Chapter32

And so we were off to Edoras, seeking Theoden king. It was a rather un-enjoyable experience as well. I, myself was riding with Gandalf, and his mouth remained closed the entire time.

I tried squirming, and asking indirect questions, but noooooooo. He would not say a thing.

And so I settled into the smooth, and steady gate of Shadowfax, and into darkish dreams. I am now confidently saying that they were sent by a certain stubborn Elf. As I had not headed Galadriel's warning about the destroy this and that balderdash.

My pendent was precious to me, and the last thing that I possessed that was made by the elves. Except for my cloak that is, and almost everyone got one of those. I had nothing left.

No token of Pippin, no bow, or arrows, no books, no kin, and only half of my hair(if that). And NOW she says destroy my pendant. Grrrrreeaat.

In my dreams, (and there were several) all had a gruesome ending. Me with only one arm, the shire taken by orcs, Pippin without his head....I mean, just how bitchy can one elf be?

But in the end, after thinking it over, I decided that she was probably right, which was now starting to become standard, and I could have kicked myself for thinking it would be otherwise.

That, combined with the thoughts of my pendent being 'precious' to me. I shudder at the word, at the very thought and meaning behind it.

And so, as we stop and rest for the night, I take off the pendant, and smash it violently with a rock. The stone shatters as if it was made of glass, and there is a strange hissing sound, then the silver that the stone was inset in began to quiver, and melt away. Rolling off the rock in tiny molten balls.

All that is left of that once beautiful piece of jewelry is a length of ruddy silver chain. Which I fling into the fire with vehemence.

Now I'm angry. She gave me that stupid thing. If she knew it was going to have to be destroyed, why did she give it to me at all?

I didn't get any rest that night.

OOO

We continued on in the morning. I opted to ride with Aragorn this day, and I was the better for it. His horse's gate was rocky, but Aragorn's words were light and good. He was a good companion.

Of late we had reached the gates of Edoras. We were halted by many guards in chain mail, with just a few curt words in tongue of the Ridden Mark

Aragorn tensed, and his arm circled my small waist, seeming to protect me from these strangers.

We talked with them for a few moments, or Aragorn and Gandalf did anyway. The leader of the Guards still questioned our intentions, though, and he sped away to ask the permission of his king.

He was shortly returned, and the gate was opened. Then it got even better. Once we got to the doors, we were asked to rid ourselves of any weapon that we might hearsay possess.

Legolas was an example, trusting his Elven weapons over to the door-guards willingly. Aragorn was next, Gimli, last. Gandalf gave everything but his staff. Saying it a walking stick.

The men then eyed me curiously. "I have to weapons. Mine were pilfered." I said through clenched teeth. I was eager to get away from their prying eyes. I omitted the fact that I had a rather small dagger hidden in my boot.

We entered. The hall was dimly lit, and my eyes adjusted poorly. Eventually I could see that this was a rich place indeed. With its stark white pillars, woven tapestries, and different hued stone floor.

I trod slowly, keeping my eyes out for watchers, or discontentment of the men in here. I was well hidden behind my companions then I saw the King. He looked beyond ancient, and was bent double, looking small enough that he would almost pass for a dwarf. He had a long and gnarled white beard stretching out in front of him as well.

Gandalf began his parley, greeting Theoden courteously.

Theoden scoffed. Gandalf tried again, grasping for something to bargain with, to make the King take heed of and listen. Theoden would have none of it.

"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" He replied. I wanted to kick him.

"A just question, my Lord." Answered a sickly pale man sitting beside Theoden answered. I clenched my fists.

Gandalf tried again, and was informed that the Heir to the throne, Theoden's son, was slain, and that he should pretty much, stick it. This message was delivered by Wormtongue with a flourish, and a smirk.

I stepped out from the back to get a better view of the proceedings... and he saw me. Grima's gaze fixed itself to me and he started. He then became distracted from the talk, and when he answered, his voice shook, and faltered.

Gandalf suddenly rose up then, casting off his worn gray travel cloak. "You have become a witless worm, Grima son of Galmond, therefore be silent....And keep your forked tongue behind your teeth." Boomed Gandalf.

There was a flash of light, brighter than any lightning that I'll ever hope to see, and then Grima was sprawled face-first on the cold stone floor.

A change took place in the King then. And Gandalf once again offered his help. Theoden harkened, and slowly left his chair. The hall grew lighter, and suddenly a woman rushed to the King's side.

Theoden ordered the doors of the hall opened, and bid the woman leave his side. Gandalf reassured her, and she left. But before fleeing the hall completely, she stopped an looked back. She caught the gaze of Aragorn, and they studied each other.

Thereupon she looked to me, surprise, sadness and anger, mixed in her gaze. Then, she was gone.

I glared after her, watching as her river of golden hair splayed out behind her, and reached up tentatively, to feel my own ruined locks....

OOO

Later we dined. But I refused to attend, instead I spent my few precious hours in a tub. Scrubbing away the filth of the orcs encapture of me, the an the wearyness of the road. I worked on my hair till it squeaked, and my skin till it shone a bright clean pink.

I searched in my pack for something wearable and found a dusky blue skirt and shirt. I put on my cloak over that and headed towards the sound of merry and shouting men. It seems I had arrived just in time, as Theoden was just about to make his way to the armory to out fit Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn with mail and such.

Theoden arched his brows when he saw me, and I kicked myself for not just putting on a pair of clean breeches and tying my hair back.

"I assume I am to be outfitted as well?" I said hotly. Theoden looked to Gandalf like this was all a big joke or something. Gandalf nodded.

"But you can't mean...she's a woman...Why would one do such a thing?" He sputtered.

I caught Eomer eyeing me, and smiled at him, flashing my even white teeth. He smiled back.

"She is to be outfitted as well, Theoden King, she is also a part of my company." Answered Gandalf. I smirked. "She IS the representation for all of Middle Earth's women, mind you."

Theoden looked aghast, but when the time came, I was given a stout little shield, and good long dagger and belt, and a helm. Though I planned on never wearing it, it was distasteful to my look. I suppose I was a little vain, still.

Then there was the tinsey problem of who would ride with who. I must say, I was not at all upset with the arrangements when I ended up sharing a saddle with Legolas! (Laughs wickedly and maniacally)

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Author: Hope you liked it. I am starting to get back up to speed now. This is a rather sticky part of the story, and the book and the movie are quite different here. But I'll manage I suppose. Just please REVIEW. Or maybe next time, I'll be slower to update. And yes, that is a threat.

Uugh! I have only recieved 3 reviews on chap. 31. You're all lucky I'm updating before its due! Also, this chapter is not sitting well with me, I think perhaps I shall revise it and post a new one. Let me know what you think!

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