*** Hey here's chapter 18. I can't believe I got this far. So that everyone
knows if you haven't caught it by now I use both the books and movies in
the story. I hope that doesn't bug you to much.
anime princess: Glad you liked. Don't worry Shealyn will get to do somethin' special real soon.
Saera: I'm happy you liked. Hope you like this chapter as well.
Dara Maeko: Thank you for the review. I didn't really remember that part in the movie and I've never read the book so I winged it. Glad you like it.
Erenriel the Elven Canuck: Thank you for the review. I would go out and see it again, but the closest theater to me that has it is an almost hour drive. I would borrow the book but I really don't like it as much as the movie. Don't worry there will definitely be some Éomer ass kickin' in either this chapter or the next.
Lavender of the Shire: Hey no problemo. I for one knows that school gets in the way of the things you'd rather do. I'm glad you like the chapters and good luck with your school work.
Tara: Hey thanks for reviewin'. I know that chapter was really short. I try to make them as long as possible but sometimes it is impossible. I'm goin' to try making each new chapter eight pages or more. Enjoy!
*** Dream/vision ***
My vision cleared allowing me to see a white hospital room. On the bed lay an exhausted looking red haired woman. Her blue eyes shown with happiness as the man beside the bed gently placed a tiny baby in her outstretched arms.
"Oh sweetheart she is perfect." The woman whispered.
"Indeed." The black haired man replied caressing the infant's cheek. "What shall we call her?" He asked.
"Hmm... how about Shealyn Lee?" The woman suggested.
"Shealyn Lee Mitchell... I love it." The man tried the name.
The woman smiled. "What do you think Chance will think of his new baby sister?" She asked.
"I believe he'll like the change. Any fifteen year old would love having a baby around." The man responded.
"I can't wait for him to meet her Jonathan." She smiled again gently rocking the baby in her arms.
"I know Abby I know." Jonathan whispered.
The scene became clouded, but cleared moments later. I was in a house watching Abby sketching on the couch while a young man of twenty read to a dark haired, blue eyed little girl who could be no more then five.
"Momma when's Daddy coming home?" The little girl asked.
"Soon Shealyn, soon." Was the only response. "Chance would you help me by getting Shealyn ready for bed." Abby said.
"Sure Mom come on squirt lets go." Chance said picking Shealyn up from the couch.
Just then the door opened and Jonathan walked through unstrapping a gun belt from his waist.
"Daddy!" little Shealyn squealed squirming from Chance's arms and running to the man.
"Squirt what are you doin' up so late?" He asked picking her up and swinging her around.
I smiled at the sight, but it quickly disappeared when my ears picked up the slightest noise outside. Jonathon also heard the noise and placed the girl on the floor before going to the window.
"Honey what is it?" Abby asked coming up beside him at the window.
"Abby, kids hide." He quietly ordered.
Chance immediately picked up little Shealyn and rushed down the hall to a small closet where he quickly deposited her in the small space. "Stay here squirt. I'm goin' to help Mamma and Daddy." Chance whispered quietly closing the door.
I watched the scene unfold as three men burst into the home with guns drawn.
"Get out of my home." Jonathon bellowed placing himself between the intruders and his wife and son.
A cruel smile appeared on one of three's faces and without a word they shot the three occupants of the house.
"Search the house." One ordered. "Our boss said there were four of them."
The men didn't search long for the police were on their way. "Oh my..." a blonde haired officer groaned walking in the door.
He bent down next to the bodies checking for pulses. When he could find none he leaned back looking around the room with service revolver drawn. Placing a finger against his lips the officer motioned for his partner to enter quietly and search the house. They slowly made their way around the first floor stopping in front of the closet door. The blonde carefully turned the knob while his partner got ready to fire if necessary.
The door flew open revealing the tiny sobbing five year old girl. "Glory be Rusty look it here." The blonde breathed out.
Carefully Rusty inched forward setting his gun down and reaching out for the girl. "Come here darlin'." He whispered soothingly.
Little Shealyn looked up at Rusty before attentively holding her arms out to him. Gently Rusty picked up the girl and carried her down the hall careful not to allow her to see the bodies. "I'll be outside Alan." He whispered to his partner before walking out the front door.
The scene also faded, but another replaced it. This time it was the lab where I thought I spent most of my life.
"Well, well, well you should know by now not to run Girl. Time for another treatment." A scientist hissed.
A guard came up behind me and grasped my arms. "Let me go." I hissed trying to struggle out of the grip of steel.
I was led down the hall to the windowless steel door at the end where the brute opened it and threw me inside. Seconds later another came in chuckling to himself as he cracked the whip above my head. The whip came down across my back once, twice and then a third time. I struggled to keep my screams of agony within me. The whip raised again I clenched my eyes shut, waiting for that sting.
*** End of Dream/vision ***
I inhaled sharply as I sat up. ~That was way to real~ I thought glancing around at my sleeping companions. Drawing my knees to my chest I wept silently realizing that the dream I just had was of my forgotten past.
"Are you alright child?" Gandalf asked coming to sit beside me.
"Yes... no Gandalf I don't feel like talking about it right now alright?" I responded.
Gandalf nodded understandingly. We sat in a comfortable silence until dawn when the others rose and joined us. "Let us get going. I would like to be in Edoras by midday tomorrow." Gandalf told Aragorn who nodded in agreement.
"Uh Gandalf we have a slight problem." I spoke up. "The horses ran off last night."
"They did, did they?" Gandalf replied with a mischievous smile.
We walked to the edge of the forest where Gandalf stopped and whistled. I could hear the thunder of hooves guessing about three horses were coming our way. Arod and Hasufel appeared alongside another beautiful horse.
"This is Shadowfax lord of horses." Gandalf said patting the horse on the muzzle.
Quickly we mounted the horses and rode towards Edoras. "What frightened you so this morning little one?" Aragorn whispered in my ear as we galloped behind Legolas.
I closed my eyes concentrating only on my breathing. "Shealyn?" He questioned worry evident in his voice.
"I'd rather not talk about it Aragorn." I whispered starring straight ahead.
"I will honor your decision little one, but if you ever wish to talk about it don't be afraid to come to me." He answered resting his hand on my shoulder.
"I will." I promised leaning against his shoulder wearily.
************************************************************************
As night fell Gandalf thought it wise to stop for the night. "We have a half days ride ahead of us." He told us. "Get some rest."
Aragorn lifted me off the Hasufel's back and went to help Gimli. I looked at my companions sadly before starting off to get some privacy. Walking a few feet I found a log and sat down.
~Was that truly my past~ I thought. ~Was I the daughter of Jonathon and Abby Mitchell? I had an older brother? I don't know what to believe~
"There you are Shealyn." Aragorn's voice said from behind. "You shouldn't wander off." He scolded gently.
I looked up at him with a small smile. "Sit..." I told him.
He did as I told him in silence. "You miss her don't ya?" I questioned seeing him unconsciously touch the Evenstar pendant that he wore around his neck.
"Yes little one I miss her." He answered a moment later.
I took his hand in my own and squeezed it giving him my best smile. Aragorn squeezed back and returned my smile. "We should go back to the others." He said after a moment.
We walked back to the small clearing where Gimli was already fast asleep while Legolas and Gandalf sat farther away talking quietly.
************************************************************************
I don't remember falling asleep that night, but we were up with the sun continuing on to Edoras.
"Gandalf I see it." I called a little before midday.
Gandalf nodded gravely as we continued towards the gates. We were met by two guards posted at the gates of the city. "What business do you have here?" One asked.
"My companions and I have come to see your king Théoden." Aragorn told them. "We have come with grave news from Éomer, third Marshal of Rohan."
The guard disappeared for moment before reappearing and allowing us to enter the city. Slowing our horses to a slow walk we dismounted at the stairs. Several men came out to greet us none to hospitable.
"I am Háma you may enter only if you hand over your weapons." The red haired man said.
I didn't like that at all. I looked to Gandalf for assurance as he silently told the three men to hand over their weapons. Then his eyes met mine. I knew I couldn't fight so with a heavy sigh I allowed one of the guards to take my sword and knives.
"Your staff..." Háma demanded of Gandalf.
"Now you wouldn't part an old man from his walking stick would you?" Gandalf questioned the man.
Háma looked beaten but his expression quickly became neutral. Now unarmed Háma led us through the doors and into the king Théoden's hall.
"Legolas I don't like this." I whispered quietly to the elf that walked on my right.
He nodded but kept his gaze forward on the old king that sat on the throne and the evil looking man that squatted next to the throne. My eyes wandered as Gandalf spoke with Théoden and then arguing with Wormtongue.
"I thought I said to take the staff as well." Wormtongue hissed.
I stepped forward in front of Gandalf. "You will not touch him." I said lowly anger clearly in my voice.
"Child be silent." Gandalf whispered harshly resting a hand on my shoulder.
I glared at Wormtongue but stepped back next to Gandalf. Then Gandalf approached the fragile looking king and spoke to him in some language.
"Oh my God..." I murmured watching Théoden slowly stand all the while his features reverted back to his old self.
Moments later a woman appeared wanting to help the king, but Aragorn held her back.
"You have served him well Lady Éowyn." Gandalf spoke to her. "Go now for he is in good hands.
Éowyn glanced at the king and then at Aragorn before complying to Gandalf's bidding. After Éowyn left Gandalf approached the king. "Let your nephew, Éomer out of prison." Gandalf told him.
"Háma go and release my nephew." The king ordered.
Háma quickly left the throne room to retrieve Éomer coming back a few minutes later followed by none other then Éomer. "Guards bring Wormtongue to me." Théoden ordered.
The guards complied bringing a struggling Wormtongue between them. I watched silently as Éomer approached his uncle bearing the royal sword. Kneeling Éomer held out the sword for his uncle to take.
"He's goin' to get it." I murmured watching the strength return to the king of Rohan.
Wormtongue also saw this and became rather frightened as he got to his feet. The king advanced on him until they were outside. Being ever the curious one I followed the men outside where Théoden stood above Wormtongue ready to strike him down.
"No..." Aragorn shouted placing a restraining hand on Théoden's arm. "My Lord enough blood has been spilt on his account."
"Leave" Théoden hissed at the cowering man before him.
Wormtongue quickly got to his feet and beat it out of there as if a band of orcs were after him. "Hail King Théoden." Aragorn announced loudly before kneeling.
I followed suit but quickly climbed to my feet when the king bid us to. Distress filled the king's eyes as he searched the crowd.
"Where is Théodred, my son?" He questioned.
Sorrow filled Théoden's eyes as he was told that his son had been killed. ~So many deaths~ I thought as I approached the grieving king. Without thinking I took Théoden's hand and gave it a small squeeze.
"I am truly sorry for your loss My lord." I whispered.
A small smile appeared on his face. "Thank you child." He responded.
************************************************************************
Sitting alone in the room they had given me I allowed my mind to wander. The dream had plagued my mind since the other night ~Was I meant to come here~ I wondered.
'knock, knock'
"Come in." I called turning to the door.
"Hello Lady Shealyn I am Éowyn. My uncle sent me here to check up on you." She said. "I have heard of your journey with your companions. I was surprised that they would bring a child."
"In all truth Lady Éowyn I wasn't really meant to come this far. The plan was to leave me in Lothlorien." I told her.
"I was told by your friend, Gimli that you have a clouded past." Éowyn ventured on.
"I don't want to talk about." I whispered hanging my head.
"Forgive me that was terribly rude." Éowyn apologized a moment later.
"Its alright." I replied.
"I will leave you now." Éowyn said walking to the door.
I nodded and watched the woman leave allowing my mind to wander once again.
************************************************************************
After some time I left the room and began to wander the halls. On the stone walls hung ornate tapestries with bright colors. So intent on looking at the décor I rounded the corner and smacked right into someone. "Excuse me........." I whispered apologetically forcing my eyes to look up. "Lord Éomer."
The man glared down at before moving down the hall. Shaking my head I continued down the hall coming to a room with several large tables and benches.
"Come Shealyn." Aragorn called to me.
Smiling I went to the table and sat next to Aragorn. "Eat lass before you starve." Gimli ordered gruffly pushing a plate of food in front of me.
We ate in silence either too tired to speak or just didn't want to speak
"King Théoden has ordered that we depart for Helms Deep tomorrow." Aragorn told me after a few minutes
"Is there anything I can do to help the process along?" I questioned.
Aragorn shook his head glancing up at the throne where Théoden and Gandalf sat.
"Well I think I'm goin' to bed." I replied getting up from the bench. My three companions stood as well.
"Goodnight Shealyn sleep well." Legolas told me before giving me a hug.
"Sleep well lass." Gimli gruffly clapping me on the back gently.
Smiling I turned to Aragorn who pulled me into a fatherly embrace. "Goodnight little one we will see you in the morning." He whispered kissing my forehead.
I left the hall quietly and headed down the corridor where I bumped into Éomer once again.
"If you don't mind me asking Lady Shealyn, but why did you make this perilous journey?" He asked curiously.
"Lord Elrond thought it was meant to be for me to go." I told him.
"But you are a mere child." He scoffed.
"I resent that." I retorted. "I'm twelve years old."
"That is still a child." Éomer replied.
Shrugging indifferently I sidestepped him and continued on my way.
"You will never amount to anything." Éomer called after me.
~He did not just say I was worthless~ My mind screamed as I turned around.
"With all due respect Lord Éomer but I thought it was wrong to insult a female. Besides I have already amounted to something. More then what you could." I responded knowing my words would definitely make him mad.
"Why you little..." He hissed raising his hand to strike me
"Brother..." Éowyn's voice came from behind. "You will not strike her." She hissed.
Éomer let his hand fall to his side and walked off looking back to glare at me once again.
"Are you alright Shealyn?" Éowyn asked. "Did my brother harm you?"
"No I am alright." I answered. "If you'll excuse me." I whispered
I walked down the rest of the corridor and went into my room where I fell exhaustedly on the bed and fell asleep.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"She never ceases to surprise me." Gimli said.
"Indeed Gimli." Legolas replied
He looked over at Aragorn who seemed to be lost in thought. "Aragorn what troubles you my friend?" Legolas asked in concern.
After a few moments Aragorn looked up. "I worry about Shealyn." He said. "I pray that we will be able to convince her to stay in the caves when we reach Helms Deep."
"Aragorn you know as well as I it is folly to lock the lass up." Gimli reasoned "All that we could possibly do is protect her as best as possible."
"Gimli is right Aragorn." Legolas spoke up.
"That is what I feared you would say." The ranger whispered. "Come we have much to do." He stated rising from the table.
The three began to pack provisions for the trip and making plans. Aragorn was called to help map out the course that they would take and the others were sent to bed.
~I pray that we can keep Shealyn safe on this journey~ Aragorn thought while he Gandalf and Théoden went over the map.
*** Ahhh! Major writer's block. That chapter took me forever to figure out. Sorry if it seemed dull and a cliffhanger. I'll try to make chapter 19 more lively. More Éomer ass kickin' will also be in the next chapter. I hope you liked. R&R! ***
anime princess: Glad you liked. Don't worry Shealyn will get to do somethin' special real soon.
Saera: I'm happy you liked. Hope you like this chapter as well.
Dara Maeko: Thank you for the review. I didn't really remember that part in the movie and I've never read the book so I winged it. Glad you like it.
Erenriel the Elven Canuck: Thank you for the review. I would go out and see it again, but the closest theater to me that has it is an almost hour drive. I would borrow the book but I really don't like it as much as the movie. Don't worry there will definitely be some Éomer ass kickin' in either this chapter or the next.
Lavender of the Shire: Hey no problemo. I for one knows that school gets in the way of the things you'd rather do. I'm glad you like the chapters and good luck with your school work.
Tara: Hey thanks for reviewin'. I know that chapter was really short. I try to make them as long as possible but sometimes it is impossible. I'm goin' to try making each new chapter eight pages or more. Enjoy!
*** Dream/vision ***
My vision cleared allowing me to see a white hospital room. On the bed lay an exhausted looking red haired woman. Her blue eyes shown with happiness as the man beside the bed gently placed a tiny baby in her outstretched arms.
"Oh sweetheart she is perfect." The woman whispered.
"Indeed." The black haired man replied caressing the infant's cheek. "What shall we call her?" He asked.
"Hmm... how about Shealyn Lee?" The woman suggested.
"Shealyn Lee Mitchell... I love it." The man tried the name.
The woman smiled. "What do you think Chance will think of his new baby sister?" She asked.
"I believe he'll like the change. Any fifteen year old would love having a baby around." The man responded.
"I can't wait for him to meet her Jonathan." She smiled again gently rocking the baby in her arms.
"I know Abby I know." Jonathan whispered.
The scene became clouded, but cleared moments later. I was in a house watching Abby sketching on the couch while a young man of twenty read to a dark haired, blue eyed little girl who could be no more then five.
"Momma when's Daddy coming home?" The little girl asked.
"Soon Shealyn, soon." Was the only response. "Chance would you help me by getting Shealyn ready for bed." Abby said.
"Sure Mom come on squirt lets go." Chance said picking Shealyn up from the couch.
Just then the door opened and Jonathan walked through unstrapping a gun belt from his waist.
"Daddy!" little Shealyn squealed squirming from Chance's arms and running to the man.
"Squirt what are you doin' up so late?" He asked picking her up and swinging her around.
I smiled at the sight, but it quickly disappeared when my ears picked up the slightest noise outside. Jonathon also heard the noise and placed the girl on the floor before going to the window.
"Honey what is it?" Abby asked coming up beside him at the window.
"Abby, kids hide." He quietly ordered.
Chance immediately picked up little Shealyn and rushed down the hall to a small closet where he quickly deposited her in the small space. "Stay here squirt. I'm goin' to help Mamma and Daddy." Chance whispered quietly closing the door.
I watched the scene unfold as three men burst into the home with guns drawn.
"Get out of my home." Jonathon bellowed placing himself between the intruders and his wife and son.
A cruel smile appeared on one of three's faces and without a word they shot the three occupants of the house.
"Search the house." One ordered. "Our boss said there were four of them."
The men didn't search long for the police were on their way. "Oh my..." a blonde haired officer groaned walking in the door.
He bent down next to the bodies checking for pulses. When he could find none he leaned back looking around the room with service revolver drawn. Placing a finger against his lips the officer motioned for his partner to enter quietly and search the house. They slowly made their way around the first floor stopping in front of the closet door. The blonde carefully turned the knob while his partner got ready to fire if necessary.
The door flew open revealing the tiny sobbing five year old girl. "Glory be Rusty look it here." The blonde breathed out.
Carefully Rusty inched forward setting his gun down and reaching out for the girl. "Come here darlin'." He whispered soothingly.
Little Shealyn looked up at Rusty before attentively holding her arms out to him. Gently Rusty picked up the girl and carried her down the hall careful not to allow her to see the bodies. "I'll be outside Alan." He whispered to his partner before walking out the front door.
The scene also faded, but another replaced it. This time it was the lab where I thought I spent most of my life.
"Well, well, well you should know by now not to run Girl. Time for another treatment." A scientist hissed.
A guard came up behind me and grasped my arms. "Let me go." I hissed trying to struggle out of the grip of steel.
I was led down the hall to the windowless steel door at the end where the brute opened it and threw me inside. Seconds later another came in chuckling to himself as he cracked the whip above my head. The whip came down across my back once, twice and then a third time. I struggled to keep my screams of agony within me. The whip raised again I clenched my eyes shut, waiting for that sting.
*** End of Dream/vision ***
I inhaled sharply as I sat up. ~That was way to real~ I thought glancing around at my sleeping companions. Drawing my knees to my chest I wept silently realizing that the dream I just had was of my forgotten past.
"Are you alright child?" Gandalf asked coming to sit beside me.
"Yes... no Gandalf I don't feel like talking about it right now alright?" I responded.
Gandalf nodded understandingly. We sat in a comfortable silence until dawn when the others rose and joined us. "Let us get going. I would like to be in Edoras by midday tomorrow." Gandalf told Aragorn who nodded in agreement.
"Uh Gandalf we have a slight problem." I spoke up. "The horses ran off last night."
"They did, did they?" Gandalf replied with a mischievous smile.
We walked to the edge of the forest where Gandalf stopped and whistled. I could hear the thunder of hooves guessing about three horses were coming our way. Arod and Hasufel appeared alongside another beautiful horse.
"This is Shadowfax lord of horses." Gandalf said patting the horse on the muzzle.
Quickly we mounted the horses and rode towards Edoras. "What frightened you so this morning little one?" Aragorn whispered in my ear as we galloped behind Legolas.
I closed my eyes concentrating only on my breathing. "Shealyn?" He questioned worry evident in his voice.
"I'd rather not talk about it Aragorn." I whispered starring straight ahead.
"I will honor your decision little one, but if you ever wish to talk about it don't be afraid to come to me." He answered resting his hand on my shoulder.
"I will." I promised leaning against his shoulder wearily.
************************************************************************
As night fell Gandalf thought it wise to stop for the night. "We have a half days ride ahead of us." He told us. "Get some rest."
Aragorn lifted me off the Hasufel's back and went to help Gimli. I looked at my companions sadly before starting off to get some privacy. Walking a few feet I found a log and sat down.
~Was that truly my past~ I thought. ~Was I the daughter of Jonathon and Abby Mitchell? I had an older brother? I don't know what to believe~
"There you are Shealyn." Aragorn's voice said from behind. "You shouldn't wander off." He scolded gently.
I looked up at him with a small smile. "Sit..." I told him.
He did as I told him in silence. "You miss her don't ya?" I questioned seeing him unconsciously touch the Evenstar pendant that he wore around his neck.
"Yes little one I miss her." He answered a moment later.
I took his hand in my own and squeezed it giving him my best smile. Aragorn squeezed back and returned my smile. "We should go back to the others." He said after a moment.
We walked back to the small clearing where Gimli was already fast asleep while Legolas and Gandalf sat farther away talking quietly.
************************************************************************
I don't remember falling asleep that night, but we were up with the sun continuing on to Edoras.
"Gandalf I see it." I called a little before midday.
Gandalf nodded gravely as we continued towards the gates. We were met by two guards posted at the gates of the city. "What business do you have here?" One asked.
"My companions and I have come to see your king Théoden." Aragorn told them. "We have come with grave news from Éomer, third Marshal of Rohan."
The guard disappeared for moment before reappearing and allowing us to enter the city. Slowing our horses to a slow walk we dismounted at the stairs. Several men came out to greet us none to hospitable.
"I am Háma you may enter only if you hand over your weapons." The red haired man said.
I didn't like that at all. I looked to Gandalf for assurance as he silently told the three men to hand over their weapons. Then his eyes met mine. I knew I couldn't fight so with a heavy sigh I allowed one of the guards to take my sword and knives.
"Your staff..." Háma demanded of Gandalf.
"Now you wouldn't part an old man from his walking stick would you?" Gandalf questioned the man.
Háma looked beaten but his expression quickly became neutral. Now unarmed Háma led us through the doors and into the king Théoden's hall.
"Legolas I don't like this." I whispered quietly to the elf that walked on my right.
He nodded but kept his gaze forward on the old king that sat on the throne and the evil looking man that squatted next to the throne. My eyes wandered as Gandalf spoke with Théoden and then arguing with Wormtongue.
"I thought I said to take the staff as well." Wormtongue hissed.
I stepped forward in front of Gandalf. "You will not touch him." I said lowly anger clearly in my voice.
"Child be silent." Gandalf whispered harshly resting a hand on my shoulder.
I glared at Wormtongue but stepped back next to Gandalf. Then Gandalf approached the fragile looking king and spoke to him in some language.
"Oh my God..." I murmured watching Théoden slowly stand all the while his features reverted back to his old self.
Moments later a woman appeared wanting to help the king, but Aragorn held her back.
"You have served him well Lady Éowyn." Gandalf spoke to her. "Go now for he is in good hands.
Éowyn glanced at the king and then at Aragorn before complying to Gandalf's bidding. After Éowyn left Gandalf approached the king. "Let your nephew, Éomer out of prison." Gandalf told him.
"Háma go and release my nephew." The king ordered.
Háma quickly left the throne room to retrieve Éomer coming back a few minutes later followed by none other then Éomer. "Guards bring Wormtongue to me." Théoden ordered.
The guards complied bringing a struggling Wormtongue between them. I watched silently as Éomer approached his uncle bearing the royal sword. Kneeling Éomer held out the sword for his uncle to take.
"He's goin' to get it." I murmured watching the strength return to the king of Rohan.
Wormtongue also saw this and became rather frightened as he got to his feet. The king advanced on him until they were outside. Being ever the curious one I followed the men outside where Théoden stood above Wormtongue ready to strike him down.
"No..." Aragorn shouted placing a restraining hand on Théoden's arm. "My Lord enough blood has been spilt on his account."
"Leave" Théoden hissed at the cowering man before him.
Wormtongue quickly got to his feet and beat it out of there as if a band of orcs were after him. "Hail King Théoden." Aragorn announced loudly before kneeling.
I followed suit but quickly climbed to my feet when the king bid us to. Distress filled the king's eyes as he searched the crowd.
"Where is Théodred, my son?" He questioned.
Sorrow filled Théoden's eyes as he was told that his son had been killed. ~So many deaths~ I thought as I approached the grieving king. Without thinking I took Théoden's hand and gave it a small squeeze.
"I am truly sorry for your loss My lord." I whispered.
A small smile appeared on his face. "Thank you child." He responded.
************************************************************************
Sitting alone in the room they had given me I allowed my mind to wander. The dream had plagued my mind since the other night ~Was I meant to come here~ I wondered.
'knock, knock'
"Come in." I called turning to the door.
"Hello Lady Shealyn I am Éowyn. My uncle sent me here to check up on you." She said. "I have heard of your journey with your companions. I was surprised that they would bring a child."
"In all truth Lady Éowyn I wasn't really meant to come this far. The plan was to leave me in Lothlorien." I told her.
"I was told by your friend, Gimli that you have a clouded past." Éowyn ventured on.
"I don't want to talk about." I whispered hanging my head.
"Forgive me that was terribly rude." Éowyn apologized a moment later.
"Its alright." I replied.
"I will leave you now." Éowyn said walking to the door.
I nodded and watched the woman leave allowing my mind to wander once again.
************************************************************************
After some time I left the room and began to wander the halls. On the stone walls hung ornate tapestries with bright colors. So intent on looking at the décor I rounded the corner and smacked right into someone. "Excuse me........." I whispered apologetically forcing my eyes to look up. "Lord Éomer."
The man glared down at before moving down the hall. Shaking my head I continued down the hall coming to a room with several large tables and benches.
"Come Shealyn." Aragorn called to me.
Smiling I went to the table and sat next to Aragorn. "Eat lass before you starve." Gimli ordered gruffly pushing a plate of food in front of me.
We ate in silence either too tired to speak or just didn't want to speak
"King Théoden has ordered that we depart for Helms Deep tomorrow." Aragorn told me after a few minutes
"Is there anything I can do to help the process along?" I questioned.
Aragorn shook his head glancing up at the throne where Théoden and Gandalf sat.
"Well I think I'm goin' to bed." I replied getting up from the bench. My three companions stood as well.
"Goodnight Shealyn sleep well." Legolas told me before giving me a hug.
"Sleep well lass." Gimli gruffly clapping me on the back gently.
Smiling I turned to Aragorn who pulled me into a fatherly embrace. "Goodnight little one we will see you in the morning." He whispered kissing my forehead.
I left the hall quietly and headed down the corridor where I bumped into Éomer once again.
"If you don't mind me asking Lady Shealyn, but why did you make this perilous journey?" He asked curiously.
"Lord Elrond thought it was meant to be for me to go." I told him.
"But you are a mere child." He scoffed.
"I resent that." I retorted. "I'm twelve years old."
"That is still a child." Éomer replied.
Shrugging indifferently I sidestepped him and continued on my way.
"You will never amount to anything." Éomer called after me.
~He did not just say I was worthless~ My mind screamed as I turned around.
"With all due respect Lord Éomer but I thought it was wrong to insult a female. Besides I have already amounted to something. More then what you could." I responded knowing my words would definitely make him mad.
"Why you little..." He hissed raising his hand to strike me
"Brother..." Éowyn's voice came from behind. "You will not strike her." She hissed.
Éomer let his hand fall to his side and walked off looking back to glare at me once again.
"Are you alright Shealyn?" Éowyn asked. "Did my brother harm you?"
"No I am alright." I answered. "If you'll excuse me." I whispered
I walked down the rest of the corridor and went into my room where I fell exhaustedly on the bed and fell asleep.
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"She never ceases to surprise me." Gimli said.
"Indeed Gimli." Legolas replied
He looked over at Aragorn who seemed to be lost in thought. "Aragorn what troubles you my friend?" Legolas asked in concern.
After a few moments Aragorn looked up. "I worry about Shealyn." He said. "I pray that we will be able to convince her to stay in the caves when we reach Helms Deep."
"Aragorn you know as well as I it is folly to lock the lass up." Gimli reasoned "All that we could possibly do is protect her as best as possible."
"Gimli is right Aragorn." Legolas spoke up.
"That is what I feared you would say." The ranger whispered. "Come we have much to do." He stated rising from the table.
The three began to pack provisions for the trip and making plans. Aragorn was called to help map out the course that they would take and the others were sent to bed.
~I pray that we can keep Shealyn safe on this journey~ Aragorn thought while he Gandalf and Théoden went over the map.
*** Ahhh! Major writer's block. That chapter took me forever to figure out. Sorry if it seemed dull and a cliffhanger. I'll try to make chapter 19 more lively. More Éomer ass kickin' will also be in the next chapter. I hope you liked. R&R! ***