A/N Sorry it has been a long time since a new chapter has been uploaded. Also sorry for how short this chapter is.

Later that day we all gathered together in the Great Hall after word of the arrival of two young children. Having arrived later than the others I walk in and see the two children eating at the table, if you could call it that. It was as if they had not had a proper meal in over a month or even longer. Yes the food of peasants is not to be desired but even the poorest can find some sort of satisfying meal. With a soft sigh I walk closer to the them and see that it is a young boy, no older than fourteen, and a small girl. Both of which were covered in dirt and grime. My observations of the two children abruptly end when I hear Lady Éowyn's dulcet voice.

"They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree," she says to her uncle and the rest of our company. My eyes waver on Théoden as I see the suffering of his people are weighing heavily upon him. This causes me to think back on my own people and how they are faring during these dark times since my brother and I left.

'I wonder if anyone knows what has become of him?' I contemplate. 'Faramir might know, or have some idea since he is also well gifted in his Sight. I truly hope my father will not go mad with grief when he hears of the death of his favorite son, like what he did when mother died. Or from what my brothers have told me.' My thoughts start to go down a darker path so I instantly try to block them out and put a small smile on my face as I watch how quickly the two children scarf down their food. Something about it seems rather endearing.

"Where's mama?" a small voice escapes from the young girl as she looks up at Éowyn expectantly. Though she merely hushes the young girl's weary mind as her eyes roam back to the king. Hearing this I sit down next to the little girl and give her a small smile.

"I am most sure that your mother shall find you hear," I whisper. She looks up at me and gives me a great smile. "So is this your big brother?" I ask trying to take her mind off of her missing mother. She nods her head.

"His name is Éothain. He was really brave when he rode Garulf, even though he was much too big for him," The young girl explains with much excitement.

"He seems like a good elder brother," I say trying not to think back to Boromir. "So tell me, what is your name?" I inquire just realizing that I don't even know her name.

"My name is Freda. What about you?" Her large inquiring eyes were very darling.

"I'm Araella, and I am from the kingdom of Gondor, the city of Minas Tirith to be precise," I reply, only to be met with a look of awe. "Do you know where that is?" She instantly nods her head. Before she could reply we both heard Aragorn talking to Théoden.

"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 councils Théoden. He then leans forward and puts a hand on Théoden's chair. Théoden looks at his hand warily as Gandalf whisper's something in his ear.

"You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king," Aragorn says, not even looking at the two. The king lets out a sigh and stands up. He begins to walk in front of it, almost starting to pace.

"They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us. I know what it is that you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war," Théoden declares in an authoritative voice.

"Open war is upon you. Whether you would risk it or not," Aragorn replies almost instantly. Shaking my head I get up and move toward where Gimli is sitting. He simply nods his head in my direction.

"Things are about to get really heated I believe," I whisper to Gimli, receiving only a grunt in reply. Letting out a sigh I tune back into what they are saying since Gimli was not willing to converse.

"When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan," The king vehemently states. Without even knowing it I move forward to speak.

"He is right Aragorn," I say, receiving a look from Gandalf telling me to be quiet. "These people have been through enough, a war would only add to their troubles. Besides, think of how many mothers will lose their sons, how many wives will lose their husbands, or children their fathers!" my voice threatens to raise. "Or how many sisters will lose their brothers..." I whisper lowly. Mentally shaking myself I look to Théoden, only to receive a glare.

"I need not your help with this matter Lady Araella," Théoden nearly growls. When many would flinch I held my ground and meet his glare. Immediately tension filled the air, everyone waiting to see who would be the first to look away.

"My apologies my Lord, what was I thinking trying to help you out when you so obviously have to situation under control," I reply, my voice heavy with sarcasm. This only brought the tension to greater heights as our stare down continues. That is until we hear someone clear their throat.

"Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asks, obviously trying to rid the room of all the tension. Looking away from the king I let out a heavy sigh as I try to bring my anger back under control.

"We go to Helm's Deep," Théoden proclaims then quickly hurries to make ready to leave and inform all his generals. Letting out another sigh I look to Gandalf.

"Is something wrong Mithrandir?" I ask in an innocent voice, lightly batting my eyelashes. Knowing that this trick almost always worked on my father and hoping it would work on him too.

"Next time my lady hold your tongue unless your opinion is wanted. You should know how frail relations between Rohan and Gondor are during these dark times. Do not give him more reason to dislike your people," Gandalf says with a huff then leaves. Slightly rolling my eyes I start to walk away, only to be stopped by Éowyn.

"Thank you Lady Araella," she says with a slight smile. "For caring about my people enough to stand against Lord Aragorn." I return the smile and nod my head.

"You are most welcome," I reply. "Though I must admit, I never tire of getting under Aragorn's skin so to say. I would have to say it just might be my life's purpose." She gives me a shocked look. With a slight giggle I walk off to gather my possessions, a slight bounce in my step.

"May we speak my lady?" Aragorn asks me as he gently grabs my arms. With a slight nod I let him lead me to a great veranda just outside the hall. "As Gandalf has most likely told you, please refrain from agitating the king. We don't need more tension between our people."

"Alright alright. I get it, I shall just pretend that he isn't there unless he himself talks to me," I reply hoping my answer has satisfied him. He nods and starts to head back inside, before he pushes the door open he gives me one last look.

"Whatever it is that I have done to offend you my Lady, please forgive me. If we are to succeed in our quest we must be able to work together," he says softly. I simply nod and walk over to him and place a gentle hand on his arm.

"My apologies for the way I have been acting towards you, though I do admit it is rather fun to get under your skin every once in awhile," I say with a wink as he opens the door for me. The only response I get it a slight chuckle from him.

So I re-wrote this chapter because I just wasn't really satisfied with it. So tell me what you think about the edited version.

-Kiro