Forty Six - Testing Limits

“Theoden, please understand what is at risk,” I said, following him into the Hall. “I know what is at risk and it is my countrymen’s lives. I will not endanger them in Gondor, nor for Gondor,” He said. 

“It’s not just Gondor you will be saving, but the rest of our world as well. You heard, firsthand, what Sauron wants and you know that he will not stop until all of Middle Earth falls under his dominion,” I continued.

“Do you know what I also heard that day in Isengard?” He asked. “That you, Verena Tempest, are prophesied to turn against us,” He said. “And you would take the word of the foulest wizard?” I said.

“If you wish to be sceptical of me, my Lord, that is your right. But there are others here who are honourable enough to ask the same thing of you,” I said.

“Give me time to think,” He walked away.

~~~

“Theoden is relentless,” I huffed as I sat next to Cleos as he watched for the lit beacons. He and Aragorn had been taking turns watching since Nikolas left. “You should be more concerned about regaining your strength,” He said. 

“It will come back before Amon Din,” I assured him. “You’re stressing too much,” He said. “Is that another attempt to get me to stop worrying about Rohan?” I asked. “Is it working?” He asked. “No,” I answered. “Then no,” He shrugged. 

“Cleos,” I sighed and he laughed. “What? I’m sorry,” He apologised. “This is serious. If Rohan doesn’t fight, we will meet our downfall, along with the rest of the world,” I said. 

“You must take a break. It’s clear Theoden wants a restful moment and with the most stubborn Tempest on him isn’t helping,” He said. “We don’t have time,” I reasoned. 

“We have until the beacons are lit, and as far as I can see, those mountains are still cold and dull,” He reasoned. “Fine. I’ll leave him alone,” I sighed. 

“While you’re at it, you should get some sleep. When was the last time you even went to your bedroom?” He asked. “Before the party,” I mumbled. 

“You need to rest. I will tell you when the beacons are lit, I promise,” He assured me. “That one is convincing,” I said. 

“Fine, I’ll go get some sleep,” I sighed. “Thank you,” He smiled.

~~~

“Looks like it’s just you and me, now,” Eowyn joked. The sun was still peaking out but it was going down quickly. “Seems so,” I chuckled. “Though, I thought you would be going too,” She said. “Nikolas ordered Cleos and I to wait for the beacons, so that is what we will do,” I said. 

“Eowyn,” I said and looked at her. “Yes, Ver?” She asked. “What are the chances of your uncle answering Gondor’s call?” I asked. “He’s infuriated with Lord Denethor since he did nothing for the Westfold,” She answered and I sighed. 

“But my uncle is not like Lord Denethor. He understands the people are innocent and would never hold them to their ruler’s wrongdoings,” She continued. 

“Why do you ask?” She asked. “I don’t mean to scare you, but this war is different from any other. If Rohan does not answer this call, it affects all of Middle Earth. From Gondor right on Mordor’s doorstep, to the furthest east in Erebor. Even the Shire, where the Hobbits mind their own,” I explained. 

“My nephews and niece did not go to Dunharrow. Instead, they went home to muster the rest of our armies across Tiseah. Nikolas is preparing for battle and I need Theoden to do so as well,” I continued. 

“I’m not asking you to trick your uncle into doing something worse than sin, I’m asking you to help me convince him that it isn’t just Gondor’s need, but all of Middle Earth as well,” I stressed. 

She contemplated what I had said for a moment, then nodded. “I will help,”

~~~

“In the thousands of years I’ve known you, You’ve convinced me you never actually sleep,” Le said in Elvish as he sat next to me. It was much past nightfall and the stars were covered by thick clouds. 

“I can, just not at times like this,” I said and he chuckled. Rest wasn’t finding me easily with the thought of war stirring in my mind. 

“Have you gotten anywhere with the king?” He asked. “Maybe, but…” I trailed off. “But what?” He asked and I sighed. 

“The last thing he said to me over the topic was, ‘Give me time to think’,” I answered. “Well, it’s better than it was two days ago,” He reasoned. “I need him to confirm his involvement in it,” I said.

“Once Amon Din is lit, I need to know he will not just say ‘they can fend for themselves’ and be done with it,” I continued. 

“Has anyone told you that you worry too much?” He asked. 

“One or two people have, yes,” I answered and he chuckled. 

“This is, though, serious, Legolas,” I said and he nodded. “I know. We have fought in war before,” He said. “This one is different. There hasn’t been one like it since the time of my Grandfather’s reign three thousand years ago,” I said quietly. 

“Last time, there were only four Tempests. Now, there are seven and a wizard,” He said. “I wish my father was here… and my uncles, even Edrick,” I sighed. “They would know what to do,” I continued. 

He put his arm around my waist and I rested my head on his shoulder. “Nikolas will do what is right,” He assured me. 

“Everything is falling apart and I’m scared I can’t put the pieces back together in time,” I whispered. 

“But I can’t let fear cloud my judgement. I can’t afford to lose anyone I care about. Not my brothers, not my sisters, not my cousins or uncle, not-” I stopped myself. “Not you,” I continued. 

He moved his arms around me and hugged me and I held onto him tightly.

“We will get through this together,” He promised

And I held onto those words through the entirety of the coming battles.