still homeless.

[longshanks]

You find me most days in no mood for jests such as this. Lead me where there is need of my skills, there cannot be so great a number of lands that it confuses you so.

Think on it again.

Comments

[shieldarm]

[ he suspects right. even now, his smile prompts a small one of her own. ]

I do not despair, my lord. Wherever I go, I shall remain a shieldmaiden, and such an emotion has no place in my heart.

[longshanks]

Feeling a weakness is no bad thing, it reminds us to avoid inciting it again.

[ It's always fascinating, how upright and sturdy Eowyn's spirit is. He can honestly say he's never met a mortal woman like her - and he does like her company, more than he ever thought he would. She makes herself known to people, he's come to realise, in ways difficult to forget.

He also wants to bend some of the bars locked around her, if only to see who really lies beyond. ]

What emotions does my lady hold close?

[shieldarm]

[ she makes no comment to his earlier statement. even if it does serve as a reminder for strength in the future, she loathes feeling it. she never wants to feel helpless.

it's obvious that the question surprises her. she lowers her gaze for a moment, feeling a pang, but then meets him head on again. ]

Courage. Fearlessness. A love of honour and the bonds created by it. Wherever my lady places me, I wish to show that I am capable.

[longshanks]

[ What can he say to that? Anywhere she goes, she'll break down any cage that seeks to rise against her. ]

No doubt you will and more.

[ He believes in her, after all. ]

[shieldarm]

Your words mean much, my Lord Aragorn.

[ from him, it is no small compliment. ]

Can you not convince the one who holds sway over you to resolve themselves quickly?

[longshanks]

'Tis a difficult thing to do, adding haste to a matter in which she finds no great import. What of your wanderings, do any spark your mistress's interest?

[shieldarm]

Said wanderings have been too few to truly judge. A city full of gods, the magic castle... it will give me great pleasure when she comes to a decision.

[longshanks]

A city full of gods? That would daunt even the bravest of men.

[shieldarm]

And if you were to become a god yourself?

[longshanks]

I shouldn't know what to do with such power.

[shieldarm]

[ she regards him thoughtfully. ]

I do not think it would change you. You would stand a more majestic, and more powerful man, yet remain Lord Aragorn.

[longshanks]

[ Fuuuu - woman. Aragorn takes the compliments as graciously as possible; by not addressing them. Shy. ]

Nor would it change you, becoming a goddess. I think nothing of Lady Eowyn would require alteration.

[ It always sounds far less flirtatious in his head. ]

[shieldarm]

[ what was that about a shadow and a thought, again? she dips her head, and when she raises it, her smile is small, but it is there. ]

Flattering words. I will not pretend any interest in the title or in godhood, but the thoughtful of being of aid to so many people is a heartening one.

[longshanks]

[ Flattering her strength and ... stuff. Wow, he fails. Anyway, he likes it when she smiles because it's so rare an occurrence and takes effort to coax out. ]

Would it not grow wearisome? Even for a shieldmaiden.

[shieldarm]

[ just a little. ]

Perhaps. Are not the noblest of deeds the most tiresome ones?

[longshanks]

That depends on what it is.

[shieldarm]

Hmm. You do claim more experience in this field than I.

[longshanks]

Your opinion is equally as valid as anything I could add.

[shieldarm]

[ a beat. ]

Then I would say that the more the task grew wearisome, the more I would benefit, in the end.

[ she'd like to think so. ]

[longshanks]

The Elves could answer with no more wisdom.

[ Not just a pretty face, but he suspected that from the start where Eowyn is concerned. ]

You are destined for great things, that much I sense. Goddess or not.

[shieldarm]

[ oh. lord aragorn, why do you do this. she knows that he speaks plainly, and with no mind to fluster or flatter, but. ]

You are too kind, to compare me to your wise and fair friends.

[longshanks]

Nay, they are kinder. Fearsome, beautiful, but kind. They would agree in this instance.

[ A small smile. ]

Taurauthiel they would call you, the mighty battle-maid.

[shieldarm]

[ it pleases her, the name. she keeps it in her mind, tests t on her tongue. taurauthiel. ]

And what name do the Elves give to you, my lord?

[longshanks]

Many. Am I to list them for my lady?

[shieldarm]

Perhaps just the few that you hold most dear.