A/N: The dialogue between Gandalf and Theoden and Wormtongue are taken directly from the book and the movie. I paraphrased some and quoted directly some. Since Tolkien did a wonderful job in the confrontation scene I thought I would borrow it. :)
Part 6
The pale man beside Theoden whispered in his ear and slowly Theoden rose and spoke to Gandalf, "I greet you, Gandalf the Grey but your welcome is uncertain here. Why should I welcome you?"
Theoden sat back down after addressing Gandalf; that little bit of exercise seemed to have drained him.
The pale man that seemed to be the king's advisor spoke, "You speak justly, lord. It is not yet five days since your son Theodred was slain and even now we learn from Gondor that the Dark Lord is stirring in the East. This wanderer chooses now to return. Why indeed should we welcome you Master Gandalf?"
"The courtesy of your hall has somewhat lessened of late, Theoden son of Thengel."
Then suddenly Gandalf shook off his cloak and his white clothes seemed to gleam in the darkness. Turning to Wormtongue he said, "The wise speak only of what they know, Grima son of Galmod. A witless worm have you become, be silent and keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with you."
Gandalf raised his staff and yelled at Theoden, "Harken to me, Theoden."
"I told them to take his staff. Hama has betrayed you, my lord."
Theoden looked up at Gandalf though the words were from Saruman, "You have no power here, Gandalf."
Gandalf grabbed hold of Willow's hand to draw some of her magic with his, "Harken to me, Theoden". Gandalf repeated louder.
A slight woman with long blonde hair ran through the crowd and tried to reach the king's side. Legolas grabbed her as she got closer. "He'll be alright. Gandalf is bringing your king back."
Theoden gave a shudder and his stooped body began to straighten. His hair turned from gray to brown and his eyes changed from clouded to clear blue. He was no longer a stooped old man but a King tall and proud.
Eowyn ran to his side, "Welcome back, uncle."
Gandalf had released Willow's hand as soon as Saruman left Theoden's body. But it wasn't until Gimli's cry of "Willow!" that anyone noticed her collapse.
Gandalf bent down and gently put Willow's head on his lap. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas were close behind.
"Is she all right, Gandalf?"
"Yes, Master Dwarf she will be fine. I fear I drained more of her power than I had intended. It has left her weak."
Aragorn looked down into Willow's pale face. He could see the shadows under her eyes. "I fear Lady Willow hasn't had much rest since joining our quest." He softly laid a hand on her head. Guilt was beginning to gnaw at his conscience. He hadn't been much help in her transition to this realm.
Willow awoke to four concerned faces. "Hi."
"How do you feel, Willow?"
Willow smiled at Gimli, "I'm fine, Gimli. Just a little tired. I think I wasn't at my full strength when Gandalf tapped into my magic."
Aragorn helped her to her feet and he placed an arm around her waist. Legolas noticed this and smiled. He was glad that Aragorn was becoming closer to Willow. They both could use the friendship of the other and if in that friendship more developed all the better.
Eowyn approached the group. "If you'll follow me I'll show you where she may rest."
Willow smiled her thanks and moved to follow. Aragorn didn't release her waist, instead he helped her up the long staircase.
Willow felt like a slob next to Eowyn. Eowyn didn't have a hair out of place. She was the perfect princess. Willow would have hated her for that alone except she had a kind smile and seemed genuinely concerned with Willow's welfare. Willow was still dressed in the jeans and Nikes that she had been wearing in Sunnydale. Since joining them, she had been on the run for a few days. Plus no showers or baths. That was what Willow really missed. Plumbing! She would never take indoor running water for granted ever again. She would gladly pay someone a million dollars for the use of a hot shower right about now.
Eowyn opened a door and motioned for Willow to enter. What she saw made her heart leap. A large tub filled with warm scented water was waiting for her.
Turning to Aragorn she said, "Thanks for helping me up the stairs. I can take it from here."
Aragorn looked confused at Willow's strange words. "What is it you wish to take from here?"
Willow giggled and Aragorn couldn't help but smile in response. Eowyn smiled at the two of them. They seemed to have forgotten her existence. Too bad he is taken, Eowyn thought.
"No, not take from here. I meant you can go and I'll be fine."
"I will see you downstairs later tonight." Aragorn turned and left Willow and Eowyn alone.
Willow looked longingly at the bath and Eowyn smiled. She knew what it was like to be on the move and not have time for pampering.
"I know what it is like to travel with men and not have time to pamper yourself. I will leave you to enjoy your bath. I hope you are not offended but I took the liberty of leaving some of my dresses for you."
Willow smiled, "Thank you. A change of clothes would be greatly appreciated."
"When you are ready, please come down and join us in the hall. There will be food and drink."
Willow smiled her thanks and when Eowyn left she quickly shed her clothes and sank into the warm rose scented water. 'This is heaven' she thought.
~~~~~
Willow had stayed in the tub until the water began to cool. She found a light blue gown and began to dress. There was a soft knock on the door.
"Come in."
There was a pause and then the door slowly opened. A woman entered carrying a basket of ribbons and flowers. She lowered her eyes and curtseyed to Willow.
"Beg your pardon, Miss. Lady Eowyn sent me to see if you would like your hair dressed."
Huh?!? Hair dressed?
With a mental shrug Willow answered, "Thank you that would be nice."
The woman smiled and indicated for Willow to sit on the stool. Willow closed her eyes as the woman began to brush her hair. "Your hair is not long enough for me to thread ribbon through it. Would you like a ring of flowers?"
One of the few memories Willow had of her mother was when her mother made a ring of flowers and put them in Willow's hair when she was a little girl.
"That would be fine, thank you."
When she was finished the woman held a mirror up for Willow to see. Willow smiled when she saw her reflection. It looked just like when she was young. She had weaved daisies in her hair.
Turning to the woman Willow asked, "What's your name?"
"Mary, miss."
"Mary, thank you very much. It looks beautiful."
Mary beamed at Willow. It was rare that a guest took the time to find out the servants names let alone thank them for their service. Surely this stranger was a lady highborn.
"Mary? I have a favor to ask."
Mary wrinkled her brow. "Favor? I am sorry I don't understand."
"I'm sorry. I am not from here and sometimes I may speak strangely to you. I need your help."
"Oh yes, my lady. I would be happy to help you. What do you need?"
"Lady Eowyn said to join them in the hall but I don't know where that is."
Mary smiled, "Follow me, my lady."
Mary led Willow to the entrance of the hall. Standing back Mary watched from the shadows as Willow entered. She heard the conversation of the men begin to falter and then stop completely. Mary smiled.
Willow slowly entered the hall. There were a couple of groups of men and she looked for the fair hair of Legolas knowing she wouldn't be able to see Gimli over the heads of others.
Legolas spotted Willow immediately as she stood in the doorway. She was beautiful. She was wearing a light blue gown that hugged her slender body and wore a ring of daisies in her hair. He had only seen her in the strange clothes of her realm and hadn't realized how small and feminine she was.
Aragorn wondered at the lack of response Legolas gave to Theoden's question. It wasn't until the conversations of the men around him faltered and he noticed that others were staring at the entrance to the hall that he turned to see what everyone was looking at.
He hoped his mouth wasn't hanging open. He knew Willow was lovely but the clothes of her realm didn't do her justice. She was beautiful. Aragorn smiled when he saw her realize that she was the center of attention and began to blush. He was going to rescue her from embarrassment when Gimli and Legolas beat him to it.
Willow smiled as she watched Gimli approach. She had felt like she had in high school when Cordelia had made fun of her. Standing there not knowing anyone and everyone staring at her. It made her uncomfortable.
"Willow, you look beautiful."
"Thank you, Gimli."
"I second that. You look like an Elven princess with the flowers in your hair. Come join us." Legolas held his arm out for Willow.
Willow lay an hand on Legolas' arm and took Gimli's hand in hers.
Aragorn approached the trio. "You look lovely, Willow. How are you feeling? Are you rested?"
"I feel up to my full strength. Thank you."
The three men escorted Willow to table where Theoden, Gandalf and Eowyn awaited them.
Willow curtseyed to Theoden and then turned to Eowyn. Laying a hand on the gown she said, "Thank you very much for the use of this gown and for Mary."
Eowyn's brow wrinkled, "Mary?"
"The woman that was kind enough to put the flowers in my hair."
"You are very welcome, Lady Willow."
Aragorn smiled at Willow. Only a woman with a kind heart would take the time to find out the name of the servant that helped her.
Gandalf said, "Come and join us. There has been much discussion of what has happened in Rohan and the surrounding areas."
