Mo Ghile Mear

Lord Denethor

***Athena's POV***

"There was no lie in Pippin's eye," said Gandalf as he explained to Theoden what was going on. We told him about the Ring, since we knew that he was very trustworthy. "He's a fool. . . . but an honest fool he remains. He didn't tell Sauron about Frodo, Sera, or the Ring."

We were all gathered around the Golden Hall of Meduseld, trying to find ways to warn the world of the dangers that were coming.

"This hobbit that we're speaking of is important," I say to Theoden. "Frodo. He's the one who is going to save us all."

"And what about the other hobbits you keep talking about? Seraphina and Sam?"

I smirked slightly. So did Daisy.

"Sera is my sister, sir," Daisy answered in a cheerful voice. "She's with Frodo. They are safe, I know that much. And I Know that Sera would not let Frodo die. I've seen the way she reacts every time he's in a near-death situation. She gets very protective." She smirked. "I wouldn't be surprised if she got very defensive of him during their journey. And Samwise is also defensive, but nowhere as defensive as my sister is. They are like his bodyguards, doing everything they can to protect him."

I smiled to myself. I remembered the early days when Sera got very defensive of Frodo on Weathertop. The way she held him, as to protect him. The way she refused to leave his side, even while he was recovering. The two of them are perfect together.

"We've been strangely fortunate," Gandalf went on. "Pippin saw in the Palantir a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. His defeat on Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing: Men are not as weak as he supposed. There is courage still, perhaps enough to challenge him. Sauron fears this. He will not risk the peoples of Middle-Earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees the king of Gondor returning to the throne of Men. If the Beacons of Minas Tirith are lit, Rohan must call for aid."

"Tell me," said Theoden. He did not sound happy about the fact that he would be riding to Gondor's aid since Gondor did not ride to theirs when they were in danger. "Why should we ride to the aid of someone who did not come to ours? What do we owe Gondor?"

"I will go," Aragorn declared.

"No!" Gandalf immeditely replied. "No.

"They must be warned!"

"They will be," Gandalf answered in a calm voice. I was confused. What did he mean by that? "Follow the River and look for the black ships." He then faced the rest of us. "Understand this. Things are now in motion, and they cannot be undone. I will ride for Minas Tirith. But I will not be going alone." He turned to face me and Pippin. "Athena? Pippin? Are you willing to go with me?"

***

"Of all the hobbits out there in the world, Peregrin Took, you are the worst," Gandalf complained in a loud voice as we made our way to the stables. I found my horse, Charlene, and led her out by the reins. I fed her some oats before we hit the road, and she nibbled them from my outstretched hand.

"You're such a good girl. Yes you are," I cooed softly as I ran my fingers through her coarse mane. "Are you ready for a long journey?"

She snorted, as though answering me. I chuckled.

Meanwhile, Pippin was asking Gandalf questions. I got distracted as I continued to set up my saddle. I got so distracted that I didn't even notice Aragorn at my side. He was quiet for a moment as he watched.

"You'll be okay, right?" he asked, sounding anxious.

"Aragorn, I'm a skilled fighter. You know that I'll be okay."