A/N: Yay! Thank you for the reviews guys. I really appreciate every single
one of them.
Sparxlie Pixie: Thank you for liking my story. I appreciate your review. They don't always talk to formerly, but I guess they do a hell of a lot more than we do, huh? Don't worry. In one of the next chapters they revert to their natural way of talking, at least for a moment. Thanks again!
Alida: *gasp* another long, awesome review. Thank you so much! I really, really appreciate all your comments and helpful hints! I might just send you a chapter one of these nights and have you tell where the grammar rules apply. I would learn quite a bit, wouldn't I? I already have learned much from you! Thanks! And as always I love all your opinions and comments. I hope my writing has improved from the beginning of the story to now. It was my hope! Thanks again!
KnowInsight: Thanks for the smiley face. I take that it's a good sign! Thanks for the review!
Noa9: Lol. Yes, Dan is very lost. Poor guy. Thanks so much for your review!!
----
The small, protected village of Edoras stood upon a green hill that sat alone within a great valley with mountains rising on either side. Though the hill was green, there was also several, jagged rocks that managed to thrust their way out of its side. On the very top of this hill stood a great golden hall that Gandalf referred to as Meduseld. It was a beautiful building that looked somewhat like a miniature castle to Aurora. And surrounding this were homes that had smoke spilling merrily out of their chimneys.
"So it's Men who live here?" she asked Aragorn.
Aragorn nodded. "Yes. This is one of the Men countries. Gondor is another."
Aurora smiled. "And that's what you are King of?"
"That's what I am supposed to be King of."
"Aren't you glad to be somewhere with other people?" she asked, gazing at the village that was getting closer and closer.
"I love the elves almost as much." He said while inadvertently gripping a beautiful crystal necklace that hung from his throat and touching the brooch that Galadriel had given him.
Aurora had never seen the jewel before. It had always been tucked into his shirt but she immediately knew that it belonged to a woman. And judging by the reference to the brooch as well, the woman that was supposedly Galadriel's granddaughter. The one called Arwen, if Aurora's memory served her right.
"You love her, don't you?" Aurora asked quietly.
"Who?" Aragorn replied quickly, letting go of the necklace.
"Arwen. I think that's her name. I know she gave you the brooch and I am assuming the necklace too."
Aragorn sighed and nodded, but that was all. He didn't say anything the rest of the way as they galloped toward the defense wall of the village. Aurora didn't press the matter, figuring that it was something painful for him to discuss.
"Here dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind has been overthrown. He is already in Saruman's power." Gandalf said, indicating to Meduseld.
Aurora couldn't understand why they were going here if this Théoden was in league with Saruman. But she didn't say a word of her misgivings. Gandalf had his reason for being here and she was no longer the obnoxious, annoying, complaining girl that she had once been. Or last she hoped she wasn't.
"Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here." Gandalf called. He rode ahead of them on his beautiful white horse, Shadowfax. Aurora's feelings of misgiving increased.
Trying to take her mind off the upcoming village that no longer seemed like such a welcome place, she shifted her gaze to Legolas. His hair flew behind him in a regal looking way. Aurora frowned. She used to look at Legolas and get odd feelings in her stomach. But now, she didn't feel any of those things. She thought that he was one of the most gorgeous guys she had ever seen, there was no doubt in that. But that was all. There were no other feelings connected to him anymore. So she figured she had at last conquered her fears. She had defeated becoming a Mary Sue. Or so she hoped.
Turning, she looked to see what Dan and Scott were up to, riding to the left of them. They were still being very edgy with one another; not speaking and sitting as far away from the other as was possible on the horse. Her eyes focused on Scott and this is when Aurora's stomach DID give a horrible churn. She couldn't deny it anymore. Scott made her feel things in her heart and in her body that she never thought he would make her feel. She couldn't believe that she had hated someone so much her entire life and now she had these. . .feelings. She looked down and thought dryly, I guess after getting thrown into another world and being on a deadly adventure changes everything. Sighing, she turned to gaze at him again. Did he feel these things too? Or was she still "Dan's little sister" in his eyes? Suddenly Scott turned and looked at her. Their eyes connected for a moment and she quickly looked away, her face turning a brilliant shade of pink. She could feel his eyes gazing into her still, but she chose not to look his way.
They had finally reached the gates to the city. They were enormously tall and black, made of wood and stone. Gandalf called out to the guard and the door swung open, letting them pass through.
The first thing that Aurora noticed was a woman, clothed all in white standing on top of a stone balcony with steps on Meduseld. Her long blonde hair flew forward with the wind, slashing across her face. There was something oddly familiar about her features, but Aurora couldn't quite place a finger on it. The woman was looking in the distance but a flag suddenly tore off a pole and it began floating toward them. Her gaze shifted to the company and she watched them. Aurora shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny. The flag fell down and landed near their horse. Aragorn, who had been looking around the village, looked up. He gazed at the woman for a moment before looking away. And so did Aurora. She now took in the village and she felt an unpleasant feeling churn in her stomach. The roads were lined with people dressed in black and they were staring at the newcomers in a weary silence. It was eerie as they made their way through the lined streets of the deathly quiet city. Aurora couldn't believe she had actually been relieved to see it.
"You'd find more cheer in a graveyard." Gimli muttered from the horse behind them. Aurora nodded her head in a silent agreement. You could.
Aragorn's head twisted in front of her, looking back where the woman had stood. Aurora looked too, but she was already gone.
The company finally reached Meduseld and it was here that they got off their horses and began climbing the stone steps that led to great, golden doors. A man with grubby features and a bushy beard stepped forward, leading a few other men as well.
Aurora stood next to Scott who moved nearer to her protectively. She took notice of this and butterflies flew around her stomach, but she turned to look at Gandalf.
"Háma, the doorward." Gandalf muttered in answer to Aurora's questioning gaze.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden-King so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order of Gríma Wormtongue" Háma said to the group.
Gandalf nodded and handed them his sword, Glamdring. Turning, he indicated that the others should likewise surrender their weapons. All of them did it rather grudgingly. Aurora took off her arrows and bow, pulled out her sword, and several knives that she had kept in her boot. While she was stripping down her weapons, she glared at the guard who stood before her. He was looking at her in a way she didn't like. As if he didn't think a female should be with all these guys but it was an extreme turn on that she was. Scott noticed this look too and he walked over to her, standing by and looking at the man as if daring him to say something.
The man frowned, but the look of hunger did not leave his eyes. He took their weapons and piled them along with the rest in an impressive heap against the wall. Aragorn was giving over his sword, letting a man know that the sword was worth more than his life if anything happened to it. Gimli was having a heck of a time parting with his axe, but after quite a long moment of hesitation he handed it over. Legolas was glaring at the men as well, spinning his knives as he passed them forward.
Aurora noted with satisfaction that the guards were completely awed by the amount of weapons they carried. They had no idea what they'd been through, but they knew it must have been a lot. This made Aurora feel a certain degree of pride. She had survived a lot longer then she had ever had hopes to expect and in doing so, she had learned to defend herself like no other woman she knew.
"Your staff." Háma said, gesturing to Gandalf's magic staff.
Gandalf acted as though he didn't understand him at first. Then when he appeared to have gotten the drift he looked astounded. "Surely you will not part an old man from his walking stick?" Gandalf suddenly looked a lot feebler and old, as if the stick was his only means of support.
Aurora tried not to snort. Walking stick my ass. But she had to grant it to him. He really did look suddenly older then what he was, but Aurora knew better.
Háma looked suspicious and slightly annoyed, but he nodded his head in the direction of the doors, moving aside so that they could pass.
Trying not to grin, Aurora decided to play along with Gandalf's little game. She rushed forward in the manner of a granddaughter concerned for her elder and helped him hobble in. He looked very convincing Aurora had to admit. In reality, she knew that Gandalf probably had more energy, strength, and power than she had ten times over.
The hall was enormously big, but Aurora wasn't paying much attention to her surroundings. Her eyes were focused to the very end where two men sat, gazing at the newcomers. Aurora took an immediate dislike to a small one with greasy black hair who leaned forward and began whispering into the others' ear. "Gríma" Gandalf muttered. The other man sat on a throne and at first, Aurora couldn't see how he could possibly be alive. He looked so old and weary and his eyes stared at nothing. His robe hung in loose folds around his body and he gave only the slightest twitch when they walked into the hall.
Gandalf let go of Aurora's helping arm and began walking more straightforward to the King, his head held high.
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden-King." Gandalf spoke loudly and clearly.
As he spoke these words, Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn began fanning out in each direction, pretending to survey the hall. She, Scott, and Dan took this as a hint and walked to the left, looking at the surroundings and the less then friendly looking people who watched them incredulously. While they looked to be unconcerned, Aurora was listening with all her might. A particular hostile looking group of people began moving forward down the hall, watching the company suspiciously.
Looking forward once more, Aurora noticed the greasy haired man whispering to the King again and she felt a little bit of fear rush into her body. She definitely did not like that man.
"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" The King asked in an ancient and feeble voice, looking at the smaller man in affirmation.
Gríma nodded and whispered, "A just question my liege." He then stood up and strode over to Gandalf. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Láthspell spell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest."
Aurora had to restrain herself from dashing forward and squashing the life from that worthless piece of vermin. How dare he speak to Gandalf like that! He was nothing but a disgusting little worm and he was acting in such a manner that showed he believed he was the king.
"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind you teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!" Gandalf snarled and raised his staff.
Gríma immediately began stepping back hissing angrily. "His staff! I told you to take his wizard's staff!"
At this moment the people who had been following the group began to attack. Aurora knew they must be in league with the disgusting worm. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and even Dan and Scott were punching and kicking and fighting. Before she could pick out her target, a hand was wrapped around her throat. She couldn't twist herself out of the grip, but she knew where to hit him. She bent her knee and lifted her foot behind her, kicking the man squarely in the groins. He cursed and fell over. Grinning, Aurora put her foot on his neck. It was a good thing that trick worked here too.
"Théoden, son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows." Gandalf said, power thick in his voice.
At these words, Gríma crawled forward, obviously in hopes of escape. Gimli caught him however and pinned him to the floor. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." Gimli growled.
"Harken to me! I release you from this spell!" Gandalf was crying.
And then the old King laughed. A laugh so menacing that it sent chills up Aurora's spine. The laughter even seemed to shake Gandalf whose eyes widened in surprise, as if he recognized it and he didn't like it at all.
"You have no power here Gandalf the Grey!" the voice called in mockery.
Gandalf stepped forward and threw off his cloak. Aurora's eyes were blinded and the man beneath her foot fidgeted uncomfortably.
"Argh!" gasped Théoden in surprise whilst being thrown back against his chair.
"I shall draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound." Gandalf called, pointing his staff directly at Théoden's chest.
What? Thought Aurora. Saruman was INSIDE the King's body? The thought made her shiver. It was too much like the Exorcist, a movie she had watched as a child and one that had scared her for years.
The sound of light footsteps entered the room and Aurora turned to see the lady clothed in white, dashing forward. Seeing the King being threatened, she tried to dash to his aide. Aragorn flung out his arm and whispered, "Wait."
Théoden spoke with the cold voice again. "If I go, Théoden dies."
Gandalf did not lower his staff and in a voice filled with anger said, "You could not kill ME and you will not kill HIM!"
He thrust his staff several times and each time the King slammed into the back of his throne.
"Rohan is mine!" Théoden called through clenched teeth.
"Be gone!" Gandalf roared and with a final thrust of his staff, Théoden slumped forward with a moan.
The woman tore herself away from Aragorn's grasp and dashed to his side, catching the old man before he fell. But then when Théoden lifted up his head again, Aurora could do nothing but gasp. He was transforming right before her very eyes! He had once been so old but the wrinkles slowly smoothed out and his eyes lost the diluted unawareness. His eyes showed clarity and recognition as he looked at the beautiful woman who had tears in her eyes.
"I know your face. Éowyn? Éowyn! My niece!" he asked.
Éowyn nodded, choking back tears of joy. Aurora felt her own tears slide down her cheeks. This was a man who looked like a king and the happy reunion made her heart fill with joy.
"Breathe the free air again my friend." Gandalf said, looking relaxed and, somehow, happier.
The king looked down at his trembling hands and whispered, "Dark have been my dreams of late."
"Your fingers would remember their old strength if they grasped your sword." Gandalf said.
Háma dashed forward and bowed before his King, holding out a beautiful sword. Théoden took this sword and held it up slowly, looking at it in the light.
Gríma, who had been watching all this with a troubled face, tried to escape yet again. Gimli, however, held him down. Théoden seemed to have noticed this and he looked down upon the worm with distaste. He beckoned Háma who only too obligingly grabbed Gríma by the scruff of the neck and dragged him to the great doors. Grinning, Aurora released her foot from the man's neck and followed them outside with the company, Théoden, and Éowyn.
Háma took no ease in throwing Gríma down the many flights of stairs. No matter how much the bastard deserved it, Aurora shuddered as he smacked into each stone. A crowd stood outside, lined up along the bottom of the stairs, craning their necks to get a better look.
"I have only ever served you, my lord!" the lying worm moaned.
"You would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" shouted Théoden in a voice filled with a deadly rage, still clutching his sword very tightly.
And with these words spoken he dashed forward, his sword raised and prepared to kill the man bowing before him. Aurora quickly turned her eyes. She had killed Orcs, but she had never yet seen a man be murdered. She had watched Boromir die, but she had not seen the blows that caused it. But Aragorn's voice filled her ears.
"No, my lord! No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account." And he held Théoden's arms back, stopping him.
Gríma took this opportunity to turn around and run through the crowd.
Suddenly Háma stepped forward. "Hail Théoden-King!" and he bowed before him. Cheering, the crowd also bowed in homage to their King. Aurora bowed in respect as well, and so did the rest of the members. Aragorn hesitated for only a second before he too kneeled.
The King, smiling, turned to go back into the hall but stopped short, looking puzzled.
"Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" he asked.
---
A/N: How was it? Please let me know! Thanks for reading!
Sparxlie Pixie: Thank you for liking my story. I appreciate your review. They don't always talk to formerly, but I guess they do a hell of a lot more than we do, huh? Don't worry. In one of the next chapters they revert to their natural way of talking, at least for a moment. Thanks again!
Alida: *gasp* another long, awesome review. Thank you so much! I really, really appreciate all your comments and helpful hints! I might just send you a chapter one of these nights and have you tell where the grammar rules apply. I would learn quite a bit, wouldn't I? I already have learned much from you! Thanks! And as always I love all your opinions and comments. I hope my writing has improved from the beginning of the story to now. It was my hope! Thanks again!
KnowInsight: Thanks for the smiley face. I take that it's a good sign! Thanks for the review!
Noa9: Lol. Yes, Dan is very lost. Poor guy. Thanks so much for your review!!
----
The small, protected village of Edoras stood upon a green hill that sat alone within a great valley with mountains rising on either side. Though the hill was green, there was also several, jagged rocks that managed to thrust their way out of its side. On the very top of this hill stood a great golden hall that Gandalf referred to as Meduseld. It was a beautiful building that looked somewhat like a miniature castle to Aurora. And surrounding this were homes that had smoke spilling merrily out of their chimneys.
"So it's Men who live here?" she asked Aragorn.
Aragorn nodded. "Yes. This is one of the Men countries. Gondor is another."
Aurora smiled. "And that's what you are King of?"
"That's what I am supposed to be King of."
"Aren't you glad to be somewhere with other people?" she asked, gazing at the village that was getting closer and closer.
"I love the elves almost as much." He said while inadvertently gripping a beautiful crystal necklace that hung from his throat and touching the brooch that Galadriel had given him.
Aurora had never seen the jewel before. It had always been tucked into his shirt but she immediately knew that it belonged to a woman. And judging by the reference to the brooch as well, the woman that was supposedly Galadriel's granddaughter. The one called Arwen, if Aurora's memory served her right.
"You love her, don't you?" Aurora asked quietly.
"Who?" Aragorn replied quickly, letting go of the necklace.
"Arwen. I think that's her name. I know she gave you the brooch and I am assuming the necklace too."
Aragorn sighed and nodded, but that was all. He didn't say anything the rest of the way as they galloped toward the defense wall of the village. Aurora didn't press the matter, figuring that it was something painful for him to discuss.
"Here dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind has been overthrown. He is already in Saruman's power." Gandalf said, indicating to Meduseld.
Aurora couldn't understand why they were going here if this Théoden was in league with Saruman. But she didn't say a word of her misgivings. Gandalf had his reason for being here and she was no longer the obnoxious, annoying, complaining girl that she had once been. Or last she hoped she wasn't.
"Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here." Gandalf called. He rode ahead of them on his beautiful white horse, Shadowfax. Aurora's feelings of misgiving increased.
Trying to take her mind off the upcoming village that no longer seemed like such a welcome place, she shifted her gaze to Legolas. His hair flew behind him in a regal looking way. Aurora frowned. She used to look at Legolas and get odd feelings in her stomach. But now, she didn't feel any of those things. She thought that he was one of the most gorgeous guys she had ever seen, there was no doubt in that. But that was all. There were no other feelings connected to him anymore. So she figured she had at last conquered her fears. She had defeated becoming a Mary Sue. Or so she hoped.
Turning, she looked to see what Dan and Scott were up to, riding to the left of them. They were still being very edgy with one another; not speaking and sitting as far away from the other as was possible on the horse. Her eyes focused on Scott and this is when Aurora's stomach DID give a horrible churn. She couldn't deny it anymore. Scott made her feel things in her heart and in her body that she never thought he would make her feel. She couldn't believe that she had hated someone so much her entire life and now she had these. . .feelings. She looked down and thought dryly, I guess after getting thrown into another world and being on a deadly adventure changes everything. Sighing, she turned to gaze at him again. Did he feel these things too? Or was she still "Dan's little sister" in his eyes? Suddenly Scott turned and looked at her. Their eyes connected for a moment and she quickly looked away, her face turning a brilliant shade of pink. She could feel his eyes gazing into her still, but she chose not to look his way.
They had finally reached the gates to the city. They were enormously tall and black, made of wood and stone. Gandalf called out to the guard and the door swung open, letting them pass through.
The first thing that Aurora noticed was a woman, clothed all in white standing on top of a stone balcony with steps on Meduseld. Her long blonde hair flew forward with the wind, slashing across her face. There was something oddly familiar about her features, but Aurora couldn't quite place a finger on it. The woman was looking in the distance but a flag suddenly tore off a pole and it began floating toward them. Her gaze shifted to the company and she watched them. Aurora shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny. The flag fell down and landed near their horse. Aragorn, who had been looking around the village, looked up. He gazed at the woman for a moment before looking away. And so did Aurora. She now took in the village and she felt an unpleasant feeling churn in her stomach. The roads were lined with people dressed in black and they were staring at the newcomers in a weary silence. It was eerie as they made their way through the lined streets of the deathly quiet city. Aurora couldn't believe she had actually been relieved to see it.
"You'd find more cheer in a graveyard." Gimli muttered from the horse behind them. Aurora nodded her head in a silent agreement. You could.
Aragorn's head twisted in front of her, looking back where the woman had stood. Aurora looked too, but she was already gone.
The company finally reached Meduseld and it was here that they got off their horses and began climbing the stone steps that led to great, golden doors. A man with grubby features and a bushy beard stepped forward, leading a few other men as well.
Aurora stood next to Scott who moved nearer to her protectively. She took notice of this and butterflies flew around her stomach, but she turned to look at Gandalf.
"Háma, the doorward." Gandalf muttered in answer to Aurora's questioning gaze.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden-King so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order of Gríma Wormtongue" Háma said to the group.
Gandalf nodded and handed them his sword, Glamdring. Turning, he indicated that the others should likewise surrender their weapons. All of them did it rather grudgingly. Aurora took off her arrows and bow, pulled out her sword, and several knives that she had kept in her boot. While she was stripping down her weapons, she glared at the guard who stood before her. He was looking at her in a way she didn't like. As if he didn't think a female should be with all these guys but it was an extreme turn on that she was. Scott noticed this look too and he walked over to her, standing by and looking at the man as if daring him to say something.
The man frowned, but the look of hunger did not leave his eyes. He took their weapons and piled them along with the rest in an impressive heap against the wall. Aragorn was giving over his sword, letting a man know that the sword was worth more than his life if anything happened to it. Gimli was having a heck of a time parting with his axe, but after quite a long moment of hesitation he handed it over. Legolas was glaring at the men as well, spinning his knives as he passed them forward.
Aurora noted with satisfaction that the guards were completely awed by the amount of weapons they carried. They had no idea what they'd been through, but they knew it must have been a lot. This made Aurora feel a certain degree of pride. She had survived a lot longer then she had ever had hopes to expect and in doing so, she had learned to defend herself like no other woman she knew.
"Your staff." Háma said, gesturing to Gandalf's magic staff.
Gandalf acted as though he didn't understand him at first. Then when he appeared to have gotten the drift he looked astounded. "Surely you will not part an old man from his walking stick?" Gandalf suddenly looked a lot feebler and old, as if the stick was his only means of support.
Aurora tried not to snort. Walking stick my ass. But she had to grant it to him. He really did look suddenly older then what he was, but Aurora knew better.
Háma looked suspicious and slightly annoyed, but he nodded his head in the direction of the doors, moving aside so that they could pass.
Trying not to grin, Aurora decided to play along with Gandalf's little game. She rushed forward in the manner of a granddaughter concerned for her elder and helped him hobble in. He looked very convincing Aurora had to admit. In reality, she knew that Gandalf probably had more energy, strength, and power than she had ten times over.
The hall was enormously big, but Aurora wasn't paying much attention to her surroundings. Her eyes were focused to the very end where two men sat, gazing at the newcomers. Aurora took an immediate dislike to a small one with greasy black hair who leaned forward and began whispering into the others' ear. "Gríma" Gandalf muttered. The other man sat on a throne and at first, Aurora couldn't see how he could possibly be alive. He looked so old and weary and his eyes stared at nothing. His robe hung in loose folds around his body and he gave only the slightest twitch when they walked into the hall.
Gandalf let go of Aurora's helping arm and began walking more straightforward to the King, his head held high.
"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden-King." Gandalf spoke loudly and clearly.
As he spoke these words, Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn began fanning out in each direction, pretending to survey the hall. She, Scott, and Dan took this as a hint and walked to the left, looking at the surroundings and the less then friendly looking people who watched them incredulously. While they looked to be unconcerned, Aurora was listening with all her might. A particular hostile looking group of people began moving forward down the hall, watching the company suspiciously.
Looking forward once more, Aurora noticed the greasy haired man whispering to the King again and she felt a little bit of fear rush into her body. She definitely did not like that man.
"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" The King asked in an ancient and feeble voice, looking at the smaller man in affirmation.
Gríma nodded and whispered, "A just question my liege." He then stood up and strode over to Gandalf. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Láthspell spell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest."
Aurora had to restrain herself from dashing forward and squashing the life from that worthless piece of vermin. How dare he speak to Gandalf like that! He was nothing but a disgusting little worm and he was acting in such a manner that showed he believed he was the king.
"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind you teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!" Gandalf snarled and raised his staff.
Gríma immediately began stepping back hissing angrily. "His staff! I told you to take his wizard's staff!"
At this moment the people who had been following the group began to attack. Aurora knew they must be in league with the disgusting worm. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and even Dan and Scott were punching and kicking and fighting. Before she could pick out her target, a hand was wrapped around her throat. She couldn't twist herself out of the grip, but she knew where to hit him. She bent her knee and lifted her foot behind her, kicking the man squarely in the groins. He cursed and fell over. Grinning, Aurora put her foot on his neck. It was a good thing that trick worked here too.
"Théoden, son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows." Gandalf said, power thick in his voice.
At these words, Gríma crawled forward, obviously in hopes of escape. Gimli caught him however and pinned him to the floor. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." Gimli growled.
"Harken to me! I release you from this spell!" Gandalf was crying.
And then the old King laughed. A laugh so menacing that it sent chills up Aurora's spine. The laughter even seemed to shake Gandalf whose eyes widened in surprise, as if he recognized it and he didn't like it at all.
"You have no power here Gandalf the Grey!" the voice called in mockery.
Gandalf stepped forward and threw off his cloak. Aurora's eyes were blinded and the man beneath her foot fidgeted uncomfortably.
"Argh!" gasped Théoden in surprise whilst being thrown back against his chair.
"I shall draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound." Gandalf called, pointing his staff directly at Théoden's chest.
What? Thought Aurora. Saruman was INSIDE the King's body? The thought made her shiver. It was too much like the Exorcist, a movie she had watched as a child and one that had scared her for years.
The sound of light footsteps entered the room and Aurora turned to see the lady clothed in white, dashing forward. Seeing the King being threatened, she tried to dash to his aide. Aragorn flung out his arm and whispered, "Wait."
Théoden spoke with the cold voice again. "If I go, Théoden dies."
Gandalf did not lower his staff and in a voice filled with anger said, "You could not kill ME and you will not kill HIM!"
He thrust his staff several times and each time the King slammed into the back of his throne.
"Rohan is mine!" Théoden called through clenched teeth.
"Be gone!" Gandalf roared and with a final thrust of his staff, Théoden slumped forward with a moan.
The woman tore herself away from Aragorn's grasp and dashed to his side, catching the old man before he fell. But then when Théoden lifted up his head again, Aurora could do nothing but gasp. He was transforming right before her very eyes! He had once been so old but the wrinkles slowly smoothed out and his eyes lost the diluted unawareness. His eyes showed clarity and recognition as he looked at the beautiful woman who had tears in her eyes.
"I know your face. Éowyn? Éowyn! My niece!" he asked.
Éowyn nodded, choking back tears of joy. Aurora felt her own tears slide down her cheeks. This was a man who looked like a king and the happy reunion made her heart fill with joy.
"Breathe the free air again my friend." Gandalf said, looking relaxed and, somehow, happier.
The king looked down at his trembling hands and whispered, "Dark have been my dreams of late."
"Your fingers would remember their old strength if they grasped your sword." Gandalf said.
Háma dashed forward and bowed before his King, holding out a beautiful sword. Théoden took this sword and held it up slowly, looking at it in the light.
Gríma, who had been watching all this with a troubled face, tried to escape yet again. Gimli, however, held him down. Théoden seemed to have noticed this and he looked down upon the worm with distaste. He beckoned Háma who only too obligingly grabbed Gríma by the scruff of the neck and dragged him to the great doors. Grinning, Aurora released her foot from the man's neck and followed them outside with the company, Théoden, and Éowyn.
Háma took no ease in throwing Gríma down the many flights of stairs. No matter how much the bastard deserved it, Aurora shuddered as he smacked into each stone. A crowd stood outside, lined up along the bottom of the stairs, craning their necks to get a better look.
"I have only ever served you, my lord!" the lying worm moaned.
"You would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" shouted Théoden in a voice filled with a deadly rage, still clutching his sword very tightly.
And with these words spoken he dashed forward, his sword raised and prepared to kill the man bowing before him. Aurora quickly turned her eyes. She had killed Orcs, but she had never yet seen a man be murdered. She had watched Boromir die, but she had not seen the blows that caused it. But Aragorn's voice filled her ears.
"No, my lord! No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account." And he held Théoden's arms back, stopping him.
Gríma took this opportunity to turn around and run through the crowd.
Suddenly Háma stepped forward. "Hail Théoden-King!" and he bowed before him. Cheering, the crowd also bowed in homage to their King. Aurora bowed in respect as well, and so did the rest of the members. Aragorn hesitated for only a second before he too kneeled.
The King, smiling, turned to go back into the hall but stopped short, looking puzzled.
"Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" he asked.
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A/N: How was it? Please let me know! Thanks for reading!