Hey we know it has been a while since we have updated, and we are trying our best to get the chapters done as quickly as possible just bear with us.

hope you enjoy R&R

Chapter 8

Gandalf started leading them on, simply striding ahead and expected the others to follow. And they did, without question. This sudden introduction of a new leader seemed to ruffle no feathers but Beriadanwen's. They walked for some time when this Gandalf suddenly stopped and turned, regarding the females with a piercing glance.

"These are two faces I do not know. What are your names and why do you follow behind us? A journey such as ours is not one for women" he stared pointedly at Bee's ragged head.

Both Celandine and Bee started forward at that comment but were stopped by Legolas and Aragorn who knew well how they would react to such a comment. Aragorn stepped in to diffuse the situation.

"This is Celandine Puddifoot of the shire, friend to Merry and Pippin. The She-elf is called Beriadanwen and is Celandine's companion."

"An elf in the companionship of a hobbit? Just when I thought I'd heard it all. And why have you chosen to take these women with you when you know your journey is fraught with peril" he spoke admonishingly.

"Arqu… Beriadanwen has already proven herself to be exceptionally skilled with the bow and sword and the she-hobbit too displays a remarkable ability to defend herself. They are friends of Merry and Pippin and wished to ensure their safety. But I believe, even knowing that the two hobbits are safe that they be allowed to continue to accompany us. It would be unwise to waste such a talent as theirs when our list of allies grows thin"

Everyone looked in astonishment at the elven prince. That was the longest piece he'd ever spoken among them before, possibly ever in his life. And he'd spoken it with such un-characteristic passion. Bee's eyes were wide with happy surprise. This was the first time she'd ever heard Legolas speak of her as a capable independent person, let alone praise her as an important asset. She grinned to herself. Then she remembered his ulterior motive, to convince her back into Mirkwood force her to take the throne. The happiness faded and she allowed her self to become embittered once more.

"Well, well, well. I suppose we will have to take you on, if you have curried such favour with the elven prince. Onwards, there is no time to dawdle"

They walked on for a bit until they came to a wide open field. The wizard stepped forward and pursed his lips, sending a light clear whistle echoing around the plain. In an answer to this, a large steed, glistening a brilliant pearl white wash over the grass, came galloping into view. Legolas stared in amazement, eyes and mouth wide open.

"That is one of the Mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell" he said in breathy astonishment
the rest of the group seem equally in wonder, all excluding Celandine who did not understand the significance.

She tugged on Bee's sleeve and whispered "looks like eh horse te me"
Bee scoffed and shook her head. "Hobbits"

The horse soon reached the party and went straight to Gandalf, bowing his head and snuffing affectionately.
Gandalf reached up and stroked the horses mane lovingly "Shadowfax, he is the lord of all horses and has been my friend through many dangers."

Gandalf stood for a moment, communing silently with his old friend. After this moment had passed, Gandalf was suddenly full of haste
"come there is no time to waste" he said, mounting Shadowfax with ease
the other's quickly followed suit but poor Celandine, her stature rendering her unable to ascend into the saddle, was left on the ground, jumping up and down in a futile effort to reach the stirrups. Startled by this small being who was leaping in earnest, as if trying to snap at her ears, she reared up with a startled whinny. This in turn scared Celandine who leant back so far she lost her balance and fell on her back with a cry.

"Hobbits" Gandalf said in mock despair and annoyance.

Aragorn pulled his horse around, swiftly dismounted and bent down, helping Celandine to her feet. Celandine clambered up, sticking her bottom lip out in a petulant pout and whining. "I hate horses"

Aragorn put his hands on her waist and lifted her easily into his saddle, mounting up behind her so she could lean against him and keep from falling off.
Bee laughed as she wheeled her horse around "my friend, I believe the feeling is mutual"
Celandine scowled at her, lacking a witty reply. Aragorn smiled and set off to follow behind Gandalf, the rest of the company following suit.

They rode for some way, eyes stoically set on the horizon. As darkness began to trickle into the sky they pulled the horses to a stop and set up camp. Aragorn showed Celandine how to light a fire with flint and tinder and between the two of them soon had a roaring fire going. The group huddled around it, breaking out their supplies and getting a meal together. Gandalf soon drew away from the group, staring off into the distance. After a moment, Aragorn went to join him. Both the elves attention was fixed on the wizard and the ranger, which left the hobbit and dwarf to talk amongst themselves and naturally, the conversation turned to food.
" no, no, no ya silly dwerf da best type of meat is da roasted kind" Celandine insisted, shaking a leg of rabbit at him
Gimli snorts while shoving another piece of food down his throat, chewing loudly and smacking his lips. Hearing this, the two elves turned and grimacing in disgust at this display before them.
"For goodness sake will you chew with your mouth closed Dwarf" Bee said, wrinkling her nose. Gimli growled again reaching out for another piece of rabbit only for his hand to be slapped away by Celandine.
"Eh save sum fur da others" she said, chastising Gimli while she offered Bee some.
"No thank you" Bee waved the meat away and instead took a bite of some of her lembas bread. Celandine shrugged, popping the tidbit into her mouth.

"Eh, greedy hobbit!" Gimli objected, but his eyes were warm.

The next morning the company got up early and rode out into the lands of Rohan. They reached it soon enough and as they reached to foot of a hill where the city could be seen at the pinnacle, Gandalf stopped for a moment and turned to speak to them. "Edoras and the Golden hall of Meduseld, there dwells Theoden, King of Rohan whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Theoden is now very strong." Gandalf said, looking at the hall in dismay, imagining the task ahead of him "be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here." He added before he began to ride again.
"Eh Bee?" Celandine's voice piped up. Bee peered over her shoulder to look at her hobbit friend. "Why did dey build da city on a 'ill?" Bee smiled, laughing a little at her friend's observation. Hobbits are accustomed to living in hills not on them. Her smile grew when she saw Aragorn looking at down at the Halfling in smiling bemusement. The Halfling continued to look at Bee in all seriousness, failing to see anything amusing in her question. It was lucky she had not noticed Aragorn's look or it was likely she would have taken offence. Hobbits do not like to be laughed at, especially when they do not understand why. Knowing this, Bee swallowed her laughter and replied "you'll have to ask them, amin tithen mellon. (My small friend) The workings of the minds of men confuse me as much as they do you." Bee smiled and set her face forward, guiding the horse to ascend the hill, Aragorn closely behind her. Before his gaze the wind rose sharply, tearing the flag of Rohan from its post and casting it at their feet. Bee smile fell as she reached the top of the hill and beheld the settlement. A flag falling was a very bad omen, great evil resided in this place. The wind sweeping through the village was the only sound to be heard. The townspeople stared without reserve, their mouths set in tight sad lines. All of them wore black, unifying them into one depressed conglomerate.

"Well they all look pleased to see us" Bee commented sarcastically, staring around at the unhappy faces of the people of Rohan's people. A feeling of unease settled in her stomach as they continued towards the Kings hall.

The gruff voice of the dwarf caught Bee's attention "You'll find more cheer in a graveyard" he commented gruffly, Celandine snorted but the noise had a hint of fright within, you could tell she was too affected by the cold glances of the people. Bee elegantly dismounted and followed Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli who had done the same. Aragorn dismounted and pulled Celandine down. As a group they ascended the stairs. Celandine hurried to Bee's side, shying away from the unnerving stares from the residents. As custom dictated, the men took the lead followed closely behind by the women of the group silently cursing the men. They were greeted at the doors by a guard crowned with a start of red hair. Celandine's hand went to her own scarlet mane and smiled. He held out his hands to stop them and the group came to a halt.

"I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed. Gandalf Greyhame. By order of…. Grima Wormtongue" he said the word with bitterness. The group begin to hand over their weapons, their faces clearly showing their offence at this blatant distrust. Aragorn and Legolas startled the guards with the sheer volume of the weaponry they seemed to carry, all so well hidden. Celandine handed over her weapons with little worry smiling happily at the red haired guard. Bee handed over her bow and arrows slowly, but stopped when it came to her brother's sword. It sat comfortably on her hip as it always did. There was no way she would give up this sword unless it was forcibly taken off her.

"And that" stated a guard pointing at her blade, when she made no move to hand it over he stepped forward as if to take it by force.

"Not a chance, Nadorhuan (Cowardly dog)" she hissed drawing her blade reading herself for a fight as the guard drew his bade in return. The elvish carvings on the sword glowed slightly indicating her anger at the stupid man in front of her. Celandine watched in slight amusement it had been a while since she had seen Bee in an actual fight. Aragorn, seeing her fury, moved swiftly to her side.

"Beriadanwen"

She seemed not to hear him.

"Bee!" lasta a'amin!" (Listen to me)

Bee turned to him, eyes glimmering in unconscious surprise.

"You must trust these people. I would not have handed my weapons to them if I did not trust them. We must get into the kings hall and we cannot do that if we do not comply with their demands."

"They're being totally unreasonable!"

"Yes they are. But this is their home. They are only doing what they think well. You must make a decision. Give them your sword and we can move on. Or, refuse and you will be made to leave. I will not allow you to jeopardize this mission. It is too important."

"More important than my dead brother?!"

If Aragorn was shocked his face did not show this "Beriadanwen, the fate of all of middle earth rests on we are doing. Now are you going to trust these people or turn back into the forest? Detholalle" (your choice) his tone was final, giving Bee her ultimatum. She slide her sword back into it sheath and unbuckled it from her belt. Slowly, cautiously, Bee placed her sword into the guard's hand.

"Mark my words Lord of Horses, if there is any damage done to my sword you will regret it greatly" she warned, the guard nodded silently passing her sword carefully to the man next to him.

The company seemed to let out a sigh of relief at her decision, "Diola lle (thank you)" Aragon said. Bee nodded briefly. "Lle creoso" (you're welcome) she said simply.

The company moved to go through the doors, but were stopped again.

"Your staff" the guard demanded of Gandalf.

"Hmmm… Oh, you would not part an old man from his walking stick" Gandalf asked, putting on the slowness that the elderly often had. The guard looked sadly at him but allowed him to keep it. He signalled to the others to open the doors. The company strode on in. when they came in, Bee noticed that the king was not alone; he had a slimy looking man hunched over his shoulder, whispering to him. What's more, the king was the oldest looking man she'd ever seen. Paper white skin was sagging on his face, bug puffy bags under his eyes and thick greyish white hair surrounding his head, upper lip and chin in ragged tangles.

"The courtesy of your hall has somewhat lessened of late, Theoden King" Gandalf remarked, standing tall and strong, his old man act left behind.

"Why… should I welcome you…Gandalf Storm-crow." The king said in a slow, faltering voice, cracked with age.

Celandine frowned in confusion the sound of his voice amused if not scared her a little. Rising from his seat next to the King, Wormtongue stood striding across the hall "Late is the hour in which your conjurer chooses to appear La'spell I name him, ill news is an ill guest" he finished now standing directly before the wizard, a smug look on his pasty pale face.

"Be silent, keep your forked tongue behind your teeth" Gandalf hissed, anger laced in his words. "I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crocked words with a witless worm" he brought forth his staff with a majestic sweep, his face a stone of utter contempt. Wormtongue started back. He turned to the guards and yelled while scooting back like a nervous foal.

"His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!"

The guards started forward, perceiving that their leader was being threatened and rushing to support him. The company rushed forward also, to stop their interference. When they found they could not convince them, they resorted to hand to hand combat. Beriadanwen was in her element, unleashing furious blows with her fists and feet, knocking grown men to the floor, a smirk on her face. While he grappled with one of the Rohirric guards, Aragorn shot a quick glance over to where Celandine was. A large burly man was rushing towards her! Aragorn struggled desperately with his assailant, trying to free himself enough to go to her aid. But he needn't have worried. Celandine saw the man barrelling towards her and was ready for him. She waited until he was just inches away, then dropped to the floor, kicked him in the knees so he lost balance, slung her legs up and vaulted him, causing him to pitch forward, sailing over her and falling flat on his face. Walking through this chaos like Moses through the red sea, Gandalf continued his advance on the throne.

"Theoden son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows"

Grima had been knocked to the floor in the kerfuffle and moved to get up but was prevented by Gimli, who placed a foot on his chest and forced him back to the floor.

"I would stay still if I were you"

Celandine grinned down at him and poked out her tongue. Bee seemed to be in a more pleasant mood after involving herself in a fight; it seemed it was just what she had needed, she smiled approvingly at Celandine before turning her attention back to what was now going on before her.

"Hearken to me!" Gandalf continued as he finally reached the stairs to the throne upon which the possessed king sat, the men of Rohan seemed to gather wanting to see what was going to become of their King all silently hopping he would return to them as he once was.

The hand of Gandalf rose dramatically causing only two females in the room to raise their eyebrows "I release you from the spell." The hall fell into a tense silence a few seconds ticked by to only feel as if hours had truly passed.

The silence was however broken by the uneasy sound of the Kings weary laughter, Aragon shifted uncomfortably peering around at the rest of his companions. He and Legolas shared glances briefly before Aragon caught the look of disgust on the face of the young hobbit who was quite obviously sharing a quiet conversation with the she-elf whose eyes were shifting between the hobbit and the laughing King.

"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey." As soon as the words left the Kings mouth, Gandalf threw back his cloak, blinding all of those in the hall with the glowing white light that sprung from the wizard.

The elves watched in awe at the light that only seemed to get brighter. Gandalf raised his staff.

"I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound" with that he pointed his staff towards to worn looking King, pushing him back hard against his throne. The body of a woman by the name of Eowyn made her way passed the party trying to get to the King, haste in her steps and worry clear upon her pale face.

Aragon leapt forth pulling her to him trying to keep the young maiden from disturbing what was going on, unknowingly Celandine had taken a few steps closer to the she-elf seeking the need for her support. Never before had the young hobbit seen such a thing happen before and she had no wish to see such a thing again. Bee did not seem to notice as she watched on with carefully trained eyes trying to see if there was any change in the withered old man.

"If I go, Theoden dies." The voice was not that of the King of Rohan young or old, Gandalf thrust his staff once more towards the man sending another lash of light against the already visibly struggling man. It seemed as if two beings were fighting for control over the poor Kings body, one being the evil that possessed him and the other the King desperately trying to break free of its control.

Gandalf continued to step forward speaking clearly and powerfully as he went "You did not kill me you will not kill him"

"Rohan is mine." The king growled, once again finding himself pushed back against the throne by the power of the great white wizard.

"Be gone!"

Leaping forward with the speed not matched by his age the King threw himself forward at the wizard only to be knocked back once more by the power of the staff. Breaking free of Aragon's hold Eowyn ran towards the King catching him before he fell, ever so slowly the grey and withered old mans appearance began to change leaving behind a much younger and blonder man in his stead.

"If I 'ad a staff dat cud do dat me gret Grended would stell look 80" Celandine commented staring in wonder at the King who had seemed to of been given his youth back once more by the power of wizardry. Gimli and Bee smiled at the young hobbit not saying anything to correct her.

Eowyn and Theoden spent but a few happy moments together before the now younger kings eyes rested on the wizard before him, a look of surprise in his eyes.

"Gandalf?"

"Breathe the free air again, my friend."

Standing with help of Eowyn the King looked out upon his hall, with his eyes without being controlled by another to do so.

"Dark have been my dreams of late"

The two elves shared a glance, they too had to admit they were amazed with the magic they had just seem conjured before their very eyes.

Theoden moved slowly as if looking himself over, stopping to get a feel of his hands again without a doubt they would be stiff and sore after so long without use. "Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword" with that the red haired guard stepped forward within his grasp what was obviously the Kings sword. Slowly as if unsure of himself Theoden grasped the hilt of his sword, slowly, carefully withdrawing it from its sheath looking upon it as if it had been many years since he had held it within his grasp.

Without a second to waste Bee turned to the group of guards behind them finding the one she wanted, she pointed at him "You!" the sound of her voice made the men jump "I want my sword back"

With a quick nod from their King the guards brought forth the companies weapons handing them back, taking great care when it came to the she-elves sword her threat she present in their minds.

Bee resisted the urge to snatch the sword from the mans grasp but managed to wait patiently as he handed it back to her, she quickly reattached the sheath to her belt immediately feeling safer now her brothers sword was firmly at her side.

"Wormtongue!" the name rolled off the lips of Theoden, the anger obvious in his voice, the hall turned to see the small man making his way hurriedly towards the exit. Driven by he desire for vengeance the King of Rohan followed after him, the people in the hall parting for their King as he charged out of the hall.