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Disclaimer: I do not own any of J.R.R. Tolkien's characters or settings, even if I love them as if they were my own. The idea and Cyrene are mine, only mine.

Immense thanks to my dear beta and all my friends that keep on bouncing the chapters and holding my hand through the hard labor of finishing this tale.

Without them and the generous and kind support of the readers I wouldn't have come this far.

Love and thanks,

C.

Chapter XXXII: AN ELF'S GRIEF AND A KING'S CHOICE

Just like the time the Three Hunters had raced upon the plains of Rohan in pursuit of the Uruk Hai, Gimli was weary and sore.

Though he loathed every moment he spent in the saddle, he did not say a word and endured the hard ride towards the coast. Their pace was now no less forced than in Rohan, but for a whole different reason: Legolas's life force was weakening, his spirit fading and he longed to reach the sea before going to the Halls of Mandos.

It seemed ironic to the dwarf that the immortal and fair elves would be so vulnerable to the power of the higher emotions, enough to die out of a broken heart.

It was true that Gimli could now understand that once an elf gave his unique love away, the loss of the beloved one could lead to deepest grief, and finally, to death.

It was the second day of their journey, and the riders did not pause until it was too dark to ride. And by then, Gimli was sure that if Legolas could have given their mount his keen sight, they would have continued their journey.

Legolas built a small fire, and Gimli appreciated that the gesture was for his sake alone.

The elf was apathetic as he sat on the ground and handed Gimli a water flask and a piece of lembas-bread.

"You did not know I would ride with you, Legolas, but still you brought enough food," commented the dwarf.

Legolas smiled. "I did not know … but I hoped. I have become very attached to your company, my friend."

Gimli had to laugh. "You would have to chain me down, Master Elf, to keep me from coming. This dwarf will not leave your side as far as you may need him."

"'Tis odd, you know, my friend. When we started this journey we were beyond distrustful of each other. And now I can hardly think of any other companion I would prefer at my side on any journey, besides maybe Aragorn," whispered the elf.

His beautiful features were drawn, his expression aged and weary.

Gimli's heart ached at the sight of the elf's face. He dared to speak about the cause of Legolas' grief.

"She loves you, Legolas. And you two belong together. I cannot understand …"

"It may be that Cyrene loves me, even as much as I love her, Gimli. But she chose another path, and I am not able to stop my feelings for her. My life is forsaken, beyond my will," Legolas explained this calmly, stating the fact.

"Then you must speak to her, woe to that stubborn female, make her understand! I will not sit here and see you die, Legolas. You are a warrior, and if you have given up, I have not. Damn you, thickheaded pointy-eared creature! Fight for you life, fight for your love!" screamed the dwarf, jumping to his feet in spite of his exhaustion and aching muscles.

The elf's features showed confusion at the outburst. "It is not the way of elves to …"

He was harshly interrupted. "I do not care about the ways of elves. I care about you and that woman. It is not the way of elves to fall in love with humans either. And it is not the way of elves to befriend dwarves. Fight this melancholy, Legolas, I demand it!" said Gimli and kicked a log into the fire, stomping away from the small camp.

Legolas Greenleaf's eyes followed the dwarf into the darkness. And a slight spark of hope started growing inside of him.

Gimli was right.

****

Eowyn of Rohan made her way though the courtiers and citizens that crowded the King's Hall.

She walked with sure strides, looking for any Amazon that could tell her where Cyrene could be found. Many hours had passed since she had left Aella in the Houses of Healing, but being the highest-ranking lady in the City until the future Queen arrived was no easy task.

Eowyn had been trained and groomed for ruling and organizing a kingdom since her childhood, and she received thankful looks for her efforts from Aragorn and Faramir, who were receiving the guests and people of the country.

Still it was a taxing chore, and once she had seen to the court's needs and events of the day, Eowyn could pursue her original intent: finding Cyrene. But her eyes did not find even one Amazon in the hall, or in the Citadel for that matter.

She went to the stable to fetch a mount and ride out to the Rohirrim's and Amazon's camp outside the City walls and found Eomer, who was inspecting the horses that had been brought as a gift for the King.

A wide smile spread over the face of the White Lady, as her brother saw her arrival and opened his arms to embrace her.

After the fight with the Witch King, it still seemed a wonder to Eomer that his sister was alive and well. Her arm was still sore and had to be used carefully, but Eowyn looked rosy and healthy, the joy of her newfound love shining bright in her clear eyes.

"Brother! I did not expect to find you here. Are you well, Eomer?" said Eowyn as soon as she could breathe again after his tight embrace.

Eomer sighed into his sister's hair. "I am well, Eowyn. Every time I see you, my heart holds its beat and starts all over again. I wish to never have to think you dead for the rest of my life."

"I promise to avoid further encounters with evil creatures, brother, as long as they do not threaten those beloved to me," she replied, caressing Eomer's cheek.

He smiled gently, pouring into that smile all the love he felt for his sister.

"I have to speak to Cyrene, brother, and I cannot seem to find her or any of her warriors in the Citadel. Can you lend me a horse to ride out and look for her in your camp …" started Eowyn.

"The Amazons are gone, Eowyn. They left before noon. Cyrene told me to give you her farewells and a message that she would return to the City in time for the King's wedding," interrupted Eomer.

The look in Eowyn's face must have shown her horror, for Eomer was alarmed as well.

"Sister, is something amiss?"

"I had to tell Cyrene something before she left. It was very important. Was her departure not planned for the early morrow?" said Eowyn starting to pace quickly and trying to figure out what to do.

"Indeed, she planned to leave at dawn, but it seems that there were some … incidents between the Amazon warriors and men of the city. So she decided to leave at once and left the message I gave you. Forgive me if I did not seek you out sooner, but I did not think it was a pressing matter," said Eomer, confused at his sister's behavior.

Eowyn looked at her brother. She knew about Eomer's recent feelings for Cyrene, and she felt sympathy for his unrequited love. It was even worse then her infatuation for Aragorn, for Eomer knew Cyrene well and they had shared a deep friendship for a long time. But she could understand Cyrene's own discovery of love in the person of Legolas, for Eowyn had also found her true mate in Faramir, without ever expecting it.

"It is a matter of importance that concerns Cyrene and Legolas. I have to find a way to reach her as soon as possible. I cannot await her return. I shall ride after her right now …" Eowyn spoke her thoughts aloud, already walking towards the stable of her horse. She halted when she felt her brother's hand upon her uninjured arm.

"Eowyn, you have duties in Minas Tirith, and your betrothed is here as well. You cannot ride after Cyrene. If it is such an important matter, I shall go to her for you. Is that your wish, sister?" asked Eomer softly.

Eowyn looked at the King of Rohan and hesitated. Would he be able to speak to Cyrene and convince her to ride after the elf, even if it meant crushing all his own hopes for conquering the Amazon's affections? Would he be willing to do it?

***

For an awkward moment, Aella looked from Eomer's guarded expression to Eowyn's expectant face.

They sat by her bed in the Houses of Healing, telling her that Cyrene had ridden away without even saying goodbye and that there was nothing Aella could do to keep her promise to Gimli and help to bring Amazon and elf to their senses.

"You must be jesting, Eowyn. I cannot believe that the Gods would be willing to let this happen. And I will not resign myself to see two people who obviously belong together torn apart by words said or left unspoken. I shall not abide it!" fumed the little Amazon.

Then she sat up, not even blinking at the numb pain of her leg. She reached for her armor and gear and started dressing up. Eowyn laid a soft hand on the Amazon's arm.

"Aella, you cannot do this. Eomer will ride after Cyrene, but tell him what is it that she should know, to convince her to seek out Master Legolas."

Though no one had ever told Aella about Eomer's feelings for Cyrene, she had seen them together often enough to know. The longing she saw in the King's eyes when he had seen the Amazon with the elf had been enough. Aella did not hesitate to voice her doubts.

"Will you, Eomer, aid us in this matter even if it means that Cyrene and Legolas could be bound together for the rest of their lives?" asked the redhead.

Eomer endured the blue eyes searching his face. He did not flinch.

"My first concern is Cyrene's happiness, and if it lies with the elf, I shall help her to find it."

Eowyn laid her hand upon Aella's arm. "He is my brother and Cyrene's friend. Eomer is also a noble and true warrior, Aella. Do not distrust him."

"Eowyn, Eomer is my liege through Cyrene. I have fought alongside him in battle and know his bravery and noble heart. But I also know his feelings for my friend," Aella sighed. "Eomer, we have learned that Cyrene left Legolas because she thinks that he will lose his immortality if he binds himself to a mortal. I also know now something that Cyrene does not know: elves cannot lose their eternal life even if they are bound to mortals. However, they may die of grief. Master Legolas is, as we speak, dying of a broken heart, because of Cyrene. And she is not aware of this. She has to know, and we are running against time."

Eomer's eyes widened at the news. For all the jealousy he felt towards the elf, he did not want him to die. And neither did he want Cyrene to carry the guilt of her love's demise. A sharp pang of his own guilt struck him as he remembered that he was the one who told the Amazon that elves lose their immortality when bound to humans.

"It was I. I told Cyrene that Legolas would forfeit his immortal life if he bound himself to her. I thought it was true, I had no intention …"

Heavy silence hung upon the three persons in the House of Healing.

Eowyn was looking at her brother in shock for a moment, and then took her hand in his. She saw the despair and regret in his face, and her heart hurt for Eomer.

Aella looked from one to another and sighed again, louder this time. "Cyrene has to know of this at once, Eomer. Will you ride after the Amazons and speak to her? She should speak to Legolas before…"

"Yes, I shall leave before the sun sets. I will convince her, and I shall even ride with her to find Legolas and Gimli. Do you know where they went, Mistress Aella?"

"Gimli told me that they would be riding towards the coast, and he spoke of a last campsite where Legolas, Cyrene, and he had been to before encountering the Amazons' camp. That is all I know. I should ride with you, Eomer…" said Aella, trying again to put her gear on.

This time she failed to hide the discomfort when she moved her leg.

Eowyn pushed her back on the pallet gently. "Don't be foolish, Aella. You are in no shape to take a forced ride anywhere. You would only slow down Eomer. And he will find Cyrene and bring her to Legolas," the White Lady said sternly, speaking to the Amazon but looking at her brother.

"I will leave at once. And I vow to do everything in my might to bring them together," Eomer vowed and turned on his heel leaving the room.

Both women watched him leave, knowing he would keep his oath.

***

Cyrene and the Amazons rode as far as they could before nightfall.

It was understandable to her that once the strain of warfare had worn off, the co-existence of Amazons and people of Middle Earth would not be easy, if possible. There were too many differences in their way of thinking and behaving, their codes of honor, and their customs.

It was then that she realized that beyond her promises to Aella and her resolution not to return to Artemis Island, even if her mother and sister had insisted upon her going back, she could not and would not leave Middle Earth.

She would always be an Amazon and proud of her heritage, but too much of her had changed since she had left the island. By now she would be incapable of abiding by the laws and customs of her people. The past days weighed upon her as if they were years.

Rohan, Eowyn, Eomer, Legolas, and Gimli, had touched her soul and changed her in too many ways.

Cyrene ordered a light camping, without setting up tents to avoid any delay in the morning.

After seeing to her horse, she gathered her gear and saddle and sought a place to settle for the night, away from the other warriors.

Her fellow Amazons would ever give her respect and obedience, but she knew that they did not understand her relationship with Legolas. No Amazon would yield and submit publicly to any male. Not even an admired fellow warrior like the elf or even a king among men.

Cyrene did not regret having admitted her bond to Legolas for everyone to see. Though her feelings and their intensity still confused her, Cyrene was aware that every minute she had spent with Legolas had been precious.

Especially at this time, when she was sure she had chased him away for good.

Legolas could not bear to see her and wouldn't even speak to Cyrene.She had seen it with her own eyes in Minas Tirith.

The thought of being the subject of his contempt or hatred hurt her, in a way she had never felt before. How had she become so very dependent on him?

Legolas had shown her about the mating of male and female, he had given her trust and friendship in her darkest moments. They had forged a bond beyond their shared physical pleasure and when the decisive moment had come, Cyrene had not trusted him with her doubts and fears. Instead, she had hurt him and driven him away.

Sleep eluded the Amazon. She looked up into the starry night and wondered if she should seek Legolas out once she had finished her mission in Dol Amroth. In spite of her pride and confusion, Cyrene decided that she had to speak to him and let Legolas decide if they had a future together or not.

**

At sunset of the next day, as the Amazons made camp for the night, Eomer and Dumetar arrived.

They had ridden with four horses, so as to not overexert their mounts; still the horses were shaking with exhaustion and covered with foam.

Cyrene ran up to Eomer, worry etched in her features.

"Eomer, my brother! Is all well In the White City? How is Eowyn? Aella? Why have you followed us? I would have returned to Minas Tirith in the next days…" she said.

Eomer thanked an Amazon who had given him a flask with water and turned to Cyrene.

He was tired and his clothes were damp with sweat beneath his armor. But he mustered a smile for her.

"I need a word with you, Cyrene. It is a pressing matter that could not be held out until your return."

She smiled back, still intrigued about Eomer's appearance, and greeted Dumetar.

Cyrene and Eomer walked away from the camp, until they were out of hearing distance and Eomer spoke.

"Cyrene, you have to return at once. You have to ride after Legolas and Gimli," he said.

"Eomer, you must be jesting. You have not ridden a horse to exhaustion to tell me this, have you?" asked Cyrene in disbelief.

"In fact, my sister, I have. You have no time. It is a matter of life and death that you speak to Legolas without further delay," explained Eomer, and his eyes searched in the woman's face for any sign that her feelings towards the elf might have changed.

The Amazon looked back at Eomer, this time in confusion.

"My brother, it was you who told me about the hopelessness of my relationship with him. Why is it now important that I speak to him? Why can it not wait until my return? I wanted to seek him out myself…but I do not understand the urgency."

The King of Rohan looked at the woman in front of him and saw the woman he loved and trusted, the woman he would give his life for, and he knew that he would also give up his love and heart for her, only to see again in her eyes the light he had seen after Pelennor Fields.

The light of a woman in love, whose love was returned and made her stronger and complete. The look that he saw now, reflecting the last rays of the dying sun, were those of a lost and hurt girl, despite all the warrior trappings.

He caressed her cheek before telling her, "Cyrene, I have been told that elves do not lose their immortality if bound to humans. In fact, it is rather the humans who have to decide if they are able to endure seeing undying beauty and youth by their side while they wither and age themselves. Have you thought about this?"

"Yes, Eomer. And for a single year of Legolas's love I would go to Hades and back. I could only not endure the thought of binding myself to him and so being the cause of his death. But there is something else, some other thing I must know?" she asked, searching for answers in Eomer's familiar face.

"Yes, my beloved sister. You must seek Master Legolas without any further delay, because though elves do not die of age, they can die of grief."

Eomer saw the doubt in Cyrene's features.

"Legolas' love for you is true. He is fading as we speak. And you have to go to him before it is too late."

***