The Silver Flame (LOTR)

A Woman's Place

Theoden stood inside the great hall of Helm's Deep, the air thick with tension as preparations for war buzzed all around him. Soldiers—if one could call them that—were hurriedly donning armor, clumsy hands struggling with swords and shields far too large for them. Farmers, stable boys, old men and lads barely old enough to be considered men, all trying to look brave but failing as fear gleamed in their eyes. The weight of the impending battle was palpable, but it was something else that troubled the King of Rohan at this moment.

Visenya Stark.

She stood tall in the dimly lit hall, her silver hair cascading over her shoulders like molten moonlight, her pale blue eyes fixed on him with unyielding determination. She was a warrior born, fierce and unafraid, but Theoden saw her differently. Not because of her skill, but because of what she represented: the vulnerability of a world where women and children were already hiding in the caves, the last fragile hope that must be protected at all costs.

"You should be in the caves with the others," Theoden said firmly, his voice calm yet authoritative as he placed a hand on his sword. "With Eowyn, where you can be safe."

Visenya's eyes narrowed, and a sharpness entered her gaze that made the room feel colder. "With all due respect, my lord," she began, stepping forward so her presence was impossible to ignore, "I will not cower in the dark while men fight and die out here. If it weren't for me on the journey here, you'd not be standing here to suggest such a ridiculous notion."

Theoden stiffened at her words, the memory of their harrowing escape to Helm's Deep flashing in his mind. Visenya had indeed played a crucial role in protecting them from the wargs and scouts of Saruman. Her sword had been as swift and deadly as any man's, and she'd stood by Aragorn's side without hesitation. But it was more than that. The soldiers spoke of her, the strange woman from a far-off land with powers they didn't understand, who had fought off fire and steel like she was invincible. Rumors that she could resist the flames of evil had spread, and even Theoden couldn't entirely dismiss them.

Still, he was the king, and it was his responsibility to protect his people—especially those like Visenya, who still carried the weight of her own past.

"You've done much already," Theoden pressed, trying to appeal to reason. "But this battle will be bloody. We need strong hearts to defend the caves. That is where your strength can serve us best."

Visenya's lips twitched into something like a bitter smile. "My strength is not in hiding, Theoden King." Her voice was low, but there was no mistaking the force behind her words. "I am no fragile maiden to be stowed away like some precious trinket. I have fought worse foes than Saruman's army, and I will fight again, whether you command me to or not."

Her defiance struck a nerve. Theoden's face darkened, but before he could respond, Aragorn stepped into the hall. His presence alone seemed to calm the tension, though the grim expression on his face suggested no good news had arrived.

"She speaks the truth, my lord," Aragorn said quietly, walking to stand beside Visenya. "We need every sword, every bow. Visenya is a warrior. She should be on the front lines, not in the caves."

Theoden looked between them, the weight of command heavy on his shoulders. It was not that he doubted her skill, but the sight of women fighting in battles unnerved him. War was the work of men, bloody and brutal. Yet here she was, standing before him, an unmovable force of nature.

"Very well," he said after a long moment, his voice tired but resolute. "But mark my words, Lady Visenya, should we fall tonight, it will be upon all of us. May we not regret these decisions in the end."

Visenya bowed her head, but there was no sense of concession in her eyes. Only a cold fire that burned with purpose. She would not be stopped.

As she and Aragorn turned to leave the hall, she caught sight of Eowyn standing in the shadows near the doorway. She had been watching silently, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as though she, too, wanted to argue against being left behind. Visenya's heart ached for her. She knew Eowyn's heart yearned for battle, but Theoden had forbidden it, commanding her to stay in the caves and look after the women and children. It was a noble cause that Theoden had bestowed upon Eowyn, that much Visenya was sure... as these were Eowyn's people they would look to her for strength. And Visenya didn't have people here... except for her fellowship, so she would go to war with them and protect them just as Eowyn would her people in the caves.