A Half Elf's Love

A Beautiful Dream

(Deliadis POV)

We rode through the plains, coming to just outside Edoras. Gandalf stopped his horse, speaking softly.

"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown. Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong." We then continued to ride, entering into the once great city. I stared at the people I had met when last I was here. They all looked for frail and sickly. "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here." Gimli spoke up from behind Legolas, his face a representation of what all of us felt.

"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard." We continued to ride in silence, dismounting and walking up the stairs to Meduseld. A large company of guards approached us and the leader spoke with regret evident along his face.

"I cannot allow you before Théoden king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame. By order of...Gríma Wormtongue." Gandalf gave us a nod, and I handed over most of my weapons. I kept one tiny dagger concealed in the side of my boot. Everyone else however, was stupid enough to give them all up. The guard looked at Gandalf, casting his eyes down. "Your staff." Gandalf feigned confusion and spoke to the guard.

"Eh? Oh. No, you would not part an old man from his walking stick?" The guard reluctantly let us pass, and we entered into Meduseld. It was darker than what I remembered. Colder too. And Théoden on his throne looked sickly and old, not like the strapping King he used to be only a few years ago. A hideous man kneeled beside the ailing King, whispering treacherously into his ear. Gandalf spoke, his voice calm. "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King." The man, who I assumed was Gríma, whispered a little louder.

"He is not welcome." Théoden raised his head shakily, struggling to speak.

"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" Gríma spoke back, his eyes trailing to our ragged bunch.

"A just question my liege." Gríma stood, a wicked glint in his eyes. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell I name him. Ill news is in ill guest." Gríma was five minutes late to his meeting with death in my opinion. Gandalf stepped forward, nearly shouting at Gríma.

"Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind you teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!" A twinge of fear crossed Gríma's face, and he shouted to the guards in the hall.

"His staff! I told you to take the wizard's staff!" We jumped into action, clashing with the guards that now attacked us. I drew my dagger from my boot, trying to stab the guards in places that wouldn't be lethal but would still make them hurt. The ringing in my ears began to start. I started to call out to Elrohir, my muscles spasming and I dropped my knife.

"Elrohir hel-" The white light blinded me. I opened my eyes to a field. I was laying beside Elladan, who looked very peaceful as he slept. I blinked away some strands of sunlight that passed between the clouds. A small child ran up to me, throwing her arms around my neck while giggling.

"Nana, Nana!" (Mommy, Mommy) I smiled holding the girl as best I could. My stomach was swollen, as I was pregnant. Elladan awoke at the noises, running his fingers through his hair.

"There are my beautiful girls, and hopefully boy." I chuckled, kissing his cheek as our little girl threw her arms around her father. "Go ahead darling. Go and play." The little girl ran off, joining other elflings. I saw Elrohir and Rúmil standing side by side, their pinkies locked together. I leaned against Elladan, letting him rub my swollen stomach. My excitement for the elfling in my stomach felt so wonderful. I closed my eyes, falling asleep again, warm and happy. I was pulled from the vision with my own knife at my throat. My limbs felt heavy, like someone had choked the air from my throat. There were various threats being made, and then I was shoved onto the floor, my knife clattering beside me. Aragorn pulled me up, holding me gently in his arms.

"Delia? Delia are you alright?" I managed a nod, letting my head fall back. I wanted to be back there, back in that vision. Where times were peaceful, and where Elladan and I weren't in pain. Where I could dream of having children. "Delia, please, what happened?" I let myself slip into sleep.