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Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three
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Author:  Melanie [ March 26th, 2017, 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda wrapped her arms around him and savored the warmth from his arms and the rays of the wavering sun. As he rested his forehead on hers, she couldn't help but smile at all that they had shared these past few days. Her eyes met his and she smiled kindly as she brought her hand to rest on his neck.
She didn't speak for a few moments, for she felt that she was getting lost in the depths of his love. Finally, after she was able to come up for a breath, she spoke.
"Dunhama, I will follow wherever you lead me, for nowhere is safer than in here in your arms. But, for now, why don't we ask the Commander if he could escort Wuglov to us, here?"

Author:  Hanasian [ March 26th, 2017, 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Dunhama smiled as Athilda spoke. He said,

”And I will go with you wherever our path leads us. Should our paths go in different ways, I will take you with me in my heart and mind.”

He paused as he squinted toward the Dunlanding camp as the sun pushed its last rays toward him. He went on to say,

”That may be wise to ask the commander, but I do not know if the commander would be so inclined to accommodate our wishes in this. We both were rather sharp with him, and it is getting dark. I am afraid we will have to go there at first light in hopes he survives the night. But he is cunning, and I feel that he will find the light of morning even if others there do not.”.

He sounded grim. But it was the reality of what had transpired this long day. He saw that Athilda feared for Wulgov’s life, so Dunhama said,

”Still we should ask on his behalf. Do you think we could get Lady Eowyn to intervene on our behalf should he not agree to our request?”

Dunhama stood to the side of Athilda and held her hand as they watched the last rays of the sun fade behind the horizon. They were about to turn and go to see Erkenbrand when the sound of a horn was heard in the distance. King Theoden and his party was returning!

Author:  Melanie [ March 26th, 2017, 8:39 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda watched as the sun's light faded behind the horizon and gazed in awe at the beauty of the colors which now painted the sky. She sighed contently, but as they turned to leave, she heard the sound of a horn in her ears.
Did this mean..?
Athilda turned to Dunhama and could tell that her thoughts of what the horn meant were true! Her mouth opened slightly and tears of joy threatened to spill from her lashes.
"The King is coming back..." She whispered, then a smile beamed across her face.
She would become a bride.

Author:  Hanasian [ March 26th, 2017, 10:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

With the arrival of King Theoden, Dunhama’s mind went into deep thought. He wondered if he would be transferred to the Calvary. He was afraid with his Dunlanding heritage coming to light, it may mean he will have to stay here in the west. But would that be a bad thing if they had won the battles against Isengard? Would it not be safer here than going back to Edoras? No, it was useless to think of such things. He, like or not, was a soldier of Rohan now, and it seemed had become somewhat of a legend for doing little except fighting and getting knocked out. He would do as asked of him. He hoped that the time would allow him to marry Athilda.

Dunhama was unknowingly gently squeezing Athilda’s hand and he realized it and looked to her just as she turned toward him. He wasn’t sure why, for the return of Theoden King could mean many different roads could be taken depending on what the King decides. But the thought of having Athilda as wife overflowed in him, and he gently took her in arms and kissed her long and slow under the beautiful changing hues of the clouds.

Author:  Melanie [ March 27th, 2017, 7:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda gazed into his eyes and took in a breath as she felt his hand gently squeezing hers. She loved this man, and no matter what happened, he would always have her heart. The air between them seemed to spark with electricity as they looked into each others' eyes, and as he took her in her arms and kissed her, it was as if a fire had started in them.
She lost herself in his kiss and his embrace. Somehow, despite the pain and talk of imminent war, Athilda felt safe and full of hope. She knew that everything would be alright.

Author:  Jax Nova [ March 27th, 2017, 5:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Kano bid the two farewell as they went after the dunlanding and road back out. Not long after he sighted the King and his men in the distance. He road atop a small rocky lit ropping for a better view and waited.

The return of the king would mean more travels likely. Perhaps soon he would know whether he was accepted into the cavelry or not. First, he had to work on walking.... or hobbling at least a bit.

Author:  Melanie [ March 27th, 2017, 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda opened her eyes and pulled away from his lips and was about to speak when a cool wind chilled her to the bone. She shivered as the cold seemed to cling to her damp dress,but she still smiled softly.
"Dunhama, my love. If we are to confront your uncle, we must go inside and prepare. Shall we?"
After he nodded, Athilda placed her hand in his and walked back inside the keep. It wasn't that much warmer, but she was glad to be out of the wind. As she rubbed her arm to warm herself, Athilda looked about for the Commander, but could not see him.
"Excuse me, sir. But we would like to speak with the Commander, have you any idea where he would be?"

Author:  Hanasian [ March 28th, 2017, 6:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

"Commander Erkenbrand? He and Lady Eowyn went out to greet the King at the top of the causeway."

Dunhama looked at Athilda and seeing she was cold, removed his woolen tunic and had her wear it. At first she refused, but Dunhama looked her in the eye and gave her a slight smile. He eventually relented and allowed hi to pull it over her. The long sleeves and hood would help keep her warm for now. Dunhama in only a light undershirt and his woolen breeches, could handle the chill. He said,

"Let us go get ready, for we will go to find him this night. Besides, we need to be better dressed than this to greet the king."

Dunhama thought about that after he said it. All he had was his battle leathers he was given, his woolen breeches and tunic, and his old clothes he had traveled here in and fought the battle in. He would accompany Athilda so she could clean up and change. He would then be ready when she was warm and can give his tunic back.

Author:  Jax Nova [ March 28th, 2017, 1:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Kano saw a crowd gathering to greet the King so he walked over to where they were and joined them on his horse. The black steed seemed wrestless with the oncoming army, almost as if he were unsure whether it were friend or foe.

Author:  Melanie [ March 28th, 2017, 9:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda nodded at the man who spoke, then looked back at Dunhama with the intention of asking him something. As he offered her his tunic, she protested, but finally gave in and was glad for it, for it carried his scent and warmed her chilled bones.
"Thank you."
She said quietly, then she nodded.
"Aye, I doubt King Theoden would like to see his staff bloodied and worn."
She blushed slightly as she realized just how sharp her words sounded to those around her, but she quickly added.
"I do think it would be wise to clean up and change. Perhaps we could get something quick to eat after we speak to the Commander, that way we can be fully prepared for whatever lies ahead."
Athilda smiled at Dunhama, then she turned and made her way to the chambers they had stayed in the night before. Once they reached the small but comfortable room, Athilda went in and took off Dunhamas tunic, then blushed as she caught Dunhamas' gaze. Clearing her throat, she then quickly walked over to the basin of water and cleaned her face, hands, neck and arms. As she dried off, she crossed the room then went to the Lady's room and knocked.
After a few moments, she walked back into the chamber with her arms full of a soft blue colored dress and a leather belt.
"I will only be a few minutes, then I'll be right out."

Author:  Hanasian [ March 28th, 2017, 9:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Dunhama blushed a little when Athilda pulled off his tunic, for what remained of her dress under it left little for the imagination, still he did not avert his eyes.
He at that moment only thought of the days ahead being married to this woman of his heart. He heard her clear her throat and he blinked as she threw his tunic at him. He put it back on, slowly pulling it over him for it had her scent upon it. He smiled at Athilda as she walked by with a sable blue dress.

Dunhama said to her as she disappeared behind the door,

”I’ll need to get to the Armory, for I left what little I have there. I’ll wait for you then we can go.”

Dunhama wanted to retrieve his axe and knives and his old belt before going to see the arrival of the Theoden King and his party. Dunhama suspected they would have to stay around for a time, and would have to venture out in the night to the Dunlanding camp in hopes this Wulgov is still living.

Author:  Melanie [ March 29th, 2017, 4:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda blushed as she noticed Dunhamas' gaze upon her, but instead of glancing away, she smiled bashfully and stepped towards him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"Of course, I will be only a few moments."
She then turned and closed the door; after only about 5 minutes, Athilda opened the door once more and as she walked out into the hall to meet Dunhama, she finished tying her belt around her waist.

Author:  Hanasian [ March 29th, 2017, 6:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Dunhama was frozen as he gazed upon Athilda. She looked so beautiful. He sighed as she walked toward him, and they set out for the armory. There, Dunhama retrieved his belt, but removed his axe. The two knives would be enough. He put on some clean leather training gear, and guessed he looked respectable enough to greet the king, or more importantly, to accompany Athilda. She seemed to enjoy watching him get geared up, and she came to him and made some adjustments if thigs he didn’t see. He smiled at her, and he said,

”Shall we go greet the king?”

He took her hand and they started to walk to where the others had gathered. Dunhama said,

”Depending on how things go, we may be able to slip away to go to the camp. But I fear the king may wish to talk to me about… about the battle. If he does, I ask that you, m’lady, accompany me.”

Dunhama went silent as he went deep into though as they walked.

Author:  Melanie [ March 29th, 2017, 8:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Athilda nodded and picked up the hem of her skirts as they walked towards a gathering crowd. She squeezed his hand gently as he spoke of what the king may inquire of him, then turned her head and looked up at him with a comforting smile on her face.
"Of course I will go with you. It would be an honor to stand next to such a man as yourself, even in the presence of a king."
After she finished, she raised their tangled hands to her lips and gently kissed the top of his hand. She then allowed their hands to drop as they approached the back of the crowd.
Athilda watched as the king and his company slowly made their way down to greet the long line of people. She smiled as she saw the Lady and the King embrace, then she noticed an expression of forlorn love on the face of the Lady as Aragorn approached her. Athilda glanced back at Dunhama and squeezed his hand, but looked up again as she heard his name being summoned by the Commander.
Her heart skipped a beat as she watched Dunhama straighten up, then she picked up the hem of her skirts again as they approached the king.
Once they were only a few feet from Theoden, Athilda curtsied low and dipped her head, standing only when the king gave the order.

Author:  Jax Nova [ March 29th, 2017, 8:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

Outside Kano still sat on Sage and waited. He watched as the King grew closer with the remaining men. A crowd still lingered. Some had gone in to get cleaned up for the King's arrival and still others just stood around and waited as Kano did.

The king was making his way theough the battlefield now, passing the large breach in the wall. The stones had been started to be gathered and the wall repairs had been set in preparation, though not started yet. The King headed towards the walkway that lead to the front door and the guards stood at attention.

Finally the king stopped and someone was summoned to speak to him. Kano looked over the heads of the crowd from his large horse and realized it was Dunham and Athilda.

Author:  Hanasian [ March 30th, 2017, 3:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Over hill, over dale....The Journey of the Three

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dunhama swallowed as he was summoned. He took Athilda’s hand and walked forward. He bowed as Athilda’s curtsied. Theoden King stepped forth with Eomer standing on one side and Eowyn standing on the other, With Commander Erkenbrand standing beside Eomer. Aragorn stood to the side of Eowyn, and the others of the Dunedain stood apart and farther back. The dwarf and elf and wizard that had come to Meduseld with Aragorn stood back by the side of them. Dunhama had just used his training to quickly see who was about him. But this was not battle, but these were friends and allies and comrades in arms.

Athilda could tell Dunhama was nervous, but she gave his hand a slight squeeze which eased his nerves. Erkenbrand whispered some words to Eomer, and he said as the King eyed him in silence.

”Dunhama, kitchen servant of Meduseld and valiant soldier of the Mark, many words have been spoken of your deeds by many who saw you. Theoden King wishes to address you.”

Dunhama swallowed and bowed to the Third Marshall of the Mark, and then to the King. Theoden gave a grim smile and said,

”Erkenbrand, my commander of the infantry of the Westmarch, has told me of you and your report. Also, a few of Aragorn’s kin spoke to me on the road to and from Isengard. Your deeds in battle are legend. What say you of the battle?”

Dunhama took a deep breath and felt Athilda’s fingers lightly brush along his hand. He stood tall and looked up to the King’s eyes and said,

”M’lord and king, it all happened so quickly….”

“Yes…"


The king said, his thought somewhere in the past for that brief moment. He looked again at Dunhama and said,

"The strain of battle pushes all men to their limit. I have been given your report. The Mark honours you for your service and deeds. Tell me Dunhama of Edoras that which you would ask of me and I will see that it is done if it be in my power?”

Dunhama swallowed. Words struggled to get out of his throat. He finally said,

”Yes m’Lord… …. “

He squeezed Athilda’s hand for courage to speak freely to the King. He said,

”I wish for two children of a fallen soldier to be cared for. Their mother was killed on the journey here, and their father, a soldier of the Mark, fell on the walls of the Keep.”

The king saw Eowyn touch her uncle’s arm and Theoden nodded. Dunhama then said,

”I wish to acknowledge my dear friends whom I knew not when we left Edoras. They are Kan, who rode out with you from the Keep. He was valiant and was badly injured in battle. He sits back yonder on his horse, for he cannot yet walk due to his wounds.”

The king looked and waved him forth, and the crowd parted to allow him passage on his horse. He came and stopped beside Athilda and he bowed to the King. The king showed him honour, and Elladan with the mysterious healer approached at his bidding. They stood next to Kan. The woman held Elladan’s hand, and the other she held in the air near Kan’s leg while the king nodded his head to Kan, and Eomer did as well. Dunhama then said,

”And I give honour to Lady Athilda who has worked tirelessly through much hardship tending to the wounds of the stricken, both Rohirrim and Dunlanding.”

The king turned to Athilda and nodded with a smile, he said to her,

”Lady Eowyn’s handmaiden. Your service as a healer is much welcomed. The Mark thanks thee for this. Come to me any time and ask that which you wish and I will do if it be in my power.”

The king looked back at Dunhama who swallowed as he said,

”I have asked Lady Athilda’s hand in marriage m’lord. As neither of us have any living family, I wish to ask, and if it be the King’s will, to bless our union.”

Lady Eowyn placed her hand on Theoden’s arm, and the king looked to her for a moment before looking back at Dunhama then Athilda. He said,

”To see two young people in service of my household finding love amidst such calamity as this war lightens my heart. I will bless thee in your union. Know that time is short, and the clouds of war have not all cleared. If it be your desire Lady Athilda, and yours Dunhama, soldier of the Mark, to wed, it can be dome at the victory party upon our return to Edoras. If ye wish to wait, then my eyes cannot see the time which it will come.”

Dunhama nodded in reverence to the king. He wished to ask the king if Wulgov could be found and brought back from the Dunlanding camp, but he had asked more of the king than he deserved. Almost as if he knew what Dunhana was thinking, Erkenbrand glared at him. The king then turned to Athilda as Eomer stepped up to Kan and admired his fine horse.


~ ~ ~ ~ ~

(Apologies for such a long and dialoguey post)

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