A/N: Ok so my writer's block seems to be cured and now I have a pretty good
idea where this fic is going. Thanks to all my reviewers and a special
thank you to Jessica. My updates should be coming in faster and on one more
note. I'll be introducing an O/C in this chapter. Bear with me cause this
is going to be the adventure of a lifetime! So enjoy the reading and don't
forget to review. (
The hall was quiet, deathly quiet as they entered. She saw the captain of the Rohirrim awaiting them patiently and curtsied as they passed him. She took her place behind Eomer and watched the faces of the returning guards. What she saw shocked the very depths of her soul. Never in her life had she sent any of the fearless Rohan soldiers in an utter state of desperation and fear. These were some of the finest warriors in all of Edoras and they seemed like scared children, awaiting the soothing presence of a mother. Whatever happened to them, on their mission had unnerved the very core of their being. She mused they would face an army of Uruk Hai rather that face whatever horrors they had witnessed.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Gandalf enter silently, occupying a secluded spot away from the rest of the court but near to where they were all positioned.
"My liege."the man said softly to his king and company before him bowing his head in remorse.
"Speak Halas and have no fear." Eomer replied gently encouraging the young. "What has happened to the army and to yourself?" he asked curiously.
Èowyn looked at the young man with the golden hair and deep blue eyes before her. Was this the same Halas,Hama's son? He had grown into a handsome man of twenty summers or more and she was reminded of Eomer at that age. He looked up fear imprinted deep into his eyes and she smiled at him encouraging him to speak. He saw her and for a moment was taken aback at her beauty and the compassion which shone in her eyes.
He looked at Eomer and a colour came to his cheeks. Gathering courage he attempted to speak of the horrors the band of warriors had been privy to witness.
"We had completed the hunt for the band of Orcs as instructed and were returning home to complete the other mission which had failed earlier." He began "Upon nearing Fangorn forest, many were afraid to venture and so only a select few willingly accompanied me into the forest." He explained as they all sat enthralled.
"What happened in there?" Eomer asked and saw that Gandalf had edged nearer to them listening intently to the young man's tale.
" I followed your directions as well as I could my lord to locate the plant but it seemed we were going in circles" Hala's said and his voice began to waver. "Then we heard strange voices, it seemed to be children singing to us trying to call us. Upon that point the men wished to return to the rest of the camp and I... I... agreed. To me these sounds were nothing of the ordinary and I felt that we were among tortured souls." He said and trembled unconsciously. Gandalf touched his shoulder and urged him to continue with his tale.
" I led the way back to camp, when it happened. One minute Elboron was there and the next he was gone.... ." he ended "What do you mean gone?" Eomer asked
"I do not know how it happened my lord for all we heard was a shriek and then had disappeared." The young man stated attempting to choke the fear building inside him. "None of us saw anything. Of the four men who went into the forest only two of us returned to camp." Halas stated softly his boyish face seeming to age during his tale.
"Did you see anything at all?" Gandalf asked his face showing signs of worry.
" I did or I believe I did but I am not certain sir. As we left the forest I turned behind and saw what I thought to be a child but my sight could have been wrong. Fore the feet of this child was strange in that his feet were pointed backwards. But only for a fleet moment. I do not know. My eyes could have deceived me. The child was gone in the next moment" Halas said masking all his emotions.
"I am sorry Halas I had not know this journey would be perilous. Please allow your uncle to take you to the healers. You have been very brave young man. I shall visit the men in a moment or two." Eomer commanded to him and the young man bowed deeply to them before making his departure followed by the rest of the weary soldiers.
"Eomer what is this plant you have sent them for in Fangorn forest of all places?" Èowyn asked softly to her brother as she and Gandalf stood before him.
"It is a plant called the Hicus and the healing properties are said to be magical. It can heal the sick and even raise the dead. Through research I learnt this plant was indeed in Middle Earth but in one place only and it was...."
"Fangorn forest." She finished for him and he nodded silently. "This why you went to the forest by yourself." She stated and he smiled.
"Yes it was. I knew the risks were terrible but I had to do it Èowyn. Can you possibly fathom how many lives can be saved by this." He said calmly
"Yes Eomer. Many lives but at what price?"she replied "There is obviously something protecting it and we have no idea what they are. Are you willing to risk everything for this plant?" she asked quietly staring at the young king.
Eomer nodded his eyes showing what his heart desired."I am willing to risk myself for this plant to end the suffering of the people in Rohan." He said his blue grey eyes flashing with determination.
"Then so be it King of the Mark. I shall tell you what I know of this plant and of what guards it but in order to vanquish these creatures we need the King of Gondor." Gandalf stated.
"Aragorn?" Èowyn asked unconsciously "Why do we need him Mithrandir?" she asked quizzically.
"The legend of the plant and the creature young Halas spoke of has been a well kept secret. However since Eomer desires it for an unselfish reason, the heir of Gondor together with the family of Eadig must complete a journey. I shall not say anymore here until Aragorn has arrived my lord, for he must be willing to do this." Gandalf said solemly.
"Willing to do what?" Aragorn's voice enquired and they all looked towards the King of Gondor and Anor as he strode towards them.
"Aragorn my friend!" Eomer said rising to meet him halfway in a warm embrace.
"You are well Eomer?" Aragorn asked concerned over his friend.
"In very good health. Thanks to you and my sister's careful vigil over me."Eomer replied. "What brings you to Rohan unexpectedly Elessar? Is all well in Gondor?" he asked quietly.
"Yes everything is fine in Minas Tirith. I came because there were some visitors who wanted to see the splendour of Rohan and the hospitality of its people." Aragorn replied with an amused half smile.
"Then by all means, please bring them in." Eomer replied genially.
The doors opened and a couple entered, indiscernible in the darkness but clearly it was a man and woman. Then there was utter silence as they came forward into the light for it was none other than Legolas Prince of Mirkwood and beside him was a woman of undeniable beauty. For a moment Gandalf wondered if Arwen had returned from the Grey Heavens but as the woman ventured closer, his musings were put to rest.
Legolas looked the same, though his silvery hair was longer. Yet Èowyn noted a change in the elf from the days of the war. Gone was the sadness in eyes she had sometime seen as they spoke. For as he stood besides the lady, there was nothing but sincere affection and love emanating from every inch of him. She knew instantly that he was bound to this elf maiden. He seemed leaner and his features were sharper yet his handsome face was magnificent as ever.
The woman seemed to be a goddess taken shape of a human. Long, dark tresses ran to her waist like a river of bronze. Her face framed with dark eyelashes, coupled with soft lips and expressive almond shaped green eyes. Green as the plains of Rohan after a cooling rain Her skin was smooth like the finest honey. She possessed all of the elvish grace and charisma as she smiled softly at them. Her eyes lighting at Legolas as she stood silently beside him awaiting her introduction to the family of Rohan.
"Legolas my friend!"Eomer replied forgetting all customs of etiquette. He rushed to the elf and embraced him with brotherly warmth. "When did you return and may I ask who is this beautiful Lady gracing Medusled with her presence?" Eomer asked kissing the outstretched hand before him.
"This is Lady Matejé of Evanroné sire." he introduced.
"Evanroné? I have not heard of such a place before." Gandalf replied perplexed. " I am greatly interested about hearing of the land." He said eagerly.
"It is not of Middle Earth. Mithrandir." She replied and her voice reminded Èowyn of a gentle wind blowing through the trees.
"You know of me?" Gandalf asked curiously
"Your renown is known all over the three worlds." He replied causing the white wizard to blush.
"Lady Èowyn. It is good to see your beautiful face once more." Legolas exclaimed as he saw her for the first time and kissed her hand as she curtsied.
"As well as you Master Elf." She replied smiling radiantly at him
"Come let us all retire for some sustenance for I am certain you are all weary and famished." Eomer said and led the group out of the hall. "Aragorn we have much to discuss. It is a matter of great importance." He replied as he walked out with Gandalf.
"Lady Èowyn allow me the pleasure of escorting you?" Aragorn asked her as they remained behind.
She smiled softly and they walked together towards the light. Arms linked, each enjoying secretly the touch of skin.
The hall was quiet, deathly quiet as they entered. She saw the captain of the Rohirrim awaiting them patiently and curtsied as they passed him. She took her place behind Eomer and watched the faces of the returning guards. What she saw shocked the very depths of her soul. Never in her life had she sent any of the fearless Rohan soldiers in an utter state of desperation and fear. These were some of the finest warriors in all of Edoras and they seemed like scared children, awaiting the soothing presence of a mother. Whatever happened to them, on their mission had unnerved the very core of their being. She mused they would face an army of Uruk Hai rather that face whatever horrors they had witnessed.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Gandalf enter silently, occupying a secluded spot away from the rest of the court but near to where they were all positioned.
"My liege."the man said softly to his king and company before him bowing his head in remorse.
"Speak Halas and have no fear." Eomer replied gently encouraging the young. "What has happened to the army and to yourself?" he asked curiously.
Èowyn looked at the young man with the golden hair and deep blue eyes before her. Was this the same Halas,Hama's son? He had grown into a handsome man of twenty summers or more and she was reminded of Eomer at that age. He looked up fear imprinted deep into his eyes and she smiled at him encouraging him to speak. He saw her and for a moment was taken aback at her beauty and the compassion which shone in her eyes.
He looked at Eomer and a colour came to his cheeks. Gathering courage he attempted to speak of the horrors the band of warriors had been privy to witness.
"We had completed the hunt for the band of Orcs as instructed and were returning home to complete the other mission which had failed earlier." He began "Upon nearing Fangorn forest, many were afraid to venture and so only a select few willingly accompanied me into the forest." He explained as they all sat enthralled.
"What happened in there?" Eomer asked and saw that Gandalf had edged nearer to them listening intently to the young man's tale.
" I followed your directions as well as I could my lord to locate the plant but it seemed we were going in circles" Hala's said and his voice began to waver. "Then we heard strange voices, it seemed to be children singing to us trying to call us. Upon that point the men wished to return to the rest of the camp and I... I... agreed. To me these sounds were nothing of the ordinary and I felt that we were among tortured souls." He said and trembled unconsciously. Gandalf touched his shoulder and urged him to continue with his tale.
" I led the way back to camp, when it happened. One minute Elboron was there and the next he was gone.... ." he ended "What do you mean gone?" Eomer asked
"I do not know how it happened my lord for all we heard was a shriek and then had disappeared." The young man stated attempting to choke the fear building inside him. "None of us saw anything. Of the four men who went into the forest only two of us returned to camp." Halas stated softly his boyish face seeming to age during his tale.
"Did you see anything at all?" Gandalf asked his face showing signs of worry.
" I did or I believe I did but I am not certain sir. As we left the forest I turned behind and saw what I thought to be a child but my sight could have been wrong. Fore the feet of this child was strange in that his feet were pointed backwards. But only for a fleet moment. I do not know. My eyes could have deceived me. The child was gone in the next moment" Halas said masking all his emotions.
"I am sorry Halas I had not know this journey would be perilous. Please allow your uncle to take you to the healers. You have been very brave young man. I shall visit the men in a moment or two." Eomer commanded to him and the young man bowed deeply to them before making his departure followed by the rest of the weary soldiers.
"Eomer what is this plant you have sent them for in Fangorn forest of all places?" Èowyn asked softly to her brother as she and Gandalf stood before him.
"It is a plant called the Hicus and the healing properties are said to be magical. It can heal the sick and even raise the dead. Through research I learnt this plant was indeed in Middle Earth but in one place only and it was...."
"Fangorn forest." She finished for him and he nodded silently. "This why you went to the forest by yourself." She stated and he smiled.
"Yes it was. I knew the risks were terrible but I had to do it Èowyn. Can you possibly fathom how many lives can be saved by this." He said calmly
"Yes Eomer. Many lives but at what price?"she replied "There is obviously something protecting it and we have no idea what they are. Are you willing to risk everything for this plant?" she asked quietly staring at the young king.
Eomer nodded his eyes showing what his heart desired."I am willing to risk myself for this plant to end the suffering of the people in Rohan." He said his blue grey eyes flashing with determination.
"Then so be it King of the Mark. I shall tell you what I know of this plant and of what guards it but in order to vanquish these creatures we need the King of Gondor." Gandalf stated.
"Aragorn?" Èowyn asked unconsciously "Why do we need him Mithrandir?" she asked quizzically.
"The legend of the plant and the creature young Halas spoke of has been a well kept secret. However since Eomer desires it for an unselfish reason, the heir of Gondor together with the family of Eadig must complete a journey. I shall not say anymore here until Aragorn has arrived my lord, for he must be willing to do this." Gandalf said solemly.
"Willing to do what?" Aragorn's voice enquired and they all looked towards the King of Gondor and Anor as he strode towards them.
"Aragorn my friend!" Eomer said rising to meet him halfway in a warm embrace.
"You are well Eomer?" Aragorn asked concerned over his friend.
"In very good health. Thanks to you and my sister's careful vigil over me."Eomer replied. "What brings you to Rohan unexpectedly Elessar? Is all well in Gondor?" he asked quietly.
"Yes everything is fine in Minas Tirith. I came because there were some visitors who wanted to see the splendour of Rohan and the hospitality of its people." Aragorn replied with an amused half smile.
"Then by all means, please bring them in." Eomer replied genially.
The doors opened and a couple entered, indiscernible in the darkness but clearly it was a man and woman. Then there was utter silence as they came forward into the light for it was none other than Legolas Prince of Mirkwood and beside him was a woman of undeniable beauty. For a moment Gandalf wondered if Arwen had returned from the Grey Heavens but as the woman ventured closer, his musings were put to rest.
Legolas looked the same, though his silvery hair was longer. Yet Èowyn noted a change in the elf from the days of the war. Gone was the sadness in eyes she had sometime seen as they spoke. For as he stood besides the lady, there was nothing but sincere affection and love emanating from every inch of him. She knew instantly that he was bound to this elf maiden. He seemed leaner and his features were sharper yet his handsome face was magnificent as ever.
The woman seemed to be a goddess taken shape of a human. Long, dark tresses ran to her waist like a river of bronze. Her face framed with dark eyelashes, coupled with soft lips and expressive almond shaped green eyes. Green as the plains of Rohan after a cooling rain Her skin was smooth like the finest honey. She possessed all of the elvish grace and charisma as she smiled softly at them. Her eyes lighting at Legolas as she stood silently beside him awaiting her introduction to the family of Rohan.
"Legolas my friend!"Eomer replied forgetting all customs of etiquette. He rushed to the elf and embraced him with brotherly warmth. "When did you return and may I ask who is this beautiful Lady gracing Medusled with her presence?" Eomer asked kissing the outstretched hand before him.
"This is Lady Matejé of Evanroné sire." he introduced.
"Evanroné? I have not heard of such a place before." Gandalf replied perplexed. " I am greatly interested about hearing of the land." He said eagerly.
"It is not of Middle Earth. Mithrandir." She replied and her voice reminded Èowyn of a gentle wind blowing through the trees.
"You know of me?" Gandalf asked curiously
"Your renown is known all over the three worlds." He replied causing the white wizard to blush.
"Lady Èowyn. It is good to see your beautiful face once more." Legolas exclaimed as he saw her for the first time and kissed her hand as she curtsied.
"As well as you Master Elf." She replied smiling radiantly at him
"Come let us all retire for some sustenance for I am certain you are all weary and famished." Eomer said and led the group out of the hall. "Aragorn we have much to discuss. It is a matter of great importance." He replied as he walked out with Gandalf.
"Lady Èowyn allow me the pleasure of escorting you?" Aragorn asked her as they remained behind.
She smiled softly and they walked together towards the light. Arms linked, each enjoying secretly the touch of skin.