Once again, I apologize for not updating sooner. I've been distracted lately due to family. I hope it doesn't effect the quality of my stories though.
For the next few days, I kept Merry busy with sword fighting lessons to keep his mind from wandering. It was not long until Éowyn caught us and was eager to join in, or actually, as soon as I caught sight of her during practice I nearly ordered her to change into something suitable and fetch a sword. Instead of being offended, she smiled brightly before hurrying off to do just that.
At more than one occasion I caught Théoden casting me disapproving looks, but seeing his niece so happy, I suppose he didn't have the heart to speak up. Not that I would have taken any heed if he did.
During supper, I would find myself under the scrutiny of Aragorn and Gimli as they looked back and forth suspiciously between Legolas and I. He dared to look at me teasingly or make flattering remarks that left me red in the face each time. He seems to take pride in his ability to leave me blushing. Of course Gimli and Aragorn took notice and shared a knowing glance, both their eyes twinkling in amusement and approval.
Merry soon caught on as well, and putting his face in an 'I know all' look, he took the liberty of throwing it out there. "Ah..." I remember him sighing. "Young love." The comment left me sputtering, much to everyone's amusement. I'm glad the matter wasn't brought up again after that, as I still feel rather awkward at times.
One morning, the sun was kissing the mountainsides in the beautiful colors of the morning when something unexpected occurred. I gave out a shriek of surprise when Aragorn just about barreled over me on his way to the hall. Alerted, I quickly follow after the man and was just able to catch his words, before he halted in his tracks, out of breath.
"The beacons of Minas Thirith…the beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!" His words surprise everyone present, including myself. I watch Aragorn look to the King expectantly, asking him to make a decision. After a moment of thought, he gets his answer: "And Rohan will answer. Muster the Rohirrim!" his steady voice rings trough the hall. 'Finally.' I think in relief, glad not to have to stay here any longer, waiting.
Immediately, everything is set in motion. The King sends out his men to gather every soldier available, telling them to gather at Dunharrow.
I run into Merry, carrying a sword and looking quite nervous as he eyes the King. "Why Merry, why such a fearful look on your face?" I address him. He licks his lips nervously before taking a deep breath. "I want to offer the King my services." he reveals in a determined voice, making me smile. "What do you think he'll say?" he asks then, his voice lowering to show why he is nervous.
I glance at Théoden, coming up short with a proper answer. "I suppose there is only one way to find out my friend." He looks back at the man thoughtfully, before nodding in a resolute way. "Alright. I'm going for it." he states, before walking up to Théoden with large strides, for a Hobbit that is. "Good luck!" I call after him, watching and focusing my hearing so I can find out for myself. Merry is very brave indeed. I believe he deserves to come.
"Excuse me!" Merry calls over the noise of metal rubbing against metal and loud voices calling orders. Théoden looks down at him questioningly and slightly annoyed. "I have a sword, please accept it." Merry pleads, his voice showing his eagerness. He even gets to his knee to further show his intentions. "I offer you my service, Théoden King."
Touched, the man takes Merry's hand, pulling him back on his feet. A smile plays on his lips. "And gladly, I accept it." he says, making a smile break out on the Hobbit's face. "You shall be, Meriadoc, Esquire of Rohan!" he declares, making Merry nod eagerly before dashing off in my direction.
"Did you hear that?!" he asks, making me laugh at his eagerness. "That I did Merry. Congratulations. Now, hurry along and get yourself ready. You have responsibilities to uphold now." I remind him, making him nod and run off.
Slowly, the city is nearly emptied, leaving only women, children and elderly behind. I sit down behind Aragorn, seeing Gimli settled behind Legolas. Maybe it's better that way, as his nearness will cause me to be distracted and my face can only be flushed for so long before getting lightheaded I suppose.
"It seems your influence has had an affect on lady Éowyn." Aragorn says, as soon as I settled down. I lift a curious brow. "What did I do this time?" I ask indignantly, making him grin. "She packed a sword." he explains. "There's nothing wrong with packing a sword. She has right to defend herself." I retort in her defense, but making a mental note to speak to her later. He rolls his eyes at me. "You know that's not what it's about." he scolds light-heartedly. I decide to look clueless. "I have no idea what you're on about."
Aragorn shakes his head, giving up on the matter for now before turning to look forward and spurring forth his horse. I see Merry come up ahead, riding a pony. Well, not exactly riding. His pony stubbornly refuses to move. I reach out as we pass him, taking the reigns. "Come along now." I usher, making him look down embarrassed as the pony finally takes to moving with the rest of us.
For two days we ride, crossing the barren country and getting ever closer to Minas Thirith. When we finally arrive at the campsite, flanked by mountains and trees, many soldiers have already gathered. Our place in not among them as we ride up the mountain to a large flat outcrop that overlooks the encampment. In a mere glance, I can tell we lack the manpower to do serious damage to our enemy, but for the sake of others, I hold my tongue.
"The horses are restless…and the men quiet." Legolas voices after a moment, looking over the scene around him. Indeed it seems so. "They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain." Éomer explains as he unsaddles his horse.
"That road there, where does that lead?" Gimli suddenly asks, making us turn to a narrow gap in the mountainside that makes it look like the peak had been cleaved by a sword of giants. From it comes a cold wind, full of malice. I feel the hairs on my arms stand on end. "It is the road to the Dimholt ... The door under the mountain." Legolas explains. I recognize the name. People say it's haunted. "None who venture there ever return. That mountain is evil." Éomer says under his breath before taking off. It seems he's uneasy about it as well.
I watch as Aragorn walks by ahead before stopping abruptly. He stands before the narrow path intrigued. I can see his body stiffen as a fear seems to overcome him. What could it be? My eyes wander slightly to the right, looking over his shoulder and there…it's… I gasp.
"Therith? Are you alright?" Legolas asks concerned, making me glance at him before looking back at the road. There's nothing there. Turning to look back at Legolas, I force a smile. "I'm alright. I just thought…never mind." I tell him, waving it off. He looks unconvinced, but doesn't push the matter. "Maybe you should eat and rest a little. You look a bit pale." he suggests, stroking my cheek lightly. I nod. "I'll do that." I agree, hoping to find Éowyn when I'm at it. "I'll see you in a bit." I tell him, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before walking off.
"What in the world Éowyn?" I gape as I look at the armor that she keeps carefully hidden within her tent. "Not so loud!" she hisses, quickly pulling back the blankets over it. She then looks at me, her eyes stern, waiting for an onslaught of words, convincing her not to go.
I sigh, crashing down on her cot and shake my head. "Oh Éowyn. One would have to tie you to the mountain to keep you from going." I say quietly. "Not even that will stop me." she says determinately, making me look her in the eyes.
"If this is truly what you want, so be it." I say, seeing a smile rise on her face. "However, …" I start, reining her in. "You will stay close to me at all times. I do not want you out of my sight. That is my condition. If you do not honor it, I will have no problem reporting you to your uncle, is that clear?" I tell her, my tone level, and my features hard. I know I must do everything to protect her.
After a moment of reluctance she finally agrees. I suppose having a sitter was not what she had in mind. But seeing she has no other choice or I'll rat her out, she takes the offer.
I sigh again before smiling slightly. "You're the most stubborn woman I ever met, you know that. You're about as stubborn as a Dwarf. And that's saying something." I laugh.