Nepenthe [Legolas]

14

They rode forward, Gimli and Aragorn on one horse, Legolas and Viridis on the other, and Gandalf on his own steed that he had summoned by calling out in a whistle across the valleys outside of the Fangorn forest. Shadwofax was its name. The lord of all horses.

"Edoras and The Golden Hall of Meduseld." Gandalf said as the city emerged from over the horizon. He'd taken on a traveling cloak, his grey one that covered his white garments. "There dwells Theoden, King of Rohan... whose mind is overthrown. Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here." He added, tone dipping as he kicked his horse into a gallop, the rest following in suit. Viridis, who sat now behind Legolas, held on at the Elf's waist, not missing the way the smooth fabric felt beneath his fingertips.

It was decidedly a pity, Viridis felt. It was becoming more and more rare to happen upon a city or kingdom now where its inhabitants didn't want to kill or maim them in any way.

They pushed on with the warning in mind, horses slowing as they rounded the city's towering gates, entering with heed.

Viridis did not miss the way the town member's eyes followed them as they moved. They gazed at him, gazes unflinching, devoid of any emotion, color, or otherwise.

"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard," Gimli said with a frown as he dismounted his horse, hopping to the ground after so stubbornly refusing Aragorn's help. He grunted upon impact, the height of a horse taller than that of a pony, and only glared with Legolas teasingly went to ask if he was alright.

The light mood, however, was soon dispelled as the main doors to the Golden Hall were pushed open, a dozen or so soldiers fully donned in their battle armor coming forth. A man, the only one without the war helmet, spoke and approached Gandalf first.

"I cannot allow you before Theoden King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue." He said.

"Oh." Gandalf hummed, not surprised by the demand. He gave the barest of nods that told the rest of them to offer up their weapons without resistance.

Viridis was less than fond of the idea, lesser still as he gave up his bow and then, with great reluctance, the Mori Twins.

His weapons were not handled with care as they had been the last time he'd been forced to give them up. He watched as the soldier who took his weapons held them within his grasp. And, if Gandalf had not so thoroughly conveyed their host's lack of hospitality, he would have issued a very deep threat to the soldier. Just because he was bare of weapons did not mean he could just as easily kill a man who stood in his way.

"Your staff." The leader said thinly, drawing Viridis' attention to the Wizard.

"You would not part an old man from his walking stick." He said, using it then to lean on as if he truly required it. As if Viridis had not born witness to the Wizard running into battle many a times before.

The soldier did not object, only motioned them in, gesturing for the doors to be opened once more to allow them passage.

Gandalf, still playing into the role, wrapped his arm around Legolas' to help him walk and sent a sly wink to Viridis and Aragorn on his other side as he passed them. The Elf grinned, letting out a breathy chuckle as he followed the Wizard in.

The soldiers that had taken their weapons followed them in, swiftly assuming their places around the room as they stood guard, hands by their sides, head straight, eyes unbetraying. The door from which they had entered in was quickly shut, barred, and bolted with a clang. Viridis glanced over his shoulder as he eyed the movement.

That was one exit gone.

Should this meeting resort to anything less than civility, their only exit would be the windows that each had a soldier stationed beside them.