So sorry about the delay, uni all of a sudden dumped all these assignments on me. This one is longer than my other chapters so I hope that it makes up for the wait. Hopefully the next chapter won't be too far away. :P

This chapter has different languages so here is the key. It may change in later chapters but it works for this one:

"Talk" elvish

"Talk" westron

Talk thoughts

The Immortal Hero

Chapter 7

When Tegalad woke it was to the sounds of his companions packing their belongings for another trek. Aragorn was a fair distance away, studying the ground, while the others were in the process of putting their belongings away and eating breakfast at a furious pace. Shadow was sitting by Aragorn, but upon noticing Tegalad awake, bounded over and licked his face. Tegalad laughed and pushed the wolf's face away. He started to roll up his blanket and slid it into his bag, before pulling his shoes on and walking over to where his companions were still packing.

Aragorn returned and handed a chunk of bread to the elfling and a flask of water. Tegalad took the offered food with a sigh but ate it without making another sound. Aragorn started to talk to the others about what they would be doing that day, though Tegalad imagined it would be along the lines of run, walk, run some more, eat, continue running, walk a bit, more running before stopping for the night again.

Being left out of the conversation, even if it was only spoken another language because of Boromir and Gimli who were the more important members of the Fellowship, irked him and he was determined to learn the language.

"You ready Little One?" Aragorn asked as the group stood to leave. Tegalad, a chunk of bread still in his mouth, nodded and put his hand on Shadow's back. Aragorn smiled and started to move off at a jog. Tegalad swallowed quickly before starting to jog as well. He wanted to ask Aragorn about language lessons before he forgot or became sidetracked.

"Aragorn?" he asked carefully as he watched Shadow leap around ahead of them. Aragorn looked down at him, clearly waiting for him to continue.

"Can you teach me how to speak that other language?" he asked.

"Westron?" Aragorn asked. "I don't see why not. You getting tired of not understanding?"

"Yes," Tegalad muttered. "But also because I don't want to continue being a burden by relying on you to speak for me."

"You are not a burden on us," Aragorn said firmly. "But yes, I will teach you how to speak Weston."

Tegalad smiled gratefully but Aragorn could tell that the child still thought of himself as a burden.

"We'll start with simple things I think," Aragorn began. "Alright, this is the word for yes…"

Tegalad listened carefully and dutifully repeated what his teacher was explaining for him. Behind them, Legolas was explaining to the other two what Aragorn was doing and making sure that they all stuck together.

Learning another language was hard, Tegalad thought as they stopped for lunch. Aragorn had taught him to say 'yes', 'no', 'good', 'bad' as well as some greetings that he could use when meeting someone new. He was going over the new words in his head as he ate something for lunch and Aragorn re-bandaged his hand after checking to make sure that it hadn't become infected.

For the rest of the afternoon Tegalad ran with Gimli at the back of the group. The dwarf was panting hard, obviously unused to such physical exercise. Tegalad himself was getting tired but had been rescued by Shadow when he tripped. It had been mid-afternoon when he lost his footing and fell forward, only to catch himself on Shadow who had moved to run in front of him. For the rest of that afternoon Tegalad rested on Shadow's back as they ran ahead of the four members of the Fellowship.

The run ahead aloud him to relax and forget about the mission they had put themselves on. There was no war, no battles, just Tegalad and Shadow with the wind rushing past them and pushing their hair back. The four runners could only smile as the wind brought the sound of childish laughter to them.

"It's good to see him so happy," Boromir said to Gimli.

"Aye," Gimli replied. "The child has far too much trouble in his life. I imagine that he's had little reason to be happy recently."

"We'll just have to give him a reason to be happy then," Boromir decided firmly. The dwarf looked up at his human companion and agreed with him. Despite the fact that the child was an elf, Tegalad had managed to worm his way into Gimli's heart.

By the time the sun was hovering on the horizon and the shadows had lengthened, the travelling group decided to stop. Shadow had started to run closer to the group as the sky began to darken and Tegalad slouched further over his neck. By the time they stopped completely Tegalad was half asleep and not willing to eat anything. Aragorn lifted the small child onto his lap and forcibly fed him, not stopping until he was satisfied that the child couldn't eat another morsel. Tegalad was completely asleep by the time he was laid down and covered in his blanket, Shadow pressed against his side.

The next two days followed the same routine as the first. In the morning Tegalad would learn Westron from Aragorn, in the early afternoon he would run with Boromir and Gimli, testing out what he had learnt and learning new words from the dwarf and man. In the late afternoon, when he was the most tired, Tegalad would rest on Shadow's back and run ahead of the group until it became too dark to keep running.

Aragorn kept monitoring his meals and Tegalad learnt to accept the assistance being given to him by the older man. Breakfast was a rushed meal of bread and water, something Tegalad was used to as it was what he had normally gotten from the Dursleys, and later from the Death Eaters. Lunch was more bread and water, plus some apples or berries the ranger had found whilst they were running. Dinner was some dried meat, more bread, and whatever else they could find.

Memories had started to return to Tegalad slowly and didn't have much impact on his day to day life. Meals at the Dursleys were among the memories he had gotten back, and memories of the food he'd eaten at school. There was still nothing personal, and Tegalad knew that most of his memories had been repressed and would return eventually, whether it be after a time or by some action of his companions.

It was on the third day, early afternoon that Shadow stopped between two hills. Tegalad noticed that the ground had been trampled on repeatedly and made the mud hard. A glint of green caught his eye and he slid off Shadow's back to look at it more closely. His four companions caught up with him and asked why he had stopped. He held up the jeweled leaf that had caught his eye.

"Dropped…stamped," he tried to explain in Westron. He used hand gestures and moved his foot in a stamping motion to make his words clearer. Aragorn nodded at him in approval.

"Not…leaves…fall," Legolas said but Tegalad could only understand a handful of the words. He knew they were referring to the Halflings though as every member of the Fellowship had received a cloak with the jeweled leaf as the clasp.

Aragorn motioned for Tegalad to get back on Shadow's back and they continued running. The elfling noticed that their speed had increased as well as a few smiles appearing on Boromir and Aragorn's faces. Tegalad looked down at the clasp he still had in his hand. He guessed that the others thought Merry and Pippin were still alive, but they hadn't seen the smudge of blood on the top of it. Merry and Pippin may have been alive, but they weren't unharmed.

The sun rose the next morning like it always did, but Tegalad felt instant unease at the sight. The sun sent out red rays, hitting the few clouds that drifted in the sky. Legolas said something to the others, and even if he couldn't understand the words, Tegalad shivered. He was running next to Boromir as Aragorn was too excited that day to teach him Westron. Boromir looked at him in concern but Tegalad shook his head at him.

"I'm fine," he reassured him. It was one of the sayings he was glad to have learnt as it was a reassurance that he couldn't give before.

They ran for a bit longer before Aragorn stopped and knelt to the ground. Tegalad had seen him doing that several times but hadn't asked about it. When the man stood he quickly gathered everyone around him and spoke in rapid Westron. Tegalad lost track and waited patiently for Aragorn, or Legolas, to talk to him.

"Tegalad, there is a large group of riders coming this way, I want you to stay by my side and keep your hood up," Aragorn explained as he pulled the child's hood up. "Don't speak and hopefully they'll think of you as a hobbit or a human child. I won't let anyone hurt you."

"I trust you Aragorn," Tegalad murmured. He called Shadow to his side and quickly asked the wolf to run to the side and hide until he was called back. Shadow went reluctantly but he went. While the wolf ran off, the others pulled their cloaks over their heads a knelt on the ground. Tegalad crouched under Aragorn's arms and shivered as he felt the ground rumble under him.

When the horses started to leap over them he hid his face in Aragorn's chest so as to not see the dark shadows moving across them. Once they were gone Aragorn stood up, motioning for the others to do so as well. Tegalad glued himself to Aragorn's side and flinched as the ranger called out to the riders who had just passed them. His small size made him feel very vulnerable.

The riders turned around and surrounded the group, their spears pointing at them threateningly. Tegalad gulped at the sight of dark blood on some of the spears that hadn't been cleaned off completely. He pressed closer to Aragorn's side and peered up at the leader of the riders.

He and Aragorn started to speak, the other three joining in occasionally. Gimli's tone was one of scorn, and after the rider leader replied Legolas had his bow out and strung. The riders got more threatening and their spears came closer. Tegalad whimpered, a small sound he tried to muffle, and the leader of the riders turned to look at him in shock. Aragorn drew his attention again and as soon as the leader removed his helmet, the spears retreated.

The leader knelt down in front of Tegalad with a smile. Tegalad blinked at him and hid further behind Aragorn, his green eyes still watching the rider. The rider stood up again and whistled. Three horses walked forward and their reins were given to Aragorn, Boromir and Legolas. It was shortly after that that the riders left again.

Aragorn waited until they were gone from sight before pulling Tegalad into a hug. Tegalad tensed at the sudden movement before relaxing into the embrace.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I forgot where I was. All I saw was that I was surrounded by Them again. I couldn't help it. It hurt last time."

"Shhh," Aragorn said soothingly as he rubbed his back. "You don't have to apologise. But I promise you that I will do my best to keep you safe."

Tegalad looked up at him and nodded. A memory of being hugged by another man with dark hair stirred in his mind. A name was whispered to him and all the memories accompanying it.

Sirius.

He was silent as Aragorn lifted him in the saddle and remained quiet as they moved off at a much faster pace to previously. Shadow appeared at their side as soon as they started moving and Tegalad smiled slightly at the wolf before focusing once more on the ground ahead of them. He lost himself in his memories as they continued onwards at a fast pace.

After a good half hour of travelling Tegalad became aware of a foul stench on the air. He scrunched up his nose in distaste and pulled his thoughts from his memories to focus on his surroundings. Ahead of them he could see a black mound of bodies. His stomach rebelled at the sight and he quickly looked away so that he wasn't sick. He remembered the aftermath of the final battle, bodies lying everywhere. There was no smell then, but the stench of burnt carcasses now more than made up for it.

Aragorn's grip tightened around him as they started to slow down. The ranger slid off the horse and Tegalad looked at him in alarm, his hands gripping the saddle in a white knuckled grip. He refused to look at the bodies, having seen more than enough death, and focused on the ranger.

"Stay on the horse Tegalad," he said. Tegalad nodded and looked towards the dark forest near them. It hadn't been in danger of catching alight but it was close enough that it was possible some of the Uruk-hai had escaped into it. Aragorn let out an animalistic cry of distress, causing Tegalad to return his focus to the group. Aragorn was on his knees, hands clenched on the ground while Gimli was brushing aside burnt limbs with his axe. Legolas was standing beside his horse while Boromir stood behind Aragorn, a comforting hand on his shoulder. Gimli held up a small belt he had discovered in the pile and held it up for all to see. Tegalad recognised it as a gift given to the hobbits by Lady Galadriel and that made him sad, until he realised that the belt hadn't been attached to a hobbit.

The horse he was sitting on shifted, causing Tegalad to lose his balance and slide half out of the saddle. He gasped as he fell, his grip not loosening on the pommel even as his legs became twisted. His shift in weight caused the horse discomfort and it pranced to the side, further dislodging Tegalad from his perch of safety. Shadow barked once to alert the four that something was wrong. Boromir ran over to rescue him when he noticed Tegalad's precarious situation.

"Thank-you," Tegalad managed to gasp out. Boromir smiled at him and set him on the ground. Tegalad maneuvered himself so that the man was between him and the burnt bodies and turned to look at the forest again. He could see Aragorn and Legolas out of the corner of his eye stare at some tracks on the ground and follow them. Boromir took Tegalad's hand and hurried after them, causing the elfling to jog to keep up. Shadow trotted at their side and the six of them stopped at the edge of the forest.

Tegalad placed a hand on Shadow's back as a feeling of forbidding swept over them. The forest clearly didn't want them to enter. Aragorn and Legolas left quickly to get their horses, Aragorn bringing Boromir's as well. Tegalad made a face at the thought of hopping back on the creature and moved closer to Shadow's side. Shadow, if possible, looked smugly up at the horse who, in reply, rolled its eyes. Tegalad swatted the wolf's head gently before yelping as the wolf ran behind him and maneuvered the elfling onto his back.

Chuckling, Aragorn led his horse forward into the forest. He motioned for Tegalad to come to his side and Shadow obeyed. Gimli walked forward until he was behind Shadow, leaving the other two to walk behind them, leading the last of their horses.

Tegalad allowed Shadow to lead him as he focused on the trees around them. He could hear the odd groan from the trees, feel the subtle shifting of the roots and even see the destruction of the undergrowth caused by orcs. He watched as Aragorn was able to see the tracks left behind by Merry and Pippin, and smiled when Gimli uttered various curses as he was tripped by the roots.

When the horses started to rebel against their riders, the two men and one elf were unable to keep a grip on the reins. The horses reared up and spun around, running as fast as they could out of the forest. Shadow moved out of the way of the horses and Tegalad watched in fear as his companions came close to being trampled on. Once the horses were out of sight Tegalad slid off Shadow's back and moved to stand beside Aragorn.

"What now?" he asked in Westron. Aragorn looked down at him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"We go on," he replied. Tegalad nodded in understanding and started to walk beside Gimli in the middle of the group. Shadow walked near him, obviously uncomfortable amongst such old trees.

Gimli moved away after several minutes of walking silently to study the base of a tree, or more specifically, the small bushes surrounding it. He licked his fingers before spitting on the ground in disgust. Aragorn went further forward, Legolas following closely. Tegalad looked up at Boromir in confusion but nevertheless, followed the others. He took enjoyment from jumping from rock to rock and racing against Boromir. The man let him win but Tegalad had never had anyone to play with him when he was younger and was making up for lost time.

Aragorn suddenly knelt down and muttered something about the tracks he was following. Legolas started speaking about the forest and the groans became more pronounced. Shadow pressed himself closely to the child's side and Boromir put a hand on his shoulder. Tegalad jumped when Gimli raised his axe threateningly. He darted forward and put a hand over Gimli's.

"No," he said firmly. "Trees not like."

Gimli frowned but lowered his weapon as instructed. They continued walking, Tegalad staying close to Gimli while keeping an eye on the others at the same time. After a short time Legolas froze, looked around, before darting forward past Aragorn, speaking the other's name as he did so.

"Aragorn, something's out there." The comment was in elvish and Tegalad understood what was being said clearly. He moved further forward with Gimli and Boromir to better hear the reply. Aragorn came close to the older elf.

"What do you see?" he whispered. The answer to that was in Westron and all Tegalad could make out was "White Wizard."

He looked around in alarm and his eyes widened as he spotted a cloaked figure standing not too far from them. His mouth opened in preparation to scream but was silenced as the figure held a finger to his lips in a clear indication of silence. He recognised the figure and his alarm changed to surprise, shock and delight.

Tegalad looked back to see what his companions were doing and was startled to see them preparing their weapons. He was lifted cleanly into the air as Aragorn spun around. The man had grabbed Tegalad's arm and pulled him back against him and then behind him, his sword coming out of its scabbard easily. The sudden movement had hurt but Tegalad was touched at the protective stance of the man now in front of him.

Pure white light blinded them all as their weapons were either rendered useless or were deflected. Aragorn staggered backwards, pushing Tegalad as he did so. Shadow started barking but was ignored as the group tried to see passed the light. The ethereal figure started to speak, Aragorn replied. Tegalad could only gather a few words of their conversation, mainly that they were talking about Merry and Pippin. He gathered from the conversation that they were safe. Aragorn demanded to know who the figure was and the light died.

Tegalad was alarmed when Aragorn sunk to the ground but was relieved to know that it was only shock. He smiled and waited patiently for the old man to explain where he had been, and what he had been through. When he was done Tegalad walked around Aragorn and stood in front of the old man,

"Good…see you Gandalf," he said hesitantly in Westron. "You…missed?"

He stammered his sentences, unsure of how to exactly word his greeting and to express how much the Istari had been missed.

"I missed you too Tegalad," Gandalf replied slowly and with a little surprise. "You look better."

Tegalad smiled happily and pulled the Istari over to the others. Aragorn stood up and clasped forearms with Gandalf. They spoke briefly before it was decided that they would leave the forest.

"Merry? Pippin?" Tegalad asked as they started to head back the way they'd come.

"They're safe," Aragorn told him as he lifted the child into his arms. "Gandalf has assured us that they're well looked after in this forest."

"Promise?" Tegalad asked seriously.

"I promise Little One," Aragorn said with a smile. "Now, we missed our lesson this morning didn't we?"

"You were busy."

"Maybe, but once we're on the road again we'll continue alright?"

Tegalad nodded with a smile and put his head on the man's shoulder. Gandalf led the way out of the forest, and the elfling knew that he had overheard their conversation. Tegalad decided that he liked the white colour of Gandalf's robes and resolved to ask the Istari about it at a later time when there wasn't such severity around them.

Once they reached the boundaries of the forest Gandalf whistled. Tegalad shook his head to remove the ringing in his ears and glared at the wizard. His expression clearly asked if the noise was necessary but no one answered. Legolas gasped as a pure white horse came galloping over the hills, the three runaway horses tailing it. Tegalad allowed himself to admire the animal as it came closer, it clearly was among the well-bred of its species.

Tegalad gave a long suffering sigh as Aragorn grabbed the reins of his horse with his free hand. The ranger smiled in amusement and easily lifted the child onto the front of the saddle.

"We'll be travelling for three days to get to Edoras," Aragorn explained as he pulled himself up behind him. "There has been much trouble and Gandalf wants us to help put a stop to it."

"Is that our new mission?" Tegalad asked as they started to move. "To help the people in Edoras?"

"King Théoden of Rohan is very sick at the moment, and once we've helped him we'll be given a new mission."

Tegalad nodded and looked back at Fangorn Forest. He hadn't seen Merry or Pippin and didn't know how badly hurt they'd been. He still had the jeweled leaf in his pocket, waiting to be returned to its owner. But Gandalf had said they were safe, and the old wizard wouldn't lie about something that serious. Shadow ran beside the group reveling in the ability to run as fast as he was able to without doubling back to allow the others to catch up. Tegalad soon dismissed his worries and was able to enjoy the fast-paced ride.

On the third day Tegalad raised his eyes to the horizon and was shocked to see a city rise from the ground as they came up and over another hill. A wall surrounded the city and at the top stood a large building.

"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld," Gandalf explained as he noticed Tegalad's awed expression. "There lies Théoden, King of Rohan…whose mind is overthrown."

Tegalad remembered something similar happening years ago, an event involving a diary and a girl with fire-like hair. Tegalad knew this girl was important to him but his blurred memories stopped him from knowing why.

"Possession?" Tegalad asked as they started to move forward at walking pace.

"Possibly," Gandalf replied with a nod. "We shall see when we get inside."

Tegalad nodded and leant back against Aragorn. The past three days had been spent on horseback so there was plenty of time for Tegalad to learn Westron without interruption. He could now understand most of what was being said to him but still had trouble stringing words together to make sense. Even the sentences he could speak well he spoke slowly so he wouldn't make mistakes. He had a great amount of fun talking to Gimli who had spent most of his time moaning about how dwarves were meant to have both feet on the ground, not being subjected to the rough handling of horses.

They reached the gates of Edoras with no opposition. Tegalad frowned at the security, but if what Gandalf had said about the King's mind was true then it was the work of the controller. He looked up at the Golden Hall and spotted a figure dressed in white. The girl, for her gender was clear even from such a distance, was very pretty and if it hadn't been from the wind rushing around her he would have though her to be a marble statue.

"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard," Gimli muttered as the group moved through the town. Tegalad made sure his hood was covering his ears again at Aragorn's insistence. Everyone started at them as they passed by and shrank back as Shadow moved close to them.

At the base of the Golden Hall they dismounted and handed over their horses to the stable hands. Tegalad pressed himself to Aragorn's side, almost invisible to others. Aragorn held him close as they walked up the steps. Gandalf was acting as a man of old age should, leaning heavily on his staff, his white robe covered by a drab grey travelling cloak.

At the top of the steps they were stopped as an armed guard of men barred their way into the room. The guard leader asked for them to remove their weapons, something they all did reluctantly. Tegalad stayed close to Aragorn's side, not moving even as the ranger unbuckled his weapon. Gimli grumbled softly as he handed over his axe while Legolas showed off just a bit as he pulled weapons from various places around his body, spinning the blades of the knives as if they were toys. One of the guards spotted Tegalad and asked if he could remove any weapons he had. Tegalad ignored the order, he wouldn't give up the dagger he had hidden in his boot. He doubted that the Fellowship knew that he had a weapon on his person.

"He's just a child, too little to handle a weapon," Gandalf said sternly. "He was found many leagues away and has become like a shadow to us. He won't cause any harm."

"I'll allow that," the guard said looking away from Tegalad. "But the animal cannot come into the Hall."

Tegalad gasped and rested a hand on Shadow's back. Gandalf argued some more but on this the guard wouldn't relent. Tegalad whispered in the wolf's ear that he was to guard their weapons while they were inside. Shadow whined but nevertheless remained outside. The guard then tried to take Gandalf's staff but the Istari smoothly side-stepped the request and then they were allowed to enter.

It was then Tegalad got his first view of the King of Rohan. As he walked between Aragorn and Boromir, the elfling felt pity for the King. The man looked old, far older than he should have. His white hair was wispy and surrounded his wrinkled old face like a lion's mane. His shaggy furs hid how thin he was, but Tegalad knew that the King was weak from hunger and as such was easily controlled by whoever held his mind.

At the King's side was another man, this one younger with oily black hair and yellow teeth. Tegalad was reminded of one who had promoted himself above his station. A place at the King's side gave him more power than he otherwise would have had and he used that power to further his own importance.

The oily man spoke with Gandalf, coming up to stand directly in front of the wizard. When Gandalf revealed that he still had his staff the oily man scurried off to the side before ordering an attack. Tegalad's eyes widened as fighters rushed forward to stop them. He rushed forward himself so that he was at Gandalf's side, leaving Boromir and Aragorn free to fight without him being in the way. He latched onto the wizard's grey cloak only until the fighting was over. Gandalf smile down at him as he went back to stand beside Aragorn.

The old King started to laugh and Tegalad felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise in unease. This was not the King. This was a powerful man who had taken the King's body as his host.

"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey," the possessed man chuckled. Tegalad could only see Gandalf's back but he could imagine the concentrated expression on his face. He threw his cloak aside, revealing his stature as a White Wizard. The man on the thrown went rigid as if in pain.

"I will draw you Saruman as poison is drawn from a wound," Gandalf said firmly. His voice sent shivers down Tegalad's spine as the sheer power in the words washed over him. The man on the chair seemed to struggle against some unseen shield, unable to rise. A woman in white appeared in the Hall and tried to rush to the King. Aragorn darted forward to stop her and Tegalad followed quickly.

"Wait," Tegalad said softly as he put a small hand on her arm. She looked down at him in shock but nodded and focused intently on the drama unfolding before them.

The King was hunched over in his chair, his hands leaving small indentures in the arms of the throne from where he'd held them so tightly. His eyes lifted to Gandalf's and his voice changed. Tegalad knew that he was listening to the possessor speak.

"If I die, Théoden dies as well," he spat harshly. Tegalad shivered and leant back against Aragorn.

"You did not kill me, you will not kill him," Gandalf replied as he raised his staff. Magic washed over the room as the power play between wizards continued. The King struggled to lean forward and Tegalad noticed that his eyes were clouded over.

"Rohan is mine!" he hissed. Gandalf pushed more magic through his staff.

"Be gone!" he ordered. Saruman made one last attempt to stay in control by throwing himself at the White Wizard. Gandalf hit him on the head with his staff and the King seemed to suddenly sag. Gandalf stood up, the danger having past. The girl in white rushed forward as the King fell forward. She pushed him back against the chair and knelt beside him.

Tegalad watched in amazement as the King started to de-age before their eyes. His hair lost its wispy look and coloured until it was blonde again with only a few grey hairs. His face de-wrinkled and his eyes cleared to a dark blue. He was looking at the girl in confusion and a slow understanding.

"I know your face," he whispered. "Éowyn."

The two of them smiled, Éowyn in relief and joy. Tegalad imagined that it had been some time since she was last recognised by the King. Aragorn tightened his grip on Tegalad's shoulder and smiled down at him. Tegalad retuned the smile and focused back on the scene before them. Théoden had by then turned his attention to the room. He stared at Gandalf in amazement.

While they talked Tegalad turned to look at the oily man who was held in Gimli's grasp. He was trying to escape before Théoden noticed him. The man turned his head, looking for an exit, and spotted Tegalad. Despite his hood still being up, Tegalad knew that the man would remember who he was. The man smirked. The unease Tegalad felt was unable to stay hidden as he shivered slightly. Aragorn tightened his grip and subtly nudged Tegalad out of the man's sight.

Théoden drew his sword and stared at it for a while before turning to face the oily man. Tegalad could hear the whimpers as everyone turned to look at him.

What happened next seemed strange to Tegalad. The man, Grima Wormtongue, was literally thrown from the Hall and down the steps. The King, now back to his former power, was full prepared to kill him and Tegalad could understand that. What he couldn't understand was that Aragorn had stopped him. Grima Wormtongue ran.

The city of Edoras all knelt in reverence to their King returning to them. Tegalad stood next to Boromir, unsure of how to act. He watched as the King asked for the whereabouts of his son before rushing back inside to where they had kept the body of Prince Théodred before burying it. Tegalad walked at Boromir's side as they followed the King.

"Why did Aragorn…stop King?" he asked curiously.

"Because by killing Wormtongue the King would be falling to his level. By sparing his life, the King shows that he is a better man than Grima Wormtongue could ever hope to be."

Tegalad nodded in understanding and waited patiently while his companions took back their weapons. Shadow was once again at his side and the wolf showed no sign of being forced to stay behind again.

The funeral for Prince Théodred took place that afternoon but Tegalad stayed behind with Shadow. He didn't think that his presence would make much sense, and he didn't want to watch another grieving parent. He had seen too many in his past, most through his visions but some in person. Instead, Boromir and Gimli teamed up to get him to eat a large lunch. Tegalad had seen the food put in front of him and tried to run. Boromir had caught him though and settled him on his knee, fully prepared to force feed him if necessary.

It was not long after the funeral that the others returned. Aragorn had chuckled at seeing Boromir holding Tegalad still so that he would eat. The elfling was only able to eat half of the mountain of food before him before he refused to eat another bite. Boromir allowed it reluctantly as he had seen first hand how little the elfling ate usually.

Gandalf returned with the King some time later, two children trailing behind them. Éowyn rushed forward to assist the children, both who looked starved and exhausted. Bowls of broth were placed in front of them and the two children practically fell on it. Tegalad watched silently, the little girl, in between eating and telling Éowyn what had happened to their village, was asking for her mother. The boy, clearly the older, sat close to his sister but spent most of his time eating as much as he could in the shortest amount of time possible.

Gandalf encouraged the King to make a decision regarding the upcoming war, with Aragorn and Boromir throwing their advice in as well. Tegalad kept his head down and played with Shadow silently. It was while Théoden was talking with the others that the small girl walked over to where Tegalad was sitting.

The elfling was sitting on his own, the others having moved closer to where the King was to discuss plans for evacuation, protection and travel routes. Shadow stayed by his side to keep him company and both had been shocked when the girl walked over.

She had finished her food and while her brother was half asleep, slouched over the table, she was curious as to who the small boy and his wolf were. She sat opposite him and smiled charmingly.

"Hello," she said. "I'm Freda, and that's my brother Éothain. Who are you?"

"Tegalad," the elfling replied warily. "This…Shadow."

"Do you want to play with me?" Freda asked hopefully. "Éothain's too tired to do so and I…I miss my mama."

"We play…with Shadow," Tegalad said slowly as he put a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Your mama…she safe. You see again."

Freda smiled at him and nodded, brushing away a few tears that appeared in her eyes. Shadow stood up and wagged his tail. The three of them went outside after Tegalad told Éowyn where they were going. From there they played a game of tag and other children in Edoras soon joined in. Tegalad kept his ears hidden and allowed his hood to fall back. Many of the young children stared at him, as he possessed the beauty of the elves, and his green eyes were vibrant. It wasn't long after that when Aragorn came looking for him.

"Tegalad, come and say goodbye to Gandalf," the ranger ordered. Tegalad looked up in alarm and ran from the game.

"Where he going?" Tegalad asked.

"He's going to get help," Aragorn replied. "You remember the riders we met? He's going to bring them back."

"I come," Tegalad promised and went to say goodbye to Freda and the others. Shadow decided to stay with the children as they were having much fun, especially after the dark times that had plagued Edoras recently.

Tegalad followed Aragorn to the stables where the others were waiting for them. Gandalf was standing beside his white horse waiting for them. Tegalad didn't move from Aragorn's side but he did smile at the Istari.

"Wish you luck," he said simply.

"And you," Gandalf replied. "Be very careful Tegalad, danger grows day by day. Be safe."

"I will," Tegalad said firmly. Gandalf mounted his horse and focused on the companions now shorter than him. He focused on Aragorn and lifted his spear. Tegalad thought he looked very powerful sitting astride a white horse in his white robes.

"Look to my coming," he ordered firmly. "At first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east."

They all murmured that they would and Gandalf dashed past them, his robes flying behind him majestically. Tegalad looked up at Aragorn.

"What we do now?" he asked.

"We head to Helms Deep," Aragorn said as he led them out of the stables. "Everyone will start packing soon and as the sun rises tomorrow we head out. Stay close to us and you'll be safe."

Tegalad nodded his understanding. He looked to where the children had just stopped playing and welcomed Shadow back to his side with a gentle pat. Boromir took his hand and led him to where they were staying for the night.

"Come, I have something for you," the man said. "I have a feeling you may need it."

Tegalad agreed to follow the man and sat up on one of the beds patiently. Boromir went to his bag and started rummaging around in it. He pulled out a small bundle and unwrapped the cloth from it. He gave it to Tegalad who stared at the wooden horn in amazement.

"As you know my horn was destroyed by the Uruk-hai," Boromir began. "I threw it over the side of the waterfall, I regret it now but at the time I had no more use for it. So when we stopped at night, while I was on watch, I started to make another one. It is simple and primitive, but it makes a sound. I want you to have it."

Tegalad stared at the horn and then the man in awe.

"Will you need horn?" he asked.

"I can make another one," Boromir said dismissively. "But I want you to wear this tomorrow. I have a feeling that you and Shadow will run along by yourselves as you have done with us. Use the horn if you get into trouble, it'll ease my worries of you."

Tegalad grinned and lifted the horn to his lips. The sound of the horn was similar to the call of an owl and the smile that came to his face in response to it gave Boromir a reason to smile back at him. The elfling slung the horn over his head so that wooden instrument could hang across his waist, much like how Boromir had worn his own Horn of Gondor.

"Run along Little One," Boromir said with a laugh. "Go and play for a while. But make sure you're in the Hall for dinner!"

The last part had been shouted as Tegalad had run while he could. The only reply Boromir got was a wave of acknowledgement, otherwise the elfling was gone. The man laughed and left at a slower pace. He knew that it was only a matter of time before that child gave him grey hair from his ability to find trouble…but he wouldn't have it any other way.

So, what do you think? I've given Tegalad friends in this one, friends who aren't adults. Should I continue doing this or wait until later on in the story to do so? Review please! :)