I've had to play around a little with travel time due to how the game works and how long the books say traveling takes not matching up well. So definitely not perfectly matching either one. However, I don't think it takes away from the chapter at all. Also, despite how much I love the books and generally try to stick to those versions of events, I'm going 'movie-version' for the second half of this chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 129

The next day the sun shone brightly, but this only illuminated the scene where the battle had been fought. The charred remains of the enemy were piled off in the distance, far from camp, still smoking. The bodies of the fallen Rohirrim were treated with much more care, but they could not be borne home due to the amount of man power it would take, and because they were far afield from their villages. They were buried under large cairns, and Ergothorn explained that the mounds would become grassy and likely covered by Simbelmynë, a white flower which grew over the burial mounds of the kings in Edoras. The thought of it brought a sad smile to my face, but it comforted me to know that their sacrifice would contribute to something beautiful.

Speaking of Ergothorn, he seemed in a much better temperament today than the last time we spoke, and back to his old self. I wondered what had changed, but was glad of it; there had been a strained quality to our friendship, and I was happy to see it gone. "Will you come with us to Edoras?" I asked.

Ergothorn nodded, "Theodred has welcomed me into his éored."

I raised an eyebrow, a little confused by the offer but not wanting to lower Ergothorn's spirits, "That is quite an honor, mellon nin!"

He chuckled and shrugged, "Don't I know it! I am not sure if it is quite the fit for me, for I am not skilled in battle, especially on horseback, but I will try my best."

"If fighting is not something you wish to do, I am sure the Prince would agree you could do something more to your liking," I said reassuringly. "But I think you will do well in whatever you choose."

Ergothorn gave me a sunny smile, "Your words encourage me, my lady." I rolled my eyes at his use of the title, knowing he was joking.

"I am always here to help, my lord," I replied, shoving him lightly as he laughed.

Once everything was organized, we mounted up and made our way West, crossing the Isen into Western Rohan. The pace was moderate, but we could not go at a full gallop. Some of the injured were with us, and we had carts pulling various supplies and even people. It would take a couple of days to get to Edoras, and the territory was not altogether safe. Some would turn South and travel to the Hornburg, and others would split off and travel to the various cities in the Westfold. The rest of us would head to Edoras.

We needed to skirt the city of Marton on our way, and it was a shock to see it had been razed and burned to the ground. There was a hasty search for survivors, but none were found. Clearly our victory at the Fords had not been enough to stop an attack on the town which was so close to Isengard. Theodred was grim and silent unless giving orders, and it was hurtful to see such an expression on his face. It certainly dampened the bolstering effect of our victory at the Fords, but the Rohirrim looked determined and fierce; I knew they would defend their homeland to the last man.

Besides this tragedy, the journey was without incident, and I credited it to the sheer number of riders, who were all visibly armed and prepared for battle if needed. It would be foolish for a band of orcs or wargs to attempt an assault on such a large group. Theodred was situated near the front, and surrounded by his personal guard. I could see the worry on his face, but when he would smile, which was presently seldom, those dimples made him quite handsome. I wondered if he was married, and if not, how much he was hounded by the single (or not so single) women of the court in Edoras. I laughed inwardly thinking of how Boromir had grumbled about the altogether unwelcome attentions of the women of Minas Tirith. He had told me he was much too busy to worry about such things, but I wondered if that was the full story.

Shaking off my musings, I noted I could pick out something shining like gold in the distance. "That is Meduseld," a voice stated, as Theodred came a little closer. "It is said the roof looks like molten gold. What do you think?"

"I completely agree," I murmured, still in awe at the beauty before me. He explained how the light of the sun reflected on the material it was made out of, and that it wasn't really gold. "It always inspires hope when I see it," he added, and I could see the pride in his bearing.

"Let us hold onto that hope as we get ready to face what comes next," I replied resolutely. "We will try and make this right, my lord."

"Just Theodred, my lady," he insisted.

"Just Gwin then, Theodred," I countered, and was rewarded with a small upward quirk of his lips. I hoped we could be friends, but didn't want to give anyone the wrong idea. I noted there was no indication of jealousy whatsoever coming from a nearby Candaith, and was glad of it; perhaps he had let go of such inclinations, although it was likely just wishful thinking.

As we approached the gate, I thought the guards would fall over in shock. Theodred's arrival was clearly unexpected, but the smiles on their faces spoke volumes on how much they cared for their Prince. However, as we rode inside, I immediately felt a guarded mood from the people outside their homes, which were few. Some even looked suspicious of Theodred, and I furrowed my brow in confusion. Were they not pleased to see him in the city? I wondered if Grima had spread foul rumors about him to the people, planting a seed of distrust in his leadership.

Theodred, to his credit, fixed a warm smile on his face, greeting those who bravely said hello as we made our way down the streets towards Meduseld. We dismounted and I almost laughed at the wide-eyed wonder on the young stable boy's face as he appraised me. Perhaps he had never seen an Elf before.

At least, that is what I thought, until he shyly said, "Another Elf! This one is a girl!" When he noticed me looking, he blushed crimson, and the other stable boy scowled in embarrassment. His words puzzled me, for what other Elf could be here? The twins were behind me, and the boys had not seen them yet.

Setting aside this curious development, I followed behind Theodred as he made his way up the many stone steps, and was halted by an astonished Rohir named Hama. "M-my Prince!" he stammered, before swallowing and trying again, "Prince Theodred, it is good to see you, but how do you come to be here?"

"I heard my father was not well, and I perhaps have discerned why," Theodred said seriously. "I wish to try and rectify the situation."

At this, Hama looked hopeful. I prayed we could somehow help, but could not figure out how quite yet. My thoughts were interrupted by Hama's next, surprising words. "You must leave your weapons outside of the hall before entering."

Theodred frowned, "By who's order? This was not the case only a few weeks ago."

"By order of...Grima Wormtongue," Hama muttered, looking uncomfortable.

I felt a shiver run down my spine at his name, and Theodred seemed annoyed, "Last I checked, Grima Wormtongue was not the King of the Mark. He has no authority to do such a thing."

Hama shrugged helplessly, and looked around surreptitiously before quietly saying, "He is the one giving the orders these days, for the King is...unwell."

"This will happen no longer," Theodred said firmly. However, we did leave our weapons at the door, with the exception of some hidden daggers, as Hama did not attempt to check for those. I suspected he was not supportive of this new rule, and was not at all troubled by weapons no one else could see.

With that, Theodred knocked resolutely, before the doors were opened from the inside.

I furrowed my brow at the dark, gloomy atmosphere, but we stopped in our tracks at what we saw ahead of us.

Or rather, who.

I was sure my eyes were playing tricks on me, for a wizard with a robe of brilliant white was standing before the Throne of the King, who looked diminished and weak. My first thought was that Saruman had come, and I had to fight the urge to flee, immediately ashamed of my fear. Yet, the voice I heard was painfully familiar.

"It cannot be," I breathed, and Candaith put a steadying arm around my waist as I stumbled in shock. "He...he fell." I forced myself to take in the rest of the scene, and noticed everyone but who was clearly Gandalf turned to look at us in surprise. Aragorn was there, along with Legolas and Gimli! A tall, willowy woman with blonde, wavy hair, was being gently restrained by Aragorn, and there was a jumble of rough-looking men lying on the ground, apparently unconscious.

Theodred began striding forward purposefully and with speed, but abruptly froze in shock as the King was slammed against the back of his throne by some unseen force. Gandalf was saying, "You did not kill me, and you will not kill him."

"Rohan is mine," a terrible voice snarled, but it was not Théoden's. Saruman was somehow speaking through the King, and everyone gasped.

"Be gone!" Gandalf shouted. Théoden lunged forward with surprising speed, but was thrown back again, painfully hitting the hard wood behind him. He then started to sink to the ground, but Theodred was there to catch him, the woman close behind.

"Father, I am here," Theodred said softly. "I have you."

My eyes widened as his whole visage began to change. The heavy wrinkles on his face greatly lessened, and what had been white hair became golden. His beard became neater, and milky eyes cleared. He looked very confused, his brow furrowed as he stared at his son, and then the woman. "I...I know your faces." He smiled, "Theodred, and Eowyn. My son and sister-daughter."

The woman, who I now knew was Eowyn, smiled through tears and whispered, "Uncle, you have returned to us."

"Dark have been my dreams of late," the King murmured. His eyes widened as he moved on to the next-nearest person to him, "Gandalf?"

"Breathe the free air again, my friend," Gandalf said. I noted his voice sounded stronger, and less wizened, but the familiar kindness was in his tone; I found myself tearing up, my lip wobbling as the intense relief and joy of his presence overwhelmed me. Candaith squeezed me tighter, and a wide smile was on his face. I had known the wizard for almost half of my life, having met him for the first time in Imladris when he was there to visit Elrond while I was delivering a message from King Thranduil to the Elf Lord.

Théoden stood tall, casting the heavy, fur robe off of his shoulders. Hama presented him with his sword, and his eyes were trained on a seedy-looking man who was cowering on the ground. They hardened in anger, and the man went to flee towards the doors. The guards grabbed him by the shoulders, and one growled, "I don't think so, Wormtongue." So this was Saruman's servant. Hopefully justice would be done...but what that meant, I did not know.

I gave Legolas a smile as we met in the hall, and he quirked his lips up a little as he squeezed my shoulder gently in greeting. We had much to catch up on, but now was not the time.

There was a traitor to deal with.

Finally the gang has made it to Edoras, just in time to see the dramatics take place. While I like the quieter strength and victory over Saruman that it is in the books, the movie did such a good job with all the drama and edge-of-your-seat vibes during this scene that I decided to use it in my story. Anyway, thanks for reading!