Hope ↠ LOTR

IV. Glory

A funeral had been held for Théodred, Éowyn's singing accompanying the procession as he was buried along with his kin that came before him. After the ceremony had ended Athena had returned to the hall with the rest of her companions, now standing while leaning against a table and taking comfort in her weapons that had been returned to her.

"You do not seem happy with my decision earlier," Aragorn observed, moving to stand beside her and when she did not look at him he continued. "Would you have had him killed?"

She finally looked up at him and shrugged. "Perhaps it would have been for the best. I have met men like him before, but one in particular stands out. He did not change his ways even when given the opportunity to do so and his fate led him to his death inside the mouth of a troll. There is no doubt in my mind that Gríma will return to Saruman and tell him everything, he knows all the inside information and it is only a matter of time before battle will march upon us."

"He was unarmed, and merely a servant to his master."

"The Orcs are merely servants to Sauron, does that make them any less evil?" She retaliated. Aragorn didn't respond and only looked down a little at her words, causing her to sigh. "I cannot see the future. I may not agree with your decision now, but maybe letting him go was the correct decision. Only time will tell."

Their conversation was cut short when the king, his niece, and the wizard burst into the Golden Hall, two unfamiliar children at their sides. They looked battered and worn down, their eyes holding the horrors of war despite their youthful faces.

"I will get some food," Éowyn announced before heading in the direction of the kitchens.

Athena and Aragorn took it upon themselves to lead the two children to one of the tables situated in the hall. She removed her cloak and draped it over the boy once noticing that he looked much more weary than, who she assumed was, his sister did.

"Can you tell us what happened?" She asked him, crouching down before him.

Éowyn returned with the food and set it in front of the two children, crouching beside the girl that sat at the table as they listened to their tale. The boy explained what had happened, how their village was attacked and set aflame by other men who ransacked the town and killed people without mercy—their mother sending them to Edoras via horse.

"What are your names?" She then asked them.

"Èothain and Freda."

"Well, Èothain and Freda, I'm sure you're both hungry so eat your food and I'm sure lodgings will be made available to the both of you soon." Athena looked over at Éowyn after she spoke, the woman of Rohan sending her a nod to show that she agreed with her.

"They had no warning, they were unarmed," Éowyn addressed her uncle, standing up from her previous crouched position with Athena following suit after her legs had grown tired. "Now the wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot, and tree."

Athena made her way back to her companions who were at another table across the room, opting to stand beside Legolas while Aragorn and Gimli were seated and picking at their own food,

"Where is mamma?" Freda asked, only to be shushed by Éowyn who draped a blanket that she had collected over her shoulders.

"This is but a taste of the terror Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on, draw him away from your women and children. You must fight," Gandalf advised the king, seated beside his throne.

"You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king," Aragorn added on.

Théoden rose from his seat and stepped towards Aragorn. "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now! Éomer cannot help us." He turned to speak to Gandalf next. "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."