The road to Rohan was long, Caitlin was quickly learning;
scenes that seemed to take only moments in the movie took much longer in
real time.
They took three days to reach sight of the Golden Hall.
And on the third they galloped across the final stretch of flat grassland that lay just before the city limits. Caitlin felt a nervousness as she ducked under the archway that lad her through the gates to the cities houses and various businesses. The air was dark and the people moved about their lives as shadows, their faces a gloom of sorrow and fear that crept out of the woodwork of the buildings and people like a disease awaiting its next victim.
"you'll, find more cheer in a graveyard." Said Gimli under his breath.
Their horses reached the uppermost part of the mountain and the entrance to the Golden Hall where guards immediately approached them, three came up to them, one for each horse and five more lingered behind. The five behind, each had their hands draped across their sheathed weapons, ready for any wrong move these strangers might make.
"What is your Business here." stated the guard at Aragorn and Gimlis horse.
"We seek counsel with your king." Said Aragorn as he slid off his horse. Gimli did the same. The guards became more tense and agitated as all the company dropped down to the ground from their horses.
"This way." He said as others led them from the horses up the stairs. The other guards followed them from behind. Caitlin felt something that itched at her in the back of her mind; it made her weary of their presence as she came to the doorway.
Two guards met them at the entrance as the other eight followed from behind.
"I cannot let you in, so armed." Said one of the guards.
Aragorn started the apprehensive relinquishing of their weapons,
first with his dagger, handing it to the guard. Gimli started next
pulling his ax from his back and handing it over.
Caitlin felt an uneasiness as she began unbuckling her belt and
handing it over to the guards, they took it, peering at the hilt of
her sword, at its elven designs and then at her. They seemed to be
trying to determine where she was from, certainly not Gondor, though
she was unquestionably human. Her features were fair as an elven born
and her garb was that of a traveling wood elf;
Yet unlike the elf she traveled with, she was in dire need of a bath,
as her human companion was. Her ears were not pointed as the elfs yet
she carried herself with the dignity and grace of one of their kin.
Her hair was a golden blonde as their people of Rohan, a distinction
among the species of middle earth, one that separated them from any
other human kind, yet even her hair, was different, its golden weave
was of three separate colors that seemed from a distance to be only
the sun playing among the strands. But up close it was apparent that
three colors existed in its make up. One of a dark blonde that resided
mostly underneath, another lighter color of the suns kiss on the upper
and middle sections of her long flowing hair, and yet a third, a color
of bright golden white blonde that caressed only a few strands that
framed her face and some that streamed down from behind. All three
colors flowed together as a symphony of one hair color yet it was
something the Rohan People had never seen before.
Their glances lingered longer than she felt comfortable with as she
entered the Golden Hall. Gandalf persuaded the guard to let him keep
his staff as he entered.
As they approached, the weary state of the king brought a pale tone to
Caitlin's face. King Theoden son of Thenel. The seventeenth king of
Rohan. He possessed a powerful and decisive personality, a strong
character and a high charisma. He was a powerful warrior and king, a
true leader in the most virtuous since of the word. Caitlin admired
this man in his courage and dignity as a ruler, his passion for his
country spread beyond hope of victory.
For Caitlin, seeing him vulnerable and fail brought her to such a
state that her eyes cast themselves from his face. His trembling
fingers were wrinkled and shriveled as they rest upon the arm piece of
his throne.
Grima stepped forth as Gandalf approached; Caitlin's hands bound
themselves into a fist as the pale of death in his face came toward
them. His words struck no cord of importance as he spoke and Gandalf
responded. She fought back her desire to fly in rage at grimas black
figure as it stood there.
The evil of this man brought a foul taste to the air and as gandalf
revealed himself as the white wizard and Grima ordered the attack of
the guards Caitlin let loose her anger.
"AAARGH!!!" She yelled as she flew at him. Her face that of one who
knew every small measure of evil this creature of blackness had done
to these noble and graceful people. He backed away as she came
toward, her rage shining through as she reached a powerful arm out and
took hold of his thin pale neck. She squeezed hard, slamming him into
the pillar just behind him; she came inches from his face and without
a word spit.
"You are not worthy of the title 'human' you filth, I know of your
treachery and should I have the fortune of encountering you again I
shall take such privilege in removing you from this earth as it may be
a better and more beautiful place without you walking upon it." She
said, her anger and discuss of this man showed by the white-knuckle
grip she held fast against his neck. Grimas eyes filled with surprise
and fear of this unknown woman who held him so tightly in rage, he
felt her knowledge in the look she gave him, in the feeling of her
presence. He attempted to get away but she brutally kicking his
kneecap sending his face smashing into the hard stone ground.
She looked around to see the fighting subside and Theodens strength
rekindled. Eowyn ran to his side as his awareness returned to him.
His eyes fell to her face and his hand came up to her cheek as a spark
of realization came over him. "I know your face." He said as he
caressed her cheek.
Theoden looks up "Gandalf?"
"Breath the free air again my friend." Said Gandalf
"Dark have been my dreams of late." Said Theoden as he stood wearily.
Caitlin stepped forth, unable to hold back her words or inspiration at
the sight before her.
"Hama!" she yelled to the guard at the front door. Hamas attention was
brought to her word as she called his name, with a look of surprise.
"The king would remember his old strength better....if they grasped his
sword." She yelled with a bold and confident air to her tone.
Hama came quickly to his kings throne, extending his sword forth for
theoden to grasp.
Theoden grasps his sword, pulling it from its sheath, the blade
bright.
His eyes darkened a he turned to Grima, "you, you filthy maggot."
Grima tried to escape Caitlin's grasp, and she released him as he
stumbled away from the king, toward the door.
Theoden grasped Grima and with an extraordinary show of strength flung
him across the remaining part of the hall, over the outside patio and
down the stone stair. Grima tumbled to the bottom with Theoden quick
on his tail
"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a
beast!"
Theoden raised his sword, intent on killing Grima, Caitlin had
expected Aragorn to be right their to stop him but as she stood
watching the scene play out she found that he was to far away, though
he began heading toward them to stop the killing, Caitlin reacted
instantly, grabbing Theodens hand and preventing his blow.
"No, My Lord! My Lord Theoden. Let him go. I know of the evils he has
done to your people but enough blood has been spilled on his account."
The surrounding crowd though taken aback by the sudden reappearance or
their true and honorable leader, kneel with respect and a relief as
though a burden has been suddenly lifted. Caitlin kneels with them and
sees that in the distance, Aragorn also kneels.
"Where is my son." He said as his eyes scanned the room for the
familiar face of Theadrid.
The funeral lasted for more than an hour; many people grieved and
Caitlin thought that any son of Theodens must have been of great
character.
The grieving continued in the hall as Theoden and Gandalf spoke
outside at eh gravesite. Caitlin sat in the dining hall with the
others when she remembered the boy and girl who would be arriving any
moment, she rushed I out of the hall.
"Oh, god, the children." She muffled under her breath as she left.
"Where is she going in such a hurry?" asked Gimli as he watched her
dash out of the hall.
She ran down the stair to the stabled where Asufeld was nestled in a
stable.
She opened the gate to his stall, his feet were restless as though he
knew of her eagerness and urgency, she paused a moment, peering at
him. Then she jumped on his back, rushing swiftly out the doorway to
the open road, toward the spot that the children would be found.
She waited for only a moment before she saw the figure of their horse
from over the horizon, off in the distance.
"yahh!" she yelled as she took off in a gallop toward them.
Her horse reached them and she turned quickly meeting their pace. They
were both exhausted, the young boy most of all, his eyes were glazed
over, his strength gone, they looked at her and she took the reigns,
easing the horse to a stop.
"Who are you." Said the girl as Caitlin took the young boy from the
horse to fest in her lap.
"I am a friend, my name is Caitlin I am here to help you." She said in
a voice that sounded friendly and kind to the children, as the girl
also moved to sit with her on Asufeld.
"That's a funny name." Said the girl
"Why don't you have a saddle or reigns?" she said again.
"Because Asufeld knows to be very careful and he knows where to go."
She looked across the land she had just come across, Rohan was just
over the ridge but she could not see it yet, "hold on." She said. The
boy laid his head on her shoulder wrapping his arms around her as he
fell into sleep. She took the reigns from around the other horses neck
so she could lead him with her right hand as she held the children
with her right.
"Lets go." She said squeezing with her legs, Asufeld trotted along
then went into a canter and Caitlin made certain to hold fast to the
children as she went. She reached sight of the city once more to find
Legolas and Aragorn heading in her direction on horseback.
They reached her and she stopped. "These children will need food and
rest." She said as she handed the reigns to Aragorn.
"Here, I will take her." said Legolas reaching out his hands. Caitlin
lifted her up and handed her to Legolas.
"What's your name?" she said,
"My name is Legolas." He said as they continued.
"Why are your ears so pointy?" she said as they cantered along.
Legolas looked at Caitlin as the girl asked her endless questions.
"I am an elf, we all have ears like this." He said as they reached the
entrance to the hall, where two people met them, taking the girl from
his lap. "Bye." She said as she was carried off.
"Goodbye." He said with a smile and a wave.
"Oh, don't worry I have him." Said Caitlin to the man who stood to
take the young boy. She slowly slid from Asufeld. The boy fast asleep
in her arms, clinging to her.
She left the gravel and cold of the outside as he lay at rest in her
arms, following the attendant, into the golden hall. She received many
uncertain looks from those she passed as she made her way to a back
room where a bed awaited them. She lay him down gently, and he curled
up in the sheets.
"He will be alright?" asked Legolas as he placed a hand on her
shoulder and they both peered at him, sleeping.
Caitlin turned to him. "Yes, and he will be reunited with his mother
soon," she said as they left the room, heading once more to the throne
room.
"....AND HOW DID SHE KNOW THEY WOULD BE COMING FROM THAT DIRECTION. I
MUST SAY THIS GREATLY DISTURBS ME...." Yelled Hama as he, Theoden and
three guards stood facing Gimli, Aragron, and Gandalf who sat at the
table listening to them.
Their backs faced Caitlin and legolas who came into the middle of the
conversation.
"....I DO NOT QUESTION YOUR WISDOM MITHRINDIR, BUT YOU HAVE BEEN
FORTHCOMING ABOUT ALL YOUR COMPANIONS EXEPT THIS STRANGE 'GIRL' WHO
SEEMS TO TRAVEL WITH YOU AS AN EQUAL IN BOTH BATTLE AND DECISION...."
"I thought it wise to let her explain herself in her own way, it is
not for me to decide how little or how much information to give of a
friend." He said
"WHY IS IT THAT YOU ALL REVEAR HER SO, WHY DOES SHE HAVE SUCH SWAY
OVER YOUR WORDS, SHE MUST BE SOME SPY OF SOURON......"
"NOW WAIT JUST A MINUTE, how dare you....."Said Gimli, getting up in
response to Hamas insulting words.
Aragorn and Theoden did the same, but it was to subdue the argument.
"Gimli..."said Aragorn, placing a hand on his chest to ease the dwarves
tensions. "These are friends...
"Hama, that is enough...." Said the king who came over to him to cease
his words.
Caitlin interrupted them all. " AM I TRULY A WORTHY SUBJECT OF SUCH
PASSION!" she yelled, trying to be heard over the noise in the room.
Everyone quieted down, as Hama, the guards and Theoden turned to see
her and Legolas standing there.
"Thank you for your silence." She said walking over to hama and king
theoden. Hama placed a weary hand on his sword as she approached
causing her to feel it more polite to stay where she was as well as
causing Legolas to join her side swiftly. He stood watching Hamas hand
carefully.
"Anything you wish to know that would ease your distrust of me, I
invite you to ask me now." She said in a stern voice.
"How do you know these things?" he said.
"I have the burden of foresight, I know much of the future." she said
"It is impossible, their has not been a human with the sight for
thousands of years, and even then it was in an elderly and wise, man,
whose years had given him the ability to understand his foresight."
Said Hama
But Theoden approached her without a skeptical gaze. "You saw the
children's arrival through this gift?" he asked.
"Yes my lord." She said as she stood tall.
"Can you give me some proof of this, some tool by which I may believe
this without question." He said.
"There is little I may freely tell you. I have a quest of my own that
must be fulfilled and the destiny of this world must not be changed."
She thought for a moment, thinking of something that would be
inconsequential to the main story line. "They will meet their mother
again." She said.
"The children, their mother is alright?"
"Yes." She said, "wild men are roaming across your lands through the
westfold, they destroy everything they encounter, they were sent by
sauromon."
"I will leave you to your own devises, I have my own task to do." She
said as she excused herself from the room. Legolas began to fallow but
she held up her hand telling him to stay, she knew they would discuss
war, the fate of Rohan, the decision to go to Helms deep. At least she
hoped they would, she had told Theoden of the wild men earlier than he
would have otherwise known. The children were both sleeping in the
back room, and had told them nothing of the fall of the village yet.
Caitlin hoped to accelerate the travels to helms deep, with any luck,
they would be able to reach helms deep earlier, prepare for the battle
better. Now was the time Caitlin had to keep her wits about her,
things were acceleration quickly and she had to be on her toes. Alert
and ready, for anything.
She headed swiftly into the back, through some dark corridors lit only
by torches that lined the hallways, until she reached the door to a
tall wooden doorway.
She knocked on it, "Eowyn, are you there." She said.
She heard movement inside the room and then a key in the lock, the
door opened slightly and Eowyn revealed herself, dressed in the same
brown and blue dress she would wear on the trip to Helms deep.
"Hello, Eowyn, my name is Caitlin, I...."
"Yes, you are in Lord Aragorns company." She said as she opened the
door wider to allow Caitlin to enter. "I was eager to meet you, I know
we have not been properly introduced." She said as she smiled
brightly.
"Thank you." said Caitlin.
Eowyn carried herself as true royalty, with grace and poise. Caitlin
realized how dirty and ragged she looked, not like this noble, strong
horsewoman who stood before her. Eowyn was the equal if not superior
to most men with a sword in her county, and it angered her that even
though the men knew this, they still kept her from defending her
country. She truly was a shield maiden of Rohan. Eowyn was idealistic
and spirirted and a worthy warrior.
"I know my appearance is not the best, but I have been traveling for
many days, but I also wanted to introduce myself. Women in my land
have heard of you, and many of their lives have been shaped by your
courage and enthusiasm. I felt it my duty to represent them in shaking
your hand," she said as she put out her hand.
Eowyn was confused but knew that many customs varied from country to
country so she also reached out her hand, Caitlin took it and gave her
a handshake.
"And to say that I hope to get to know you, I think you will find we
are not so different, and I hope you may one day call me friend." She
said with a smile.
Eowyn smiled. "That is a great compliment, to know that I have
influenced many in your land, but I don't see how my deeds have been
so renowned." She said.
"In these dark days, simply the act of knowing what is right and good,
is courage." said Caitlin.
"So what brought you to travel in such company, I have never heard of
a woman warrior before, except among the elven kind." She said as she
looked at the sword and dagger Caitlin carried.
"Do you not consider yourself a warrior?" said Caitlin with surprise.
"Shield maidens do not fight in battles." She said.
"So how do you know I have fought, this could just be a ceremonial
kind of sword." She said with a small laugh.
But Eowyn remained serious and looked at Caitlin with an air of
certainty. "You carry yourself as one who not only has fought in
battles but has also lead others into war, in truth, you reminded me
of Theoden as you came in here." she said.
Caitlin was so shocked; her breath was stolen away from her. To be
compared to such a king, such a noble and proud leader.....
'Knock knock knock'
Someone was at the door, calling Caitlin from her thoughts.
"Yes" said Eowyn. Two guards came into the room.
"The city has been ordered to empty." Said one of them.
"Oh," said Caitlin. "Excuse me my lady." Said Caitlin as she rushed
out the door and headed to the stables.
Meanwhile in the stables
"There is no way out out of that ravine, Theoden is walking into a
trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a
massacre, theoden has a strong will but I fear for him. I ear for the
survival of Rohan. There must be some good in this if Caitlin is not
interfering in this action but what that is I do not know. He will
need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you.
The defenses HAVE to hold." Said Gandalf as he stroked Shadowfax
"They will hold," said Aragorn.
"Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to
the East." He said mounting Shadowfax.
"Go." Said Aragorn,
Legolas jumps back as he leaps out of the stables to the open road.
"Caitlin, you have just missed Gandalf." Said Legoals as he sees her
approach,
"Has he gone after Eomer." She said,
"Yes." Interrupts Aragorn.
"Why, should he have not?" he asked.
"No, her should have, but not later than this, it was imperative that
he leave as soon at the announcement of our departure, I come to make
sure of that." she said as she leaned over the stable doorway,
watching shadowfax disappear into he distance. Aragron looks out for a
moment and then leaves, to return to the Golden Hall, and Eowyn.
Caitlin sighs as Gandalf vanishes from sight over the hillside.
Legolas looks at her as he strokes Asufeld, then comes up behind her and wraps his comforting arms around her neck and shoulders. He leans over and rests his head on top of hers. "It will be alright." He said,
Caitlin turns around to face him. "What's all this about, I never said I was sad." She said. As Legolas released her and went back to loading up his things on the horse he had been given tot ride.
"Ah, but you didn't have to." He said with a smile. "I know that when Gandalf arrived that you felt a weight lifted from your shoulders, because there were two members of the group who had wisdom and foresight, and there were two people everyone could look up to. Not just you, and not just him as it was before" He said as he continued to load his things, "but now that he has gone, and there are difficult decisions to be made, with only your wisdom, there are even more people, thousands, and word has spread through out he city of your gift, and now many more will rely on your knowledge, many who do not understand that you cannot just freely give it away." He said turning to her.
Legolas was exactly right, that was what she felt, though she hadn't been able to put it into words herself. The pressure on her was great, it was almost worse that no one had asked her to tell them of the future, they just stared at her, some with pleading faces, who were scared and uncertain, so desperate for some sense that things would be alright. Others with looks of hate and disgust, which saw her as a strange witch, who maliciously withheld knowledge from them to torcher their minds. She felt their eyes, their thoughts of sadness and displeasure at her. Through all of this she still had to stand tall, and confidently look at what her task was. She had to clear her mind and be able to make rational, competent decisions.
As she looked at Legolas who knew her so well, she felt the strain overtaking her. This was a huge undertaking, it weighed her down, and without the help of Gandalf at her side, she felt the pressure even more so.
"Legoals," she said. Her voice tired. He looked up and stopped what he was doing. "Legolas, would you.... I feel... I just..." her words became more soft as she spoke, and to him, she seemed to get smaller as she stood there in the middle of the room.
He put down his things, discarding them, as his only task now was to reach her.
His arms engulfed her and she leaned into his embrace, feeling her tired mind let go of their responsibilities for at least a moment. She felt it safe to be flawed, when he was with her.
"It's alright to not know what to do." He said.
"I know, you just have to keep reminding me." She said.
Legolas kissed her head and moved even closer into the embrace. "It's alright to not know what to do." He said again. As they continued the embrace.
Ok this is a long chapter for me, it took much effort, but I hope I have introduced the characters well.
As for where I get my elvish: well I don't know if they are still online or not but it is a web site: www.grey-company.org I printed out the vocabulary and some other phrases, I try to piece together sentences using that and another resource which is unfortunately unavailable to you all is my mother. If you all don't know, I am in collage and my mother, who now is a lawyer, for many years was a hippy/geek, who initially went for a language degree and has learned elvish fluently, (though they didn't teach her the elvish in school or anything.) she is now going back to school to get a degree which has recently become available, in tolkein mythology and all his writing and stuff, but I think her specialty will be the tolkien language think, because she just blows my mind whenever her and her friends come over and they sit around talking in elvish. It is just; well its freaky is what it is. So chow for now Love ya all Aiko alima
They took three days to reach sight of the Golden Hall.
And on the third they galloped across the final stretch of flat grassland that lay just before the city limits. Caitlin felt a nervousness as she ducked under the archway that lad her through the gates to the cities houses and various businesses. The air was dark and the people moved about their lives as shadows, their faces a gloom of sorrow and fear that crept out of the woodwork of the buildings and people like a disease awaiting its next victim.
"you'll, find more cheer in a graveyard." Said Gimli under his breath.
Their horses reached the uppermost part of the mountain and the entrance to the Golden Hall where guards immediately approached them, three came up to them, one for each horse and five more lingered behind. The five behind, each had their hands draped across their sheathed weapons, ready for any wrong move these strangers might make.
"What is your Business here." stated the guard at Aragorn and Gimlis horse.
"We seek counsel with your king." Said Aragorn as he slid off his horse. Gimli did the same. The guards became more tense and agitated as all the company dropped down to the ground from their horses.
"This way." He said as others led them from the horses up the stairs. The other guards followed them from behind. Caitlin felt something that itched at her in the back of her mind; it made her weary of their presence as she came to the doorway.
Two guards met them at the entrance as the other eight followed from behind.
"I cannot let you in, so armed." Said one of the guards.
Aragorn started the apprehensive relinquishing of their weapons,
first with his dagger, handing it to the guard. Gimli started next
pulling his ax from his back and handing it over.
Caitlin felt an uneasiness as she began unbuckling her belt and
handing it over to the guards, they took it, peering at the hilt of
her sword, at its elven designs and then at her. They seemed to be
trying to determine where she was from, certainly not Gondor, though
she was unquestionably human. Her features were fair as an elven born
and her garb was that of a traveling wood elf;
Yet unlike the elf she traveled with, she was in dire need of a bath,
as her human companion was. Her ears were not pointed as the elfs yet
she carried herself with the dignity and grace of one of their kin.
Her hair was a golden blonde as their people of Rohan, a distinction
among the species of middle earth, one that separated them from any
other human kind, yet even her hair, was different, its golden weave
was of three separate colors that seemed from a distance to be only
the sun playing among the strands. But up close it was apparent that
three colors existed in its make up. One of a dark blonde that resided
mostly underneath, another lighter color of the suns kiss on the upper
and middle sections of her long flowing hair, and yet a third, a color
of bright golden white blonde that caressed only a few strands that
framed her face and some that streamed down from behind. All three
colors flowed together as a symphony of one hair color yet it was
something the Rohan People had never seen before.
Their glances lingered longer than she felt comfortable with as she
entered the Golden Hall. Gandalf persuaded the guard to let him keep
his staff as he entered.
As they approached, the weary state of the king brought a pale tone to
Caitlin's face. King Theoden son of Thenel. The seventeenth king of
Rohan. He possessed a powerful and decisive personality, a strong
character and a high charisma. He was a powerful warrior and king, a
true leader in the most virtuous since of the word. Caitlin admired
this man in his courage and dignity as a ruler, his passion for his
country spread beyond hope of victory.
For Caitlin, seeing him vulnerable and fail brought her to such a
state that her eyes cast themselves from his face. His trembling
fingers were wrinkled and shriveled as they rest upon the arm piece of
his throne.
Grima stepped forth as Gandalf approached; Caitlin's hands bound
themselves into a fist as the pale of death in his face came toward
them. His words struck no cord of importance as he spoke and Gandalf
responded. She fought back her desire to fly in rage at grimas black
figure as it stood there.
The evil of this man brought a foul taste to the air and as gandalf
revealed himself as the white wizard and Grima ordered the attack of
the guards Caitlin let loose her anger.
"AAARGH!!!" She yelled as she flew at him. Her face that of one who
knew every small measure of evil this creature of blackness had done
to these noble and graceful people. He backed away as she came
toward, her rage shining through as she reached a powerful arm out and
took hold of his thin pale neck. She squeezed hard, slamming him into
the pillar just behind him; she came inches from his face and without
a word spit.
"You are not worthy of the title 'human' you filth, I know of your
treachery and should I have the fortune of encountering you again I
shall take such privilege in removing you from this earth as it may be
a better and more beautiful place without you walking upon it." She
said, her anger and discuss of this man showed by the white-knuckle
grip she held fast against his neck. Grimas eyes filled with surprise
and fear of this unknown woman who held him so tightly in rage, he
felt her knowledge in the look she gave him, in the feeling of her
presence. He attempted to get away but she brutally kicking his
kneecap sending his face smashing into the hard stone ground.
She looked around to see the fighting subside and Theodens strength
rekindled. Eowyn ran to his side as his awareness returned to him.
His eyes fell to her face and his hand came up to her cheek as a spark
of realization came over him. "I know your face." He said as he
caressed her cheek.
Theoden looks up "Gandalf?"
"Breath the free air again my friend." Said Gandalf
"Dark have been my dreams of late." Said Theoden as he stood wearily.
Caitlin stepped forth, unable to hold back her words or inspiration at
the sight before her.
"Hama!" she yelled to the guard at the front door. Hamas attention was
brought to her word as she called his name, with a look of surprise.
"The king would remember his old strength better....if they grasped his
sword." She yelled with a bold and confident air to her tone.
Hama came quickly to his kings throne, extending his sword forth for
theoden to grasp.
Theoden grasps his sword, pulling it from its sheath, the blade
bright.
His eyes darkened a he turned to Grima, "you, you filthy maggot."
Grima tried to escape Caitlin's grasp, and she released him as he
stumbled away from the king, toward the door.
Theoden grasped Grima and with an extraordinary show of strength flung
him across the remaining part of the hall, over the outside patio and
down the stone stair. Grima tumbled to the bottom with Theoden quick
on his tail
"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a
beast!"
Theoden raised his sword, intent on killing Grima, Caitlin had
expected Aragorn to be right their to stop him but as she stood
watching the scene play out she found that he was to far away, though
he began heading toward them to stop the killing, Caitlin reacted
instantly, grabbing Theodens hand and preventing his blow.
"No, My Lord! My Lord Theoden. Let him go. I know of the evils he has
done to your people but enough blood has been spilled on his account."
The surrounding crowd though taken aback by the sudden reappearance or
their true and honorable leader, kneel with respect and a relief as
though a burden has been suddenly lifted. Caitlin kneels with them and
sees that in the distance, Aragorn also kneels.
"Where is my son." He said as his eyes scanned the room for the
familiar face of Theadrid.
The funeral lasted for more than an hour; many people grieved and
Caitlin thought that any son of Theodens must have been of great
character.
The grieving continued in the hall as Theoden and Gandalf spoke
outside at eh gravesite. Caitlin sat in the dining hall with the
others when she remembered the boy and girl who would be arriving any
moment, she rushed I out of the hall.
"Oh, god, the children." She muffled under her breath as she left.
"Where is she going in such a hurry?" asked Gimli as he watched her
dash out of the hall.
She ran down the stair to the stabled where Asufeld was nestled in a
stable.
She opened the gate to his stall, his feet were restless as though he
knew of her eagerness and urgency, she paused a moment, peering at
him. Then she jumped on his back, rushing swiftly out the doorway to
the open road, toward the spot that the children would be found.
She waited for only a moment before she saw the figure of their horse
from over the horizon, off in the distance.
"yahh!" she yelled as she took off in a gallop toward them.
Her horse reached them and she turned quickly meeting their pace. They
were both exhausted, the young boy most of all, his eyes were glazed
over, his strength gone, they looked at her and she took the reigns,
easing the horse to a stop.
"Who are you." Said the girl as Caitlin took the young boy from the
horse to fest in her lap.
"I am a friend, my name is Caitlin I am here to help you." She said in
a voice that sounded friendly and kind to the children, as the girl
also moved to sit with her on Asufeld.
"That's a funny name." Said the girl
"Why don't you have a saddle or reigns?" she said again.
"Because Asufeld knows to be very careful and he knows where to go."
She looked across the land she had just come across, Rohan was just
over the ridge but she could not see it yet, "hold on." She said. The
boy laid his head on her shoulder wrapping his arms around her as he
fell into sleep. She took the reigns from around the other horses neck
so she could lead him with her right hand as she held the children
with her right.
"Lets go." She said squeezing with her legs, Asufeld trotted along
then went into a canter and Caitlin made certain to hold fast to the
children as she went. She reached sight of the city once more to find
Legolas and Aragorn heading in her direction on horseback.
They reached her and she stopped. "These children will need food and
rest." She said as she handed the reigns to Aragorn.
"Here, I will take her." said Legolas reaching out his hands. Caitlin
lifted her up and handed her to Legolas.
"What's your name?" she said,
"My name is Legolas." He said as they continued.
"Why are your ears so pointy?" she said as they cantered along.
Legolas looked at Caitlin as the girl asked her endless questions.
"I am an elf, we all have ears like this." He said as they reached the
entrance to the hall, where two people met them, taking the girl from
his lap. "Bye." She said as she was carried off.
"Goodbye." He said with a smile and a wave.
"Oh, don't worry I have him." Said Caitlin to the man who stood to
take the young boy. She slowly slid from Asufeld. The boy fast asleep
in her arms, clinging to her.
She left the gravel and cold of the outside as he lay at rest in her
arms, following the attendant, into the golden hall. She received many
uncertain looks from those she passed as she made her way to a back
room where a bed awaited them. She lay him down gently, and he curled
up in the sheets.
"He will be alright?" asked Legolas as he placed a hand on her
shoulder and they both peered at him, sleeping.
Caitlin turned to him. "Yes, and he will be reunited with his mother
soon," she said as they left the room, heading once more to the throne
room.
"....AND HOW DID SHE KNOW THEY WOULD BE COMING FROM THAT DIRECTION. I
MUST SAY THIS GREATLY DISTURBS ME...." Yelled Hama as he, Theoden and
three guards stood facing Gimli, Aragron, and Gandalf who sat at the
table listening to them.
Their backs faced Caitlin and legolas who came into the middle of the
conversation.
"....I DO NOT QUESTION YOUR WISDOM MITHRINDIR, BUT YOU HAVE BEEN
FORTHCOMING ABOUT ALL YOUR COMPANIONS EXEPT THIS STRANGE 'GIRL' WHO
SEEMS TO TRAVEL WITH YOU AS AN EQUAL IN BOTH BATTLE AND DECISION...."
"I thought it wise to let her explain herself in her own way, it is
not for me to decide how little or how much information to give of a
friend." He said
"WHY IS IT THAT YOU ALL REVEAR HER SO, WHY DOES SHE HAVE SUCH SWAY
OVER YOUR WORDS, SHE MUST BE SOME SPY OF SOURON......"
"NOW WAIT JUST A MINUTE, how dare you....."Said Gimli, getting up in
response to Hamas insulting words.
Aragorn and Theoden did the same, but it was to subdue the argument.
"Gimli..."said Aragorn, placing a hand on his chest to ease the dwarves
tensions. "These are friends...
"Hama, that is enough...." Said the king who came over to him to cease
his words.
Caitlin interrupted them all. " AM I TRULY A WORTHY SUBJECT OF SUCH
PASSION!" she yelled, trying to be heard over the noise in the room.
Everyone quieted down, as Hama, the guards and Theoden turned to see
her and Legolas standing there.
"Thank you for your silence." She said walking over to hama and king
theoden. Hama placed a weary hand on his sword as she approached
causing her to feel it more polite to stay where she was as well as
causing Legolas to join her side swiftly. He stood watching Hamas hand
carefully.
"Anything you wish to know that would ease your distrust of me, I
invite you to ask me now." She said in a stern voice.
"How do you know these things?" he said.
"I have the burden of foresight, I know much of the future." she said
"It is impossible, their has not been a human with the sight for
thousands of years, and even then it was in an elderly and wise, man,
whose years had given him the ability to understand his foresight."
Said Hama
But Theoden approached her without a skeptical gaze. "You saw the
children's arrival through this gift?" he asked.
"Yes my lord." She said as she stood tall.
"Can you give me some proof of this, some tool by which I may believe
this without question." He said.
"There is little I may freely tell you. I have a quest of my own that
must be fulfilled and the destiny of this world must not be changed."
She thought for a moment, thinking of something that would be
inconsequential to the main story line. "They will meet their mother
again." She said.
"The children, their mother is alright?"
"Yes." She said, "wild men are roaming across your lands through the
westfold, they destroy everything they encounter, they were sent by
sauromon."
"I will leave you to your own devises, I have my own task to do." She
said as she excused herself from the room. Legolas began to fallow but
she held up her hand telling him to stay, she knew they would discuss
war, the fate of Rohan, the decision to go to Helms deep. At least she
hoped they would, she had told Theoden of the wild men earlier than he
would have otherwise known. The children were both sleeping in the
back room, and had told them nothing of the fall of the village yet.
Caitlin hoped to accelerate the travels to helms deep, with any luck,
they would be able to reach helms deep earlier, prepare for the battle
better. Now was the time Caitlin had to keep her wits about her,
things were acceleration quickly and she had to be on her toes. Alert
and ready, for anything.
She headed swiftly into the back, through some dark corridors lit only
by torches that lined the hallways, until she reached the door to a
tall wooden doorway.
She knocked on it, "Eowyn, are you there." She said.
She heard movement inside the room and then a key in the lock, the
door opened slightly and Eowyn revealed herself, dressed in the same
brown and blue dress she would wear on the trip to Helms deep.
"Hello, Eowyn, my name is Caitlin, I...."
"Yes, you are in Lord Aragorns company." She said as she opened the
door wider to allow Caitlin to enter. "I was eager to meet you, I know
we have not been properly introduced." She said as she smiled
brightly.
"Thank you." said Caitlin.
Eowyn carried herself as true royalty, with grace and poise. Caitlin
realized how dirty and ragged she looked, not like this noble, strong
horsewoman who stood before her. Eowyn was the equal if not superior
to most men with a sword in her county, and it angered her that even
though the men knew this, they still kept her from defending her
country. She truly was a shield maiden of Rohan. Eowyn was idealistic
and spirirted and a worthy warrior.
"I know my appearance is not the best, but I have been traveling for
many days, but I also wanted to introduce myself. Women in my land
have heard of you, and many of their lives have been shaped by your
courage and enthusiasm. I felt it my duty to represent them in shaking
your hand," she said as she put out her hand.
Eowyn was confused but knew that many customs varied from country to
country so she also reached out her hand, Caitlin took it and gave her
a handshake.
"And to say that I hope to get to know you, I think you will find we
are not so different, and I hope you may one day call me friend." She
said with a smile.
Eowyn smiled. "That is a great compliment, to know that I have
influenced many in your land, but I don't see how my deeds have been
so renowned." She said.
"In these dark days, simply the act of knowing what is right and good,
is courage." said Caitlin.
"So what brought you to travel in such company, I have never heard of
a woman warrior before, except among the elven kind." She said as she
looked at the sword and dagger Caitlin carried.
"Do you not consider yourself a warrior?" said Caitlin with surprise.
"Shield maidens do not fight in battles." She said.
"So how do you know I have fought, this could just be a ceremonial
kind of sword." She said with a small laugh.
But Eowyn remained serious and looked at Caitlin with an air of
certainty. "You carry yourself as one who not only has fought in
battles but has also lead others into war, in truth, you reminded me
of Theoden as you came in here." she said.
Caitlin was so shocked; her breath was stolen away from her. To be
compared to such a king, such a noble and proud leader.....
'Knock knock knock'
Someone was at the door, calling Caitlin from her thoughts.
"Yes" said Eowyn. Two guards came into the room.
"The city has been ordered to empty." Said one of them.
"Oh," said Caitlin. "Excuse me my lady." Said Caitlin as she rushed
out the door and headed to the stables.
Meanwhile in the stables
"There is no way out out of that ravine, Theoden is walking into a
trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a
massacre, theoden has a strong will but I fear for him. I ear for the
survival of Rohan. There must be some good in this if Caitlin is not
interfering in this action but what that is I do not know. He will
need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you.
The defenses HAVE to hold." Said Gandalf as he stroked Shadowfax
"They will hold," said Aragorn.
"Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to
the East." He said mounting Shadowfax.
"Go." Said Aragorn,
Legolas jumps back as he leaps out of the stables to the open road.
"Caitlin, you have just missed Gandalf." Said Legoals as he sees her
approach,
"Has he gone after Eomer." She said,
"Yes." Interrupts Aragorn.
"Why, should he have not?" he asked.
"No, her should have, but not later than this, it was imperative that
he leave as soon at the announcement of our departure, I come to make
sure of that." she said as she leaned over the stable doorway,
watching shadowfax disappear into he distance. Aragron looks out for a
moment and then leaves, to return to the Golden Hall, and Eowyn.
Caitlin sighs as Gandalf vanishes from sight over the hillside.
Legolas looks at her as he strokes Asufeld, then comes up behind her and wraps his comforting arms around her neck and shoulders. He leans over and rests his head on top of hers. "It will be alright." He said,
Caitlin turns around to face him. "What's all this about, I never said I was sad." She said. As Legolas released her and went back to loading up his things on the horse he had been given tot ride.
"Ah, but you didn't have to." He said with a smile. "I know that when Gandalf arrived that you felt a weight lifted from your shoulders, because there were two members of the group who had wisdom and foresight, and there were two people everyone could look up to. Not just you, and not just him as it was before" He said as he continued to load his things, "but now that he has gone, and there are difficult decisions to be made, with only your wisdom, there are even more people, thousands, and word has spread through out he city of your gift, and now many more will rely on your knowledge, many who do not understand that you cannot just freely give it away." He said turning to her.
Legolas was exactly right, that was what she felt, though she hadn't been able to put it into words herself. The pressure on her was great, it was almost worse that no one had asked her to tell them of the future, they just stared at her, some with pleading faces, who were scared and uncertain, so desperate for some sense that things would be alright. Others with looks of hate and disgust, which saw her as a strange witch, who maliciously withheld knowledge from them to torcher their minds. She felt their eyes, their thoughts of sadness and displeasure at her. Through all of this she still had to stand tall, and confidently look at what her task was. She had to clear her mind and be able to make rational, competent decisions.
As she looked at Legolas who knew her so well, she felt the strain overtaking her. This was a huge undertaking, it weighed her down, and without the help of Gandalf at her side, she felt the pressure even more so.
"Legoals," she said. Her voice tired. He looked up and stopped what he was doing. "Legolas, would you.... I feel... I just..." her words became more soft as she spoke, and to him, she seemed to get smaller as she stood there in the middle of the room.
He put down his things, discarding them, as his only task now was to reach her.
His arms engulfed her and she leaned into his embrace, feeling her tired mind let go of their responsibilities for at least a moment. She felt it safe to be flawed, when he was with her.
"It's alright to not know what to do." He said.
"I know, you just have to keep reminding me." She said.
Legolas kissed her head and moved even closer into the embrace. "It's alright to not know what to do." He said again. As they continued the embrace.
Ok this is a long chapter for me, it took much effort, but I hope I have introduced the characters well.
As for where I get my elvish: well I don't know if they are still online or not but it is a web site: www.grey-company.org I printed out the vocabulary and some other phrases, I try to piece together sentences using that and another resource which is unfortunately unavailable to you all is my mother. If you all don't know, I am in collage and my mother, who now is a lawyer, for many years was a hippy/geek, who initially went for a language degree and has learned elvish fluently, (though they didn't teach her the elvish in school or anything.) she is now going back to school to get a degree which has recently become available, in tolkein mythology and all his writing and stuff, but I think her specialty will be the tolkien language think, because she just blows my mind whenever her and her friends come over and they sit around talking in elvish. It is just; well its freaky is what it is. So chow for now Love ya all Aiko alima