Author's note:
Next one is up! Thanks to the daily reviewers who keep on reviewing. You guys are my strength in writing this story. Thanks for giving comments on them.
Ok mates, enjoy the next one. CHAPTER 13 UP!
Disclaimer:Tolkein owns LOTR.
Chapter 13 – Edoras
I looked at the mountain top where the Hall of Edoras stood in its glory from where I was on Aurin. The Golden Hall shone majestically under the sunlight and there were trains of smoke rising from the various English cottages below the Hall, behind the walls that surrounded the large village. A warm yet soothing breeze swept past my plump, weary face as the vast golden plains lay before us.
"Finally… we reached Edoras…" I groaned in relief. My butt ached quite badly from the non-stop riding on Aurin, with Gandalf on the reins. "So… can I get a bath or something there…" and my stomach growled loudly, "and also… something heavy to eat."
Gandalf gave a weary smile, which I did not blame him; after all he never slept for like three days throughout the ride, which always made me wonder where he got all his energy from.
"We will. King Theoden, the Lord of Edoras is a friend of mine in these parts. We shall receive a warm welcome from him."
"You sure have many friends around Middle Earth, old wizard. You have definitely lived quite long to know everyone," I said, giving an amused look behind to Gandalf, who laughed softly.
"So I have…" he smiled, waving the reins and causing Aurin to move ahead to the village. "Being a Maia is not an easy job Child."
"I know, from the look on your face," I grinned, "but I know you are enjoying it quite well old friend. And I still have not forgotten from Bilbo how you pushed him into that adventure of yours. Quite persistent for a wizard."
"Oh please, I merely nudged him out of his door," Gandalf defended, slightly flustered, "besides, Bilbo will not be the Bilbo he is now if he had not had that adventure…"
I gave a sad smile as I saw the tall welcoming walls grew closer and the sounds of activities behind those walls becoming louder.
Indeed… and Bilbo would not have gotten that ring… and Frodo… would not be involved in this entire story…
I hope he is well...
"These people… they seemed to be living quite peacefully," I commented as we rode on the main path uphill to the Golden Hall, receiving much commotion with our presence from the villagers, who were dressed in white shirts and black pants for the men and dull colored ankle-length dresses for the females. The Rohan warriors riding pass, deck in their armors and spears too gave us suspicious looks, but on me the most, which I could not help but sighed at the unwanted attention. I held my hood down further to cover my face as Gandalf hastened Aurin's pace.
This is totally different than when in the Two Towers… still brimming with life and happiness, unlike the gloomy and dark atmosphere fallen into the village when the war begins…
When we finally reached the top, the entrance of the Golden Hall of Medusel (as told by Gandalf) stood before me as I got down from the horse with much effort. Just then, the tall, intricately carved gate swung opened inwardly, revealing a small group of Rohannian warriors marching out and stood before us.
"Greetings Gandalf the Grey," A Rohannian guard, who was slightly plump and have long reddish brown hair that were braided behind, greeted.
His neatly trimmed beard twitched a little as he gave a small welcoming smile to the old wizard, who smiled back gratefully. "Our King has heard of your arrival and is waiting in the Hall."
"Well met Hamle and this is a friend who is accompanying me in my journey," Gandalf introduced to me to the warrior who looked at me with slight suspicion, trying to see my face beyond the hood. I gulped at his intense stare when Gandalf gently pulled me behind him and told this Hamle that all will be revealed later in the halls. The warrior gave a curt nod before leading the two of us into Medusel.
One word to say about the Halls of Medusel, wow.
The entire hall was huge and there were many brightly colored tapestries hung at every part of the long walls, telling the great and majestic histories of kings and brave warriors that had passed these halls. Pillars stood sturdy and tall as I walked pass them, closely behind Gandalf as he led the way to the end of the hall. There were quite a lot of people there, servants and warriors present as they watched the two of us make our greetings to their King. The atmosphere in the hall was… how should I put it… welcoming and warm as the touches on the walls lit merrily, giving a warm glow to the place.
"Gandalf Stormcrow and his friend. Welcome to my humble halls," King Théoden, dressed in his rich and kingly attire, said with opened arms as he left his throne and hugged the wizard. "It's been a long time since you last graced us with your presence. And certainly in due time. What business do you have here in Rohan?" I gaped at the King.
Why… he looks just like in the movie, just younger!
"Well met my friend, I am here to seek shelter and food, before continuing my journey to Minas Tirith to do some business of utmost importance." Gandalf replied as he pulled away from the hug with a serene smile.
"Then you shall have what you seek in my halls," the slightly golden haired King announced sincerely and he looked at me curiously. "And your friend…"
Gandalf looked at the other people present in the room.
"It's best if you sent your servants and men away before I reveal her… for her identity is meant to remain secret until the time is right… but not now…" He whispered and King Théoden nodded.
Soon the halls became empty except Hamle by the King's side.
"Hamle is my most trusted warrior in Edoras. He shall stay," he said, looking around and Gandalf gave an understanding smile.
"Indeed. But everything said here shall be kept secret from the rest, for I can risk no rumors flying about," the wizard said before turning to me.
"You can put down your hood Child."
And I did. Two gasps of surprise echoed the halls as I grinned sheepishly at their reactions.
I gave a deep bow to the King. And another low bow to Hamle.
"Jacqueline at your service, Lord Théoden and Master Hamle. Thank you for letting me and Gandalf to reside in your halls for a day or two my Lord," I smiled gratefully and politely to the King, who looked at me with curious eyes.
"You are most welcome to stay, as friends of Gandalf, my lady. But Gandalf, what race does she belonged to? Gondor? But it cannot be… for her hairs and eyes and.. and her face…" Théoden trailed off and the old wizard laughed.
"I shall reveal everything soon. But I believed both Lady Jacqueline and I are weary and hungry from the trip. May we refresh ourselves first, before I shall tell you of her?" Gandalf said when all four of us heard a loud crash from the right end of the halls beside the throne. I jumped in shock.
"Eowyn! You clumsy oaf! They heard us!" A slightly low, panicky voice could be heard in a hiss.
"I did not mean too, Theodred pushed me against the armor when I was trying to get closer to hear what uncle is talking to that tall old man!" Another voice raised in defense, a girl in fact.
"It was an accident! Honestly!" Another child like voice came after that, protesting.
I let out a shaky breath, shocked by the sudden intrusion of the loud crash. Gandalf and Hamle raised their eyebrows, slightly alarmed whereas Théoden gave a sigh.
"Theodred! Come out here. Eowyn and Eomer! You two too," the King said sternly as three children came to view in front of me from the right, each donned with a scared expression on their faces.
I looked at them open-mouthed. You have got to be kidding me…
There stood before me was the child-version of Eowyn, Eomer and Theodred, who seemed to be aged around ten to twelve.
Eowyn was recognizable, with her golden spun long hair and fair features, her blue defiant eyes looked towards her uncle with slight fear. She was shorter than me by at least two head and was dressed in a simple dull blue long sleeved dress and a brown vest that tightened at her chest.
Eomer too was like his sister, golden hair and blue eyes, his jaw prominent, his eyes held much high regards and fear for his uncle. He was dressed simple too with a white long sleeved shirt and a brown pants, his shoulder length hair braided simply.
Theodred was the one I do not recognized, after all, in the movie he was given a small role and scene, but I knew who he was for he looked somewhat alike to his father, with his slightly reddish yellow, shoulder length hair and blue-greyish eyes. His jaw slightly flat at the tip and he was dressed too like Eomer.
"Why are you three eavesdropping on us?" Théoden said, his frown manning his lips. The three gulped. Gandalf and I looked at each other amusedly whereas Hamle looked at his King quietly with slight amusement.
"We are sorry uncle… we heard of news of a tall old man and a cloaked being entering Edoras and we were curious to see them," Eomer answered, though his voice never unwavering under Théoden's stare, his eyes showed fear and truth in his words.
"I am sorry Father; we did not mean to break your trust in us… " Theodred looked towards the floor sadly while Eowyn took both Eomer's and Theodred's hands and squeezed slightly.
"We promised not to say anything to the adults! We will keep our mouths tight and never to breathe a word of this, Uncle." Eowyn said finally with firmness that I was in awe at. At such a young age, Eowyn was already on her way to become the feisty, loyal and honest Shield maiden of Rohan as she was meant to be.
I gave a soft smile as I looked at the three children, my heart bursting with happiness on meeting the three at their youth. I turned to Gandalf, who gave a small grin at me.
"It's all right Théoden, they are just children with their curiosity at high," Gandalf smiled warmly at the trio, who looked at the tall wizard with sheer amazement. King Théoden gave an apology to both of us, which I received it quite awkwardly, for it was a first for me to be apologizing by a King.
Gandalf bent down low to meet the eye level of the trio and gave a stern look at them. "Since you have heard of this, you three better keep this secret deep in your hearts. If not, I will make sure you three will never speak again," he said warningly and the three nodded furiously.
"Definitely!"
"We swear on our honor."
"Our mouths are sealed."
I gave a hearty laugh as Gandalf gave a huff of approval and turned to me with a grin.
"That settles our problem. Now how about you three bring us to our rooms then, if that's not a problem with you Théoden. It will be punishment for the three to eavesdrop," the wizard said and King Théoden nodded in amusement.
"Eomer, Eowyn, bring our guests to their rooms, the empty ones at the far halls. Theodred, you shall oversee that our guests have their fill and rest. Later, we shall have a small feast together Gandalf, and you can tell me of your tale," Théoden said and I gave my thanks to the King, before following the sulking trio and Gandalf to my new room.
There was a great uncomfortable silence hanging in the air as Gandalf and I followed the three children with weary feet. I swallowed my saliva and was debating furiously if I should strike up a conversation between us and the children.
"So……" I started off, gaining attention of the three children in front, "you three are Eomer, Eowyn and Theodred right?"
Eowyn gave a small shy smile and nodded at me. Eomer looked at me with suspicion, especially at Gandalf who gave a warm smile.
"Forgive us for eavesdropping just now, my lady and Master Gandalf," Theodred gave a guilty and sad smile as he slowed down to walked beside me at my left. Eowyn took my right side whereas Eomer walked beside Gandalf in silent.
I shook my head and smiled warmly. "It's alright. Say, I heard that Rohan have the finest skills in swords. Do you three learned how to use a sword?" Gandalf raised his eyebrow at that, which I did not blame him, for he never told me much of the culture of Rohan before coming here. I gave a knowing look to the wizard and gave a reassuring smile.
"Yes my lady, our land indeed has the finest warriors," Eowyn said, her face proud and her blue eyes sparkled, "we pride ourselves for our swords and our skills in these lands. I am learning how to wield a sword myself, though my brother and Theodred protested and my uncle, Lord Théoden refused to let me…"
Eomer gave a snort. "Of course Eowyn, a female should not be learning how to fight. Their duties are to stay at home and learn to sew, cook and take care of their husband's house and family when they married, not to be a warrior in war!"
I sweatdropped at the harshness of words while Eowyn glared at her brother.
"I wished to serve my people and our uncle, not to be a wife who shall do nothing and watch her loved ones die in battle. Ever since our mother and father died, I just… do not wish to be helpless..." and Eowyn trailed off, her eyes glazed with sadness. Eomer gulped and looked away, continuing to walk beside Gandalf, who was looking at him thoughtfully.
Theodred went to Eowyn's side and took her hand, as though he was comforting her with his presence. "Let us pull aside our quarrels for we have our guests here. I apologized again Master Gandalf."
"No harm done Theodred. It seems that your father had taught you well in manners," Gandalf said with a smile and the shorter lad of the two flushed deeply at the compliment. Finally, we came to a stop and two doors came into view beside us.
"Here are your rooms. Eomer and I shall bring Master Gandalf to the room on the left. Eowyn, you shall bring the lady to the right room." Theodred smiled and his cousins nodded. Gandalf turned to me and gave a wide grin, "I will see you soon at the Hall Child for the feast, refresh yourself and dress appropriately in the King's presence."
I rolled my eyes at that and stuck out my tongue. "I shall wear a shirt and pants there. I am soo not wearing a dress again. It's uncomfortable…"
"I can get our tailor to make you a comfortable one if you like my lady," Eowyn interrupted softly, "but I will have to get a servant to measure…"
I gave a nervous laugh and refused the offer. "It's alright, I prefer this way of dressing that's all. But thanks anyway Lady Eowyn, or do you prefer me to call you Eowyn?"
"Eowyn my lady," The golden hair girl corrected and gave a beautiful smile. "Come, I shall show you your room." With that, she opened the right door and entered in. I waved goodbye to Gandalf who disappeared into his room with Eomer and Theodred, who nodded to me. I saw Eowyn waiting patiently inside my new room and noticed the bed.
"BED!!!!!"
After diving into the soft comfort of the four pillared bed, I laid there in sheer relief as I felt my strained muscles releasing themselves.
"Ahhhh….." I groaned softly when I heard a soft giggle coming from the right end of the room. I sat up shakily from the bed and grinned sheepishly to the young shield maiden.
"Sorry, it's been a long time since I last feel a bed…" I plopped back to the bed's softness. "It feels good…"
"I can see my lady," Eowyn laughed liltingly and spread opened the red velvet curtains at the left of the room, allowing light to enter and letting me see the room more clearly.
My new room was warm and pleasantly dark, with a few candles unlit at the corners of the room. The room was relatively small with a high ceiling but I felt quite comfortable. There was a chest at the side, and a small table with a chair at the other near the window. The walls were dark grey in colours and had murals of the famous Rohan horse symbols at the top.
"I could just fall asleep immediately… but I can't right? With the feast going on later…" I murmured to myself as I sat up again despite protests from my body and opened my sack, dumping all its content out onto the bed.
"Let me see… clothes… hmm… I only have the dresses Bilbo made for me… I should have brought more shirts with me, not dresses. Stupid Jacqueline, stupid!" I cried to myself as I grimaced at the fact of having to wear a dress again. But I only have my black shirt that I wore when I came to ME, which was dirtied and smelly. Then I forgot that Eowyn was too in the room, who was looking at me with amusement.
I gave an apologetic grin before grabbing my bar of soap, towel and a set of hobbit dress and got off the bed.
"Can you show me to the bathroom Eowyn? I stink quite badly."
After taking a well deserved and soothing bath and dressed appropriately for the feast, Eowyn brought me to the dining hall and somehow, we clicked okay, introducing myself to her, not revealing my origins and she reintroduced herself again. We chatted much, of Rohan, of her uncle and of her people's history, which she tells with much interest and joy in my room before that.
"Lady Jacqueline, do you think females… should really stay in their homes and not wield a sword?" Eowyn asked suddenly and softly as she took my plump hands into her delicate slightly roughen hands that experienced much practiced with a sword. I looked at her in surprise and my eyes softened at her, who was looking down her golden long hair hiding her face. I thought back of the Eowyn that she would grow up to be, beautiful, loyal, courageous and proud to serve her people.
"Hmm…" I paused thoughtfully. Eowyn looked up to me, expecting my answer with eager eyes. "Well, what do you think Eowyn? Do you think that females should too learn to fight?" I asked back, giving her a grin. The young girl gave a slightly shocked look and kept quiet, and I could see she is hesitant in giving her answer.
"Don't worry; you can speak your mind out. It's not good to keep your thoughts in your mind," I said, walking slower so as to not reach the hall so soon, to allow the girl to say first without anyone's presence.
"I… I believed women should be given a chance to learn how to fight, if she wishes to serve her people and fight her enemies for their sake. No man should decide if a woman should or should not wield a sword. I mean, we girls are not as weak as boys and men thought us to be…" Eowyn ended with a huff, her fair face flushed. I stared at Eowyn in awe and amusement.
She's indeed feisty, I thought and I gave a hearty laugh.
"You must think that such ideals are hopeless Lady Jacqueline…" Eowyn blushed and looked down sadly. I stopped my laughter in alarm, fearing I had offended the young shieldmaiden.
"No no. I do not think your ideals of females fighting are hopeless. In fact, it's quite true, why can't we females fight?" I said with an apologetic smile before continuing on. "It's up to the woman herself to decide if she wishes to risk her life or not, the men should not interfere, for a woman's wraith is quite fearsome in battles." I winked at Eowyn, who giggled at that and nodded in agreement.
"But… you better not forget Eowyn," I continued further softly,"… it's quite understandable why King Théoden, your uncle and your brother do not wish you to learn how to wield a sword… forgive me for saying this, after knowing you within a short period of time. But, your uncle and brother love you a lot, that I can see. They do not wish to see your life fade away in a battle, when they themselves had seen much of their loved ones died in front of their eyes…"
I took a deep breath, not used to saying this much to a young child. Eowyn looked at me and turned her gaze towards the Dining hall, where we could see Eomer talking to Théoden merrily.
"I know… but still, I rather fight along side with them, than wait agonizingly for them somewhere safe…" Eowyn whispered, her eyes glazed with immense sadness. I looked towards Gandalf, who was laughing at what Theodred was saying at a long wooden table nearby and thought back of the movie and the book, now just faint images passing in my mind.
"You know..." Eowyn turned to look at me questionably as I said that, "… I would have done the same… for the ones I loved, but for me… I will not wield a sword, I do not know how…"
"I can teach you then! It's quite simple actually…"
I laughed at Eowyn's eagerness. Must be quite happy to see another female wanting to fight, but…
"…but I do not wish to… for I am already fighting a battle somehow… without swords… Besides, I prefer to use a bow somehow, suits me more though. I am not a warrior princess to be, unlike you," I teased in the end, patting gently at her shoulders, pushing the thoughts of The Eye at the far back of my mind. Eowyn gave a pout but laughed at the end, before leading me to the hall again.
"Then I pray your battle will be victorious lady Jacqueline."
The Eye returned to my mind and I grimaced. Victory over a giant fire eyeball… that can be pretty difficult. "I will try…"
Gandalf by then had already noticed us and got out from his seat to walk towards us. He looked at me amusedly. "Why I thought you say you wouldn't wear a dress?" he mused.
"Suck it up, you went and drenched my only shirt that I brought for the journey. I have no choice." I glared at the wizard, still not forgiving him for the waking incident. Gandalf just laughed and ruffled my hair.
"Sorry again Child, but still, I prefer you wearing this… you look more ladylike in it."
I rolled my eyes and said nothing. Though I looked as though I detest dresses, but it felt kind of nice… to dress up and be a lady once in a while. I looked at the table and widened my eyes.
"AHHH! There's food! Look Gandalf! Meat! Man I am hungry!" I unknowingly squealed in happiness as I clutched Gandalf's grey sleeves and pulled him to the table. Eowyn laughed whereas Gandalf shook his head in embarrassment.
"Child, you mustn't forget, we are in King Théoden's halls. Please withhold your excitement and… and hunger a little," he warned and I turned to see King Théoden, Eomer and Theodred, who was now beside his father, looking at the two of us bemused. It seemed that Hamle had left, not staying for dinner.
"It's alright Gandalf. Lady Jacqueline can eat much to her fill tonight. Just make sure she leaves some for us," Théoden grinned beneath his well-trimmed beard. I widened my eyes and grinned back. That's unexpected. King Théoden joking.
"Thank you my lord. And I apologize first if my behavior is not well… civilized in some point of manner." I bowed gratefully but was interrupted by a loud growl on the stomach. Théoden and his son and his niece and nephew laughed at that and I blushed slightly.
"Well… let's eat!" I shouted and pulled a smiling Gandalf to the table and grabbed a plate, before starting to pile my plate and eat till I dropped.
"Ahh…. I am F-U-L-L!" I groaned in relief as I leaned against the table with my now empty plate in front, resting my now very bloated stomach.
Eowyn, Eomer and Theodred, who were sitting in front of me, gaped at me.
"Did… did you see that! She just swallowed ten loaves of bread, five cheeses and one whole chicken down within thirty minutes!" Eomer stammered out loud, as though shock to see a female able to eat that much within a short period of time.
I grinned at the boy toothily. "Trust me, when you are hungry, time is not an issue to think about. Say, do you have some pudding? I will just eat that and stop. Gandalf you want one?"
Gandalf, who was sitting beside me, refused politely and continued his meal of chicken and bread more slowly than me. "Anymore food Child, your waistline will burst."
"This girl doesn't care of her weight and size. She just wants to enjoy the pleasure of life without dying so early." I said merrily as Theodred handed me a small bowl of pudding.
I poked the pale cream colour pudding and put the content into my mouth, the taste of apples filled my senses. I sighed in pure bliss before taking another bite and sighing again.
I could hear Eowyn and Theodred stifling a laugh and I looked at them questionably. Eomer just gave a slight smile on his face as the two children laughed liltingly.
"My apology Lady Jacqueline, it's just that, we have never seen someone look so…… happy just by eating pudding," Theodred explained with a charming grin. I grinned back.
"Now you have seen it." With that I dug back to the pudding happily, my mood perked up by tenfolds.
"Now, I believed its time for Gandalf to tell us all about Lady Jacqueline here, since all of us have our fills." King Théoden, who was sitting at the end of the table near us, announced and Gandalf nodded, placing his eating utensils down. The three children sat rigid, their ears prepared to hear what the wizard say as I continued eating, looking at Gandalf uninterestedly.
"Alright. But I have to remind you all again. Keep this infomation a secret and not say a word to anyone. Everything that I have said now, are in fact true." Gandalf warned before coughing and taking a deep breath.
Here we go again… I thought as I could imagine their reactions upon hearing about my origins.
After hearing from Gandalf about me coming from another world, and much convincing and evidence with my handphone and photos in it, the entire Dining hall went into a dead silence.
Yup, pure shock.