[Aw! You did a great job! ]

Megan leaned back against Legolas, as he came behind her. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes for a few moments, due to being dizzy. The blow she had taken to the head had been a bit harsh, but she knew that she would be fine, as long as Legolas was there beside her. She looked up to him and smiled, resting her hand on his cheek. "I am fine, Legolas." She said softly and kissed his cheek. She leaned more against him and then looked back to Gandalf, who was smiling at the two of them.

He then said, with a twinkle in his eyes, "I am Gandalf the White. And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide." Aragorn then grinned a bit, so extremely happy to see his beloved friend's face again. Just when he had lost hope, it had been rekindled.

They then had to walk through the forest, with Gandalf leading the way; who was now wearing a gray cloak over his white robes. "One stage of your journey is over, another begins. War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Edoras with all speed." Gandalf said softly to the company, as they reached a vast clearing outside of the forest. Gandalf then whistled piercingly. Soon an answering neigh was heard and a white horse appeared from the plain, answering the call. The horse had come around to stop in front of Gandalf.

"Shadowfax." Gandalf started, as Gimli bowed in the background. "He's the lord of all horses and he's been my friend through many dangers." He said softly and then got on top of Shadowfax carefully, looking to all of them. He nodded and then Megan got on top of her and Legolas' horse again, slowly. She didn't want to take any chances of getting dizzy again. Aragorn and Gimli followed suit, by getting on their horses, as well.

The Four Hunters and Gandalf then rode across the plains to Edoras.

----------------

Frodo could feel a fire ignite within him; one that he had never felt before in all of his life. It was an amazing feeling, he had to admit -- Being kissed by the one that he loved so much. And he knew that he would want more of it, with each passing day. He smiled a little against Arabella's lips and kept one of his hands on the side of her neck, keeping their bodies close together. He may have been cold at one point, but he forgot the feeling of frigidness all together.

Deepening the kiss slightly, Frodo felt his head start to spin and his heart practically jumped out of his chest. He couldn't believe that he hadn't done this sooner. It was intoxicating. After finally running low on air, Frodo pulled away from the kiss slightly; letting his now slightly swollen lips linger over hers. He kept his eyes closed and was breathing a bit heavily. "I... Don't know what came over me just now, but... I loved it." He whispered to her and then laughed a bit, before finally opening his eyes.

"Arabella... I'm in love with you." He added softly, looking deeply into her eyes again.

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Siggy set made by the amazing Lembas!

(To avoid confusion, from now on, I will be referring to Allison only as Arabella, to sort of cement what I said in my last post about how she has now 100% 'become' Arabella. Hope that's all right!)

Maybe this whole concept of kissing was easier than she had thought. She didn't let herself worry about doing things wrong anymore--all the fears had vanished the moment Arabella had begun to kiss him back. She felt him smile against her lips and her heart soared.

It had been so long since she had seen him smile.

Frodo moved even closer to her, deepening the kiss; Arabella's lips parted slightly. She didn't want him to pull away, even as her lungs were bursting for air. When he did, his lips hovered over hers for a moment, almost touching them but not quite. She laughed quietly along with him at his words, trying to catch her breath, not knowing if she would ever be able to.

When he admitted that he loved her, she couldn't help the single tear that slid down her cheek, though she laughed as it fell. "Frodo..." she breathed. "I'm in love with you too. I've been in love with you...forever. Since we first met." She took a deep breath. "I love you, Frodo Baggins."

------------

The ride to Edoras was long and tiring, but Legolas barely noticed. He was too focused on his joy at being reunited with Amara, coupled with his worry over her and his concern for the Hobbits, though Mithrandir assured them that Merry and Pippin would be safe. His arms tightened around Amara as they rode towards the city, Gandalf in the lead.

When they neared it, they brought their horses to a stop. He cast one quick curious look around as Mithrandir declared, " 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."

"But you will be able to break it, won't you, Gandalf?" Legolas asked.

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Frodo smiled widely at what Arabella confessed to him and regained some glimmer in his eyes. Glimmer that had disappeared quite a while ago. He brushed her tear away and sighed happily. "I wish I would've known sooner..." He said softly and bit his lower lip, staying close to her.

He then looked over his shoulder and saw Sam sittin on top of a still unconscience Gollum and was smirking at them. Frodo blushed immensely and quickly looked down, shyly.

------------

Megan stayed close to Legolas as they rode all the way to Edoras. She couldn't keep her eyes off of him the whole time that they had rode. She cuddled against him and kissed his cheek every so often, with a small smile. She closed her eyes, in order to get a bit of sleep on the trip. She needed it terribly.

Once they arrived in Edoras, Megan looked up and saw the land they now were in. She sighed a bit and listened to what Gandalf said, making a face. She then heard Legolas and looked up to him fr a bit, biting her lower lip.

(It's all good! I'll do that for Megan pretty soon! And sorry, it took so long. I'm on my phone.)

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Siggy set made by the amazing Lembas!

(It's fine! Like I said, I'm impressed that you can write up replies on your phone, because I wouldn't be able to. XD)

Arabella let out a light laugh. "Well, you know now," she whispered. "You know now, and we can make up for lost time." She gave a little sigh, feeling content. She was sure this would complicate matters in terms of the quest, but right now Sauron and the Ring were the farthest things from Arabella's mind.

She followed Frodo's gaze when he looked over his shoulder, seeing Sam watching them. Another laugh escaped her lips, and she blushed. "We have an audience..." she murmured. She smiled at Sam before turning back to Frodo, resting her forehead against his. "We should probably get some sleep..." she told him, though in truth it was the last thing she wanted to do. "I love you, Frodo," she whispered before kissing him again.

---------------

"You'll find more cheer in a graveyard," Gimli remarked grimly as the five of them entered the city of Edoras. Legolas nodded, casting an eye around the bleak surroundings. The city was pleasing enough, but the people looked as though they had sunk so far into grief there would be no returning from it.

They found a stable to leave the horses. Legolas smirked a bit at how the people they passed seemed to stare at Shadowfax, clearly recognizing the horse for what he was. Legolas dismounted from their horse first before turning to help Amara, taking hold of her to bring her safely to the ground. Once she was there, he wrapped his arms around her tightly, holding her for a moment before releasing her. "I missed you terribly," he whispered.

As the company neared the Golden Hall, they were stopped by guards. "I cannot allow you before Théoden-King so armed, Gandalf Greyhame," said one. "By order of," here the man grimaced slightly, "Gríma Wormtongue." Legolas glanced to Estel and Gandalf, wondering how they would react to such a request.

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Amara carefully got off of her and Legolas' horse and smiled lovingly to him, since he was helping her. She stood in front of him and looked up into his eyes, resting her hands on his chest. "I missed you too, my love." She said softly in their native tongue and then kissed him softly on the lips. She then took his hand in hers, walking with him outside of the stables and toward the castle.

They made it to the entrance, but were stopped by guards telling them that they had to disarm themselves. She made a face, when Gandalf willingly agreed to the guards' request. King Theoden was possessed by Sauron and Saruman. How would Gandalf defeat him without weapons? Taking a deep breath, Amara slowly started handing all of her weapons over to the guards. First, handing her bow and arrows, then her sword, then her daggers and then, she undid a leather holder that was around her thigh; holding within it a smaller dagger. The guards stared at her and she just shrugged.

----------------

Frodo looked back to Arabella and smiled widely, chuckling a bit. He gently caressed her cheek, looking into her eyes more. "I love you too, Arabella... Um... What IS your last name?" He asked curiously and laughed, shaking his head. He couldn't believe that he didn't know her last name. He felt slightly foolish. He took hold of her small hands and then looked down to them.

He felt his heart was still racing in his chest and felt like this whole moment was a bit surreal. He sighed happily and ran his thumbs over the top of her hands slowly, keeping a small smile on his face the whole time.

[Haha aw thanks!!! ]

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Arabella laughed again at Frodo's question. "Granger," she answered quietly. "My name is Arabella Keladry Granger. Keladry was my mother's name." She looked down at their clasped hands. "I may not remember much about my family, they died so long ago...but I remember that."

She was quiet for a few moments before looking back up at him. "I don't want to go to sleep," she admitted. "I'm afraid to. I'm afraid that I'll wake up and none of this will have happened, it will have been just a dream." Deep down, she knew, she didn't have a choice. She would have to go to sleep, and they would have to continue on their journey. But right now, she wished this night would last forever.

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Legolas handed over his bow and knives, showing off a bit to let the guards know that their company was not to be underestimated. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Gimli hand over his axe as if parting with it pained him. When they had handed over their weapons, Mithrandir made as if to walk into the Golden Hall, but the guard stopped him again. "Your staff," he said.

Legolas raised one eyebrow discreetly. They might be able to save Theoden King without weapons, but he knew that the Wizard would need his staff. Luckily, Gandalf was prepared. "You would not part an old man from his walking stick?" he asked innocently. Legolas bit back a smirk.

The guard hesitated, but let them pass. Legolas lead Gandalf with one arm and Amara with the other. "Stay close to me and follow my lead," he breathed, using Elvish so as not to be overheard by the men of the hall. "And if you don't feel up to fighting, don't. We'll be able to manage without you. I do not want you getting hurt again."

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Frodo smiled a little to what Arabella said to him and then gently caressed her cheek again. "It's not a dream, Arabella. You've slept many times before and it hasn't been a dream yet. I'm here." He said to her softly and then brought her close to him, so that she could relax. He wrapped his arms around her small frame and then looked over to Sam, who was still sitting on Gollum. He knew that Sam was trying to keep them safe, but he really needed to talk to the creature.

He would wait until he awoke.

-------------

Amara held in a smirk at what Gandalf said to the guard and then took his arm, while Legolas had the other; walking into King Theoden's castle. She listened to what Gandalf said to her in Elvish and then slowly nodded to him. "I know, Hodoer." She said to him very softly, back in the Elvish tongue. Once they made it to the throne, she made a face at how terrible the King looked. She looked over to Aragorn and then to Gimli, before looking back to the King. She then spotted Grima beside him and she glared at him. She could sense his evil.

Leaning down and whispering to Théoden, Grima glared a bit back to the company. "My lord, Gandalf the Grey is coming. He’s a herald of woe." Gandalf walked a little closed to the King and Grima and held onto his "walking stick". "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King." He said to him and paid no attention to Grima, at the moment. As Gandalf approached Théoden, Aragorn, Amara and Gimli pulled back and surveyed the hall and its hostile occupants. A group of men started to follow their steps with hostility.

Grima then whispered to Théoden, "He’s not welcome." Théoden stared at Gandalf with almost foggy eyes and said, "Why should I… welcome you, Gandalf… Stormcrow?" He then looked to Gríma for affirmation. "A just question, my liege." Grima spoke softly and he walked towards Gandalf. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell spell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest." Grima added and glared a bit more to Gandalf.

Gandalf stared at Grima and glared right back, getting angry. "Be silent! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm!" He then raised his staff against Gríma. "His staff!" He started yelling and backing away from Gandalf, while addressing the guards. "I told you to take the wizard’s staff!" He yelled again.
The hostile guards then started to attack. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli engaged them in a fist-fight as Gandalf continued to approach Théoden. Amara saw a guard coming toward her and glared a bit, kicking him hard in the crotch and punching him hard in the face. He fell to the ground quickly and in pain. No one else bothered her. Gamling, one of the guards, tried to go forward but Háma, the Captain of the guards, held him back. "Théoden, son of Thengel, too long have you sat in the shadows." Gandalf spoke in an authoritative voice. Gríma tried to crawl away unnoticed, but Gimli catched him and pinned him to the floor. Gimli stared at Grima and growled lowly. "I would stay still, if I were you."

Gandalf onlu focused on Theoden now. "Hearken to me! I release you from the spell." He then gestured with his hand. Theoden that started to laugh, menacingly. Gandalf opened his eyes in surprise as it happened. "You have no power here, Gandalf the Gray!" He said a bit loudly. Gandalf then threw back his gray cloak, exuding a blinding white light. Théoden was thrown back against his seat. He groaned out loud. Gandalf then pointed his staff towards Théoden. "I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound."

Suddenly, Éowyn rushed in. Seeing her uncle threatened, she tried to go to him but was held back by Aragorn. "Wait." He said softly to her. Théoden then started to speak in Saruman’s voice. "If I go... Théoden dies." Gandalf moved his staff sharply and Théoden flew back against the chair again. Gandalf then stared more at the King. "You did not kill me, you will not kill him!" He shouted a bit. Théoden started to speak again in Saruman's voice, with an angrier voice. "Rohan is mine!" Gandalf then glared. "Be gone!!" He shouted. Gandalf hit Théoden hard as he lunged at him. Théoden was thrown back into the chair. In the hall, Théoden let out a moan and slumped forward in the chair. Éowyn ran to her uncle’s side as he fell.

Théoden’s head rose again and his face began to change gradually into that of a much younger-looking man. Clarity and recognition finally returned to his eyes.

[Hodoer - Wise One.]

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Siggy set made by the amazing Lembas!

(Want to skip ahead to the next morning for the three Hobbits after this, to move the plot along? We can do more adoable fluffy things later! <3)

She had never felt more safe in her life. Even as they drew closer to Mordor every day, even as one of their enemies lay unconscious a few feet away, Arabella felt like nothing could possibly harm her at this moment. She buried her head in Frodo's shoulder as he held her, letting out a contented sigh. "All right," she said, pulling away. "We really should get some sleep. We need our strength, you most of all."

---------------

It was clear that they had never really needed weapons, Legolas thought as he and his companions incapacitated the guards in order to give Mithrandir the opportunity he needed to free the king. He watched in fascination as the king's age began to melt away as Saruman's hold on his mind was broken, life coming back to the man's eyes again. The blonde woman who Aragorn had had to hold back rushed over to him. While they spoke, Legolas turned to Amara. "You did well, A'maelamin," he said softly.

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Sig set and banner by the amazing Nurr!!

(Just popping in to say that you guys are writing some amazing stuff. If I could join, I would (as a bad guy!!) but I have too many RPs going on right now. I thought it funny that Arabella's last name is Granger. Keep up the good work, guys!!)

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Click here to visit my site!

(Aw, thank you so much Harthad. I really appreciate you saying that! Wish you could join us! And yes, we can do that, Arabella! )

Amara looked over to Legolas and smiled to what he said, "Thank you, my love." She said softly and then walked othe short distance over to him. She cuddled against him and looked over to a now changed Theoden. Smiling, as he rested his hand on Eowyn's cheek. "I know your face." He said softly to her and smiled, when she smiled. Amara could tell that she was on the verge of crying.

Looking back to Legolas, Amara kissed his cheek softly and wrapped her arms around his waist; resting her head on his shoulder. She sighed happily and relaxed for a bit. She was exhausted from all of the events that had taken place previously.

--------

Frodo heard what Arabella said to him and nodded in agreement. "Yes, I need some sleep. We all do." He said softly and then kissed the top of her head, before resting his chin on top of it. He closed his eyes and then slowly fell into a deep sleep. He was so tired.

Sam noticed that they were sleeping and then sighed. He tied Gollum up enough to where he wouldn't be able to move at all. He moved away from him and then started to sleep, as well.

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Siggy set made by the amazing Lembas!

(Aww, thank you, Harthad, that's so sweet! And yes, Arabella's last name is Granger. I honestly could not find a last name that would suit her better. XD Once I realized it was a real last name and not a J.K Rowling Original, I figured it would be okay if I 'stole' the name. )

Morning came far too soon, and Arabella was woken to the piercingly loud wailings of Gollum. She let out a quiet little moan, not wanting to wake up just yet. She turned over as if that would be enough to block out the noise, and found herself snuggling deeper into Frodo's arms.

Warmth flooded through her as she remembered. It hadn't been a dream. It was real.

Gollum's wailing and whining only intensified, and Arabella's eyes opened, glancing towards the wretched creature. "Now we have to decide what to do with him," she murmured, practically to herself. She gave Frodo a gentle nudge. "Frodo...Frodo, wake up," she whispered.

-----------

Holding Amara tightly, Legolas watched as King Theoden looked around the Golden Hall as if seeing it for the first time. "Dark have been my dreams of late..." he murmured, his hands trembling.

"Your fingers would remember their old strength better if they grasped your sword," Gandalf suggested. The captain of the guard rushed forward, offering the sword to the king, which he took. Then, Legolas watched as the king's gaze towards towards Wormtongue, the traitor behind this whole mess. "The king has been freed," he murmured to Amara. "The question is, what will he do now?"

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Amara stayed in Legolas' arms, as she listened to everything that: Legolas, Gandalf and King Theoden said. She nodded in agreement to what Legolas was wondering and then nibbled on her lower lip. She saw King Theoden motion for his guards to come and "escort" Grima out of the castle and down its stairs outside. "Argh!" Grima yelled in pain, as he slowly tried to get himself back up. He then beseechingly said to Théoden, "I've only ever served you, my lord!" Theoden then advanced toward Gríma, holding the sword firmly in his hand. "Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" He yelled angrily, staring at him.

Grima stared at Theoden, crawling to him and grovelling. "Send me not from your side." He whined. Théoden raised his sword to kill Gríma, but Aragorn held him back. "No, my lord! No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account." Aragorn said softly to the King. Gríma scrambled to his feet and pushed through the crowd that had formed. "Get out of my way!" He yelled and hurried away.

Hama smiled widely and then raised his sword. "Hail, Théoden King!" He yelled. The crowd knelt in homage before Théoden. Aragorn knelt also, while Gríma rode out of Edoras. As Théoden turned to go back into the hall, he looked up. "Where is Théodred? Where is my son?" He asked confused.

Amara had followed them all outside and then, once he asked about Théodred, she had a feeling in her gut that something bad had happened to him.

-------------

Frodo had been in a very pleasant sleep and awoke, when Arabella shook him lightly. He heard sound finally enter his ears again and then groaned at the loud belly-aching coming from Gollum. He made a face and then rubbed his eyes tiredly, before slowly sitting up. He saw Sam walking over to Gollum, obviously upset that he had been awoken in the manner that he had, and started yelling at the pitiful creature. "Quiet you!" Frodo smirked a bit and shook his head, before looking to Arabella. He shrugged to what she mentioned. Sam tugged fiercely at the rope, making Gollum cry some more and collapse onto his back.

Sam turned to Frodo in dismay. "It’s hopeless! Every Orc in Mordor is gonna hear this racket! Let’s just tie him up and leave him." He mentioned. Gollum gasped and shook his head. "No! That would kill us! Kill us!" Sam glared a bit to Gollum. "It’s no more than you deserve!" Frodo slowly got up and walked over to Sam, standing beside him and looking down to the creature. "Maybe he does deserve to die, but now that I see him, I do pity him." He said softly, tilting his head to the side a bit. Gollum then started begging. "We be nice to them if they be nice to us. Take it off us. We swears to do what you wants. We swears." He said and cried a bit, looking down to the ground.

Frodo stared at Gollum and sighed. "There’s no promise you can make that I can trust." He said softly. Gollum looked up to Frodo. "We swears to serve the master of the preciousss. We swears on... on the precious. *Gollum. Gollum.*" The last part his choked out. Frodo raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms across his chest. "The Ring is treacherous. It will hold you to your word." Gollum nodded quickly to Frodo. "Yes... on the preciousss. On the preciousss."

Sam looked between Frodo and Gollum as they spoke to each other and then glared at Gollum. "I don’t believe you!" He yelled. Gollum backed away, frightened, and climbed onto a boulder. "Get down! I said, down!" He yelled again and then jerked strongly at the rope as Gollum tried to get away from him. He crashed onto the ground, choking. Frodo stared at his best friend and looked to Gollum. "Sam!" He shouted a bit. Same looked at his friend, astounded that he would yell at him. "He’s trying to trick us! We let him go, he’ll throttle us in our sleep!" He shouted back to Frodo.
Gollum lied panting and holding his throat. He backed away, frightened, as Frodo approaches him. "You know the way to Mordor?" He asked Gollum softly. Gollum nodded warily. "Yes..." Frodo nodded and then looked over the creature's face. "You’ve been there before?" Gollum then nodded again. "Yes..."

Frodo reached out and took the rope noose off Gollum’s neck. Gollum seemed surprised and relieved. "You will lead us to the Black Gate." He said softly to Gollum. Gollum scrambled off in the direction of Morannon and motioned for the Hobbits to follow in his wake.

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"I pity him too," Arabella said softly after Frodo spoke, gazing thoughtfully down at Gollum as he whined. "Look at him. The Ring is all he cares about--it's consumed him. He'll never know friendship...or love..." she continued, looking at Frodo but speaking quietly, as if to herself.

Still, despite her pity, she watched with some trepidation as Gollum swore his oath on the Ring. She didn't suspect him nearly as much as Sam did, but something about the creature made Arabella reluctant to fully trust him--and here they were practically putting their lives into his hands!

Frodo, however, she did trust, with her life even. If Frodo felt they could rely on Gollum to lead them to Mordor, then Arabella would trust his judgement until proven otherwise.

At least, that was her plan until Gollum took off, leaving the three Hobbits to follow in his wake. "Hey, slow down!" she cried, but Gollum made no reply. Arabella quickly grabbed her bag and threw it over her shoulder before taking a tight hold of Frodo's hand. "Come on, we've got to follow him!" she cried.

---------------

Legolas had looked at Estel questioningly when he had advised the King to let the treacherous worm free. He could see the wisdom in his friends words, but part of him wondered if it was the best choice. Only time would tell, he decided as he watched Wormtongue race out of Edoras.

When the King asked about his son, they had but to look at the faces of his niece and the assembled guards to guess what had happened. Legolas took Amara's arm, leading her back into the Golden Hall. "We should leave them alone to grieve," he said softly. "Come, Estel, Gimli, Mithrandir," he offered. "We should discuss what to do now that we have reached Rohan. Theoden cannot grieve forever. He must fight before Isengard consumes his country for good."

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Sig set and banner by the amazing Nurr!!

Ohhh, this looks very interesting, do you mind if I join in? You don't have to, of course, but in any case I must say that this writing is fabulous.

Name: Colllio
Age: 20
Gender: Female
Physical Appearance: Short Blond Hair, Blue eyes, thin, generally wears causal armor.
Race in ME: Human
Love Connection?: No
Weapons: A flimsy sowrd
History: No

[Haha Collio doesn't have a history? Mysterious. You're added to the RPG! And thank you, for the compliment!]

Amara slowly nodded to Legolas and followed him inside with the others, while Gandalf and Eowyn stayed outside with King Theoden. She knew that Gandalf had a lot to talk about with the King of Rohan. She held onto Legolas' arm and then sat down in a nearby chair. Much had clouded her mind, these past few days.

She looked down to the wound on her arm and bit her lower lip softly. They needed a plan. Taking a shaky breath, she looked up to Legolas and nodded in agreement to what he said about Theoden. Food and drink was brought to them, due to the renewed hospitality of the King. She smiled graciously to the maiden that had provided them and then took a small bite of bread.

Suddenly, before anyone could even speak again, Gandalf came inside the Golden Hall, with two children. He sat them down and let them start to eat at a table; Éowyn hurried over to them. "They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot and tree." She said softly to the men and Amara. Freda, the little girl, looked confused as she ate. She swallowed what she had in her mouth and then looked to Eowyn. "Where’s mama?" Eowyn looked back down to Freda and smiled a little. "Shh..." She hushed softly.

Suddenly, King Theoden walked in and then sat down beside them all, sighing deeply. He didn't know what he was going to do. Gandalf stared at the children and then shook his head. "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven now by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children." He said and then leaned forward and put a hand on Théoden’s chair. Théoden looked at his hand warily. "You must fight." Gandalf added. Aragorn decided that he would add in some dialogue. "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Éomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king." He nodded once to the King and then took a drink of his ale. Theoden shook his head and looked over the company slowly. "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Éomer cannot help us. I
know what it is that you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war." He said softly and then looked down to his lap, solemnly. Gimli took a bite of his bread as he watched the exchange between Aragorn and Théoden.

Aragorn stared at Theoden and sighed. "Open war is upon you. Whether you would risk it or not." He started getting a little upset and it was evident. Theoden then glared to Aragorn and sat up straighter. "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan." He snapped back and then Aragorn shook his head in aggravation. Gimli took a drink of his ale and burped.

Gandalf looked over King Theoden's face and rested his arm against the table that he was sitting near. "Then what is the King’s decision?" He said softly, urging the King on. Amara looked down to the bread in her hand and swallowed hard. She kindly excused herself from the Halls and walked outside, standing on the large platform that looked over the city of Rohan. The wind whipped past her and through her long brown hair, making it move in all directions.

Staring out in the distance, she saw a great dark. She knew that it was Mordor. She took a shaky breath and quickly looked down; not wanting to see the Eye of Sauron again.

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After long hours of following after Gollum, Frodo, Arabella and Sam reached the end of Emyn Muil and saw that Mordor was now closer. Gollum smiled and then jumped a bit, pointing to the sight. "See, see, we have led you out! Hurry hobbitses hurry. Very lucky we find you." He said excitedly. He then jumped on a rock. Frodo walked past slowly; holding onto Arabella's hand while Gollum shrunk as Sam drew near. Gollum eyed Sam and then said, "Nice Hobbit." He then leaped after Frodo and Arabella, putting a wide berth between him, Arabella and Sam. Suddenly, Sam’s foot slipped into muck. "Whoa, it’s a bog! He’s led us into a swamp!" He yelled, angrily. Gollum looked over his shoulder to Sam and then looked back to Frodo. "A swamp, yes, yes. Come, master. We will take you on safe paths through the mist. Come, hobbits, come. We go quickly." Gollum said, before hurrying ahead a bit. He then
looked back and gestured for the Hobbits to follow.

Gollum looked ahead and spoke to the Hobbits, as he walked more. "I found it, I did. The way through the marshes. Orcs don't use it. Orcs don't know it. They go round for miles and miles. Come quickly. Swift and quick as shadows we must be." The marsh lands stretched for miles and miles -- as far as the eye could see. The Hobbits and Gollum appeared as little specks. As the four picked their way gingerly though the marshes, they saw faces floating in the water, still, rotting and pale, and flickering flames on the swamps. Sam's eyes widened in horror. "There are dead things! Dead faces in the water!" He yelled and quickly tried getting his feet out of the water, out of disgust. Gollum rolled his eyes slightly at the fat Hobbit and continued looking and moving on. "All dead. All rotten. Elves and men and orcses. A great battle long ago." He turned to face the Hobbits, after he stopped walking. "The Dead Marshes. Yes, yes that is their name. This way. Don’t follow the lights." He said and then started walking again. Sam’s foot slipped again into the water. Sam cried out, because of it. "Careful now, or hobbits go down to join the dead ones and light little candles of their own." Gollum said and sighed.

Frodo stopped walking and was drawn to one of the faces in Elven armour. He stared at it intently, until suddenly it's eyes opened and Frodo fell face-down into the water. Sam gasped at what had happened and his eyes were wide. "Frodo!" He yelled, before hurrying to him. While Frodo was in the water, he saw many faces of the dead, no longer still but screaming and grasping; their rotten robes and hair flowing about their gruesome faces. Their hands reached for him. Suddenly, he was grabbed from behind.

Frodo sputtered and gasped for air, as Gollum pulled him out of the water. He then looked at Gollum in perplexed gratitude and disbelief. "Gollum..." He whispered softly to the creature. Gollum stared at him for a few seconds. "Don’t follow the lights!" That was all he said, before crawling away. Sam then ran to Frodo’s side. "Mr. Frodo! Are you alright?" He asked, being completely concerned. Frodo lied there panting and staring after Gollum.

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Siggy set made by the amazing Lembas!

[No, its not myserious, I'm just lazy. So how should I join in? Should I just walk into the setting? ]