a/n: I went over the whole story and edited and added and so on, so I hope you all like it even more now! This has been a labor of love, and I really hope you enjoy yourself and get lost in the fantasy and adventure like I did. XD
The road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with weary feet,
Until it joins some larger way,
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.
~O~
In the southern most reaches of the East Fold of Rohan was a village nestled between the river Entwash and the Mering Stream. It was here that I heard the screams of my neighbors as they were slain upon the rusted blade of an Orc sword. My brother and I had been hidden away in the early hours of the morning when the horn sounded. We were stowed in an alcove just near the river Entwash that could only be seen from the opposite bank. With a last swift kiss, Mother and Father bade us goodbye, and disappeared into the fog. My brother attempted calling after them, but I held him back.
I clutched his hand as we sat on the muddy earth, the sound of screams piercing the sky. Only when the sun had finally risen, did they stop. We waited as long as we could. By that time, the sun was high in the sky. We wandered through the smoldering remnants of our village. People, young and old, boy and girl, man and woman, lay strewn about, their wounds still bubbling with their crimson blood. We found mother and father in the house, half burnt. They had been stabbed and slashed in the back before the house was set aflame.
I merely stood in shock as my brother wrapped his arms around me, hiding his face from the horror and weeping. Just this morning, our village had stood proud against the two waterways, and now…it was merely piles of wood smoldering under the afternoon sun. But another two survived, a little girl Legolinde barely older than three, and a young man not but a year my senior, Eriador. Her fingers were wound deep into his pant leg as they neared us.
We locked eyes in silence for a moment before I muttered weakly, "I will…fetch some food…"
Less than a day passed before a group of Rohiram came from the north. They had seen the smoke and rode swiftly to our aid. None of us spoke; we merely allowed them to lead us away from the death and destruction of the raiding party. Now we rode toward the capital of Rohan.
Viorith had always been sickly. And spending those few days in the cold had weakened him. We had salvaged one of the carts and had put both my brother and little Legolinde in it for the journey to Edoras. I glanced down at my brother's sleeping form, under all the spare blankets, shivering uncontrollably. Just hang on, I thought pleadingly. Our King will know what to do.
~O~
We were placed in an orphanage. And for the next six years I watched over my brother with the help of Marthay. She was a lovely woman, caring for the dozens of children that littered the little cottage day in and day out. Even when my brother and I celebrated our twentieth year, she kept us on. I resolved to become her assistant.
"I have not seen our King as of late…" she commented from by the fire, rocking gently in her chair as she knitted. My brows furrowed in thought. No I supposed not. In fact, his visits had been growing fewer and fewer for quite some time. Only now did I think anything of it.
Marthay continued her musings as I cleaned the floor of the kitchen diligently, "Perhaps it is that man that has become the King's new right hand. The ladies at the market say he was the King's advisor on the matters in the lands just this past harvest."
I was worried. What could this mean? Were the raids growing steadily worse? Were the powers of evil winning out against Rohan? No. I shook my head. I could not think that way. I had to be strong for everyone, especially Viorith.
The afternoon sun was beginning to dip towards the horizon. Marthay made to get up from her rocking chair, but I knew the pains in her legs today were dreadful, and bade her sit while I fetched the children and started on dinner.
"Come, come, now! In you go!" I called to the children playing in the garden. They came reluctantly. And for those that resisted, I went around chastising, giving them a good smack to their bottoms.
"Ennyette, come inside, now." I said softly, finding her in the corner of the garden almost hidden, with her tattered doll in her lap. Her chubby face split into a grin as she nodded, jumping up and scooping the doll into her arms. I smiled as she tottered in through the door. I took one last sweeping look outside, spotting the horses descending from the stables towards Edoras' gates.
Another scouting party? When the procession came into view, I caught sight of a familiar face. Theodred, the young Prince. As they passed, I gave a low curtsey. He nodded in my direction and continued on with his men. The man to his right also nodded. That was the Prince's cousin Eomer. I waited until after they had passed out of sight before finally going inside. I wished them well silently.
Quickly, I went about with the business of making dinner, the children chattering loudly with Marthay in the cramped sitting room. I went in occasionally to help manage them.
"Galdrien, give back her doll! Eowane, stop that now and go clean yourself up! Blegwyn, be a good girl and set the table for us?" I called over the screams and laughter.
Soon the smell of boiling potatoes and meat filled the little cottage. The children were now sitting patiently at the table. I served them and told them to behave while I tended the others upstairs. Before going up, however, I gave Marthay a bowl. She smiled and exclaimed, patting my cheek affectionately, "Oh, my sweet little angel, what would I do without you? You blessed creature, thank you!"
After I placed the bowl in her hands, I promised to return to collect the bowls and clean off the table. She was not to move a muscle. She merely smiled. Next I went to the second level of the house where all the bedrooms were. I took one deep breath and went into the second room on the right. Little Legolinde lay wheezing and sleeping fitfully, her skin drenched in a cold sweat. She had come down with a fever a few nights ago, and only now was it at its crest. I shook her gently as I sat on her bedside and whispered, "Time to eat, little one…"
She moaned and protested to the movements, barely able to open her eyes a crack to look at me. Eventually I sat her up and began spoon feeding her little by little. It was hard for her to swallow. She ended up only eating less than half of the stew. I rested my hand against her burning forehead after laying her back down, and sighed heavily.
"I'll be back…" I mumbled softly, squeezing her hand.
Once back in the hall, I paused, resting against the door as I attempted to collect myself. When I felt it was safe, I headed down to the last room on the left.
"Valene!" my brother cried happily, sitting up on his own. I smiled warmly and rushed to his side, saying, "Do not move so readily brother! You are weak still!"
He merely grimaced and took my hand in his as I sat by his side, scoffing, "You worry yourself too much sister."
But he indulged me and sat back against his pillows. Satisfied with this, I handed him his food and watched as he wolfed down the stew heartily. I commented over his slurps, "You do appear to be on the mend…I am glad."
He grinned up at me crookedly. Once he was finished, I took up his bowl and headed to the door, promising to return. Before I could leave however, he coughed and asked hurriedly, "H-how is Legolinde…?"
I grew still. I couldn't bring myself to say anything. He asked softly, "Will she make it through the night?"
I turned and fixed my eyes on his. The tears were there, but I refused to let them fall. I said thickly, "She may not…"
Viorith slumped. For a moment, neither of us moved. Then a shimmer caught my eye. On closer inspection, I saw tears sliding silently down his face. Immediately, I rushed to his side and wrapped my arms around him. He was thinking what I was thinking: Legolinde was the only one left from our village besides Eriador and ourselves. Neither of us could bear the thought of losing her, especially not now when she had grown to be such a beautiful young girl. I held him and sang softly until he fell asleep.
Gently, I placed him back down after slipping out from the clutch of his arms and went down to clean up the table. Then, I sent the children off to bed and helped Marthay up the stairs; all the while keeping at bay the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. When everyone was settled, I excused myself out to the garden. It should be tended to before I went up to see Legolinde. The sunset was just coming to its close, casting everything in a warm glow. I began my work weeding. I ripped every single wild plant from the earth diligently, until my hands stilled, my vision becoming too blurry with tears to continue. They shook as I raised them to my face, trying to stifle the sobs that wished to expel from my lips.
Gathering my wits desperately, I quickly wiped away the wet streaks from my cheeks and silently slipped back into the house and took a pail of water and a cloth up to Legolinde's room, dowsing it and placing it soothingly on her forehead. I re-tucked the blankets to her chin and pulled a rickety chair to her bedside.
Her breathing was becoming more labored, I noted sadly. But I stayed by her side throughout the night none the less, signing tenderly, songs of hope and love. Shortly after the morning sun broke over the mountains, her chest stilled. I sat in utter silence, listening to the quiet house. Finally, I stood numbly, and went to fetch the neighbors. They obliged me, quickly collecting her from the house before any of the children woke. Menowic, the kindly father of the household, informed me that they'd fetch me when they were ready to take her to the burial grounds. I nodded mutely and glided back into the house, deftly sitting at the table. A few moments later, I heard someone come down the stairs behind me. I couldn't turn my head to see who it was.
My brother's soft voice asked, "Legolinde's bed is empty…did…did she…?"
I put a hand to my lips to prevent myself from weeping. Biting my lip, I nodded. There was a pause, his footsteps shuffling closer, and then his arms wrapped around my shoulders. Our cheeks pressed together, tears running as one as he whispered, "Let us go together…"
Hurriedly, I wiped my tears and stood, following him out to the road. I grabbed a shawl and draped it over his shoulders. But, he shrugged it off saying, "No, you take it. I am alright…"
I was about to protest, when Menowic strode over, his mule following closely behind. It was harnessed to a small cart that held Legolinde bound tightly in a blanket. It was painful to look at. Instead, I focused on Viorith's hand as we walked slowly along the streets to the gates of Edoras. Lifting my eyes slightly to glance just a few feet away at the foot of the hill to the path that ran between the shadows of the sixteen mounds where buried Kings of old lie, I felt my chest tighten. Upon their western sides the grass was white as with a drifted snow: small flowers sprang there like countless stars. We turned south and west, following the trail along the high walls west towards the mountains.
We came upon the burial grounds swiftly enough, once again met by the Evermind flowers (in the common tongue) that grew where dead rest, Menowic and his son carefully lifting Legolinde's small body and placing her gently in the deep hole. My heart clenched and I looked away, clinging to Viorith's hand as we stood in silence for a moment. Finally, the others looked to me to sing the ceremonial burial song. I nodded and was just about to begin, when we heard the distinct sound of approaching hooves. I looked up in time to see Lady Eowyn the niece of our great King cresting the hill. It was truly a magnificent sight to behold in the early morning dawn; her flaxen hair billowing behind her as she galloped towards us. Once near, she slowed her steed with a soft, yet firm command, and slipped gracefully from her saddle. Slender and tall she was in her costly robe decorated with silver; but strong she seemed and stern as steel.
Upon reaching the graveside, she asked slightly breathlessly, "I was informed of a death…?"
"Y-yes, m'lady…" Menowic replied gruffly, removing his cap in respect. "Young Legolinde of the orphan house…"
She looked from him, to the small bundle in the grave, to my brother and me, the sadness in her eyes evident. She stepped toward us, her golden hair catching the rays of the early sun, and said sincerely, "I am truly sorry for your loss…"
My brother and I bowed and curtsied in gratitude. She was a wonderful woman. I recalled that only a few days ago she'd strolled through Edoras in her Uncle's stead and mingled with the commoners. And now she stood ready to grieve alongside us at a moment's notice.
We stood for another moment's silence before my brother squeezed my hand. It was time for the song. I cleared my throat and began, remembering last week, when Legolinde had been playing merrily with the other children in the garden. It had taken her so long to grow used to Edoras…
~o~
It was quiet, save for the footsteps and the creaking of the cart as we made our trip back. Menowic agreed to let my brother ride on the cart. I could tell he was growing weaker, even if he was too stubborn to admit it. Once I'd convinced him to sit down, he seemed to realize how tired he was. With a comforting smile, I placed the shawl over his shoulders once again, this time he took it, pulling it close.
I dropped back, and walked with my head down next to Lady Eowyn. Unable to resist the chance, I glanced over at her out of the corner of my eye. She was clothed in a beautiful midnight blue silk gown embroidered with silver thread, its hem covered in two inches of mud. Her long light golden hair hung around her shoulders in waves. I started when she said, "My brother Eomer tells me you help care for the orphaned….?"
I looked up quickly and met her gaze for a short moment, then nodded, looking away.
"And the young man with you is your brother?"
I nodded once again, smiling as I saw him look over at us as if he heard us speaking of him. He grinned back and waved. I said tentatively, "The strength he carries within…is not able to withstand outside his body I'm afraid."
"I see…it must be difficult for him." the Lady muttered, casting her eyes out over the valley in thought. "And the little girl, she was your younger sister…?"
"No…just an orphan in the house with us."
After another moment's thought she said, "You too are strong. The passion you have for the less fortunate shows that. Rohan is indebted to you, and I am envious…"
I blushed furiously and muttered, "Please, my lady, I would not go so far as to say that…"
She seemed to be mulling something over in her mind as we neared the gates. The cart was nowhere in sight, by now. Good, I thought distractedly, Viorith needed his rest. Shyly, I mumbled, "You are an asset to Rohan as well, Milady…especially in these dark days…"
She handed her horse off to a waiting soldier and continued walking with me along the streets toward the far end of the village. She paused as we came closer to the road that would take us to the Golden Hall where Theoden undoubtedly sat on his throne, and turned to me. She asked slowly, choosing her words carefully, "The people of Rohan are in need…and now that the King has…other issues plaguing his mind, I feel I must do something, even if it is small. I wish to help the people."
My brows furrowed slightly in confusion. I began unsurely, "Milady…"
"I shall enlist the help of others. They will care for your little ones." She said distractedly, lost in her thoughts. "I will also partition for another growing field to be started. Hopefully that will lessen some burdens…"
I was completely taken aback. She truly was the daughter of Kings. I curtsied deeply and began professing my thanks, but she interrupted one last time.
"I am doubtful of more aid than an extra care taker and a few vegetables, but if you wish, I could offer something else…"
I stood frozen.
"I shall enlist you as my hand maiden – if you do not object – and pay you with a sack of provisions each few weeks." She said, then speaking more to herself than me, continued. "Surely, Grima Wormtongue should have no scruples with my proposal…"
She spat his name out like it was laced with poison. The first thought that came to mind, was of my brother. I curtsied once again and said, "I am extremely grateful, Milady. You offer so much to such an unworthy recipient…but you see, my brother's health is precarious…I do not know how he will handle my lengthy absences."
What she offered was absolutely magnificent. No longer would the children's bellies go empty. No longer would my care be spread thin. But…Viorith…we've never been apart really; maybe for short periods of time, but not days. What if he was not properly cared for? But, to give up the pay…
She smiled softly, the glimmer of hope in her eyes dimming. I did not wish to strike down her enthusiasm, so I asked hastily, "Milady…would it be at all possible to trial me, and see how my brother fares?"
Me, a commoner, asking the King's niece such a steep request! I could feel my cheeks flush in embarrassment. To my amazement, however, her eyes immediately gleamed once again. She nodded eagerly.
I asked, "When would Milady wish me to start?"
"First thing tomorrow," She said, taking up my hands for a short moment, before starting off up the hill. "I shall see to it that the guards permit you entrance."
I stopped and watched her make her way up the slope to the great manor of the King. I shook my head and started off, back toward home. Who would have thought this day would hold so much! When I entered through the rickety doorway, it was to the smell of Marthay's cooking. Nothing could compare to her homemade meals, no matter how much I tried.
I inhaled deeply, heading through the sitting room littered with toys, into the small kitchen. All the children were seated, waiting eagerly for their breakfast. I smiled down at them and asked Marthay, "Are you feeling well again?"
"Oh yes my angel, right as rain!" she chuckled, stirring something vehemently. Then she turned and asked under her breath, "Legolinde…?"
My lips hardened into a line, and I shook my head. She sighed heavily, but continued bustling about making the food. After a moment, I asked, "Where is Viorith?"
"Heard the lad come in a while ago, poor dear, could hear his teeth chatterin' from here; sent him straight to bed."
I thanked her and immediately spun on my heel, heading for the stairs. When I got to our room, I opened the door quietly, careful not to disturb him if he was sleeping. But to my relief, I saw that he seemed quite well, aside from seeming too overly pale. He was sitting up, propped against his pillows, three blankets piled on top, my shawl still around his shoulders.
"What took you so long Valene?" he scolded, pulling the shawl around him a little tighter.
"I am sorry," I laughed sarcastically. "Must have lost track of the time…"
He folded his arms across his chest, and tried biting back the grin wanting to emerge through the scowl, but failed. He instead chided, "Too important now is more like it, speaking with the Lady Eowyn as if you were the best of friends!"
I sat on the edge of the bed and laughed asking teasingly, "Jealous?"
He mirrored my laughter, and then said suddenly, "She is quite beautiful…"
"Indeed she is!" I exclaimed in astonishment. "Will I have to keep an eye on you from now on, my dear brother?"
He raised a suggestive brow in response. I cried out, giving him a little shove. He chuckled, rubbing the spot. After the amusement had faded, he asked, "So what did you and she speak of?"
I had hoped I'd have more time. I glanced from him to a spot on my apron and said in a small voice, "She spoke of making improvements to Rohan. She offered help for Marthay's care of the children."
"That is wonderful!" he exclaimed. "From your expression, I would have thought she had condemned you to death!"
I fixed my gaze on him once again and muttered, "She offered me a position as her hand maid in exchange for extra supplies…"
If Viorith had any reservations about my leaving him, then I would not go. To my surprise however, he took up my hands and cried, "This is a miracle! Of course you will go!"
I was too stunned to answer right away. He seemed to notice because he leant in and said, "You need not worry about me. You deserve the opportunity to live outside these walls."
My eyes stung with tears as I took in just what was happening. Smiling he mumbled, reaching up to stroke my cheek, "Always so strong…"
"Always so foolhardy," I replied thickly, placing my own hand over his before getting up and pushing him back under the covers, "Alright, then. It is settled. Get some rest now, so you do not catch cold…"
He snorted, but obliged me. I was leaving to get both of us breakfast, when I paused, my hand on the door handle. I called softly, "Viorith…promise you will not try to be strong…?"
It was quiet for a moment before he whispered, "As you wish…"
~O~
The morning air was thick with fog as I walked through the empty streets. I wound my way past countless gray houses until finally I came to the path leading up the slope to the acropolis. I took a deep breath, hoisting the pack containing my belongings a little more securely on my shoulder and started on my way. At the arch leading into the King's grounds, the guards stopped me and asked my business. I told them I was to meet Lady Eowyn, and gave them my name. They let me pass. On the steps leading in, another guard asked. Once I had informed him, he disappeared into the great golden hall. When he returned, he was accompanied by Lady Eowyn.
Looking just as beautiful as the day before, she smiled warmly down at me as I hastily curtsied and offered kindly, "Please, follow me..."
I nodded, a little flustered, and trailed after her. The hall was just as magnificent as I had imagined it to be, high ceilings, spacious quarters, tables, food, and a warm fire. The throne, I noticed, sat empty for the time being. Too early for a King to arise, I suppose.
She led me then into an Eastern corridor that went even deeper into the great manor. Finally, she stopped in front of a magnificent wooden door and said, "These are my chambers. Your quarters, I have arranged across the hall."
She pushed a less extravagant, but still handsome door open. I nearly gasped. It was bigger than the kitchen back in the cottage! I couldn't help but gape as I stepped into the room. I had a bed of my own, a dresser, a full-length mirror, and a wash basin all to myself. I turned back and saw Lady Eowyn studying my reaction.
"I do not know what to say Milady! It…it is too much! I do not deserve-" I breathed, cutting myself off mid sentence due to lack of belief.
"I am glad." She said, stepping into the room as well. "I have a change of clothes laid out for you there. Once you are ready, please come to my chambers and help me ready?"
"Y-yes, Milady…!" I stuttered, curtsying clumsily as she disappeared into her own room.
It took me a moment to gather my thoughts. I couldn't help but smile when I understood that this was all really happening to me. Then I started and realized I was just standing there like a fool when I had duties and responsibilities to attend to. First order of business was to make myself look presentable. I dashed to the mirror and scrutinized my reflection.
My long honey brown curls were unruly and tangled; my ragged black clothes had holes and stains in them. My face was so dirt encrusted, it rendered me unrecognizable, and my teeth needed a good scrubbing. The only sensible thing I had were my shoes, brand new leather slippers that I'd saved up for, for nearly a year.
I quickly went and scrubbed my face, arms, and hands until I was satisfied, then attempted to detangle my locks. Once I was content with that, I moved to the bed where my new clothes lay. It was a dark purple, long sleeve dress made out of a cloth that was more expensive than I could have dreamed of ever wearing. Dark green ribbons to tie around my upper arms, and a dark green sash that tied around the waist accompanied it. I gawked down at everything, running my fingertips along the soft fabric before changing. I felt like a Queen.
Once dressed, I hurried over to Lady Eowyn's chamber and knocked gently, entering when I heard her muffled voice from within. She sat elegantly before a mirror on a velvet-cushioned stool, surrounded by embroidered tapestries, next to a canopy bed. All her furniture looked extremely old and beautiful, dark wood blending perfectly amongst the rich surroundings. She beckoned me closer and asked, "Do the clothes fit well? They were old garments of mine which I have grown too tall for."
I glanced down at myself once again before blushing and saying gratefully, "They are perfect Milady…"
She asked, "Can you braid hair?"
I nodded, and stepped up, taking her comb in hand delicately. I removed the tangles from her hair trying hard not to tug, and then carefully braided both sides back into a single braid that ran down the length of her back. I was glad it was even. I had feared my hands shaking would ruin it. Once I had finished, she had me place a gold band around her head. She studied the effect in the mirror as I said softly, "If you don't mind my saying, you look very lovely, My Lady…"
Her lips turned up in a gracious smile as she thanked me. Then she stood and said over her shoulder, "We must ready now for the King's reception in the Golden Hall."
I followed her back through the maze of corridors until we finally came out to the throne room. I stayed behind Lady Eowyn as others began to trickle in, careful not to get in the way. Finally, the last to arrive was a snake-like man with inky black hair and beady red-rimmed eyes. He sneered at all gathered and hissed in his slimy voice, "Make way for Theoden, King of Rohan!"
He bowed out of the way, revealing a hunched old man that I did not recognize at first. Once he shuffled more into the light however, I saw that this crippled old man, was in fact our beloved King. I glanced worriedly at Eowyn and met her gaze. We exchanged looks and then focused once again on the King's slow progress across the floor to his throne. As he sat down, the greasy haired man slithered to his side and sneered once again before dismissing us. Lady Eowyn later explained disgustedly that ever since Grima Wormtongue had been enlisted, the King hadn't been himself. Prince Theodred was kept on a short tether, and Rohan had begun to fall to ruin.
Over the months, I grew to dislike him even more. When he addressed me, now, I had the courage to fix him with my most displeased glare and hurry along to my duties. My timidity grew less by the day, thanks to Lady Eowyn's strength. She often taught me how to properly swordfight. And mostly I was kept busy. I took care of her like I would one of the children, but obviously not as a child. We became close. Her brother and the Prince often teased us, saying we were sisters. Even the Prince and Eomer grew fond of me. We often laughed.
But our laughter was short lived. As time progressed, Theoden grew to be unrecognizable. And the threat of the dangers in Mordor grew every day. In response, the Prince and Eomer were to go scouting regularly and rid the land of Orcs that tried sacking villages in the Westfold. We all bid them farewell in the Golden Hall. Theodred attempted to bid his father farewell, but no acknowledgement was given. Theodred straightened, smiling sadly down at the senile old man. It was painful seeing how he tried hiding his hurt.
They were off. Lady Eowyn and I stood on the stone balcony overlooking Edoras, watching as their horses grew smaller and smaller, finally disappearing into the distance. She seemed far away at the moment. I knew I'd have to bring her back.
"Milady, what would you say to a visit to the cottage?" I asked brightly, putting her arm through mine. "I know the children would love to see you again."
She met my gaze and nodded, a small glimmer of happiness glowing deep within her eyes. I smiled and led her away, slowly taking her down the slope towards the farthest corner of Edoras. As we entered through the rickety door, our ears were met with dozens of squeals of delight. My legs were immediately tackled by five little bodies.
"Is that my Valene?!" Marthay's carrying voice called from the kitchen.
I waddled in, two of the children still clinging to my legs stubbornly. I grinned hugely as I caught sight of Marthay and Calil (Lady Eowyn's promised help) chopping up vegetables in preparation of dinner, alongside a relatively healthy looking Viorith. He was looking very well. After the first month of me being away, he refused to let me come back. He took ill for a short while, but Calil was a blessing. He was better in no time.
Everything seemed like it was on the mend. That is, until everything went horribly wrong.
A few short weeks after the Prince's scouting party went out, they returned. Theodred had been wounded in a battle at the Fords of Isen. I waited outside his door as Lady Eowyn went to visit him, worriedly shifting from foot to foot. When she emerged, she looked as pale as death itself. I immediately ushered her to her chambers and laid her down on her bed. She did not stay down for long and instead began restlessly pacing the room.
I excused myself to fetch her some spirits and food, hoping they would calm her, and ran into Eomer who informed me of the extent of the Prince's wounds. I felt my stomach tie in uncomfortably tight knots. This could not be happening! Resting my hand briefly on his grief stricken shoulder, I hurried him with me to provide him something to eat as well as to collect the items I'd set out to get for his sister. When I returned, I could do little but offer words of comfort to Eowyn, and busy myself with work. And sadly, not long after Prince Theodred was returned to us, he passed in his sleep. The kingdom was devastated.
What hope was there, now?
I watched sadly as Eowyn attempted to inform her Uncle of his son's passing, but he didn't even seem to hear her. Later that day, we discovered that Eomer had deserted Edoras. It was all too horrible. She wished to be alone with her cousin's body before his burial, so I resigned to cleaning her chambers, scrubbing every last surface till it shined.
Suddenly, she burst into the room and exclaimed, "Valene, there are strangers riding into the city! Come, quickly!"
I stood, wiping my sopping hands on the dark brown apron that hung from my neck and pushed my sleeves back to my wrists. I then followed after her, tossing the apron into my room as we dashed by. When we reached the entrance hall, my heart seemed to cease in fright. A truly magnificent man stood over our King, bathed in white. His staff was leveled directly at Theoden's chest, seemingly causing him a great deal of pain. Watching him writhe in his seat, Eowyn started forward, intending to go to her Uncle's aid. I went after her instinctively.
Eowyn was caught and pulled back by a dark haired man. He said quickly, "Wait!"
Just then, I felt a hand clamp over my arm and stop me. I lost my footing and stumbled back into the arms of another. I looked up quickly, my eyes wide. Holding me delicately was an elf. I had never seen one before! But I knew at once that he was an elf. I'd always imagined them to be very beautiful, but this was astonishing! The amount of wisdom and power radiating from his piercing pale blue eyes, made me tremble. I felt my face heat and I glanced away, hurriedly detangling myself from him.
"If I go…Theoden dies!" our King hissed maliciously in a voice not his own. I was taken aback by this, and recoiled.
The white wizard thrust his staff at him and said powerfully, "You did not kill me, you will not kill him!"
"Rohan is mine!" our King, now a stranger growled, fighting against whatever magic the wizard was using.
"Be gone!"
It was as if a battle of wills was taking place. They held each other's gazes for a moment, much to the suspense of those gathered, before Theoden leapt from his throne, crying out. The wizard thrust his staff forward one last time, sending our King flying back into his seat. And all was still.
Our King then slumped forward. Eowyn broke away from the man who had held her back and rushed to his side, catching him before he fell to the ground. With relief, we watched as he transformed right before our eyes into the King we knew and loved. He gazed in awe at his niece and whispered, "I know your face…Eowyn…"
Then the King seemed to notice all those gathered, especially the white wizard. He asked confusedly, "Gandalf…?"
"Breathe the free air again, my friend." He answered.
Gandalf? Why did that name strike something in my memories?
The King got to his feet shakily and breathed, "Dark have been my dreams of late…"
He gazed at his dirty hands in bewilderment before Gandalf said, "Your fingers would remember their old strength better…if they grasped your sword."
Just then the head of the army (in Eomer's absence) came forward and offered the King's sword to him. We all waited on baited breath as Theoden drew his weapon from its sheath and held it aloft. A power seemed to grow in him. I could almost feel it strengthen him. That's when he caught sight of Wormtongue under the boot of a red-headed dwarf.
Wormtongue was thrown unceremoniously down the front steps. I ran out and stood next to Eowyn and watched as the disgusting man crawled on all fours like the snake he was away from the advancing King. Even then, he tried weaseling his way out of it with the use of his forked tongue. I watched breathlessly as the King reared back, his sword ready to strike down, when the man that had held Eowyn back dashed forward and stayed his hand. I was astonished that he would ask for the King to spare the life of such a traitorous man.
Before the King could even answer, however, Grima took off through the crowd of commoners that had gathered, screaming for them to get out of his way. The dark haired man then called, "Hail Theoden, King!"
All those gathered got down on their knees to show respect. After a moment, the King turned back, searching the crowd for something. That was when I realized. I gripped Eowyn's arm tightly and waited for the question I knew that would come.
"Where is Theodred…where is my son…?"
