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━━━━»•» act four. age of glory

50. dear agony «•« ━━━━

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ third age ━━ year 3019

𓇻 rohan; edoras

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ELGARAIN SPEND MOST OF THE NEXT TWO DAYS ASLEEP. The few moments she was awake, she would find Aragorn by her side. Always waiting for her with something warm; broth, another blanket or a reassuring smile. One time, when she opened her eyes, she found Aragorn asleep in the chair in the corner and Gimli standing guard by the door. The Dwarf had only nodded at her, a silent promise to stand guard over both her and the ranger. It had been enough to fall back into a deep slumber.

There were no ghosts to visit her in her dreams and so when she woke on the third day, she felt more rested than she had since they'd left Lothlorien. Sunlight fell between the curtains and the smell of lavender greeted her. Blinking the sleep from her eyes she took in the sight of Aragorn as he poured boiled water into a cup. Soft pink petals floated inside the cup, spreading the sweet scent.

"Rose tea," she rasped, throat dry from lack of food and drink. "You remembered."

Aragorn looked up, smiling as he saw her awake. "You used to drink it every morning, how could I possibly forget?" He sat down beside her and handed her the cup.

She wrapped her pale hands around it, letting the warmth fill her entire body.

"You look better," Aragorn said, grey eyes studying her.

"Do not lie to me, meleth nîn."

Mischievous sparks danced within his gaze. "I would never." Slowly the mirth faded, leaving behind the concerned frown she had become used to seeing on his face. "It's good to see you awake."

His words were like a stab to her heart and her stomach sank, wishing she could take back her teasing. If he was the one having been near unconscious for two days, she would have thought he looked much better being awake as well. With one hand still clutching her tea, she reached the other out to him, tangling her fingers with his.

"I promise, I will never lie about my health to you again," she said, squeezing his hand.

He covered her hand with his, holding on as if she were the only thing that made sense in the world. "I understand why you chose not to tell me, still, I am grateful for your promise."

A promise was not easily broken; they both knew enough about Ñoldorin history to pretend otherwise. But she did not say the words lightly either. She knew she would have to be truthful about how she felt from now on. For it wasn't just her life on the line, it was Gyda's as well.

She took a sip of the rose tea, the sweet taste taking her back to the gardens of Imladris, of summers spent sitting on her balcony with a paint brush in her hand and a cup of her favourite tea beside her on the table. How many mornings had Estel entered her chamber, watching her paint with those deep grey eyes of his? She had lost count, but she would never forget those moments.

"I never would have expected you to carry other plants than pipe-weed." She smiled at him before taking another sip.

His hand went to the leather pouch she had seen attached to his belt. A smile tugged at his lips. "As I've said, the Dúnedain take their medicinal herbs as seriously as Elves do."

She hummed. "I don't remember any medicinal purposes for rose petals?"

"What about the purpose of bringing back warm memories on cold days?"

A burst of warmth went from her heart to her stomach, bringing along the pleasant feeling of countless stars glistering inside of her. Carefully, she put the mug aside, then reached for his collar and brought his lips to hers. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he kissed her.

The mere image of him in the wilderness, drinking rose tea to remind himself of days spent in the sun together, was enough to lose what was left of her heart to him. Having him so close now, being able to feel his warmth, smell the wood and smoke lingering on his skin, she couldn't remember how she had ever survived so many years without him. It seemed impossible she had lived through it, without having the second half of her soul with her.

He left soft traces on her neck, her cheeks, then went back to her mouth, murmuring a soft melin tyë against her lips. She answered with a sigh, kissing him with all the love she could muster, knowing it would never be enough to tell him how she truly felt about him. But he understood, she knew he did, for he felt the same and that was all she could ask for.

"Wait so, they let you go because of your singing?"

From her position snuggled up against Aragorn's side, she could feel his chuckle vibrate through his chest, the feeling made her heart sing.

"Yes, I believe they did," he smiled.

"Hmm, who knew trolls were such lovers of music."

He let his fingers slide through her hair. "I believe it was the praise of their cooking I chose to sing about that made the final decision, more than the singing itself."

Her eyes flickered with mischief. "And exactly how much pipe-weed did you smoke before this all went down, my lord?"

He threw his head back and laughed, the sound more precious than any treasure the world could have given her. How sad she could not capture it within a chest, forever hers to keep.

Three days had been blissfully spent by his side. Whether she was resting in her room or taking a stroll outside, Aragorn had been close by and she was grateful for every second. It was this, more than the hours of sleep, Elgarain believed was finally starting to drive away the final slivers of fever and pain from her body. Deep down she knew it would return, that she was living on borrowed time. But at this very moment, she felt as alive and bright as the stars in the heavens.

A content sigh escaped her lips as she snuggled even closer against him. In return, he stroked her hair, the feeling sending shivers down her spine. She loved listening to his stories spent in the wild after he joined the Dúnedain, even if he did exaggerate them for her benefit. Her imagination could spend endless hours picturing him running through the wild. And even if she did regret how they were forced to end their relationship all those years ago, in some weird way she was also thankful for how the time spent apart made them into the people they were today. For how could she not love the man now seated beside her?

He pulled away from her, causing a whimper to leave her lips. He smiled at her. "Let me get some food, anarinya. I'll return shortly."

"Well, all right then," she smiled, sitting up straight.

As he made for the door, she knew it was time to end these blissful days of healing. She'd put off facing the situation at hand for far too long. "If you happen to see Gyda, would you please tell her to come see me?"

Aragorn turned to look at her, grey eyes studying her. His question remained unspoken, but she could read it clearly on his face. Are you sure you're ready?

She nodded, eyes shining with determination. I am.

The last three days had been good for more than mere healing. They had put into perspective all that she had been given in this life. Her love had returned to her, but he did not need her to fulfil his destiny. Neither did her people need her to lift their kingdom from the ashes. They were strong enough now to withstand whatever end this war might have. This left her with only one clear path to take. She only hoped Gyda would see it the same way.

It felt as though ages had passed when she at long last heard the sound of familiar footsteps outside the door. She took a deep breath to steady herself, to ready herself to tell her friend of what she knew had to be done next.

The door opened and Gyda entered, eyes taking in the sight of her friend, ever watchful.

"You're here," Elgarain said, voice soft but sure.

"I am." Gyda stepped inside and closed the door behind her.

The distance between them felt strange and unusual after so many years spent close together. Like it wasn't just a few paces that stood between them. A bridge that would be hard to cross.

Gyda hovered by the door like an uninvited guest. "How are you?"

"Much better. My body feels less...heavy." Her eyes studied Gyda closely, wishing she'd come closer to end this strange and unnatural distance. "How are you feeling?"

For a moment Gyda seemed to struggle with how to answer, before finally settling on the truth. "Restless." The words hung in the air for a moment. "I do not know what to do."

Elgarain felt the smile on her face did not reach her eyes, there was grief hidden in it, a pain she felt all too well herself. She shifted on her bed, as if wanting to disappear within the sheets. "Do you remember that glade we met in the dream we shared?"

"Yes, I do." Gyda replied softly, curiously. "Why?"

She looked at her hands as she replied. "I went back there in my dreams. This time my father awaited me there." She looked at her friend, gaze warm. "He said Gyldorn would be pleased to hear your wit has served a purpose, by helping me become who I am today."

Something fragile seemed to stir within Gyda, a shuddering breath escaped her, eyes averting for a moment as if to hide the tears lining in her eyes. "I could not dare stake such a large claim." She paused, "but I agree with your father. You have grown to be someone worthy of the crown."

Elgarain nodded. "There was a time I would have disagreed, but now I am not too shy to admit that I believe I have done my job well. I wouldn't have dared to leave our kingdom to go on this quest otherwise." She took a shaky breath. It all came down to this, to convince Gyda of what had to be done. "Our lands are as safe as they can be, our people thriving and I have done all I can for Frodo. If my legacy were to end here, I would be at peace with that. But you, you still have so much to do, to become."

Gyda took a small step closer, "Perhaps, that is true...but you too have more waiting for you after this war. We both do." Another step closer. "We know what will happen if we do nothing. But if we sever the bond—" Her eyes lifted to meet Elgarain's. "I will fight, and I will overcome whatever awaits me to return."

Something shattered within her, rising up to form a lump in her throat. "It is not what I wish for you to do." She wiped her eyes with her sleeve before returning her gaze to Gyda, a fondness lit up her eyes. "But out of the two of us, you have always been the better fighter."

Gyda chuckled, but there was no humor in the sound. "It is not because I wish to die in your stead Elgarain, it is because I wish to fight for you...for me, for us," Gyda spoke softly. "This is not just a choice of duty —" She reached to grab Elgarain's cold hands in her own "— but of love."

Elgarain squeezed her hand in return. "It is your life, your choice and if this is what you want to do, then I shall object no further."

She gave her a watery smile. "Thank you, for trusting me—I promise I will do whatever is necessary to return nésa."

"I will hold you to that, nésa." She took a deep breath. "But I do not know how to sever the bond, and I do not wish to make things any worse by trying it myself as I did when I healed you. We need Gandalf's assistance."

Gyda nodded.

The silence that surrounded them suddenly broke as the sound of clattering feet and shouts echoed beyond the door of the healing chambers. Gyda tensed, worried eyes darted away from Elgarain. She made to go, but before she could move toward the door, it burst open.

Gimli appeared, breathless and red-faced. His gaze swept over them before he spoke: "The beacons are lit."

Elgarain tensed, a stone seemed to replace her stomach.

"What is the king's answer?" Gyda asked.

"We ride for war." 

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𝕬𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝕹𝐎𝐓𝐄 . . .

Chapter 50 has arrived, yay! Can't believe how fast this story is going...Anyway, there's a lot of Ararain fluff in this chapter that I aboslutely adored to write. And of course a much needed conversation between our two favorite girlies at the end. 

The only questions that remain now is will they be able to sever the bond and what will happen if they do? Guess you guys will just have to wait to find out ;)

Please leave some comments, I love hearing from you guys!

Much love,

Nelly

TRANSLATIONS:

Meleth nîn ― My love

Melin tyë ― I love you

Anarinya ― My sun

Nésa ― Sister