The Edge of Night

The Golden Hall

Legolas takes Gandalf by the arm, assisting him as they walk inside. The hall is darker than she remembered. The fire that normally cast a warm friendly glow from the center of the room, now stood empty, only adding to the gloom.

As she walked further in, she could not help the growl that escaped her lips when she saw how close Wormtongue was sitting to her father, whispering foul things into his ear. "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Theoden King." Gandalf says.

"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" Hearing her father, who's voice once held a presence of its own, now sound so broken and frail, almost caused Elfwyn to lunge at the traitorous bastard sitting beside him.

"A just question, my liege." Wormtongue hisses out. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest." Aragorn's hand comes out to grab her arm, keeping her from lashing out. Oh how she hated this man for all he cost her.

"Be silent. Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth." Gandalf commands. "I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm." He brings up his staff, putting it directly in Wormtongue's face.

Wormtongue backs up, scared. "His staff. I told you to take the wizard's staff." He yells at the guards who quickly jump into the center of the room, engaging with what remained of the Fellowship. Elfwyn could see their hesitation to approach her. She was still their princess after all. She uses their hesitation to her advantage, lunging past them towards Grima, punching him in the nose with a satisfying crunch as she felt it break beneath her fist, sending him to the ground in a heap.

She stands by, waiting with bated breath, as Gandalf approaches her father. "Theoden, son of Thengal, too long have you sat in the Shadows."

"I would sit still if I were you." Gimli says gruffly, placing a heavy boot on Wormtongue's leg, keeping him there.

"Hearken to me! I release you from the spell."

Nothing happens at first and dread starts to settle in Elfwyn's heart, made even worse when her father starts to laugh. "You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey."

At this, Gandalf removes his clock and a white light fills the room. The brightness causes the king to groan in pain. Not able to handle seeing her father in pain, Elfwyn goes to run forward, however Legolas grabs her, stopping her in her tracks. She's only vaguely aware of Eowyn being stopped from interfering by Aragorn. Saruman's voice echoes through the hall, coming from her father. "If I go, Theoden dies."

Gandalf thrusts his staff forward, the power causing Theoden to fall back against his throne again. "You did not kill me, you will not kill him."

"Rohan is mine."

"Over my dead body." Elfwyn mutters low so only Legolas can hear.

"Be gone." Gandalf orders. There is a bit of a power struggle before Theoden lunges at Gandalf, only to be hit in the head by Gandalf's staff. He moans and leans forward, almost falling out of his chair, only for Elfwyn and Eowyn to break free and run up to the throne, catching him. Before their very eyes, Saruman's magic dissipates and her father returns to his former self.

"I know your face. Eowyn." He turns to Elfwyn and tears spring in the corners of her eyes. "My daughter. My Elfwyn." He whispers out before pulling her into his arms like he did when she was little. Over her shoulder, he finally notices the others. "Gandalf?"

"Breathe the free air again, my friend." Gandalf breathes out, magically spent and exhausted. Elfwyn and Eowyn help Theoden stand.

"Dark have been my dreams of late." He looks down at his hands, still unsure if he is once again in control.

"Your fingers would remember their old strength better, if they grasped your sword." Hama steps forward, offering the king his sword. With shaky hands, he grasps it, pulling it from its scabbard. He inspects it with wonder before his eyes turn downward, taking in the sight of Wormtongue cowering on the floor.

Without saying a word, he moves with power and purpose, grabbing Wormtongue by the scruff of his neck, dragging him from the hall and throwing him down the stone stairs outside. The others run out behind him. "I've only ever served you, my lord."

"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" Theoden yells as he follows Grima down the stairs.

"Send me not from your sight." Theoden swings his sword up over his head, ready to deliver a deadly blow, when he is interrupted by Aragorn, stopping the king from killing the traitor.

"No, my lord! No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilt on his account." He then moves to offer Grima a hand up, only for him to be spit on. Without a second glance he flees, pushing his way through the crowd to make his escape.

"Good riddance." Elfwyn says and Eowyn cannot help but agree with her cousin.

"Hail, Theoden King!" The gathered crowd bows, as the king looks around, looking expectantly at Aragorn who in turn, bows to his knees. Looking up at the Golden Hall, both Theoden and Elfwyn to look around, realizing someone was missing.

"Where is Theodred? Where is my son?"