Disclaimer: Still down't own any thing seen in the LOTR movies or books, just the OC characters.

Thanks for all of the constructive criticism, now onto Chapter 2!!

Chapter 2: Deorhild

Deorhild closed her eyes slowly, sighing. She loved this place, her home since she was a little child, Edoras. Or more like Rohan. The strange thing was, she wasn't of Rohirric blood, she was actually a child of Dunlend. She was orphaned, and found half dead and half starved by a member of the Rohirrim, the very people who had driven hers off of they're land. She was taken to Rohan, and since that day, has grown up a loyal maiden of Rohan. The thing that was so off was the fact that they were so accepting of her. Men of Rohan were not known for trusting outsiders, but she was accepted as if she was born there. Maybe it was the circumstances behind her adoption.

Any ways, she grew up happy, following the every step and movement of the White Lady of Rohan, Eowyn. She learned much from her "queen", her teacher and the goddess whose every step she worshipped. She wished one day she would magically transform into a twin of her mentor. Her fiery red slightly curled hair would turn into the color of spun gold. Her skin, would go from slightly tan and freckled, to pale and flawless. She would be no petite twig, she'd be strong. She would stand proud for her freedom and beliefs. Just like Eowyn. They became close, Deorhild often confiding her most secret thoughts to her lady, and received the same in turn. She knew of Eowyn's wishes for happiness, and honor. But to be free of the gilded cage she felt she was trapped in.

Of her fears as well. She felt the same despair, when she saw the men she called family fall into darkness. Her king, a shadow of himself, almost dead to the world. The man who saved her life, who was like a father to her, or more like a brother, banished from the realm. That strange man in black...haunting her lady's steps. Whispering lies in the ear of her king. Killing the heir to the throne. Yes, she saw him poison his wound, causing an otherwise treatable wound to turn fatal. She was frightened of this man, she wasn't as brave as her princess. She was just a common child. She found him quite disturbing, and often would avoid any contact with him if she could. She wasn't the object of the one known as "Wormtongue's" affections, she was expendable. If he felt she was a threat, she didn't want to think about what happened to Theodred. That night, she had followed her lady, carrying a candle she made herself. She would give it to Eowyn. But she noticed Eomer trapping the Strange man against a wall, threatening him. He looked to her like "Is she actually going to watch him kill me?" She would've if Theoden hadn't decided to go senile on them all of a sudden and banish Eomer. That wasn't good...at all.

But on to her great day. She got her first horse, the mare's name was Eorhild. It meant Horse-battle. One day she'd ride her into one, she hoped, and show Eowyn that she had taught her well. Everyone described battle as glorius, after all. She was taught to handle a sword, and often remembered the truth behind Eowyn's words, "Those who cannot wield a sword can still die by them...". She should know first hand, both of them were orphaned. She wasn't the best at it, but she got to the point where she could wield a small dagger as well as the average short sword.

This was also the day they were finally free of the...Strange One...and the influence of a strange wizard man, who apparently was controlling a grown man from miles away. It had all started when an old man and three hunters had entered Meduseld, one was a man, kind of handsome, Eowyn was not immediately smitten with him, it wasn't until her uncle was free of possesion that she looked to him. Another was an elf, who looked very good for running and tracking for days. And the third was a funny looking dwarf. He had hair that was a bit darker than her own, but red, and it was all over her face as well. Like a short, abnormally strong, old man. Yes! They all had impressive weapons. But the old man had a pretty stick.

"I told you to take the wizards staff!" She heard Wormtongue say, all of a sudden everything seemed to break into a brawl. While this old man made his way towards the throne, Deorhild looked puzzled. What was going on?

When he began speaking all loud, she tensed. What was this man doing to her King?! Eowyn must've had the same idea, as she began to run to her uncle's side. The dark haired man held her back. Deorhild was quite interested in how this would turn out, King Theoden began speaking like some dying man, and jumped at the old man, who she had heard was named Gandalf. That was a funny name for a man Anyways, he hit Theoden over the head of the scalp...and apparently killed him for a second. He began to look younger every second, and soon awoke again, mad as an orc. Smiling, Deorhild looked over to the "Strange One" (she had unceremonious dubbed him that a time ago...), crossing her arms. He was right, she did have it in for him, and now he'd get what he deserved. She was ready and waiting to retrieve Theoden's sword from a chest and bring it to one of the Rohirrim, who in turn presented it to Theoden. He looked over to the "Strange One", his face contorting from confusion to a look of pure anger. This would be good...so good. But Theoden had to go and ruin it again, he let him live!

"Wha...wh...argh!" She grumbled in the background, tossing a small knife to the side and crossing her arms. Wormtongue ran off and fled...probably going back to his master.

"Where is my son?" Theoden asked, triumphant over his release from Sarumans' grip, but a bit confused as to why he wasn't present at the moment. Deorhild stared at the ground...he really diddn't know? This would be hard...

Days later, children had rode to town, and Deorhild's heart broke. One of the poor runts collapsed off of the horse! Were they orphans as well? This scene was all too familiar, and she kept to herself that day. She wasn't present when the decision was made to run to Helm's Deep. Still in a bit of a depression, she had missed the call, and in the commotion, was left behind.

"I'm ready! Shall I ride or..." She yelled into an empty hall. Confused, she paced about for a second.

"...and I'm too late...terrific!" She said, throwing a small bag to the ground and sitting, pouting, on a chair adjacent to one of the large tables. What should she do? She still had her horse atleast...or so she hoped. After sitting for a moment, she decided that it would be a good plan to check on her steed, and prepare for a journey. At least she could be prepared to hole up here, and if the place does fall under attack, flee quickly. How bad could it be?

(Well that was chapter 2, in the next chapter, Lici arrives a bit too late to do any good, and Deorhild must solve a very important mystery. Also, you will be introduced to another character, Na'man.)