Mo Ghile Mear

Daisy, Merry, and Pippin

***Athena's POV***

Athena's dress at the top

Now that the war for Helm's Deep was over, it was time to head back to Isengard to collect Merry, Pippin, and Daisy. They've been with Treebeard for the past few days. When they greeted us, they were very ecstatic. Merry actually got to his feet.

"Welcome! My lords and lady. . . . to Isengard!"

Gimli was less than pleased. In fact, he howled at the top of his lungs, causing me and the rest of the Fellowship, including Theoden, to grin broadly. Aragorn and I actually grinned at each other. I was happy that Merry, Pippin, and Daisy were in their usual happy mood, despite all the horrors they've been through. Especially when they saw their best friend getting stabbed by a Morgul blade.

"You young rascals! A merry hunt you've led us on, and now we find you feasting, a-a-and smoking!"

I chuckled, smirking. Gimli's reaction was, however, priceless. Pippin corrected him pointedly, using his sarcastic, yet funny, remarks.

"We are sitting on a field of victory, enjoying a few well-earned comforts."

"This salted pork is particularly good," Merry added in a proud voice.

Gimli had a dreamy look on his face.

"Salted pork?"

"Hobbits," said Gandalf.

"We're under orders from Treebeard," Daisy added, pointing over at the Tower of Isengard. Its base where the stairs are was flooded with water. "Who has taken over management of Isengard."

We collected the hobbits and put them on our horses. I had Daisy, who clung tightly to me. Aragorn had Pippin, and Gandalf had Merry. We approached Treebeard, who greeted us warmly.

"Young hmmm Master Gandalf," he greeted. "I'm hmmm glad you've come. Wood and water, stock and stone I can master. But there's a wizard up there, locked in his tower."

"And there Saruman must remain," Gandalf replied. "Under your guard, Treebeard."

"Well, why not have his head and be done with it?" Gimli suggested.

"No! No. He has no power anymore."

I finally noticed someone at the top of the tower of Insengard. With a strange feeling in my stomach, I knew that this had to be Saruman. His white beard and long hair distinctly reminded me of Gandalf's appearance. He glared down at the seven of us. Grima was at his master's side in a matter of seconds. Saruman glared at Theoden.

"You were the one who did not win this battle, Theoden," he declared.

What the hell was that supposed to mean?

Theoden looked as though he had been slapped in the face, but he recovered from it quite quickly. He turned to face Grima.

"Come down, Grima," he insisted. "Become a citizen of Rohan once again."