This is a tragic tale of a character that you do not often read of......Theodred, son of Theoden, the heir to the throne of Rohan. We all know that he perished at the Fords of Isen, but just how much did he have to lose, or to fight for?
He was one of those minor characters that beg for a background story.............thus, I give him a life, a home, a personality...and a wife.
That is about it...
This tale begins with a character you do not read about often (or at all), Theodred, the son of the King of Rohan, and his wife before Theodred's departure for the Fords of Isen.
On w/ the show...
NOTE: IF I get reviews asking for me to continue this story, I will then begin to rewrite the plotline of movieverse TTT. Okay?! Aight...if you don't want more, then just review anywayz and give me your comments on this tragic love story.
Hope in Darkness
Ch. 1
Soft laughter could be heard ringing over the grassy hillside in Edoras.
The laughter quieted and stilled as a soft female voice inquired. "Why do you have to go?"
Theodred, son of the King of Rohan, looked into his beloved's deep, caring brown eyes. He sighed softly, brushing the stray locks of wavy dark hair from her face. "I have to. My men need me. I cannot let them go alone....you know this."
The Prince of Rohan, who had just recently married, laid on a hillside, alongside his wife, gazing out at the sunset as they spent an evening together before he would ride with his company.
"But why so soon? I do not want to sound selfish, but I want you here with me,"Liniel protested, averting her gaze.
Theodred tilted her chin in his hand to where their eyes locked. "I want to be with you, as well, but as a warrior and Prince of Rohan, I cannot idly watch Orcs enter our lands....in order for us to be together, I feel as though I must make you safe."
Liniel opened her mouth to protest, but was cut off as Theodred pressed his lips gently against hers.
"When I return, we will have all the time in the world together,"Theodred murmured into the softness of his wife's hair.
Liniel took a shuddering breath and looked up into her husband's eyes. "Do you promise you will return?"
Theodred smiled faintly and nodded. "I will always be with you. Right here,"as he spoke those last two words, he clasped his hand in hers and tapped their hands against her heart.
Liniel's lip quivered with the threat of tears, and she swiftly looked away to hide it, not wanting to make her husband worry.
"Lin...listen to me,"Theodred said suddenly.
When Liniel returned her gaze to her husband's face, Theodred continued.
"I *promise* I shall return to you. And I would never break a vow to such a beautiful lady as you,"Theodred stated firmly, his lips tugged upward with a small smile, but his eyes showing the seriousness of his comment.
A solitary tear tracked it's way down Liniel's face.
"My beloved, have I ever lied to you?"When Liniel shook her head negatively, Theodred pressed on, pulling her tightly against him. "Then my word is as good as it was before."
Liniel relaxed into her husband's embrace, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart beneath his shirt. With a soft sigh, she whispered. "I wish we could stay like this forever."
Theodred smiled faintly. "I leave at dawn....there is no reason as to why this night could not last forever."
"You need rest,"Liniel scolded playfully as Theodred's remark lightened her mood.
"I will rest....alongside you,"Theodred shot back quietly. "I will stay with you, at your side, as long as I possibly can...I want to enjoy every moment."
With that, the happy couple leaned back and contentedly watched the sun set over the horizon, not knowing it would be their last time to do so....
* * * * * * * * *
Theodred's gaze scanned over his men who were all done in preparing themselves, as well as their horses, for departure.
His blue eyes then searched the stables for his beloved, who he expected would be there to bid him goodbye.
Liniel raced into the stables, fearing that she was too late to say goodbye. She skidded to a halt as she entered the doorway, pausing to regain her dignity.
But, when her dark brown gaze fixed on her husband, her dignity was thrown to the side as she sprinted across the distance that separated them and into his arms.
Theodred smiled faintly in amusement. "What is the hurry?"he inquired, his words muffled by Liniel's hair as he pressed his face into the downy softness of her tresses.
"I was afraid I wouldn't get to say goodbye,"Liniel murmured, looking up at her spouse.
"Now then,"Theodred scolded gently, "Do you actually believe I could depart on this journey without a kiss for good luck from my true love?"
Liniel shook her head slightly. "Do not mock me. I worry for you."
"I was serious,"Theodred stated firmly, pulling her lips to meet his in a longing, loving kiss.
"I hate to interrupt, my lord, but the full light of the day is coming and you said you wished to leave at dawn,"a voice interrupted softly from behind.
Theodred nodded, pulling away from his beloved. He gently wiped a tear from her face. "This, I promise, I shall return to you. A band of Orcs could not keep me from your side."
With that, Theodred mounted his horse. Before riding to the head of his company, he paused and leaned down to where he could whisper in Liniel's ear. "I love you."
Liniel pulled a ring from her finger that her mother had given her long ago, and slipped it on the chain that hung around Theodred's neck. "And I you, my beloved Prince. Let this trinket remind you that I will be waiting for you."
Theodred fingered the small treasure on the chain around his neck. He then spurred his horse forward to the head of his company.
Theodred son of Theoden then gave the order for his men to move on, and the riders left Edoras.
* * * * * * * * *
"What was that I saw you doing with your lady before our departure, my Prince?"a soldier inquired mischievously.
"Aye, sire . It seems as though we are not as thickheaded as you believe. We saw you kissing your beloved out in the open just as plain as we see her ring that hangs on the chain around your neck,"Eomer prodded, a smile on his face.
"Yes, it seems as though our Prince is going sweet on us, is he?"another soldier commented jokingly, "Have you seen the 'twinkle' in his eye?"
Theodred smiled mock innocently. "Oh, but you men are truly thickheaded if you cannot see the reason I would have such a look in my eyes. It is truly a pleasure of living to for me to kiss my beautiful wife."
"I wouldn't mind kissing her, either,"yet another soldier remarked.
Theodred glared over at the soldier. "You even so much as look at her lustfully and you will have my sword to contend with."
"Aye, you will have his sword to contend with...but which one?" Another member of the company interrupted sarcastically, lightening the mood.
The company of soldiers burst into laughter.
But, their laughter was short lived.
An Orc battle cry rang through the forest, and the woods erupted into chaos.
* * * * * * * * *
Theodred battle valiantly against the Orcs who had ambushed he and his men. His soldiers stood bravely and fought beside him....
But, the element of surprise was not on their side and one by one, the soldiers began to fall.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, an armored Orc fist collided with the side of Theodred's head. Blood ran down the Prince's face as he fought to maintain his balance, his mind reeling.
"Theodred!" A loud voice screamed a warning, but the Prince had not the time to react.
An Orc blade sliced into the soft tissue of his belly. With a gasp of pain, Theodred sank to his knees, his eyes losing focus.
The last thought that entered his mind before consciousness fled him was that he might just end up breaking his promise to his wife after all.
* * * * * * * * *
Eomer rushed to his cousin's side. The Prince of Rohan lay on the ground, deathly still.
"Theodred,"Eomer whispered, horrified as he looked upon his friend's wounds.
He had to get the Prince back to Edoras.
Eomer carefully pulled the Prince into his arms, trying not to do more harm than good. He then strode over to his horse, sliding the unconscious man up onto the steed.
Eomer then mounted the proud stallion and spurred it forward, praying for the speed to save his friend, who was also his Prince.
* * * * * * * * *
Liniel looked out her window to see a small company of horses riding in.
She rushed out of the doorway to the Golden Hall in search of her husband. The group of riders rode into Edoras slowly, nearly every one of them wounded.
Liniel's breath quickened with fear as she noted her husband was not in his place at the front.
Then, she saw him.
Eomer rode in, bringing up the rear, Theodred riding limply in front of him.
"Theodred!!!!" Liniel raced down the steps of the Golden Hall, her pale blue gown flying wildly around her as she sprinted towards her wounded husband.
Eomer slowly dismounted his horse, Theodred in his arms. Liniel was immediately at his side, worry written all over her features.
"What happened?"she breathed in a shaky voice as her eyes took in the extent of Theodred's injuries.
Half of his face was coated in blood. A large slash ran across his abdomen. His breathing, though deep, came in ragged, unsteady gasps.
"We were ambushed by Orcs near the Fords of Isen,"Eomer answered softly as they entered the Golden Hall.
"Send for healers, quickly!"Liniel ordered sternly. "Notify Eowyn of this, as well."
Liniel blinked her eyes against the tears that threatened to fall as she looked upon her husband's unconscious form.
No. She would not cry. Her husband, who had always been her strength, would not need her strength....and she intended to lend him every ounce of strength she had left.
* * * * * * * * *
Theodred's eyes cracked open and he gasped slightly in pain as his nerves became aware of the abuse his body had been put through.
Immediately, Liniel's face swam into view. Her brown eyes were wide with fear and worry, her dark hair disheveled as if she had gotten no rest for over a day and a night.
"See? I told.....you I would....... come back,"Theodred forced out, his voice choked.
"Sh...you need to save your strength,"Liniel hushed, gently putting a finger to his lips.
"My strength....is spent. I am sorry, my love,"Theodred managed. "I returned to you...but I guess I will not be staying as long as we had planned."
Liniel shook her head vehemently. "No. No! We have forever, remember? Just like a fairy tale.....remember what we used to say?"
Theodred reached up with a trembling hand to gently caress his wife's face. "I guess.....the fairy tale will be a different story........It will be of......a beautiful, unbreakable love........between a Prince and a maiden fair beyond dreams.......when the Prince is mortally wounded.....the maiden goes on.....leading her people through darkness and despair....because she is strong....She will go on with life......" Theodred's voice trailed off as his strength failed him.
"Nay, my love. How could that tale have a happy ending?"Liniel inquired softly, tears running down her face.
Theodred smiled weakly. "You have trusted me before, have you not?"
Liniel's heart cracked in two at the oh so familiar smile. "Yes,"she squeaked.
"Then trust me now......it will have a happy ending....I promise,"Theodred murmured, tenderly wiping away her tears with his thumb.
Liniel opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by a low moan coming from her beloved.
A fierce flash of pain streaked through Theodred as his wound protested the speaking. He groaned softly, his hold on life beginning to slip away.
Liniel entwined her fingers in his, clutching his hand.
"Sing to me.....like you used to when we first met.....just for one last time,"Theodred whispered, his eyes glazing with agony.
Liniel breathed a shuddering sigh, trying to regain her voice through a throat constricted with grief. If that was the only comfort her husband asked of her, then she would sing.
"Somewhere there's a field and a river.
You can let your soul run free.
Someday let me be the giver
Let me bring you peace."
Theodred's eyelids began to droop and his breath began to even out into a sleep he would never wake from.....
Still, Liniel pressed on as she saw her husband was feeling no pain, her voice cracking with grief.
"Somewhere there's a break in the weather
Where your heart,
your spirit go free
Someday it will be for the better.
Let this bring you peace....."
As Liniel sang the last line of the song that she had sung to him when they first met, Theodred's spirit fled his body, leaving the shieldmaiden alone to her grief.
Tears flowed silently down the young woman's face as she finished the song for her husband, whom she had loved dearly.
********
The song Liniel sang, I do not own. Okay. I don't know who sang it...it's just on a CD my sister has. Don't own, don't sue.
Also, I own Liniel. SHE IS MY CHARACTER!
He was one of those minor characters that beg for a background story.............thus, I give him a life, a home, a personality...and a wife.
That is about it...
This tale begins with a character you do not read about often (or at all), Theodred, the son of the King of Rohan, and his wife before Theodred's departure for the Fords of Isen.
On w/ the show...
NOTE: IF I get reviews asking for me to continue this story, I will then begin to rewrite the plotline of movieverse TTT. Okay?! Aight...if you don't want more, then just review anywayz and give me your comments on this tragic love story.
Hope in Darkness
Ch. 1
Soft laughter could be heard ringing over the grassy hillside in Edoras.
The laughter quieted and stilled as a soft female voice inquired. "Why do you have to go?"
Theodred, son of the King of Rohan, looked into his beloved's deep, caring brown eyes. He sighed softly, brushing the stray locks of wavy dark hair from her face. "I have to. My men need me. I cannot let them go alone....you know this."
The Prince of Rohan, who had just recently married, laid on a hillside, alongside his wife, gazing out at the sunset as they spent an evening together before he would ride with his company.
"But why so soon? I do not want to sound selfish, but I want you here with me,"Liniel protested, averting her gaze.
Theodred tilted her chin in his hand to where their eyes locked. "I want to be with you, as well, but as a warrior and Prince of Rohan, I cannot idly watch Orcs enter our lands....in order for us to be together, I feel as though I must make you safe."
Liniel opened her mouth to protest, but was cut off as Theodred pressed his lips gently against hers.
"When I return, we will have all the time in the world together,"Theodred murmured into the softness of his wife's hair.
Liniel took a shuddering breath and looked up into her husband's eyes. "Do you promise you will return?"
Theodred smiled faintly and nodded. "I will always be with you. Right here,"as he spoke those last two words, he clasped his hand in hers and tapped their hands against her heart.
Liniel's lip quivered with the threat of tears, and she swiftly looked away to hide it, not wanting to make her husband worry.
"Lin...listen to me,"Theodred said suddenly.
When Liniel returned her gaze to her husband's face, Theodred continued.
"I *promise* I shall return to you. And I would never break a vow to such a beautiful lady as you,"Theodred stated firmly, his lips tugged upward with a small smile, but his eyes showing the seriousness of his comment.
A solitary tear tracked it's way down Liniel's face.
"My beloved, have I ever lied to you?"When Liniel shook her head negatively, Theodred pressed on, pulling her tightly against him. "Then my word is as good as it was before."
Liniel relaxed into her husband's embrace, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart beneath his shirt. With a soft sigh, she whispered. "I wish we could stay like this forever."
Theodred smiled faintly. "I leave at dawn....there is no reason as to why this night could not last forever."
"You need rest,"Liniel scolded playfully as Theodred's remark lightened her mood.
"I will rest....alongside you,"Theodred shot back quietly. "I will stay with you, at your side, as long as I possibly can...I want to enjoy every moment."
With that, the happy couple leaned back and contentedly watched the sun set over the horizon, not knowing it would be their last time to do so....
* * * * * * * * *
Theodred's gaze scanned over his men who were all done in preparing themselves, as well as their horses, for departure.
His blue eyes then searched the stables for his beloved, who he expected would be there to bid him goodbye.
Liniel raced into the stables, fearing that she was too late to say goodbye. She skidded to a halt as she entered the doorway, pausing to regain her dignity.
But, when her dark brown gaze fixed on her husband, her dignity was thrown to the side as she sprinted across the distance that separated them and into his arms.
Theodred smiled faintly in amusement. "What is the hurry?"he inquired, his words muffled by Liniel's hair as he pressed his face into the downy softness of her tresses.
"I was afraid I wouldn't get to say goodbye,"Liniel murmured, looking up at her spouse.
"Now then,"Theodred scolded gently, "Do you actually believe I could depart on this journey without a kiss for good luck from my true love?"
Liniel shook her head slightly. "Do not mock me. I worry for you."
"I was serious,"Theodred stated firmly, pulling her lips to meet his in a longing, loving kiss.
"I hate to interrupt, my lord, but the full light of the day is coming and you said you wished to leave at dawn,"a voice interrupted softly from behind.
Theodred nodded, pulling away from his beloved. He gently wiped a tear from her face. "This, I promise, I shall return to you. A band of Orcs could not keep me from your side."
With that, Theodred mounted his horse. Before riding to the head of his company, he paused and leaned down to where he could whisper in Liniel's ear. "I love you."
Liniel pulled a ring from her finger that her mother had given her long ago, and slipped it on the chain that hung around Theodred's neck. "And I you, my beloved Prince. Let this trinket remind you that I will be waiting for you."
Theodred fingered the small treasure on the chain around his neck. He then spurred his horse forward to the head of his company.
Theodred son of Theoden then gave the order for his men to move on, and the riders left Edoras.
* * * * * * * * *
"What was that I saw you doing with your lady before our departure, my Prince?"a soldier inquired mischievously.
"Aye, sire . It seems as though we are not as thickheaded as you believe. We saw you kissing your beloved out in the open just as plain as we see her ring that hangs on the chain around your neck,"Eomer prodded, a smile on his face.
"Yes, it seems as though our Prince is going sweet on us, is he?"another soldier commented jokingly, "Have you seen the 'twinkle' in his eye?"
Theodred smiled mock innocently. "Oh, but you men are truly thickheaded if you cannot see the reason I would have such a look in my eyes. It is truly a pleasure of living to for me to kiss my beautiful wife."
"I wouldn't mind kissing her, either,"yet another soldier remarked.
Theodred glared over at the soldier. "You even so much as look at her lustfully and you will have my sword to contend with."
"Aye, you will have his sword to contend with...but which one?" Another member of the company interrupted sarcastically, lightening the mood.
The company of soldiers burst into laughter.
But, their laughter was short lived.
An Orc battle cry rang through the forest, and the woods erupted into chaos.
* * * * * * * * *
Theodred battle valiantly against the Orcs who had ambushed he and his men. His soldiers stood bravely and fought beside him....
But, the element of surprise was not on their side and one by one, the soldiers began to fall.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, an armored Orc fist collided with the side of Theodred's head. Blood ran down the Prince's face as he fought to maintain his balance, his mind reeling.
"Theodred!" A loud voice screamed a warning, but the Prince had not the time to react.
An Orc blade sliced into the soft tissue of his belly. With a gasp of pain, Theodred sank to his knees, his eyes losing focus.
The last thought that entered his mind before consciousness fled him was that he might just end up breaking his promise to his wife after all.
* * * * * * * * *
Eomer rushed to his cousin's side. The Prince of Rohan lay on the ground, deathly still.
"Theodred,"Eomer whispered, horrified as he looked upon his friend's wounds.
He had to get the Prince back to Edoras.
Eomer carefully pulled the Prince into his arms, trying not to do more harm than good. He then strode over to his horse, sliding the unconscious man up onto the steed.
Eomer then mounted the proud stallion and spurred it forward, praying for the speed to save his friend, who was also his Prince.
* * * * * * * * *
Liniel looked out her window to see a small company of horses riding in.
She rushed out of the doorway to the Golden Hall in search of her husband. The group of riders rode into Edoras slowly, nearly every one of them wounded.
Liniel's breath quickened with fear as she noted her husband was not in his place at the front.
Then, she saw him.
Eomer rode in, bringing up the rear, Theodred riding limply in front of him.
"Theodred!!!!" Liniel raced down the steps of the Golden Hall, her pale blue gown flying wildly around her as she sprinted towards her wounded husband.
Eomer slowly dismounted his horse, Theodred in his arms. Liniel was immediately at his side, worry written all over her features.
"What happened?"she breathed in a shaky voice as her eyes took in the extent of Theodred's injuries.
Half of his face was coated in blood. A large slash ran across his abdomen. His breathing, though deep, came in ragged, unsteady gasps.
"We were ambushed by Orcs near the Fords of Isen,"Eomer answered softly as they entered the Golden Hall.
"Send for healers, quickly!"Liniel ordered sternly. "Notify Eowyn of this, as well."
Liniel blinked her eyes against the tears that threatened to fall as she looked upon her husband's unconscious form.
No. She would not cry. Her husband, who had always been her strength, would not need her strength....and she intended to lend him every ounce of strength she had left.
* * * * * * * * *
Theodred's eyes cracked open and he gasped slightly in pain as his nerves became aware of the abuse his body had been put through.
Immediately, Liniel's face swam into view. Her brown eyes were wide with fear and worry, her dark hair disheveled as if she had gotten no rest for over a day and a night.
"See? I told.....you I would....... come back,"Theodred forced out, his voice choked.
"Sh...you need to save your strength,"Liniel hushed, gently putting a finger to his lips.
"My strength....is spent. I am sorry, my love,"Theodred managed. "I returned to you...but I guess I will not be staying as long as we had planned."
Liniel shook her head vehemently. "No. No! We have forever, remember? Just like a fairy tale.....remember what we used to say?"
Theodred reached up with a trembling hand to gently caress his wife's face. "I guess.....the fairy tale will be a different story........It will be of......a beautiful, unbreakable love........between a Prince and a maiden fair beyond dreams.......when the Prince is mortally wounded.....the maiden goes on.....leading her people through darkness and despair....because she is strong....She will go on with life......" Theodred's voice trailed off as his strength failed him.
"Nay, my love. How could that tale have a happy ending?"Liniel inquired softly, tears running down her face.
Theodred smiled weakly. "You have trusted me before, have you not?"
Liniel's heart cracked in two at the oh so familiar smile. "Yes,"she squeaked.
"Then trust me now......it will have a happy ending....I promise,"Theodred murmured, tenderly wiping away her tears with his thumb.
Liniel opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off by a low moan coming from her beloved.
A fierce flash of pain streaked through Theodred as his wound protested the speaking. He groaned softly, his hold on life beginning to slip away.
Liniel entwined her fingers in his, clutching his hand.
"Sing to me.....like you used to when we first met.....just for one last time,"Theodred whispered, his eyes glazing with agony.
Liniel breathed a shuddering sigh, trying to regain her voice through a throat constricted with grief. If that was the only comfort her husband asked of her, then she would sing.
"Somewhere there's a field and a river.
You can let your soul run free.
Someday let me be the giver
Let me bring you peace."
Theodred's eyelids began to droop and his breath began to even out into a sleep he would never wake from.....
Still, Liniel pressed on as she saw her husband was feeling no pain, her voice cracking with grief.
"Somewhere there's a break in the weather
Where your heart,
your spirit go free
Someday it will be for the better.
Let this bring you peace....."
As Liniel sang the last line of the song that she had sung to him when they first met, Theodred's spirit fled his body, leaving the shieldmaiden alone to her grief.
Tears flowed silently down the young woman's face as she finished the song for her husband, whom she had loved dearly.
********
The song Liniel sang, I do not own. Okay. I don't know who sang it...it's just on a CD my sister has. Don't own, don't sue.
Also, I own Liniel. SHE IS MY CHARACTER!