Iron Stars

Chapter 26: Gold and Silver

TA 3019
Edoras

     They made it to Edoras not long later, an imposing city upon a hilltop. Crowned by a large hall, the town was encased by a tall wooden wall. She could sense the heaviness that weighed upon the city and upon its people. Their mounts slowed, heads lifted to the wall.

     "Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells, Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown," Gandalf paused then, his eyes meeting each of theirs. "Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong, be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here."

     As he finished his statement, a flag fell beside them. The green banner fell upon the ground, a painful symbol of the slow ruin of Rohan. Nyx did not anticipate a warm welcome, something she had learned to grapple with over her years. Even under the name Ruinë, she had rarely been treated with trust, often having to prove her strength and loyalty. Regardless, she also knew how to deal well in words, having led her brothers right alongside Maedhros.

     They soon entered into the city, making their way through the streets. Those of the city stared at them with hungry, weary eyes. They did not trust these newcomers. No merriment touched the town and it seemed as if even the sun did not dare to enter. As if the very light did not wish to ruin the sorrow of that place.

     Nyx could feel their eyes on her. They gazed at Varno more than the horses, some children gaping openly at the wolfhound. Others stared at her specifically, at the sword across her back and the fiery red hair which fell like flames down her back. She could sense their curiosity surrounding her, at seeing a woman so clearly scarred and so clearly experienced in war.

     She turned her attention from the people and spotted a woman standing near the Golden Hall. The lady was dressed in a white gown, golden hair billowing in the breeze. She stood in stark contrast both to the grief of the city and to Nyx herself.

     "You'd find more cheer in a graveyard," commented Gimli from where he rode behind Legolas. Nyx only nodded, choosing not to disrupt the silence.
    
     They arrived at the entrance to the hall, sliding off their mounts. A group of guards greeted them as they approached the double doors. "I cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed Gandalf Greyhame," the man paused and with a face as if swallowing something sour continued, "by order of Grima Wormtongue."

     Nyx's lip curled slightly at the name. Elves believed names held power and a name such as that did not bode well. Gandalf nodded to them, gesturing for them to hand over their weapons. Nyx disliked the prospect of walking in without her blade but agreed.

     She handed over her bow and quiver before handing over a short sword strapped to her belt. Lifting her foot, she handed a dagger from her boot over as well as a pair around her waist. Then she carefully handed over her double bladed sword. "Don't damage it will you?" she said, crossing her arms. For while the blade was of elvish make, made by her own hands in fact, she disliked the possibility of it being damaged.

     The guard carefully put her blade away, looking at her somewhat nervously. Fortunately the man did not ask for any more weapons. In reality, Nyx still had a dagger in her other boot and the small, deadly blades in the cuffs of her sleeves. She would not walk in totally unarmed.

     The leader of the guards spoke again, catching her attention. "Your staff," he said to Gandalf.

     "Oh. You would not part an old man with his walking stick?" replied the wizard.

     And while the man likely knew Gandalf did not just carry around a walking stick for fun, he allowed them in. Holding onto Legolas' arm, he led the way into the hall. Aragorn and Boromir entered at his right while Nyx and Gimli entered on his left. She heard the doors thud behind them but ignored any fear.