Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's characters.

Saturndragon: Thanks for that

ArashinoHikari: I can tell you are getting fed up with people telling you that Altarion is a male' name. But your fic is good. And that is what counts. Who gives a damn if the name sounds like a guy's?

Ling: Don't worry. I had Physics too and it sure was a damn killer.

CityofAngel: You will see the reunion soon, so do not worry. Haha, hate to disappoint you but, it would be in the next chapter. Sorry.

güggäli mit bröötlätä härdöpfäl: why is you name so long? To be frank, I admire your honesty. But are you sure that it is fair to judge a story for the first few chapters just because it sounds MarySue? I mean, that happens to be my opinion, so and since you are entitled to one too, I guess different people look at things differently. Thanks for your review. It made me think about it for a long while.

Tap Dancing Hobbit: Hmm, I think she might, and Legolas is bound to get jealous. Ooops, I revealed a little too much.

Chapter 14

Few sleepless nights later, Edoras, dwelling of the Rohirrim came into plain sight. It stood out prominently against the gray of Ered Nimlas, upon a hill.

The Golden Hall, Meduseld, glittered in all its fame and glory. Golden were the posts of the door and roof, with intricate carvings of horses. Ariel's keen elven sight saw guards of bright mail posted outside it, the metal glinted beneath the sun.

As they neared the gates, Eomer's face darkened considerably, and Ariel soon found out why.

At the opening stood a deformed twisted kind of creature, none other than Grima Wormtongue

Grima rubbed his hands in glee and anticipation of the task he was asked to carry out. Soon, he would be under complete control of King's Theoden's mind and lay hands on Eowyn, ShieldMaiden of Rohan, just as Saruman promised.

"You, Eomer, Third Marshall of the Mark have betrayed the trust placed by the King. It has come to be of knowledge that you pursued warriors of our ally, Saruman, against orders. For that you have earned yourself a sentence in prison."

"To prison I will go gladly, were it the only way to be free of your malice and deceit." Came the proud reply.

His men drew their swords, ever loyal were they to their leader. But he stopped them, saying, "Nay! The King needs you more than I, for open war is soon upon us, let there be no blood shed between our people, just as the Enemy wants. And see that the Lady is taken care off."

Then Ariel spoke, to all it seemed the strings of a harp had been stirred.

"I will go to your King and plead for you cause. 'Tis madness indeed that injustice is done to someone so valiant and just, only because he protected his people and land."

"Do none that you speak off!" Eomer turned to Ariel, saying. "My Lady, you know not the danger you put your life in doing so. I have faith that the heir of Elendil will not fail and come to our aid soon. And – " throwing a contemptuous glance at the evil counselor. "This country can be ridden of filth."

"Enough! Lies come to you easily. Take him away1" Grima was shaken with anger, and feared the fire he saw in Eomer's eyes and his wrath. But remembering his position, relaxed, and turned his attention to the new comer.

He took in the shining beauty of Lady Silverstar. So out of place she seemed, in this treeless land. Like a solitary stalk of flower.

Many wondered at her presence, and beheld her fairness. The bow and quiver of arrows together with the blades on her back did nothing but arouse their curiosity further.

"It is indeed a pleasure to have you here with us, Milady." Grima bowed, when he straightened, he nearly stepped back in shock when he looked into her piercing silver eyes and saw only scorn there. Usually women are easily swayed by honeyed words, but not this one. Unless, of course, it was because she was an elf.

Ariel regarded Wormtongue as important as the grass on the floor, and passed him as though he was not even worthy of notice, which was quite true.

"When Saruman takes over this country, he shall have you, and see if you can still stand proudly after that." Grima thought silently.

Ariel wondered, " What evil thoughts are flitting through that foul mind of his now?" For she had not the power like Galadriel to read minds and perceive inner emotions. Furthermore it was hard to discern anything from his pale ugly face.

She turned her thoughts to pressing matters at hand. Her mind was made up to do anything in order to right the wrong done to Eomer. She tolerated no injustice as much as she could.

"I shall seek his sister, Eowyn, and see what aid can be given of this matter. Hopefully, she would be like her brother in judgment, and not have fallen under any spell of that miserable Wormtongue."

~~~~~~~

Inside the guest chamber servants redressed her wound. Not used to being served upon, Ariel sat uncomfortably while maids fussed over her. She winced whenever a sharp pain was felt, jolting through her shoulder.

That being over, she stepped out of the bed to find Eowyn, but in came the Lady of Rohan herself.

"Greetings, traveler from afar. It is seldom we receive an elf for a guest."

Eowyn was nearly as tall in Ariel, and had the proud stature of her brother. Her eyes were unusually bright, as if she had been weeping, but it seemed hard to believe. She was indeed fair to look upon, and tresses fell down her back like a river of gold.

"I was on my journey home when I was waylaid by orcs. I got captured by them and if not for your brother, I would not be alive by now, and I will be in debt to your family."

"Eomer is indeed a valiant and just man, and a very loving brother to me. I wonder where he could be now, for I have seen naught of him ever since the host rode back."

"Alas!" Her fair elven face in distress. "An evil counselor by the name of Wormtongue ordered him locked up. I was about to seek you concerning this matter."

"Evil tidings you bring me," Eowyn stated, her face turning ashen. "I rue the very day Wormtongue wormed his way through the King's mind. It will do no good to seek pardon for Eomer, for King Theoden listens to none save Grima, and takes counsel from him only. You endanger your life so if you go."

"There is still hope!" Ariel told Eowyn of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. She foresaw the Quest involved Rohan.

"Since it has come to this, we can only wait and see." Eowyn replied, though she did not look too convinced.

~~~~~~~~~~~

During the next day, Ariel regained much of her full strength, and healed fast. For she was still young by elven standards and had much vigor.

Arwen, melamin, I am fine

A burst of joy cam forth from Arwen, that Ariel was alive and well.

Where art thou, sister?

Edoras, capital of Rohan, I was rescued by the Third Marshall of the Mark

Will thou be able to leave soon? Father and I were so worried, though I knew you were alive

Nay, my path lies here, in Rohan

Oh.

 Arwen was disappointed, and sad.

Do not fret, we will meet again soon, muinthel

Elen sila lumen omentilmo

Navaer

~~~~~~~~~

There was great friendship between both Eowyn and Ariel. For in Eowyn Ariel saw herself – a yearning to do battle, to prove one's worth. And that was the common desire they shared.

When Eowyn learned of Ariel's love for horses, she took her down to the stables.

"This is Phillifax, mare of Shadowfax, whom Gandalf Greyhame tamed." Eowyn explained.

"Shadowfax is running wild over the plains and would let none touch him, neither would Phillifax here. And I am the only one she allows to handle. Mayahp a female's touch is more trusted."

Phillifax was dappled grey, and had a long silvery mare. She snorted and stamped when Ariel approached her.

Tentatively Ariel stretched out a hand to touch the grayish mare.

Phillifax, to the amazement of all present, began licking the outstretched hand. Perhaps it was because Ariel was an elf, and mayhap it was Ariel's affinity with animals, but Ariel became the first person to mount Phillifax.

The mare neighed in delight, and galloped out to the plains of Rohan.

Feeling the sharp knives of the wind across her face, the pulsating energy of the horse beneath her, the smooth silky mane of Phillifax, Ariel remembered how much she enjoyed riding.

Thus it came to be a bond as fostered between both Ariel and Phillifax that day.

Ariel felt as light as a feather, and Phillifax loved the gentle handling Ariel administered to her.

Suddenly Phil perked up her ears and neighed loudly, and much to Ariel's surprise, an answer from a distant horse came.

Shading her eyes with a slender hand, Ariel scanned the horizon.

Three dark specks, horse riders were fast approaching Edoras.