31: I See You (Edited)

                                    

                                          
Cheers of victory welcomed them as they passed the gates of Edoras. Just a few days back, the city had been struck by a horrifying revelation that they could die anytime soon, but now only joy remained. Many had died in the battle of Helm's Deep, but victorious they were still, and it was a sliver of hope for them that they could triumph over Sauron's malice. Theoden led the company through the rowdy crowd towards the Hall of Meduseld, finding himself smiling all the way despite the recent calamities which had befallen him. 
Varilerin did not share the same sentiment. 
Although she tried, too hard if she may, to forget about Vrasari, her entire journey was spent mulling over his existence. Legolas had tried to strike conversations with her, but she found herself ending them as quickly as he had started them. 
She only snapped away from her contemplation when she saw the sight of the Hall. Flowers and golden banners embellished the walls, coupled with sturdy tables and numerous chairs lining the corners of the room. Delicious fragrance of meat and stew wafted from the kitchens, where the woman could be heard giggling happily as the men returned. Theoden rubbed his eyes, suspecting that Gandalf had cast another spell, for he had indeed instructed his servants to prepare for a celebratory party but not of this scale and magnificence. Eowyn greeted them with a grin, explaining the reason for such extravagance as a plot crafted by her and the other ladies. Of course, Varilerin thought, knowing that Eowyn was anything but a hardworking maiden. 
"She should have spent more of her time doing this than cooking those stews," remarked Gimli bluntly. 
"Well, perhaps you should try cooking yourself. You might find it harder than it seems," Varilerin shot back nonchalantly as she dismounted from Ellen. Ellen neighed in relief, having travelled continuously for several days straight. The man chattered excitedly, expecting that night's party to be a sight to behold. 
Varilerin, however, was not as enthusiastic. 
"Beautiful, isn't it?" muttered Eowyn proudly as she approached Varilerin. "I always know that my skills are in the arts and not in the kitchen. I believe tonight will be a marvellous celebration for our people! There will be feasts, drinks, songs, and dances..." 
Varilerin let out an audible sigh as she pulled Elen towards the stables, away from anything about the party Eowyn was rambling about. Confused, Eowyn skipped behind Varilerin. "You don't seem to be too happy about it," Eowyn observed. 
"I am not fond of parties, my lady," Varilerin divulged rather a-matter-of-factly. "There are too many people to talk to and too much noise to hear." 
"But all the soldiers who battled in Helm's Deep will be there. Your friends will be there," Eowyn reasoned hastily. "Surely they wish for your presence there!" 
Her words sounded like they came straight from Gandalf's mouth, Varilerin mused, feeding Elen a heap of hay. "You are regarded as a hero, do you know that?" Eowyn continued hastily. "The people would want to see the famous Daefaroth, who single-handedly saved us from our doom!" 
"I wish not to attract attention to myself. By then I would have needed to talk to many people and it would be a waste of my effort—" 
"You don't even need to talk! Being there is already enough. After the toast, you can simply talk to your friends, like Aragorn... or Legolas!" 
Varilerin stopped on her tracks. Those are two very specific names, she thought. What is she implying here? 
She was about to shoot down Eowyn's argument, but she saw Eowyn's beady eyes pleading desperately. In the body of an adult, Eowyn seemed like a child to Varilerin. Once, those eyes belonged to Ellain, who was more of a cheerful little girl trapped in the body of an adult rather than a responsible ranger—the girl who had not lived her life to the fullest before death claimed her mercilessly. Varilerin shuddered.