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They rode swiftly in the fresh new day until they came upon a vision in the blue and grey background of the sky. Gandalf stopped Shadowfax and stared upon it, then spoke, Edoras those courts are called and Meduseld is that Golden hall. There dwells Theoden son of Thengel, King of the Mark of Rohan. We are come with the rising of the day. Now the road lies plain to see before us. But we must ride more warily, for war is abroad, and the Rohirrim, the Horse-lords, do not sleep, even if it seem so from afar. Draw no weapon, speak no haughty word, I counsel you all, until we are come before Theoden's seat.

Everyone understood what Gandalf said, taking heed of his advice and continued on in their riding, crossing over small streams, the day was was bright and fresh, and the song of the birds could be heard ringing in the air. They rode through mounds covered in white flowers, which Gandalf later explained was a rare flower named simbelmynë, that bloomed all year round, but only on the graves of dead men. Somberly Aurel looked on, how strange for even in her own experience she did not understand loss at it's fullest, wondering what it would be to have to bear the burden of burying her forefathers. The concept escaped her, and they reached the gates of Edoras before more could be done in her wondering. Men there were there, all in shining mail, and at the sound of the company's coming, they rose from their seated postures and raised their spears. They shouted in a different tongue, Stay, strangers here unknown!

Aurel did not understand the language well, for she was well versed in the Common tongue, but not in what seemed to be the Rohirrim's own language, it was rolling and less melodic than Elvish, mixed with a sadness that only mortal's held. They cried out, demanding names and what their purpose was, they looked fearfully at the company and held no friendliness.

Well do I understand your speech. said Gandalf. Yet few strangers do so. Why then do you not speak in Common tongue, as is the custom in the West, if you wished to be answered?It is the will of Theoden King that none should enter his gates, save those who know our tongue and are our friends. replied one of the guards. None are welcome here in days of war but our own folk, and those that come from Mundburg in the land of Gondor. Who are you that come heedless over the plain thus strangely dressed, riding horses like our own horses? Long have we kept guard here, and we have watched you from afar. Never have we seen other riders so strange, or any horse more proud that is the one of these that bear you. He is one of the Mearas, unless our eyes are cheated by some spell. Say, are you not a wizard, some spy from Saruman, or phantoms of his craft? Speak now and be swift!WE are no phantoms. said Aragorn. Nor do your eyes cheat you. For indeed these are your own horses that we ride, as you well knew when you asked, I guess. But seldom does thief ride home to the stable. Here are Hasufel and Arod, that Eomer, the Third Marshall of the Mark lent to us, only two days ago. We bring them back now, even as we promised him. Has not Eomer then returned and given warning of our coming?

The guards's eyes became troubled, and his face grew more stern, I have nothing to say of Eomer. He looked towards the gates and then back at the company, If what you tell me is truth, then doubtless Theoden will have heard of it. Maybe your coming was not wholly unlooked for. It is but two nights ago that Wormtongue came to us and said that by the will of Theoden no stranger should pass these gates. exclaimed Gandalf. Say no more! My errand is not to Wormtongue, but to the Lord of the Mark himself. I am in haste. Will you not go or send to say that we are come?

The guard contemplated with himself before answering, Yes, I will go. He said slowly. But what names shall I report? And what shall I say of you? Old and weary you seem now, and yet you are fell and grim beneath, I deem.Well do you see and speak. said Gandalf. For I am Gandalf. I have returned. And Behold! I too bring back a horse. Here is Shadowfax the great, whom no other hand can tame. And here beside me is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, the heir of Kings, and it is to Mundburg that he goes. Here also are the Elves Aurel and Legolas, and Gimli the Dwarf, our comrades. Go now and say to your master that we are at his gates and would have speech with him, if he will permit us to come into this hall.

The guard's look went now to look upon the faces of the elves. First Legolas. The guard thought he looked pale, he was well built, and lithe, his hair golden, but his eyes dark, never had he come upon an elf before. He looked like a statue in posture. His eyes then searched for the second elf he had been told about. He noted that the man named Aragorn had two arms wrapped around his middle. The hands were small and had long delicate fingers. In one of them, a ring that shone brightly. He moved his head to the side to get a better glimpse. The name Aurel sounded neither like a female or male name, and what he found was a surprise. Aurel looked at him, and then away. He then straightened his posture, clearing his throat and looked back at Gandalf. Strange names you give indeed! But I will report them as you bid, and learn my master's will. He turned around and spoke as he left, Wait here a little while and I will bring you such answer as seems good to him. Do not hope too much! These are dark days.

Aurel watched his back as he walked away, and then leaned her head on Aragorn's shoulder.

I would say that he was rather pleasantly surprised to find you Lady Aurel! said Gimli.

Gandalf looked beside him and smiled at her.

Legolas held on to the reins of his horse a little more tightly, and the horse neighed sensing his jealousy seeping through..

Gimli gave a laugh. Calm down Princeling! They would know better if they knew how quick you were with your bow.

Legolas gave a sharp look to Gimli, and Aurel simply ignored their words. said Aragorn.

After a great while the guard returned and the gates that held them outside, began to open. Follow me! said the guard. Theoden gives you leave to enter, but any weapons that you bear, be it only a staff, you must leave on the threshold. The doorwardens will keep them.

All five dismounted their horses and walked in single file, as they walked through the village the people around looked solemn, and desolate. Fear was in their eyes, no smiles upon their lips. Hope, had truly forsaken this land.

You'll find more cheer in a graveyard! commented Gimli.

Aurel felt sadness for these people, their king obviously had become impotent. How could Theoden King let orcs roam freely on his land, his people lie thin, his land rotting with dead bodies. I do not understand.

For an Elf it was truly a sad thing to behold.

They walked up many stone steps until at least they met two grand doors. There are the doors before you. said the guard, I must return now to my duty at the gate. Farewell! And may the Lord of the Mark be gracious to you! He quickly walked back down the steps.

They stood there silently, not really knowing what to do. They began to walk closer to the doors when voices began to ring out. Hail, comers from afar! They turned their heads and noticed a man now stood by the doors, they approached him.

I am the doorward of Theoden. He said. Hama is my name. Here I must bid you lay aside your weapons before you enter.

Quickly and without question Legolas handed over his knifes, his bow and quiver. Keep these well. His voice was melodic even in the Common tongue, the guard noticed that, and he could not help but stare at his pointed ears next to his braided golden hair. For they come from the Golden Wood and the Lady of Lothlorien gave them to me.

Hama looked over to his weapons in awe. No man will touch them, I promise you.

Aragorn hesitated, he looked to where he was to set down his weapons. It is not my will to my sword or to deliver Anduril to the hand of any other man.It is the will of Theoden. said Hama.

It is not clear to me that the will of Theoden son of Thengel, even though he be lord of the Mark, should prevail over the will of Aragorn son of Arathorn, Elendil's heir of Gondor.

Aurel looked at Aragorn in surprise, he was being very arrogant, something she hated seeing in any person or being, and she stepped forward and loosened the belt from around her waist, laying her sword in the hands of Hama, then she handed over her daggers. A Lady? asked Hama. She smirked at him, Is she part of your company?Her name was given. said Gandalf.

Hama stared at Aurel, she seemed to be standing taller. For a brief moment in time she regretted handing her sword over. Hama took her weapons and placed them next to Legolas's, staring at Aragorn now, he waited patiently, still Aragorn did nothing. This is the house of Theoden, not of Aragorn. He said proudly, Even if he were King of Gondor in the seat of Denethor. Hama stood in front of the doors and unsheathed his sword.

This is idle talk. said Gandalf, Needless is Theoden's demand, but it is useless to refuse. A king will have his way in his own hall, be it folly or wisdom. said Aragorn. And I would do as the master of the house bade me, were this only a woodman's cot, if I bore now any sword but Anduril.Whatever it's name may be, said Hama, Here you will lay it, if you would not fight alone against all the men in Edoras.Not Alone! exclaimed Gimli, fingering the blade of his axe, Not alone!Come, come! said Gandalf, We are all friends here. Or should be. For the laughter of Mordor will be our only reward if we quarrel. My errand is pressing. Here at least is my sword, my good man Hama. He handed over his sword, and then looked at Aragorn, Keep it well. Glamdring it is called, for the Elves made it long ago. Now let me pass. Come Aragorn!

Aragorn slowly undid his belt and took his sword, laying it against the wall and demanding that no man touch it, Gimli followed and also put his axe next to Anduril. All had put their weapons aside and began to walk forward, but Hama stepped in the way. Your staff. He said, looking hesitant, Forgive me but that too must be left at the doors. said Gandalf, Prudence is one thing, but discourtesy is another. I am old. If I may not lean on my stick as I go, then I will sit out here until it pleases Theoden to hobble out himself to speak with me.

Aragorn began to laugh, Every man has something too dear to trust to another. But would you part an old man from his support? Come, will you not let us enter?

Hama looked at Gandalf, thinking of what to do, The staff in a hand of a wizard may be more than a prop for age. He looked at the staff, Yet in doubt a man of worth will trust to his own wisdom. I believe you are friends and folk worthy of honour, who have no evil purpose. You may go in. He stood out of their way, and the guards lifter the heavy bars of the doors. The five companions entered, and inside it was dark.

Stepping in Aurel stopped, she looked around, Legolas looked to her in question. She had gone back in her mind, and she felt the same thing when she had first entered the caves of Moria, Come, no harm shall come to you Lady. She clearly heard the voice of Boromir as if he was standing right next to her. It made her shudder. Legolas called her name in thought. She looked at him, he was weary for her eyes were clouded. He only nudged his head to keep walking, and she looked forward, out of fear she stood where at where she was, by the doors, and walked no further. Legolas stayed by her side, but the the other three kept walking forward.

Hail, Theoden son of Thengel! I have returned. For Behold! The storm comes, and now all friends should gather together, lest each singly be destroyed. said Gandalf walking swiftly now.

The king in his throne moved slowly, at first he did not look at the the three standing before him, and only noticed the two that had stayed behind, cocking his head to the side in question. Then he looked over to Gandalf. He stood up slowly, leaning on an old black staff with a handle of white bone, bent over slightly he gave his welcome. I greet you. He said. And maybe you look for welcome. But truth to tell your welcome is doubtful here, master Gandalf. You have ever been a herald of woe. Troubles follow you like crows, and ever oftener the worse. I will not deceive you; when I heard that Shadowfax had come back riderless, I rejoiced at the return of the horse, but still more at the lack of the rider; and when Eomer brought tiding that you had gone last to your long home, I did not mourn. But news from afar is seldom sooth. Here you come again! And with you come evils worse than before, as might be expected. Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow? Tell me that. He gave a long hard look to Gandalf before slowly sitting back down again.

You speak justly, lord. said a pale man who was sitting upon the steps that led to the throne. It is not yet five days since the bitter tidings came that Theodred your son was slain upon the West Marches; your right hand, Second Marshall of the Mark. In Eomer there is little trust. Few men would be left to guard your walls, if he had been allowed to rule. And even now we learn from Gondor that the Dark Lord is stirring in the East. Such is the hour in which this wanderer chooses to return. Why indeed should we welcome you, Master Stormcrow? Lathspell I name you, Ill news, and an ill guest they say. He gave a crooked laugh, before looking over the companions that stood before the king, and then to Legolas and Aurel in the back.

You are held wise, my friend Wormtongue, and are doubtless a great support to your master. said Gandalf sarcastically. Yet in two ways may a man come with evil tidings. He may be a worker of evil, or he may be such as leaves well alone, and comes only to bring aid in time of need.That is so. said Wormtongue. But there is a third kind; pickers of bones, meddlers in other men's sorrows, carrion-fowl that grow fat on war. What aid have you ever brought, Stormcrow? And what aid do you bring now? It was aid from us that you sought last time that you were here. Then my lord bade you choose any horse that you would and be gone, and to the wonder of all you took Shadowfax in your insolence. My lord was sorely grieved; yet to some it seemed that to speed you from the land the price was not too great. I guess that it is likely to turn out the same once more. You will seek aid, rather than render it. Do you bring men? Do you bring horses, swords, spears? That I would call aid; that is our present need. But who are these that follow at your tail? Four ragged wanderers in grey, and you yourself the most beggar-like of the four!

Gandalf became very angered, and his tone of voice was soft no more, but growling, The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden son of Thengel! Has not the messenger from your gate reported the names of my companions? Seldom had any lord of Rohan received four such guests. Weapons they have laid on your doors that are worth many a mortal man, even the mightiest. Grey is their raiment, for the Elves clad them, and thus they have passed through the shadow of great perils to your hall!Then it is true as Eomer reported, that you are in league with the Sorceress of the Golden Wood? stated and questioned Wormtongue, It is not to be wondered at; webs of deceit were ever woven in Dwimordene.

Aurel at hearing the foul speech of Wormtongue stormed forward to were the other three were, Legolas behind her, and catching her by the arm, to stop her from striking Wormtongue. Wormtongue only took a step back and looked in shock upon Aurel's face. A female?!Aurel from the house of Elrond! You will quiet your mouth! said Legolas to Wormtongue.

The wise speak only of what they know, Grima son of Galmod. A witless worm have you become. Therefore be silent, and keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a serving-man till the lightning falls. Gandalf said, raising his staff, and a his cloak removed, he shone a bright white, and only he could seen amongst the darkness, thunder rumbled outside.

Did I not counsel you, lord, to forbid his staff? That fool, Hama, has betrayed us! shouted Wormtongue as he crept back in fear, there was a flash of lightning, and then everything was quiet. Wormtongue was sprawled out on his face.

Now, Theoden son of Thengel, will you hearken to me? asked Gandalf, Do you ask for help? He lifted his staff up high once more, the darkness in the room seemed to dissipate and light entered where there was none before. Not all is dark, take courage, Lord of the Mark; for better help you will not find. No counsel have I to give to those in despair. Yet counsel I could give, and words I could speak to you. Will you hear them? They are not for all ears. I bid you to come out before your doors and look abroad. Too long have you sat in shadows and trusted to twisted tales and crooked promptings.

Theoden slowly rose from his chair. It was then a woman ran to his side, taking his arm, and with slow steady steps came down from his throne. They walked him to the door, and Gandalf bid them to open them. From there Gandalf asked the this woman, let her king go, he assured her that he would take care of Theoden. Reluctantly she dropped his arm and began to walk back inside, brushing past everybody. It was then that Aragorn noticed her pale complexion, and golden hair. He stared at her, and in his staring she noticed him. Her eyes were large, like a child's, her white and brown dress wrapped delicately around her. She looked at him and then looked away and stopped by Aurel, she looked her up and down. A smile crept on her face, she approached Aurel and grabbed both her hands. A woman? she whispered to her, and then noticed Aurel's pointed ears...An Elf? Her voice became louder. Travelling with this company? So what Eomer said was true....Go Eowyn! Sister-daughter. The time for fear is past! said Theoden, and Eowyn took her leave, leaving a perplexed expression on Aurel's face.