The Wild Westfold
By: Lauthica Green Clinkenbeard
Chapter Twenty-five: Counsel, Pleas, and Esquires
"Deya?"
I stirred in my sleep and opened my eye a crack. A blurry figure was standing next to the bed. I groaned as my muscles began to waken and I felt every bit of soreness from the days on galloping horseback and then the…other activities of the previous evening. I felt a gentle pressure on my shoulder.
"Deya?" the figured asked.
I rolled over and rose until I was sitting up. I rubbed the sleep dust and dried tears from the corners of my eyes opening them. The room came into focus. Aragorn stood with a bowl in his hands. I was a little confused at first until the memories of yesterday came flooding back.
"Good Morning, Aragorn," I said weakly leaning down with my elbows on my knees and my hands in my lap, "You showed me a great kindness last night. I don't think I could ever repay such a debt."
Last night I felt like my soul was being ripped from my chest. Today I just felt…numb. Everything appeared to be casted in darkness and gloom like a fog. Even the warmth of the fire burning brightly did not seem to break the chill of the Spring morning that seeped into my skin. The sun was shining brightly through the wavy glass of the large windows…but there was no light in my life anymore. I glanced up and looked around the room. I had not realized last night just how grand this room was. Strange they would give such a luxurious chamber to a grungy northern ranger. The bed sunk down next to me and my daze was broken.
"There is no debt, my friend, here," he said handing me the bowl. I took it from him.
"Thank you." I said.
"It is not much, boiled oats with a bit of fresh milk and honey." He said as he stood back up. He crossed the room to the table by the window and picked up his pipe and tobacco bag. He sat down and began to scrape out his smoke residue from yesterday. I lifted the bowl to my mouth and quickly drained the boiled oats. I wasn't hungry but I had to keep up strength should we get called into battle. I stood from the bed and looked over at Aragorn who was just lighting his pipe.
"I'll take this back to the kitchens." I said, "After that I will gather my things from Lady Da's room and go about finding a room of my own."
He nodded at me, "When you get settled in please come back. There was something I wanted to talk to you about before you left for the Westfold. It is a matter of great importance and I fear that time is not on my side."
I stopped about halfway to the door and looked at him, "What is it?" I asked.
"No," he said raising his hand to me in the air, "You have passed a rough night and I don't want to add to your burden. Go and clear your head first."
I walked over to the table and sat down. He raised an eyebrow to me.
"You should know better by now," I said with an evil grin. "Tell me now or don't tell me at."
Aragorn chuckled, "I should know better by now shouldn't I."
"So what is this matter of importance?" I asked.
"Well," Aragorn said sighing, "It has to do with the King. Gandalf would be in Minas Tirith by now and anything could happen at any moment. Gondor cannot fight this war alone, but Denethor is too proud to ask for help…and Théoden too stubborn to go and help anyway!" he slammed his fist on the table rattling the water goblets. He relaxed at once realizing that he let his temper flare. "Sorry, I have had trouble sleeping as of late. I am tried and frustrated."
"It's alright. Sometimes these things happen to the best of us." I said, "What is it that you want me to do?" I asked.
"You and Théoden King are close friends. He will listen to your counsel. You must convince him that this war is much bigger than an ancient kingdom rivalry. Rohan must fight and we must do so as soon as possible." He said and he pointed at me. "Your fate is now connected to the fate of the ring. You are one of us now." He reached out and took my hands within his own. "Please…please, my lady…help us. Talk to the king."
I was taken aback by him. His eyes looked almost pained is his plea. A sparkle caught my eye. When he slammed his hand on the table his necklace came free from under the nape of his shirt. It was such a lovely thing. The crystals clustered at the center exploded with fire as the delicate silver metal entwined around it with casted leaves and vines. I knew the look that was in Aragorn's eyes.
"I promise. I will speak with Théoden." I said.
"Thank you!" he said bringing my hands up to his forehead, "Thank you, my lady."
He released his hands from mine. I picked up the empty bowl from the table. I nodded at him and I crossed the room and out of the door. When I reached the kitchens they were bustling around preparing for lunch. I washed the bowl quickly and returned it to its proper place.
Lady Da was not in her room when I returned. I washed up and changed into a clean chemise choosing my plain brown, wool dress to wear. I packed up all the rest of my stuff into my crate. Hopefully I would move into my own chambers before the evening fell. I started to cross the room when Da's mirror caught my eye. I stopped to look at myself.
The scars from the rubble of the Deeping Wall blended into my original scar and nearly sprawled the entire side of my face. Part of my eyebrow was also gone forever thanks to the explosion. I reached up and let my fingertips trace along the bumpy and broken skin. My eyes watered up and I closed my eyes. A single tear fell down my cheek. Eomer would never choose me for a bride. The people of Rohan would never bow and swear fealty to a queen with half a face. I wiped away the tear and opened my eyes looking at myself one last time. I inhaled deeply and I turned away. I had a job to do. I crossed the room and opened the door.
Eomer was standing right on the other side of the door. I nearly walked into him. My heart flipped in my chest but only for a moment as pain resurfaced.
"What are you doing here?" I asked. "I am very busy today."
He said nothing. He only stood there and stared at me. His eyes danced from one of my own to the other nervously. His lips parted as if he were to speak but he remained silent. I stared back at him my gaze drifting from his eyes to his brows and then down to his lips. Were those really the same lips that had kissed and tasted me so sweet and feverishly? I closed my eyes fighting back the emotion that pulsed through me. I went to take a step away from him but he reached out and took hold of my arm. I looked back up at him, yet still he did not speak.
"Please Eomer…" I stopped for a moment, "I mean, my lord Eomer. I don't have time for this." I said.
His gaze danced around me and around on the walls as we tried to think of something to say, anything to say. Instead his hand went to the pocket on the front of his black velvet jerkin. He pulled out a closed fist and held it out toward me. He was shaking, barely. I looked down to his hand as his fingertips uncurled.
In the palm of his hand was a single little flower of Simbelmyne. I felt all the rage and hate melt away. I looked up at him. He eyes watched me anxiously hoping his actions had not been in vain. I couldn't help but let a smile spread across my lips. Though his action was small I knew it was his intent and hope was massive. I took the flower from his hand and stuffed it into the front of my dress. I reached up my hand to his face and brought him to my lips. His arms wrapped around me at once and embraced me.
Our lips broke apart and I laid my head on his chest. I felt his face in my hair and he took in my scent and rested his cheek on the top of my head. His body was trembling and I heard him sniffle. I looked up at him.
"Are you crying?" I asked.
"No," he said in a deep manly way. He reached up and wiped the extra moisture from his eyes. "It's just that I know that I keep making mistakes, and every time I watched you walk away, no, every time I let you walk away from me…" he raised a hand to his chest and clutched it, "The pain…inside…its unbearable. Everything is so unclear and torn but when I know you're near everything…everything makes sense."
"I know Eomer. I feel the same way." I said continuing to smile.
"Deya, I…" he started but he was cut off when we heard footsteps nearing the corner. He took a few steps back away from me. Gamling and Grimwold came around the corner.
"There you are, my lord." Grimwold said addressing Eomer. "We have been looking for you."
Eomer looked at them and then back at me. He nodded at me and then he joined Grimwold continuing down the hall. Gamling nodded at me and then he turned around to go back.
"Gamling?" I asked.
"Yes, my lady?" he asked turning back around.
"Is the king occupied at the moment?" I asked.
"I don't believe so. When last I checked he was in his chambers looking over some new maps that had been drawn up." He said. "Shall I announce you to him?"
"Yes, thank you Gamling." I said.
I followed Gamling through the mead hall and through the archway that was behind the throne. We came to a set of double doors. Gamling knocked three times.
"The Lady Deya for you, my lord." He said loudly.
I heard a shuffling from behind the doors and soon they opened and Théoden stood.
"Deya?" he asked, "What is it? Is something wrong?"
"No, my lord. I just wanted a few minutes in your counsel." I said.
"Counsel? What counsel could I possibly offer to you? On what subjects?" he asked.
"Actually it is I who would wish you give you counsel." I said. Gamling gave me a funny look as did Théoden.
"Very well," Théoden said nodding his head, "Come in, come in."
I passed Gamling and entered Théoden's chambers. He closed the doors behind me and then gestured over to a large carved wood table that was littered with papers and maps.
"Please sit." He said and he pulled the chair out for me.
"Thank you, my lord." I said.
Théoden walked around the table and sat down. He picked up a few papers and stacked them up to the side. Then he picked up an empty goblet and a pitcher from the table. He poured bright red wine into the goblet and then handed it to me.
"Thank you." I said taking it. I didn't care much for wine but I needed him to be in a good mood and open minded.
"Now," Théoden said sitting back in the chair with his hands folded in his lap, "What is this about?" he asked.
"It is about Rohan and Gondor," I said setting the goblet back down on the table, "I think it is in everyone's best interest if the Kingdoms unite against this evil and darkness. Rohan needs to prepare to mount for war." I'm not going to lie. I was nervous, but I spoke sternly. Théoden sighed and rolled his eyes.
"So now you are against me as well." He said, "I am standing firm on what I said before. While my people were burning and my land raped with fire and blood Gondor turned the other cheek. We fought off our demons well enough on our own, so can they."
"My lord," I said forcefully, "We fought Saruman, not Sauron. Gondor has been living in his shadow for hundreds of years and without hope and without a true king. I have heard whispers of Denethor here and there and he is not a fraction of the ruler that you are."
"I would certainly think so. They say that he cowers in the shadow of the Gondorian throne and that he wets his pants merely thinking about sitting on it." Théoden said.
"Indeed, and that is exactly why you should ride out." I said. Théoden raised an eyebrow to me.
"What do you mean by that?" he asked.
"Denethor would not send you any aid. He thinks the friendships of old are dead and would never dare to admit that he needed help. Muster your army and ride for Minas Tirith. Show him the compassion and strength that he lacks. Kingly compassion and strength. If Minas Tirith falls and Gondor is taken. When then do you think Sauron will set his sights? He will march on Rohan and more than just the Westfold will burn. " I said.
Théoden sighed and he did not look very happy, "If he can sway his craven nature long enough to ask for help then Rohan will ride. He is lucky that I don't make him come here and beg for my help instead. I have heard enough of this." He said standing, "Deya, you are always welcome in my house and in my company, but we shall speak no more of this." He said.
"Yes, my lord," I said standing as well, "And I was also wondering about when I will return to my duties?"
"Duties?" he asked.
"I am still a member of your guard, am I not?" I asked.
"Oh, yes that," he said, "No, Deya, no you are not. Our need was most dire when I appointed you. We needed strong leaders and brave warriors. We do not have that need now." He said.
"And what of my status of a title?" I asked.
"I'll draft something up in time." He said. "You may take your leave."
In time?! I bowed to him again and I turned away and headed back for the doors. I didn't have any extra time. Gamling was sitting in the mead hall at a table with Legolas and Gimli. I walked over to them and say down.
"Good afternoon, fair lady," Gimli said.
"Lady? No, that has to be given in a title." I said sternly. Gimli rolled his eyes and then gave Legolas a look. Legolas shook his head and sighed but said nothing. I turned my attention then to Gamling.
"How do I go about getting my own room here in Meduseld?" I asked him.
"There are some nicely furnished rooms nearer the back of the hall. They are smaller and could use a spot of cleaning, but I would say that you could help yourself to one of those." He said.
"Where are these rooms?" I asked.
"If you go down the hallway that leads to the kitchens there is a smaller hall to the left. There will be four doors and all of them are unoccupied. Shall I show you the way, my lady?" he asked.
I stood from the table, "No, Gamling, but I appreciate the offer. I will go and get settled in and then I think I will go down into the market place. I have only been once and I feel that I did get the full experience of the Edoras merchants."
Gamling nodded his head toward me as did Gimli and Legolas. I turned away from them with brisk steps. I felt so restless today as if I was waiting for something great, but I had no idea what it was I was waiting for. I already had everything I could ever hope for…sort of anyway.
As I made my way toward the archway I noticed someone who was sitting at the table in the far corner of the hall. The sun was creeping lower in the sky and this corner was cast in shadow. I first I thought it was a child but as I walked over slowly I saw large bare feet. It was one of the halflings. He had his back to me as I approached and as I made my way around the table to see his face I realized it was Merry…and he had faded tear stains down his cheeks. He stared at wall with emptiness in his expression.
"Merry?" I asked. He was startled and looked up at me. He smiled and quickly reached up and wiped at his cheeks.
"Hullo Deya," he said with a half chuckle, "Sorry, I was miles away I think."
"It is quite alright." I said, "Happens from time to time. I heard that your friend went with Gandalf."
"I miss Pip," he said, "he was so much more than a friend. He was like a brother to me. Always smoking and drinking together. Now that he's gone…." He stopped and sighed and looked down at the table. I reached out and out my hand on his shoulder to comfort him.
"You feel like a part of yourself went with him." I said finishing his thought. He looked back up at me briefly and nodded his head before looking back down to the table. I sighed as well. Even if love is only between two friends it's still a kind of love. Unbreaking…unbounding…and when broken, a soul torn and a heart shattered.
"Merry?' I asked. He looked back up at me.
"Yes, mi-lady?" he asked.
"Would you like to give me a helping hand moving rooms? I would also be honored if you be my escort to the market a little later." I said and I smiled down at him.
His mouth fell open and he stared at me in shock. "M….Me? You want me to be your escort?" he stood up from the table so quickly that I though the bench would tip back. All despair and grief was gone from his face and his smile spread from one of his pointy ears to the other.
"What we waiting for my fair lady?" he asked taking hold of my wrist. I burst out in laughter as my brave new knight led me through the archway. He stopped and looked around in all directions blindly.
"Um….." he said.
"It's that way." I said giggling as I pointed.
Merry turned out to be more of a burden than a help. I only had my one crate in Lady Da's room but he insisted on carrying it for me. Then once I had chosen a room and started to wipe up dust and cobwebs from the rafters he struggled big the big buckets of water for the floors. Every other word out of his mouth was an apology but he did try his very best. I fetched the clean linens myself and soon we set off for the market place.
I brought Thenhines this time and was able to barrow a small cart from a stable hand. I bought my own wash bin that was made of copper and attached to a dark, carved wooden base and even had a mirror at the top. Julia's little shop was next where I was able to get a few cloaks of my own. I stopped at the blacksmith to sharpen my sword and dagger. Most of the time Merry was off on his own in the shops pouring over the merchandise with awe in his eyes.
"Everything is so big!" he said more than once.
He continued to help me when we returned to the hall setting up the wash bin and putting away my new things. He was very kind and seemed like he was in good spirits. The sun was setting and as every second passed the halls grew darker. Merry's final task was that he was determined to bring me a large pile of firewood. He stumbled back into the room with the firewood in his arms and I only laughed and helped him to him feet. Once I had a nice fire going and the room was warm and held a pleasant glow I walked with him back into the mead hall.
Supper had already been served but a few stragglers sat at the tables. My eyes fell onto Eomer who was sitting at a table across from Théoden and next to his sister. I knelt down to Merry and kissed his forehead.
"You have been a great help to me today, Merry." I said.
"Twas no trouble at all. Finest handy man in all the shire. Any time." He said as his cheeks turned bright red and he turned away from me to leave the hall. I smiled to myself and I walked over to join the royal family.
Eomer's eyes connected with mine the moment I walked around the table toward Théoden.
"Ah! Speak of the devil!" Théoden said as his sipped his goblet. "Please, sit, sit." He said smiling. I bowed my head and sat down by him. He raised his hand into the air and motioned to a servant who promptly brought me a large platter of fire roasted beef and boiled, buttered potatoes with carrots and rice. I was actually quite famished and would normally be diving face first into such a meal but since Eomer was right in front me I picked up a fork and began to take little bites. If I was to become a true lady of the court I had to at least appear as one…since I wasn't going to act like one.
"The King has just told me of how he took you into counsel this afternoon." Eomer said tearing off a bit of bread. "I think you made a valid point. I was just discussing that we should begin to prepare the Rohhirum should we have to ride."
"Tomorrow we will begin drafting battle and strategy plans." Théoden said and then he patted me on the back, "I will need my best leader to don armour yet again." He said. Eomer's expression changed quickly as his comment.
"Uncle, Deya stepped up because there was no else. My men and myself were miles away. Your full force has returned to you. There is no need for another officer." He said.
"I beg to differ. Surely you heard some of the songs that the men were singing the night of the feast. Songs of the brave female warrior with hair of fire and a sword of bloodied steel. Deya has proved to be more than worthy of battle and with such a battle on the horizon," Théoden sighed, "I cannot imagine a war without one of my best riders."
"You're right. She has proved her worth, but all great battle veterans deserve a retirement." Eomer said sternly.
"Most great battle veterans do not run away from their duty with their tails between their legs after one small portion of a greater war." I said and this time I glared at him. Eomer looked less than pleased.
"You see?" Théoden said gesturing to me, "Even she agrees with me. You should feel honored to have such a dedicated solider in amongst your vanguard."
"Honored…or distracted." Eowyn said under her breath. Eomer and I caught what she had said and turned bright red. Thankfully Théoden missed it.
"What was that, my dear?" he asked. Eomer nudged Eowyn with his elbow. She glared at him.
"Nothing, uncle." She said. "I was commenting on the beef."
"It is very tender isn't it. It was part of a gift wagon that the elves brought to us at Helm's Deep." He said.
"Yes." I said.
"I agree, very tender." Eomer said trying to lessen the tension.
Théoden leaned back and put his hand on his stomach. He motioned for a servant to refill his goblet.
"Once this war is finally over I am hoping for a time of great peace. That fluttering Gondorian will hopefully bring in a plentiful harvest in the fall and then I shall have to see that all three of you find decent matches and there will be weddings to come this spring." He said.
Eomer was in a half sip of his own goblet when Théoden spoke of weddings and he immediately chocked and sputtered all over the table.
"Uncle!" he said between coughs, "Such trivial things in such a time of evil. We shall speak of that when the time is right!"
Théoden looked confused for a moment but shrugged his shoulders and said no more. I managed to devour everything that was on the plate and with a full belly and dazed eyes from the dinner wine I stood.
"Please excuse me," I said bowing my head again to Théoden, "I shall retire for the evening."
Eomer stood up at once, "I do believe I am tired as well. Tomorrow will be a long day for the Rohhirum. Deya, shall I walk you to your chambers?" he asked as he held out his arm to me.
I could not refuse him in front of Eowyn or the King. I smiled and nodded my head taking his arm.
"Such a gentleman…" Eowyn said in a sarcastic tone as we walked away.
Once we were a safe distance from the hall I took my arm back away from Eomer. I pointed up at him.
"You may have apologized this afternoon but I meant what I said yesterday. I cannot lie with you. The risk of scandal is too great and I have earned far too much to throw it all away now." I said.
"I never said that I didn't agree with your logic. I was only remarking upon how much you let it worry you. Besides, I never said anything about wanting to make love tonight, did I?" he asked.
"No…but you do want to, don't you?" I asked.
"Oh I want to!" he said and chuckled, "Trust me, I really want to, but I will respect you and your decisions. I would like to at least spend the night with you. I'll lie on the floor if that's what you want. I can't sleep not knowing that your safe and I only know that you're safe if I am there to protect you." He said.
I would be a liar if I said that his words didn't touch me. I looked up at him and took in all the details of his face that I had grown so attached to. I reached up and caressed his cheek. He smiled at me and put his strong hand over my own.
"You may stay in my room then," I said but then I raised my finger to him again, "Know this, though. I sharpened my dagger this afternoon. I could shave a spider's ass if I wanted to. If you try anything I'll shave off half of your moustache and make you walk around like that."
He burst into laughter, "Shave a spider's ass?! Warning dually noted." He said.
Eomer did lie on the floor right next to my bed. I felt at ease with him in the room, but sleep eluded me. As the hall grew quiet and the coals of the fire burnt down my mind wandered away from me. I could smell his musk and sweat and it brought tingling memories to my flesh. I sat up and rose from the bed. I walked around to where he was lying and I knelt down at his side. I pulled the blanket away from him. I reached down and started to untie the strings of his breeches. He stirred and smiled opening an eye. Then his face exploded with shock. He sat up and reached down tacking my hands in his.
"No!" he said, "You said…"
"To hell with what I said." I said tearing my hands away from his. I grabbed the back of his neck and brought him to my lips tasting him hungrily. He shoved me away gently.
"I don't think this is a good idea. You had a point! I agreed with you…this is not helping me continue to agree with you." He said. His cheeks and neck were growing flush.
I kept my one hand at the back of his neck and used my other hand to reach down to his breeches and grab him roughly. He groaned and I felt the soft flesh harden in response.
"Deya…we shouldn't…you made me promise…you threatened my moustache…." He said in broken words.
"Shut up and kiss me, fool." I said bringing him back to my lips. He finally gave in and his arms wrapped around me. I finished untying his breeches and freed his member. His hands caressed my side and lifted the hem of my chemise exposing my own sex. His fingers entered my folds and I had to grab hold of his shoulders to stabilize myself as I bit down on my bottom lip and stared into his eyes as the fire flickered within me. I brought myself down upon him and moved my hips in a gentle rocking motion. He groaned and looked down to watch himself enter and re-enter me.
I kissed him passionately as I found myself at climax much sooner than I expected. He held onto my hips tightly as he waited for my spasms to finish. Once they did he flipped me over and untied the front string of my chemise. He exposed one of my breasts and quickly took one of my nipples into his mouth and he continued to thrust. He was on his knees and his hands returned to my hips gripping me roughly. As he moved his own hips to meet with mine he used his hands to move mine and make each thrust more intense than the last. My hands clawed at his back making him groan my name. He was mine.
He couldn't take it any longer and his mouth left my breast. He sat up fully on his knees and pounded into me still holding onto my hips. His face twisted up in pleasure and he looked as if he would scream out loud. He grabbed my waist and pulled me to him bouncing me on his lap until I felt his throb and felt his seed explode within me. He held me to him panting as he buried his face in my neck and kissed my temple.
"If you keep doing things like that, you are going to make it very hard for me to be a gentleman." He said half chuckling. We laid down on the floor wrapped up in each other's arms. I kissed the tip of his nose.
"Maybe I don't want you to be a gentleman." I said.
I awoke early the next morning. Very early. The sun had not yet broke from the tops of the mountains that surrounded Edoras. I gently shook Eomer's shoulder.
"Eomer?" I whispered. He did not stir, "Eomer?" I asked again adding a bit of force to his shoulder. He finally opened his eyes. He noticed the darkness of the room and the lack of light coming into the window.
"Do you always wake at the most ungodly hours of the morning?" he asked reaching up to rub his eyes.
"You can go back to sleep if you want to, but you should go to your own room." I said.
"Why?" he asked and he tightened the grip and of his arms around me, "I am quite comfortable here."
"That is fine and dandy but your Uncle and Sister knew you were escorting me to my room. If you do not waken from your own room don't you think they might raise suspicions?"
He groaned and rolled over letting me go. He sat up, "Oh curse you and your sharp mind." He said. We kissed one last time at the door before he left to make his way to his own chambers.
I washed up a bit in my new wash bin but I still felt sticky and grungy. I wrapped a cloak around my shoulders and lit a candle. I walked down the hall to the kitchens. Eohides was the only servant awake so far and she was washing some leftover dishes. She noticed me as I walked in.
"Well look at you? What made you rise at such an hour?" she asked.
"I tossed and turned quite a bit last night. I wanted to take a bath before the day started." I said.
"I'll rouse a few others and have a bath prepared for ya." She said, "You're staying in Lady Da's room right?" she asked.
"No, I actually moved into one of the spare room yesterday." I said.
"Alright then, I'll tell them to look for the room with the light." She said.
"Thank you so much." I said.
"Tis my job, my lady." She said. "Now get out, I have a lot of work to do for breakfast."
The servants brought the small wash tub within the hour and soon I was feeling very refreshed and clean. I choose my simple green, wool dress to wear over my tan chemise and I combed out my long crimson hair and left it long and unbraided. I left the room just as the servants were returning to fetch the tub and ran into Aragorn in the hall. He had a small bowl of porridge in his hands. He bowed his head to me.
"Good morning, my lady." He said.
"Good morning, my lord. Just come from the kitchens?" I asked.
"Yes. I haven't been sleeping well and it had been messing with my appetite." He said showing me the bowl. It was very watered down and I almost cringed, "It's about all my stomach can take these days passed."
"Are you not breaking fast in the mead hall?" I asked noticed that he had already passed by the archway.
"No, not today. This spring morning is crisp and the rising sun is warming the air pleasantly. I thought I would go down by the stables and take in the fresh air and the view." He said.
"That does sound lovely. Would you mind if I joined you?" I asked.
He bowed his head again, "No mind at all, Deya. Should I wait for you to get your plate?" he asked.
"No, I am not really all that hungry at the moment. I can wait." I said. He smiled and nodded his head.
We choose a spot at the side of the stables where there was a little brick step to side on by a side door. Aragorn sipped gingerly at his bowl while I took in the magnificent view of the mountains. One could live their entire lives here and still find beauty in such a scene.
"I must say, Deya, you do seem to be in good spirits today. Did all go well with the King yesterday?" he asked.
"Yes, I wouldn't say that I convinced him to ride to war, but he did say that if Gondor asked for help he would give it." I said.
Aragorn sighed and shook his head, "Denethor will never ask for help…"
"Are you so certain?" I asked. "Isn't Gandalf with him? Surely if the wizard could free Théoden from his curse he could talk sense into Denethor."
"I don't think even Gandalf could shake that man. I traveled with his eldest son for a time. Boromir was his name and he was just as proud and stubborn." He said.
I rolled my eyes and chuckled, "After spending two days with Don Vonce I am starting to think that all Gondorians are like that."
Aragorn laughed, "Not quite all of them. Did they ever tell you that I….." he stopped in mid-sentence and face froze.
"What is it?" I asked concerned. He only continued to stare out into space. His eyes widened and his mouth fell open in shock.
"Bless that white bearded bastard…." Aragorn said barely above a whisper. I rose an eyebrow in confusion and I followed his gaze to the mountains and gasped raising my hands to cover my mouth in shock. Aragorn stood up to get a better look at the marvel before us. There, at one of the peaks of the mountains, the ancient beacon of Amon Din was burning brightly as the rising sun was illuminating the valley.
Aragorn dropped the bowl of watered down porridge and he turned on his heels. I stood up and followed him quickly. He reached the steps at the front of Meduseld and dashed up them taking many of them two by two. My legs were not quite so long but I hurried none the less. He reached the front doors before me and he slammed into them with his hands flinging them open.
"The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit!" he yelled out. The mead hall was now bustling with people and servants. A fire burned in the center spit brightly. Eomer and Eowyn were sitting at a table having breakfast but stood quickly at Aragorn's outburst. Eomer was in his full armor. Aragorn sprinted down the hall through the small crowds of people to where Théoden, Gamling, and two other of the higher officers and lords were standing at a table looking over maps. Théoden was leaning on the table but he straightened up at once as his face looked both concerned and shocked. Aragorn finally came to a stop a few feet from the King panting.
"Gondor calls for aid!" Aragorn exclaimed as he tried to catch his breath.
Théoden was speechless. Every pair of eyes in the entire hall were on him. Eowyn and Eomer…Legolas and Gimli were standing by a column…Aragorn's…..my own…For a brief moment Théoden's eyes drifted to me, standing a few feet behind Aragorn. Say something Théoden! Be the King I know you to be!
Théoden's eyes moved back to Aragorn and his expression changed again. I watched as strength seeped into my King. His shoulders straightened up.
"And Rohan will answer!" he said sternly and proudly. I felt my soul leap in my chest. Aragorn stared in disbelief. "Muster the Rohhirum!" Théoden exclaimed. Both Gamling and Eomer nodded at the king. Eomer stopped to glance at me and then down at Eowyn. He rested his hand on her shoulder for a moment in comfort before he hurried toward the front doors of the mead hall. Gamling hurried down the mead hall toward me.
"You had better hasten into your armor, my lady. You are part of the Rohhirum." He said. I nodded at him and I grabbed the hem of my frock and ran as fast as I could through the archway and down the halls. I burst into my room and I quickly undressed flinging my clothes wherever they landed. I dug out my breeches and my plain white shirt. I slipped on the chain mail shirt from Helm's Deep and then fastened my breastplate and shoulder guards. I attached my sword and dagger and found my helmet.
I went out the back door at the kitchens to get to the stables. A stable hand had already saddled Thenhines who greeted me with a whinny. I led him to the front of the hall where the rest of the horses of the court were waiting. Gamling was also coming from the stables.
"Deya!" he said and he hurried over to me, "I am going to help the king get into his armor. I want you to climb up to that outpost and ring the muster bell."
"Yes, Gamling," I said nodding my head. He hurried up the steps and I hurried to the outpost. I climbed the ladders as fast as I could. I picked up the hammer that was sitting next to the bell and with every ounce of strength I could find I swung it against the bell. I stuck it seven times and then I returned the hammer to it place and stopped for a moment to look over the side of the outpost tower. Men were hurrying from their homes as fast as they could as far as my eyes could see in the entire city. Horses were being readied and the streets were filling up with soldiers.
I rushed back down the ladder and back up toward the mead hall. I was a member of the royal guard. My duty was to serve and protect the king within the vanguard. Just as I made it to the top of the stairs to stand by Gamling who was waiting for orders Théoden exited in full armor walking next to Eomer.
"Assemble the army at Dunharrow." He said to Eomer, "As many men as can be found." Théoden stopped to look at him, "You have two days." He said then he reached out as Eomer walked past him. He rested his hand on Eomer's shoulder, "On the third, we ride for Gondor…and war." Eomer nodded at him and he turned away from him and made his way down the stairs toward the military stables and the armory. Théoden approached Gamling and I.
"Forward!" A solider yelled.
"Very good, sir," Another yelled.
"Gamling?" Théoden asked as he walked toward us.
"My lord?" Gamling asked walking towards him.
"Make haste across the Riddermark. Summon every able-bodied man to Dunharrow." Théoden said as he walked up to the edge of the platform.
"I will," Gamling said bowing to Théoden and he too hurried toward the horses.
Eomer was leading one party. Gamling another. Théoden, yet another. My duty was to the king but with Eomer and Gamling gone until we all met back up at Dunharrow…I would be the first in command. I felt a nervous sweat form on my forehead under the helmet. Also, I would be torn from Eomer, yet again.
Théoden stood at the edge of the platform watching the hundreds of soldiers make their way down the main road toward the front gate of the city. It look like a mudslide of green wool and golden helmets. I walked over to stand by my king.
"My lord?" I asked.
"Yes, captain?" he asked. I paused after he had called me captain. I was going to ask of my duties but that pretty much summed it all up.
"Never mind, my lord." I said and I continued to stand next to him. Aragorn caught by eye just shy of the royal stables standing next to Eowyn. I rose an eyebrow in confusion. Why was Eowyn riding to Dunharrow?
"Excuse me?"
Both Théoden and I turned around so see Merry standing holding his little dagger of a sword in his hands. When Théoden looked down at him a smile spread on his lips.
"I have a sword." Merry said, "Please accept it." He said as he knelt down and presented the sword to Théoden. "I offer you my service, Théoden King."
Théoden took a step and grabbed Merry gently by his arm urging him to rise back to his feet. "And gladly, I accept it." Théoden said smiling at the little Hobbit. Merry was smiling too and his face was exploding with excitement. Théoden continued, "You shall be Meriadoc, Esquire of Rohan."
A huge smile spread across Merry's face and he even began to nod his head in happiness. He hurried down the stairs toward the stables. I smiled as well and I turned to Théoden.
"You are a good king, my lord." I said. He nodded at me and he sighed.
"And you are a good lady." He said, "Come, we lead the party out of the city." He said gesturing to the stairs with his hands. I nodded toward him and hurried to find Thenhines. He as waiting for me patiently next to a few other horses and as I mounted him Legolas and Gimli trotted up next to me.
"Horseman?" Gimli said, "Hmm, I wish I could muster a legion of dwarves, fully armed and fifthly."
"Your kinsman may have no need to ride to war," Legolas said, "I fear war already marches on their own lands."
We fell into the line of soldiers that were trotting down the main road to the gate. We passed Merry and I couldn't help but chuckle. He had found himself a nice pony to ride but it was being stubborn and he could not get it to go.
Théoden was mounted and waiting for the rest of his party near the military stables. He stared out into space and looked around at all of the men. All of the crying wives and children. The flag of Rohan bellowed in the winds. That mocking stare from the horse again towards me. Like that horse on the flag knew something that I did not. What would he throw at me next?
As I totted up around the corner by the military stables Eomer mounted his own horse. His men gathered around him waiting for their orders.
"Now is the hour! Riders of Rohan! Oaths you have taken!" he yelled out to his men, "Now fulfill them all! To lord and land!" he yelled and he reared his horse around. "HYAH!" he said giving his horse a swift kick. With that the men began their gallop out of the city. When we reached the fork in the main road Gamling and his party took the west road. The rest of us went east, though Eomer and his party turned for the East Emnet. Théoden and his party continued on following the mountains. In less than two days the entire army of Rohan would be assembled at Dunharrow and then in three more days….Gondor.