Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

The Last Wood Elf	By : Mel99Moe Category: +Third Age > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 4551 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters or places. No money is being made from this story.

Chapter List
- 19
- 20
- 21
Chapter 20 - Keeping House

After a few months stationed near Aldburg, Eomer was finally leading his army back to Edoras. There had been more battles since that night at the camp, always with orcs. The enemy’s soldieries were always small in numbers, and the Rohirrim had successfully held their ground, defeating the orcs, but the attacks were constant, and it wore on the men after a while.

As they made their way back to Edoras, Théodred and his men joined them, returning from the Fords of Isen. The Prince informed Eomer that they were met with the same kind of attack formations from the orcs, small manageable groups, but constant invasion that battered his men.

“First thing is to inform the King of Saruman’s treachery,” Eomer said as he rode alongside his cousin.

“I’ve already sent word, along with orders to send some of the blacksmiths back to Edoras as we discussed,” Théodred informed, “I fear that Saruman’s forces are greater than we first thought. The city is vulnerable, and we must prepare.”

“What of your father? He will not be so pleased that you have made decisions without conferring with him first.”

“To speak with my father is to speak with Grima. I’m afraid our loyalty lies with each other and Rohan, as the King is too heavily influenced,” Théodred said as solemnness fell upon him, “I wish I knew what to do to help free my father’s will.”

* * *

As soon as they arrived in Edoras, Théodred and Eomer were met by the King’s guards, and told to come right away to discuss their findings. Legolas joined them, eager to tell Théoden about the orc’s admission of Saruman’s efforts in this latest war. He could not wait to see Grima’s face when he finally told him what he knew. Wormtongue’s silence would speak louder than any outgoing response.

Théodred, Eomer and Legolas entered the King’s quarters, and were dumbfounded at the sight that met them. Théoden looked old and withered, weakened to the point of death it seemed.

“Father,” Théodred whispered out of shock and went to his side, kneeling next to Théoden where he sat in his chair. His son took his hand and found it cold, his strength depleted. Théoden’s head was bowed, his chin resting on his chest. His hair was a tussled mess of gray, grown long and unkempt.

Théodred’s touch had roused the King slightly, and he attempted to turn his head and see the Prince, “M-my s-son,” he murmured, but then a moan escaped his lips, and he could say nothing more.

Eomer stood by, his heart breaking for his cousin and himself. The King of Rohan, a man of great strength and power, was reduced to a weak and elderly man, barely able to speak. Eomer’s fingers curled into fists as he watched Grima enter the room and stand at Théoden’s side. His eyes narrowed on the advisor, “You slimy worm, what have you done to him?” Eomer accused.

“What have I done?” Grima retorted, “I’ve done nothing but wait on the King hand and foot as he sits here and frets over the loyalty of his son and his sister-son.” Grima waited and watched as Théodred and Eomer regarded each other, “Oh yes, don’t think we did not find out about your orders to send the blacksmith’s back to Edoras. You have disobeyed a directive by the King, overridden his original orders and assumed command while the throne is still occupied. That could easily be considered treason, and I could have both of you sent to the cells.”

“You wouldn’t dare,” Théodred seethed.

“Look at your father. Look at his condition. He is like this because of you, because of your disloyalty, and your betrayal to the throne. You, his only son, scouring the lands and rousing the enemy,” Grima alleged.

Legolas took a step forward, and Grima scowled, “Rousing the enemy? Is that what you think this is? We have been protecting the King, keeping Rohan safe, saving even your conniving arse. These are not orcs of Mordor or Moria. They are Isengarders, sent by Saruman.”

Grima stepped away from Théoden, and circled Legolas at a distance, coming to stand next to Théodred, “Saruman has ever been a friend of Rohan and of the King. Théoden has counseled with him on many occasions. To have you stand here and accuse a High Wizard of such a crime is blasphemy, and I will not stand for it.”

Legolas moved suddenly, and Grima cowered away from him, but the elf reached for a pack that he’d brought with him. From it, he retrieved a grimy piece of cloth with a faded but still visible white hand painted upon it. He threw it at Grima, who dodged the smelly wretched thing. Legolas glowered at him, “I took this off of the last orc I killed as proof. They follow Saruman’s commands. Your ‘friend’, as you put it, wishes to see Rohan taken over by orcs. He’s been growing this army right under your nose.”

Grima took a poker from the hearth, picked up the dirty cloth, and tossed it into the fire, “If orcs come from Isengard, then it must mean they have seized Orthanc. There is no telling what has happened to Saruman,” Grima said sadly, as though he’d lost a dear friend. Then he rounded on Legolas, finding some bit of courage against the elf, “Lies, all lies I say. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it now. The elves cannot be trusted. They have no loyalty but to their own. I say it is you who deceives us, and tries to turn Rohan against Saruman.” He glanced to Théodred and Eomer, “What spell have you cast upon them to make them believe you? That is probably your own hand that you imprinted upon the cloth.”

Théoden mumbled something from his comatose state and Grima rushed to him, leaning down to offer his ear. Legolas saw the King’s lips move, but even his acute hearing could not make out any words. He looked to Théodred and Eomer, and though they seemed angry with Grima, they regarded Legolas with a bit of ambiguity. It felt very familiar to him, like the look that Lúta had given him before she left and broke his heart.

Then, Eomer shook his head, as if to clear his thoughts, “No, Legolas is not lying. These are Isengarders sent by Saruman.”

Théodred went to stand next to Legolas, “We know who it is we have been fighting for all these months. Saruman has changed his position and seeks to destroy Rohan. I will not stand by and let this evil roam freely across my country. It is the reason I overruled my father’s command, and called the blacksmith’s back to the city. War is coming. Edoras shall not fall due to your futile policies.”

The atmosphere was becoming charged with animosity towards Grima, and he seemed to change his attitude quickly as he stood away from Théoden. He pulled his black cloak tightly around him before he spoke, “Though you could all be arrested for treason, the King has decided to give you another chance to prove your loyalty. Your orders are as stands; Théodred will return with his armies to the West, and Eomer to the East. You will patrol your stations only and keep the enemy at bay. Neither of you will abandon your charge unless ordered by the King. You will send word of any attacks, at which time King Théoden will decided if further reinforcements are required. Is this understood?”

Théodred glanced at Eomer and then Legolas, each one coming to a common conclusion. Now was not the time to make a stand. Finally, Théodred spoke, “We will abide, my King,” he said looking directly at his father, who stared down at his lap, oblivious to what was taking place.

“We only ask for a slight reprieve before returning. Our men need time to rejuvenate with their families first,” Théodred continued.

Grima nodded arrogantly, “Very well, you have a week’s time to yourselves. Then you will be off to perform your duties.”

Théodred gave a quick tip of his head to Eomer and Legolas, signaling for them to leave. Silently, they left Théoden’s quarters, and then exited Meduseld altogether. Once they were far enough away, they spoke of the situation.

“Why do you suppose Grima is so insistent against Saruman’s involvement,” Eomer asked.

“Perhaps he wants Edoras for himself,” Legolas said.

Théodred shook his head, “No, there are too many in line for the throne … me, Eomer, even Eowyn would rule before Grima. And then there’s Grimbold and Elfhelm.” He paused and shook his head in denial, “No, he has ulterior motives. It is not the throne he wants,” he said thinking.

Legolas ran his hand through his hair, unable to look at his friends directly, “It is Eowyn that he wants.”

“What?” Théodred and Eomer said in unison.

“Don’t you see?” Legolas said, “Grima himself cannot be appointed to the throne, but through marriage—”

“That slimy bastard,” Eomer muttered. “I’ll kill him if he so much as touches a hair on my sister’s head.”

“We won’t let that happen, Eomer,” Théodred said reassuringly, “but we have to keep up a front for now. I can’t help feeling that Grima is in cohorts with Saruman. The White Wizard can be very cunning, and though he has been a friend to Rohan, I’ve never completely trusted him.”

As the three friends walked along the cobblestone path, talking quietly amongst themselves, they noticed a few people stretching an ear or gawking as they passed. Théodred shushed them, “We need to take a few days and not draw attention to ourselves. Let’s just use this time to rest and regroup our efforts. In a few days, we’ll meet and I’ll have some kind of plan.” Théodred put a hand on Eomer’s shoulder, “Nothing will happen to Eowyn as long as she stays close to Théoden. Even in his decrepit state, Grima would not try anything foolish in front of the King.”

“She’s already set aside her shield maiden training to take over upkeep of Meduseld, and she’s been a bear to be around since then. That reason alone would make it unwise to cross her,” Eomer commented.

“I didn’t know about this,” Legolas said concerned, “That is all she’s ever talked about since I’ve come to Rohan.”

“It is all she’s ever talked about since she first learned about the shield maiden society,” Eomer said, and shook his head as he gave a snort, “Father used to discourage her. He would not have let her do it in the first place, but I saw the fire in her eyes. I saw it the day she was born, though I was young myself. I can’t say as I blame my father though. He worried about her and her future, and when he died it fell upon me to worry for her, and I must admit that I am somewhat comforted that she has been relieved of her duty.” Eomer paused and looked around, as though he’d find his sister standing behind him, arms crossed and tapping an agitated foot. “She would hate me for saying it, but that’s how I feel. I’d rather she bit my head off than to see her in harm’s way.”

Legolas laughed and admired the special bond that brother and sister shared, even when they weren’t in each other’s company, “Would you like me to speak to her? Maybe I can help ease her perturbed manner so that you may keep your head.”

Eomer shrugged his shoulders, “I’m not so sure there is anything you can say to help, but if you are glutton for punishment, then by all means, have at it and good luck, my friend.”

* * *

It had been almost a week since the three friends returned to the city. Each one attended to their own duties, and brought as little attention to them as possible. To be certain, there were spies within Edoras, cohorts who reported to Grima. Théodred, Eomer and Legolas would be watched.

On this particular morning, Legolas was resting in his room after a night well spent with one of the maids. One of Prince Théodred’s messengers interrupted his slumber with an annoying knock on the door. He had been informed that the Prince requested his attendance for an early morning meeting.

They would be leaving soon, back to the borders. Legolas wondered where he would go, with Eomer back to the east or with Théodred to defend the Fords of Isen. He hoped for the latter. He hadn’t spent much time with Théodred lately, and he had yet to serve under the Second Marshall’s command—not to mention that the orcs would be more abundant in the west. His palms itched for the feel of his bow and long knives.

Legolas was passing through the main hall of Meduseld, on his way to meet with Théodred when, to his delight, he saw Eowyn, busy with her new responsibilities of keeping proper her uncle’s house. He had almost forgotten to speak with her about her confined situation, and now seemed as good a time as any. He would not be needed at the meeting for a few minutes yet.

She was standing on top of one of the tables, pointing and giving orders. A young boy of about seven or eight was at the top of a wooden ladder that leaned against the far wall. He was on his toes, stretching as far as he could to reach a tapestry that covered one of the windows. The rickety ladder vibrated as the boy’s knees shook. He was obviously not very fond of heights.

“And lower that one, Gellír, so that we can have more light shining in through the windows,” Eowyn commanded from her perch atop the table.

Legolas approached Eowyn with his warmest smile, but she was deep into her work, and only gave him a nod. She didn’t want to take her eyes off of the boy for too long, in case he started to fall. Legolas leapt onto the table with the simple ease of the elves, crossed his arms, and brought his fingers to his chin mockingly, “A little more to the right, wouldn’t you say?” he taunted.

Eowyn ignored him, and waved her hand in the direction of the old hangings, “You have no idea how dusty and dirty it is in here. No one’s been given orders to clean in months, and I figured as long as I’m stuck here, I might as well take control of matters and get this place in shape,” she complained.

“Well, it’s definitely warmer in here. It’s nice to see the hearth alight once again. And with the windows uncovered, it’s not as dark and drab.” He paused as he watched the boy struggle with the tapestry, “Though I’m not quite sure you should let him be up there.”

“No one else would do it,” Eowyn said, her eyes glued to the youth, “The servants refuse, and I could not find Audwyn this morning.”

Legolas felt himself flush, knowing he was the reason for the maid’s absence. Luckily, Eowyn was too busy watching the boy that she did not see the tips of his inflamed ears.

Suddenly, the boy’s foot slipped, and he caught himself. He let out a whimper as he regained his footing. Eowyn gasped and threw her arms out as if to catch him should he start to fall again. Legolas, who had seen enough, jumped down from the table, and went to the foot of the ladder. He looked up and called to the boy. “Aye, Gellír, come on down from there before you break your neck.”

“But I was asked by the Lady Eowyn to do this task,” the boy called back, resuming his struggle to reach the tapestry and release it from the wall. He was a determined youth. Stubborn was more like it, Legolas thought to himself.

“I’m ordering you to come down,” Legolas said sternly. The boy did as he was told, and glared at the elf when he was safely on the ground.

“Do I still get my money?” Gellír reached his small dusty hand out to Legolas, who turned around to see Eowyn laughing behind her hand covering her mouth. Legolas rounded on the boy.

“And just how much did she promise you?” Legolas asked, as he put his hands on his hips.

“Three silver bits,” the boy answered proudly.

“Three?” Legolas exclaimed.

Eowyn gasped, “It was not three. It was only one. Why, I should put you over my knee for telling a fib.”

Legolas got down on one knee so that he was eye level with the boy, “You know what happens to children who tell lies, don’t you?” he whispered. The boy shook his head and Legolas continued, “The wargs can hear when a child lies. They keep count you know and once you reach a certain amount, they come for you, steal you away, and … well, I am not sure what they do after that, but it cannot be pleasant.”

Gellír’s mouth dropped in shock, but a humorous twinkle in the elf’s eye gave him away. “I’ve heard lots of stories, but never this one. You made that up,” the boy accused.

Legolas rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders. “You can’t blame me for trying. Now listen, no more lying or I will know it. Elves cannot lie, but even more so, we can tell when someone else is, and if I catch you in another one, you’ll be wishing it were a warg that came for you. Understood?”

The boy nodded, and Legolas reached into his tunic, pulling out one small silver coin. He put it in the boy’s hand and then looked curiously at his ear. “Wait a minute, what’s this?” Legolas reached for his ear, pulled on his earlobe, making Gellír wince and produced a second coin. The elf smiled and handed it to him, “Seems like you had one stuck in your ear. Must be your lucky day.” He ruffled the boy’s hair and stood.

The boy smiled wide and gazed at Legolas, “I was right. Elves are magical. Wait until I tell my sister. She didn’t believe me.” He took off like a fox down the hall, but stopped half way and turned back. “Thanks Legolas,” he shouted before darting through the doors.

Legolas watched him leave, chuckling to himself, and turned to see Eowyn with her arms crossed, eyebrow raised and tapping her foot. Eomer was right, he thought to himself. She did stand that very way when she was perturbed.

“You shouldn’t encourage him. He’s been in enough trouble already—caught stealing fruit from one of the street venders, and recently he snuck into the horse pastures, and left the gate open for the horses to get out. His mother was at her wits end, and sent him here to put him to work, hoping to straighten him out.”

He approached Eowyn who was still standing on the table, glaring at him. “Ai, he’s young yet. He’ll learn.” Legolas held his hand out to her, offering to help her down.

“And you have just rewarded him for his bad behavior,” she said reminding him of the two silver piece Legolas gave the boy.

Legolas just shrugged his shoulders and smiled infectiously up at her. Eowyn shook her head, but could not help let a smile escape her lips. Her hand rested in his, and he guided her down from the table. Then he went to the ladder and started to climb.

“What are you doing?” Eowyn called to him.

“You want that tapestry moved don’t you?” he called back, as he was already half way up the ladder.

“Legolas, please be careful. I wouldn’t want you to … AAGH!” she screamed. He looked as if he lost his footing on one of the rungs, and slipped down grabbing at the ladder with both hands, but he caught himself, or so it seemed. The mischievous look he gave her said that he was only pretending, further angering Eowyn, “That was not funny,” she shouted, “Fooling around like that will only cause you to fall to your death.”

He gave her a ridiculous smile that stretched from ear to ear as he crossed his ankles and put a hand on one hip, hanging precariously from the ladder, “Don’t you know that elves always land on their feet?” he joked before he finished climbing to the top.

“The same can be said about cats, but it would make no difference if they should fall from a great height. It doesn’t matter what you land on, something’s going to break.” she retorted.

“Have you ever seen a cat with a broken leg?” he asked.

“Well, no but—”

“Need I say more?” he replied as he clambered up the ladder again. Legolas reached for the tapestry easily with his tall form and long arms, “Where do you want this?”

“Below the window and even with the other hangings,” she directed.

Legolas did as she said, finding a hook right about where she wanted it. Eowyn called to him to straighten it. When it was where she wanted it, Legolas stopped a moment before climbing back down, observing the picture of a beautiful woman with reddish blond hair, common among the Rohirrim. He carefully came back down the ladder, and dusted his hands on his pants. “You are right about the dirt. It must be as thick as a slice of quick bread up there.”

Eowyn laughed and he smiled. It was good to hear it. There wasn’t much laughter around the hall lately. Legolas pointed up at the tapestry, “Who is she?”

A smile remained on Eowyn’s face as she gazed with proud eyes at the picture, “That is my mother. Isn’t she beautiful? Théodwyn was her name, and sister to my uncle. My mother was the most loving woman I’ve ever known. She was also the bravest. If it weren’t for her, Eomer and I might not be here. She sacrificed her life to keep us safe.” Her smile turned to a frown as she remembered something that only she and Eomer saw, “She killed one of the orcs before they took her life. I know it was her. I saw her dagger protruding from its body next to the door in the bedroom floor.” Eowyn paused as she stared at her mother’s face. The sorrow and terror slowly faded into admiration, “She had a warrior’s spirit, though she was never allowed to pursue it.”

Legolas turned to see Eowyn’s face, recognizing that same determined look as the woman in the tapestry, “Eowyn, you should not be stuck in here day after day taking care of things that Théoden should be doing. You should be amongst the shield maidens training.” He was surprised to hear himself say this, but he found that he could not agree with Eomer’s concerns for his sister. Eowyn was strong and determined enough to take care of herself. She always had come across that way to him.

Eowyn turned her eyes to the floor, “I can’t Legolas. There is no one else to oversee things now. This is where I’m needed. My uncle grows weaker every day. Have you seen him recently? He seems to have aged incredibly. He no longer goes out of his home to check on his men. Instead, he rules from his private quarters signing parchments, Grima always at his side. He has made so many changes and few of them make sense to me. It is up to me now, to take care of his house and him in the best way I know how. I love my uncle very much. I can’t abandon him now. He needs me.”

This was quite a personal sacrifice she was making, Legolas thought. Still, he felt she deserved a chance to become a female warrior. If not, it would be such a waste. Legolas stepped around to face Eowyn, taking her hands in his, “Then let me train you.”

“What?” she laughed nervously, “Train me how?”

“In the ways of battle of course. I can teach you everything you would learn with the women. You already have your weapons. I can work with you and keep you sharp,” he said enthusiastically.

“Oh, well I don’t know, Legolas. We are both so busy, and soon you’ll be serving another tour on the borders.”

“When I am home I’ll meet with you once a day or however often we can spare.” He stopped and gestured to the tapestry, “The fire and determination that you saw in your mother . . .” He captured her chin in his fingers, “You have it also, Eowyn, and like it or not I think that skill will be needed. There is a change in the air … in the trees. War will come. I can feel it. We will all need to be ready for that day. Every one of us will be needed to fight.”

Eowyn shivered as she listened to Legolas’ warning. Who better than an elf would know of eminent danger? “Alright then, I’ll agree to your terms. Once a day or as often as we can spare … starting as soon as you get back.”

Legolas smiled, “As my lady wishes.”

Just then, Audwyn passed through the hall. Legolas’ attention was diverted to the young woman with her honey blonde hair and slim frame. She did her best not to notice him, but that was about as easy as ignoring an oliphant in a field of daisies. His eyes followed her until she tilted her head to the side and acknowledged his presence. He watched her with a hungry stare making her blush as she smiled at him, batting her long lashes. Eowyn could have sworn she heard a low growl emanate from him and glanced as she watched the interaction between these two. Audwyn touched her hand to her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear and exposing her neck. Eowyn’s eyebrows shot up in surprise when she saw the red mark on the side of her neck. Legolas had seen it too, and smiled as he watched Audwyn disappear down the corridor.

Eowyn turned to Legolas, arms crossed and glaring, “You two know each other, I presume?”

Legolas was still watching the doorway, “Oh yes, quite well.”

“She must be the reason that I have not seen much of you this week,” Eowyn said accusingly.

“She is one of the reasons. The other two reasons work at the mead hall,” he smiled arrogantly.

Eowyn gasped, “Legolas, three women in one week? You are going to get yourself in trouble.”

“Well, that’s part of the fun now isn’t it? Besides, no one is being harmed.”

She raised an accusing eyebrow in his direction. “Oh no? And I suppose that blemish on Audwyn’s neck will not harm her reputation?”

“It’s merely a love bite. Besides, you should see the mark she left on me,” he jested as he reached for the laces of his trousers.

Eowyn gasped and scrunched her eyes shut, “No! No! I don’t want to know anymore,” she protested.

Legolas laughed heartily. It had always been too easy to agitate Eowyn, and he enjoyed doing it from time to time. He watched as she carefully opened one eye, and met her with his warmest most charming smile reserved only for Eowyn, “I promise not to torture you with any more details as long as you stay out of my private life. Now, I must be on my way or your cousin will have me flogged.” He turned to leave, but stopped when she called to him.

“Um, Legolas?”

“Yes.”

“Would you mind going back up the ladder? You’ve sent my helper away and the tapestry is tilted just slightly to the right.”

Legolas rolled his eyes and laughed before he scuttled up the ladder once more.

* * *

“Where have you been?” Eomer asked when Legolas finally joined his friends at the stables where they were to have their meeting. He should have been here earlier, but he was delayed.

“I was helping Eowyn with something,” Legolas replied.

“That was your first mistake,” Eomer corrected, “Once she gets you involved , she doesn’t let go easily.”

“I was happy to help,” Legolas said with a reminiscent smile, “I’ve always held a soft spot in my heart for Eowyn.”

Eomer arched a questioning brow, but Legolas held his hand up to stop his friend from saying anything, “She is like a sister to me. You know my feelings for her do not go any deeper. Besides, I am not in pursuit of anything that involves the heart.”

Théodred threw an arm around each of his friends, and wedged his way between them, “From what I hear, you are only pursuing that which involves places much lower than the heart. Really, Legolas, you’ve stolen the twins out from under us? That is all the men look forward to when they gather at the mead hall. It certainly isn’t the ale.”

The twins he was speaking of were a pair of identical sisters who were bar maids at the tavern. They were both very saucy, and kept the men on their toes with their bantering. They were also admired for their cheeky comments, but they were careful not to let any behavior go further than flirting. That was, until Théodred caught Legolas walking the sisters home late one evening after their shift was through at the tavern.

“A girl on each arm and his smile wider than the Great River … that’s how he looked when I spied him,” Théodred said.

“Really?” Eomer said astonished, “Both of them … together?”

“Of course not,” Legolas protested as he pushed Théodred’s arm from his shoulder and separated from his friends, “What kind of elf do you take me for?” He stopped and adjusted his collar, “One at a time . . .” A devious smile crossed his face, “. . . while the other sister watched.”

“You lie,” Eomer accused after a long silence.

“He can’t lie, he’s an elf. But he can stretch the truth,” Théodred said.

Théodred and Eomer watched Legolas with narrowed eyes, and waited for him to respond to the accusation that things hadn’t actually gone the way he had described. However, Legolas wasn’t one to go into too many details. Instead, he pointed to a rolled up parchment that Théodred held tucked under his arm, “What have you got there? I suppose it has something to do with our plans.”

Théodred and Eomer looked at each other as if to say they would find out all the details of Legolas’ liaison later. Then Théodred cleared away hay on the floor, making a spot to lay out his map. The three friends sat down on the floor of an empty stall. It had been the time of day when there was hardly any traffic in the royal stable. The morning’s work had been accomplished and the horses were settled for a little while. This was the best place for them to speak without worry of Grima eavesdropping on their conversation. The old worm hated horses and would not go near the stable. As for his spies, Legolas’ expert sense of character had already figured out who they were and where. None of them seemed to frequent the stables, so they thought they were safe.

Théodred unrolled the map, which displayed a number of marks and lines indicating areas of activity, and from which direction the orc group had come from. Eomer added his own findings to the map with a bit of charcoal he’d picked up along the way. A route soon became apparent. The orcs were definitely coming from Isengard, and some were walking freely and unchallenged across parts of Rohan’s open plains.

“So I think if we start patrolling these areas,” Eomer said as he pointed to the map, “We can cut them off, and diminish their numbers before they begin to assault these villages here.”

“Good,” Théodred said with a nod, “And I want you to divide your men into two groups. Take to patrolling here and here,” he said pointing. “As for me and my men, we will remain stationed here. I fear leaving the river unprotected at the Fords, but I will send some of my men out to see to other areas.” He turned to Legolas then, as though he regretted what he was about to ask, “I suppose the biggest sacrifice I am asking for is from you, my friend. As much as we need your warrior skill out on the plains, I would ask that you not return with Eomer and me. I think you will be much more needed here in the city.”

Théodred looked to Eomer, and allowed his cousin to continue for him, “Théo and I both discussed this, and we feel your elvish intuitiveness could come in handy. While we are away on patrol, things seem to deteriorate a little more at home. We need you to be the eyes and ears of Edoras. You know who follows Grima and who does not, and any information you can obtain will help the overall cause. So, will you stay, Legolas?”

Legolas nodded, “I swore an oath to go where I am needed most, so I will stay.”

With their meeting concluded and their plans laid out, Théodred folded up his map and tucked it safely inside his coat. He got to one knee and placed a hand on the shoulder of each friend, bowed his head and spoke, “I sometimes think I ask too much of the both of you. What I am doing could be considered treason. Eomer and I are betraying my father’s orders by dividing the armies and roaming the plains. Legolas, I ask you not to fight, though I understand the pain that drives you into war. You have both accepted without question, putting your trust in me. There is much to lose if we don’t see this through, and maybe I am being selfish by asking this of you.”

Théodred stood and walked away, but Legolas and Eomer went to him, one on each side of the Prince. Eomer spoke first, “I love my uncle, you know this. He has taken me in, given me more than I probably deserve. He has treated Eowyn and me as his son and daughter, as if we are of his own flesh. But I also love my country. I am proud of my people. My allegiance is to them. We are doing what is best for Rohan right now. Théoden will see this when he is better, I’m sure.”

After a pause, Legolas spoke, “I am not of Rohan, not family, nor am I even human, but like Eomer, I am honored to have had this opportunity. This country is young compared to elven realms or even Gondor, yet what you have accomplished in such a short period is astounding. There is nowhere else I would rather be. The Rohirrim are the closest thing to family that I have or may ever have. I will not see your successes and achievements demolished. We will stand strong and fight against anything or anyone that would do us harm. I am proud to serve you, Théodred. You are my prince, my captain, my friend above all else, and I will do whatever you ask of me without question.”

Théodred turned and the three friends clasped forearms as they stood in a tight circle. They rested their heads against each other and closed their eyes, making a silent bond to each other, “For Rohan,” Théodred finally uttered.

“For Rohan,” Eomer and Legolas answered in unison.

Today, the three friends solidified their alliance, and made a promise to each other and to Rohan. No shift in the wind, no darkening of days could break this vow. Each one would do their part in the West, in the East and in Edoras. For now, their people were safe and they could only pray for what the future held. Nothing would break their pledge, least death take them. Then they would know they did everything in their power to make it right, to keep their country strong through their sacrifice. Still, they prayed it would not come down to that and in the end, the three friends would stand together in victory.
- 19
- 20
- 21
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

The Last Wood Elf