The king of the golden hall

We emerged from the forest just as Gandalf told us that we were to go to Edoras. He told us Theoden was ill, and great evil was spreading through Rohan. This led to the conversation of how we were to get there.

Gandalf had just finished one of his speeches. "The light of Anduril must now be uncovered in battle. I go as well." He finished. I rolled my eyes. The new Gandalf was almost the same as the old one. Always giving difficult or useless advice. That or it was in a riddle that was impossible to figure out. "That is no short distance!" Gimli cried. "I fear the battle may be over before we come there." Aragorn said, also voicing his concerns. I thought for a second before voicing my idea. "I could fly there in a day and send for horses, but I doubt that they will give them to me." I told them. Legolas hummed in agreement. "There will be no need for such measures Darke." Gandalf replied to me.

He turned away and gave a high piercing whistle. The others did not seem bothered by it, but I fought the urge to flick up my cowl and cover my ears. I hate high pitched noises. Going against all instinct, I gritted my teeth until he had finished. I decided not to tell Gandalf that the noise bothered me. I hated appearing weak because of my blindness. When the ringing in my ears had stopped, I heard hoof-beats faster than any normal horse. "That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell." Legolas exclaimed in awe. I again, decided not to ask him what the horse looked like. Even though I wasn't quite content with the picture in my minds' eye, and knew of the beauty of such and animal. "He is Shadowfax," Gandalf introduced "He is the lord of all horses and my friend through many dangers." Other hoof-beats approached us as well. Soon I heard the distinctive whinny of Hasufel and the pawing of Arod.

As they began to mount the horses something came into Gandalfs mind. "I almost forgot," He babbled "Lady Galadriel asked me to carry you messages. To Aragorn she says where now are the Dunedain Elessar, Elessar? Why do thy kinsfolk wander afar? Near is the hour when the lost should come forth, and the grey company ride from the north. But dark is the path appointed for thee: The dead watch the road that leads to the sea." It was a very ominous prophecy. "To Legolas" Gandalf continued "she sent this- Legolas Greenleaf long under tree, in joy thou hast lived. Beware of the sea! If thou hears the cry of the gull on the shore, thy heart shall rest in the forest no more. But there is hope in love, within darkness deep, and to kindle a heart, that's been lost in its sleep." Again quite ominous and confusing. "Did she send me no message?" Gimli asked once the feeling had passed. "Her words are dark" Legolas said to him "and they mean little." Gimli sighed. I didn't see why, as I would have been relieved. Legolas was smart, and his words were true, though I wish they weren't. Suddenly Gandalf jerked up his head. "Sorry, I was pondering the messages," He said. "He did indeed send word to you Gimli, but neither evil nor sad. She said "To Gimli son of Gloin, give his lady's greetings. She also said for me to tell you lockbearer, where-ever thou goest my thought goes with thee. But have care to lay axe upon the right tree!" Gandalf gave a small chuckle and I gave a brief smirk. "Also Darke," Gandalf said. "Rith (cr p)" I muttered under my breath. I had hoped Galadriel didn't need to speak to me. "She says that you will want to remember what she told you before." I breathed a silent sigh of relief. There were no doom and gloom prophecies and such for me yet. "Look for what you are yearning, for your heart is not yet full," and "search for what your life hasn't had" were practically impossible for me, ever.

All the others got upon their horses, Gandalf on Shadowfax, Aragorn on Hasuful, and Legolas and Gimli on Arod. With a few strong beats of my wings I was up in the air. We travelled through day, to sunset and long into the night. Even Aragorn was weary from riding, and the poor horses were exhausted. They all took the opportunity to sleep in the few hours Gandalf let us rest. We passed through the gap of Rohan, and stopped at a stream to refill our water-skins. Legolas remarked on what he could see of the hall Meduseld, and Gandalf on the barrows. "Seven mounds upon the left and nine upon the right," Aragorn said. "Many long lives have been since the golden hall was built." Legolas gave a sad sigh, sadden by the short lives of men. "Five-hundred time have the red leaves fallen in mirkwood since then, but little time does it seem to us." Then Aragorn began to softly chant in the language of the Rohirrim, which only Gandalf, Aragorn and I could understand. With all the extra time I got from not sleeping, I had dedicated myself to learning all the languages of middle earth, and out.

Just two days after our encounter with the riders of Rohan, we came to the gates of Edoras. I once again, was required to sit behind Aragorn, who still smelt. Not to be a hypocrite, but he smelt the worst of all of us. The gate wardens almost refused us entry, but Gandalf used his way with words to get us in. I could feel the peoples depression the second rode through the streets. Gimli remarked that we would find more cheer in a graveyard, and I feared he was right. Aragorn was glancing up at something near the golden hall, but I couldn't tell what. At the bottom of a long flight of stairs, we handed the reigns of the horses to a stableboy, curiously looking at us. Slowly we made our way up the stairs, to the hall where the king dwelt.

When we reached the top, we were once again greeted by guards. "I am Hama, doorward of Theoden king. I cannot let you enter so armed Gandalf Greyhame." The man named Hama said. Without arguement we began disarming ourselves. Legolas handed over his long knife, and warned them to be careful with his bow and quiver. "Keep these well, they come from the lady of Lorien." He warned the guards. I sensed his surprise, and I wouldn't have been surprised if I were told his eyebrows had fallen off his face. Aragor cautiously handed over Anduril, and Gimli his axe. I unbuckled my quiver from my back. I had made it myself, a leather tube with four long straps coming off it. These straps buckled together so I could wear it like a pack between my wings, but still take it off in circumstances such as this without revealing them. It only held eight of my usual 30 darts. The rest, with many of my 20 odd knives and daggers (tiny sized) where left at Parth Galen. I handed the quiver over to the guard, alongg with the four knives and daggers I had, my long knife and my single edged sword. I know it seems very excessive, but you never know when somethings going to come in handy. When we all had finished handing over our weapons, we were permitted to go in. Hama had tried to relieve Gandalf of his staff, but he said it was a 'walking stick.'(walking stick my foot)

We entered the hall. Noise was dampened by large cloths on the walls, but I didn't let it bother me. I could hear a slimy voice whispering quietly to Theoden. Things about Gandalf being a herald of evil and such things. Then the king began to speak. "Why should I welcome you Gandalf the Grey?" Said a creaking halting voice. I held back a frown. This sounded nothing like Theoden, his voice was that of an old mans and I heard his bones creaking. But their was no mistaking the proud strong heartbeat. "Late is the hour this conjuror decides to appear." Grima hissed in his slimy voice. Lath spell I name him, ill news is and ill guest."
"Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth," replied Gandalf, "I have not passed through death to banter."

"His staff. I told you to take the wizards staff!" Guards rushed foward, but I quickly downed two with a sweep of my leg. I heard the breath of another behind me, and gave him an elbow to the head. Whirling around I struck anothers wrist making him drop his sword and open his hand. I swiftly twisted the wrist and broke it, then using momentum, I spun and used the mans body to knock the legs from under another. The others took down about three each, and quickly the scuffle was over. While we had been taking out the guards Gandalf had been working his magic.

"Theoden son of Thengel," Gandalf boomed, "to long have you stayed in shadows." This was interrupted by a wriggling Grima beneath Gimli's foot. Gandalf continued. "Harken to me. I release you from this spell." Theoden let out a loud creepy laugh. "You have no power here Gandalf the grey," but with the sound of falling material Theoden let out a scream. "I will draw Saruman from you like poisen from a wound!" Theoden slammed against the back of his throne. A woman, named Eowyn I believe, tried to run to him, but Aragorn stopped her. "If I go Theoden dies!" Saruman said with a cackling laugh. "You have not killed me, and you will not kill him." Gandalf replied. "I cast you out! Be gone!" Theoden/Saruman gave out a piercing scream, and I covered my ears. A brief wash of heat and slight vibrations through the floor ended it.

A great gasp of air followed by a rapid heartbeat shook the king. I wasn't sure what had happened, but the Theoden now sounded like he always had- proud and strong. Eowyn raced up to her uncle's side. "I know your face," Theoden said, sounding better but weak. "Eowyn. Eowyn! Gandalf!"

"Breathe the free air my friend." Gandalf said with a smile.

"Dark have been my dreams of late."

"Your fingers would remember their strength better, if they were upon your sword." A man- Hama I realised- came up and handed a sword to him. Grima, who Gimli had released, began to slide away. I gave a discreet cough, and Theoden turned his head.

Moments later there was a series of thumps as Grima rolled down the staircase, Theoden in pursuit. "I've only ever served you my lord!" Grima pleaded. I raised an eyebrow at the obvious lie. "You witchcraft had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" The king yelled to him. Grima continued to plead. "Save me not from your sight.!" Theoden began to growl, but I heard a small smack as Aragorn gripped the kings arm. "No my lord," Aragorn said, "let him go. Enough blood has already been spilt on his account." I heard a plop as something rather like spit made its way onto Aragorns hand. "Get out f my way!" Grima screamed, bowling people over. He was ignored. "Hail the Theoden king!" Aragorn shouted out to the people gathered below. They bowed, as did our small company. I decided to incline my head as well, even though I didn't believe in bowing to royalty. An election would be a much better way to do things. The people let out a large cheer, and began to disperse. Theoden turned around to face us. "Where is Theodred? Where is my son?"

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