Disclaimer: Inspired by Tolkien's LOTR. This story is A/U and OC. I can only claim Carly as my own. The setting and all other characters belong to Tolkien.

Author's Note: As with most of my work, this little story started with an "I wonder" moment. This is not intended to be a deep and intricate plot, just a wee little "slice of life." I hope you enjoy it, and I'd like to hear what you think.


Chapter 1: A Joyous Reunion

In the depths of the night, as Orcs and Uruk-Hai thundered through the breached wall at Helm's Deep, Gamling would have never believed he would see sunrise the next day. He would have told you that he had said his silent good-byes, never believing his eyes would again fall upon the living of this world. But sunrise had come and with it, the final charge of Theoden-King. Then, Gandalf had crested the rise on the back of Shadowfax, and with him appeared Eomer and his men. It was enough to make Gamling believe in miracles, and he was not much of a religious man.

Now, deep into the afternoon, Gamling had not rested for the needs of the King were great as the Riders of Rohan regrouped and the people began to return to Edoras. Alone for a single, brief moment, he sat rubbing his tired eyes with his hand, and wishing for nothing more than a home-cooked meal and a soft bed.

"My Lord! Please, let me through!"

Although the voice was some distance away, it was unmistakable. Carly! Gamling smiled and felt a weight lift off of his shoulders as he hurried towards the stairs. In the courtyard below stood King Theoden and Lord Aragorn along with Eomer, and Aragorn's companions, Legolas and Gimli. Before Theoden a young woman curtsied awkwardly, her pregnancy unkind to her balance and sense of grace.

"What is it, young lady?" Theoden's voice was a little curt. He didn't intend for it to sound that way, but like the rest of the men, he was exhausted and his work was far from done.

"Forgive me, my King, I am trying to find my husband. I have not seen him since we left Edoras..."

The young woman before him looked slightly familiar but Theoden couldn't think of her name, much less who her husband might be. The King of Rohan was not a cruel man, and he understood the fear that gripped her heart, but before he could answer another voice called out.

"Carly!"

They all turned and Theoden was surprised to see Gamling hurrying down the last few stairs from the wall. The young woman's face lit up and she ran forward.

"Gamling!"

She threw herself into the older man's arms, wrapping hers around his neck and burying her face in the crook of his neck and shoulder. She was shaking.

"I was so worried," she whispered to him. "I was so afraid. In the caves, all we could hear were the drums and the feet. And then the whole cave shook when the wall was destroyed. We thought everyone had been killed."

Gamling ran his hand down Carly's hair. "Hush," he said to her. "All is well now." That was a small lie, but he was willing to tell it. For this moment, all was well, and he had no intention of upsetting her further. Slowly, Carly released her hold on Gamling's neck and looked shyly over her shoulder towards the King and his companions.

"Forgive me, Theoden-King. The battle has left me over-wrought," said Carly.

"Do not fear," answered the King. "I would be a heartless man indeed to begrudge a reunion such as this. There are many who will not have this opportunity; I'm grateful to have been allowed to share in this one."

Gamling took Carly's hands in his. "I still have duties with the King, but we will return to Edoras soon. Go with the others and I'll meet you there."

She put her hands on her swelling middle. "We will meet you there." She blew him a kiss so that the others could not see, and Gamling still blushed a little. Carly curtsied to the King and hurried to join the others as they returned to Edoras.

As she took her leave, Theoden's brow furrowed. Gamling has a wife? I... I don't remember him taking a bride. Was my mind so overwhelmed by that wretched worm, that I remember nothing? He sighed. Why am I so surprised that I do not remember a wedding? I don't even remember the death of my son or the banishment of my nephew.

For his part, there was a smile on Gamling's face when he returned to his work.


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