Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

The King of the Golden Hall

As the sun sets over the plains of Rohan, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Liv, David, Saya, and Lily halt their horses and gaze at Edoras in the distance.

"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is now under Saruman's control," Gandalf explains, his voice tinged with concern.

Inside the Golden Hall, Éowyn kneels beside her uncle, King Théoden, holding his hand tightly. Her eyes are filled with tears as she speaks, "My lord, your son, Théodred, is dead. My lord? Uncle, will you not go to him? Will you do nothing?"

Théoden remains unresponsive, his eyes vacant and distant.

Back outside Edoras, Gandalf turns to the group, his gaze settling on David. "Be careful what you say. Do not expect a warm welcome here. I am speaking to you, David."

Liv smirks, "Oh, burn."

David shoots her a playful look. "Some girlfriend you are."

Legolas, with a raised eyebrow, interjects, "What is it with you two constantly insulting each other?"

Liv chuckles, "We just like joking around. If you think David and I are bad, you should see our friends Sai and Ino from the Hidden Leaf Village. They're always at each other's throats, even though they're a couple."

Saya nods, "There was this one time Sai broke a vase in their house, and Ino started yelling insults at him."

David laughs, "And it was all in good fun."

As they approach the gates of Edoras, the standard on the flagpole flutters loose and is carried away by the wind. Aragorn observes a maiden in white standing solemnly in front of the Golden Hall. "You'll find more cheer in a graveyard," Gimli quips.

"This place reminds me of Royal Academy after the whole Alias Academy fiasco," David remarks.

Liv glances at him with concern. "Honey, maybe don't say that out loud."

"My bad," David apologizes.

Their young daughter, Lily, tugs at Liv's sleeve, "Mommy, where are we?"

"We're in Rohan, sweetie," Liv replies, pulling Lily closer.

As they dismount, Aragorn notices the maiden in white has vanished. They climb the steps to the Golden Hall. "Lily, stay close to me and your father," Liv instructs.

"Okay, Mommy," Lily replies, hiding behind her parents.

Hama and his guards emerge from the Hall, blocking their path. "I cannot allow you to see the king armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Gríma Wormtongue," Hama states sternly.

Gandalf nods to the others. They reluctantly hand over their weapons. Saya discreetly slides her arm blade further up her sleeve, while Liv hides a kunai knife.

"Your staff," Hama demands.

"Hmmm. You would not part an old man from his walking stick," Gandalf replies with a knowing smile.

Hama looks uncertain but eventually allows them to proceed, his worry evident. Gandalf, with a sly wink to Aragorn and Liv, follows Hama, holding onto Legolas' arm. Aragorn and Gimli follow closely. Hama pauses at the door, letting them pass.

Inside, Gríma Wormtongue sits beside Théoden. "My lord, Gandalf the Grey is coming. He's a herald of woe," Gríma murmurs.

"The courtesy of your hall is somewhat diminished of late, Théoden King," Gandalf remarks, his tone clipped.

A group of intimidating guards follow them, their presence heavy with menace. "He's not welcome," Gríma whispers to Théoden.

"Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" Théoden asks, his voice flat and devoid of its former strength.