Disclaimer: I don't own Middle Earth, or anything that lies in. Exept for Ana, Antonia, Lori, And The 'dead' Boromir, seeing as Tolkin never claimed him...*flips through a law book* errr...i might be wrong...give me a while for that....
ElvenPrincessofMirkwood: Tell your brother spankyous!
Squashy Galoshes: Thankyou! Cookies for you!
TTT doesnt start in cinemas till the day after chrisse for me, so if anyone knows where i can get a script before that, i'd love it if u tell me in a review or a email!
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After some time, he returned. "Follow me. Theoden gives you leave to enter, but leave all weapons on the threshold. The doorwardens will keep them."
The dark doors swung open, and they followed in single file behind the guard, up a broad path paved with stones, going upwards. Houses passed by, all built of wood with dark doors. At the end of the path, they came to the end of the path. Guards watched them, drawn swords on their laps, and golden hair braided contrasted with their green sheilds and bright clothing.
"These are the doors." The guard nodded. "I must return to my duty. Farewell, and may the Lord of the Mark be gracious to you."
He left, and Legolas took Antonia hand, and kissed it, as they started up the stairs, under the eyes of the watchmen. Finally they stopped, and stood quietly untill a voice called.
"Welcome, corners from afar!" Hilts of swords were turned to the travellers as a guesture of peace, with green gems glintting in the sunlight. A guard stepped foward.
"I am the Doorward of Theoden. My name is Hbma (A.N. Why do i have the feeling that isn't right?! grr to the reffernces!) Here I must take your weapons, before you enter."
Legolas nodded, and gave him his silver-halfted knife, his quiver and his bow. "Keep these well, for they come from the Golden Wood, and the Lady of Lothlurion gave them to me."
The man's eyes shone with wonder, and he lay them carefully and quickly by the wall, as if he was scared of them. "No man will touch them, I promace you."
Aragorn glared at the man. "It is not my will, to let Andrril into the hand of another man."
"It is the will of Theoden." Hbma answered.
"It is not clear to me, that the will of Theoden, son of Thengel even though he be the Lord of the mark, shall prevail over the will of Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Elendil's heir of Gondor."
"This is the house of Theoden, not of Aragorn." Hbma stepped in between them and the door, his sword in his hand and pointing at them.
"God guys.." Antonia sighed, puting her weapons down. "Get a life...Have a pissing contest...Arm wreasling.."
"This is idle talk" Galdalf gave Antonia a brief smile. "Needless is Theoden's demand, but it is useless to refuse. A king will have his way in his hall."
"Truly." Aragorn answered. "And I would do so, if this was a woodmans cot, if I bore any sword. But this is Andrril."
"Whatever it name be, here you shall leave it, if you would not fight alone against all the men in Edoras."
"Not alone!" Gimli glared, looking like he was ready to chop the man in half. "Not alone!"
"Bloody hell..." Antonia grumbled.
"Come, come!" Gandalf hastly called. "We are all friends...or should be, for the laughter of Mordor will be our only reward if we fight! Here is my sword, goodman Hbma. Glamfring it is called, for the elves made it long ago. Let me pass. Come Aragorn!"
Aragorn slowly unbuckled his belt, and set his sword against the wall. "Here it is. But I command you not to touch it, nor anyone else. In this elvish heath, dwells the blade that was broken, and has been made again. Death shall come to any that draws Elendil's sword, save his heir."
The guard stepped back. "It seems that you comes on the wind of song..."
A snort from Antonia, that only Legolas heard.
"...out of the forgotten days, he said. It shall be, lord, as you command."
"Well." Gimli nodded prouly. "If it has Andrril to keep it company, my axe may stay here too without shame." He put it on the floor. "Let us go and speak with your master."
The guard still hesitated, and looked at Gandalf. "Your staff. That too must be left."
"Foolishness!" Gandalf sighed. "Prudence is one thing, but discourts is another. I am old. If I may not lean on a stick, then I shall sit out here, untill it pleases Theoden to hobble out himself to speak with me."
"Every man has something to dear to trust!" He laughed as Antonia glared. "And woman. But will you take the support from a old man?"
"The staff in the hand of the wizerd may be more than a prop for old age." Hbma looked hard at the ash-staff. "But I belive you are friends, who have no evil puropse. You may go in."
The door was opened, and they entered. Inside, it was dark and warm, after the cool clear air on the hill. The hall was long and wide, filled with shadows and half-lights, mighty pillers held up the high roof. Here and there, shafts of sunlight fell from the easten windors. The floor was paved with stones of different hues, branching runes and strange devices interwtined between their feet. The pillers were richly carved, tapestys hung from the walls. But upon one form the sunlight fell: a young man upon a white horse. He was blowing a great hotn, and his yellow hair was flying in the wind. The horse's head was lifted, and its nostrils were wide and red as it neighted, smelling battle afar. Foaming water, green and white, rushed and curled around it's knees.
"Eorl the young." Aragon smiled. "Thus he rode out of the north to the battle of the field of Celebrant."
The five companions went foward, past the fire in the middle of the hall. And then they halted. At the far end of the house, was a dais, with three steps, and in the middle of the dais was a great guilded chair. Upon it sat a bent old man, almost like a Dwarf, but his white hair was long and thick, and fell in great braids from a thin golden circle set upon his brow. His beard was like snow, falling to his knees, and his eyes blazed with a light, glinting as he gazed upon the strangers. Behind him stood a woman in white, who smiled as her eyes fell on Antonia in men's clothes, standing proudly beside Gimli and Legolas. At his feet, sat a wizened figure of a man, with a pale wise facem and heavy lidded eyes.
There was scilance. No-one moved. Finally Gandalf spoke.
"Hail, Theoden son of Thengel! I have returned! For the storm comes, and now all friends should gather together, lest each single be destroyed."
Slowly the old man stood, leaning on his short black staff, with a handle of white bone, and it became obvious that though he was now bent, he was still tall, and had must had been a tall and proud youth.
"I greet you." He said. "And maybe you look for welcome. But truth be told, your welcome is doubtfull here, Master Gandalf. You have been a herld of woe, trouble follows you like crows. I will not decive you, when I heard that Shadowfax had come back riderless, i rejoiced at the return of the horse, and even mor ath the lack of the rider, and when Eomer brought the tidings that you had gone to your long home, I did not morn. And now with you, evil comes worse than before. Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow? Tell me that." He sat back down slowly.
"You speak justly lord." The pale man spoke at the steps of the dais. "It is not yet five days since the bitter tidings that your son was slain upon the west marches, your right hand, second Marchal of the Mark. In Eomer there is little trust. Few men would be left to guard your walls, if he had been allowed to rule. And even now, we learn from Gondor that the dark lord is Stirring in the East. And now, this wander chooses to return. Why indeed should we welcome you, Stormcrow? Lbthspell I name you. Ill-news." He laughed grimly, as he looked at them with dark eyes.
"You are wise, Wormtounge, and a great support to your master. Gandalf answered in a soft voice. "But in two ways, does a man bring evil tidings, lie may be a worker of evil, or he may be such as leaves well alone, and only comes to help in times of need."
Wormtounge looked at him carefully, and his eyes flickered to Antonia, who shuddered. He looked back at Gandalf. "That is so. But there is a third kind: pickers of bones, meddlers in other men's sorrows, carrion-fowl that grow fat on war. What aid have you brought, Stormcrow? And what Aid do you bring now? It was aid from us you sought last time that you were here. Then my lord bade you choose any horse you desired, and be gone, and to the wonder of all, you took Shadowfax. My lord was sorley greived, yet to some, it seemed that to speed you from the land the price was not too great. I guess that it is likly to be the same, you will seek aid rather that give it. Do you bring men? Do you bring horses, swords, spears? That I would call aid, that is our present need. But who are those that follow at your tail? Four ragged wanders in grey, including a woman!, and you the most begger-like of the four!"
"The Courtasy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden son of Thengel." Gandaldf spoke to Theoden. "Has not the messanger from your gate reported the names of our compainions? Seldem has any lord of Rohan recived such guests. Weapons they have layed at your door, that are worth many a mortal man, even the mightest. Grey is their raiment, for the Elves clad them, and thus they have passed through the shadow of great perils to your hall."
"Then it is true, as Eomer repoted, that you are in league with the Sorceress of the Golden Wood?" Wormtounge exclaimed. "It is not to be wondered at: webs of deceit were ever woven in Dwimordene."
Gimli strode forward, followed by Antonia, but Gandalf halted them.
"In Dwimordene, In Lurien
Seldom have walked the feet of Men,
Few mortal eyes have seen the light
That lies there ever, long and bright.
Galadriel! Galadriel!
Clear is the water of your well;
White is the star in your white hand;
Unmarred, unstained is leaf and land
In Dwimordene, in Lurien
More fair than thoughts of Mortal men." Gandalf sung softly, and he suddanly changed. He cast his tattered clock aside, and stood up straight. He spoke in a clear cold voice. "The wise speak of only what they know, Grima, son of Gblmud. A witless worm you have become. Therefore, be silent, and keep the forked tounge of yours in your mouth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a serving-man till the lightning falls."
Gandalf raised his staff, and a roll of thunder made Antonia sreick and cling onto Legolas's arm. The sunlight blotted out from the easten windors, and the hall became dark as night. The fire faded to embers, and Gandalf stood brightly, white and tall before the blackened heath.
Wormtoung hissed. "Did I not counsel you, lord, to forbid his staff? That fool Hbma has betrayed us!" There was a flash, and a sclance, and Antonia picked up the figure of Wormtounge sprawled on his face.
"Now Theoden, son of Thengel, will you harken to me" Gandalf spoke. "Do you ask for help?" He lifted his staff, and pointed it at a high windor. There, the darkness cleared, and a patch of shining sky could be seen. "Not all is Dark. Take courage, Lord of the Mark; for better help you could not find. No counsel have I to give those who dispear. Yet counsel I could give, and words I could speak to you. Will you hear them? The are not for all ears. I bid you come out before your doors and look abroad. Too long have you sat in shadows, and trusted twisted tales."
Theoden stood up slowly, and a faint light came back into the hall. The woman took his arm, and helped him down the dais, and through the hall, leaving Wormtounge on the ground. They came to the doors, and Gandalf knocked.
"Open! The Lord Of The Mark comes forth!"
The doors opened, and a wind came whistling in.
"Send your guards down to the stairs foot." Gandalf said. "And you, lady, leave him a while with me. I will care for him."
"Go, Eowyn sister-daughter!" The old king said. "The time for fear is past."
Eowyn went slowly, but turned and gazed at them. She smiled, as her eyes lay on Antonia. "My lord, shall I take the lady, and clean her up?"
"If she wishes it." Theoden answered, and Antonia nodded. Legolas grabbed her around the waist, kissed her gently, and whispered some words in her ear.
Eowyn took Antonia's hand, and her eyes fell on proud Aragorn. And after a few secounds, she and Antonia were swiftly gone.
~~~~*~~~*~~~~
Eowyn made Antonia get undressed, to Antonia's embarresment.
"Tis a normal thing, Lady Antonia." She insisted, and Antonia slowly pulled off her tunic.
"Call me Antonia...or Toni." Antonia blushed as she found Eowyn inspecting the many blisters, brusies, and cuts.
"Call me Eowyn then, Toni." Eowyn started to wash Antonia's hair, which had gone a strange brown shade, looked like dreadlocks had been there for years, and was greasy.
They fell silant, as Eowyn massaged the scented wash through Antonia's hair.
"Wormtounge seems creepy." Antonia shivered, as she remembered his eyes on her.
"True, he is strange." Eowyn answered. "He follows me often."
Antonia gazed around the room. It was beautiful, exposed blue-stone, dark wooden beams, paintings, a wall of ancient books visable through a curian seperating that room from the others.
"This is a beautiful place." She murrmered, and Eowyn smiled.
"It is, isn't it? If it was not a time of war, then I would enjoy it even more." Eowyn rubbed a towel through Antonia's clean hair. "Where are you from?"
"Far, far...far away." Antonia stood, with the towel around her hair, and another wrapped around her. Eowyn led her into the room with the bookcase, which was bigger than it seemed. Besides the bookcase, comftable chairs were in one corner, a huge canopy bed on the other side, and a window overlooking much of the town.
Eoywen went to another curtian, and pulled it aside, showing a room of colorfull clothes. Eowyn came with a white dress in her hands, and dark green clothes under.
"What is your land like?" Eowyn stripped off her dress, to Antonia's embarresment, and Antonie turned around.
"Dry...green...but a different color green to yours, it has more yellow mixed in...Warm some of the time..."
"Sounds pretty." Eowyn smiled, and pulled a dark green riding-fighting outfit over over Antonia's head. "And are you a powerful Lady there?"
"Not really." Antonia tied the sleeves around her elbows, and her wrists, so it left a bare patch of skin. "Too young to be anything important there, yet."
"Ahh."
~~~~*~~~*~~~~
Eoywn led Antonia into the dining hall, in the great hall, and sat her next to Legolas and Gimli. They ate and drank quickly, and listened to Gandalf and Theoden speak of Saruman for over two hours. Legolas whispered into Antonia's ear, of what had happened ealer.
Men came into the room, with armor in their arms. Aragorn, Legolas were given armor, and Antonia was given a golden cap, that matched the outfit Eoywen had already given her. Gimli picked out his own cap, which once belonged to Theoden as a boy.
The king rose, when they were done, and Eoywn came with wine.
"Ferthu Theoden Hbl!" She smiled. "Recive now this cup, and drink in happy hour. Health shall be going with thee at thy going and coming."
Theoden drank from the cup, and she offered it to the guests.
Antonia watched, as she offered Aragorn, her eyes shining, and her hand trembled at his touch. She leaned to Aragorn.
"She likes Aragorn." Antonia whispered to Leogolas who nodded.
"I pity her then." He whispered back, and finshed the wine.
They all finshed, and followed the king down the hall to the doors. There, guards, herelds, lords and cheifs gathered together, that remained in Edoras or nearby.
"Behold! I go forth, and it seems to be my last riding." Theoden spoke. "I have no child. Theodred my son is slain. I name Eomer my sister-son to be my heir. If neither of us return, then choose who you will. But to someone I must now entrust my people that I leave behind, to rule them in my place. Which one of you will stay?"
No man spoke.
"Is there none you would name? In whom do my people trust?"
"In the house of Eorl." Hbma answered.
"But I cannot spare Eomer." The king replied. "And he is the last of the house."
"Not the last. I did not say Eomer, there is his sister, Eowyn, daughter of Jomund. She is fearless, and high-hearted. All love her. Let her be the Lord to the Eorlingas, while we are gone."
"It shall be. Let the herelds accounce to the folk that Lady Eowyn will lead them!"
King Theoden sat upon a seat in front of his doors , and Eowyn kneeled before him.
"Farewell, sister-daughter." He said, giving her a sword and a fair corslet. "Dark is the hour, yet maybe we shall return to the Golden hall. But in Dunharrow the people may long defend themselves, and if the battle go ill, thither will come for all who escape."
"Speak not so!" Eowyn replied, looking him in the eye. "I shall endure a year for every day that passes untill your return." Her eyes strayed to Aragorn.
"The King shall come again." Theoden replied. "Fear not! Not west, but east does our doom await us!"
The King and Gandalf walked down the stair, with the others following. Eowyn stook alone at the top, watching them leave, the sword in her hand.
Gimli smiled proudly, his axe on his shoulder. "At last we set off! Men need many words. My axe is restless in my hands! Though I do not doubt that these Rohirrim are fell-handed when they come to it. Still, this is not the warfare that suits me. How shall I come to the battle? Bumbing like a sack of potatos at Gandalf's saddlebow!"
"Safer than most, I guess." Legolas answered. "Yet, Gandalf will gladly put you on your feet when the blows begin, or Shadowfax. A Axe is no weapon for a rider."
"And a Dwarf is no horseman. It is orc-necks I would hew, not shave the scalps of Men."
Antonia smiled. "At least it would mean a quick and easy haircut..."
Legolas laughed. "No haircut for me, thankyou."
"Or me." Gimli answered.
Mounted at the gate were many men, old and young, in the saddle, with spears at the ready. As Theoden came down, they cheered loudly. King Theoden mounted his horse Snowmane, and Antonia smiled warmly as she saw her own horse waiting paintently for her, already nickering at the sight of her.
Antonia mounted him, the green fabric rusling around her, as she sat up straight, and walked over to Legolas, Gimli, Eomer and Aragorn.
"Hearken All!" Theoden called, and everyone turned to him. "Here now I name my guest Gandalf Grayhame, wisest of all counsellors, most welcome of wanders, a lord of the Mark, a cheiften of the Eorlingas while our kin shall last, and I give him Shadowfax, prince of horses."
"I thankyou, Theoden King." Gandlaf answered, throwing his gray rags off, and his hat, and jumped up free of helm or mail. His snowly hair was free, and his white robes shone in the sun.
"Behold the white rider!" Aragorn called, and everyone started to call it out.
Trumpets sounded. The horses reared and neighed. Spear clashed on Sheild. Then the King raised his hand, and like a great sudden wind, the last host of Rohan rose thundering into the West. Far over the plain, Eowyn watched the glitter of their spears, as she stood still, alone before the doors of the silent house.
ElvenPrincessofMirkwood: Tell your brother spankyous!
Squashy Galoshes: Thankyou! Cookies for you!
TTT doesnt start in cinemas till the day after chrisse for me, so if anyone knows where i can get a script before that, i'd love it if u tell me in a review or a email!
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After some time, he returned. "Follow me. Theoden gives you leave to enter, but leave all weapons on the threshold. The doorwardens will keep them."
The dark doors swung open, and they followed in single file behind the guard, up a broad path paved with stones, going upwards. Houses passed by, all built of wood with dark doors. At the end of the path, they came to the end of the path. Guards watched them, drawn swords on their laps, and golden hair braided contrasted with their green sheilds and bright clothing.
"These are the doors." The guard nodded. "I must return to my duty. Farewell, and may the Lord of the Mark be gracious to you."
He left, and Legolas took Antonia hand, and kissed it, as they started up the stairs, under the eyes of the watchmen. Finally they stopped, and stood quietly untill a voice called.
"Welcome, corners from afar!" Hilts of swords were turned to the travellers as a guesture of peace, with green gems glintting in the sunlight. A guard stepped foward.
"I am the Doorward of Theoden. My name is Hbma (A.N. Why do i have the feeling that isn't right?! grr to the reffernces!) Here I must take your weapons, before you enter."
Legolas nodded, and gave him his silver-halfted knife, his quiver and his bow. "Keep these well, for they come from the Golden Wood, and the Lady of Lothlurion gave them to me."
The man's eyes shone with wonder, and he lay them carefully and quickly by the wall, as if he was scared of them. "No man will touch them, I promace you."
Aragorn glared at the man. "It is not my will, to let Andrril into the hand of another man."
"It is the will of Theoden." Hbma answered.
"It is not clear to me, that the will of Theoden, son of Thengel even though he be the Lord of the mark, shall prevail over the will of Aragorn, son of Arathorn, Elendil's heir of Gondor."
"This is the house of Theoden, not of Aragorn." Hbma stepped in between them and the door, his sword in his hand and pointing at them.
"God guys.." Antonia sighed, puting her weapons down. "Get a life...Have a pissing contest...Arm wreasling.."
"This is idle talk" Galdalf gave Antonia a brief smile. "Needless is Theoden's demand, but it is useless to refuse. A king will have his way in his hall."
"Truly." Aragorn answered. "And I would do so, if this was a woodmans cot, if I bore any sword. But this is Andrril."
"Whatever it name be, here you shall leave it, if you would not fight alone against all the men in Edoras."
"Not alone!" Gimli glared, looking like he was ready to chop the man in half. "Not alone!"
"Bloody hell..." Antonia grumbled.
"Come, come!" Gandalf hastly called. "We are all friends...or should be, for the laughter of Mordor will be our only reward if we fight! Here is my sword, goodman Hbma. Glamfring it is called, for the elves made it long ago. Let me pass. Come Aragorn!"
Aragorn slowly unbuckled his belt, and set his sword against the wall. "Here it is. But I command you not to touch it, nor anyone else. In this elvish heath, dwells the blade that was broken, and has been made again. Death shall come to any that draws Elendil's sword, save his heir."
The guard stepped back. "It seems that you comes on the wind of song..."
A snort from Antonia, that only Legolas heard.
"...out of the forgotten days, he said. It shall be, lord, as you command."
"Well." Gimli nodded prouly. "If it has Andrril to keep it company, my axe may stay here too without shame." He put it on the floor. "Let us go and speak with your master."
The guard still hesitated, and looked at Gandalf. "Your staff. That too must be left."
"Foolishness!" Gandalf sighed. "Prudence is one thing, but discourts is another. I am old. If I may not lean on a stick, then I shall sit out here, untill it pleases Theoden to hobble out himself to speak with me."
"Every man has something to dear to trust!" He laughed as Antonia glared. "And woman. But will you take the support from a old man?"
"The staff in the hand of the wizerd may be more than a prop for old age." Hbma looked hard at the ash-staff. "But I belive you are friends, who have no evil puropse. You may go in."
The door was opened, and they entered. Inside, it was dark and warm, after the cool clear air on the hill. The hall was long and wide, filled with shadows and half-lights, mighty pillers held up the high roof. Here and there, shafts of sunlight fell from the easten windors. The floor was paved with stones of different hues, branching runes and strange devices interwtined between their feet. The pillers were richly carved, tapestys hung from the walls. But upon one form the sunlight fell: a young man upon a white horse. He was blowing a great hotn, and his yellow hair was flying in the wind. The horse's head was lifted, and its nostrils were wide and red as it neighted, smelling battle afar. Foaming water, green and white, rushed and curled around it's knees.
"Eorl the young." Aragon smiled. "Thus he rode out of the north to the battle of the field of Celebrant."
The five companions went foward, past the fire in the middle of the hall. And then they halted. At the far end of the house, was a dais, with three steps, and in the middle of the dais was a great guilded chair. Upon it sat a bent old man, almost like a Dwarf, but his white hair was long and thick, and fell in great braids from a thin golden circle set upon his brow. His beard was like snow, falling to his knees, and his eyes blazed with a light, glinting as he gazed upon the strangers. Behind him stood a woman in white, who smiled as her eyes fell on Antonia in men's clothes, standing proudly beside Gimli and Legolas. At his feet, sat a wizened figure of a man, with a pale wise facem and heavy lidded eyes.
There was scilance. No-one moved. Finally Gandalf spoke.
"Hail, Theoden son of Thengel! I have returned! For the storm comes, and now all friends should gather together, lest each single be destroyed."
Slowly the old man stood, leaning on his short black staff, with a handle of white bone, and it became obvious that though he was now bent, he was still tall, and had must had been a tall and proud youth.
"I greet you." He said. "And maybe you look for welcome. But truth be told, your welcome is doubtfull here, Master Gandalf. You have been a herld of woe, trouble follows you like crows. I will not decive you, when I heard that Shadowfax had come back riderless, i rejoiced at the return of the horse, and even mor ath the lack of the rider, and when Eomer brought the tidings that you had gone to your long home, I did not morn. And now with you, evil comes worse than before. Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow? Tell me that." He sat back down slowly.
"You speak justly lord." The pale man spoke at the steps of the dais. "It is not yet five days since the bitter tidings that your son was slain upon the west marches, your right hand, second Marchal of the Mark. In Eomer there is little trust. Few men would be left to guard your walls, if he had been allowed to rule. And even now, we learn from Gondor that the dark lord is Stirring in the East. And now, this wander chooses to return. Why indeed should we welcome you, Stormcrow? Lbthspell I name you. Ill-news." He laughed grimly, as he looked at them with dark eyes.
"You are wise, Wormtounge, and a great support to your master. Gandalf answered in a soft voice. "But in two ways, does a man bring evil tidings, lie may be a worker of evil, or he may be such as leaves well alone, and only comes to help in times of need."
Wormtounge looked at him carefully, and his eyes flickered to Antonia, who shuddered. He looked back at Gandalf. "That is so. But there is a third kind: pickers of bones, meddlers in other men's sorrows, carrion-fowl that grow fat on war. What aid have you brought, Stormcrow? And what Aid do you bring now? It was aid from us you sought last time that you were here. Then my lord bade you choose any horse you desired, and be gone, and to the wonder of all, you took Shadowfax. My lord was sorley greived, yet to some, it seemed that to speed you from the land the price was not too great. I guess that it is likly to be the same, you will seek aid rather that give it. Do you bring men? Do you bring horses, swords, spears? That I would call aid, that is our present need. But who are those that follow at your tail? Four ragged wanders in grey, including a woman!, and you the most begger-like of the four!"
"The Courtasy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden son of Thengel." Gandaldf spoke to Theoden. "Has not the messanger from your gate reported the names of our compainions? Seldem has any lord of Rohan recived such guests. Weapons they have layed at your door, that are worth many a mortal man, even the mightest. Grey is their raiment, for the Elves clad them, and thus they have passed through the shadow of great perils to your hall."
"Then it is true, as Eomer repoted, that you are in league with the Sorceress of the Golden Wood?" Wormtounge exclaimed. "It is not to be wondered at: webs of deceit were ever woven in Dwimordene."
Gimli strode forward, followed by Antonia, but Gandalf halted them.
"In Dwimordene, In Lurien
Seldom have walked the feet of Men,
Few mortal eyes have seen the light
That lies there ever, long and bright.
Galadriel! Galadriel!
Clear is the water of your well;
White is the star in your white hand;
Unmarred, unstained is leaf and land
In Dwimordene, in Lurien
More fair than thoughts of Mortal men." Gandalf sung softly, and he suddanly changed. He cast his tattered clock aside, and stood up straight. He spoke in a clear cold voice. "The wise speak of only what they know, Grima, son of Gblmud. A witless worm you have become. Therefore, be silent, and keep the forked tounge of yours in your mouth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a serving-man till the lightning falls."
Gandalf raised his staff, and a roll of thunder made Antonia sreick and cling onto Legolas's arm. The sunlight blotted out from the easten windors, and the hall became dark as night. The fire faded to embers, and Gandalf stood brightly, white and tall before the blackened heath.
Wormtoung hissed. "Did I not counsel you, lord, to forbid his staff? That fool Hbma has betrayed us!" There was a flash, and a sclance, and Antonia picked up the figure of Wormtounge sprawled on his face.
"Now Theoden, son of Thengel, will you harken to me" Gandalf spoke. "Do you ask for help?" He lifted his staff, and pointed it at a high windor. There, the darkness cleared, and a patch of shining sky could be seen. "Not all is Dark. Take courage, Lord of the Mark; for better help you could not find. No counsel have I to give those who dispear. Yet counsel I could give, and words I could speak to you. Will you hear them? The are not for all ears. I bid you come out before your doors and look abroad. Too long have you sat in shadows, and trusted twisted tales."
Theoden stood up slowly, and a faint light came back into the hall. The woman took his arm, and helped him down the dais, and through the hall, leaving Wormtounge on the ground. They came to the doors, and Gandalf knocked.
"Open! The Lord Of The Mark comes forth!"
The doors opened, and a wind came whistling in.
"Send your guards down to the stairs foot." Gandalf said. "And you, lady, leave him a while with me. I will care for him."
"Go, Eowyn sister-daughter!" The old king said. "The time for fear is past."
Eowyn went slowly, but turned and gazed at them. She smiled, as her eyes lay on Antonia. "My lord, shall I take the lady, and clean her up?"
"If she wishes it." Theoden answered, and Antonia nodded. Legolas grabbed her around the waist, kissed her gently, and whispered some words in her ear.
Eowyn took Antonia's hand, and her eyes fell on proud Aragorn. And after a few secounds, she and Antonia were swiftly gone.
~~~~*~~~*~~~~
Eowyn made Antonia get undressed, to Antonia's embarresment.
"Tis a normal thing, Lady Antonia." She insisted, and Antonia slowly pulled off her tunic.
"Call me Antonia...or Toni." Antonia blushed as she found Eowyn inspecting the many blisters, brusies, and cuts.
"Call me Eowyn then, Toni." Eowyn started to wash Antonia's hair, which had gone a strange brown shade, looked like dreadlocks had been there for years, and was greasy.
They fell silant, as Eowyn massaged the scented wash through Antonia's hair.
"Wormtounge seems creepy." Antonia shivered, as she remembered his eyes on her.
"True, he is strange." Eowyn answered. "He follows me often."
Antonia gazed around the room. It was beautiful, exposed blue-stone, dark wooden beams, paintings, a wall of ancient books visable through a curian seperating that room from the others.
"This is a beautiful place." She murrmered, and Eowyn smiled.
"It is, isn't it? If it was not a time of war, then I would enjoy it even more." Eowyn rubbed a towel through Antonia's clean hair. "Where are you from?"
"Far, far...far away." Antonia stood, with the towel around her hair, and another wrapped around her. Eowyn led her into the room with the bookcase, which was bigger than it seemed. Besides the bookcase, comftable chairs were in one corner, a huge canopy bed on the other side, and a window overlooking much of the town.
Eoywen went to another curtian, and pulled it aside, showing a room of colorfull clothes. Eowyn came with a white dress in her hands, and dark green clothes under.
"What is your land like?" Eowyn stripped off her dress, to Antonia's embarresment, and Antonie turned around.
"Dry...green...but a different color green to yours, it has more yellow mixed in...Warm some of the time..."
"Sounds pretty." Eowyn smiled, and pulled a dark green riding-fighting outfit over over Antonia's head. "And are you a powerful Lady there?"
"Not really." Antonia tied the sleeves around her elbows, and her wrists, so it left a bare patch of skin. "Too young to be anything important there, yet."
"Ahh."
~~~~*~~~*~~~~
Eoywn led Antonia into the dining hall, in the great hall, and sat her next to Legolas and Gimli. They ate and drank quickly, and listened to Gandalf and Theoden speak of Saruman for over two hours. Legolas whispered into Antonia's ear, of what had happened ealer.
Men came into the room, with armor in their arms. Aragorn, Legolas were given armor, and Antonia was given a golden cap, that matched the outfit Eoywen had already given her. Gimli picked out his own cap, which once belonged to Theoden as a boy.
The king rose, when they were done, and Eoywn came with wine.
"Ferthu Theoden Hbl!" She smiled. "Recive now this cup, and drink in happy hour. Health shall be going with thee at thy going and coming."
Theoden drank from the cup, and she offered it to the guests.
Antonia watched, as she offered Aragorn, her eyes shining, and her hand trembled at his touch. She leaned to Aragorn.
"She likes Aragorn." Antonia whispered to Leogolas who nodded.
"I pity her then." He whispered back, and finshed the wine.
They all finshed, and followed the king down the hall to the doors. There, guards, herelds, lords and cheifs gathered together, that remained in Edoras or nearby.
"Behold! I go forth, and it seems to be my last riding." Theoden spoke. "I have no child. Theodred my son is slain. I name Eomer my sister-son to be my heir. If neither of us return, then choose who you will. But to someone I must now entrust my people that I leave behind, to rule them in my place. Which one of you will stay?"
No man spoke.
"Is there none you would name? In whom do my people trust?"
"In the house of Eorl." Hbma answered.
"But I cannot spare Eomer." The king replied. "And he is the last of the house."
"Not the last. I did not say Eomer, there is his sister, Eowyn, daughter of Jomund. She is fearless, and high-hearted. All love her. Let her be the Lord to the Eorlingas, while we are gone."
"It shall be. Let the herelds accounce to the folk that Lady Eowyn will lead them!"
King Theoden sat upon a seat in front of his doors , and Eowyn kneeled before him.
"Farewell, sister-daughter." He said, giving her a sword and a fair corslet. "Dark is the hour, yet maybe we shall return to the Golden hall. But in Dunharrow the people may long defend themselves, and if the battle go ill, thither will come for all who escape."
"Speak not so!" Eowyn replied, looking him in the eye. "I shall endure a year for every day that passes untill your return." Her eyes strayed to Aragorn.
"The King shall come again." Theoden replied. "Fear not! Not west, but east does our doom await us!"
The King and Gandalf walked down the stair, with the others following. Eowyn stook alone at the top, watching them leave, the sword in her hand.
Gimli smiled proudly, his axe on his shoulder. "At last we set off! Men need many words. My axe is restless in my hands! Though I do not doubt that these Rohirrim are fell-handed when they come to it. Still, this is not the warfare that suits me. How shall I come to the battle? Bumbing like a sack of potatos at Gandalf's saddlebow!"
"Safer than most, I guess." Legolas answered. "Yet, Gandalf will gladly put you on your feet when the blows begin, or Shadowfax. A Axe is no weapon for a rider."
"And a Dwarf is no horseman. It is orc-necks I would hew, not shave the scalps of Men."
Antonia smiled. "At least it would mean a quick and easy haircut..."
Legolas laughed. "No haircut for me, thankyou."
"Or me." Gimli answered.
Mounted at the gate were many men, old and young, in the saddle, with spears at the ready. As Theoden came down, they cheered loudly. King Theoden mounted his horse Snowmane, and Antonia smiled warmly as she saw her own horse waiting paintently for her, already nickering at the sight of her.
Antonia mounted him, the green fabric rusling around her, as she sat up straight, and walked over to Legolas, Gimli, Eomer and Aragorn.
"Hearken All!" Theoden called, and everyone turned to him. "Here now I name my guest Gandalf Grayhame, wisest of all counsellors, most welcome of wanders, a lord of the Mark, a cheiften of the Eorlingas while our kin shall last, and I give him Shadowfax, prince of horses."
"I thankyou, Theoden King." Gandlaf answered, throwing his gray rags off, and his hat, and jumped up free of helm or mail. His snowly hair was free, and his white robes shone in the sun.
"Behold the white rider!" Aragorn called, and everyone started to call it out.
Trumpets sounded. The horses reared and neighed. Spear clashed on Sheild. Then the King raised his hand, and like a great sudden wind, the last host of Rohan rose thundering into the West. Far over the plain, Eowyn watched the glitter of their spears, as she stood still, alone before the doors of the silent house.