(Sequel to the redemption of the dark ones)
Author: WarladyFandom: Tolkien
Rating: MA
Disclaimer: The Banshee is part of Celtic Mythology. The Lord of the Rings belongs to Tolkien State. Special Warnings: Heterosexual mild to graphic contents. If you don't like Gríma Wormtongue at all I fully recommend not reading this.
Beta: Mayetra
Cast: Gríma Wormtongue, The Banshee, The Fairy Folk
Timeline: Happily ever after is a novelty for Gríma. His new life is under a sudden menace and he has to learn to conquer his demons to stay with his beloved one.
Author's Note: This is for those who, like me, have a special crush on the hopeless ones.
War.
Three letters that had marked the destiny of many, many nations. For me, it meant death, decay, horror… and darkness. I had known a place full of wonders, a paradise settle in the middle of the sea, away from misery, untouched by decease and corruption. Avalon was a haven, a place where nothing died or got old, where people could live happy forever… and all have changed the minute I put my feet on it.
It figures. Through all my life, joy has been denied to me, or taken away, just like a cruel joke from destiny.
I swear I did everything I could to try to make Banshee change her decision. I failed miserably, because I had miscalculated the animosity she held against her brother.
Certainly, I hated Willow with a passion, and would gladly kill him a million times, granting the most painful and slow death possible each time. But, I measured carefully my position and knew that killing the Queen's son was a luxury I could not permit to myself, so declaring war on his dominion surely surpassed my most wild nightmares.
"Banshee, you were not thinking clearly. You know that if you expose this case before your Mother she would solve it. A war is not necessary." I tried, even when her face told volumes about her firmness in the matter.
"I will not take my words away. By offending you he humiliated me as well, and all the people of this land. He asked for it, so be it." And that was final. Only then I realized how stubborn she could be.
It was the last time I had this conversation with her, because I was growing tired of her negatives.
Robin and Oona got the same answer. Over and over again they talked to her, but she dismissed their advice. After a few days they admitted their failure.
"I tell you, Gríma, you married the most obstinate Fairy in Avalon." Robin said while he climbed into the carriage that would take him and Oona to Tara, the capital of Avalon.
I was alone, because Banshee had excused herself, explaining that she was not feeling well. What kind of illness was this? She never told me. But I admitted that probably she didn't want to be present when they left, especially since they had fallen from her grace because of their attempts to make her change her resolution.
"I reckon that her claim is fair, but her ways are wrong. She does it because she loves you, Gríma, but she is going just too far." Oona said, a hint of deep sorrow on her face.
"Yes, I know, but she left me no option, I have to be at her side, in the happy times as in the bleak ones." And I was serious. She had not abandoned me, even in my darkest hour, so I planned to be with her till the end.
"Don't worry, my friend, we will take the news to Queen Mab, she will know what to do." Robin was trying to infuse optimism into my troubled soul.
I nodded, hope renewed. Perhaps Queen Mab, with her old wisdom, would find a way out from all this chaos.
With this, we shared our farewells, and I watched their carriage head towards the city gates.
War. That was an innate repulsiveness in just the sound of this word. When I had asked Gavin about the ways of Fairy battles, he explained lots of things… and left me in the darkness. So many details, so many rules. There was more protocol involved than was used for royal audiences or council.
He was so proud! The army was ready, and they had sworn loyalty to their Prince and Princess. 'They would die for your honour, my Lord." Gavin told to me, a smile on his face. What a revolting smile! He was happy about this… mess.
I moved away from the practice field, searching for some peace from the uproar that was thick in the air.
Banshee had been evading my presence, lately. Even our lovemaking was lacking. She was not cold… but distant. Often, I found her watching the sky at late hours, with a strange gleam on her eyes.
I could not sort out what was passing through her mind and soul, and after some time I admitted that she probably was regretting her decision, though she was too proud to say it aloud. So I let her be, perhaps some time to herself would allow her to think deeply and with a little of luck she should desist from her idea.
So, with no other source to enlighten me in the matter of the Fairies' ways of war, I went to the library of the castle. I had been there just two times, as enthralled I was with my new life as to neglect my customary like for books. Who would want to read when you have a lovely wife to teach you so many new ways of pleasure? But as mine looked not interested anymore in such pleasures I returned to my old routine and delight.
Books, hundreds of them, arranged neatly on shelves, what a feast for my always eager mind!
"Welcome, my Lord, do you desire some book in particular or just want to wander around?" The little pixie before me was the keeper of this space.
"Well, I need some books, but I don't know where to begin, maybe you could give me some suggestions." I handed her a piece of parchment with the subjects I wanted to read about.
"Oh, yes, I think I can give you some very interesting volumes about these themes. Wait a minute, my Lord I will bring them for you. Would you want to read them here or prefer to take them to your personal studio?"
I was not so eager to return to my chambers. Lately it was plagued with official letters and notes from all the corners of the dominion, declaring their allegiance to my wife and me. Honestly, I never saw a nation so enthusiastic about entering into a war.
So I sat down before one of the wooden tables that filled the library. There were a good quantity of fresh parchment, ink and quills on it. In short time the pixie carried some volumes and put them in front of me.
"If you need something else, my Lord, I will be behind those book shelves, just call me." The little creature said, giving me a dazzling smile.
I looked at her, she was as short as a Halfling, but her frame was not as plump. In fact, pixies were very lithe, though the curly hair of her head made me recall the Hobbits, as well her sunny disposition. "What is your name?"
"Oh, I forgot, my name is Bell, my Lord, at your service." She made a curtsey and returned to her task.
I took one of the books and proceed to read, then started to take some notes. I felt at ease, and spent most of the evening in the library.
I was in bed, measuring the data I had collected in the library. The main subject was related to knowing as much as I could about the Sow Fields. 'Know your enemy'. I thought, and was suddenly scared to notice I thought of those people as my enemies. I didn't even know them, and already felt they were a menace. I only had seen one of them, the ambassador who brought the letter to Banshee. That damned letter! I recalled what I had seen in his eyes. It was hatred; I was so used to recognizing such a thing. I lived my entire life seeing it painted all over the faces of those who surrounded me. I knew why Rohirrim hated me, even as a child, they saw in me the seed of evil, the sin of mixing their blood with Haradrim blood. The mark of 'bastard child' was on my forehead, invisible, but burning as a flame.
After reading a good deal about people from the Sow Fields, I could understand why they hated me. It was for a quite known reason, I was a Man turned into a Fairy. My bloodline was doubtful, only that was an affront to them. They stood firm in the custom of never mating with other people outside Avalon, and their linage included Elven blood. Obviously, they considered Elven heritage a remarkable honor.
But, what probably lead them, lead Willow, to despise me, was the fact that I was now the Prince of one of the domains of Avalon. This was a real outrage for them.
I felt my blood boiling with rage. Even after my best intentions and my hard struggle to keep my darkness at bay, it was surging. It felt so horrible, yet so exquisite to hear it in the beat of my heart, in the hot air that left my lungs when I exhaled. It sang in my ears with words of hate and despair. And I felt relieved, because these feelings were not uncommon, they were the ones that kept me alive so many times at Edoras. 'Crush your enemies, conquer them and then make them die at your feet. Show no mercy, because they wouldn't do it being you in their place.'
There, in my own bed, I was planning their defeat. Banshee was not at my side, because she was now working her own wrath out, riding under the moonlight through the woods. So, I had not even her warmth to anchor me to sanity. Willow will pay dearly for this; I will cut his noble head and will adorn my spear with it. How he dared to take joy away from me? How he dared to hate one that had descended to the abyss and had been reborn to rule above this powerful land? All those black thoughts cursed through my mind, and suddenly I started to laugh, a maniacal laughter that sounded not alien to me.
"But, Mother, you are not serious! You won't let them enter in war, would you?" Robin had a serious expression on his fair face. It was so rare to see him like that. He was always reckless and joyful. When he looked worried, it was for very serious reasons.
"I plan to let them enter in war, Robin, my child." Queen Mab looked impassively at her son. "They are stubborn, Banshee and Willow, and I shall not hinder their desires. If they want to go into the battlefield, I will let them."
"But Willow's decree was unfair, everybody can see that. You could stop them any minute, Mother, you are the Queen!"
She said nothing, looking at the emptiness, as if pondering his words.
"Mother, you already know what will happen, don't you? There will be bloodshed, and Willow will die for sure. You know the power of the Wolven People, they will not show mercy, they are furious."
"He wanted this, Robin, so be it." She said, and with these words she moved away.
Robin sighed deeply. He could not believe this decision. Queen Mab had always been a fair Empress, wise and cunning… He stopped in middle thought. 'Yes, she is cunning! She will do something, though I cannot see what. I only trust it works, because I don't want to see our land bathed in blood, even if it's arrogant Willow's blood.'
"I never though they would be so audacious as to declare war on me! How they dared to do so! That bastard inbreeded freak surely had something to do with all this. Oh, but I tell you, Epona, I will make them pay for this." Willow was pacing back and forth in front of me. He had been doing the same for some time now, and I was honestly bored of it.
"Willow, you got what you deserved. You provoked Banshee's ire with that stupid decree. You know that she has the right to declare war on your lands, it is written clearly in our laws. All the dominions have to work together, the needs of one of the countries has to be fulfilled with the products from another. It was unfair to deny them the wheat, corn and other things your land produces, they are offended by your defiance. And over the top, you dared to insult their Prince!"
He snorted. "A mockery of a Prince he is! He is a thief, a traitor, a conspirator!" His wrath was really an annoying thing to see.
I sighed, he had been ranting for a good hour about his "fair reasons" to act so stupidly and I was ready to kick him out of my Halls if he kept on in this fashion for a minute more. "All right, what ever you say. Now, tell me the purpose of your visit to my land, Willow, or let me be, I have more important matters to attend to than just stay here and watch your ridiculous display of anger."
He stopped his motions at last. "What makes you think my visit has a specific purpose? Can't I pay a visit to one of my relatives just for the pleasure of doing it?"
"Out with it, Willow, I know you have an objective here, you always have one."
"Well, I was just asking myself if you will join to me in my cause. See, if you deny to enter into trades with the Shadowy Woods, possibly…"
I saw this coming, but never thought he would have the guts to put his intentions into words. I glared at him, my answer was obvious. "Of course I will not join your cause, Willow. I will not sink my people along with yours. You brought this onto you by yourself, now face it!"
"But…"
"Enough! And out of my Halls, now, before I decide to physically kick you out!"
"You dare to throw me out of your presence like I was a mere tramp?" He was furious.
"Yes, I dare! And I warn you, if you menace the stability of my land by denying food to my people, you will have another declaration of war on your head. I truly doubt there are enough warriors on your land to face my cavalry and the army of Shadowy Woods at the same time."
He walked out my Halls silently. It was obvious he had understood the message very well.
I was starting to understand Banshee. Willow always had been a pain in the arse, but he was just improving this ability of his of be really annoying. He was stubborn as a mule, and by his thickness of head his people will suffer. Did he really intend to face Banshee's army? I really wished he would reconsider this, because I knew very well his archers could not compare to the fierce Wolven People. Some of the latter had accompanied me to Middle Earth in the battle before the Black Gates; they passed unnoticed covered under human disguises. I know what they were capable of. They were skilful and cold, and unmerciful beyond words. I really pitied Willow's people.
The city was boiling with activity. The forges were working over time; the blacksmiths were making new armours, swords and spears. The stables were full of the finest horses, and the stable boys were occupied brushing them, polishing the saddles. On the practice fields, the soldiers were training day and night.
The air was thick with war's imminent beginning… and I was excited with this new feeling. I was a Prince, a powerful Prince, and my people were ready to sacrifice themselves for me, for my honour. The sensation of dominance was intoxicating. Never before had I felt such an extent of authority. My former position, as Théoden's counsellor, was a poor excuse compared to this degree of power.
I was on my favourite vantage point, up in the highest tower, looking at the streets swarming with the recruits that were eager to enter the ranks of the army.
"They love you, Gríma, as much as I do." Banshee's voice brought me back from my reverie.
I turned around to look at her. My beloved, my life, my Banshee. She stood fully armoured before my eyes. The burnished red metal of her armour outlined her obvious feminine form, yet still looked menacing. Never a shield maiden would ever compare to this beautiful warrior. Strength emanated from her form, as a dark aura surrounding the delicate frame, an aura that told clearly her ferocious disposition.
"You look regal, my love." I bowed at her.
"Thank you, my child. But I missed you at the forges. The blacksmith is waiting for you; your armour is almost ready. I saw it, it is a great craft, and as you asked, it's entirely black." She was smug, her voice, her face, her body language gave out that much.
"Excellent, I will go there right now." As I was exiting the tower her voice reached me.
"Gríma. You don't try to convince me anymore about stopping this war. In fact, you look even aflame with this battle. I am just curious, Why?"
I froze on the spot. With a single question she made my logical bases shake. I was not ready for this, because I knew the answer would not be of her liking. Yes, my rotten core was now in control of my will, all that I had fought for, acceptance, honour and love, all had crumbled under the ever lurking shadows that plagued my inner self. That was my reasons for entering into war, selfish, despicable reasons, indeed.
I turned my back to her, because I knew my face would betray my words. "I just understand that your claim is fair". With this last sentence I left. Guilt was nagging my soul, but it did it just for a little time, until its voice was drowned by the sea of shadows that were now engulfing me.
A bright and lovely morning received the two armies on the battlefield. Outside the walls of the city of the Wolven People. That was the law, since the offended ones had the advantage of choosing the place.
Face to face, the two groups stood just some space separating them.
The sun shined, bringing out sinister gleams from the weaponry of the army of Shadowy Woods. Spears and shields were adorned with black and red, and they sparkled crimson as the blood that would be shed from their enemies. Black and red were their armours and clothes, and the big pennants, flowing with the wind.
Willow's army was almost outnumbered twice by their antagonists, but their ranks looked resolved, white and gold for their clothes and weapons. The banners showed a crown of golden spikes on a white field.
Willow, himself, was at the front of his soldiers, regal as an Elven prince from the old times, his own armour a fine treat of gold and silver.
In total contrast, Banshee and Gríma stayed on top of their black mounts, dark and crimson, crowned helmets, pale faces and a menacing stance.
"So, this is what you want, brother? I will grant your wish, but as our law clearly states, I give you another chance to regret your decision. Take away your words and decree, and apologise before my people and my consort, and I will retreat." Banshee called out, from her place, her voice calm but filled with resolution.
"I will never do such a thing. My reasons are valid, and my people are with me in this decision, so, I stand in my position." Willow replied.
"So be it." Banshee said aloud, and the horns and trumpets called for battle. An uproar lifted into the air, the sound of Wolven people crying for war, shields hit by swords in defiance, the hooves of horses stomping the ground hard in anxiety.
But they didn't advanced, because, coming from the east, as the sun, and even brighter then it, came three lonely riders. The little company marched in between the two armies, and everybody could see the head of this committee was none other than Queen Mab herself.
She too was dressed for war, a breastplate of the purest white silver covering her snow-white gown. The gem on her forehead gleamed like a star. Sword and shield and everything else sparkled, and she was like a vision taken from a dream.
All the Fairies bowed deeply before the Empress of Avalon.
"Willow, my son, Banshee, my daughter. I came here as the old law state, to see that this battle is fair and honourable. Though, there are some things to be settled before you can proceed. I ask for the right to talk to the Princes of both lands. Gríma,
Willow, come forward."
The two Princes did as they were told.
"I will accompany my husband as well, mother." Banshee made her horse move forward.
"No, my dear daughter, this is a matter that is only of your husband's concern, his and Willow's. My guardians should stay here, and watch that this temporary truce is respected by both sides, until I return." With these words, she reached one hand to Willow and the other to Gríma, and they disappeared in a shaft of blinding light.
Banshee gritted her teeth but stood in her spot. Because she knew that when Mab had spoken, her words were law to be obeyed.
TBC
Author's note: Are you still with me? Good!
My gratitude for my reviewers, thank you for your patience. A new instalment very soon, I promise.