Theodred's Journey
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of the characters I mention.
A/N: This fanfic starts just before the Rohan scenes begin in the movie The Two Towers, incorporates the scene where Eomer confronts Grima and is exiled, and then goes further. I tried to include a small catch-up in the middle where the movie fills in, but it will help if you've seen The Two Towers. My story occurs around the time described in the movie, but I didn't want to re-write those scenes when the movie does them so well :-)
My other stuff has been parodies, I know, but I wanted to try something serious. This is my first time. Please read and review.
"Eomer! I must speak with you." Theodred walked over to the stables where Eomer was grooming his horse. He had always liked the stables. The warm smells of hay and horses always comforted him, no matter what his problems were. "You have heard from the refugees how the Orcs from Isengard are attacking our people. My father will not help us. What do you think we should do?"
"You are the son of the king. You should tell me what to do." Eomer's reply was not slighting; he had great respect for his cousin. He knew Theodred had great skill as a leader, even though he was afraid at times to use it.
"I only want your opinion, Eomer. I will lead the Rohirrim, but with our combined strengths, we will have a better chance of success."
"We should defend our people. Isengard must not succeed." Eomer's simple reply brought a smile to Theodred's face. Theodred knew Eomer would not undermine him, whatever his decision, but knowing they were on the same side strengthened him.
"Then you are with me? Even if my father is not?"
"I have always been with you, Theodred. And I always will be. Your father, the king, has been taken by Saruman. He is a good king, but he is not himself now. You are ruler in his place."
"Then gather the Rohirrim. We ride in the morning."
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As Theodred finished saddling his horse, Eomer approached him. "You were brave to announce the ride against Grima's will."
"Grima has no power among the loyal Rohirrim. At least, that is the sentiment I have observed so far, Eomer son of Eomund." Eomer smiled.
"My lord is very insightful these days. Come, cousin, what else do you see among us?" A cloud passed over Theodred's face. He turned towards Eomer.
"I have a dark feeling in my heart that this is to be my last ride, Eomer. Please promise me that if I do not return, you will stand against Grima Wormtongue for me. I fear what he may do to our kingdom."
Eomer spoke cautiously. "If any of us do not return, the rest will stand for Rohan. You need not fear for that, my lord. But why do you talk this way? What dark dreams have clouded your sleep that you think you will not return? You have ridden with the Rohirrim many times. You have led us into battle. And yet you fear now for your return?"
"Yes, Eomer, I do. Some dreadful foreboding has passed over me. I only want everything to be in order in case it tells the future accurately." Even if it was just before a battle and all men's minds were on dark things, Eomer knew better than to question such a dark premonition, especially one of Theoden's. He had never given in to silly fears or the normal fears of battle. If he felt something, it was best to listen to it. Still, it was not good to dwell overmuch on dark things at a time like this.
"If you have such a premonition, then you are wise, Prince of Rohan, to ensure your kingdom is taken care of. But perhaps it would be better not to take a foreboding before battle too seriously." Theodred straightened and prepared to mount his horse.
"Let us hope, then, that you are correct, my friend! Gather the Rohirrim! We ride to battle!"
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