So excited for chapter three :) i'm getting some really good feedback from my readers :3 it is much appreciated! Thank you guys!

Chapter 3

There was a ceremony held for the Prince of Rohan later that day. The guards carried him down t the burial field, one that was filled with sepulchers. Théoden ordered everyone attend, and The Fellowship could not refuse. Lady Eowyn had leant Caladwen a spare, dark blue dress for her to wear to the ceremony, at the behest of Théoden King.

"Simbelmyne. Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forbearers." The king spoke solemnly as he dropped the delicate flower onto the stone mound in which Théodred was buried. "Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see the last days of my house."

"Théodred's death was not of your making." Gandalf said in comfort. It did nothing for the king and he looked up at the Wizard, pained.

"No parent should have to bury their child." The king began to weep and Caladwen could not watch any longer. She looked up to Legolas who stood stonily next to her. He did not look at her and Caladwen looked away. He was angry with her and she could not blame him. She should have told him, and she would have if she'd known that this is what the name meant.

"He was strong in life. His spirit will find its way to the halls of your fathers. Westu hal. Ferou, Théodred. Ferou. (Be though well. Go thou, Théodred, go thou.)" Gandalf patted the king's shoulder and turned to leave. As he passed The Fellowship he spoke quietly to them. "Let us leave the King to grieve in peace." Caladwen nodded, looking back to the king. She paused, in the distance she spotted what looked like a horse and riders.

As they grew closer Caladwen could make out a young boy and small girl, dirtied and worn. Eowyn saw them as well and as the men retreated inside the women took a few steps forward. Caladwen gasped as the young boy fell from the steed and the women broke into a sprint.

Caladwen was the first to reach the children and she steadied the horse, grabbing it's reigns.

"Whoa!" she cooed. Once the horse was settled she grabbed the young girl. Eowyn had reached the boy and cradled him in her arms.

"Hama!" Eowyn yelled.

"Legolas! Aragorn!" Caladwen called out for her men, but they were already on their way. The girl who sat in Caladwen's arm could barely hold her eyes open. Caladwen brushed her hair from her face and she opened her eyes.

"Mama…" She spoke weakly. Caladwen shook her head, shushing the young one quietly. Legolas had joined Caladwen at her side and his hands found their way to the small of her back, caressing it lightly.

"No little one, but I am a friend." Caladwen whispered. Legolas cupped the girls face. "What is your name?" She asked, just as sweetly.

"F-Freda."

Legolas had helped to carrying the young girl back to the hall, and now that she was in warm arms she became more coherent. Caladwen was by her side the entire time, keeping her talking, alert.

Once inside they roused the boy, and the cooks began to prepare a meal for the famished children. Eowyn had asked them what had happened and they told a grisly tale of terrible, black monsters who ransacked their village, setting houses and stables ablaze, killing anyone they could.

"They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go, rick cot and tree." Eowyn told her uncle as the children piled their mouths full of food.

"Where's mama?" Freda asked between mouthfuls. Caladwen shared a pitiful look with Eowyn, knowing their mother was probably dead. She ran her fingers through the girl's dirty hair cooing her.

"Eat up youngling, you must regain your strength." Caladwen suggested, pointing to her plate.

"This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent, for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children." Gandalf begged the king, attempting to sell him on the idea of a war with Isengard. "You must fight." His tone was final and Théoden looked at him warily.

"You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king." Aragorn chimed in. Caladwen was reminded of Théoden's kin that she had met the day before last and scrunched her face in distaste.

"They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Eomer cannot help us. I know what it is that you want from me, but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war." Théoden was adamant and Caladwen knew he would not be swayed so easily.

"Open war is upon you. Whether you would risk it or not." Aragorn snapped growing impatient with the old king.

"Last I looked Théoden, no Aragorn, was king of Rohan." Théoden challenged, silencing Aragorn.

"What is the kings decision?" Gandalf chimed in, attempting to defuse a possible fight. Théoden sighed heavily, running a heavy hand down his face. He looked to Caladwen, his eyes weary.

"What does the Emissary of Rivendell say? What would Elrond have me do?" Caladwen looked around confused, looking to the faces of the room. She was unsure how to respond and she didn't have to. Théoden focused in on Legolas next. "Or Tharanduil of The Woodland realm? Hmm? And what do the Dwarves say of this threat of war?" the king chuckled, sighing again.

"If I may speak," Caladwen stood, bowing her head to the king in respect. "You are a wise leader, Théoden King, but we are all here, are we not?" The king raised an eyebrow at her tone, but he allowed her to continue. "Legolas, Gimli and myself have all been sent by our realms and that alone should be enough of an answer. My Uncle told us at his council, we must be prepared to die for this one cause, for the prosperity of all peoples, and while my lungs still breath I shall do just that." Caladwen looked around at the room, everyone's eyes on her.

"The Lady of Light is wise beyond her years. She shall make a Grand Queen when her time comes." Gandalf complimented her, making her face grow scarlet. Caladwen stood taller, showing the king she that will not back down.

"Aye…" Théoden agreed, looking her up and down. His eyes shifted to Legolas and he smiled, connecting the dots. The room watched him expectantly. "I feel for your claim, Master Gandalf, but I do not empathize. I shall fall to Helms Deep with my people. From there we will wait out this war that you wage."

"I understand." Gandalf was disappointed and he bowed to the king, immediately retreating from the room. Caladwen sat shocked, knowing that at Helms Deep, Rohan could be led to slaughter.

"By order of the king, the city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helms Deep. Don't not burden yourselves with treasures. Take only what provisions you need." Hama had returned to the town square, delivering Théoden's decree to the people of Edoras.

The Fellowship began to walk to the stables, passing Hama as he made his announcement. Caladwen shook her head.

"Helms Deep!" Gimli said, outraged. "They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight! Who will defend them if not their king?"

"He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helms deep has saved them in the past." Aragorn made to defend King Théoden's decision to which Gimli guffawed.

"There is no way out of that ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap" Gandalf stated plainly as the group entered the stable. "He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre. Théoden has a strong will, but I fear for him, I fear the survival of Rohan." Gandalf turned to Aragorn, placing a hand on his shoulder. "He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses HAVE to hold."

"They will hold." Aragorn assured him. Gandalf looked at the rest of The Fellowship and they all agreed silently. The Wizard stroked Shadowfax lightly before mounting him.

"Look to my coming at the first light of the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east." Gandalf had decided to go after Eomer and his men, which Caladwen knew would be no easy task.

Aragorn nodded, opening the gates to Shadowfax's stall. Caladwen watched Shadowfax rear and speed from the stables and out onto the plains of Rohan.