Disclaimer in Chapter 1 - They may yet be alive.
Please Review, it would mean a lot! :')
Nin-dethro hîn, Mellon-nin.
Chapter 5 - If we go, Théoden dies.
O Rowan mine
I saw you shine
Upon a summer's day
Upon your head
How golden-red
The crown you bore aloft.
Merry yawned loudly as Treebeard finished. The Ent had been walking very slowly for what it felt, to the two Hobbits it had within its branches, like an age was passing. The morning had dawned not so long ago and both Hobbits had no idea where the tree was taking them, something about the heart of his forest and a meeting that was about to happen.
"Such beautiful verse." Treebeard deeply said, his rooted feet taking long steps that deepened the earth beneath him.
"Is it much further? We have been walking for so long." Merry complained politely, not wanting to seem rude.
"Bar-ra-hroom. Don't be hasty, little Hobbit." Treebeard shook a rooted finger at the Hobbit. "You call it far, perhaps." Treebeard smiled, the sound of wood rubbed against each other as he did "My home lies deep within the forest, near the roots of the mountain."
"Gandalf told me something…" Pippin rubbed the tiredness from his eyes "…That the forest is actually named after you."
"Is that true?" Merry asked as he straightened his aching muscles.
"Hroom. That is true, the Elves call be Fangorn for that is Treebeard in their language." Treebeard explained. "I have seen many lifetimes on this earth, far more than any Elf who walks it."
"You're that old?" Pippin exclaimed.
"Aye, that I am. I have seen this world change and reform many times. I am old and my time will soon come to an end, like all." The Ent said.
Merry and Pippin looked at each other sadly. Merry gently patted Treebeard on his mossy head "What happens when you..." The blonde cousin gulped "…Die?"
Treebeard slowly faced the small Hobbit and his smile grew wider and a small laugh escaped the wooden lips "I wouldn't call it dying young master Meriadoc. We Ents slowly stop moving and become like those around us now."
Pippin looked around and only saw the trees. Both Hobbits were confused at first but then it clicked into the youngest Hobbit "You turn into trees?"
This time Treebeard did laugh, a loud one that almost made both Hobbits grab their ears to cut of the rumbling sound. "We do indeed, young Peregrin. We do not die but simply fade."
"That's good then…I guess." Pippin smiled and shrugged his tiny shoulders.
"There is one thing that's bugging me." Merry rubbed his chin and watched as his young cousin looked up at him. "Why did we not join with Gandalf and Aragorn, along with Legolas and Gimli? I can only imagine that they were upset when the realised that had come all this way for nothing." The blonde Hobbit had no idea that the very words he said were exactly what their short companion has said not long ago.
"I told Gandalf I would keep you safe and safe is where I'll keep you." Treebeard felt Merry and Pippin sigh and then slowly fall back into his branches, leaning against his sides.
Merry rolled his eyes while breathing out as Treebeard said "I believe you will enjoy this next one too." Pippin's eyes slowly started to fall. It was morning but early at that "It's one of my own compositions."
So I will follow
The illuminated road
To the place where light grows
When everything you need
Is everything you want
You'll find you're asking for far too much
When everything you are
Is everything you want
Love will find its way to everyone you touch
when everything that you want
becomes everything that you are
Love will find its way
To everyone you touch
Hold your breath
The sun had begun to make its way over some the small mountains before the three riders. There in front of them, on top of a lone hill in a circle of the great mountains, was the great city of Rohan. They had reached the city in record timing; the Wizard that rode with them was extremely happy but was worried for the health of both King and son.
All three horses stopped and looked at the city, Edoras, before them. It was indeed something someone could admire for many years for it was built so well with the hill, great wooden walls surrounded it and the small thatched houses were built, spaced out giving plenty of room to those that needed the space. From where the three riders sat apon their steeds, they could see the road that was leading towards a great Hall, that was at the very top of the hill, being the one that captured any beings eye straight away.
"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld." Gandalf turned to the Future King and the Prince of Mirkwood riders beside him, along with the short figure behind the Elven Prince. "There Dwells Théoden, King of Rohan…" He paused and looked towards the great city before him "…Whose mind has been overthrown and whose son lies broken. Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong." The white Wizard was the first to urge his mount, Shadowfax, into a gallop.
The Prince turned to his friend and nodded with a straight face before riding after the Wizard who was now in front.
The ranger smiled as he saw Gimli bouncing behind the Prince on Arod's back. The poor Dwarf had gone mad when he had seen that the Prince had removed the saddle from Arod's back. Gimli was now holding onto the Prince's waist tightly, in case he would fall off and he was certain that he was. Aragorn then rode after his friends, seeing how much both riders had travelled while he smiled and took in the tremendous sight before him.
"Oi, Laddie? Do you think the glow will be too much?" Gimli asked noticing the glow growing brighter as the sun slowly made its way passed the mountains.
"Ah, I am sorry, my friend. If it bothers you…" Legolas laughed as he apologized and slowly shut his eyes while still steering Arod.
Gimli watched as the glow faded but could still notice the soft light coming of his and the Prince's body. The Dwarf rolled his eyes and then kept them to the great City of Rohan as they rode closer and closer to it.
After a few minutes, perhaps fifteen, had passed, the three riders now rode close to the wooden walls of Edoras. The white Wizard was the first through the gates and the Prince was next.
Aragorn was coming near to the wooden but strong gates until he saw a flag of the Rohirrim fly down and land on the ground before him. The ranger furrowed his brow and looked up to the sky above the gates, his stormy eyes then went back to the flag as the winds carried it along the terrain.
All three riders and their short friend looked around the city and heard no laughter by the children that were with their families while they tended the livestock and carried the baskets of the harvest they tended to. The guards around the city paid no attention to three riders and the short being at the back of one of them. All the inhabitants, who wore black and were mourning for the King and beloved Prince, faced the riders with curiosity.
As the riders got closer to the Golden Hall, Aragorn saw a woman stood in white at the top of the steps, facing the riders as they got closer. He looked away when he heard Gimli mumble from behind Legolas.
"You'll find more cheer in a grave yard."
Aragorn looked to his left and right and had notice that all the inhabitants had stopped what they were doing and were now facing directly at them. His eye wondered to the Hall again in search for the woman that might have possibly been there to greet them but was there no longer.
As the horses stopped by the stairs that led to the Hall, a small boy came up to the riders and watched them dismount. He looked at the pure white horse that the 'old man' had dismounted from and his mouth hung. He had never seen such a beautiful horse before. His eyes then went to the two horses he recognised as Hasufel and Arod. The small boy remembered what Lord Éomer had told him about the steeds.
"Arod and Hasufel will be no longer with us. They were gifted to travellers in search of their friends. We have suffered a loss and they no longer have a master to serve."
Legolas helped Gimli dismount and his Elven hearing picked up whispers among the people behind. He felt a pat on his back by his dear friend and heard a loud grunt from the Dwarf now beside him.
"What do they say? I'll kill them if they have insulted me." Gimli whispered and watched as the small stable boy nervously took their steeds towards the stables.
"They say how very strange it is for beings like us to travel so far from our homes." Legolas walked up the stairs towards the hall beside his friends.
As the four walked together, Gandalf quickly whispered "Do not speak." He then turned his old eyes to the Dwarf beside Legolas "At all." The Wizard warned and watched the Dwarf nod, not wanting to be the embarrassment or fault out of the group.
The four finally made it to the top and were met with the doors slamming open and host of soldiers before them. Gandalf smiled hoping they were to greet them but that thought quickly went from his mind when the Man in front had his eyes narrowed.
"I cannot allow you before King Théoden so armed, Gandalf Greyhame." The guard spoke plainly, a slight annoyance in his voice "By order of…" The Man then mumbled, unhappy with the task this certain person had told him to do "…Grima Wormtongue"
"And may I ask who you are, dear friend?" Gandalf asked.
"I am Háma, doorward to King Théoden." The guard replied.
Gandalf smiled and nodded to his left and right.
Aragorn nodded back with a small smile and unbuckled his quiver on his back. He had always kept spare arrows just in case Legolas had ran out and handed them to the guard that was now waiting for the weapons he had. The ranger took of his sword and then his dagger which had been a gift from the Lord Celeborn while they were in Lothlórien.
Legolas lifted his arms and grabbed the hilt of both his white knives, unsheathing and then handing them to the guard before him. The Prince unbuckled the quiver on his back and handed that over along with his bow.
Gimli watched and grunted as he gave the guard his dearly beloved axe. The Dwarf also reached at the smaller ones by his belt and handed them over with grunt also.
Gandalf rolled his eyes at the scene before him. He watched the doorward look around nervously, waiting for the three to hand over their weapons, biting his lip as he did. The Wizard took his sword from his belt and held it in front of Háma. Gandalf smiled as they were all finally done with the exchange.
Háma sighed and took the sword from Gandalf. "Your staff."
Gimli looked at the corner of his eye at the Wizard and smiled. Legolas nudged him gently and was unseen by the guards who had their eyes firmly fixed on the Wizard and his weapon.
"Oh, you would not part and old man from his walking stick?" The Wizard slightly pouted to the doorward and watched as the Man said:
"Take their weapons to four spare rooms within the Hall. They will be needed a place to stay." Háma then watched as the guards bowed before heading in, closing the doors behind. He turned to the two guards who stood by the great door "Do not tell anyone of this." When both guards smiled and nodded, he then turned back to the four before him "You may keep your staff. I never like obeying things from a creature that knows how to twist words." The doorward motioned the four to follow, leading into the Golden Hall.
Háma bowed to the King before him and stepped to the side, also bowing to the four walking to have word with their decaying King.
Gandalf narrowed his eyes and saw what he suspected as Grima whisper into the ear of the withering King.
"My Lord, Gandalf the Grey is coming- He says." A voice in his head spoke and the Wizard immediately faced the Prince beside him. His old eyes then wondered to the group of rough looking Men that were walking with them in the shadows of the room.
All four looked back as they heard the doors close with a loud bang. They all continued walking forward, getting closer and seeing the King's condition themselves. The black haired man next to the King then whispered something again.
"He's a herald of woe." Legolas narrowed his eyes as he told his friend mentally. He also sent the man's words to Aragorn and Gimli who now had similar expressions as his.
"The courtesy of your hall has somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King." Gandalf shouted, only a few steps now away from the poisoned mind before him.
"He's not welcome." Legolas sent again as Grima whispered once more. Gimli growled beside him, annoyed at the man whispering foul things into the ill mind of a very vulnerable King.
"Why…" A croaked and deep voice came from the King's withered lips "…Should I…Welcome you, Gandalf…" The King's glazed eyes turned to the man beside him "…Stormcrow?"
Grima no longer spoke in a whisper when he said "A just question, my liege." The black haired man then got up and narrowed his cold eyes at the Wizard, making the servants that had stood to watch, stand back and cringe at his loud voice "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear."
Aragorn looked to his side and saw the Men still walking with them in the shadows.
Grima moved closer to the Wizard and the three others "Láthspell I name him. Ill news is an ill gue…" The man was interrupted when the Wizard stopped right in front of him.
"Be silent." Gandalf spat, narrowing his eyes at the cold man before him "Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I do not wish to hear such words coming from a man who betrayed his city and people." The Wizard pointed his staff directly at Grima face, watching with amusement as the being's eyes widened and the man slowly moved to the side.
"I told you to take the wizard staff!" He yelled at Háma and at his signal, the men who had be hiding in the shadows sprang out, running towards the four beings.
Legolas and Aragorn punched both of the opponents in the face, watching as they both fell back and another came to them.
Gimli ran at the one that Legolas had sent back and tackled him to the floor, punching his temple hard, knocking the man out.
The Prince swung his fist at another in the same place as the last but this one was sent back. Holding his ground, the man swung his fist high and Legolas ducked, squeezed both his hands tightly and brought then up under the man's chin as he stood.
Aragorn grabbed one the man's wrists and flung him on his back, a loud thud echoed the Hall, making those around flinch at the sound and the sounds of hard skin coming into contact with soft skin. The ranger left the man on the floor and ran to another that had snuck up behind Gandalf. He quickly grabbed the man's shoulder, spun him around and punched his temple, knocking the man out like the other.
"Théoden…" Gandalf's voice drew the attention of some as he made his way slowly to the King. "…Son of Thengel." He watched as the Kings almost white eyes narrowed and a smile broke through the old face. "Too long have you sat in the Shadows."
Legolas stood over a man he had just knocked down and narrowed his own eyes as the man smiled as he held his jaw and midsection. The man behind the prince raised his arms but fell to the ground, clutching the whole of his face in pain, not ever knowing that the Prince knew he was there, punched him with the back of his fist.
Gimli tackled another and repeated what he did to the other, knocking this man out as well. He looked around the room and saw many of the man squirming while clutching aching mouths and body parts. The stumpy being noticed Grima trying to get to his knees after a man had knocked him down. He growled loudly and ran to the man, placing a foot on his chest. "I wouldn't move if I were you."
"Harken to me!" Gandalf's shout made both Dwarf and the Man beneath his foot looked towards the Wizard and withering King. The Wizard failed to notice the servants and guards move towards him and King, wanting to know what was about to happen.
King Théoden growled beneath his breath. The control on Saruman was strong.
"I release you…" A small wind came from nowhere as the Wizard closed his eyes. "…From this spell."
A long, crude laugh came from the decaying King. The servants, guards, Elf, Dwarf and Man all looked in confusion and horror as the laughter continued. Gandalf furrowed his brow as he opened his eyes to see the King completely unaffected by the spell that should have released him.
"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey." The King laughed still, finding how powerless the Wizard was.
Gandalf quickly removed his grey cloak and a bright white light surrounded him, wiping all known shadows in the room away. He watched as the King seized his laughter immediately and cried when the pure light assaulted his blind eyes. "I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound." Gandalf flicked his staff and an unseen force pushed the King back within his throne, clenching his hands as pain assaulted his very being.
Aragorn turned as he saw the women, who he thought had come to greet them, run forward, pushing past the Dwarf and Elf, who made no move to grab her. The ranger roughly grabbed her and she turned to face him, panic, worry and horror was within her cool eyes. "Wait." Aragorn whispered. "This will help."
Gandalf flicked his staff again as Théoden growled. The King hit his throne hard as his hands flew to take a grip apon the arms of it. The bewitched King opened his tightly closed eyes, slowly and then a voice that was so unlike his said "If we go, Théoden dies."
Gandalf still kept the force of the push on Théoden but furrowed his brows questionably. "We?" He asked, panic ripped through him.
"The Wizard is not the only one that holds this body." A smile fell apon Théoden's twisted face as his voice was dark and rough.
Gandalf's eyes widened and quickly looked towards the Prince, keeping his hold on the King. He had not noticed that the Prince was now kneeling on the ground, gasping as he clutched his blonde head.
A small cry escaped the Prince's lips and he paid no attention to the hand that was now apon his shoulder.
"You got…What you wanted! Why torment more…Lives?!" Legolas shouted as clutched the hands that were held against his throat.
"My dear sweet little Princeling. You really thought that just agreeing to hold my soul would be enough?" The lord laughed as he watched the Prince try and remove his hands from his neck. Sauron only tightened the hold. "There is still a chance that I will rule this pathetic World. I will not let some Ranger…" The lord spat and tightened the grip even more on the Prince's neck. "…become the King of Gondor."
"Gimli!" Legolas gasped through the pain in his head and the pain that now came from his lungs. The Prince looked to the Dwarf "Get me…Over to the King. Now!" Gimli quickly helped his friend up, worried and extremely panicky for the Elf.
Aragorn let go of the maiden and helped his friend cross the room to the old King. The ranger looked back and was thankful to see the woman so frightened that she didn't move an inch.
"Legolas." Gandalf whispered and saw the Elf smile and then gasp as he tried to breath in air from his starving lungs. The Wizard flicked his staff again and Théoden cried out loudly, making those who were watching turn away from the sound, even Grima did.
"Rohan is mine." The mixture of both Saruman and Sauron's voice came out of Théoden's mouth, both feeling the pain the King was.
Gandalf moved forward, watching as the ranger and Dwarf walked passed him and helped the Elven Prince get closer to the King. "Be gone." The staff flicked more roughly this time, almost knocking the throne over with the King apon it.
Aragorn watched as Legolas' legs gave up beneath him. He held his friend tighter and slowly knelt the Elf Prince beside the King. He let go of the arms and watched as Gimli did also. The Dwarf furrowed his brows when Legolas faced lolled to the side and dipped, sweat was falling down his forehead, his breathing getting slower and slower.
"Laddie?!" Gimli cupped the fair face in his small stumpy hands. Legolas eyes were half closed and Gimli gasped at the sight. He gently tapped Legolas face with one hand, desperately trying to get the Elf to stay awake.
Legolas gasped again as he came back "Not…Much time…" The Prince swallowed but it never went down.
Aragorn, by now, had noticed that the Prince's throat slowly started to show black and purple bruising as if he had been strangled. His stormy eyes widened as he realised Sauron was making his move.
"Move…hands…The King's…Forehead…" The Prince raised both arms weakly; putting all the strength he could muster into them.
"Quickly!" Gandalf shouted as he could feel his power slowly leaving.
Aragorn nodded "Gimli, grab his hands." The future King grabbed the Prince's right arm while Gimli grabbed the left. The other going around the Prince, holding him up. They then placed Legolas hands on the pained King's forehead, who had now turned to face them and held them there, waiting for something to happen.
A faint orange glow came from Legolas' hands and spilled onto Aragorn's and Gimli's. The glow travelled no further but slowly worked its way into the King's head. Gandalf took this opportunity and with one finally flick of his staff, the King ripped out of Legolas' hands and quickly cried out, almost falling of his chair if not for the quick movement of the maiden who had recovered from her shock.
Legolas fell from both Gimli and Aragorn's hold, crumpling to the floor. The two friends beside him knelt down quickly and checked his pulse. Aragorn sighed with relief when found a slow but steady one. He looked to the Wizard, who looked as if he was about to collapse and nodded.
Everyone looked in amazement as the King's features suddenly changed. The old, withered King slowly became young once more.
Aragorn quickly lifted Legolas from where he laid and ran with Gimli to a guard "Where are your healing halls?" When the guard didn't reply, he shouted "Where are they?!" The guard immediately apologized and ran towards a closed door, motioning both to follow.
As the King came too, Gandalf watched as the King raised a hand to the maidens face as she smiled, tears within her cool eyes "I know your face." A tear fell down her cheek "Éowyn." The maiden laughed breathlessly while cupping the King's face within her hands.
Gandalf stepped back with a smile, eyes full of worry for his dear Prince.
Théoden looked towards the Istari with shock and confusion "Gandalf?"
"Breathe the free air again, my friend." Gandalf took a step back and bowed to the King as he slowly stood, with the help of Éowyn.
Théoden watched as many of his people bowed before him "Dark have been my dreams of late."
"They have indeed." Gandalf nodded as he stood. He then turned from the King and quickly walked to the now open door that Aragorn and Gimli went through.
Théoden looked confused and then from the same room, one of his guards came through, pure fear and panic on his face as he shouted "We need a healer!"
A deadly scream ripped through the Golden Hall.
Evil, aren't I? I had no time to proof read this so I went to bed instead…I have college in the morning. -.-
Things you need to know?
1. Treebeard's songs – The first one is from the Movie (most of you might already know) and the last one I found from typing in "Treebeard songs" :)
2. Fangorn – Fangorn forest in indeed Treebeard's Forest.
That's it I think? :p
Reviews;
ElrondofImladris; Been awhile since you have reviewed :o! Ahaha yep and thank you :D
ArwenElf16; I love abusing Faramir! :3 I know! I read it and I was like "WTF O.O" Ahaha :') I have to say, I would love Sam as a friend :D He is sooo sweet. Awww thank you :'3 I will try and stay awesome, thanks :) Hope you like this chapter!
NIghtRunner144; Thank you and I will ;D
BrightWatcher; He is being mean D: He just ignored me! I will hurt him for that *Smiles evilly* That's a good thing, right? xD Thank you :') Ahaha there is so many! ;)
Exotic Nightmare; Faramir isn't going to die! He will just revise some sort of…flesh wound. ;) I love Gollum! XD I love how creepy he is :D Sorry that it was boring :( But there has to be some chapters that don't involve action ;D
Why. So. Serious96; Thank you for pointing the smallest bit's out ;) I thought you would ;D Ahaha Aragorn being horrible wants again… :L Thank you Mellon :D
Glorfindel: Sophie? What are you three doing?
We're looking for Faramir…Have you seen him?
Erestor: We haven't seen him at all. What has he done?
Elladan: He pushed Mithrandir…
Elrohir: …Into a closet and locked it!
Elrond: :O! We will help you find him.
Thank you! *Hugs the three Elven Lords*
/Elrond, Erestor and Glorfindel, join "Let's hunt a ranger!"\\
Namarië!