at the elf a little surprised, �you mean take her with us.�
�You plan on letting Pippin go, why not her; she�s even more capable in battle,� he responded jumping to Asano�s defense.
�It also takes her closer to Sauron, who still may I remind you has a foot hold in her mind,� Aragorn argued. It was not that he thought her an enemy; it was dangerous for the woman as well as others if she were to fall under his control again.
�Aragorn let her face her demon like you must. Let her go,� Legolas cajoled.
Aragorn�s mouth tightened for a moment and then he stated, �she may go, but let whatever happens be on your head; for you desired this so.�
�Legolas�s mood curdled at Aragorn�s words for now Asano was more or less his responsibility.
�One last thing, this comes from Asano herself. A humble request,� Legolas said remembering the favor.
Aragorn sighed, now he really did want to rest, �what does the lady beg of?�
�She asks that the Haradrim dead be not buried, but burned instead even if it�s with the orcs,� Legolas requested.
He was not sure if Aragorn would acquiesce, Asano might be asking too much too soon. But he did understand her desire if his elven brothers had perished he too would not rest until they all were properly buried and lamented.
�Let her wish be granted, but the dead will not be burned with the orcs but on their own,� Aragorn finally answered.
Legolas felt relieved and smiled, �thank you Aragorn.�
Asano was feeling anxious that night so sleep would not come and the hours passed slowly. She sat on her bed, back to the wall resting her ribs; hoping for the blue moon light to break through the clouds and cut through the gloomy darkness of late evening.
For most of that night she found that her thoughts had moved away from her home and family and family to a single person, Legolas. She felt a little ashamed; her first love, Karn had barely been dead three days and already she was thinking of another man. It was a betrayal she was sure to his memory, but still the elf�s enigmatic visage returned. She imagined he was capable of charm; yet he wasn�t trying to be and he was kind to her when he did not have to. Maybe, perhaps, she admired him for that; for being frank with her.

At some point that night as she dozed lightly like a cat there came a soft knocking at the door. Opening her eyes she found that now her room was blue with moon light, and Asano realized that it was either very late or very early she was not sure which.
The knocking came again a bit louder than before. Rising Asano went to it and peaked through a grated little window in the door. Peering out she saw that it was Legolas, returning much soon than she imagined.
�What are you doing here?� She whispered fiercely.
�I want to show you something,� Legolas whispered back.
�What is it,� she inquired.
�I will show you,� he replied mysteriously as he opened the door.
�I�m not allowed to leave house. You not remember what happened last time,� she said.
�You will not get caught, trust me,� he said reaching out and taking her hand pulling her into the hallway.
She watched as Legolas stripped off a cloak of grey material. As he move it about her shoulders and hooked it together it seemed to flow like water, so it didn�t seem entirely grey.
�This cloak will disguise you. For this is made of special cloth which will hide you if you wish not to be seen,� Legolas explained.
�How can that be?� She asked enchanted by the idea as they moved soundlessly down the hall, out a side door and down a flight of stairs.
�This cloak was made in the secret land of Lorien so not even I am sure of its make; except that it was crafted by the lady Galadriel. Now you must be silent till were out,� Legolas said keeping watch with his sharp eyes.
Together they moved through the dark and quiet stairs and hallways every once and while stopping to hide in corners as watchmen passed by. All the time Asano was aware of Legolas�s presence next to her, how never for a moment did he let go of her hand and neither did she of his.
�We nearly there?� she asked as they moved away from one alley way to a gate door.
�Nearly,� was her answer from the dark?
Asano was not sure of the amount of time that passed but she knew it had not been very long. Soon they passed one last nearly invisible door onto the opened field of the Pellenor and she was amazed to find how cleared it was. Mounds had been raised for the fallen, in a far corner she could make out not a burial mound, but a pile of bodies she was not sure.
Legolas pulled at her hand and Asano was forced to look to her right. The sight before her was a surprising one. A great bonfire, no! A funeral pyre was burning away. So huge was the blaze that it�s sharp tongues licked at the late night sky. It seemed as though stars were being born; bursting from bright, mournful death to cool and freeze in the altitudes of the black-matted sky.
Asano yanked free of her companion and dashed toward the fire, could it be what she so dearly hoped it was. She was surprised she could run for she could barely breath at this moment. Asano stopped a few feet from the fire; the intense heat keeping her back. She could see in the flames the many withering bodies of her companions and knew that some where in there Karn was being set free.
�You startled me,� Legolas stated as she came up beside her. He had run after here thinking some rash humor had come over her.
�You�you asked,� she said softly in shock as she stared unblinkingly into the pyre.
�Of course, I said I would, did I not promise,� Legolas said with a sympathetic smile.
�Yes, thank you,� Asano replied chocking back tears of relief and thankfulness.
For a while the two stood in silence together. Reaching out across the darkness for one another they clasped hands; watching the funeral pyre burn.
�There is a saying among some of my people,� Asano began, �that life is sand on the winds; you go where it blows you.�
�Then let us hope that the winds are fair this night and cast these wandering spirits to peace,� Legolas said.
Asano nodded silently, she imagined that the bodies with in the flames cracked like egg shells and from the yolk came their spirits climbing the flames like a step ladder to the other world.
Kneeling down she picked up a handful of dirt and let it sift through her fingers; a light breeze caught at the falling particles and blew them up into the fire.

�The wind blew me here, and it seems it not done yet,� Asano stated as the last of the silt poured from her hand.
�Where the wind blows I imagine it will take us both,� Legolas replied. Asano looked and smirked, except this time it was a glad one.

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WEEEEEEEE! I�m done with chapter 3, if anyone�s still reading stay with me. I know I take forever but hang in there

Thanks to all who reviewed, you make want to keep this up.

-Fael
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What the East Wind Brings