A Touch Never Felt
Disclaimer~ I do not own any of Tolkien's creations. I only own anything you don't recognize, so don't sue me. That would be really dire...Hehee.
Important~ NO FLAMES PERMITTED! You have been warned...
Chapter 3~ Théoden's Decision
I arrived home soon enough. It had felt faster than my journey to find the Rohirrim. It took me over a day to get there, but it wasn't that horrible. I had run into no danger whatsoever. It was scary, since the plains of Rohan were supposedly full of danger. Sure, I had gotten lost once on the way back, but when I saw Edoras come into view, I knew everything would be okay.
I rode Aldris through the gates and to the stables as quickly as I could. As soon as I made it inside, I rode him to his stall and dismounted him. I led him into his stall and removed his bridle and saddle, placing them on a rack. I then began to stroke his soft mane and smiled at him. "Thank you, boy. You've done so much for me." He neighed softly and nodded his head. "Was Legolas telling the truth about elves being real?" Aldris snorted. "Yeah, I don't know if I believe him. I'm not ever going to see him again, so it doesn't matter." I picked up my belongings and then started to walk out.
I slowly strolled up the hill toward the Golden Hall. My legs ached from riding for days and I couldn't even feel my behind anymore. My feet had also gone numb and I couldn't tell if I was walking or floating on air. I felt as if the air had been drained from me, but I still had enough energy to keep moving.
I made my way up the stairs and pushed open the doors to the throne room. What I saw made my mouth drop wide open. King Théoden looked like he was suffering. A man dressed in white stood before him. He held a white staff and seemed to have an incredible force surrounding him. I quickly ran forward to get a good look at what was happening. "If I go, Théoden dies!" the king said. His voice had changed though. It was more evil than I had ever heard.
When I tried to run to him, my arms were grabbed and I found myself in a pair of stronger arms. My back was pressed against a man's chest, but I knew exactly who it was when I looked at the arms that held me. I glanced up and saw the same pair of deep blue eyes I had seen a day or so earlier. It was Legolas...the "elf". I kept trying to move out of his grasp, but no avail. He was too physically powerful for me to handle.
I glanced around and saw that Gríma was lying on the ground being terrorized by Gimli and Aragorn was holding onto Eowyn. She seemed to want to reach Théoden too. I finally got a fair look at the man who was still speaking to the king. He had shoulder-length white hair and a beard. "You did not kill me...you will not kill him," the man said as he drove his staff toward Théoden again. The king was obviously in pain and cringed.
Suddenly, the man drove his staff forward again and Théoden fell back against his throne and screamed. He then began to slump over and Eowyn ran forward to catch him. I stood there silently. Sure, I kept wiggling to try and escape the "elf's" grasp, but it didn't do me any good. I looked up at him and he had a stern look on his face. It was somewhat terrifying, yet I wasn't scared. I took another look back at Théoden and my mouth gaped at the sight. He no longer looked like the old man, but young. His hair had turned back to its blonde color and his beard was short and clean cut. I was in awe. Eowyn was kneeling before him, her eyes watering. "I know your face," he said in almost a whisper, yet I heard him, "Eowyn...Eowyn." She cupped his face with her hands and smiled. When the king looked up, he saw the white man who had saved his life. "Gandalf?" he asked.
"Breathe the free air again, my friend," he replied. Wait, Gandalf? As in Gandalf the Grey, the wizard? But...he was white now? I looked at the wizard with a bewildered look and then turned my attention back to King Théoden. He slowly staggered to his feet and looked around his throne room. "Dark have been my dreams of late," he said softly.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better...if they grasped your sword," Gandalf stated. Gamling, one of the soldiers, came forward carrying the king's sword. He held it before him and everyone watched as Théoden unsheathed it slowly and held it before his own eyes. I felt a single tear fall from my eyes, but I quickly masked my emotions. I was always told that I was fabulous at hiding how I feel. Even Ronin found it difficult to know when I wanted a kiss from him, or when I just needed a hug. I loved him so much.
I then realized that I was still being held captive by Legolas' vice grip. I struggled again, but he still refused to release me. That was it. It had been a few minutes and he still wouldn't liberate me from his hold. I quickly stepped on his foot and moved to elbow him in the stomach. Unfortunately, he had anticipated my move and caught my elbow with his hand. "Damn," I muttered under my breath. I knew he was smiling at his victory. He didn't know this, but he was the only person to ever stop a hit from me. That was puzzling. No one could EVER stop me before...why now...why him? I then whipped my body around within his grasp so I faced him. "Unhand me," I whispered, "Now..." He simply bowed his head and let go. I brushed myself off and glared at him. "You could have just let me go before," I said.
"You didn't ask me to. If that's what you wanted, I would have complied," the "elf" said with a slight smile, though he hid his expression quickly. He was able to pull that trick as well as I could. That sent a shiver though my entire spine. I had never met anyone who could do that.
My eyes then caught hold of the king. I followed his gaze and saw that he was glaring daggers at Gríma. Two soldiers picked up the slime ball and dragged him out of the throne room. He was struggling, but it did no good. Everyone ran out after them and I made it just in time to see him be thrown down the stairs. I cringed slightly, knowing that it was a painful fall. I had taken that same fall once before. I'm surprised he didn't break something. His lip had been split, but nothing more. King Théoden slowly made his way down the steps, holding his sword. "I've only ever served you, my Lord," Gríma said terrified.
"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" Théoden said angrily.
"Send me not from your side," Gríma begged. I watched as the king lifted his sword as if to strike down upon the traitor. I smiled at the thought of Gríma being killed. This man had been so cruel and devious that he became a nuisance. The king's blade swept through the air at a violent speed, its steel glowing brightly in the rays of sunlight shining down on us. A smile graced my lips until I saw Aragorn run forward and catch the sword before it hit Gríma. "No, my Lord! No, my Lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account." Was this man crazy? He would let Gríma Wormtongue leave peacefully? My smile faded and turned into a glare as the ranger tried to help the slime ball stand. Gríma spit on Aragorn's hand and darted away as fast as he could. "Get out of my way!" he shouted as he made his way through the crowd.
"Hail Théoden King!" Aragorn shouted. As Wormtongue rode his black horse out the gates of Edoras, everyone kneeled before the king. I bowed my head and then looked at Eowyn. She stood next to me and smiled reassuringly. I suddenly felt a chill course through my body when I looked at Théoden again. He turned and faced us. "Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" he asked in a whisper.
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We slowly walked down a hill toward Théodred's tomb. I had changed into a black dress that had flowing sleeves and a gold trim around the square neckline. I walked beside Aragorn quietly and kept my eyes on the ground. I held back my tears as we reached the tomb. Théodred's lifeless body was then carried toward the door of the stone tomb that was built into a small hill. The hill was covered in a white flower called the Simbelmynë.
Eowyn began singing some song that I could barely understand:
"Bealocwealm hafað fréone frecan forth onsended
giedd sculon singan gléomenn sorgiende
on Meduselde þæt he ma no wære
his dryhtne dyrest and mæga deorost.
Bealo...
('An evil death has set forth the noble warrior
A song shall sing sorrowing minstrels
in Meduseld that he is no more,
to his lord dearest and kinsmen most belover.
'An evil death...)
She was struggling to sing clearly through her tears and it made my heart sink. When my eyes gazed upon Théodred, I froze. He was extremely pale and there was no more life present in his body. He had been such a kind soul and always made me laugh when I was younger. Tears formed in my eyes. I could no longer mask my emotions. I suddenly felt a hand on my bare shoulder. When I looked up, a tear streamed down my face as I looked upon Legolas. "I'm sorry for your loss," he whispered.
"Thank you," I choked out. Warm tears were flowing freely down my face. I stared aimlessly up at Legolas and then looked at the ground. I felt my chin being lifted back up and my gaze was suddenly upon his face again. He lifted a finger and wiped the tears away from my face as Eowyn continued her song of sorrow. I immediately turned my head away and watched as Théodred was placed into his tomb before walking away from the funeral unnoticed.
I changed into a long navy blue dress and stood in my room, staring aimlessly out the window and a soft wind blew by. It was so soothing to be home again...though something felt as if it was missing. I always felt like that. My cheeks were stained from freshly fallen tears. I had been crying more and more each minute. My gaze was suddenly drawn down to Théodred's tomb once again. I could see the king and the White Wizard standing there silently grieving.
Théoden lifted a white flower into the air and then released it from his hand. It spiraled to the ground and lay amongst the other flowers. "Simbelmynë. Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forbearers," Théoden said as he looked at Gandalf, "Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas, that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see the last days of my house."
"Théodred's death was not of your making," the wizard said gently.
"No parent should have to bury their child." Théoden knelt down on the ground and covered his face with his hands. It was difficult for him. He had lost a son and did nothing to try and stop it, though it was not his fault that Saruman had possessed him. It was no one's fault. "He was strong in life. His spirit will find its way to the halls of your fathers," Gandalf whispered, "Westu hál. Ferðu, Théodred, Ferðu (Be-thou well. Go- thou, Théodred, go-thou)." The wizard turned back and looked at Edoras. I could see him clearly looking up at me with a puzzled look on his face. I reluctantly closed the wooden doors on my window and locked them, not knowing what could be the problem.
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I strolled down the stairs slowly, listening to the soft rustle my dress made on the steps. It was actually the only sound I could here through the stone hallways. I had been accustomed to the Golden Hall's sounds, but this was far too quiet for my liking. As I made my way to the throne room, I heard Eowyn speaking. "They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree."
"Where's mama?" I heard a young girl ask. I quickly ran into the room, but stayed in the shadows to avoid being seen. I saw Théoden sitting on his throne with Gandalf sitting beside him. Eowyn stood at a wooden table with two children. They all looked frightened. "What happened?" I mumbled to myself. I then turned my attention to another table and saw Aragorn sitting there smoking a pipe. Gimli was eating a meal across from him and Legolas was leaning against a pillar behind the ranger with his arms crossed. "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children," Gandalf said as he placed a hand on Théoden's chair. The king eyed it warily as the wizard continued to speak. I knew why he was scared...Gríma used to place his hand there and take advantage of him. "You must fight," the wizard said.
"You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king," the Aragorn interrupted.
"They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us," Théoden said as he stood up and walked in front of the ranger.
"Éomer CAN help us!" I shouted as I stepped out of the shadows, my fists clenched firmly at my sides, "He would never let us die."
"You can't be sure of that," the king said.
"He and Ronin would never let anything happen."
"FORGET RONIN!" Eowyn shouted.
"It's not that simple, Eowyn," I said calmly, "He cares for me...and he cares for his country. Nothing bad will happen to us."
"Ronin is not coming back for you!" she yelled.
"I saw him...and he kissed my cheek. He still loves me!"
"He loves being away from you...that's what he loves. He loves his job." I stared at Eowyn with wide eyes. She had never spoken to me in such a harsh tone. She had always been so kind to me, but she was different now. "You know what, Eowyn?"
"What?" she asked, her voice still tainted from her vile attitude.
"I think you're jealous of me. You may have brought me up well, but you've never even been in love, so you wouldn't understand it. Just because you're older than me doesn't mean you understand it well enough to-"
"ENOUGH, both of you!" Théoden shouted as he looked at both of us. I immediately clenched my fists harder, but relaxed them for I could not raise my voice to my King. He glared at me silently and then looked at Aragorn. "I know what it is that you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
"Open war is upon you...whether you would risk it or not," the ranger said as he took his pipe out of his mouth. My eyes widened as Théoden took a step toward where Aragorn sat. "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan." For some bizarre reason, my attention had been drawn to Legolas. He stood still, his arms now hanging by his sides, his body tense. I knew this was trouble. If the king made one wrong move, that "elf" would pounce on him and kill if necessary to protect his friend. "Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked.
"We leave for Helms Deep," Théoden said as he turned his head and faced the wizard, "We depart in the morning."
Disclaimer~ I do not own any of Tolkien's creations. I only own anything you don't recognize, so don't sue me. That would be really dire...Hehee.
Important~ NO FLAMES PERMITTED! You have been warned...
Chapter 3~ Théoden's Decision
I arrived home soon enough. It had felt faster than my journey to find the Rohirrim. It took me over a day to get there, but it wasn't that horrible. I had run into no danger whatsoever. It was scary, since the plains of Rohan were supposedly full of danger. Sure, I had gotten lost once on the way back, but when I saw Edoras come into view, I knew everything would be okay.
I rode Aldris through the gates and to the stables as quickly as I could. As soon as I made it inside, I rode him to his stall and dismounted him. I led him into his stall and removed his bridle and saddle, placing them on a rack. I then began to stroke his soft mane and smiled at him. "Thank you, boy. You've done so much for me." He neighed softly and nodded his head. "Was Legolas telling the truth about elves being real?" Aldris snorted. "Yeah, I don't know if I believe him. I'm not ever going to see him again, so it doesn't matter." I picked up my belongings and then started to walk out.
I slowly strolled up the hill toward the Golden Hall. My legs ached from riding for days and I couldn't even feel my behind anymore. My feet had also gone numb and I couldn't tell if I was walking or floating on air. I felt as if the air had been drained from me, but I still had enough energy to keep moving.
I made my way up the stairs and pushed open the doors to the throne room. What I saw made my mouth drop wide open. King Théoden looked like he was suffering. A man dressed in white stood before him. He held a white staff and seemed to have an incredible force surrounding him. I quickly ran forward to get a good look at what was happening. "If I go, Théoden dies!" the king said. His voice had changed though. It was more evil than I had ever heard.
When I tried to run to him, my arms were grabbed and I found myself in a pair of stronger arms. My back was pressed against a man's chest, but I knew exactly who it was when I looked at the arms that held me. I glanced up and saw the same pair of deep blue eyes I had seen a day or so earlier. It was Legolas...the "elf". I kept trying to move out of his grasp, but no avail. He was too physically powerful for me to handle.
I glanced around and saw that Gríma was lying on the ground being terrorized by Gimli and Aragorn was holding onto Eowyn. She seemed to want to reach Théoden too. I finally got a fair look at the man who was still speaking to the king. He had shoulder-length white hair and a beard. "You did not kill me...you will not kill him," the man said as he drove his staff toward Théoden again. The king was obviously in pain and cringed.
Suddenly, the man drove his staff forward again and Théoden fell back against his throne and screamed. He then began to slump over and Eowyn ran forward to catch him. I stood there silently. Sure, I kept wiggling to try and escape the "elf's" grasp, but it didn't do me any good. I looked up at him and he had a stern look on his face. It was somewhat terrifying, yet I wasn't scared. I took another look back at Théoden and my mouth gaped at the sight. He no longer looked like the old man, but young. His hair had turned back to its blonde color and his beard was short and clean cut. I was in awe. Eowyn was kneeling before him, her eyes watering. "I know your face," he said in almost a whisper, yet I heard him, "Eowyn...Eowyn." She cupped his face with her hands and smiled. When the king looked up, he saw the white man who had saved his life. "Gandalf?" he asked.
"Breathe the free air again, my friend," he replied. Wait, Gandalf? As in Gandalf the Grey, the wizard? But...he was white now? I looked at the wizard with a bewildered look and then turned my attention back to King Théoden. He slowly staggered to his feet and looked around his throne room. "Dark have been my dreams of late," he said softly.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better...if they grasped your sword," Gandalf stated. Gamling, one of the soldiers, came forward carrying the king's sword. He held it before him and everyone watched as Théoden unsheathed it slowly and held it before his own eyes. I felt a single tear fall from my eyes, but I quickly masked my emotions. I was always told that I was fabulous at hiding how I feel. Even Ronin found it difficult to know when I wanted a kiss from him, or when I just needed a hug. I loved him so much.
I then realized that I was still being held captive by Legolas' vice grip. I struggled again, but he still refused to release me. That was it. It had been a few minutes and he still wouldn't liberate me from his hold. I quickly stepped on his foot and moved to elbow him in the stomach. Unfortunately, he had anticipated my move and caught my elbow with his hand. "Damn," I muttered under my breath. I knew he was smiling at his victory. He didn't know this, but he was the only person to ever stop a hit from me. That was puzzling. No one could EVER stop me before...why now...why him? I then whipped my body around within his grasp so I faced him. "Unhand me," I whispered, "Now..." He simply bowed his head and let go. I brushed myself off and glared at him. "You could have just let me go before," I said.
"You didn't ask me to. If that's what you wanted, I would have complied," the "elf" said with a slight smile, though he hid his expression quickly. He was able to pull that trick as well as I could. That sent a shiver though my entire spine. I had never met anyone who could do that.
My eyes then caught hold of the king. I followed his gaze and saw that he was glaring daggers at Gríma. Two soldiers picked up the slime ball and dragged him out of the throne room. He was struggling, but it did no good. Everyone ran out after them and I made it just in time to see him be thrown down the stairs. I cringed slightly, knowing that it was a painful fall. I had taken that same fall once before. I'm surprised he didn't break something. His lip had been split, but nothing more. King Théoden slowly made his way down the steps, holding his sword. "I've only ever served you, my Lord," Gríma said terrified.
"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" Théoden said angrily.
"Send me not from your side," Gríma begged. I watched as the king lifted his sword as if to strike down upon the traitor. I smiled at the thought of Gríma being killed. This man had been so cruel and devious that he became a nuisance. The king's blade swept through the air at a violent speed, its steel glowing brightly in the rays of sunlight shining down on us. A smile graced my lips until I saw Aragorn run forward and catch the sword before it hit Gríma. "No, my Lord! No, my Lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account." Was this man crazy? He would let Gríma Wormtongue leave peacefully? My smile faded and turned into a glare as the ranger tried to help the slime ball stand. Gríma spit on Aragorn's hand and darted away as fast as he could. "Get out of my way!" he shouted as he made his way through the crowd.
"Hail Théoden King!" Aragorn shouted. As Wormtongue rode his black horse out the gates of Edoras, everyone kneeled before the king. I bowed my head and then looked at Eowyn. She stood next to me and smiled reassuringly. I suddenly felt a chill course through my body when I looked at Théoden again. He turned and faced us. "Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" he asked in a whisper.
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We slowly walked down a hill toward Théodred's tomb. I had changed into a black dress that had flowing sleeves and a gold trim around the square neckline. I walked beside Aragorn quietly and kept my eyes on the ground. I held back my tears as we reached the tomb. Théodred's lifeless body was then carried toward the door of the stone tomb that was built into a small hill. The hill was covered in a white flower called the Simbelmynë.
Eowyn began singing some song that I could barely understand:
"Bealocwealm hafað fréone frecan forth onsended
giedd sculon singan gléomenn sorgiende
on Meduselde þæt he ma no wære
his dryhtne dyrest and mæga deorost.
Bealo...
('An evil death has set forth the noble warrior
A song shall sing sorrowing minstrels
in Meduseld that he is no more,
to his lord dearest and kinsmen most belover.
'An evil death...)
She was struggling to sing clearly through her tears and it made my heart sink. When my eyes gazed upon Théodred, I froze. He was extremely pale and there was no more life present in his body. He had been such a kind soul and always made me laugh when I was younger. Tears formed in my eyes. I could no longer mask my emotions. I suddenly felt a hand on my bare shoulder. When I looked up, a tear streamed down my face as I looked upon Legolas. "I'm sorry for your loss," he whispered.
"Thank you," I choked out. Warm tears were flowing freely down my face. I stared aimlessly up at Legolas and then looked at the ground. I felt my chin being lifted back up and my gaze was suddenly upon his face again. He lifted a finger and wiped the tears away from my face as Eowyn continued her song of sorrow. I immediately turned my head away and watched as Théodred was placed into his tomb before walking away from the funeral unnoticed.
I changed into a long navy blue dress and stood in my room, staring aimlessly out the window and a soft wind blew by. It was so soothing to be home again...though something felt as if it was missing. I always felt like that. My cheeks were stained from freshly fallen tears. I had been crying more and more each minute. My gaze was suddenly drawn down to Théodred's tomb once again. I could see the king and the White Wizard standing there silently grieving.
Théoden lifted a white flower into the air and then released it from his hand. It spiraled to the ground and lay amongst the other flowers. "Simbelmynë. Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forbearers," Théoden said as he looked at Gandalf, "Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas, that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live to see the last days of my house."
"Théodred's death was not of your making," the wizard said gently.
"No parent should have to bury their child." Théoden knelt down on the ground and covered his face with his hands. It was difficult for him. He had lost a son and did nothing to try and stop it, though it was not his fault that Saruman had possessed him. It was no one's fault. "He was strong in life. His spirit will find its way to the halls of your fathers," Gandalf whispered, "Westu hál. Ferðu, Théodred, Ferðu (Be-thou well. Go- thou, Théodred, go-thou)." The wizard turned back and looked at Edoras. I could see him clearly looking up at me with a puzzled look on his face. I reluctantly closed the wooden doors on my window and locked them, not knowing what could be the problem.
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I strolled down the stairs slowly, listening to the soft rustle my dress made on the steps. It was actually the only sound I could here through the stone hallways. I had been accustomed to the Golden Hall's sounds, but this was far too quiet for my liking. As I made my way to the throne room, I heard Eowyn speaking. "They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree."
"Where's mama?" I heard a young girl ask. I quickly ran into the room, but stayed in the shadows to avoid being seen. I saw Théoden sitting on his throne with Gandalf sitting beside him. Eowyn stood at a wooden table with two children. They all looked frightened. "What happened?" I mumbled to myself. I then turned my attention to another table and saw Aragorn sitting there smoking a pipe. Gimli was eating a meal across from him and Legolas was leaning against a pillar behind the ranger with his arms crossed. "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children," Gandalf said as he placed a hand on Théoden's chair. The king eyed it warily as the wizard continued to speak. I knew why he was scared...Gríma used to place his hand there and take advantage of him. "You must fight," the wizard said.
"You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king," the Aragorn interrupted.
"They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us," Théoden said as he stood up and walked in front of the ranger.
"Éomer CAN help us!" I shouted as I stepped out of the shadows, my fists clenched firmly at my sides, "He would never let us die."
"You can't be sure of that," the king said.
"He and Ronin would never let anything happen."
"FORGET RONIN!" Eowyn shouted.
"It's not that simple, Eowyn," I said calmly, "He cares for me...and he cares for his country. Nothing bad will happen to us."
"Ronin is not coming back for you!" she yelled.
"I saw him...and he kissed my cheek. He still loves me!"
"He loves being away from you...that's what he loves. He loves his job." I stared at Eowyn with wide eyes. She had never spoken to me in such a harsh tone. She had always been so kind to me, but she was different now. "You know what, Eowyn?"
"What?" she asked, her voice still tainted from her vile attitude.
"I think you're jealous of me. You may have brought me up well, but you've never even been in love, so you wouldn't understand it. Just because you're older than me doesn't mean you understand it well enough to-"
"ENOUGH, both of you!" Théoden shouted as he looked at both of us. I immediately clenched my fists harder, but relaxed them for I could not raise my voice to my King. He glared at me silently and then looked at Aragorn. "I know what it is that you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
"Open war is upon you...whether you would risk it or not," the ranger said as he took his pipe out of his mouth. My eyes widened as Théoden took a step toward where Aragorn sat. "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan." For some bizarre reason, my attention had been drawn to Legolas. He stood still, his arms now hanging by his sides, his body tense. I knew this was trouble. If the king made one wrong move, that "elf" would pounce on him and kill if necessary to protect his friend. "Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked.
"We leave for Helms Deep," Théoden said as he turned his head and faced the wizard, "We depart in the morning."