~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That's right, I'm really back and I am on FIRE (No, literally I'm currently living somewhere that has a fire on one side of the River from me and another on the same side about 5 miles outside of town) I've had my ups and downs this year, including a heart wrenching struggle with my own mental health and my counselor encouraged me to continue my story and to say it, and all of you, have helped immensely is an understatement.
Canon is gone. Yeeted. Bye Felicia. Obviously there are events that will ring true and remain, consider these fixed points like from Doctor Who. Other than that, BAM. Welcome to my own mini universe. WHERE BOROMIR DOESN'T DIE BECAUSE HE DESERVED THE REDEMPTION ARC HE NEVER RECEIVED.
Not a Tolkien. Not a Rowling. Just Me.
Hang on, folks. It's getting real. Gonna really start jumping into the relationship development.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The fields lay before Hermione as she held onto the strong arm around her waist. Eomer held her firm against him, his grip unwavering as to not let her go. Her weariness was gaining on her and she knew that she would need help to stand once they made their way to a camp nestled against the forests edge, where the River Entwash left the wood.
"We are almost there, my lady." His voice rumbled in her ear and she could feel her shoulders relax against him. "Please stay with me."
She could hear the worry in his words. His heart raced beneath his armor, the throb of his pulse in time with hers and she didn't know if it was from the battle or from their closeness. There were greater worries to have on her mind but she was overwhelmed by this man. He didn't flinch from her. He showed no signs of intimidation. He pulled him to her as they were surrounded by enemies without a second thought.
These feelings were foreign to Hermione and she felt that now was absolutely not the time to be twitterpated.
The cavalry slowed and Hermione could make out a stream emerging from the tree line, its current glistening in the moonlight. The horsemen quickly dismounted, pulling their steeds into the forest, allowing them to graze the grass and moss on the tree roots while staying out of sight. Tents were being erected quickly as Eomer swung his leg over, stepping down from Firefoot as he reached up to pull her down from the saddle.
Her knees were weak, she'd never been an avid rider, even in England. The Marshall's arms were quick around her waist. "I've got you." He whispered comfortingly. "You're safe, Hermione."
She looked up into his deep brown eyes and she believed him. Hermione leaned her head against his chest and pulled him into a crushing embrace. She didn't know why her emotions were so unfiltered around him, it had been the same in Rivendell. She'd acted like a schoolgirl with an infatuation and it's no better now when the lives of her companions were hanging in the balance.
"I'll get the tent set up. Stay here." He kissed the top of her head, pulling away from her slowly. She watched as he joined a few of the other men, unloading canvas tents from the saddlebags. The babble from the brook peaked her interest and she walked the few metres to the stream, Firefoot following closely behind. The water flowed on by the witch, neither aware nor caring of her presence.
Kneeling beside the water she gingerly rubbed her hands in the current, watching the blood and dirt run off her skin and flow downstream to never be seen again. Hermione wished it was that simple but she knew that her battles were just beginning. The fellowship had been discovered, the ambush was too planned, coordinated. The fact they were instructed to keep the hobbits alive was proof enough. Someone knew Frodo carried the Ring. She didn't have her own weapons and her wand was lost. She felt lost, like a child.
The Ring.
Reaching for her bag Hermione was relieved to discover it was still tied to her belt. She pulled open the draw strings and extended her hand carefully into the enchanted purse, trying not to bring any attention to herself from the other riders. She felt around for the small box she had placed Nenya in once they had left Lorien, her hand wrapping gently around the small case. Steadying her breath she pulled the trinket from the bag, pulling the strings tight and replacing it back on her waist.
The unopened box sat in her palm, the witch not daring to open it under the moonlight. She'd wait until she was in the tent, perhaps then there would be less chance of someone realizing what it was she carried. She felt, somehow, in her heart that Eomer could be trusted with such a secret. She tucked the box into the pocket of her tunic, going back to the task of attempting to clean the grime of their battle from her skin once again.
She heard footsteps behind her and turned to see him walking towards her. He noticed her face and hands glistening from the creek water as he approached, pulling a small cloth from his pack on Firefoot's saddle.
"Here, let me help you." He dipped the fabric in the water, bringing the damp cloth up to Hermione's forehead. She closed her eyes at the sensation.
"Thank you." She whispered.
"How did you end up here?" He asked, gently cradling her face in his hand.
Hermione opened her eyes, looking over to see that several of his horsemen were watching them. "Not here, I'll tell you in the tent."
His eyes conveyed his understanding as he nodded lightly. He dipped the cloth back into the stream, wringing the dirt out before gingerly examining the cut on her arm from one of the Javelins. The lance had torn through the leather though she hadn't noticed at the time. She could see the remnants of an angry wound beneath it.
"I should get this bandaged, come with me." He pulled her gently to her feet, tying Firefoot to the nearest tree as he lead her towards a simple canvas tent near the creek. The Rohan banner was draped over the side of the tent, clearly marking his status amongst his troops. Hermione knew enough of middle age battle tactics to know that the leader's tent would be distinguishable from his subordinates. The Marshall pulled aside the flap allowing her to brush close beside him and enter the tent. Inside lay two simple bed rolls covered with furs, a distance between the two.
She was touched by the unspoken gesture to protect her modesty. She knew that this was not a common practice, had she been taken in in any formal capacity she would've been housed with the women of the court or given her own tent.
"I don't want you out of my sight, Hermione." He was close enough behind her that she could feel his breath on her neck. "Seeing you fighting those creatures gripped my heart in fear."
"I can be frightening at times." She quipped darkly, attempting to deflect with a small bit of humor.
It didn't work as he embraced her sharply, pulling her close and burying his face in her neck. "I saw you and in that moment I could have lost you at the same time." His arms wrapped around her waist, holding her tight against him.
She hugged his arms against her, sinking into the embrace that she couldn't emotionally process. It was romantic, it was empathetic.
It was needed.
"Let me look at your arm." He released her slowly, guiding her to turn and face him. He ran his hand down her arm, pulling the cord of her bracer loose and freeing her arm. The gash on her arm startled her and Hermione's knees grew weak. The cut was deeper than she realized and some fresh blood ran down her damp skin before Eomer placed another cloth over the wound.
"How did you not notice that?" He asked, applying pressure to her arm.
"I was distracted." She whispered, looking at him and not the blood dripping to the dirt floor of his tent.
He slowly wrapped the cloth tightly with the cord from her bracer, keeping the pressure steady. "Here, sit down." He gestured towards one of the rolls as he began to remove his cuirass, keeping his tunic on though the shirt was torn and haggard beneath. Hermione could see his scars on his shoulders and neck, the glimpses of battles fought.
He sat beside her, gently wrapping an arm around her as she leaned into him. "You can tell me what happened. Tell me where your journey has taken you."
Hermione pulled the small box from her pocket. "My journey has led me to this... and to you."
She opened the lid, revealing Nenya to the horselord. His eyes grew wide, he knew this was one of the Elven Rings of Power, that much he was certain.
"This was granted to me by Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien. She said I am to be it's bearer, that I was stronger than her. How can I be stronger than a Queen?" Hermione looked at the ring with an obvious disdain.
"It is no mere trinket to grant, Hermione. You've been bestowed a Ring of Power. That's nothing to take lightly." He squeezed her arm tenderly, his fingers warm even through her cloak. "The wisdom of the Lady of the Wood is known throughout the Realms. If she believes you to be stronger than her I'd take her at her word."
Hermione exhaled loudly, pulling the ring from its prison. Rolling the cool metal between her fingers she knew that he was right. This was nothing to take lightly.
"The Rings were corrupted by Sauron. How do I know if I am strong enough to resist? Dark Magic ruins lives, ruins whole kingdoms and lands. It has toppled kings and empires anywhere it lurks." She sighed, gazing at the intricate silver and ivory colored gems.
"You are stronger than you choose to believe. I saw it that day in Rivendell, Hermione."
Looking up into his sepia eyes the witch knew he believed his words. He saw strength in her, even if she hadn't seen it herself. She smiled lightly, his eyes twinkling at the sight of it.
"Have you put it on, yet?" He asked.
She shook her head in response. "I'm afraid to. But something about it is calling me. I think it has to do with my wand missing. My magic feels like its reaching for it."
"You are safe here, if you wanted to try it on." He suggested. "I won't let anything happen to you."
Hermione looked at the ring, letting his words resonate in her ears. She could take it off if anything happened. Galadriel wore the ring for eons.
The metal was cool as she slid the metal down one knuckle and then another until it rested at the base of her finger. The flower seemed to bloom to life, enveloping her in a starry glow. Her magic seemed to explode from every nerve, stronger than she'd ever felt before. Focusing on the sensation of his body beside her, the safety and calm it provided she closed her eyes and whispered.
"Expecto Patronum." A blue mist rose from the ring, circling the pair.
Her eyes bristled with tears as the otter swam around her and the horselord, swimming through unseen waters above their heads.
"Beautiful." He whispered. She looked over at him to find his gaze on her and not the ethereal mammal swimming around them. She smiled lightly, allowing the otter to slowly disperse in the tent, fading from sight as his eyes stayed on her.
"Do you think Galadriel knew I would lose my wand?"
He shrugged lightly, his thumb absentmindedly rubbing circles on her arm. "It's possible. Her powers are beyond measure. She may have recognized the same potential in you."
"It's possible." Hermione sighed, pulling the band from her finger and placing it back in the box and returned it to her pocket. "We should rest. I'm sure you'll want to move at first light."
He shook his head. "We have good cover from the forest and it would take days for Isengard to dispatch another group."
"Isengard?" Hermione's ears perked at the name of the other Dark Tower. "Saruman sent those creatures?"
Eomer nodded, looking away from her as he explained. "Those creatures are Uruk-hai. They are the damnable cross of Orcs and Goblin-men, created in the bowels of Isengard. Saruman has sent many of these creatures to pillage and raze my villages to the ground. Thats why we are out here. Wormtongue has convinced my uncle to banish me for speaking against our kingdom's greatest 'ally.' More like greatest threat." His voice was dripping with disdain as he spoke of the infiltrating council to the King.
"The one you warned Gandalf about at Rivendell?" She asked, reaching to hold his hand. "Eomer, I am so sorry."
He gazed at their joined hands with a small smile. "My sister is still in Edoras and I know she would let no harm befall our uncle. But that foul man has watched her too closely for my liking and I know it will have gotten worse with my absence."
"You have to go back!" She gasped. "You can't leave her there with such a danger."
"She can handle herself, probably more than I would want to admit." He sighed, squeezing her hand. "If I were to return without a pardon from the King I would be executed on sight."
Hermione couldn't help herself and she threw her arms around his neck, hugging him as close to her as she could. "Eomer, I don't know what to say."
"Stay with me tonight. Let me hold you and know you are safe." He whispered, holding her just as tightly to him. "I've spent weeks worried about where you were or the dangers you faced. I've spent my life with my soldiers, facing whatever enemy threatened our borders and all I could think about was I couldn't protect you outside of Rohan."
The admission brought tears to Hermione's eyes. Her mind, too, had wandered over the past weeks to the blonde man before her and how he was faring. She now had her answer. When he'd told her and Gandalf about the dangers lying within the Golden Hall she doubted that even the Wizard realized how deep Saruman's grasp was on the king.
"I'll stay. Though I do not know how long I can be away from my companions. I'm sure that Aragorn and the others will come looking for us." She pulled away from him, running her hand along his cheek, feeling the stubble and scars against her skin.
"But I don't want to be anywhere else tonight, Eomer."
Her heart soared as he closed the gap between them and kissed her with a passion she'd never known. As she closed her eyes and wound her arms around his neck neither of them noticed Nenya beginning to glimmer, casting a light around the pair.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Aragorn!" Boromir knelt in a gorge, their trek having lasted two days and about to fall into their third night. Legolas had ran ahead of them, hoping to use his elf eyes for sign of their quarry.
The Ranger rushed to his side, kneeling down in the mud to see the item that had drawn the Captain's attention. A single green leaf brooch.
"Not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall in the Plains of Rohan." He remarked, picking up the clip. "We can't be far behind them."
"OHF!" They turned to see Gimli behind them having rolled down the hill into the path. "I'm alright!"
"Come, we are gaining on them. They turned East!" Legolas ran back to his comrades. "They're taking them to Isengard."
The mention of the wizards tower caused an anger to resonate deep within the Northman. The White Wizard had already betrayed their cause, as Gandalf's imprisonment had proven. Now he was sending his own monstrosities into the world to eliminate their fellowship.
The dwarf was out of breath as he reached Boromir's side, gazing at the brooch. "They must have left it for us. They knew we would come."
"Then we shall not fail them. Onward!" The Captain stood, moving quickly out of the gorge with Legolas at his side as Aragorn studied the tracks carefully. The hobbits and Hermione would have left smaller footprints, these were large, heavy. They were carried by their captors, probably to reduce any risk of escape.
"We're coming." He whispered, tucking the brooch into his pocket.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Merry and Pippin ran through the woods, having not been followed through the night and choosing to rest as they saw the first glimpses of the dawn through the trees. A small creek ran nearby and they drank from the water greedily, their thirst almost crippling. Their bounds had come loose through some clever uses of sticks and stones to cut the bindings.
"Where do we go, now?" Pippin asked his cousin as he sat on a stone, letting the water run over his aching feet. "Hermione should have caught up to us by now."
"I'm not sure she meant to escape with us, Pip." Merry replied solemnly as he washed the blood from his forehead. "I think she saw a chance for us to get away, even if that meant she didn't."
The Took fought back tears. This was not what they had expected signing up for the quest to aid their kinsman. He imagined adventure and riches and fame. Not Death and Loss.
Suddenly a root moved beside him causing the hobbit to jump up sharply, loosing his footing and landing bottom first in the stream. "Merry!" He shouted, pointing at the vine.
Merry followed his gaze and saw several more retreating into a tree. The halflings shrieked in unison, scrambling up the nearest tree to them and away from the enchanted shrubbery.
"This is not like the Forest in Buckland, Merry!" Pippin gasped as he climbed higher.
"I can see that now, Pip!" He replied, exasperated.
"What... is ... this?" The tree they were climbing casually asked.
The noise caused the hobbits to stop and look at the tree trunk, startling when it opened a pair of eyes through it's bark, deep amber eyes staring back at them.
"Little orcs?" It asked as the branches around them moved to show wooden hands that encompassed them quickly, pulling them away to face the tree.
"The tree is talking, Merry. The Tree is Talking!" Pippin gasped, struggling against the grip.
"I can see that, too!" Merry shouted. "We aren't Orcs! We're hobbits. Halflings. Shire-folk!" He tried to appease their new captor.
"I've never... heard of hobbits... or halflings... sounds like witchcraft." The tree's hold tightening around them. "The White ... Wizard will know... what to do with... halflings..."
Their hearts dropped. "White Wizard?" Pippin whimpered.
"Saruman." Merry replied, looking to his cousin in fear before they were unceremoniously dropped to the forest floor. Looking up they found themselves face to face with the White Wizard, his glow blinding them from his face.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione woke to the sounds of birds chirping around her and opened her eyes to find herself still in the canvas tent, a strong arm around her waist and the heat of Eomer against her back. She turned gently to find him already awake and staring at her.
"Good Morning." He smiled, brushing her hair from her face.
"Morning." She blushed, returning the smile. "We should probably get up, I'm sure your men are wondering... or gossiping."
He chuckled lightly, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. "Let them talk, my lady."
She returned the kiss, relishing in the moment for she knew there would be few of those in the coming days. He stood, helping her to her feet. He carefully unwrapped her bandage and was pleased to see it healing nicely. Had this been a wound from the enemy it would have surely been poisoned.
"We should get a clean bandage on this and you'll heal quickly."
Hermione felt silly, having not thought of it sooner. Reaching for Nenya she slipped the band on her hand before placing her palm over the wound. "*Ferula." Bandages appeared out of no where, wrapping tightly around her forearm.
She smiled at the expression on Eomer's face. "I could heal your men, if you'd like."
He shook his head, gently reaching for her hands. "As much as that brings my heart joy that you are concerned for their safety... I think it best there be fewer people who know of your powers. Saruman tried to take you, he fears you."
She nodded her understanding. Until they knew the full strength of their enemy and the full extent of Saruman's corruption it would be best her magic remained a rumor, at best. Removing the ring once more she tucked it safely back in its small coffer. She adjusted her tunic, re-fastening her bracers and vest. She noticed him watching her as she redressed her armor.
"What?" She asked, a bashful smile on her face.
"You are exquisite, my lady." He smiled back. Leaning down he carefully removed his dagger and sheath from his belt, handing it to the witch. "Take this, please. I can't bear the thought of you unarmed."
She chuckled. "I'm not helpless, you know?"
His answer was to pull her closer. "I am not one that is open with my emotions, Hermione. But I fear for your safety every day. You've enveloped my thoughts. You are My Lady."
Her heart raced at the statement. She knew in her heart that she had feelings for the man, growing stronger with every moment she was in his arms. But he admitted it also.
"And you are Mine." She replied, kissing him again.
The pair barely registered the sound of the tent flap opening. Eothain stood before them, clearing his throat and looking away from the pair.
"My Lord, there is a small party approaching the wood, your orders?"
"How many?" Eomer kept his arms around the witch, holding her close at the news.
"Four. Looks to be a small scouting party."
"It's them!" Hermione shouted. "It has to be." She pushed herself from Eomer's grip and past the two men. She ran to the forest's edge, looking across the plain to see three tall figures and a shorter one at the far side of the valley.
A sob escaped her throat as she ran towards the figures. She could barely hear Eomer's shouts behind her calling for an archer to watch her as he ran behind her.
As she got closer she could see the faces of her friends, Aragorn sighting her first and picking up speed. Hermione could hear his voice carry across the grass and the tears came in waves. It seemed to be hours before she felt his arms around her, his head tucking hers to his chest.
"You're safe." He whispered. "We're here."
"Merry and Pippin escaped, I managed to get them to the forest but I couldn't stay with them." She sobbed. "I had to get them out of there. Saruman knows its a hobbit who carries the ring. He knows of my magic."
The Ranger nodded. He had suspected so.
Boromir placed a gentle hand on her shoulder before moving to speak with Eomer, greeting the fellow soldier with a fond handshake.
"Thank you, horseman. Keeping her safe means more to us than you'll know." He clapped the Marshall on the shoulder. "Where are the Uruks?"
"We dispatched them in the night, their bodies were burned." He replied pointing south of their position. "They were less than a full days journey to Isengard. Hermione saved your halflings, they escaped to the wood."
Legolas looked towards the direction, a faint pillar of smoke rising over the horizon. Gimli stood beside Aragorn and Hermione, handing her the wand he'd carried safely for her.
"Lass I believe this is yours." He held the vine wood carefully in his palms.
She scrambled out of the Ranger's arms and threw herself at the Dwarf earning a hearty laugh from the warrior.
"Now, now. No crying over a stick." He chuckled.
Pulling back Hermione looked to her companions fondly. "My brothers."
She saw the tears form in the dwarf's eyes as he tried to brush aside the sentiment, which was to be expected. Legolas smiled fondly at the witch.
"We will always come to your aid, Hermione."
She nodded, moving over to Eomer and reaching for his hand. "Come, we've set up camp just inside the treeline. We need a plan."
Hermione noticed the gaze from Boromir at their joined hands, having seen the same glance from the Elder Weasleys when it came to Ginny's relationships and knew the Captain would have something to say. But she couldn't think of that now. They needed a plan to save their hobbits.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sitting around a small fire, the smell of salted pork filling the forest, the group discussed the possibilities of rescuing the halflings. Legolas kept his eyes on the treeline, watching for any movement to indicate that the enemy had consigned more Uruks to their position when the prior party failed to return.
"We won't be able to aid you." Eomer concluded. "We must continue our patrols of the border villages. We may be banished from the Kingdom but we can make a few stops along our way."
"I will speak to Theoden, we must make our way to the Golden Hall." Aragorn offered a slight comfort to the horselord after revealing his lineage. "Your people need you and I will make him see that."
Hermione squeezed her rider's hand, affirming the statement. She knew what his people and his kingdom meant to him and she would do everything in her power to restore his honor. All the soldiers before her had proven their honor, quickly eradicating an enemy of the kingdom that had just banished them.
"We should try to find Merry and Pippin, they would not have made it far into the wood, even if they had walked all night." Boromir observed. "If they went in they wouldn't have made it to the base of the mountain by my guess so it would be easy to track. Aragorn?"
The Ranger nodded. "Hobbit tracks would be easy to spot, easier to follow." He looked to the witch with a gentle solemn smile. "We must move quickly."
Eomer agreed. "We can spare a few horses, we have three who have lost riders over the past weeks." Turning to Hermione he squeezed her hand and ran his thumb along her bracelet. "You''ll gain more speed that way. Even if it's away from me."
"You will return to Edoras. We promise." She leaned forward, placing her forehead against his. "You'll see Eowyn again."
Boromir cleared his throat loudly, earning a glare from the witch. "We should take our leave, Hermione." He insisted.
"Fine." She replied curtly. "Give me a moment?" She may have asked but there was no question to an option.
Her companions stood, following Eothain to their new steeds. She looked back at Eomer, seeing the confliction in his eyes. "I'm worried for you, Hermione. I just found you again and you must already depart."
She nodded, sharing the same concern. "I have something for you."
She reached into her bag and pulled a small bound leather journal, no bigger than a wizarding playing card. She also found a thin charcoal pencil and handed it to the rider. Digging a bit further she pulled out a matching journal.
"I made these in Rivendell, and I suppose I made them for you." She opened the page and wrote. I will see you again. She closed the book and nodded her head to the one he held.
Opening the page he saw the words she had written appear before him. He chuckled, smiling at the witch. "Your magic never ceases to astound me."
"I'll write you everyday, no later than nightfall. I'll let you know when it is safe to return." She could feel tears threatening to spill and he must have seen them too because he gently cupped her face in his large hands, placing a kiss to her lips.
"Everyday I shall answer." He smiled. "Go, save your friends."
Nodding she stood, joining the others who had saddled the horses. Boromir looked back at the Rider with a protective glare as he helped Hermione mount the horse, climbing up to join them. Gimli and Legolas took to one of the others, Aragorn mounting the last. The witch looked back once more to see him clutching the ribbons on his cuirass and watching her until she could no longer see him through the trees.
"So. You and the Horselord?" The Captain chuckled lightly. "Should I get you a pony as a betrothal gift?"
This earned him a sharp smack on the hand as he and the others laughed at her expense. The playful banter brought a relieved smile to her face. The fellowship lived on.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The smell of burning corpses stung her nostrils as they approached the pile of Uruk bodies smoldering at the edge of the forest. A single Uruk head was stuck on a spike, a warning to those who may find the remnants of this skirmish.
"Which way did you send them?" Boromir asked, helping her down from the mare.
Studying the treeline, attempting to get her bearings during the light of high noon, she moved carefully to try to retrace her steps. Hermione noticed the pile of axes that she had found herself using to free her bindings that night and looked forward into the Forest.
"Here." She pointed, seeing a few snapped branches that were lower than normal for a cleared path. "They entered here."
"Tie up the horses, bring them further in and let them graze." Aragorn passed his reins off to Legolas who moved the horses away from the plains near to some berry bushes nearby.
Stepping forward carefully Hermione unsheathed her wand, walking in time with the Ranger who kept his eyes on the forest floor. He could see the footprints of their halfling friends, their steps two or three for the Ranger's one.
A twig snapped behind them. Legolas had approached quickly and soon all had their hands on the hilts of their weapons. "The White Wizard approaches." He whispered, gesturing behind him.
"Don't let him speak, he will..." Hermione did not let Aragorn finish before she turned sharply on her heel.
"Expelliarmus!" She screamed, raising her hand high to catch the wizard's staff as it flew to her grasp. Pointing the stave and her own wand at the figure before her she stepped forward forcefully. "Where are they, bastard?!"
"The halflings passed through this verymorning. They are quite safe." The White Wizard responded.
"Safe my arse!" She yelled. "Where are they?!"
The Wizard stepped forward, giving sight not to Saruman but a friend.
"Gandalf?" Aragorn gasped. "You fell."
Gandalf did not get a chance to answer before he was met with a crushing embrace from a sobbing witch. "You can't keep doing this to me!" She cried.
"I'm sorry my child. I fell through the shadow and a light pulled me back. I suspect you may have had something to do with it. I believe I may have seen an otter in my visions." He looked down at the young woman. "I am very proud of you, of all of you."
He smiled, wiping the tears from her face before looking at the party before him. "There is no time to waste and we can talk on the way. We must make our way to Edoras. The King is in need of my Counsel."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
