Chapter Thirteen
The next day, I paced myself faster, realizing if I didn't make it to Edoras in time, I would miss my one chance to rejoin Aragorn and the others.
I would run until I was tired, and then walk until I figured I could run again. I didn't have a lunch, because I Was so intent on reaching the Golden Hall.
The next few days were much the same. On the third day, I woke with unease at some unknown presence. I ran all morning, trying to escape, but it just grew nearer. In the afternoon, I looked behind me, and saw a black speck in the sky. I sped up, and searched for a place to hide.
I finally found a few scraggly shrubs, and dived under them, waiting for the thing to pass. When it did, I looked up and saw the massive fell beast, it's wings beating whirlwinds of air around it.
Then it screamed. The sound was the most horrendous, terryifying, foul sound I have ever heard. I covered my ears and cringed until it was a mere speck again in the horizon of the sky.
I jumped up, and began running, wanting to make up for the lost time. I saw in the distance tall snowy mountains, and my heart leapt. I knew I was getting close, and figured I could reach Edoras in two or three more days.
.
The next day I ran faster still, unsure of where all my energy was coming from, but I didn't bother with finding out. As long as I had it, I wasn't about to complain.
The evening of the sixth day of travelling solo, I had reached the gates of Meduseld. I gave a knock on the door, and waited. As I did so, however, it felt as though all the exhaustion I hadn't felt as I was running or walking hit me full force, and I staggered, holding the door for support.
My legs trembled from fatigue, and the familiar tunnel vision was enclosing around my sight. I was in a faint before I even hit the ground.
.
I woke in a bed. The first bed I had slept in since Lorien. Someone had knocked on the door. I sat up, startled, and wondered where I was. Then I realized I must be in a house in Edoras.
"Come in." I said softly. The door opened, and a young woman with long blonde hair entered. It was Eowyn.
"Are you well?" she asked. I nodded, swung my feet over the side of the bed, and stood up. I was still in my travelling clothes, but my shoulder had been redressed with a new bandage. My shoes were by the side of the bed.
"How long have I been asleep?" I inquired. "A few hours. Who are you?" Eowyn asked bluntly.
"Eleanor." I replied, and asked who she was, although I already knew. She told me, and then handed me my bag, which had been relieved from me when they found me unconscious at the gate.
"If you have a better dress, I would advise you don it; the king would like to see you." Eowyn said, "I'll lead you to him when you are ready." With that, she left, closing the door behind her.
I opened my pack, and dug around, searching for the blue dress I had been given. It was at the bottom of the bag, forcing me to remove all other things before retrieving it.
I slipped it on, amazed how different it felt from my other dress. It was smooth and cool, and shimmered a bit. I put on the slippers, and washed my face in a basin by a window. I ran my hand over my hair, suprised that it felt as smooth and clean as it had when it was put up.
Elven magic, I guessed, and opened the door. Eowyn gave a brief look of startlement at my dress, and I remembered in Rohan, everyone wore coarse, dark colored clothes. My light shimmery blue dress was bound to get attention. Eowyn led me down a passageway, and into the Golden Hall.
It was beautiful, but my awe ceased as soon as I saw Theoden, whithered, ancient looking, and sick. At his right sat Grima, who began whispering as soon as Eowyn and I entered. Grima stood as I drew nearer, and said, "And who is this Elfriend who is weak at heart?"
I bit back a rude response, and stood silently.
"She was found unconscious at the gates. Who she is, and where she comes from is still a mystery." said a guard behind us.
I drew in a deep breath, and said as boldly as I could, "I am Eleanor Quame, Orthalion by some. The others of my party will be arriving soon. They had business at which to attend to, and sent me here to tell you of their coming."
"And who are your companions?" Grima hissed, looking intently at me.
"There is Gimli, son of Gloin, and Legolas, son of Thranduil, King of Mirkwood. The other twos' names I am not at liberty to reveal."
Grima turned to Theoden, and whispered a few words. Theoden lifted his head weakly, and croaked, "Why should I welcome you?"
A few answers came to mind for me to use, but I settled for, "Because my companions will bring very important news of the war."
"There is no war, and if there was, why should we be concerned?" Grima demanded.
"Because you are targets!" I exclaimed. Eowyn jerked, and said, "We must bring back Eomer back to us, he and his men will easily be enough for an army!"
Grima sneered, "There is no war, and Eomer the warmongerer will certainly not return."
"You may think that, Grima Wormtongue, but your denial will not stop the war." I snapped.
"Eorin!" Grima ordered, "Turn this obstinate woman out of my sight." A guard advanced, and Eowyn objected, "If indeed her friends are coming, let her stay until they arrive, Wormtongue, for once have mercy."
"Mercy on this Orthalion?" Grima countered, then smiled, "What says the king to this problem?" he turned to Theoden. Before the king could give his answer, I said, "Know this, Grima, that I know what you are, along with your fate. I know who you serve, and have powers you cannot imagine." So I was bluffing a bit, but I said them as forcefully as I could, and Grima's already pale countenance turned whiter.
He exchanged a few words with the king, and then Theoden spoke, "You shall stay in Meduseld until your companions arrive, and then you will leave, and take your warmongering elsewhere."
I looked Grima right in the eye, and replied, "That opinion will change by then." Without another word, I strode out of the room, and back to the bedroom.
"Who are you?" Eowyn asked, following me.
"I told you already." I replied, packing my bag. I pulled Celebril from its sheath, and examined it. I felt a new stength within me. I had argued with Grima, and won. I looked at the blade of my sword, still covered in orc blood, and shuddered.
"You have been in battle!" Eowyn cried, and sat down on the bed, looking eagerly at me. I nodded, wiping the blade down with a rag from my pack.
"It is not as glorious as you may think." I said, thinking back to almost a week ago. Eowyn shook her head incredulously. I started to get annoyed with her. "You have no idea what it's like, what it's like to see someone you knew killed."
"My heart is not like yours, then, Orthalion." Eowyn replied strongly, "Yes, I would mourn, but then avenge his or her death, and continue on. We cannot live in the past, not when the future affects us so much more directly."
I thought for a moment, my annoyance ebbing away. She was right, we were just different. I sighed, and looked at the walls.
"What powers do you have?" Eowyn asked after awhile. I laughed briefly, "None that could destroy Grima, or even threaten him."
Eowyn looked disappointed, and then asked again what my power was.
"Foresight." I answered simply.
"A prophet?"
"You might say that." I finished, feeling uncomfortable.
"What is my fate?" Eowyn pleaded. I shook my head, "I can't tell you." seeing her face, I explained, "If I did, and you didn't like what you heard, you would try to change the future, wouldn't you? But if what was foreseen didn't happen, it would change the future of everything, and that is why you must be kept in the dark."
Eowyn nodded, and gazed out the window, and we were quiet for a time. Then a black garbed woman entered the room, and said softly, "Lady Eowyn, Theodred wishes to see you."
Without so much as a goodbye, Eowyn leapt to her feet and dashed out of the room. I walked over to the window, and watched the night grow darker, wondering where the others were.
.
The next few days I kept to my room, watching the window more than anything, waiting. I wasn't bothered much. Theodred was very sick, and Eowyn spent most of her time with him.
On the fourth day since my arrival, Theodred died. I heard Eowyn's weeping, but didn't feel close enough to comfort her. Instead, I remained in my room, staring out the window.
In the afternoon, my heart leapt as I saw three horses appear on a hill before Edoras. Two were white, and the other was brown. I couldn't see the riders yet, but rushed out to the front of Theoden's hall, and waited by the steps. Eowyn joined me a few minutes later, looking sad, but also very disturbed.
She caught sight of the riders, and turned to me, "Are these your companions that come hither?"
"Yes. Can you see the one on the brown horse?" I asked. Eowyn squinted, and nodded. I continued, "He is Elessar, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. He is in love with an Elf." I added. Eowyn looked at me, "A man and an Elf? How could such a relationship work?"
"In reality, it can't, but both love each other more than anything." I answered. Eowyn gazed thoughtfully at the riders, and then shivered, "Let us return to warmth." I agreed with her. The blue Elven dress was not very adequate for cold winds, and we went back into the hall.
I waited impatiently for them to arrive, and paced back and forth in my room. At last I heard the doors open. I went to the edge of the hall, and watched Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Mithrandir walk towards Theoden.
A large smile grew on my face as I saw Mithrandir. He was back, and would save Theoden. I didn't want to interrupt the fighting they were now engaged in, save Mithrandir, nor when the white wizard released Theoden form Saruman's curse.
I watched patiently until at last Theoden returned to his normal self. Then I remembered that Grima had to be banished, sighed, and waited for them to go out onto the steps, and then come back in. It took longer than I remembered, but they finally returned.
Being able to wait no longer, I dashed out from the hall, crying, "Aragorn!" He spun around, and looked shocked to see me, but then smiled widely, "Orthalion!" he called.
I was so happy to see him I seized him into a hug. He stiffened, but then embraced back. He held me at an arm's length, and said, still smiling, "I am glad you are safe, for I have thought much of your welfare."
I greeted Legolas and Gimli more formally, and then turned to Mithrandir. He acknowledged me stiffly, and turned to speak with Theoden.
"What have I missed?" I asked, knowing perfectly well the answer. Legolas launched into the story of the Ents, and that Merry and Pippin were safe. I rejoiced at that fact, and asked when they would be rejoining our number.
"Later," Aragorn replied, "they must remain with Treebeard for the moment, and we have business not fit for Halflings."
"What does that mean?" Eowyn demanded, entering in on the conversation. Aragorn turned to her, looking at her hard, and then answered, "An inevitable battle lies ahead, and rare is a Hobbit, no matter how brave, that could endure it."
"I don't understand you." Eowyn said. Aragorn sighed, "Lady, do not trouble yourself with such evil matters, and you will be the happier."
Eowyn's face fell, and she looked as though she had been kicked. Inhaling sharply, she whirled around and walked away.
Aragorn shot me a questioning gaze, but I didn't tell him anything.
.
The early evening held Theodred's funeral. I pulled my cloak over my dress in hopes to look more mournful, and followed the others to the burial grounds. I stood next to Aragorn and Gimli, and watched guards of the Rohirrim bear Theodred to his final resting place.
I cried. I hadn't even known the guy, but I still cried as hard as those who had. Eowyn sang a song in a different language, and then it was over. Theoden remained behind, as did Aragorn. I let them have their privacy, and went back up to my room.
.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
.
laureline: Ah, don't feel guilty. I don't, but then again, I'm. . . me. . . Hmmm. Weather is bad in your country, eh? I can't complain about my state/county/city/subdivision. It's snowing at the moment, and, quite frankly, I'm in a happy mood. Yey.
chibi-mairi: these coming chapters aren't going to be the happiest ones. . . But they will get better. . . I think. Anyway. . . Yeah. I'm done talking now.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter!
The next day, I paced myself faster, realizing if I didn't make it to Edoras in time, I would miss my one chance to rejoin Aragorn and the others.
I would run until I was tired, and then walk until I figured I could run again. I didn't have a lunch, because I Was so intent on reaching the Golden Hall.
The next few days were much the same. On the third day, I woke with unease at some unknown presence. I ran all morning, trying to escape, but it just grew nearer. In the afternoon, I looked behind me, and saw a black speck in the sky. I sped up, and searched for a place to hide.
I finally found a few scraggly shrubs, and dived under them, waiting for the thing to pass. When it did, I looked up and saw the massive fell beast, it's wings beating whirlwinds of air around it.
Then it screamed. The sound was the most horrendous, terryifying, foul sound I have ever heard. I covered my ears and cringed until it was a mere speck again in the horizon of the sky.
I jumped up, and began running, wanting to make up for the lost time. I saw in the distance tall snowy mountains, and my heart leapt. I knew I was getting close, and figured I could reach Edoras in two or three more days.
.
The next day I ran faster still, unsure of where all my energy was coming from, but I didn't bother with finding out. As long as I had it, I wasn't about to complain.
The evening of the sixth day of travelling solo, I had reached the gates of Meduseld. I gave a knock on the door, and waited. As I did so, however, it felt as though all the exhaustion I hadn't felt as I was running or walking hit me full force, and I staggered, holding the door for support.
My legs trembled from fatigue, and the familiar tunnel vision was enclosing around my sight. I was in a faint before I even hit the ground.
.
I woke in a bed. The first bed I had slept in since Lorien. Someone had knocked on the door. I sat up, startled, and wondered where I was. Then I realized I must be in a house in Edoras.
"Come in." I said softly. The door opened, and a young woman with long blonde hair entered. It was Eowyn.
"Are you well?" she asked. I nodded, swung my feet over the side of the bed, and stood up. I was still in my travelling clothes, but my shoulder had been redressed with a new bandage. My shoes were by the side of the bed.
"How long have I been asleep?" I inquired. "A few hours. Who are you?" Eowyn asked bluntly.
"Eleanor." I replied, and asked who she was, although I already knew. She told me, and then handed me my bag, which had been relieved from me when they found me unconscious at the gate.
"If you have a better dress, I would advise you don it; the king would like to see you." Eowyn said, "I'll lead you to him when you are ready." With that, she left, closing the door behind her.
I opened my pack, and dug around, searching for the blue dress I had been given. It was at the bottom of the bag, forcing me to remove all other things before retrieving it.
I slipped it on, amazed how different it felt from my other dress. It was smooth and cool, and shimmered a bit. I put on the slippers, and washed my face in a basin by a window. I ran my hand over my hair, suprised that it felt as smooth and clean as it had when it was put up.
Elven magic, I guessed, and opened the door. Eowyn gave a brief look of startlement at my dress, and I remembered in Rohan, everyone wore coarse, dark colored clothes. My light shimmery blue dress was bound to get attention. Eowyn led me down a passageway, and into the Golden Hall.
It was beautiful, but my awe ceased as soon as I saw Theoden, whithered, ancient looking, and sick. At his right sat Grima, who began whispering as soon as Eowyn and I entered. Grima stood as I drew nearer, and said, "And who is this Elfriend who is weak at heart?"
I bit back a rude response, and stood silently.
"She was found unconscious at the gates. Who she is, and where she comes from is still a mystery." said a guard behind us.
I drew in a deep breath, and said as boldly as I could, "I am Eleanor Quame, Orthalion by some. The others of my party will be arriving soon. They had business at which to attend to, and sent me here to tell you of their coming."
"And who are your companions?" Grima hissed, looking intently at me.
"There is Gimli, son of Gloin, and Legolas, son of Thranduil, King of Mirkwood. The other twos' names I am not at liberty to reveal."
Grima turned to Theoden, and whispered a few words. Theoden lifted his head weakly, and croaked, "Why should I welcome you?"
A few answers came to mind for me to use, but I settled for, "Because my companions will bring very important news of the war."
"There is no war, and if there was, why should we be concerned?" Grima demanded.
"Because you are targets!" I exclaimed. Eowyn jerked, and said, "We must bring back Eomer back to us, he and his men will easily be enough for an army!"
Grima sneered, "There is no war, and Eomer the warmongerer will certainly not return."
"You may think that, Grima Wormtongue, but your denial will not stop the war." I snapped.
"Eorin!" Grima ordered, "Turn this obstinate woman out of my sight." A guard advanced, and Eowyn objected, "If indeed her friends are coming, let her stay until they arrive, Wormtongue, for once have mercy."
"Mercy on this Orthalion?" Grima countered, then smiled, "What says the king to this problem?" he turned to Theoden. Before the king could give his answer, I said, "Know this, Grima, that I know what you are, along with your fate. I know who you serve, and have powers you cannot imagine." So I was bluffing a bit, but I said them as forcefully as I could, and Grima's already pale countenance turned whiter.
He exchanged a few words with the king, and then Theoden spoke, "You shall stay in Meduseld until your companions arrive, and then you will leave, and take your warmongering elsewhere."
I looked Grima right in the eye, and replied, "That opinion will change by then." Without another word, I strode out of the room, and back to the bedroom.
"Who are you?" Eowyn asked, following me.
"I told you already." I replied, packing my bag. I pulled Celebril from its sheath, and examined it. I felt a new stength within me. I had argued with Grima, and won. I looked at the blade of my sword, still covered in orc blood, and shuddered.
"You have been in battle!" Eowyn cried, and sat down on the bed, looking eagerly at me. I nodded, wiping the blade down with a rag from my pack.
"It is not as glorious as you may think." I said, thinking back to almost a week ago. Eowyn shook her head incredulously. I started to get annoyed with her. "You have no idea what it's like, what it's like to see someone you knew killed."
"My heart is not like yours, then, Orthalion." Eowyn replied strongly, "Yes, I would mourn, but then avenge his or her death, and continue on. We cannot live in the past, not when the future affects us so much more directly."
I thought for a moment, my annoyance ebbing away. She was right, we were just different. I sighed, and looked at the walls.
"What powers do you have?" Eowyn asked after awhile. I laughed briefly, "None that could destroy Grima, or even threaten him."
Eowyn looked disappointed, and then asked again what my power was.
"Foresight." I answered simply.
"A prophet?"
"You might say that." I finished, feeling uncomfortable.
"What is my fate?" Eowyn pleaded. I shook my head, "I can't tell you." seeing her face, I explained, "If I did, and you didn't like what you heard, you would try to change the future, wouldn't you? But if what was foreseen didn't happen, it would change the future of everything, and that is why you must be kept in the dark."
Eowyn nodded, and gazed out the window, and we were quiet for a time. Then a black garbed woman entered the room, and said softly, "Lady Eowyn, Theodred wishes to see you."
Without so much as a goodbye, Eowyn leapt to her feet and dashed out of the room. I walked over to the window, and watched the night grow darker, wondering where the others were.
.
The next few days I kept to my room, watching the window more than anything, waiting. I wasn't bothered much. Theodred was very sick, and Eowyn spent most of her time with him.
On the fourth day since my arrival, Theodred died. I heard Eowyn's weeping, but didn't feel close enough to comfort her. Instead, I remained in my room, staring out the window.
In the afternoon, my heart leapt as I saw three horses appear on a hill before Edoras. Two were white, and the other was brown. I couldn't see the riders yet, but rushed out to the front of Theoden's hall, and waited by the steps. Eowyn joined me a few minutes later, looking sad, but also very disturbed.
She caught sight of the riders, and turned to me, "Are these your companions that come hither?"
"Yes. Can you see the one on the brown horse?" I asked. Eowyn squinted, and nodded. I continued, "He is Elessar, Aragorn, son of Arathorn. He is in love with an Elf." I added. Eowyn looked at me, "A man and an Elf? How could such a relationship work?"
"In reality, it can't, but both love each other more than anything." I answered. Eowyn gazed thoughtfully at the riders, and then shivered, "Let us return to warmth." I agreed with her. The blue Elven dress was not very adequate for cold winds, and we went back into the hall.
I waited impatiently for them to arrive, and paced back and forth in my room. At last I heard the doors open. I went to the edge of the hall, and watched Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Mithrandir walk towards Theoden.
A large smile grew on my face as I saw Mithrandir. He was back, and would save Theoden. I didn't want to interrupt the fighting they were now engaged in, save Mithrandir, nor when the white wizard released Theoden form Saruman's curse.
I watched patiently until at last Theoden returned to his normal self. Then I remembered that Grima had to be banished, sighed, and waited for them to go out onto the steps, and then come back in. It took longer than I remembered, but they finally returned.
Being able to wait no longer, I dashed out from the hall, crying, "Aragorn!" He spun around, and looked shocked to see me, but then smiled widely, "Orthalion!" he called.
I was so happy to see him I seized him into a hug. He stiffened, but then embraced back. He held me at an arm's length, and said, still smiling, "I am glad you are safe, for I have thought much of your welfare."
I greeted Legolas and Gimli more formally, and then turned to Mithrandir. He acknowledged me stiffly, and turned to speak with Theoden.
"What have I missed?" I asked, knowing perfectly well the answer. Legolas launched into the story of the Ents, and that Merry and Pippin were safe. I rejoiced at that fact, and asked when they would be rejoining our number.
"Later," Aragorn replied, "they must remain with Treebeard for the moment, and we have business not fit for Halflings."
"What does that mean?" Eowyn demanded, entering in on the conversation. Aragorn turned to her, looking at her hard, and then answered, "An inevitable battle lies ahead, and rare is a Hobbit, no matter how brave, that could endure it."
"I don't understand you." Eowyn said. Aragorn sighed, "Lady, do not trouble yourself with such evil matters, and you will be the happier."
Eowyn's face fell, and she looked as though she had been kicked. Inhaling sharply, she whirled around and walked away.
Aragorn shot me a questioning gaze, but I didn't tell him anything.
.
The early evening held Theodred's funeral. I pulled my cloak over my dress in hopes to look more mournful, and followed the others to the burial grounds. I stood next to Aragorn and Gimli, and watched guards of the Rohirrim bear Theodred to his final resting place.
I cried. I hadn't even known the guy, but I still cried as hard as those who had. Eowyn sang a song in a different language, and then it was over. Theoden remained behind, as did Aragorn. I let them have their privacy, and went back up to my room.
.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
.
laureline: Ah, don't feel guilty. I don't, but then again, I'm. . . me. . . Hmmm. Weather is bad in your country, eh? I can't complain about my state/county/city/subdivision. It's snowing at the moment, and, quite frankly, I'm in a happy mood. Yey.
chibi-mairi: these coming chapters aren't going to be the happiest ones. . . But they will get better. . . I think. Anyway. . . Yeah. I'm done talking now.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter!