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Description
It took a hand full of hours to arrive at Edoras, and hand full of bumps and grunts from the wild galloping from the horse underneath you. You ran into the darkest of the night. The sun was just peaking over the rolling hills, pink and red staining the sky as the stars disappeared.

Your horse neighed loudly, shaking her head as she kept up to pace with the others. You smiled and patted her mane, running your fingers through the oily color. “Does sitting on the back of a horse with an Elf suit you, Master Gimli?” You joked, glancing at the Dwarf gripping onto Legolas. “I would rather mate with an Orc.” Gimli spat.

Legolas pretended to look hurt as he looked at you. You laughed, grinning as you looked back out at the plains. Edoras was in the distance. “Well I will make sure to spare a… mildly good looking Orc for you next time.” You winked at Gimli before your horse took up a faster pace. “Still poking fun at him, are we?” Gandalf asked. You met his blue gaze with a sly grin, shrugging softly. “Perhaps. It is more fun than I thought it would be.”

Finally, your four horses galloped to Edoras. It was a large hill with houses built where they were able to stand, rocks from the side of a cliff jagging out. A wooden defense lay around its homeland. “Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Theoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown.” Gandalf introduced. You shuffled uncomfortably. The way the homes built reminded you much of Walstow.

“Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here.” Gandalf spoke before whipping the reins, his horse galloping forward. With a backwards glance at Aragorn you followed. You entered through the gates, ignoring the glares and murmurs of the townsfolk. “You’ll find more cheer in a graveyard.” Gimli grumbled. You grinned, giggling softly. “Not even.”

You dismounted your horse, patting her flank with a smile. “Don’t get into much trouble now, Ahnvae.” You whispered, kissing the horse’s cheekbone. Legolas looked at you in interest as he strode over. “Ahnvae? You have named her after the Elvish word night?” You looked up at him, nodding. “She is the color of the darkest nights.”

Gimli, still trying to act brave after having to ride with an Elf, watched you two. “Don’t name her. You will only get attached.” He shuffled after Gandalf and Aragorn. Stiffening a sigh, you patted Ahnvae’s back. “I think it is a beautiful name, my fair lady.” Legolas whispered, his breath lingering on your neck before he was gone; following the others.

A light blush flushed your cheeks before you hesitantly followed, watching the male walk. Could you be developing feelings for him? You bit your lip at the thought, climbing the steps to where the king lies. Guards stood before you. “I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue” He warned.

Grima Wormtongue? Not a very flattering name. You thought with a light scoff. The wizard nodded to you all. Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn obliged, handing them their weapons. You, however, were very hesitant. “Your sword and dagger, my lady.” A guard persisted. You grimaced before unhooking your belt, handing the brown leather to him. He nodded in thanks before residing with the others.

“Your staff.” The commanding officer said. Gandalf pouted, holding the stick closer to his body. “You would not part an old man from his walking stick.” You had to force yourself not to smile. The man and his guards stood aside, letting you in. Legolas took Gandalf’s arm in his own, and together they walked in front. You glanced at Aragorn, then down at Gimli, giving a thoughtful nod.

You stiffened as the door closed behind you, listening intently to the whispers of whom you presumed to be Grima. “The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden King.” Gandalf’s voice seemed a new authority to it. The King was old, very old. He appeared to be blind, and his skin had a gray-blue tint to it. “Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?” His voice slurred. “A just question, my liege.” Grima stared into the King’s eyes. You growled at that.

“He is a king; he does not need your input, Mormhaor.” ( Corrupted death) You spat. Gandalf glared at you to keep quiet as Grima overlooked your body. “A human female? What a present.” You felt disgusted under his gaze as Gandalf and Theoden continued their words. You glanced to your right; men were gathering, glaring at the Fellowship. They were ready to attack at a moment’s spell.

Grima walked down the three or so stairs, approaching Gandalf. “Lathspell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest!” He spat. “Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm.” Gandalf growled in defense.

You felt a smirk find its way onto your lips. Oh, how cunning and determined that wizard was. Tuning out for many heart beats, you found yourself staring at your feet; a sense of nostalgia finding its way into your heart. This place reminded you too much of Walstow.

“A staff! I told you to take the wizard’s staff!” Grima pleaded. At the cue of the men running forward, you twisted yourself, fist connecting with a nose. Definitely broken. His blood stained your skin as you ducked an upper punch, elbowing the other man in the ribs.

As he went to hold his stomach in pain, you brought your knee into his face, tangling your fingers into his hair to add extra effect. At the grunt of pain you kicked him away, onto the man with the broken nose. Many men were scattered on the floor, groaning in pain as you found your way beside Gimli. Grima was under him, mewling in fear.

You smirked down at him, raising an eyebrow. “You lie! You are no human, but a disgusting Elf rat!” Grima struggled beneath the Dwarf. “Na Kwast Wahir Athu Kyene Wekht Unarihe.” (Better a cold truth than a warm lie)You smiled. Blue eyes were now on Gandalf, who stood before the aging King. “I release you from the spell.” He hissed.

Theoden King simply started to laugh. “You have no power here, Gandalf the Gray.” He chuckled. Gandalf released his gray cloak, revealing the white clothing underneath. You smirked once again. “I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound!” He gripped his staff forward, Theoden backing into his throne by force.

A woman came out of nowhere, running towards the King. Aragorn grabbed her, assisting her away. “If I go.” Theoden started. He suddenly sounded… different. “Theoden dies.” You stiffened. Surely Saruman didn’t have that much power? “You did not kill me, you will not kill him.” Gandalf stated.

“Rohan is mine!” Theoden spat defensively. “Be gone!” Gandalf yelled, forcing Theoden back into the throne once more. After awhile of spitting and growling, something happened. The girl ripped herself from Aragorn’s grip, running forward to hold Theoden. He was changing. Getting younger and less… foul. “You did it.” You breathed, looking at Gandalf in disbelief.

There was much tension in the air- so much that you could cut through it with your blade. If you still had it. Theoden was much younger now, and looked at the woman in confusion. “I know your face.” He whispered. She was smiling, tears gracefully slipping down her cheeks as he spoke. “Eowyn.” He smiled.

All the tears and smiles made you grin, looking at Legolas. He gave you a warm smile and a nod. Suddenly, you found yourself following the King and the Fellowship outside. Theoden threw Grima down the stone steps, and you watched in amusement as he rolled. The townsfolk started to gather.

Theoden walked down after him, slowly, blade in hand. “I’ve only ever served you, my lord!” Grima pleaded. “Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!” The king snarled. You nodded in approval. “Send me not from your sight!” Grima was crawling backwards. Theoden raised his sword, ready to kill.

Aragorn bolted from beside you, grabbing the King- ceasing him from killing Grima. “No, my lord!” He begged. “Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account.” The warrior breathed. Grima quickly jumped up, running into the crowd, shoving them aside as he flee. “Hail, Theoden King!” The crowd chanted, kneeling.

Theoden turned around, looking into the distance. “Where is Theodred?” He whispered. You cocked your head, watching the king. “Where is my son?” He asked. There was nothing but silence as the girl from before stood beside you, holding back a choking sob. That answered the question. The king’s son was dead.

“They were unarmed!” Eowyn pleaded. Gandalf had found two children riding into Rohan on horseback, from a town near to them. Orcs had come, and their mother sent them before they could witness turmoil. “Now the Wild Men are moving through the westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree.” She spoke.

You were sitting across from Gimli, watching as the Dwarf downed all the food he could. Aragorn sat beside you, and Legolas leaned against a pillar. You, however, were exhausted. Your Elven stamina was no more, and after at least two weeks of no sleep you felt like you would drop. “Where is Mama?” The young girl cried. Eowyn placed a cloak around her shoulders, shushing her softly.

“This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on.” Gandalf was trying to convince the King to act now. You leaned forward, crossing your arms over the table, cocking your head to lay your cheek against your elbow. “Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight!”

Aragorn’s voice beside you spoke next. “You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king.” Theoden stood up, walking down the small steps. “They will be 300 leagues from here by now!” Your eyes had closed, and you felt sleep overcome. Their bickering voices faded into the dark as you slipped into abyss. A much needed sleep. Your eyes slowly opened as someone shook you. “(Y/n).”

You looked up, narrowing your eyes against the light. Legolas was standing there, looking at you intently. “Huh?” You mumbled, rubbing the sleep from your eyes as you forced yourself from the table. “We must go, now. The King has ordered for the village to empty.” You stared at him in disbelief. “He will not have war.” Legolas extended you a hand.

His face was firm, and there was something deep in his eyes. Something you indeed felt as well. Compassion and the need for each other’s company- you seemed to have understood that now. You took his hand and moved away from the table, grunting at the sleep still in your legs. “That is absurd! What will he do?” You asked, your gaze meeting that of Legolas. “We are retreating to Helm’s Deep.”

Description
It took a hand full of hours to arrive at Edoras, and hand full of bumps and grunts from the wild galloping from the horse underneath you. You ran into the darkest of the night. The sun was just peaking over the rolling hills, pink and red staining the sky as the stars disappeared.

Your horse neighed loudly, shaking her head as she kept up to pace with the others. You smiled and patted her mane, running your fingers through the oily color. “Does sitting on the back of a horse with an Elf suit you, Master Gimli?” You joked, glancing at the Dwarf gripping onto Legolas. “I would rather mate with an Orc.” Gimli spat.

Legolas pretended to look hurt as he looked at you. You laughed, grinning as you looked back out at the plains. Edoras was in the distance. “Well I will make sure to spare a… mildly good looking Orc for you next time.” You winked at Gimli before your horse took up a faster pace. “Still poking fun at him, are we?” Gandalf asked. You met his blue gaze with a sly grin, shrugging softly. “Perhaps. It is more fun than I thought it would be.”

Finally, your four horses galloped to Edoras. It was a large hill with houses built where they were able to stand, rocks from the side of a cliff jagging out. A wooden defense lay around its homeland. “Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Theoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown.” Gandalf introduced. You shuffled uncomfortably. The way the homes built reminded you much of Walstow.

“Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here.” Gandalf spoke before whipping the reins, his horse galloping forward. With a backwards glance at Aragorn you followed. You entered through the gates, ignoring the glares and murmurs of the townsfolk. “You’ll find more cheer in a graveyard.” Gimli grumbled. You grinned, giggling softly. “Not even.”

You dismounted your horse, patting her flank with a smile. “Don’t get into much trouble now, Ahnvae.” You whispered, kissing the horse’s cheekbone. Legolas looked at you in interest as he strode over. “Ahnvae? You have named her after the Elvish word night?” You looked up at him, nodding. “She is the color of the darkest nights.”

Gimli, still trying to act brave after having to ride with an Elf, watched you two. “Don’t name her. You will only get attached.” He shuffled after Gandalf and Aragorn. Stiffening a sigh, you patted Ahnvae’s back. “I think it is a beautiful name, my fair lady.” Legolas whispered, his breath lingering on your neck before he was gone; following the others.

A light blush flushed your cheeks before you hesitantly followed, watching the male walk. Could you be developing feelings for him? You bit your lip at the thought, climbing the steps to where the king lies. Guards stood before you. “I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue” He warned.

Grima Wormtongue? Not a very flattering name. You thought with a light scoff. The wizard nodded to you all. Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn obliged, handing them their weapons. You, however, were very hesitant. “Your sword and dagger, my lady.” A guard persisted. You grimaced before unhooking your belt, handing the brown leather to him. He nodded in thanks before residing with the others.

“Your staff.” The commanding officer said. Gandalf pouted, holding the stick closer to his body. “You would not part an old man from his walking stick.” You had to force yourself not to smile. The man and his guards stood aside, letting you in. Legolas took Gandalf’s arm in his own, and together they walked in front. You glanced at Aragorn, then down at Gimli, giving a thoughtful nod.

You stiffened as the door closed behind you, listening intently to the whispers of whom you presumed to be Grima. “The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden King.” Gandalf’s voice seemed a new authority to it. The King was old, very old. He appeared to be blind, and his skin had a gray-blue tint to it. “Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?” His voice slurred. “A just question, my liege.” Grima stared into the King’s eyes. You growled at that.

“He is a king; he does not need your input, Mormhaor.” ( Corrupted death) You spat. Gandalf glared at you to keep quiet as Grima overlooked your body. “A human female? What a present.” You felt disgusted under his gaze as Gandalf and Theoden continued their words. You glanced to your right; men were gathering, glaring at the Fellowship. They were ready to attack at a moment’s spell.

Grima walked down the three or so stairs, approaching Gandalf. “Lathspell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest!” He spat. “Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm.” Gandalf growled in defense.

You felt a smirk find its way onto your lips. Oh, how cunning and determined that wizard was. Tuning out for many heart beats, you found yourself staring at your feet; a sense of nostalgia finding its way into your heart. This place reminded you too much of Walstow.

“A staff! I told you to take the wizard’s staff!” Grima pleaded. At the cue of the men running forward, you twisted yourself, fist connecting with a nose. Definitely broken. His blood stained your skin as you ducked an upper punch, elbowing the other man in the ribs.

As he went to hold his stomach in pain, you brought your knee into his face, tangling your fingers into his hair to add extra effect. At the grunt of pain you kicked him away, onto the man with the broken nose. Many men were scattered on the floor, groaning in pain as you found your way beside Gimli. Grima was under him, mewling in fear.

You smirked down at him, raising an eyebrow. “You lie! You are no human, but a disgusting Elf rat!” Grima struggled beneath the Dwarf. “Na Kwast Wahir Athu Kyene Wekht Unarihe.” (Better a cold truth than a warm lie)You smiled. Blue eyes were now on Gandalf, who stood before the aging King. “I release you from the spell.” He hissed.

Theoden King simply started to laugh. “You have no power here, Gandalf the Gray.” He chuckled. Gandalf released his gray cloak, revealing the white clothing underneath. You smirked once again. “I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound!” He gripped his staff forward, Theoden backing into his throne by force.

A woman came out of nowhere, running towards the King. Aragorn grabbed her, assisting her away. “If I go.” Theoden started. He suddenly sounded… different. “Theoden dies.” You stiffened. Surely Saruman didn’t have that much power? “You did not kill me, you will not kill him.” Gandalf stated.

“Rohan is mine!” Theoden spat defensively. “Be gone!” Gandalf yelled, forcing Theoden back into the throne once more. After awhile of spitting and growling, something happened. The girl ripped herself from Aragorn’s grip, running forward to hold Theoden. He was changing. Getting younger and less… foul. “You did it.” You breathed, looking at Gandalf in disbelief.

There was much tension in the air- so much that you could cut through it with your blade. If you still had it. Theoden was much younger now, and looked at the woman in confusion. “I know your face.” He whispered. She was smiling, tears gracefully slipping down her cheeks as he spoke. “Eowyn.” He smiled.

All the tears and smiles made you grin, looking at Legolas. He gave you a warm smile and a nod. Suddenly, you found yourself following the King and the Fellowship outside. Theoden threw Grima down the stone steps, and you watched in amusement as he rolled. The townsfolk started to gather.

Theoden walked down after him, slowly, blade in hand. “I’ve only ever served you, my lord!” Grima pleaded. “Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!” The king snarled. You nodded in approval. “Send me not from your sight!” Grima was crawling backwards. Theoden raised his sword, ready to kill.

Aragorn bolted from beside you, grabbing the King- ceasing him from killing Grima. “No, my lord!” He begged. “Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account.” The warrior breathed. Grima quickly jumped up, running into the crowd, shoving them aside as he flee. “Hail, Theoden King!” The crowd chanted, kneeling.

Theoden turned around, looking into the distance. “Where is Theodred?” He whispered. You cocked your head, watching the king. “Where is my son?” He asked. There was nothing but silence as the girl from before stood beside you, holding back a choking sob. That answered the question. The king’s son was dead.

“They were unarmed!” Eowyn pleaded. Gandalf had found two children riding into Rohan on horseback, from a town near to them. Orcs had come, and their mother sent them before they could witness turmoil. “Now the Wild Men are moving through the westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree.” She spoke.

You were sitting across from Gimli, watching as the Dwarf downed all the food he could. Aragorn sat beside you, and Legolas leaned against a pillar. You, however, were exhausted. Your Elven stamina was no more, and after at least two weeks of no sleep you felt like you would drop. “Where is Mama?” The young girl cried. Eowyn placed a cloak around her shoulders, shushing her softly.

“This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on.” Gandalf was trying to convince the King to act now. You leaned forward, crossing your arms over the table, cocking your head to lay your cheek against your elbow. “Draw him away from your women and children. You must fight!”

Aragorn’s voice beside you spoke next. “You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king.” Theoden stood up, walking down the small steps. “They will be 300 leagues from here by now!” Your eyes had closed, and you felt sleep overcome. Their bickering voices faded into the dark as you slipped into abyss. A much needed sleep. Your eyes slowly opened as someone shook you. “(Y/n).”

You looked up, narrowing your eyes against the light. Legolas was standing there, looking at you intently. “Huh?” You mumbled, rubbing the sleep from your eyes as you forced yourself from the table. “We must go, now. The King has ordered for the village to empty.” You stared at him in disbelief. “He will not have war.” Legolas extended you a hand.

His face was firm, and there was something deep in his eyes. Something you indeed felt as well. Compassion and the need for each other’s company- you seemed to have understood that now. You took his hand and moved away from the table, grunting at the sleep still in your legs. “That is absurd! What will he do?” You asked, your gaze meeting that of Legolas. “We are retreating to Helm’s Deep.”