Title: Common Cause
Author: Mcguffan
anne_robbins@yahoo.com
Rating: NC 17
Pairing: Aragorn/Halbarad
Summary: Someone wants to kill Isildur’s Heir in Rohan and Halbarad is 
not about to put up with that.
Archive: Please ask before archiving this.
Notes: This takes place after Helm’s Deep and before the Grey Company 
walks the Paths of the Dead.  I have extended the timeline to make this 
about a two-week period and made a few other tiny changes to canon.  
Please review, I really want to know what people think.  Thangail nin- My 
shield wall (Thanks to Sulien for help with Sindarin.)

*
The council chamber was full.  Men clustered in small groups, talking.  
Occasionally, a topic would be picked up by several groups and the 
discussion would become more general.  Once in a while Theoden would 
try to impose a little more order to the flow of conversation but after a few 
minutes, people stopped waiting for a turn to address the whole group and 
the side pockets of conversation would resume.  Gimli appeared to be 
sweet talking an ash blond serving maid while Ryn and Legolas observed.  
Other Dunedain were sprinkled about.  Some were participating in the talk 
but most just listened with apparent sympathy to whoever happened to be 
talking.  Eomer was holding forth among a rather large group of young 
men.  Aragorn was beside him but he allowed the king’s nephew to do 
most of the talking.

I walked into this scene alone for Merry had quickly sheared off toward 
the tables loaded with food.  Pulling a cloak of sullen dignity about 
myself, I walked forward.  The room did not exactly fall silent but 
conversations quieted and many eyes followed me.  A few paces before 
Aragorn I stopped.  Giving the least possible bow consistent with courtesy 
I waited.

“Halbarad, so kind of you to join us.”  The tone was amused, faintly 
mocking.  “Your duties here to me aren’t keeping you from anything more 
important, I hope?”

“Of course not, lord.”  I murmured.  Aragorn smiled warmly and gestured 
imperiously for me to find someplace near him in case he should want 
anything.  I struggled not to grin as I let my shoulders slump slightly.  
Slouching over to a quiet corner of the room I could not help but pleased 
by the welcome I had received.  It was just the sort of thing Aille should 
see.  All my previous nervousness had evaporated.  I found it easy to be 
still.  I had Aragorn within my sight and all was well.

The meeting continued for several hours.  The majority opinion tended to 
favor joining with Gondor for an assault on Mordor.  The few who 
disagreed worried that matters in Rohan should be more firmly settled 
first.  The aftermath of Wormtongue’s influence and Saruman’s invasion 
left the country in uncomfortable circumstances.  I tried not to see Aille’s 
treachery in every face that advocated caution.  It was a legitimate position 
to take.  In fact, Eomer, with Aragorn’s occasional advice, was trying to 
come up with ways to ensure Rohan would be kept as safe as possible in 
the absence of most of the country’s warriors.

Eowyn also participated in the discussions.  Some of the men tended to 
ignore her but Eomer and Aragorn would look at the culprits stonily and 
then one or the other would politely ask the lady to repeat herself.  There 
was a subtle change in how Eowyn and Aragorn interacted which 
fascinated me.  The clinging desperation that seemed to exude from 
Eowyn whenever she came within the man’s presence was no longer so 
pronounced.  She still obviously admired him and from time to time I 
would see her staring at him with something akin to worship in her eyes 
but even this seemed less acute, less agonized.  Aragorn, probably in 
response to the changes in Eowyn, was much less wary of the lady.  He no 
longer looked upon her with so much guilt and sadness.  Perhaps Eowyn 
was getting over the worst of her infatuation.

Eventually, Theoden announced he would retire to bed.  He left with some 
ceremony taking Merry and a half dozen others of his household with him.  
After that the rest of meeting began to break up.  Eomer looked a little 
disappointed and I thought he still had plans he wanted to discuss but to do 
so without Theoden would have been presumptuous.  For several moments 
Eomer conversed with Aragorn and then I heard my lord call my name.  
Pushing off against the wall I had been leaning against I went to him.

I waited while Aragorn finished his conversation.  He wished Eomer and 
Eowyn good night.  Then he began moving away, calling out over his 
shoulder:  “Halbarad, attend.”

I followed him at a distance of three paces as we walked silently through 
the fortress to our rooms.  Aragorn went in first and I felt a little thrill of 
happiness after I crossed the threshold.  I closed the door after me.  As I 
drew the bolt I felt strong arms circle my waist.  “How are you, thangail 
nin?  You look tired.”

I relaxed back against Aragorn, closing my eyes.  I could not answer him 
immediately because I had to fight down a lump in my throat.  I let my 
head tilt backwards and rest on his shoulder.  I hoped he would kiss me 
but though he touched his forehead to my shoulder he did not press his lips 
to my throat.  “I am much less tired now than a few minutes ago.”

“You have a hard day.  Would you like to tell me about it?”  Aragorn 
asked, releasing me.

“Yes, I would.  But not right now.”  The confrontation with Aille and the 
miserable time I had had last night and this afternoon no longer seems to 
weigh down my spirit.  It was more important to make my confession.  
“There is something else I need to tell you first.”

Aragorn lifted an eyebrow but he did not resist when I took his hand and 
led him over to the sofa, then sat down beside him.  “I was not as 
forthright as I should have been when you asked me a question recently.”  
I began.  I had to struggle to maintain eye contact with Aragorn.  I kept 
finding myself staring at the floor and then having to force my gaze 
upward again.

“You said that the Palantir had shown you a fragment of something that 
made you uneasy.  I… I wanted to assuage your concern, so much so that I 
did not tell you the truth.  Lady Arwen and I argued- often.  Well, perhaps 
it wasn’t arguing, exactly.  She was very angry with me.  I did not know 
how to appease her, except that it seemed to give her satisfaction to speak 
harshly to me.  It was not something either one of us wanted to burden you 
with.  It was between ourselves.  I thought if you knew of it you would 
feel responsible because the lady and I did not. . . did not always conduct 
ourselves with proper decorum.  I don’t really remember what was said in 
the orchard but I did know the sort of thing.  I should have told you but I 
didn’t.  I’m sorry.”

Somewhere during my speech I had lost the battle not to stare at the floor 
and by the time I finished I had to look up to see Aragorn’s reaction.  
What I saw caused hope to escape my heart and I felt myself deflate:  
“You have already remembered, haven’t you.  You know all of what the 
Palantir tried to show you.”

“Yes, but I’m glad you told me anyway.  Though, still I do not think you 
did justice to the scene, scenes?, that passed between you and Arwen.”  
Aragorn voice was neutral rather than cold but I had become accustomed 
to warmth and I shivered.

“When did you find out?”

“Yesterday.  We had not traveled very far and Eomer was telling me 
something about the first village we would visit when the memory was 
suddenly there- fully formed and very detailed.  Stars, Halbarad, how 
could you not have told me?”

I flinched to hear the anguish in the last question but still I was grateful 
that he was angry.  After his first comment, a suspicion had been born in 
me that all Aragorn felt was a disgust and disappointment that had killed 
any kinder emotion my captain might have felt for me.

“It was not so great a thing.  Lady Arwen was speaking only in a 
temporary anger.  Even elves, my lord, should be allowed to vent their 
frustration from time to time.”

“I heard her, Halbarad.  It was not as you say.  She spoke to wound you..  
There was. . . malice in her.”  Aragorn was obviously horrified by what he 
had seen from Arwen and again I felt my heart go out to him.

“I think it was the best alternative she could think of for dealing with her 
feelings.  She did not hurt me.  She was not being truly destructive.”

“Damn it, Halbarad!  I saw your face.  You were hurt- badly.”  Aragorn 
looked like he wanted to take me in his arms but he squeezed his eyes shut 
and resisted.  “I saw her hurt you.”  He repeated softly.  For a while we 
were both miserable in silence.

“How long were you going to wait before telling me you knew?”  I 
inquired wearily.

“I wanted to talk about it immediately, but you do look tired.  I didn’t 
want to bring it up until you had rested.”  This time he did reach out to 
touch my cheek and I felt the warmth and comfort of it.  “How long has it 
been going on?”

“Almost since the beginning.”  I confessed.  “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for not telling me or sorry for not telling me before I found out on 
my own.”  The anger had resurged.

“Both.”  I said honestly.  “Mostly, I’m just sorry that you are upset and 
that I am the cause.”

“You are not the cause, Halbarad.  I wish you had told me earlier but you 
are a victim in this.  I simply never would have suspected it.  I should have 
seen something was going on but I was so blind.  I am sorry, thangail nin.  
This is all my fault.”  Aragorn’s shook his head in a mix of bewilderment 
and guilt.  I wanted to say something, to tell him that he wasn’t to blame 
because I was a coward and that Arwen was jealous or malicious or 
whatever it was she was, but he spoke first.

“The twins hardly believed me.  I don’t understand why Arwen would do 
this.”  Aragorn turned his sad grey eyes upon me and touched my hand 
just briefly.  “I did not wish to speak of this with anyone until we had 
talked but Elladan and Elrohir could see that something had distressed me 
and they would not be put off.  Also. . . also, I wanted to know if I was the 
only one who didn’t know.”  I groaned involuntarily at this and Aragorn’s 
expression was apologetic.  “In any event, Arwen said nothing to them.  
Nothing to make them believe she disliked you or had any other worries 
other than those that weighed upon us all, of course.”

“Are you very angry with her. . . and with me?”  I asked in a small voice.

“With you, my dear Halbarad?  No.  I was a little at first but I see now 
how much more I am to blame.   My dear, it breaks my heart when I see 
you, in my mind’s eye, listening to that poison.”  Aragorn stood up, put his 
hands on my shoulders, and leaned down, putting his face close to mine.  
“You never believed the things she said, Halbarad, did you?  You know I 
think you’re beautiful.  I know I’ve told you but did I tell you enough?  
You know how wonderful you are, yes?”

I nodded, unable to speak.  I had to stop him talking.  I put my arms 
around his neck and held him tight.  After a while I turned my face a little 
and pressed a kiss to the side of his neck.  I felt a small tremor run through 
him then he gave me another tight squeeze and pulled away.

“What of lady Arwen?”  I asked so that I wouldn’t have to think about 
why he had broken our embrace.

“I must speak to her.  I don’t understand why she would behave in such a 
way.  I see now that she was angry but to take it out on you instead of me- 
it is beneath her.”  Aragorn sighed heavily.  “My mind is all in confusion.  
I love her, but the lady I know and care for would not do what she has 
done.  I suppose though, that I was not with her often.  Perhaps she could 
have confided her feelings if I had taken more time to be with her.  I put 
you in the middle, I have no right to be surprised by the inevitable result of 
such folly.  Elves are not as able to deal with emotional stress as humanity.  
I should have taken that more into account.”

“You must not think this is your fault.  Please don’t think this is more than 
it is.  I am not angry at lady Arwen.”  That was even true if it meant 
Aragorn would stop looking so unhappy.  “I’m sure the lady just needs to 
be shown other more constructive ways to deal with her feelings.  You are 
right; it is harder for elves to understand their negative feelings.  She was 
probably just reacting without thinking.”  I knew I was starting to push too 
hard so I stopped.  It was very ironic for in thinking up excuses for 
Arwen’s behavior for Aragorn’s sake I found I was in truth less troubled 
by her words.

“Halbarad, no more, please.  I can’t listen to you defend Arwen right now.  
It may be as you say in the end, but I will need to talk with her before I 
can be sure of what I feel.  I am just sick to think what you have been put 
through for my sake.  You, who are so dear to me.  Always you have been 
by my side, offering support so selflessly and I must ask myself what have 
I done for you, my most dear friend.

“You have loved me.  There could be nothing else so valuable, so needful 
to me.  What else could there possibly be?  What else matters?”  How 
could he not known that he gave me everything, he was my purpose, my 
strength, my protection, my hope, my desire and my fulfillment.  “If there 
is one truth that transcends the mess I have made of this it is that I love 
you and Arwen loves you.  Neither one of us wants to see you hurt.”  I 
implored reaching for his hand.

“I love you, too, thangail nin.”  Aragorn replied but his mind was 
obviously elsewhere- no doubt contemplating what he perceived as 
another failure.  “Love changes, though, doesn’t it.”  Aragorn continued, 
suddenly seeming to come back to the conversation.

“What do you mean?”  I asked nervously, feeling a sense both of 
foreboding but also of inevitability.  I knew what was coming.

“Halbarad, you have not had much time for yourself, for your own 
interests and pursuits, have you?”

This wasn’t good at all.  I didn’t want to hear this.  “I still do not know 
what you mean.  The life of Dunadan is not a life of leisure.  This does not 
concern me.”

“Yet, I think you have had fewer opportunities than most to find sources 
of pleasure.  I have been selfish with you, I know that.  You have a 
splendid future ahead of you.  I will not see you deny yourself a chance at 
happiness.”

No, the anguished denial did not make it passed my lips as I felt myself 
shudder.  How long had I expected this?  How many years had I waited to 
hear my beloved speak these or similar words?  I cursed myself for 
bungling the situation with Arwen but, I knew, that had not been the real 
cause.  Perhaps it had effected the timing a little, but really I had no right 
to expect a gawky, aging ranger to forever keep the destined king of men 
interested.

“I have everything I could ever want the way things are now.”  I 
murmured, feeling desolate.  I wanted to beg and plead but I had no right 
to make things harder for him.

“Halbarad, I-”  Aragorn didn’t finish whatever it was he was going to stay.  
Instead he leaned forward and hugged me.  I hugged back, clinging 
desperately.

“I don’t want to lose you, thangail nin.  I don’t want to lose your 
friendship, your presence in my life.  I promise I will not keep you from 
your desire.  I know I have been selfish but do not abandon me.  The 
understanding and the. . . the love we share is one of the most cherished 
things in my life.”  Aragorn pressed me to him.  My head settled easily 
and naturally against his shoulder and it was only his nearness that 
allowed me to breathe passed the tightness in my chest.  I could barely 
understand his words as I struggled against dizziness.

Relief  warred with profound sadness.  This was not the end of everything.  
Our friendship would continue.  Perhaps physically he no longer wanted 
me but I would be valuable to him in a hundred other ways.  It would be 
all right.  Love changed, as he said.  Just because mine had not was no 
reason to work myself into a fit.

“I shall never abandon you.  Surely, you know that.  I want us to be 
together as much as you are willing to allow.  Nothing is so important to 
me as my friendship with you.”  I said still draped around him.  I felt 
Aragorn sigh and I realized it was with relief then he straightened and took 
my face in his hands, placing a single kiss on my forehead.

“Do not think I begrudge you the joy that awaits you Halbarad.  You must 
not worry for my sake.  It will be an excellent arrangement, I’m sure.  I 
know you will have the joy you deserve.”  I scarcely heard him as I tried 
to brand the memory of his lips against my forehead into my brain.  At the 
same time, I summoned other memories of more intimate caresses.  I was 
determined to keep a perfect remembrance of what we had shared, even as 
I planned how to make the most of what we would have in the future.

Eventually, Aragorn released my face and I congratulated myself that no 
tear had fallen from my eyes.  Aragorn had turned away from me and was 
gazing into the fire.  I could not see his expression and I wondered what he 
was thinking.  So much of importance seemed to have been left unsaid.  
Part of me wanted to beg and plead, to explain how I didn’t want anything 
about our relationship to change at all.  Arwen’s words mattered nothing 
to me.  Whatever misguided notion Aragorn had that I was somehow 
suffering because of the nature of our relationship was ludicrous.  I loved 
him, that was what made me happy and gave me joy.  I didn’t want to give 
up any part of our being together.  Yet, how could I introduce yet more 
strife into Aragorn’s life right now.  He needed me to be strong for him 
and I would be.

“Would you like to hear the full account of what has happened in your 
absence?”  I asked rather tentatively.  There was something in his silence 
that made me uneasy.

He did not answer immediately and I was on the point of reaching over to 
touch his shoulder when he said very softly: “Yes, tell me the full 
account.”  I felt a little better now that I had an interesting tale to tell and I 
launched into my story.  After a while Aragorn turned away from the fire 
and listened with greater attention, smiling and commiserating in all the 
right places.

It had grown late as we talked and by the time I had brought Aragorn fully 
up-to-date on the Aille situation I was overcome with weariness.  Aragorn, 
too, showed signs of fatigue.  Rousing himself a little, Aragorn looked 
about him and eventually his eyes focussed on me.  “Do you expect Aille 
to send you a message tomorrow?”

“I hope so but I’m not sure he will be so quick.”

Aragorn nodded, apparently considering.  “Eowyn will be spending most 
of tomorrow with the sick and injured.  Cheering them up a bit and also 
deciding which beds can be cleared and helping the still convalescing find 
more permanent caregivers, as well as other housekeeping tasks.  Would 
you like to assist her.  I’m sure she could use the help and if Aille wants 
you then you won’t be too difficult to find.”

“Yes, that sounds excellent.”  I agreed readily.  The only alternative was to 
go back to the archives and I didn’t think I could stand another day there.  
Besides I had done everything useful I could in terms of research.  

“I suppose I should stick to physical labor and clerical tasks.  The less 
acting I have to do the less chance I’ll get caught in an incongruity.  I 
suppose Eowyn will know best what to do with me.”  I wasn’t exactly 
cheerful but I was slightly less miserable.

“Yes, Eowyn is a lovely lady.  You are lucky to have her.”  Aragorn said 
with an expression of fondness mixed with sadness.  I shrugged.  Eowyn 
was indeed a good friend but. . . but Aragorn was my everything.

“I  suppose we should both think about getting some rest.”  Aragorn 
suggested.  “Would it bother you to share the bed?”  With the question I 
felt a conflicting tide of hope and despair rush through me.  On the one 
hand, we no longer had an unspoken understanding that we would always 
sleep together whenever circumstances permitted.  On the other, at least 
Aragorn wasn’t going to insist that one or the other of us find alternative 
accommodations.

“Of course not, I would much prefer to share with you.”  I congratulated 
myself on not sounding as desperate and grateful as I felt.

By sheer force of will on both our parts, there was no awkwardness as we 
undressed to our trousers.  Aragorn slipped under the covers first and lay 
on his back.  I knew that he usually preferred sleeping on his side but I 
suspected he was unwilling to make the decision of turning toward me or 
away from me.  We had already wished one another good night as I got 
under the covers on the other side of the bed.  I lay on my side facing 
Aragorn.

Minutes went by.  I heard Aragorn’s breathing, steady but much too 
shallow for sleep.  Slowly, without letting myself think about what I was 
doing I reached over and fumbled for Aragorn’s wrist.  I touched his 
forearm and in the next moment Aragorn had turned on his side, grabbed 
my wrist and tugged me over to him.  Ecstatically, I nestled against him 
trying to mold myself to him.  We were lying side by side, face to face.  I 
had one arm draped over Aragorn’s side and the other bent between our 
bodies.  I had done my best to bury my head beneath his chin and I was 
smiling as a few tears dripped onto the sheets.

My captain was holding me tightly and I sensed he did not intend to let me 
go.  Very carefully, I lifted my head and started to press gentle kisses to 
his shoulder.  Aragorn’s arm around me tightened and I increased the 
pressure of my lips.  The moment before I meant to let my tongue dart out 
to paint a loving lick across his shoulder blade Aragorn leaned away.  I 
looked up, hoping to catch a glimpse of his expression in the darkness, but 
I couldn’t see anything.

“We should try to get some sleep, Halbarad.”  Aragorn sounded hoarse, 
upset maybe even angry.  I couldn’t say anything.  Eventually, gentle 
hands turned me and I was facing away from my beloved.  One arm 
settled over me and I drew the hand up and placed it over my heart.  He 
still loved me.  If it was different than before then so be it.  I could learn to 
be happy like this, with his arm around me and his warmth against my 
back.  It was enough.
*
I woke the next morning when I felt the bed shift.  I watched through half 
lidded eyes as Aragorn moved around the room.  Occasionally, I would 
have the feeling that he was about to look at me and I would let my eyes 
drift closed.  He would study me for a while, probably aware that I was 
either awake or only barely asleep.  I was pleased at the attention, 
however, so I did not rouse myself until he was fully dressed and ready for 
the day.

Making a show of stretching and yawning I sat up and wished my captain 
a good morning.  His eyes sparkled with amusement and I knew that he 
had known I had been awake quite a while.  I could almost forget last 
night in the subtle curve of his lips as he smiled.  We could still share 
private moments of joy and secret knowledge just as we had always done.  
My mood improved immeasurably and I dressed quickly before 
announcing I was off to see Eowyn and bidding my captain to be safe and 
to take care.
*
Eowyn put me to work immediately and I was glad to be among people 
again, performing honest labor.  Vast loads of linen needed to be carried 
down to the river where the women were doing laundry.  The wounded 
needed to be moved so that their bedding could be changed.  Some men 
still needed hand feeding.  There was so much to do that there was little 
time to think of anything else.

Even so, I felt my pulse quicken whenever I saw Merry or any man who 
did not seem to have any business among the wounded.  I awaited Aille’s 
message almost impatiently for I feared that in a fit of madness Aille 
might make another attempt on Aragorn’s life without me being able to 
prevent it.  If at all possible I hoped to arrange for Merry to eavesdrop 
again.  This might prove difficult since Aille would be arranging the 
meeting but I would have to do our best.  During the next meeting a plan 
would almost certainly be formed and I might not be given the opportunity 
to tell anyone of it.

“Get your head out of the clouds, man.  Those bandages aren’t going to 
count themselves.”  Eowyn shouted from across the room where she and a 
few helpers were doing inventory.

“Yes, ma’am.  Right away, ma’am.”  I said acidly, regarding her with a 
baleful expression.  She shook her head at me but soon had to turn away 
lest she start laughing.  Eowyn and I had had a few opportunities to speak 
quietly together.  At first, she was a little alarmed claiming that I looked 
tired and unhappy but I insisted I was fine and eventually we just 
discussed our plans or friendly trivia.  Whenever anyone else was near by, 
however, she was as shrewish as though we had been married twenty 
years and she had been disappointed in the arrangement from day one.  It 
was fun, really.

I ate lunch on the run and the day had passed before I had realized it.  At 
dinner in the great hall, I took my usual place standing in the background 
close to Aragorn.  I ate what I managed to snatch off trays carried along 
the table by the serving maids.  Under normal circumstance Aragorn 
would have insisted I find a place or we would, at least, have argued about 
it, but in keeping with our ruse he ignored me.  After dinner I was sent off 
to amuse myself while Aragorn chatted with Eomer, Eowyn, the elves and 
the dwarf.

Taking a long walk to help pass the time before bed, I was careful not to 
talk to any of the rangers beyond a curt greeting.  I did not think I was 
being followed but from time to time I felt eyes upon me.  This pleased me 
and I did nothing to alert the watchers that I was aware of them.  After 
tromping rather aimlessly through the fortress I returned to my rooms.  I 
tried to walk dejectedly and with many a resigned sigh in case anyone was 
listening.  I knocked on the door and entered at Aragorn’s 
acknowledgment, letting my pretended character slip from me.

“How was your day, thangail nin?”  Aragorn asked when the door was 
safely shut.  My captain was seated, pipe in hand, at a table studying some 
papers he had been annotating.

“No word from Aille.  The bastard is probably still mulling his options.”

“He is only being careful.  He doesn’t want to appear desperate.  Ryn did 
tell me, though, that Aille was very busy today.  I have no doubt he is 
hatching some scheme or other.”  Aragorn replied.  As he looked up at me 
he brought his pipe to his mouth then realized it had gone out.  With a 
frown he put the pipe on the table.  “Did you enjoy yourself with Eowyn, 
today.”

Up until that point I had been struggling not to go over to him and perch 
on his lap to look at his papers or maybe just drape myself over his back 
and rub my cheek against his neck.  His question, though, forced me into a 
half smile in spite of myself.  “I think she enjoys the role play.  It does her 
a great deal of good to be in on the secrets for once.  I think the 
uncertainty of what was going on was part of what made everything so 
terrible for her under Wormtongue’s rule.”

“Yes, it is clear to everyone that the spark of happiness has once more 
kindled in her eye.  I am very glad of it.”  Aragorn was speaking as though 
he thought he was telling me something I would find particularly 
significant but I did not understand.

“You have become fond of the lady?”  I was confused but clearly 
something had changed between Eowyn and Aragorn and I did not know 
what.

“Always, but we have had a little more time together recently and I think 
she is a fine lady, worthy of great honor.  If. . . if this war ends well she 
will be most welcome in Minas Tirith.”  Again Aragorn was speaking 
rather more earnestly than the comment really called for.  What was he 
telling me?  Or more important: What was I already supposed to know.  

Briefly I considered that Aragorn might have begun to reciprocate 
Eowyn’s romantic feelings- but that just didn’t seem plausible to me.  His 
words of praise of Eowyn were not delivered in the tone of a lover but of a 
friend or older brother.  I couldn’t help but feel that this would not be a 
mystery if my own relationship with Aragorn had not altered.  I was trying 
to complain as little as possible but I felt like we had lost some of our 
intuitive understanding of one another.  Hopefully, though, with time that 
would mend.

“What of your own work, my lord?”  I asked.  I was genuinely interested, 
changing the subject was just an added bonus.

Aragorn sighed and returned his gaze to the papers before him.  “Rohan 
has not taken a proper census in some time.  That makes it hard to know 
how many men to require from the various districts.  The evacuation from 
Edoras and the surrounding countryside makes things yet more difficult.  
I’m writing some notes for Eomer, advice, suggestions, explanations; that 
sort of thing.  In case, it comes in useful when we’ve gone.”

“Have you decided what day we will leave?”  I asked pulling a chair close 
to Aragorn and settling down beside him.

“According to Elladan, we have just a little over a week left before we 
have to leave but I think we should go a week from today.  I want to build 
in the extra time in case we run into anything unexpected.”

“After all these years of waiting and now a week before we leave for the 
final war.  It doesn’t seem real.”

“It has been a long exile but soon the Dunedain will have a home.  I 
cannot speak to what Gondor’s steward will do but no longer will good 
men wander the lonely wilderness for my sake.”  Aragorn patted my 
shoulder.  The words were inspiring and I could have wept for Ryn and 
Glathe and all the others but I had never felt homeless, not when I had 
Aragorn.

“The Dunedain are with you whatever the future holds, Aragorn.”

My lord gave me a grateful smile, then scrubbed a hand over his face 
wearily.  “Are you tired, thangail nin?  I want to compose a few more 
notes for Eomer while I’m thinking of it but there is no reason why you 
should not go on to bed.”

I wasn’t so tired that I wouldn’t have preferred to wait with him.  I was on 
the point of saying this but I paused.  “My lord?”  Aragorn looked up 
again, sensing the anxiety in my tone.

“Yes?”

“My lord, will you not come with me to. . . to rest.”

Aragorn let his head drop forward into his hands for a moment.  I sensed 
somehow that my request had stirred great anguish in his heart.  I wanted 
to withdraw my foolish appeal but Aragorn spoke first:  

“Yes, all right.”  It was as though the words had clawed their way from his 
reluctant throat.  Was it pity that forced him to consent?  Was I demanding 
more intimacy that he truly wanted to give me?  I feared that was the case 
but I could not do anything about that now.  Tomorrow. . . tomorrow I 
would not bother him for more than he wanted to give.

When we both lay beneath the blanket, Aragorn reached for me as he had 
the night before.  There was something almost frantic in the way he held 
me, as though something was causing Aragorn to exercise great restraint.  
I still felt the tension in Aragorn’s body as I was overcome by sleep.
*
The next day Aragorn and I woke together.  We even managed to converse 
amiably during breakfast before it was time for me to go and find Eowyn 
and receive my instructions for the day.  As I left the room Aragorn 
wished me a pleasant day and there was definitely something wistful in the 
way he spoke.

Eowyn assigned me the task of overseeing the long process of cleaning the 
empty containers that had held various herbs and medicines, some of 
which were dangerous.  Thus, it was important to scrub each receptacle 
thoroughly, douse it in alcohol then submerge it in boiling water.  The 
serving maids who were accustomed to removing only the most visible of 
stains from plates and tankards kept trying to skip steps, forcing me to be 
ever vigilant.  I had only just begun these supervisory duties when Merry 
came to my side and tugged at my sleeve to get my attention.

“Good morning, master sword-thain.”  I greeted without daring to take my 
eyes off my charges.

“Hello Halbarad.”  Merry said, sounding nervous.  “I have a message for 
you.”  His voice lowered and he stood on his tip toes so as to get an inch 
or so nearer my ear.  “It’s from Aille.  He wants to talk with you.”

I became instantly alert.  The Rohirrim captain must have risen early.  I 
had not expected to hear from him quite so soon.  “Where and when?”

Merry looked unhappy:  “The solarium in the south wing, right now.”  I 
instantly realized the problem but Merry said it even so, pulling me down 
to him so he could whisper.  “He is already there and even if he wasn’t, 
there is no place for me to hide in the solarium.”

I nodded, trying to think.  I needed Merry there.  “All right, go tell Eowyn.  
I’ll go to Aille but I’ll be late since you got confused and told me to go to 
the conservatory instead.”  Merry nodded and hurried off.  I took a good 
five minutes to explain again that every, *every* receptacle needed to be 
thoroughly washed before I started off in the direction of the conservatory.

After taking the planned detour and asking a man who was listening to a 
lady play a harp if he had seen Captain Aille I arrived at the solarium.  
Aille was there pacing.  When I came in he glared angrily:  “Where the 
hell have you been?”

“The damn hobbit got confused about where I was to meet you.”  I told 
him, then added slightly defensively, “Besides I am not your dog to come 
instantly at your command.”  I could tell Aille wanted to roll his eyes at 
that but he restrained himself.

“Well, you’re here now.  I have considered your words and it occurs to me 
that-”  Aille broke off abruptly as the door swung open and Eowyn 
trooped in leading three women carrying buckets of soapy water.

“Oh, I beg your pardon, Captain Aille.”  The lady said, as sweet as pie.  “I 
didn’t realize you were here.”  Then she appeared to notice me and she 
frowned.  “Halbarad, didn’t I ask you to make sure all the old medicine 
bottles were properly cleaned?”

“The women can see to it.”  I stammered as though I was very flustered to 
have been caught away from my post.

“The lord Aragorn told you to help me any way I needed since I was so 
obliging about helping you.  I don’t see why you should give me so much 
trouble.”  Eowyn admonished.  Before she could continue her lecture, 
however, Aille broke in.

“My lady, your pardon, but Captain Halbarad and I were discussing 
matters of state.  It is very important and I fear we cannot delay.”  As 
Eowyn and I had been speaking the women had set down their buckets 
and started washing down the room’s many windows.

“Of course, dear captain, do not let us interfere with your talk.”  She said 
complacently.  “Rita, don’t drip on the carpet!”

Aille was exceedingly nonplussed.  “Such matters must be discussed in 
privacy.”

“Well, I am sorry.  I have been meaning to see these windows cleaned for 
days.  Things have been so busy, lately.  Even so, look, we can’t even call 
this room a solarium the windows are all caked with grime.”

I sighed, impatiently.  “Well what about the rooms in the east wing?  Have 
you plans for them today, also, or do you suppose two men might be 
allowed to discuss significant subjects without danger of encountering 
stray soap suds.”

“The east wing is immaculate, pray, indulge yourselves.”  Eowyn said 
haughtily.

I gave Aille a quick glance and saw him nod.  Leading the way from the 
room I did not dare wink at Eowyn though the temptation was strong.  
When we reached the corridor I murmured to Aille: “We should use the 
room we spoke in last time.  There is a bolt on the door.  Impossible 
woman!”  From the corner of my eye, I saw Aille smirk.
*
Aille and I walked together in silence.  I could not be certain but I had the 
impression that we were being followed.  Interesting, I never would have 
known Aille had brought reinforcements if we had not needed to switch 
rooms.  When we arrived at the room we had used last time I looked 
gratefully at the locked linen cupboard.  The presence of Aille’s henchmen 
made me think things would move fast and I might not be allowed to 
wander out of the sight of the traitors.

“So you have thought on my words?”  I prompted once I had bolted the 
door.

“I have.  Before you came to me I was working on a plan.  I’m sure you’ll 
like it; it’s very subtle.”  Aille chuckled quietly, no doubt amused by his 
own cleverness.  “Unfortunately the plan would not have worked, so I had 
almost given up on it but you could make it work.”

“Do tell.”

“I happen to have in my possession several cart loads of dead orcs and 
uruk hai.”

I grimaced.  “Well each to his own, I suppose.”

“Shut up and listen.  Men I trust have been patrolling the countryside since 
the battle.  If Aragorn is found dead amid several dozen orc carcasses the 
Dunedain cannot suspect Rohan.”  Aille explained.

“But Aragorn is always accompanied by several friends.  You need 
someone to draw him into the open without the ever present entourage.”  I 
filled in the rest of the plan.

“Exactly.”  Aille confirmed.  “I considered trying to lure him with the 
prospect of some love tryst but I did not know if he would have been more 
likely to meet a man or a woman.  Even if he agreed to come I couldn’t be 
sure he wouldn’t bring his guards.  You can solve those problems.  You 
know his tastes.  He trusts you.  He would go out with you unaccompanied 
if you dangled a suitably juicy morsel in front of him.”

I considered this.  It was a reasonably clever plan.  It never would have 
worked on Aragorn but, even so, the fake orc attack was clever.  “If he is 
supposed to be killed by orcs then I had better not come back to report the 
attack unscathed.  I shall need to be injured- heroically.”

Aille grinned.  “Oh, I can manage that for you.”

“I’m sure.  I warn you, though, don’t get over-enthusiastic if I die, there 
will be no one to manage the Dunedain.  Unless I take the initiative it will 
be a coin toss whether they pack up and go home or decide to stick out the 
war for Aragorn’s sake.  Also I need to be one to handle the investigation.  
You don’t want anyone wondering why the orcs have been dead so much 
longer than Aragorn.”  There, I think that demonstrated the proper regard 
for protecting my own skin.

“Of course.”  Aille said, though I could see he had had some idea of 
killing me along with Aragorn.

“Now I just need to think of something that will interest Aragorn enough 
to make it worth his time.”  I mused aloud as I wondered what sort of 
debauchery I should have Aragorn enjoy.  Aille crossed his arms over his 
chest as I thought, waiting.  “Beauty alone would not draw him.  He grew 
up among elves and cares little for physical appearance alone.”  I 
murmured and Aille did a cautious little stutter step as though he wanted 
to be thoroughly disgusted but couldn’t help being just the littlest bit 
curious.

“I know.”  I exclaimed a faintly malicious glint coming into my eye.  Aille 
was going to hate this.  “I shall tell him I came across a peasant family, 
poor enough not to be too troubled about propriety.  The brother and sister 
bear a striking resemblance to the handsome Eomer and lovely Eowyn and 
they are available for a price.  I’m sure he will like that.”  As I had 
predicted Aille looked very upset.  Someone who had a better appreciation 
for irony or even a sensitivity to the fact that most people tended to be 
compromised of more than just pure good or pure evil might have 
questioned me.  I had to admit it was a little melodramatic: the criminal 
foreign lord secretly lusting after the young and innocent prince and 
princess.  Aille didn’t doubt for a second, though.

“It must be the elfish influence.  Such desires go beyond human 
depravity.”  Aille said, still looking aghast.

“If you say so, captain.”  I answered mildly.  I wasn’t just enraging him 
for the fun.  I wanted to keep him emotionally off-balance.  I did not want 
him to start thinking about the situation coolly and rationally because that 
might lead him to questions I would not be able to answer

Swallowing hard, Aille drew a rolled parchment from his cloak.  “Write it.  
Ask him to meet you at the north gate at 3 o’clock.  Tell him you have it 
all arranged and have brought the peasants to a safe and secluded place not 
far from the fortress so he won’t need guards.  We’ll have Happy or Jolly 
or whatever his silly name is deliver it.”

I shook my head violently when he put the parchment before me.  “I will 
write no such thing.”

“Why not?”

“Because,” I began patiently.  “my story is going to be that a brisk walk 
around the fortress was all Aragorn’s idea and I begged him to take more 
precautions but he wouldn’t listen.  I’m not about to put anything in 
writing that would contradict that story.  Besides, Aragorn would expect 
me to speak to him in person about such a matter.”

“Then, we have a problem.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, from now until we spring our trap I’m not letting you out of my 
sight.”  Aille informed me grimly.

“Such a statement might be taken as an indication of mistrust.”  I 
announced dryly.

Aille snorted.  “Only a fool would trust a traitor.”  He had a good point 
there, but I could hardly concede gracefully.

“I told you I don’t like that word.”  I said, trying to stare him down.  “And 
you will have to trust me for I will not write.”

Aille returned my stare.  “No!”

“Then we must compromise.”  I said, looking away first.  “You cannot be 
with me when I talk to Aragorn but you must have companions that share 
your vision.”  Until this point I had purposefully avoided any mention of 
Aille’s associates because too much curiosity about their identities would 
have been suspicious but now I had an excellent excuse.

“There are some who are sympathetic.”  Aille said carefully.

“If you can find someone who is unknown about the fortress and might 
play the part of a father interested in the man to whom he is pandering his 
children then he could listen while I spoke to Aragorn.”

Aille considered the suggestion.  “There might be one, but I warn you 
Halbarad if there is the least suspicion that you are not dealing in complete 
honesty then the plan is off.”

“Of course.”  I agreed.  Aille went to the door and called someone to him.  
They spoke quietly for a long time.  Aille’s bulk concealed the man’s 
features but I did not doubt the man had been one of the ones who 
followed us from the solarium.  

When the conversation ended Aille turned back to me.  “I have sent for 
him, but it will take several hours for him to arrive.”

“And in the meantime?”

“In the meantime, we wait.”  I groaned inwardly at this.  I didn’t mind the 
wait but Aille showed every sign of settling down and I wanted him out of 
the room so Eowyn could collect Merry.

“Must we wait and starve?”  I asked, racking my brain for a good reason 
for us to leave.

Aille regarded me caustically.  “I could ask one of my. . . friends to bring 
you something if you are really on the point of death.”

“If one is preparing to wait out a siege then it is well to be amply 
provisioned but it is evident that they do not teach such elementary 
strategy in Rohan.”  Aille turned on me angrily and I tried not to be 
intimidated by the violence in his eyes.  “Look I’m not trying to be 
unpleasant but I am hungry and I am not thrilled by the prospect that at 
any moment that golden haired harridan might turn up and demand I 
undertake some ghastly and demeaning task.  I’ve always been very polite 
to her but for some reason she dislikes me and she’s like a bitch with a 
bone, never giving me a moment’s peace.”

For a moment Aille’s passionate blue eyes were clouded with confusion 
and then he laughed softly to himself and I let out a breath I hadn’t 
realized I’d been holding.  “You are afraid of Eowyn.”  Aille stated, voice 
full of mockery.

“I am not.”  I said indignantly, even as I forced a tiny tremor through my 
body.  “She is just a nuisance and she knows where we are.”

Still chuckling Aille patted my shoulder.  “Yes, I suppose it would be 
awkward if she came by expecting a little honest labor from you.  I 
suppose it would do no harm to go by the kitchens then take a walk around 
the grounds; anything to put my ally at his ease.”  I did not need to fake 
the look of relief I wore as Aille lead the way out of the room.
*
The next few hours passed uncomfortably.  We did go by the kitchen and I 
had to pretend to eat with more hunger than I felt the loaf of bread and 
mound of cheese.  Aille ate nothing but watched me with a disconcerting 
intensity that would have caused me to lose my appetite even if I had been 
hungry to begin with.  There were still men following us.  Were all Aille’s 
co-conspirators gathered here?  Plainly not, since whoever was going to 
stand with me while I talked to Aragorn had to be sent for.  How many 
allies did Aille have total.  I certainly hoped that no one stayed outside the 
room from which- the gods willing- Merry would soon emerge.  If any of 
Aille’s watchdogs saw the hobbit leave, it would be disastrous.

After the stop by the kitchen Aille led me on a walk on the battlements.  I 
tried to engage him in some neutral conversation but he was not interested 
in talk.  I guessed he was going over his own plans.  He was plainly 
nervous, but then so was I.  As we continued to walk in silence, I started to 
think of all the things that might go wrong.  I had only assumed that Merry 
had been hiding in the linen cupboard.  What if something had gone 
wrong.  What if one of Aille’s men saw Eowyn enter the room Aille and I 
had left and emerge with Merry.  What if something happened to spook 
Aille and he called everything off.  By the time a young man with short 
cropped blond hair and a ruddy face came up and saluted the Rohirrim 
captain both Aille and myself were in a state of supreme agitation.

The man who would be accompanying me when I spoke with Aragorn was 
called Fergur and he looked the part of a peasant.  He was tall and broad 
with large rough hands and weather beaten skin.  I could not help but 
wonder who he was and how he had fallen in with Aille.  I was in no 
position to ask at the moment but when Aille and the others had been 
arrested I would have the chance to ask anything I wanted.  As I 
speculated about the newcomer Aille briefed Fergur on his role.

“You shouldn’t need to say anything, just shuffle your feet and look 
nervous.”  Aille instructed.

“Let me do the talking.”  I interjected.  This was to be my scene.  Aille had 
no business giving directions.  “I can handle Aragorn.  He won’t want to 
talk to you.  If the subject of money comes up say that I promised you 
twenty silver pieces.”

Aille looked annoyed to have been cut off but he nodded at what I said.  
“You just remember, Halbarad:  If there is one word of Elfish in your 
conversation.  I’ll cancel everything.”

“It won’t be my fault if he says something in the language of his 
childhood.”  I put in, growing anxious.

“I don’t care.  Not a word of that tongue.  Keep it simple.  I don’t want 
you making some convoluted allusion to some past event that might alert 
him.”

“You’re not being fair.  If you get nervous over nothing then I will be in 
the very uncomfortable position of having to find lookalikes for Eomer 
and Eowyn by 3:00.  I don’t suppose you’re going to help me search.”

“Then you had just better make sure I don’t get nervous, then, hadn’t 
you.”  Aille told me grimly.  Throughout all this Fergur had not said a 
word.  He merely looked from me to Aille as each of us spoke.  I 
wondered suddenly if the man was simple.  If so, it was important that I 
find out sooner rather than later.

“Fergur, do you think you can handle this?”  I demanded looking straight 
into the man’s eyes.

Smiling faintly, the man only nodded.  I bit my lip hard.  “How old are 
you?”  I snapped.

“Twenty-five, last time anyone took any notice to tell me, sir.”  The voice 
was quiet, eager to be cooperative.  He looked closer to forty, now.  I 
groaned inwardly.

“How many leagues from here to Edoras, Fergur.”  I asked in a gentler 
tone.

Confusion creased the man’s brow.  “I couldn’t say, sir, a lot?”  Well, at 
least, it was clear now why Aille kept the man hidden away such that no 
one in the fortress would recognize him.  What other nasty tasks had this 
poor fool performed for Aille in complete ignorance of their true nature?

I looked at Aille furiously.  “What are you playing at?  This is serious 
business.”

“I know it.”  Aille answered coldly.  “Fergur is a good man.  He follows 
instructions very well.”  At this praise, Fergur smiled happily.  “He’ll tell 
me if you speak a foreign tongue and he’ll even remember most of the 
conversation.  His memory is excellent.  Fergur has good instincts, 
Halbarad.  I can trust him.”  I was genuinely enraged.  Of course, Fergur 
could be trusted.  He didn’t have the wit to lie.  How could Aille have 
gotten this poor man involved in treason.

“Does he even understand what he’s doing?”

“He understands that he’s following order, just like a good soldier.”  This 
earned another happy grin from Fergur and I wondered how I managed to 
keep from strangling Aille right there.
*
It was close to noon as I went striding across the dining hall, Fergur 
treading heavily at my heels.  Aragorn was sitting at the high table 
speaking to Eomer.  Just looking at him settled some of the butterflies in 
my stomach.  I was a little worried that Aille’s plan posed too much of a 
risk for my master.  Under no circumstance could I allow Aragorn to be in 
real danger but as I looked into the calm grey eyes I felt myself relax 
slightly.  As I approached nearer, Aragorn broke off the conversation to 
regard first me and then Fergur with cool attention.  “Might I have a word 
with you in private, my lord?”  I asked quietly as soon as I was close 
enough to for him to hear.  Again Aragorn’s gaze flicked over me and my 
companion.  Then he nodded and excused himself from the table and 
followed me toward an alcove.

“What is this about, Halbarad?”  Aragorn demanded, his voice a mix of 
curiosity and annoyance.  Dutifully, Fergur was shuffling his feet beside 
me, not meeting Aragorn’s eyes.

“I have found something which I suspect will interest you very much, my 
lord.”

“Oh, yes?”  The question was harsh and demanding.

“I came across a remarkable sight as I passed through the surround.  Two 
wild flowers who resemble more cultured blossoms flourish, ripe for the 
plucking quite nearby.”  I didn’t know if Fergur understood me but I was 
really speaking for Aille.  I hoped the man had not been exaggerating 
about Fergur’s memory.

“And when did you find the time to go traipsing about admiring the local 
flora?”  Aragorn asked coldly but allowing a trace of interest into his 
voice.

“My lord, I was simply obeying your orders.  It seemed good to you to put 
me under the orders of the lady Eowyn and she had me constantly 
delivering food and other supplies to the multitudes who still linger 
outside the fortress.  It was on one such mission I noticed the, um, 
blooms.”  Aragorn smirked a little as though remembering how amusing it 
had been to put me in Eowyn’s power.

“And this man here:  He is the. . . gardener?  Yes, I see, and how much 
will these wildflowers that appear as more exotic species cost me?”

“Twenty silver, sir.  If you please, sir.  Like I told the gentleman here, sir.”  
Fergur said, indicating me even as he still watched his feet.  I was 
surprised.  The man did indeed have good instincts, or had he just obeyed 
orders and asked for money when he heard Aragorn say ‘cost.’

“That’s exorbitant!”  Aragorn announced regarding me reproachfully.  
“No flower can rate so high.”

“But these are a matched set, my lord.”  I wheedled, wondering what 
Aragorn would think of the rest of what I had contrived to ‘ensnare’ him.  
“No where else could one find something so lovely unless it be in the 
keeping of the lord Eomer and his sister.”

“Oh.”  Aragorn looked at me, a wry twist to his lips that made me flush a 
little.  I could tell he was very amused and trying hard to contain it.  “That 
is. . . special, definitely worth exploring.  I trust the, er, garden has been 
well-tended.  No, pests or anything to worry a connoisseur?”

“No, I made a thorough inspection.”  I said reassuringly.  Aragorn was 
better at this sort of lascivious innuendo then I would have given him 
credit for.  Our own pillow talk could be suggestive but never lewd.  I 
wondered if playing this role amused or offended him.  I wondered how 
many times he had had to play such a role before.

“Not too thorough, I hope.”

“No, no, of course not, my lord.”  I answered blushing again.

“Excellent, shall we then make arrangements?”

“If I might be so bold, I have already arranged a. . . a viewing at 3:00.  
There is a secluded clearing not far from the Northern gate.  I can escort 
you there.  Everything will be prepared for you.”

“You seem to have thought of everything, my dear Halbarad.  I’m so 
fortunate to have you looking out for my interests.”  Aragorn said 
mockingly.  “I will see you at three o’clock, then.”

After Aragorn left.  I staggered a little.  I felt limp but also intensely 
relieved.  Even if some catastrophe had prevented Merry from reporting 
back, Aragorn had to understand that Aille had planned something nasty 
for our 3:00 meeting.  I still wasn’t entirely comfortable using my lord as 
bait but, surely, no danger could come to him.  The rangers would 
certainly be there as well as the Rohirrim to catch Aille and his comrades 
in the midst of arranging an ‘orc’ attack on Aragorn.  Then all this would 
be over and my lord would be safe.
*
I trailed after Fergur as he led the way back to Aille.  Once again, I found 
myself in the room with the hobbit sized linen cupboard.  This time 
however, the figures who had been shadowing me and Aille since the 
morning had taken on flesh and a dozen men crowded the room.  The 
traitors were finally revealing themselves.  I was gratified even as I 
trembled to think how many Aille had gathered to his banner.  I took note 
of their faces and committed them to memory- as a matter of habit.  I even 
knew a few names as some of the men were lords and battle captains.

Fergur’s memory turned out to be better than Aille had boasted.  He 
repeated my conversation with Aragorn word for word.  Upon the first 
telling, Aille could not be still but paced and cursed as he listened to 
Aragorn pretend enthusiasm for the Eomer and Eowyn look alikes. The 
others exchanged looks, their expressions ranging from the amused to the 
horrified.  Fergur was prevailed upon to repeat the story and, glad of the 
attention, he did.

At the close of the second telling Aille had regained some of his calm and 
a buzz of quiet conversation filled the air.  This was permitted to go on for 
a while but then Aille raised his arms gesturing for silence.  “Gentlemen, 
the trap is set.  Soon the foreigners will be gone and we can begin the task 
of repairing the damage to our beloved country wrought by their 
interference.  None of us like what must be done in a few hours but as 
events have repeatedly proven, it is the only way.  With Aragorn’s death, 
we can save the lives of thousands of our countrymen.  It is a small price 
to pay.  We must not lose courage now.  Rohan for the Rohirrim!”  
Several of the men echoed this call and that seemed to be the end of the 
impromptu speech and Aille returned to practicalities.  “Now, we must see 
to the final arrangements.  The clearing we have selected must be made to 
look like a battlefield.  You all know your tasks.  We must work quickly.”

Before anyone could leave, however, I stood up from the chair I had 
collapsed into after my talk with Aragorn.  “Wait, I want to make 
something clear.  It is only through me that this plan has any chance of 
success.  All of you owe me.  Therefore, I insist: none of you are to so 
much as scratch Aragorn.  He is mine- all mine.  I claim the right to do 
what must be done.  I’ve earned it.”  I stared at them all, prepared to face 
down anyone who would object.  As I suspected, however, the dominant 
emotion I saw was relief.  These men, with the exception of Aille and 
perhaps a few others did not really wish to kill Aragorn so much as to see 
him and everyone with him out of the country.  It would ease their 
consciences to let me do the killing.

“I think that is fair, Halbarad.”  Aille answered, not displeased.  “We are 
all agreed then, Halbarad shall have the kill?”  He was answered by nods 
and a few murmured ‘ayes’.  That question being settled, the room 
emptied and I found myself moving along toward the stables in Aille’s 
wake.
*
Aille showed me the path to the clearing where I was to take Aragorn.  It 
was only a few miles, an easy walk, but Aille and I traveled it several 
times on horseback.  While I learned the route, the others started moving 
the dead orcs into position.  I had no idea where the orcs had been hidden 
for the smell should have given them away.  Aille swore they had all been 
killed yesterday when he had hurriedly mobilized his men after I spoke 
with him the first time.  Orcs started to stink quickly, though, and I was 
glad not to be among those posing the corpses.

“When you, Aragorn and Fergur reach this clearing we will all be 
waiting.”  Aille began but I interjected.

“Fergur?  Shouldn’t Aragorn and I approach alone?”  I wanted to have a 
quick word with Aragorn just to make absolutely sure the rangers were 
surrounding the clearing ready to trap Aille just as Aille waited to trap 
Aragorn.  How could I lead my lord to Aille without knowing with 
certainty everything was as it should be.

“I prefer to have him with you, Halbarad, just to help stiffen your spine if 
you start getting nervous.”  I wanted to argue but there was nothing I 
could say, sensing this Aille went on.  “Once the three of you arrive you, 
Halbarad, will have the honor of killing Aragorn.  Then, for the sake of 
appearances, we will need to mutilate the body.”  I almost ruined 
everything by leaping at the man as he said that.  Fortunately he 
misunderstood the reason all my features twisted and my knuckles grew 
white:  

“Well, You’re probably right.  You should do a bit of the mutilation 
before hand for a corpse does not bleed the same way as a living man.  
After that, it will be your turn.  I’ve been giving this some thought and I 
think you’ll need a broken bone and several sword cuts- one of them fairly 
deep- to be convincing.  Then we will all leave and you can make your 
way back to the fortress to report the ambush.”  I was still swallowing bile 
at the casual way Aille had mentioned mutilating Aragorn’s body and so 
all I could do was nod as he looked to me for agreement.

As I watched the traitors litter the clearing with dead orcs, I began to 
seriously reconsider the wisdom of this plan.  Aragorn knew there was 
danger.  That, at least, was certain.  But did he know the exact nature of 
the danger?  Had Merry overheard Aille’s plan?  Had Merry successfully 
communicated the plan to the rangers?  And had they in turn informed 
Eomer and his men?  All that should have happened but I had no concrete 
proof.  This was not a question of my life but of Aragorn’s and I needed to 
be absolutely sure.

Cursing myself for not coming up with an alternative plan to tell Aille, one 
that could be more easily controlled, I considered the traitors themselves.  
A few carried spears but there were no bows in evidence.  Their lack of 
long range weapons would be an advantage in a fight.  Also the place of 
ambush was a small clearing the surrounding wood would hinder horses.  
There were a dozen armed men, though.  Aragorn and I alone could not 
handle so many.  All the probabilities told me I was worrying over nothing 
and yet I continued to worry.

“Everything is set.  It is nearly time.”  Aille’s voice broke through my 
thoughts and I trembled.  “There is just time for us to ride back to the 
fortress, stable the horses and get you and Fergur to the north gate.”  Aille 
informed me, noticing the thin sheen of sweat on my brow.

“Why don’t you stay here and save yourself a trip?”  I asked trying to hide 
my dismay.  I had nearly decided that I would sucker punch Fergur the 
first chance I had and then talk to Aragorn and make sure reinforcement 
were available.  None of the traitors would know anything had gone 
wrong until Aragorn and I stepped alone into the clearing but by then it 
would be too late.

“I have wanted this too damn long not to watch every stage.”  Aille 
replied, motioning for me to mount.  “I won’t take any risks, not now.”
*
Fergur and I arrived at the north gate to find Aragorn waiting for us with 
the appearance of the utmost impatience.  “Forgive me, my lord.  I was 
seeing to a few last minute details.”  I said hurrying up to Aragorn’s side.  
Fergur’s presence was a weight between us and I cursed Aille’s caution 
that had saddled me with the man.

“I trust that everything is now ready?”  Aragorn demanded, remaining in 
character.

“Yes, all is prepared.  This way please.”  As I ushered Aragorn ahead of 
me, I touched his arm.  Hidden by his cloak and over tunic, I felt the 
comforting hardness of chain mail.  I could almost have smiled now.  
Aragorn would be safe.  Everything was all right.

The walk through the wood was carried on in silence.  Fergur led the way 
and Aragorn and I followed side by side.  At first, I led and Fergur took up 
the rear but I didn’t like having the big man behind so I rearranged things- 
none too subtlety, I fear.  I was just about out of subtlety.

As I walked, I listened for any sound that might indicate the movement of 
a large troop of men.  There were no animal sounds but the traitors had 
passed this way too recently to read anything significant into that.  Once I 
heard a twig snap close-by and took all my self-control not to swing my 
head around.  For half a minute I sailed on a wave of elation, certain that I 
had heard the sound of our rescuers, but then I remembered that Aille was 
tracking us- on foot, for a horse would have made too much noise- and the 
sound I had heard had most likely been him.

The closer we came to the clearing the more my steps slowed.  Aragorn 
noticed this and his hand found mine and squeezed briefly.  With this 
reassurance I was able to quicken my pace.  Surely, it was not necessary to 
play things out so far.  The traitors should already have been rounded up.  
There was already sufficient evidence against them.  From the irresolution 
I saw on several faces, convincing some of the men to recant on their 
purpose and then inform on their comrades should not be a problem.

Then, before I had properly realized where we were, we had arrived at the 
clearing.  The smell alone should have given me warning.  The traitors had 
done a good job of simulating the chaos of a battlefield.  They had even 
slashed at a few trees to simulate sword strokes going awry.  The only 
mistake I could detect with my educated eye was that there was not 
enough black blood oozing into the ground.

The dozen traitors had arranged themselves around the perimeter of the 
clearing.  As I took in the scene, Aille walked out of the woods and took a 
position in the center of the clearing.  He looked triumphant.  Fergur left 
us to stand at his captain’s shoulder.  I was still standing frozen when from 
beside me I heard Aragorn call out in calm but ringing tones:  “Captain 
Aille, isn’t it?  To what do I owe the honor of this meeting.”

Aille laughed joyously.  “Why don’t you ask the creature skulking at your 
side.  I believe he has much to say to you.”

Aragorn did not shift his gaze from Aille even as I turned to him, drawing 
my knife.  With one hand on his shoulder and my dagger- not quite- at his 
throat, I backed Aragorn against the nearest tree.  If it came to a fight 
having the tree at our backs would be the best defensive position.  Also, 
this way, my body completely shielded Aragorn.  

“Yes, my lord, why don’t you ask me what this is all about.”  I hissed.  To 
all appearances I was shaking with barely controlled rage, but in truth I 
was trying to adjust my body in such a way that it would hide Aragorn’s 
movements if he reached for Anduril.

Still Aragorn did not bother to look at me.  “I think I have heard all I care 
to from you, little one, though I believed you broken long ago.  No, what 
interests me, is how a proud captain of the Rohirrim was duped into 
helping achieve my dear Halbarad’s little revenge fantasy?  Does he 
interest you, captain?”

Aille snarled.  “This has nothing with Halbarad.  He is just a means to an 
end, like poison or an arrow.  I have been your enemy since the first I 
learned you had set foot in the land of my fathers.  Your alliance with the 
demon-elves has given you a charmed life.  You have slipped through my 
fingers five times.  You nearly died beneath Eomer’s blade four days ago 
but that blond elf saved you.  Now, though, now your luck has finally 
abandoned you.”

Almost unconsciously I moved closer to Aragorn, too close.  My 
proximity would hamper his movements.  I felt his hand press lightly 
against my stomach and I backed up half a pace.  Aille’s words sent terror 
racing up and down my spine.  He had said he had made five attempts.  I 
only knew about three.  What dangers had stalked Aragorn while I 
remained ignorant?  Aragorn’s attention continued to be focused solely on 
Aille but I searched his face anyway.  I saw no sign of fear but that meant 
nothing.  Aragorn was more than capable of facing Aille without giving 
him the satisfaction of looking afraid.  Where the hell was Ryn?  Why 
hadn’t anyone come to stop this?

“How have I come to earn your enmity Aille?  I am not aware of any past 
dealings between us.”

“This is not at all personal, lord Aragorn, but I cannot allow you to 
influence Rohan’s destiny.”  Aille told Aragorn emphatically.  “You 
would use us for your own ends and I must protect my country.  I did not 
take such steps against Wormtongue and the wizard until it was too late.  I 
will not make that mistake twice.  You must be eliminated.  Halbarad, kill 
him!”

“You said we should cut him first.”  There was fear in my voice but no 
one was really paying much attention to me.  Aille was a little behind me, 
between five and ten feet.  If I was sudden and quick then I could have my 
knife buried in his gut before he knew I was there.  Then, I would draw 
my sword and engage Fergur.  Perhaps, when this was all over and 
Aragorn was safe I would grieve over the necessity of killing Fergur.  I 
sensed no malice in the man but he was big and he would be unpredictable 
especially after witnessing me kill Aille.  I had no choice but to make him 
my next target after Aille.  What of the others, then?  A few might run.  I 
doubted their resolve would be so strong once Aille died.  They might 
even surrender.  I did not dare count on that, though.  Damn it, There were 
too many.  Oh, how had I gotten Aragorn into this mess?  More important, 
how was I going to get him out of it?

“Torture, Aille?  That seems excessive.  Are you certain there is nothing 
personal in this?”  Aragorn said, playing on my desperate attempt to buy 
time.  My ears strained so hard I could hear a faint ringing.  Yet the only 
noise outside my own thudding heart and racing thoughts was Aragorn’s 
conversation with Aille.  Taking a deep breath, I decided to focus my 
attention only on Aragorn.  He would lead me.  I would wait for my lord 
to reach for Anduril.  That would be my signal.  Then, the battle would 
start.

“It’s all merely for show, I assure you.”  Aille answered and I heard the 
glee in his voice.  “You see the trouble we have gone to to give you a 
glorious death in battle?  It doesn’t seem likely that you should fight so 
hard against so many and not receive any other injury but the death blow.”

“Such elaborate measures to conceal your deed betrays a consciousness of 
guilt, Aille.”  The calmness of my lord’s voice was enough to drive more 
patient men than Aille to irritation.

“Theoden is an old fool- his mind has been broken by foreign meddlers, 
such as you are.  Eomer is young and knows nothing of the world as yet.  I 
have seen how you seek to dominate him, but I will not permit my next 
king to become your victim.  With you gone I shall guide him back to the 
truth.  The time will come when I shall be honored for my actions today.  I 
shall be renowned as the savior of Rohan.  So why should I be precipitate?  
You would not have me boast of what I have done while any of those who 
have followed you are yet within Rohan’s borders, would you?”

“You put your own judgment before that of your king and before that of 
the king’s heir.  Is this not treason.”  Aragorn’s voice seemed to boom 
across the clearing.  Compared to the mildness of his earlier tones, this last 
accusation resounded like thunder.  Surely this was my signal.  I 
abandoned my earlier thought of waiting for my lord to reach for his 
blade.  My body responded automatically.  Hearing the voice of command, 
my muscles tensed to obey.  My fist tightened around the hilt of my knife 
and I turned away from Aragorn preparing to launch myself at Aille.

I had already taken a step forward when a hand closed around my wrist.  I 
nearly struck out at the one who held me before realizing it had to be 
Aragorn and relaxing.  My lord drew me back towards him and the 
comparative shelter of the tree just as three arrows from three different 
directions struck the ground at Aille’s feet.  The rogue captain took a 
panicked step backward, at the same time searching for the source of the 
arrows.  Aille’s men had been similarly panicked and a few turned to run 
only to find themselves turning into the grim faces of the Dunedain.  As I 
watched in fascination three elves jumped lightly and silently from the 
trees.  To my shock, Elrohir had descended from the same tree under 
which I had pretended to menace Aragorn.  I had never known it.

Then, the sounds of rustling branches and the clink of metal broke through 
the silence and Eomer marched forward from the tree-line, Gimli, axe in 
hand, and Eomud flanking him.  Eomer’s mouth was a harsh line and his 
eyes burned with a fierce anger.  I heard rather than saw as others of the 
Rohirrim filled the clearing.  I was captivated by Eomer’s eyes as they 
smoldered.  Incredibly Aille met his lord’s gaze and held it unflinchingly.  
The two glared at each for a moment and then I heard one of the traitors 
utter a muffled cry as though in pain.  Eomer’s eyes flashed toward the 
sound and the man cringed away from his stare.

Suddenly reminded of myself, I took several steps from Aragorn, moving 
slowly.  Then I offered my knife hilt first and sank to the ground.  I did not 
know if all those who had come with Eomer knew I was on their side and I 
didn’t want to cause any confusion by making any sudden or dangerous 
seeming moves.  Also, I hoped to set the example of peaceful surrender to 
the traitors.  My motion drew the attention of the crowd.  For the number 
of people present it was very quiet.  Seeing me sink to my knees Eomer 
demanded:  “Are there any here who wish to draw their weapons against 
me?”

The man who had whimpered when Eomer first appeared dropped like a 
stone to his knees and lay his sword on the ground hilt toward Eomer.  
Others followed.  A few men seemed reluctant but realizing surrender was 
their best alternative, they knelt and relinquished their blades.  The rangers 
moved away from the surrendering men and were replaced by Rohirrim 
who took charge of the weapons and produced rope to bind the wrists of 
their prisoners.

Aille noted his allies’ capitulation with disgust, but the bulk of his 
concentration remained on Eomer.  Fergur was the only other of the rogue 
horse-men to stand his ground.  He looked very confused and he was 
obviously looking to Aille to lead him.  His captain ignored him, though, 
and Fergur looked around helplessly.  Finally, the pressure of so many 
disapproving eyes combined with the example of his former associates 
decided the large man and he, too, surrendered.  I allowed myself a 
moment to be glad of this.  Later, I would ask Eomer to show the man 
mercy.

As men moved in to disarm Fergur, Aragorn touched the hilt of my still 
proffered knife in symbolic acceptance of it.  Then, he took hold of my 
elbow and helped to my feet.  “Look at this wonder you have wrought, 
thangail nin.”  Aragorn instructed in a whisper after pulling me close to 
him.  “History will surely sing of the day the Tall Tower of the North 
came to Rohan and brought low the vipers she so trustingly nursed.”  I 
tingled with pride at these words but I could not quite bring myself to 
relax until Aille had also surrendered.

“You will regret the day you stopped this, Eomer.”  Aille spoke into the 
silence that had come upon the clearing.  “Soon you will learn that even 
though you wear the crown of Rohan you must bend your neck before 
foreign masters.”

“Whereas you would prefer to see me bow only to you.”  Eomer replied, 
his fair skin was white as chalk.  I had never seen the jovial and good 
natured prince in such a mood before.

“I would save us.  I, alone, have been willing to accept the responsibility 
of preserving our country.  All you had to do was wait and we would have 
been safe from the endless and bloody quarrels of Minas Tirith and 
Baradur.  Damn you, why couldn’t you wait?”  A note of sadness, no, 
disappointment had entered Aille’s voice as though he felt as though he 
was the one who had been betrayed.

“What has happened to you, Aille?  You would keep us from the war 
against the greatest evil in Middle-Earth- and do it by murdering a guest 
and friend of our people?  I want to believe you are mad, though, I know 
you are not.”

“Mad, is it?  Even now, beset as I am with fools I will do this thing for 
Rohan!”  Aille moved with decisive aggression.  He did not reach for his 
sword, but rather drew from a sheath strapped to his wrist and concealed 
by his sleeve a flat throwing knife.  Gimli and Eomud moved quickly to 
guard Eomer.  Elladan and Elrohir both launched themselves at Aille and 
Legolas began sprinting toward Aragorn.  Legolas was too far even for an 
elf and the twins brought Aille thrashing to the ground half a second after 
the knife left his hand.

Light flashed on the knife blade as it spun through the air.  I did not doubt 
Aille’s target.  From the beginning, he had wanted Aragorn dead.  
Knowing this, I strove to push Aragorn away or at the very least intercept 
the weapon with my own body.  In the next moment it was over; the 
throbbing pain in my arm bore witness that Aille had again been thwarted 
and my beloved was safe.

There was shouting.  Legolas thudded hard into Aragorn as the elf reached 
us, bare seconds after the knife had pierced my arm.  I felt elation at 
stopping the attack battle sickening horror as I estimated that had I been a 
moment slower, the blade would have lodged in Aragorn’s throat.  
Eomer’s voice roared above the confusion, quieting everyone.  Legolas 
and I tried to give Aragorn a little breathing room after we had both 
slammed into him.  In the jostle, the blade came free of my arm and fell to 
the ground.

“Halbarad, are you all right?”  Aragorn demanded, still a little breathless 
from having his rescuers crashing into him at full tilt.

“Fine.”  I replied, clutching Aragorn with my good arm for the sense of 
security, touching him always gave me.  I had been hit just above the 
elbow on my left arm.  There was some pain, certainly, but no bones had 
shattered and I could still bend my arm.  So there was no real harm done.  

I turned to regard Aille smugly.  His arms had been chicken-winged 
behind his back and the elves had only allowed him to rise as far as his 
knees.  Now some of the rangers and Rohirrim had joined the twins and 
most looked as though they very much wanted Aille to make some move 
that would give them the opportunity to administer an extra-judicial 
beating.  For all the helplessness of the man’s position, he still looked 
defiant.  Red stained his lips from a cut he must have sustained under the 
elf tackle but he smiled through the blood.

“You will find no reward for what you have done today, whore!”  Aille 
snarled.  “You may have saved his life but it will cost you your own.. . .”  
Aille seemed to have more gloating to do but Ryn stepped forward and 
slapped him hard across the face.  I didn’t really take the man’s threat 
seriously.  He had no power to gain vengeance.  Even so, I laughed and 
told him it was worth it, only I didn’t.  I tried, but somehow no sound 
came from my throat.

“Halbarad, what’s wrong?”  Aragorn’s voice demanded somewhere to my 
right.  I wanted to answer him but I couldn’t.  Had I let go of his arm?  I 
must have because I could no longer feel him.  Other voices were asking 
questions now, but I was still trying to answer Aragorn.  Suddenly, his 
face was before my eyes and my uneasiness left me.  Somehow, though he 
was looking down at me from above.  Was I lying on the ground?  Well, 
that was a little embarrassing, I should try to get up.  Still, I had always 
liked the way my lord looked from this angle.  Surely I deserved just a 
little rest.  Now if Aragorn would only lean forward a little and kiss me 
then I could sleep. . ..
*
When I awoke, everything was dark.  There was a strong smell of Athelas 
and I found this encouraging.  Surely, Aragorn was near, taking care of 
me.  No one could evoke all the profound healing properties of Kingsfoil- 
except of course, my lord himself.  That knowledge took care of my first 
half dozen questions.  Now I needed to remember what had happened to 
me.  Oh, yes.  The memories came back quickly, with little prompting.  
Aille had been captured and as final evidence of his spite he had chucked a 
knife at my lord.  Bastard!  It struck me instead, I recalled with pride.  
There must have been poison on Aille’s blade, though, for I did not think 
the knife had done much damage.  I didn’t seem to be in any pain.  That 
had to be a good sign.  If I could only figure out where I was and why was 
it so dark?

“Halbarad?”  Aragorn, wonderful.  I tried to turn my head in the direction 
of his voice but to my shock I found that I couldn’t move.  “Halbarad, 
open your eyes for me, thangail nin.”  Fear seized me.  Frantically, I tried 
to open my eyes.  They didn’t open, they felt too heavy to lift, but that was 
more of a response from my body than what I had had when I tried to turn 
my head.

“Halbarad, I know you can do it.  Look at me, love.”  Aragorn’s voice 
sounded strained and I tired harder.  He called me ‘love’.  Would he love 
me again?  Cursing, mentally, I strove against the immense weight holding 
my eyes closed.  Little by little, my eyelids drew back and I saw my dear 
Aragorn looking down at me.  This was the image I had gone to sleep 
seeing.  Only now Aragorn had a faded bruise on the side of his face.  
There were dark circles under his eyes and he looked haggard and 
exhausted.

“That’s right, my beloved, that’s right.  Well done.”  To my horror, 
Aragorn’s grey eyes had filled with tears.  I wanted to tell him not to be 
silly that I was fine, but my mouth wouldn’t open.  Again fear took hold of 
me.  An atavistic terror that I would never move again took me over and I 
would have screamed if I could have worked my mouth.

“It’s all right, Halbarad.  You are going to be all right.  I promise, you are 
going to get better but I need you to concentrate for me.  Can you do that, 
thangail nin?”  Perhaps my pupils had dilated, perhaps Aragorn simply 
knew me but his words of comfort were perfectly timed.  I tried to get a 
hold of myself.  Aragorn said I would be better, Aragorn said I would be 
better.

“There now, Halbarad.  I want you to concentrate and try to swallow what 
I am going to give you.  It is very important that you drink this medicine, 
all right my love.  I’m going to help you sit up, now.  Just relax, then when 
I tell you, try very hard to swallow.”  Aragorn shifted out of my vision and 
then returned.  My perspective changed and I could see Aragorn put his 
arms around me pulling me into a sitting position but I didn’t feel 
anything.  

I didn’t dare close my eyes for fear of not being able to open them again 
but when Aragorn had worked my jaw open and placed the bowl of a 
spoon on my tongue I put all my energy into working my throat muscles.  

“Good Halbarad, good.  Just like that again.”  Two more spoonfuls 
trickled down my throat.  I couldn’t have sworn to it but I could almost 
believe I was swallowing.  Aragorn took a cloth and wiped my mouth and 
then urged another spoonful of whatever medicine it was into me.  He 
wanted to give me more but I felt exhausted.  I don’t think any of the next 
spoonful made it down my throat by the amount of liquid Aragorn needed 
to clean off my chin.  The effort of keeping my eyes open was becoming 
too much.  The last I heard before sleep claimed me was Aragorn telling 
me that he was very proud of me.
*
When I awoke for the second time, I became oriented to my surroundings 
much more quickly.  Wishing desperately, I tried to open my eyes.  To my 
intense relief, the effort required to do so was much less than it had been 
the last time.  Hoping this signaled a more general improvement, I tried to 
sit up.  Nothing happened.  I was disappointed but perhaps I had expected 
too much.  I shouldn’t panic.  The air was still thick with the smell of 
athelas.  Concentrating very hard I managed to turn my head a bit.  I saw 
Aragorn sitting in a chair by my bed with his eyes closed.  I smiled 
sluggishly and the grey eyes opened.

“How are you feeling, thangail nin?”  Aragorn asked, coming to lean in 
close and brushing my hair back.  I thought I could feel the gentle pressure 
of his fingers and the warmth of them.

“Heavy.”  I answered.  Only it came out ‘effy’.

Laughing a little with happiness and relief, Aragorn kissed my forehead.  
“I don’t doubt it.  You gave us all a bad scare, Halbarad.  Even now, you 
need more of the medicine.”  So saying Aragorn left me for a few 
moments, to bring forth the same stuff he had given me before.  I knew 
now why he had called me ‘love’ before.  He had feared for my life and 
was using every tool at his disposal to bring me back.

“Can’t move well.”  I told him, plaintively.  My inability to command my 
muscles still frightened me terribly.

“That is going to change, Halbarad, I promise.”  Aragorn assured me 
soothingly, coming back to the bed and petting my hair.  “I wouldn’t be 
surprised if you were walking tomorrow.”  Again I went through the effort 
of smiling.  

“Your left arm, though, will take a long time to heal completely.  You are 
going to have to be patient.”  I nodded with less difficulty than I feared 
and drank the potion Aragorn put to my lips.  I still couldn’t taste it but at 
least I could recognize it as liquid.

I had a great many questions but I took the time to organize my thoughts 
so as to conserve my strength.  While I thought, Aragorn put aside the 
medicine and took my right hand in both of his.  He stroked and massaged 
the unresponsive limb for several minutes and the fact that I could not feel 
him nearly unmanned me but then I felt a tingle start in the tips of my 
fingers.  Aragorn must have sensed this for he brought my hand to his face 
and gently held it against his cheek for a moment.  

“Where is Aille?”  I asked after Aragorn released my right hand and 
moved on to stroke my shoulder.

“He is dead.  He was put in the dungeons under heavy guard but he must 
have saved some poison for himself, for his guards found him dead, 
having left him alone for less than an hour.”  I wasn’t sure if I should be 
happy or not.  I was glad he was dead but I had wanted a public execution 
for the bastard.

“The others?”

“Theoden and Eomer are still considering.  My sense is that there will be 
several banishments but most of those who were captured with Aille will 
be paroled and assessed a heavy fine.  That man who accompanied you 
when you approached me, Fergur?,  I think allowances will be made for 
him- especially if you do not object.”  I marveled that Aragorn could know 
me well enough to anticipate that I would ask about Fergur.  I felt a sense 
of gratitude mixed with sheer incredulity that such a man would call me 
friend well up within me.  My right arm spasmed weakly, then, and I 
realized I had tried to embrace my lord, though, without success.  Aragorn 
noticed the movement and smiled, whether because he knew my intention 
or whether he simply saw any movement as a good omen I could not have 
guessed.

“Why did Ryn and the others not come sooner?”  I wanted to know, 
suddenly struck again by the image of how much danger Aragorn had 
been exposed to.

“Legolas and the twins were my shadows from the time Merry and Eowyn 
burst in upon a council session demanding to see me and Eomer 
immediately.  We decided to let Aille go through with his plan as much as 
possible.  Eomer was thoroughly convinced but we all thought it would be 
best to let Aille condemn himself with his own words as much as possible.  
I was always safe, Halbarad, the elves and Dunedain were always near.  
There was enough confusion to allow the Rohirrim to come within hearing 
without being noticed and listen to Aille as he built his own gallows.  
When I named him traitor was to be the time, everyone broke from cover.”  
I blinked in place of a nod.  It was a good plan.  It was always vitally 
important that Aille be shown incontrovertibly to be a traitor.  Letting him 
rant for his countrymen was a good idea.

“I did not consider, though, what I would be putting you through.”  
Aragorn continued sorrowfully.  “I don’t know how many times since then 
that I wished I had not played such a stupid game and caused you so much 
fear.”  He was squeezing my hand and though I felt nothing I saw the 
knuckles of his hand go white.  He had thought I would die and he had felt 
guilty because he thought he had made my last moments full of worry.  I 
tried to shake my head, negating what he had said.  The right decision had 
been made.  A little fretting had done me no harm.  Besides the last 
moments before I lost consciousness had been filled with the sight of him- 
more than enough recompense for my earlier anxiety.  I could articulate 
none of this, however, so instead I watched my own lifeless-seeming form 
as I lay preternaturally still.

As I tried to distract myself from my inability to give Aragorn the words 
that would ease his unmerited feeling of guilt I noticed that, as my lord 
had folded back the blanket to minister to me that there were several 
bandages wrapped around my arms and chest.  Besides the knife wound I 
could think of no injuries that should have required dressing.  Calming 
myself, for the emotions of love and reverence I felt for my captain still 
threatened to overwhelm me I asked about the bandages.

“As soon as we realized you had been poisoned, we cleaned the knife 
wound as thoroughly as possible but much of the poison had already been 
absorbed.  Glathe and I were able to find an anti-toxin reasonably quickly 
but by that time, my dear, you didn’t even have a swallow reflex.”  
Aragorn touched my throat gently for emphasis.  My ordeal, though I had 
been spared any conscious knowledge of my danger, had clearly taken an 
awful toll on Aragorn.  “I had to cut you, thangail nin.  Then, I packed the 
wounds with anti-toxin.  Thank the stars that had an effect, although as 
time went on. . .”  Aragorn let the sentence trail off and I desperately 
wished he would embrace me for I could not embrace him.

“How long have I slept?”  I inquired after a few moments passed in 
silence.

“Not a muscle have you twitched for two days, thangail nin.  As I said, 
you frightened us badly.  We were lucky there was so much athelas to 
hand or I could not have answered for your heart and lungs.”  Aragorn put 
a hand on my chest, smiling down on me affectionately.

“I’m sorry.”  Suddenly realizing, all the implications of why Aragorn 
looked so drawn.  I wondered how much he had slept while fretting over 
me.  It was concern for me that accounted for the look of fear and near 
exhaustion that haunted my lord’s countenance.

“Don’t be silly, my Halbarad, you have saved my life again, you know.  If 
you go about apologizing I’m liable to get the wrong idea.”  Aragorn said, 
chuckling softly.  “I’m so grateful that you will recover.  It is I who should 
be sorry.  You have the worst trouble, thangail nin, on my account.”

“Worth it.”

“Rest now, Halbarad.  Let the medicine work a while.  When you wake 
again.  I’m sure you will see a great deal of improvement.”  Aragorn said 
after looking away for a time.  I didn’t really want to go back to sleep.  I 
did feel exhausted but I had been lying still for two whole days.  That was 
too much.  I ought to have been up and doing:  I needed to see that 
Aragorn took some rest, first, then check in with Ryn, see Eowyn and 
Merry, interview the prisoners, consult Eomer concerning . . . .
*
The third time I awoke my eyes opened of their own accord.  Rejoicing, I 
called for Aragorn but he was no longer in the room.

“Halbarad, it’s Ryn.  Eowyn is here, too.  Aragorn went to make up some 
salve for you.  Then, he promised he would get a little sleep.  He would 
not leave you until he was confident of your recovery.  How do you feel?”  
As Ryn spoke, I swiveled my head to look at him.  He looked tired and 
worn out, just as Aragorn had.  And just as Eowyn did, I added taking in 
the lady next to him.

“Better.  Will you help me sit up?”  With Ryn’s assistance but partially 
under my own power I achieved a semi-upright position.  Carefully, I 
tested my body.  I could feel nothing of my left arm.  My right arm was 
hardly as good as before but it was at least responsive.  My legs, too, were 
again communicating with my brain.  This was all tremendous 
improvement and I no longer harbored fears of remaining paralyzed for 
ever.

“I think I’m hungry.”  I announced, feeling a bit silly sitting in bed with 
two people hovering around me.

“No food for you.”  Ryn informed me, sounding rather cheerful about the 
fact.  “Your digestive system isn’t up to it yet.  You may have some water, 
though.”

I glowered at him, reveling at the ease with which I could glower.  “All 
right, I’ll have some water, then.  Tell me everything that has been 
happening.”  Eowyn brought the water and helped me sip while Ryn 
settled himself in the chair formerly occupied by Aragorn.  Before Ryn 
could begin his report, however, there was a soft knock on the door 
followed immediately by the appearance of Merry.

“Hello, Master sword-thain.”  I greeted, very pleased to see the hobbit.  “If 
there were prizes for eavesdropping you, sir, would be champion.”

“Oh, Halbarad!”  Merry ran to me, vaulting onto the bed and throwing his 
little arms around my neck.  “I’m so happy to see you awake.”  With 
Ryn’s discreet assistance I put my right hand on the hobbit’s shoulder and 
patted gently, besides that motion I rested, inert, in his arms.

“I just dropped by to check on you.  How long have you been awake?”  
Merry demanded squeezing me tightly.

“Careful, my dear, or you shall put me out again.”  I was helpless in the 
hobbit’s arms.  I needed to move a bit to breathe easily but I could not 
shift the hobbit’s weight in the least.  “And I have already missed out on 
too much.”  Merry released me a little clumsily and I was touched to see 
just how overjoyed he was to see me awake and recovering.

“I want to show you something, Halbarad.”  Merry said a little shyly as he 
made himself comfortable beside me.  I brought it to you while you were 
sleeping because I thought it might help you feel better.  It has always 
made me feel better, anyway.”

Confused I looked towards the other occupants of the room but Eowyn 
and Ryn looked on benignly as Merry groped in the pouch at his belt.  
“Here it is.”  Merry announced holding something up to my view.

The small figure looked something like the carving I had done the night 
Aragorn looked into the Palantir, that Merry thought of as ‘Marigold’s 
baby.’  This could not be the same carving though.  This was a lustrous 
and glossy dark brown whereas what I had made had been a rough pine.  It 
seemed to glow with inchoate life and the hobbit’s feature were smoother 
and more delicate than anything I could have produced.  Yet the figure 
was the same size, the same design, it even had the same almost plaintive 
posture as the crude thing I had carved.  Where had Merry come by such a 
lovely and very much superior replacement for what I had made?

“Do you like it?”  The hobbit asked sounding a little nervous after I had 
said nothing for several moments.

“It is beautiful.  Where did you find such a thing?”  Truly, it was beautiful 
but I realized I was just a little bit embarrassed that my own makeshift 
statuette should be compared with what Merry now showed me.  At my 
question, Merry and Eowyn both laughed while Ryn smiled behind his 
hand.  I thought that was a rather unkind reaction but I waited patiently for 
an explanation.

“Ah, this was a gift from an extraordinarily kind, generous, not to mention 
multi-talented man.”  Merry said, starting to giggle.  That did seem like 
the usually so gentle hobbit was throwing my inadequacies in my face but 
there didn’t seem to be any malice in his eyes.

“Well, it’s very nice.”  I said, trying rather pathetically not to let my own 
sense of disappointment show in my voice.  At my words, however, 
Eowyn and Merry began to laugh in earnest.

“You truly don’t recognize your own work?”  Eowyn gasped out between 
peels of laughter.  “Halbarad, I watched you carve this figure myself and 
now you will not acknowledge it?”

“This is not mine.”  I protested, feeling even more embarrassed.  Merry 
and Eowyn showed no sign of regaining control of themselves and I 
looked to Ryn for help.

“It is your work, Halbarad.  Merry showed it to Aragorn, for he is very 
proud of it and shows it to everyone.  Of course, our captain recognized 
your work and asked to borrow it.  Merry graciously consented and while 
we were out supervising the conscription rolls of the nearby villages 
Aragorn found time to consult a local craftsman.  That is your carving 
Merry holds in his hand with only the addition of a few minutes worth of 
sanding and a coat of varnish.”

I was truly shocked and I looked again as Merry happily displayed his 
treasure.  I wanted to touch it, to see if I could recognize the feel of my 
own knife strokes.  My hand fluttered weakly and Merry placed the object 
on my palm.  It was almost slick beneath my clumsy fingers.  It felt 
foreign yet as I continued to fumble over the surface I became 
reacquainted with the carving.  “It is so much changed.”  I finally said, 
quietly.

“Aragorn took note of the ingredients to the varnish.”  Ryn said, saving 
me from my suddenly too emotional mood.  “I am surprised he has not yet 
given it to you.”

“We have been very busy lately.”  I replied, my mood switching 
drastically.

“Well, that would certainly be true.”

“Thank you for showing me, Merry.”  I managed.  “Ryn and Eowyn were 
about to start telling me all that has been happening while I’ve been 
malingering.  Will you sit with us?”  The hobbit agreed readily.  Ryn and 
Eowyn provided the meat of the goings on while Merry occasionally 
added a bit of sauce to the tale.  I listened, wishing fervently that I could 
have participated in events.

Theoden it turned out had taken the news of the rogue Rohirrim fairly 
hard.  It had been yet another blow to an already battered mind.  Rohan’s 
king had mostly kept to his rooms the past two days, drawing heavily upon 
the support of Eowyn and Merry.  Eomer, though, had stepped forward 
and conducted the interrogation of the prisoners with admirable 
thoroughness.  Ryn had given him some minimal assistance and Aragorn 
had sought to distance himself completely from the proceedings, bringing 
what work he could do by himself here.  So he would not have to leave 
me.  Aille, however, was a matter for Rohan and the captain of the rangers 
wished to defer to the Rohirrim.

It quickly became clear, though, that Aille had indeed been the 
mastermind behind all the xenophobic attacks.  A few other names came 
up as supporters but, in general, most of the men at the clearing had been 
caught up in something they now heartily repented of.  The more 
interesting facts began coming to light after Aille’s suicide when his 
rooms were searched.  The man had indeed imagined himself as the real 
power behind the throne and correspondence was found indicating that 
Aille had already been entertaining offers for Eowyn’s hand from several 
kingdoms.  The lady in question was, understandably livid.  Aille also 
appeared to have been hoarding resources for a number of years.  His 
property was all forfeit to the state and the funds Aille had collected would 
be a godsend for the provisioning of the army and the safekeeping of the 
general populace.

Other matters were also discussed.  Elladan and Elrohir had been investing 
their attention on the upcoming journey along the Paths of the Dead.  
Gimli had been going about preaching the virtues of the lady Galadriel 
with Legolas’ somewhat subdued support to anyone and everyone.  Gossip 
of only tangential interest to me was shared just for the sake of keeping 
my mind occupied.  I could not help but notice, however, that Ryn seemed 
a little troubled.  His attention seemed to wander whenever he was not 
speaking or being directly spoken to.  This worried me slightly for the 
only thing that could disturb Ryn’s placidity was concern for Aragorn.  I 
resolved to interrogate Ryn at my first opportunity.

Notwithstanding Ryn’s distraction, time passed pleasantly enough.  After 
a while I found myself once again craving sleep, and craving more the 
improvement in my condition that I hoped rest would bring me.  Perhaps 
sensing my fatigue, Eowyn and Merry eventually excused themselves.  
With them gone I intended to speak to Ryn but then I realized I had a 
rather more urgent concern for I had had as much water as I had been 
allowed and I was suffering the result.  With the assistance of Ryn and 
another of the rangers my problem was taken care of.  I did my best not to 
feel embarrassed.  I was handled with sympathetic efficiency.  I had 
performed similar services for many wounded men and I had always told 
them as their faces flushed and their eyes brimmed that there was no 
shame in it.   When I was once more settled comfortably in bed, I 
mustered my authority and asked Ryn what was on his mind.

“Sir?”  Came the innocent inquiry.

“I said, there is something on your mind.  Will you not tell me?”

“There is nothing I feel I can properly express.”  He responded and I did 
not think he was trying to be evasive.

“Try, please.”  I instructed.  “Your concern is for our lord?”

“He does not seem himself.  At first, I attributed it to the situation with 
Aille and then to concern for you but he still seems upset.”

“When did you first notice?”  I asked, feeling awful.

“On our way out from the Deep to visit the near villages, something 
seemed to come over him.  I had thought he had been taken ill but he 
insisted that was not the case.  I was almost ready to ask Eomer to turn 
back but then Aragorn consented to speak with his brothers for a time and 
afterwards, he seemed improved but as I think on it he has not truly been 
the same since.”  Ryn seemed very unhappy to be giving such an 
incomplete report but at the same time I could see his relief to be sharing 
his concerns.

“I am much to blame for our lord’s troubles.”  I confessed unhappily.  “I 
am not sure how I can make it right but I will try.  Everything is quite 
confused, my friend.  I have disappointed him in a matter of personal 
importance, I know, but I fear there is more though I cannot say what it is.  
I don’t know what to do.”

“I can hardly think he is angry or disappointed with you, Halbarad.  You 
are very much the man of the hour.  No one else could have handled such 
a delicate situation with so much skill.  Even Glathe confesses he could 
not have handled Aille with so much finesse.  You cannot be the cause.  
You must be mistaken.”

“It is not the situation with Aille to which I refer.”  I answered feeling 
morose.

“Have the two of you quarreled?”  Ryn asked, carefully.  Everything about 
his manner was respectful and yet I felt myself flush.  Oh, how it hurt to 
be the source of distress for the man who was not only my beloved but 
also my commander.

“Yes. . . no. . . I don’t know. . . . Love changes.”  I finished lamely, 
knowing that I had more confused than enlightened Ryn.  I was going to 
try to make another effort to explain but at that moment Aragorn himself 
appeared at the door, carrying a small cauldron wrapped in a dish towel to 
protect his hands from the heat.

“Aragorn!”  I cried, my voice sounding squeaky and pathetic.  I lifted my 
right arm to him, reaching out and he smiled to see it.  Putting his burden 
on the table, he hurried over to take my hand.

“Hello, thangail nin.”  Aragorn greeted, obviously delighted to see how 
much I had improved.  “Have you had a good day?”

“Everyone has been very kind and patient.”  I confirmed, showing off my 
new prowess by nodding and squeezing his hand as tightly as I could.  
Ryn, seeing us so pleased to see one another, quietly excused himself.  He 
wore a faint smile as he closed the door and I knew he hoped whatever 
there had been between us would soon be resolved.  I could not be so 
sanguine, however.  For I knew despite my lord’s genuine pleasure at 
watching me recover, there were still matters between us that saddened us 
both.

“Well, I should hope so!  You must prepare yourself, Halbarad, when you 
are a little better I fear that you will be celebrated and feted to an 
absolutely intolerable degree.”  Aragorn still looked very tired but as he 
talked the lines of fatigue and worry smoothed slightly.

“Ah no, you must save me.”  I begged, letting myself enjoy the play while 
I could.

“You must endure it as bravely as you can, my dear Halbarad.”  Aragorn 
advised shaking his head but still smiling.  “Rohan is determined to 
celebrate your merit and I would not have it otherwise.  There has never 
been enough praise for you.  I would see you honored properly, thangail 
nin.”  I turned my head away slightly at his words in a vain attempt to hide 
my blush.

“It was still worth it.”  I murmured, trying to continue the gentle banter but 
even as I spoke I knew that what I felt was too intense to bear a light tone.  
Aragorn knew, too, for he caressed my face before turning away quickly 
and clearing his throat.

“It is time your bandages were changed.”  Aragorn said, regaining his 
equilibrium.  “I have never prepared this particular salve before but Glathe 
thinks it will help encourage feeling to return to you as well as soothe your 
wounds.”

I suppressed a heavy sigh.  What I really wanted was for Aragorn to kiss 
me.  I understood, though, how unattractive I had to be to him at that 
moment.  Even if he were still of a mind to love me, touching me now 
would surely seem like making love to a corpse.  How very gruesome it 
would for him as my body lay inert refusing to respond to him properly.

Before picking up the still hot cauldron, Aragorn seemed to remember 
something:  “Do you need help with anything, Halbarad?”

“No, Ryn helped me a little earlier.”  I answered, again trying to fight back 
shame at my helplessness to take care of even my own most basic needs.

Aragorn nodded, then brought the cauldron full of the still steaming salve 
to my bedside.  Very gently he removed, my various bandages.  I felt no 
pain.  I felt nothing, as he examined the scalpel strokes.  I did sense a little 
heat as the oily salve was applied, though, and was grateful for it.  
Aragorn worked in silence.  I tried to appreciate his nearness but as he 
tended me I found myself very close to tears.  I had been so terrified 
earlier that I would never move again.  I was terrified now that I would not 
recover enough to fight again at Aragorn’s side.  War was upon us.  I 
could not lie here like a useless lump while my lord rode into danger.  
Even the hours of quiet talk with Merry and Eowyn had been draining in 
its way.  So much passivity was difficult to endure.  Helplessness was 
such an awful thing.

“Halbarad.”  Aragorn said softly as he wiped away the tears that I had 
been trying to convince myself weren’t really falling.  “I’m almost done, 
thangail nin.  Then you can rest a little.  You’ve held up so well.  It’s all 
right; it’s all right.”

If I tried to fight back the tears it would only end in sobs.  So I let myself 
cry, grateful that I was at least quiet.  When all the bandages had been 
changed Aragorn came and sat on the bed.  Leaning over, he wrapped his 
arms around my chest and held me close.  After a moment one of his hand 
wandered up to support my head against his chest.  My left arm may as 
well not have existed for all the use I had of it but my right arm scrabbled 
at his back.  After a while I was gently returned to the pillows as my 
fingers struggled ineffectually to grasp Aragorn’s shirt.

“Don’t leave me.”  I pleaded before I could stop myself.  I instantly 
regretted my weakness.  I knew how tired he was and I was doing nothing 
to ease his burden.  I wanted him in the bed with me.  I wanted him 
wrapped around me, holding me to him.  Even if I couldn’t feel it, I 
wanted it.  But love changes. . .  and I had to let go.  I would have 
withdrawn my request, I would have but Aragorn spoke before I collected 
the courage.

“I’m not going anywhere.  I’ll stay right here, right here with you.  Go to 
sleep, thangail nin, I will watch over you.”  Tears flowed again but I went 
to sleep while Aragorn kept my hand in his.
*
Aragorn slept.  I watched him sleep as I lay in bed, having just woken 
myself.  He was beautiful in sleep in a different way than he was beautiful 
when awake.  My heart melted as he shifted a little resting his cheek on his 
hand.  He could not have been comfortable with his long, lean frame 
draped awkwardly over the chair.  Carefully, I pushed myself into a sitting 
position.  Proceeding carefully testing my still recovering body at each 
step, I pushed the covers off and swung my legs over the side of the bed.

I experimented a few moments, bending my knees, squeezing my toes, 
assessing my strength.  Relying primarily on my right arm, I eased myself 
off the bed.  I realized instantly that my legs would not hold me so I let 
myself slip carefully to the floor.  I could not have said what I was doing 
exactly, except that I had been in bed too long and I wanted to see how far 
I could get before Aragorn woke.  Now on the floor, I walked on my knees 
over to the chair where Aragorn still slept.  From time to time, I had to use 
my arm to steady myself but the thrill of motion, of moving independently 
was worth the effort.

When I finally made it to Aragorn’s chair I felt exultant, as though I had 
won a great victory.  Looking up, I saw that Aragorn still slept and this 
somehow made the victory all the sweeter.  With a soft sight, I rested my 
head against his knee and relaxed.  My eyes closed and I thought I might 
sleep too despite the awkwardness of my position.  I did not sleep, though, 
for soon hands were running through my hair and along my shoulders.  I 
heard my name murmured softly, as though the speaker were not quite 
aware of himself.  In answer, I brought my right arm around his knees, 
hugging them against my chest.

“Halbarad?”  This time, Aragorn was fully alert and the hands in my hair 
went still.  “Are you all right?  Why are you out of bed?”

“I have been sleeping too long.”  I answered, sitting back on my heels and 
looking at Aragorn, very proud of my short but successful journey.  My 
captain looked at me with an answering smile that seemed to say that he 
was amused against his better judgment.

“Would you like to try a few turns around the room, then?”  Aragorn 
inquired indulgently.

“Yes, please.  Though, I think I should get dressed properly, first.”  I 
answered, anxious to do whatever I could to speed my progress but also 
eager to abandon the long white night shirt someone must have dressed me 
in during my incapacity.

Aragorn rose from his chair and lifted me until I, too, stood upright.  
“Your own clothes were ruined after we brought you here.  You must 
prevail upon Eowyn to find you something else.  I should think you would 
be more comfortable as you are, though.”

“It makes me look like an invalid.”  I complained as I tried to discover just 
how much weight I could support on my own and how much Aragorn 
would need to support.  While I spoke, the night shirt slipped off one 
shoulder, for it was meant for a much broader man than myself.

Aragorn grinned as we took a first few tentative steps.  “I don’t know, it’s 
really quite-”

“If you say it suits me then I’m taking it off right now.”

“Well, that presents me with an interesting dilemma.”  Aragorn laughed 
but broke off abruptly as though suddenly remembering he shouldn’t say 
things like that.  I felt the muscles of my throat constrict and I took the 
next few steps with defiant determination.
*
I was just bracing myself for another circuit around the room when Eowyn 
entered bearing a tray containing breakfast.  Greetings were exchanged 
and I gratefully allowed Aragorn to help me to the chair.  The exercise had 
been good.  I had felt my body responding more naturally but it was still 
an effort and I was relieved to have the opportunity to rest.

Aragorn withdrew to the window, while Eowyn set a bowl of porridge 
before me.  He said nothing as Eowyn offered to assist me and I declined, 
taking up the spoon with resolution.  With an encouraging pat on my 
shoulder she took a seat on my bed then drew her legs up under her chin.  
For a few moments, Eowyn watched me maneuver porridge into my 
mouth while Aragorn stared out into the courtyard.

“I fear there are still numerous preparations to make before the Dunedain 
set forth.  I must leave you, then, in Eowyn’s capable hands, Halbarad.  I 
shall visit again as time permits.”  Aragorn said this all in a rush.  He 
moved from the window to my chair where he squeezed my shoulder 
without giving me enough time to so much as set down my spoon.  Next, 
he was beside Eowyn.  He took her hand and held it, affectionately but 
briefly.  Then he was gone.  I had the distinct impression that it was more 
of an escape than an exit and it was suddenly a great deal of trouble to 
swallow my mouthful of porridge.

Eowyn sighed as though she had received the same impression I had but 
then she shook herself and smiled.  “I was glad to see you walking, 
Halbarad.  You are recovering remarkably quickly.”

“Not quickly enough, I’m afraid.”  I answered unable to conceal my 
worry.  “The Grey Company departs in three days.”

“You think Aragorn will forbid you to go?”  She asked, sounding 
surprised.

“It is not impossible.”

“And if he does; forbid it, I mean?”  Eowyn’s curiosity had been piqued.

“Then, I can’t go.”  Feeling dejected I picked up my left arm by the wrist 
and then dropped it, watching as it fell like a stone back into my lap.

“You wouldn’t go?  It would be that simple?”  Eowyn now sounded 
downright incredulous.  I thought about it.  Of course, it wasn’t ‘that 
simple’.  If Aragorn said I could not go with him then I would beg and 
cajole, plead and wheedle.  I would attempt to bargain, promise I would be 
fine.  I would make Ryn intercede for me.  I would try to conceal the 
extent of my handicap.  But in the end. . .

“Ultimately, I would have to obey.  There can be no other choice for me.  
Duty must come first.”  Eowyn stared at me as though weighing my 
sincerity.  Eventually, she lowered her eyes.

“I asked him if I could accompany him along his chosen path.”  Now it 
was my turn to stare at her in surprise.  “He said ‘no’.”

“Did you expect something different?”

Eowyn shrugged.  “I. . . hoped.”  For a moment she just sat hugging her 
knees to her chest but then she looked up, her eyes bright.  “He said: my 
duty was here.  That I had no reason to follow his path.  I told him: anyone 
could do my duty here.  I said that I would be a part of his company 
because love drove me.”  

I drew in a breath with a startled hiss.  “Love of glory?”  I had hoped the 
worst of her passion had burned itself out.

“Among other loves.”  She replied defiantly  “Anyway, it didn’t help.  He 
just looked sad.  The only things he’ll ever feel for me are pity and 
perhaps guilt.”  Her tone had changed and now oozed self-disgust.

“Eowyn-”  I began gently but she cut me off.

“Halbarad, don’t.  I understand.  Really, I do.  But understanding with my 
head isn’t the same as understanding with my heart.  Don’t be annoyed 
with me, my dear friend.” 

“I’m not annoyed, Eowyn.  I just wish I could make it easier for you.”

“You do make it easier.  I know he really does regard me with. . . 
brotherly affection and. . . and that is a good thing.  I know that that is in 
part because we have become friends.  He respects your judgment so 
much and even though spending time with him doesn’t make me love him 
less, it does help me try to love him differently.”  Eowyn scrubbed her 
sleeve across her eyes and sighed.  “Am I a fool, Halbarad?”

“No more a fool than I am, milady.  Though, I understand that might not 
be terribly reassuring.”  Eowyn laughed a little bit.  Then she rose and put 
her arms around me.

“It’s more reassuring than you know.”  She murmured before standing up 
and smoothing her dress.  “I’ll be all right.  Really, I will be.  It just might 
take a little time.”

I nodded.  I could not help but admire Eowyn.  She was strong and 
resolute in the face of adversity.  “Would you do me a favor, my lady?”  I 
asked.

“Of course.”  She did not hesitate, though her body spoke of sudden 
wariness.

“Will you see if you can’t find me a pair of trousers so I don’t have to 
traipse about like the proverbial maiden in a tower?”  Eowyn regarded me 
and for a moment I feared she would take my request ill, but then she 
snorted and wrapped an arm about my neck.

“I’ll do my best but you are too tall and too thin to dress easily.  Besides it 
is unmanly of you to complain since I have to go about dressed little better 
than you are now and I endure stoically.”  

I took Eowyn’s hand from my shoulder and kissed it.  Then, I eyed her 
long and flowing skirts, thinking for the first time what an awful nuisance 
women’s clothing would be.  “You have the greater fortitude, I freely 
admit.”

“The clothing is not the least of it I assure you.”  The lady told me 
sincerely.  “But I will see if I cannot fulfil your request.  I have been 
keeping you too long to myself in any case.  There are many who have 
been waiting anxiously to visit you.  Do you feel up to receiving 
company?”  Eowyn asked, collecting the breakfast tray and heading 
toward the door.

“Yes, please, I would like to exchange some friendly words with those of I 
have been snubbing recently.”  I was eager to spend time with the 
Dunedain.  I had learned during the time I had spent as a spy that while 
solitude did not make me lonely, avoiding my friends when they were near 
oppressed my spirit very much.

“I’ll send in whoever is at the head of the queue, then.”
*
A few minutes after Eowyn left there was a polite knock on the door.  
Expecting one of the rangers or perhaps even Merry, I eagerly granted 
admittance.  The two tall, slim, dark haired figures who entered were not 
Dunedain, not edain of any kind.  Flinching inwardly I rose in respect 
before I was quickly waved back to my seat.

“My lords, it is good of you to pay a visit.  I thank you for your courtesy.”

Elladan dismissed my thanks with a gesture while Elrohir asked:  “How 
are you feeling, Halbarad?”

“I recover swiftly, though, it must not seem so to one of the fair folk.”  I 
had meant it as a mild jest but to my dismay there was a hint of bitterness 
in my tone.  The twins exchanged a look and I felt my cheeks flush.

“We owe you an apology, Halbarad.”  Elrohir announced after a moment’s 
silence.

“No!”  Their horrible sister had won.  She would have my beloved all to 
herself.  Couldn’t her brothers leave me to nurse my heartache in peace-  I 
shook my head, suddenly.  I could not give myself to such thoughts.  I 
would not lose myself in resentment and jealousy.  For a time, I had been 
given a great gift.  I needed to focus on that.  I would not be ungrateful.  I 
would not.

“’Tis true, Halbarad.  We feel acutely the pain you must have been 
subjected to.”  Elladan replied, as he and his twin settled themselves on 
the bed across from me.

“No, it is all completely understandable.  She was in a difficult position.  
Add to that, the anxiety Arwen must have felt for the safety of her 
betrothed as well as for the safety of her brothers and the frustration of 
being isolated from events.  I do not take anything she might have said in 
the heat of passion to heart.  You need not concern yourselves.”  Again the 
twins exchanged a look.

“We think you are being too generous.”

“Not at all, we are all friends here.  We all want the same thing in the end.  
Aragorn’s happiness, the lady Arwen’s happiness, these are my only 
concerns”  Why couldn’t they go away?  I did not wish to speak of this 
with them.

“What of your happiness, Halbarad?”

“I’m happy.”  I smiled unconvincingly.

“Let us begin again, Halbarad.”  Elrohir cleared his throat and shifted on 
the bed.  “Our sister is truly a kind and good lady.  It is a great sorrow to 
us that she has not shown herself so to you, but we have been thinking and 
it occurs to us their might be an explanation.”

“Among elves,” Elladan continued.  “There is a tradition of sharing 
several lovers throughout a lifetime.  These loves are not seen as a threat 
to the marriage bond.  Ideally, it is an enriching experience for everyone.  
Estel, as you know, was raised among us.  Naturally, he would have 
similar ideas about the nature of shared love.  Elrohir and I have been 
thinking, though, and it seems to us that Arwen did not realize that Estel 
was speaking of a man rather than an elf when he spoke of  another 
companion.”

I regarded the two elves uncomprehendingly.  Why should the fact that I 
was a man have anything to do with it.  “I’m not sure I understand.”  I 
said, curious now despite my reluctance to have a conversation on this 
subject.

“Arwen is not like me and Elladan.  She has not lived among men.”  
Elrohir explained rather smugly.  I didn’t think hunting with the Dunedain 
really counted as the total immersion in a foreign culture that Elrohir’s 
tone implied but I was ready to be patient.  “All she knows of the 
conventional relations between lovers and married partners of edain is 
what is told in stories and the more widespread rumors.”  Elrohir paused 
as though waiting for me to fill in the rest.  I continued to look blank, 
however.

“There are no stories of men achieving a loving three that have ever come 
to Rivendell.”  Elladan continued, taking pity on my inability to make the 
leap the twins seemed to think was obvious.  “There are human love 
stories aplenty but whenever there is a third person involved it always 
ends in tears.  The third person always seeks to replace one of the other 
lovers and form a new pairing.  Often the story comes down to a contest 
between the ‘good’ lover who wishes to maintain his or her position and 
the ‘bad’ lover who wants to get rid of the ‘good’ lover and then replace 
him or her.”

“Most stories do tend to take that form.  It is very interesting, certainly but 
I still don’t see how this applies to myself or the lord Aragorn.”

“Don’t you see how this could all be a misunderstanding?  Arwen thinks 
you are approaching this the human way rather than the Elvish way.  She 
thinks she has to fight for Estel.”  Both twins were leaning forward 
earnestly.  “She is a good lady, Halbarad, she would not act as she has 
unless she thought she had to, unless she thought you meant to force her 
out of Estel’s affection.”

I considered for a few moments.  I didn’t really believe the twins’ 
explanation.  It seemed too contrived.  Elladan and Elrohir were sincere, 
though.  They wanted it all to be a mistake.  It didn’t matter, really.  I was 
the one who had been displaced.  It didn’t make much difference if Arwen 
had been truly malicious or we had simply been misunderstanding one 
another.  It was true I had never told Arwen I respected her bond with 
Aragorn but she was the one who would be called wife.  What did an elf 
princess have to be insecure about.

I sighed, then forced myself to smile.  “I will consider what you have said, 
my lords.  I have never heard any speak malice of your sister and it would 
not be impossible that, as so often happens with matters of the heart, 
wounds have been inflicted that never were intended.  Doubtless, everyone 
would behave more charitably if a better understanding of the feelings of 
others could be had.  I thank you for you concern and I appreciate your 
delicacy on such a subject.”

“Give her another chance, Halbarad.  You won’t be sorry.”  Elrohir 
advised leaning forward and taking my hand.  I nodded, the smile still 
plastered across my face.  Smiling themselves, Elrond’s sons went to the 
door.

“Many of the Dunedain have been waiting to see you.  Shall we send them 
in?”  Elladan inquired from the threshold.  I signaled my agreement, 
fearful of being left to my own thoughts at such a time.  Closing my eyes, 
I waited a few moments until my friends arrived and I could immerse 
myself in the gentle solicitude of my people.

With the encouragement of the rangers I walked around the room several 
more times.  Glathe brought pen and parchment so I could try to write.  I 
made an awful scribble but I was told that it would get better and to 
practice.  For a while, I let the calming effect of being among familiar 
people wash over me.  I must have drifted off, eventually because the next 
thing I remember everyone was leaving and I was being helped back to 
bed.  Glathe stayed to watch over me and I could smell his pipe smoke as I 
went to sleep again.

When I woke, Merry had taken over for Glathe.  The hobbit sat looking 
out the window and eating an apple.  I still felt exhausted but I reasoned 
that it was depression more than physical fatigue so I shifted myself up on 
the pillows and addressed the hobbit:  “Greetings, master sword-thain.  
How long have I slept?”

“Only a few hours.”  Merry answered suppressing a yawn.  I wanted to ask 
if Aragorn had been to see me again but even to my own ears the question 
sounded needy.  Throwing off the covers I made my way to the chair.  
Merry hovered, ready to lend a hand but I made it by myself.

“Legolas and Gimli would like to say ‘hello’ if you feel up to it.”  Merry 
commented, tucking a blanket around my knees.  I considered it.  It was 
very kind of Legolas and Gimli to take the trouble to visit and though I 
was not really in the mood to make pleasant conversation it would be good 
to force myself to be sociable.  I felt myself very near to an all-out 
depression and I could not afford the luxury of moping about, not if I 
wanted to get myself into fighting shape in the next three days.

“I am at their service whenever is convenient for them.”  I told Merry, 
taking up a pen and making another attempt at writing my name.

“Right, I’ll them know and I’ll bring back some tea, shall I?”

I only nodded as I watched my hand mangle the letters of my name.  As 
soon as Merry had left I threw the pen down and tossed the blanket the 
hobbit had used to cover me across the room.  Trying to hold onto my 
temper I wobbled over to the window, clutched the sill and looked out 
over the real world.  I was feeling sorry for myself and I had to stop it.  
Oh, but it was hard.  How I wished Aragorn would come see me again and 
tell me he wouldn’t leave me.  What was I supposed to do?  Without my 
beloved lord there wasn’t any point to anything.

“Well, Halbarad how do you feel?”  I recognized Gimli’s gruff voice 
immediately and I swallowed hard as I prepared to answer the same 
question I had already answered a dozen times today.

“Better as time goes on.”  I answered turning from the window and 
smiling at the dwarf and elf.  After that, the conversation had not 
progressed five minutes before my attention started to wander.  I tried to 
tell myself that I was being rude but I simply could not overcome the 
profound listlessness that assailed me.

Legolas and Gimli did not seem offended by my roaming thoughts.  They 
seemed content to speak to one another and after Merry returned with tea 
the three members of the fellowship reminisced among themselves.  
Occasionally, I would be drawn into their conversation by a reference to 
Aragorn but as the topic shifted so did my thoughts.  I was in danger of 
falling asleep once more when Eowyn came in carrying a folded set of 
clothes.

“I found these for you.”  She announced before fully taking in my other 
three visitors.  She smiled at Merry and gave Gimli a polite nod but 
Legolas received only a cool glance.  Apparently, the lady was still a little 
irritated with the elf for banishing her from the company after Aragorn had 
finished with the Palantir.  Legolas, for his part, returned an equally chilly 
greeting.

Roused somewhat by the interruption and the prospect of a pair of 
trousers, I eagerly took the clothes Eowyn offered and examined them.  
They were of higher quality than I was accustomed to wearing but the 
colors were nice and subdued.  In response to my slightly pleading look, 
Eowyn turned her back with exaggerated gallantry while I struggled into 
my new wardrobe with some slight assistance from Legolas.

“There, I think it fits well enough considering.”  I proclaimed when I had 
been fully attired.  Eowyn came over to check for herself, chewing her 
bottom lip as she observed that the trousers were a bit short but that it 
could have been worse.  

I had just resigned myself to being tugged at when Eowyn suddenly 
released the cuffs of my shirt that she had been yanking and looked me in 
the eye.  “You look pale, Halbarad and very tired.  I think you might have 
been overdoing it a bit.”

Suddenly, I was irritated by Eowyn’s concern.  Of course I was tired and 
pale, but that wasn’t any of her business.  Why couldn’t everyone just let 
me pine in peace?  I knew I was being not only unfair but also unkind but 
I just wanted to be left to my own misery for a while.  I would be brave 
tomorrow.  Fortunately, my self-discipline had not completely deserted me 
and I managed not to say any of this.  Instead, I sank back into the chair, 
murmuring that I was fine.

“Now, don’t take the lady’s concern amiss, my friend.  It is a show of 
affection.”  Gimli informed me from his perch beside Merry on the bed.  
“My mother would pester my father unmercifully if ever he so much as 
sneezed but it was only because she loved him and worried for his health.”

“The circumstances are hardly comparable.”  Eowyn retorted, her cheeks 
coloring slightly.

Sensing an opportunity to get in some good natured teasing Gimli smiled 
and gave Merry an elbow in the ribs.  “Ah she says that now, but you have 
seen more convincing displays of our friends’ fondness for one another, 
eh?”

“I have seen Eowyn and Halbarad be very friendly, indeed.  In the 
archives there would be times I would turn my back for a moment only to 
find in the next instant that the two were in each other’s arms.”  Merry 
answered smiling even as he rubbed at his side where Gimli had landed 
his well intentioned jab.  “Legolas, weren’t you telling us of some similar 
observations?”

Eowyn and I had been staring at Merry and Gimli with matching 
expressions of incredulity.  As the hobbit concluded, however, all eyes 
turned to Legolas.  There was the faintest pink tint to the elf’s ears and 
unlike his shorter companions Legolas was not grinning fiercely and he 
seemed to have difficulty meeting our gaze.  “I said only that Halbarad 
and Eowyn seemed very well matched and that they were fast becoming 
good friends.”

“’Good friends,’ indeed.”  Gimli chortled and he might have gone for 
Merry’s ribs again but the hobbit shied away with a look of mild fear.  
“That was not your implication when you and Merry spoke of the two 
earlier.”

“I can assure you, you are all very much mistaken.”   Eowyn said, finally 
finding her voice as her face flushed further.  “Halbarad and I are good 
friends but no other inference should be drawn.  And you, master elf, 
should not gossip about people you don’t know.”

Perceiving that a misunderstanding had occurred Gimli sought to 
apologize.  At the same moment, Merry was insisting that he had indeed 
seen me and Eowyn embracing more than once in the archives and that he 
had even overheard Eowyn saying something about us ‘being happy 
together’ and that Eowyn had been crying.  Meanwhile Eowyn, herself, 
was giving Legolas a very savage lecture on manners and respect for other 
people’s feelings.  So intent was everyone on what he or she was saying 
that I had made it half way to the door before anyone noticed.

“Halbarad, um, where are you going?”  Gimli still so