Our Undying Love

19

They road through the entire day and rested only when the sun had fully set. The very next morning they've finally reached Edoras. They stopped just on top of a small hill, the town standing proudly before them.

"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Theoden, King of Rohan whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Theoden is now very strong. Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here" Gandalf explained to them as he looked at the wooden village.

Without another word more Gandalf rode further, the two other horses following his lead.

~~~~~~~~~~

They road into town, keeping close to Gandalf as they walked. The town was dead silent, no one dared to speak. No one even smiled, their faces like a stone wall. No emotion, just...blank.

"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard" Gimli mumbled as he looked around, looking a bit uncomfortable.

Veryan didn't want to say it himself, but he did agree with Gimli. The place was depressing. Quiet. So so quiet...

After some time they've finally reached the wooden castle of King Theoden. They jumped off of their horses and handed them over to the towns people before beginning to climb the stairs. An armored man walked through the doors of the castle, about 6 men following behind him. He stopped just in front of the five of them, making them stop just at the top of the stairs.

"I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtounge"

Veryan already hated the sound of this man. From what it seemed he was no better than Alfred back all those years ago, one key difference being Alfred had been catapulted into a trolls mouth.

Gandalf's eyebrows furrowed, but he didn't argue. He looked at all of them and nodded, gesturing for them to hand their weapons over.

Veryan only but slightly glared at the guard in front of him, as if warning him not to loose his things. He then took of his sheath, which also had his sword in it, and handed it over. The guard took it and when he inspected it looked back up at him, one side of his helmet moving ever so slightly, indicating he was raising his eyebrow. 

Veryan raised his hands up, turning them for him too see that he didn't carry anything else. "Don't be so surprised. I don't need a lot, so I don't carry a lot"

The guard's helmet slowly lowered once again, but now he was glared at, clear suspicion in the mans eyes. Veryan sighed and lowered his hands. His left hand moved closer to Legolas's, his pinky rapping around the others before letting go. 

When all of their weapons were taken away (Gandalf getting to keep his staff because who would take a walking stick from an old man?) they were finally allowed to walk into the castle. Gandalf and Veryan walked in first, The White Wizards arm hanging over his bent one, as if helping him walk. Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli walked in right behind them.

Just as Grima saw them he leaned forward and whispered something to the King, backing away from him as the doors behind the five man group closed. That is also when Gandalf gently moved his arm away from Veryan's, taking to walking just a bit in front of the others. "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden King"

As they walked closer and closer Grima leaned over to whisper something to the King yet again, and this time it didn't get unnoticed by Veryan. Just as Grima leaned back the King spoke, his voice barely above a whisper. "Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?"

He then turned to Grima, as if for approval, and the man nodded. So he was like Alfred. Looking just as greasy as he did. "A just question, my liege"