𝐈𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄̈ || A.

𝟎𝟏𝟕 ⸺ the king's decision

Théodred's body is borne from the main city, and taken outside the city gates, to the burial mounds. He is borne by six royal guards and followed by Théoden, Aragorn, Gandalf, Iladya, Legolas and Gimli and the people of Edoras. Eowyn waits with other women at his tomb. At his tomb, his body is passed to the women, and Eowyn starts to sing:

''Bealocwealm hafað fréone frecan forth onsended
giedd sculon singan gléomenn sorgiende
on Meduselde thæt he ma no wære
his dryhtne dyrest and maga deorost''

An evil death has set forth the noble warrior
A song shall sing sorrowing minstrels
in Meduseld that he is no more,
to his lord dearest and kinsmen most belover.
An evil death...

Théodred's body is passed into the tomb and the doors shut behind him. On top of his tomb, a single Simelmyne flower stands on top.
''Simblemyne,'' Théoden breathes. ''Ever has it grown on the tombs of my forbearers.'' He turns to Gandalf. ''Now it shall cover the grave of my son. Alas that these evil days should be mine. The young perish and the old linger. That I should live ... To see the last days of my house.''
Théoden took his son's death personal. He was not there when his son needed him. He abandoned his own son. His heart feels heavy with loss and regret.
''Théodred's death was not of your making,'' Gandalf soothes.
''No parent should have to bury their child,'' he comments. Theoden falls to his knees and slowly starts weeping, mourning. His legacy, but most important his son.
''He was strong in life. His spirit will find its way to the halls of your fathers. Westu hál. Ferðu, Théodred, Ferðu.''
Gandalf leaves Theoden to mourn in peace. As he walks back up the hill, he turns to see two children riding on a horse. The boy falls off the horse in exhaustion.

In the Golden Hall, the children are eating ravenously, as Eowyn sits with them. She has her arms around the little girl.
''They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the Wild Men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree,'' Eowyn says, looking at all them, Gandalf, Theoden, Iladya, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli.
''Where is Mama?'' the little girl asks desperately. Eowyn shushes her by wrapping a blanket around her. Gandalf sits beside Théoden, who has his head in his hand.
''This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash — Theoden takes away his hand and listens — All the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children — he places a hand on Theoden's chair — You must fight,'' he urges.
''You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king,'' Aragorn comments. Theoden gets up out of his seat. Aragorn stood near Théoden's throne while Legolas, Iladya, and Gimli are sitting at one of the tables, following the converdation silently.
''They will be 300 leagues from here by now. Eomer cannot help us. I know what it is you want of me ... But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war,'' he says.
''Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not,'' Aragorn argues calmly.
''When last I looked ... Théoden, not Aragorn, was King of Rohan,'' Théoden replies bitterly. Aragorn suppresses a frustrated grunt and clenches his jaw. Gimli who is eating and drinking burps loudly and looks embarrassed. Iladya shoots a glance at the Dwarf.
''Then what is the king's decision?'' Gandalf asks. Théoden looks around the hall, looking at those children, at his niece, at the two Elves, the Dwarf, and at Aragorn. He has enough of war and it confirms his decision.

Outside the Golden Hall, Hama stands amongst the people of Rohan.
''By the order of the king ... The city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep!''
Gandalf walks through the people gathering their belongings followed by Aragorn, Iladya, Legolas and Gimli.
''Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need,'' Hama urges.
''Helm's Deep,'' Gandalf scoffs.
''They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?'' Iladya grunts.
''He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past,'' Aragorn reasons. Iladya glances at Legolas, who shares the same thought. They have seen this before, at their own home. Thranduil would close the borders of Mirkwood, keeping his own safe instead of fight. It made Iladya think of Tauriel.
They walk into the stables. ''There is no way out of that ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre. Theoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan — he turns to face Aragorn — He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you — Aragorn takes a deep breath, knowing he will need to set aside the Ranger — The defences have to hold,'' Gandalf says. ''They will hold.''
''The Grey Pilgrim. That's what they used to call me,'' Gandalf says, stroking Shadowfax. ''Three hundred lives of Men I've walked this earth, and now I have no time. With luck, my search will not be in vain — he mounts Shadowfax and Aragorn stands aside — Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east,'' he instructs. Gandalf rides off out of the stables.