Chapter 15: Shot My Heart
After she had finished crying the mist disappeared and she laughed when she found herself a stone's throw away from where they had left the horses.
"See! What did I tell you? Right on the very rock I thought she would be!" A familiar voice had Tess standing in an instant, confusion etching deep into her face as she stared at someone she had thought was dead.
"G-Gandalf?" The man was dressed in white, an Elven cloak from Lothlòrien draped around his shoulders as he leant against a new white staff. It took a few seconds and a sharp pinch to the arm before she realized that Gandalf was indeed standing before her.
"This is insane!" She cried happily as she ran to him, hugging around the waist tightly.
"Ah yes, it is good to see you too," He said merrily patting her head. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli walked beside the two as Gandalf led them all out to the edges of Fangorn again.
"You gave us a right big panic you did lass! Wanderin' off like that!" Gimli commented unhappily as Aragorn started to light the pieces of fire wood that Gimli had collected earlier. The sun was setting and the chill of night was starting to get ever stronger.
"Sorry, I was…speaking with the forest," She finished lamely. Gimli huffed and walked to sit by the growing fire, muttering about how she was turning into the Elf. It was then Tess noticed Legolas' eyes on her, observing her. Tess cleared her throat and looked away, rubbing her slightly red eyes as she did. After a delicious meal of lembas bread (at least it was to Tess who'd eaten very little of the past few days) they all lay down to sleep, Gandalf standing to take the first watch. With her cloak pulled tightly around her Tess closed her eyes. She was not sure how long they'd been closed when she opened them again at the sound of footsteps near her. The sturdy boots of a Ranger passed her sight and she thought Aragorn was going to take Gandalf's place on watch, but instead the two started talking. With nothing better to do and too comfortable to move she listened in.
"The veiling shadow that glowers in the East takes shape, Sauron will suffer no rival," Tess shuddered at the name of the Dark Lord.
"From the summit of Barad-dûr, his Eye watches ceaselessly, but he is no so mighty yet that he is above fear," Tess shifted around slightly so that she could look at the back of the two males, straining to catch the wizard's words as he turned to Aragorn.
"Doubt ever gnaws at him, the rumors have reached him, the heir of Númenor still lives," It was mere luck that the wind stilled at that very moment, so that Tess could catch Gandalf's tiny whisper to the Ranger.
"He fears you, Aragorn, he fears what you have become," Zoning out she concentrated on what she had heard. Why would a Dark Lord fear a Ranger?
…the heir of Númenor still lives…
With a shake of her head she closed her eyes, she would think better in the morning after sleep.
It appeared though that she had no time to think because just as the sun was rising she was shaken awake, her other companions packed and just waiting on her.
"Why didn't you wake me before?" She asked through a yawn as she wobbled on her feet, leaning against Hasufel tiredly. Aragorn gave her a look and she realized that was why. Gandalf strode forward a few feet before pursing his lips and giving a strange whistle that seemed to echo in many different levels.
"Damn, wish I could whistle like that," Her second yawn was stopped midway when a beautiful white horse appeared in the near distance. It had no bridle or saddle and the sun glinted gently off its pale mane. Legolas ever the smart one stepped forward for a better look.
"That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell?" He asked in wonder as the horse trotted up to Gandalf.
"Shadowfax, he is the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers," The old wizard said gently stroking the animal's neck. He turned to them and smiled before mounting bareback.
"Come now! We must travel Edoras with all speed!" He exclaimed turning the horse around, Legolas mounted Arod and pulled Gimli up behind him. Aragorn helping Tess up first who, if it wasn't for the Rangers quick reflexes, would have simply slipped off the other side she was so tired.
"At least wait until I am up before you try to sleep," Aragorn teased, skillfully hopping up into the saddle.
"How come everyone but me can get on and off…the…horse?" She missed Aragorn's reply as she rested her face against his back, the wind gently tugging through her loose hair as she held on to the Ranger's sides.
/\\
Tess stirred awake when Aragorn shook her arm, which had in her sleep curled tightly around his waist. They had travelled for two days, stopping only once for the horses to rest though Tess hadn't gotten any.
"We are almost there," He muttered back to her as Gandalf spoke from the other side of Arod.
"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld! There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan…whose mind is overthrown, Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong," Tess observed the City of Edoras, it resided on a tall hill in the middle of the plains. Great snowcapped mountains rose up steeply in the very near distance and Tess wondered if the snow ever reached the plains.
"Be careful what you say, do not look for welcome here," Gandalf warned as pushed Shadowfax onwards. There was a tall fence made of thick tree trunks surrounding the city, several gates at equal intervals around it. At the very top of the hill sat the Golden Hall, earning its name by glittering in the morning sunlight. Finally they were at one of the many gates and close up Tess could see stone incorporated into the sturdy wall as well. Hasufel was last to go through the gate, Aragorn had stopped for a moment to observe a flag that had blown off a pole somewhere and lay rolling in the grass, unnoticed by most others.
It was a long a silent trek up the hill, with all of the grim looking villagers watching them intently.
"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard," She heard Gimli mutter, and couldn't help but agree with him. The five companions dismounted, Aragorn helping Tess, before they turned to the stairs and climbed them. As they reached the top platform, the two large doors to the hall swung open and a group of soldiers in armor and mail stood before them. Gandalf smiled at them, but frowned when the red headed man at the front spoke.
"I cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame, by order of Gríma Wormtongue," Whoever the man was he was obviously unhappy with this 'Gríma' person's orders and he seemed to apologize to Gandalf with his eyes. Gandalf nodded to each side of his where Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn and Tess stood, telling them to hand over their weapons. Legolas handed over his bow and quiver, handing over Naomi's bow and quiver was a lot harder and he had to force his fingers to let go when a soldier took them. On the other side of Gandalf, Tess let out a sigh she untied the belt that held Naomi's sheaths and glared at the man who took them, silently warning him about what harm would happen if the swords were damaged. Then placed the two daggers from her belt onto the pile, then three smaller ones from her boot and then one more from her other boot. Almost as an after though she pulled one from under her tunic and laid it on the pile as well, a begrudging look on her face. When all the weapons were handed over the doorman turned back to Gandalf.
"Your staff,"
"Hm? Oh…you would not part an old man from his walking stick?" He asked, suddenly leaning on it more, a disappointed look aimed at the doorman, who simply rolled his eyes and turned back around. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Gandalf wink to them and she hid a smirk as Legolas offered the old wizard his arm. As soon as they were clear of the door and inside the hall the doors shut and locked behind them. Tess raised a suspicious eyebrow but said nothing and kept walking beside Aragorn. Ahead of them at the other end of the Hall, sitting on the throne was a very old man that reminded Tess of a corpse more than a King, beside him a man that made Tess' skin crawl at the mere sight of him.
"The courtesy of you hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King," Gandalf said as Legolas let his arm drop, fearing he might need both soon as some men near the walls started to stir. The man next to the King, who Tess imagined to be Gríma, whispered into his ear before the man on the throne slowly spoke.
"Why should I welcome you…Gandalf…Stormcrow?" He asked unsure, Gríma nodding his head.
"A just question, my liege," The five companions had been slowly walking closer towards the throne, the people in the hall stopping to see what was going on.
"Late, is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear, Láthspell I name him! Ill news is an ill guest!" Gríma said standing and walking up to them, Tess saw Aragorn look over at the brutes that had followed them up the hall. Each and every one of them eyeing them with harsh looks.
"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind you teeth, I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm," Gandalf said unveiling his staff, to which Gríma had an immediate reaction to.
"His staff? …I TOLD you to take the wizard's staff!" He cried, almost in agony as he backed away. The brutes that had been following them made their move and everyone but Gandalf burst into action. Tess missed whatever Gandalf said to the King as she grabbed the wrist of the man trying to grab her. With a quick twist and duck she had him bending over, and a quick swift to the stomach saw him on the ground gasping. While Gimli stopped Gríma and Aragorn and Legolas gave first hits Tess to the rear, stopping anyone from getting to Gandalf while the Ranger and the Elf cleared a path. Bodies of unconscious or in pain men littered the floor and Tess raised an eyebrow at how easy that had been.
"Hearken to me! I release you…from the spell," Gandalf said holding his hand out in front of him as he stood before Théoden. Apparently it wasn't going to be that easy as the old King started laughing, really laughing and what at nobody could figure out.
"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey," The King started to laugh again when Gandalf threw back his Elven cloak, the white of his robes filling the dark room and shocking the King.
"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound," What happened next Tess was not sure as Gandalf blocked her view, but she could tell it had something to do with Gandalf using his staff to push the evil wizard from the King's mind. A woman entered the hall then, her long blonde hair falling over her shoulders and her white dress. She ran through Legolas and Gimli before either could react, but Aragorn managed to grab her before she ran to the King. Tess' head swiveled back to the King as a chilling voice came from his mouth, the voice of Saruman.
"If I go…Théoden dies!" Gandalf thrust his staff forward again and the King's head slammed against the back of his throne.
"You did not kill me, you will not kill him," Gandalf said in a firm voice.
"Rohan is mine!"
"Be gone!" Gandalf commanded, just as Théoden lunged forward so did Gandalf and the King fell back into his chair. Softly he groaned and started to tip forward, the woman with blonde hair ran forward and caught him gently raising him up right. Tess dared not blink as the King changed from a living corpse to a far younger man in his fifties in a few seconds. His eyes cleared, his hair grew back colour and his skin regained a healthy look.
The woman and the King exchanged words as Gandalf stood back down to admire his work. The King looked up then, confused to be seeing the wizard in his hall.
"Gandalf?"
"Breathe the free air again, my friend," Gandalf said and the woman, Éowyn, helped Théoden stand.
"Dark have been my dreams of late," He admitted looking down at his hands.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength better, if they grasped your sword," Gandalf suggested, and the guard from the door came forward with a sheathed blade. Tess admired the beautiful thing as it was drawn and smiled at Éowyn's joyful tears. The King then looked down to where Gríma was on his hands and knees, the back of his shirt being held firmly by Gimli. In a whirl of commands and yells Gríma was grabbed and dragged to the front of the hall. Tess didn't see most of what happened as she was one of the last out of the hall, but she did she everybody bow to the King after Gríma had rode off. Tess bowed her head like everyone else was, not really sure how to act in the presence of a King. Just over the wind she heard Théoden ask where his son was, and Éowyn burst into tears beside Tess. Startled Tess placed a hand on her shoulder, and when the Lady looked at her Tess thought she should remove her hand but the blonde woman merely raised her hand and grasped Tess' tightly.
/\\
Tess had just finished wiping down her face when she heard a knock on the door to her room.
"Ah…Come in!" She called placing the wash cloth back down on the basins rim. It was Éowyn who opened the door and Tess smiled to her. The Shield Maiden, she had learned from people, was wearing a black and gray dress with a high collar, a thin navy blue shoulder pulled over her shoulder. Her long blonde hair was weaved up around the back of her head and a golden circlet with a few jewels imbedded in it rested around her forehead.
"Oh sorry, I did not know you were getting ready," She muttered about to turn and leave when Tess called her back.
"Oh it's fine! Don't worry about it," Tess said quickly pulling her mended tunic over her head. She had taken off her chain mail and it lay on her bed, along with her leather gauntlets.
"I realized after you left that I did not know you name," Éowyn said quietly taking a seat whilst Tess brushed through her hair.
"My name is Tess, and my companions are Gimli the Dwarf, Legolas the Elf and Aragorn the…well…Ranger as far as I know," Tess offered, untangling a knot in her hair.
"Let me," The Lady offered and Tess sat down as she untangled Tess' brunette hair.
"My name is Éowyn, the King is my uncle," She said softly, knowing that Tess already knew her name but feeling the need to say it anyway. A question stirred in Tess' mind that she had wanted to ask since she first saw her, so she seized the opportunity.
"Do you know a man by the name of Éomer?" Tess asked furrowing her eyebrows.
"Éomer? He is my brother!" The woman exclaimed as she finished untangling Tess' hair, hardly noticing when Tess voice her thanks.
"Have you heard news of him?" Éowyn asked excitedly, grasping Tess' hands as she stood.
"Yes, I talked with him actually, two men in his Éored gave their lives for me when I was captured by Orcs,"
"Then, he is alright?" She asked nervously and Tess nodded.
"He was riding north the last time I saw him a few days ago," Éowyn smiled slightly and sighed, sitting down.
"I could not bear to lose my cousin and my brother," She whispered as someone knocked on the door.
"My ladies, the funeral procession will be starting soon," A maid spoke through the door and Éowyn grasped Tess' hands again.
"Will you stand with me?" Tess could not say no and instead grabbed her Elven cloak and pinned it around her neck.
Silently the body of the King's song, Théodred, was transported down from the Golden Hall, borne by six guards and followed by Théoden, Gandalf, Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn. After they had walked through the city they body was taken through one of the gates to the burial mounds where Tess watched silently beside Éowyn, her hood pulled up to keep the chill off her face. Many other woman waited beside them and as the body reached them the guards transferred the hold to the women. That was when Éowyn started to sing in a different language, a few of the woman behind her singing as well as the body of the young man was placed into the tomb and the door sealed forever.
/\\
"Simbelmynë, ever has it grown on the tombs of my forbearers," King Théoden said solemnly as a white flower slipped from his fingers to join the many others that lay on the ground.
"Now it shall grave of my son," He said turning to the only remaining person by Théodred's tomb, Gandalf.
"Alas that these evil days should be mine, the young perish and the old linger, that I should live to see the last days of my house,"
"Théodred's death was not of your making," Gandalf offered, holding his staff tightly.
"No parent should have to bury their child," The King said as the first tears started to roll down his face, his knees no longer able to support him as he sobbed.
"He was strong in life, his spirit will find its way to the halls of your fathers," Gandalf said comfortingly as the Kind mourned the death of his son. With that said Gandalf whispered words in Rohirrim before turning to leave the man alone. Something caught the eye of the old wizard and he looked out to see a large horse with two children atop it standing in the distance. Someone stood at the reins, pulling the horse along, and when the boy on the horse fell off the person turned into the wind. The hood was pulled back and blonde hair flew free. The blonde hair of Naomi.
As her cloak flew back as well Gandalf's eyes widened. Up Naomi's right side the light blue of her tunic was stained red.
/\\
Tess, Gimli and Aragorn were sitting at one of the many tables in the Golden Hall, Legolas standing beside them when the doors burst open. A small girl walked in ahead of Théoden and Gandalf, a slightly bigger boy at her side. Both were completely exhausted and looked starving. Tess was standing immediately to help.
"What happened t-," The words stopped in her mouth and a choke replaced them. As Théoden and Gandalf moved out of the way a guard walked through the door, an unconscious woman in his arms as he rushed to follow a healer into another room. The woman's side was a dark red colour and her arm that hung limply by her side was red as well, red with blood. It took a few moments for Tess to get over the shock and then she was running after Naomi when Legolas caught her by her shoulders.
"Let me go she's hurt!" Tess yelled at him, only to find him looking just as shaken as her.
"Let the healers work first," He managed at a whisper before he let go of her and stood back, crossing his arms over his chest to stop the shaking that Tess had seen. She sighed out before turning to Gandalf.
"What happened?" The wizard placed a large on her shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"We do not know yet, we have hope that these children may tell us but we shall wait until they have food in them," Tess nodded and went forward to help Éowyn with the two children.
"What are your names?" She asked guiding the elder brother to a seat next to the younger girl.
"My name is Éothain and this is my sister, Freda, my lady," Tess scoffed, sitting down next to the boy.
"I am no lady, my name is Tess," The conversation stopped then as two bowls of soup and rolls of bear and cheese were set before them. In between eating the two children spoke of how their mother had sent them, and how the Wild Men were burning the Westfold. Finally Éothain spoke about how they had come across Naomi, side bleeding and pale.
"She did not speak much of what happened, only that she wished to join us on our way to Edoras," Was all he could provide and Tess squeezed his shoulder for it in thanks.
"This is but a taste of terror that Saruman will unleash, all the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron," Gandalf spoke from a seat next to the throne, where Théoden sat dismayed.
"Ride out and meet him head on, draw him away from your women and children. You must fight!" The wizard encouraged but it was not enough. Aragorn tried then, speaking of Éomer and his two thousand men riding North that would surly return to fight for their King. Théoden rose then in frustration, pacing slightly.
"They will be three hundred leagues from here by now…Éomer cannot help us," He said dejectedly. As Gandalf rose and walked towards the King, he spoke again in a more defiant tone.
"I know what it is you want of me, but I will not bring further death to my people, I will not risk open war," Gandalf had nothing to say but Aragorn once again did.
"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not," Everyone turned to the Ranger, an unhappy look set into Théoden's face.
"When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan," The thick, silent tension was broken when Gimli gave a low belch, using his beard to wipe the ale from his face.
Gandalf was walking ever closer and stopped when Théoden turned to him.
"Then what is the King's decision?"
/\\
It was the next morning when the order was issued. The order of the King was that everyone make ready to make out for Helm's Deep, a strong hold, or death trap as Gandalf made it out to be, North of Edoras. Gandalf was walking swiftly to the stable, the four companions following quickly.
"He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people, Helm's Deep has saved them in the past," Aragorn pointed out, quickly next to Gandalf to the end of the row where Shadowfax resided.
"There is no way out of that ravine, Théoden is walking into a trap, he thinks he's leading them to safety what they will get is a massacre," Tess veered off to the side when she spotted a familiar horse.
"Hasufel?" She asked approaching slowly, the horse raised its head sniffing her outstretched hand.
"Hey boy, how you doing?" She stroked his nose softly and leaned her head against his neck.
"You have been a very brave boy, think you can still be brave to go to Helm's Deep?" The horse whickered gently and Tess smiled.
"My Lady?" Tess refrained herself from rolling her eyes as she turned to the messenger boy.
"Yeah?"
"The Lady Naomi has awoken,"
"Oh! Thank you!" She called before turning back to Hasufel.
"I'll see you later okay good boy?" She smiled before turning on her heel to leave the stables, almost getting knocked over as Shadowfax and Gandalf sped past her.
/\\
A knock sounded at the door and Naomi forced herself to answer.
"Yo," Whoever was at the door knew this was a sign for them to enter and the door creaked open. A brunette head peeped through the crack and Naomi smiled brightly.
"Well well, if it isn't Miss Get-My-Self-Kidnapped," Tess joked walking in, a smile lighting her face as well.
"Hey, I was told you got kidnapped too! So don't go getting all snooty at me," Tess paused as she reached the side of the bed.
"Who told you?"
"A woman came to see me, long blonde hair, name was Ayeween I think?" Tess raised an eyebrow.
"Éowyn?"
"That's the one!" Slowly Naomi sat up, leaning back against the headboard of the bed and Tess sat down next to her.
"How did you get away from the Uruk-hai? I mean, Legolas has your bow and arrows and I had your swords,"
"Had my swords? Where are they now!" Naomi asked frantically, Tess rolled her eyes and pointed at a chest at the end of the bed where everything but her undershirt and underwear resided. Those things were still on her.
"Oh, well anyway as it turns out Uruk-hai and Orcs can't swim very well," Naomi finished with an evil smirk and Tess burst out laugh, joined by Naomi who after a few seconds groaned.
"Although one of the arrows they fired at me nicked my ribs," Naomi said holding onto her side painfully. Tess took her other hand in her own and smiled, before reaching out and hugging her around her neck.
"I'm so glad it wasn't a full hit,"
"I'm glad too," Naomi commented back, another knock sounded at the door and the girls separated.
"Come in," Her heart flip flopped when she saw the blonde hair, blue eyed Elf enter the room. With a smile and a light flush across her cheeks she muttered hello, to which Legolas muttered a hello back. Tension filled the room and Tess pretended to look at her wrist watch.
"My my would you look at the time, I better go help Aragorn with Hasufel," She stood with a grin and winked at Naomi before exiting the room, whistling a tune that sounded faintly like a song Naomi knew.
'Love is in the air…everywhere I look around…Oh! The bitch!' Naomi glared out the window where she could see Tess walking away down to the stables.
"I am glad to see you awake, you frightened many of us when you arrive," Legolas spoke quietly from the door, unsure as to whether he should go forward or not.
"Yeah, sorry about that…ah, sit down? You don't have to stand by the door, I promise I won't bite," Naomi teased and the Elf smiled before walking forward and sitting on the end of the bed.
"I saved them for you," Legolas said handing Naomi her bow and quiver, quickly she counted and found that all her arrows were accounted for, except one which she knew as Legolas' arrow. Gently she pulled it out and looked at the Elf, who was staring intently at the dying fire.
"I traded one of your arrows for one of mine, I hope you do not mind, I just-,"
"No no, it's fine!" Naomi's face lit with a smile as she clutched the arrow tightly.
"Now no matter if we are separated, we'll still have a piece of each other," She told him, taking one of his hands in her own. Slowly Legolas raised a hand to the side of her face, brushing some of her hair out the way.
"You already have a piece of me," he whispered drawing closer; Naomi smiled and leaned forward as well.
"True that," The Elf's warm breath brushed across her face and Naomi felt her toes get tingly, her tummy balling in knots and her heart fluttering faster than a humming bird.
But as usual someone had excellent timing.
"Oi! Elf, I know yer in there! Come, we have to make ready for the trip!" Gimli's loud voice sounded through the door, before his heavy footfall disappeared down the hall.
"I may just kill him one day," Naomi murmured quickly as she rested her head against the Elf's chest. It rumbled and rose as he chuckled, making Naomi smile.
"I will see you soon, when we are on the road," He sighed, hugging her gently and breathing in the smell of her hair.
"I wish I did not have to let you out of my sight," The Elf muttered as he pulled away, his eyes downcast. Naomi smiled gently before cupping the side of his face and kissing his cheek.
"I will not fade away," With the reassurance made Legolas rose and left the room, pausing at the door to smile at her before it shut gently. Naomi giggled and clutched the arrow to her chest.
'Who needs cupid? Somebody's already shot my heart,'
Author's babbling:
I…don't have much to say this time it seems. But ah well! Naomi has been found and Leggy boy is happy XD
Hope you guys are happyfull too, enjoy your day
Love to you all!
AxM