Hrafn and Torsten looked up at Edoras from the city's gate. The building that housed the king was set on the tallest hill and looked to only have stairs leading up to its entrance hall.

Torsten blew out a heavy breath. "This is not going to be easy."

"We'll figure it out. Come on," Hrafn kicked his pony into a walk. The wagon and their guard followed.

People came out of their homes or stopped at their work to watch the entourage of dwarves. Most had never seen a dwarf, except Master Gimli, friend of their King. Now there were eight dwarves, finely dressed and regal looking.

They rode up several levels to the stables. They were welcomed by a member of King Eomer's guard. He informed them Torsten could ride a pony further up, but to actually get to the King's hall, they would have to climb the stairs by foot. It took a few minutes of planning before they were ready. The dwarven guard carried Torsten's chair and the gifts sent by Fili. Torsten rode a pony until they reached the top. He chair was taken up first, then Hrafn carried his cousin the rest of the way.

"I am humiliated," Torsten whispered as Hrafn made his way up the stairs.

"Never be ashamed of your battle injuries you sustained while fighting for the protection of your home and your people. I am not ashamed of you. It is my honor to help you. You are my older cousin whom I look more to as a brother. It honors me to carry you up the stairs." Hrafn reached the top and gently lowered his cousin into his waiting chair.

"You flatterer," Torsten smiled, but he kept a firm grip on Hrafn and pulled him down to his face level. "Thank you," he whispered.

Hrafn nodded and straightened up. The King's guard opened the doors and Torsten and Hrafn, Princes of Erebor, went in, side by side, to where the King of Rohan sat on his throne. King Eomer's blond hair and beard had grown thick and long since becoming King. Hrafn liked him immediately, he looked almost dwarvish with all that hair; a color like his own and his father's.

"Welcome Prince Hrafn and Prince Torsten. Welcome to Edoras," King Eomer stood before them. The princes bowed.

"Thank you, King Eomer. King Fili send his greetings and well wishes. He also send you gifts - fine craftsmanship from Erebor." The gifts Fili had sent were presented to Eomer, which included a very fine man-sized long sword, crafted by Thorin.

Eomer placed his hands on the two princes shoulders. I'm glad you have come. There is much I wish to discuss and ideas to be shared, but first, we will settle you into your rooms, where you can relax and refresh from your long journey. We will feast tonight in your honor."

"Thank you, my Lord," Torsten said. "We are honored to be here."

A short man with long red hair held out his arm, pointing towards a door. "My Lords?" he said. The princes bowed to Eomer once more and turned to follow the man. He took them down several halls and showed them two doors right next to each other.

"You will have these two rooms while you are here," the man said. "If your rooms are lacking anything, let me know and I will attend to you."

"You are most generous," Hrafn said. Torsten took the first room and Hrafn the second. Their belongings had already been brought up.

Torsten looked around his room. It was clean and comfortable. The bed was not too high so he wouldn't have problems getting in and out of bed on his own. It was one thing to let Hrafn carry him up a flight of stairs, but he did not want help doing tasks he could normally do on his own in his own home. Thank goodness for his elvish blood that made him taller than the average dwarf and more accommodating to man sized furniture.

It was strange to be in a room built entirely of wood. It was very foreign feeling. he had not often been away from Erebor and when he had travelled in his youth, before the injury, he always went to Dale or the elven kingdom in Mirkwood. Both of these cities were, to some degree, made of stone and he felt comfortable. But now, this was a room, an entire palace, made up of wood and Torsten felt exposed. Well, it was only for a few weeks. He would endure it, but it made him wonder if Hrafn was feeling the same way.

Hrafn wanted nothing more than to collapse on the bed and take a nap, but there was something of great importance to do first. He opened his door and looked out. At the end of the hall, he could see daylight from the crack under the door. He went to that door, opened it and found himself on a high stone overlook. He looked around and made a loud call noise in the back of his throat. He waited for a moment and made the call again.

Soon, a large raven appeared and landed on Hrafn's outstretched arm. "Hello, my friend," Hrafn stoked the black feathers. The raven clicked his beak at Hrafn's finger. He understood and reached into his pocket for a bit of treat to give to the raven. He pulled out half a soda biscuit that he had saved especially for this moment. He wanted his raven to be very happy. The raven plucked it from his hand and flew to the stone floor, where he dropped the biscuit and pecked at it bit-by-bit until it was gone. Then he flew back to Hrafn.

"Good bird," he stroked and cooed. "I need you to take a message to the King. Tell him we are safe in Rohan."

The raven squawked and Hrafn knew he understood. "Take the message quickly, but do not make yourself weary." The raven nipped at his arm before taking off. Hrafn watched as it circled the King's palace twice, before it took off in the direction of Erebor.

Now Hrafn could relax. He would wash, change and maybe there would be time for a nap before dinner.