Chapter 13: A Spoken Love... A Sick King

For many hours they rode on through meadows and river lands; Legolas and Gimli on one horse, Gandalf on Shadowfax, Asteria on Ithildin and Aragorn on his own, all traveling swiftly to Edoras or better know as Rohan. Often the grass was so tall that I would reach the calves of the riders, and the horses seemed to be swimming in a sea of green. They were determined to reach their destination.

It was the second night of their journey and they finally halted and decided to rest; Gandalf of course would only allow a couple hours of rest. Legolas and Asteria would walk around their area to make sure there are no orcs or other creatures before taking a rest themselves. The night was barred with long clouds, fleeting on a chilled wind as the few stars in the sky twinkled brightly. They ate some lembas bread and rest; Asteria decided to scout around after a while as Legolas quickly grabbed her hand from his sitting position; worried about her.

"Oh, Legolas. I won't go far. I'll be fine." She said with a kind smile as he reluctantly let go of her hand. Since they were reunited; he never let her out of his sight, he was so afraid to lose her again. He watched her walk away as he focused back on the fire in worry. Gandalf saw this and smiled at the two "You know, I've never seen two elves more in love besides Arwen and Aragorn." The white wizard said softly drawing Legolas's attention.

Aragorn and Gimli were asleep by the fire as the conversation drew out. Legolas looked at Gandalf then in the direction Asteria went "I fear for her, Mithrandir. It nearly broke my heart when she was taken and I was always afraid of her being hurt or worse." Legolas said softly as he pulled out a small burlap pouch from his pocket "I don't want to fear like my father has; when he lost my mother, he was broken... he is still broken. I vowed to protect her and I failed her by letting her get taken." He confessed as he fiddled with the small pouch.

Gandalf smiled at him "My dear boy, you never have to worry about her. She is strong; her heart is strong and her love for you makes her that much stronger" Legolas looked at him with eyes widened as Gandalf continued "Now, what you hold in the pouch; I recommend you not delaying to give to her, Prince of Mirkwood." He said with a knowing smile as Legolas chuckled a bit and nodding as he got up "Thank you Mithrandir.. you are wise.." Gandalf nodded as he watched Legolas go in the direction of where Asteria went.

As the Prince went searching for her; he could hear her soft singing again as it traveled on the breeze, he found her standing in the middle of a flower patch, bathing in the moonlight, staring at the stars. She looked so ethereal as her fair skin glowed in the light of the moon and stars, she looked happy as her attention was drawn to him "Legolas.." she said softly giving him a smile as he walked up to her "I am sorry I have not come back, I couldn't resist" she continued as he gave her a smile "I understand Asteria. You look at peace" he said as he took her hand softly in his as his face shown he was in deep thoughts.

Asteria looked at him with concern as she placed a hand on his cheek "What is it? What troubles my dear Prince of Mirkwood" she said softly; her voice gentle and serene as it was a song through his ears as he chuckled a bit "Out here I am not a prince." He retorted as she smiled "You are a prince to me... in every moment" she said as she placed the same hand that was on his cheek to where his heart was; she could feel it beating fast as she scrunched her face a bit "Your heart my lord.. it beats quite fast" she jested him as he coughed to clear his throat, attempting to hide the blush that crept on his cheeks "It always does that around you..." he said in a low tone almost a whisper. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small pouch "Asteria, I think I understand why our fëa bond is not strong as I thought it would be" he said looking at the pouch then her as her face turned to worry; did he doubt her love for him?

He noticed her face as he shook his head taking her face into his hands gently "No Asteria, I do not doubt your love for me" he said softly giving her a sweet smile, kissing her on her forehead "I will never doubt you my love. Never" he continued as he pulled her into a hug. As he pulled away, he took a deep breath "What is wrong Legolas?" she asked, worried about him; he's never seemed so on edge in all the time she's known him.

He took a deep breath as he took her hands again; rubbing them gently, he was still holding the pouch in one hand which drew her attention but didn't say anything "I love you Asteria. More than anything. I didn't create the bond only to save your life, but to bind our lives together forever because I do not wish to ever be part from you. You mean everything to me. The bond is not complete because we are not...." He stopped as he took a deep breath as she continued to listen to him as she watched him open the pouch pulling out a delicate ring; it was silver, it had a beautiful green stone that matched fresh grass with morning dew and around the stone there was beautiful ivy, just like their brooches.

Asteria's breath hitched as she looked at the ring then Legolas in confusion "This was my mother's... My father gave it to me a long time ago, so I may give it to someone I love with all my heart. Not many can get to my heart like you have. So, I must ask you Asteria, Lady of Lorien and of Starlight. Will you do me the honor, after we destroy the Ring, of marrying me?" Legolas stand with such confidence yet his voice was laced with fear as if she would say no automatically. Asteria looked at him; deep into his beautiful ocean blue eyes and gave him a smile "Legolas, it would honor me greatly to marry you." She said softly as his mouth grew into a huge smile as he quickly yet sweetly kissed her; picking her up and twirling her around making her giggle in the kiss "No my lady, you honor me." He said as he placed her down gently, taking her hand in his, placing the ring on her finger; giving her hand a kiss. Asteria couldn't help but smile at him as he returned the smile; leaning to kiss her again.

After a while they returned to camp, hand in hand; Gandalf of course knowing what happened and smiled at the two elves as he moved to get up "It's time to continue our journey to Rohan" he said to them as they nodded; Asteria moved to wake up Aragorn as Legolas woke Gimli. They got the horses ready as they mounted and started making their way again.

Riding across the plains of Rohan, Gandalf, Legolas, Asteria, Gimli and Aragorn stopped to look at Edoras in front of them "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." Gandalf spoke as Asteria looked at the kingdom; sensing the darkness that dwells within "My dear Asteria, I know you sense it. This is why I will need your help" she nodded at him in understanding as the others looked confused; Legolas had a face of worry as she looked at him sensing it; her face was calm and serene as she used to no words to make him understand, he simply nodded at her as they continued to make their way.

As they entered, they were being stared at; Asteria pulled her hood over her head as she noticed a maiden standing in front of the Golden Hall; her golden hair blowing in the wind as her attention was drawn to Gimli speaking "You'll find more cheer in a grave yard" as the other shook their head while she scolded Gimli "Hush.." which in her tone he was quick to comply as Gandalf spoke up "Asteria, keep your hood on and cloak closed. I will need your light my dear" She nodded at him as they dismounted off the horses, making their ways up the stairs, Asteria looked for the maiden again but she was gone.

They were approached by captain of the guard Hama and his guards  outside of the hall. Gandalf gave a happy smile "Ah!" as Hama spoke; no  ill intent but reluctance "I cannot allow you before Théoden King so  armed, Gandalf Greyhame. By order of Grima Wormtongue." He said with a  bit sadness in his heart. Gandalf looked to the others and nodded as  they started to remove weapons handing them over. Asteria was next to  Gandalf as requested as Hama spoke again "I feel as if the woman should  stay out here... No maiden is known to be among men in conversations"

Legolas  as he was giving his weapons quickly drew his bow to Hama's throat  "I would refrain from such disrespect!" Asteria with her hood still on;  placed a hand on Legolas's bow "Calm Legolas..." she turned to  Hama; he had a clear view of her face and was in a trance "I am no  ordinary woman my lord. And I will accompany my companions as I am  Gandalf's guide as he needs help walking along with his walking stick"  Gesturing to his staff as she already read his mind in taking the staff  from him. Hama was reluctant and nodded as Asteria made her way back to  Gandalf; taking one of his arms as Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn were  behind them as they entered the Golden Hall following Hama in.

Hama enters the hall and bows before the King. He steps aside to allow them to enter behind him. Asteria could see how sickly Théoden looked; he was ghastly white, the color of his eyes were gone, he looked much older than what he was. Her heart ached for him to be under Saruman's spell. She could see another man sitting next to him whispering looking at them as they walked closer, he was sickly green as snake would be. She kept in stride with Gandalf as he spoke, her hood still on only showing her face "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King."

Théoden spoke up weakly and labored "Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?" He looks to Grima for affirmation, who then nods at him as he stood to speak as if he was king himself "A just question, my liege." He said as he walks to meet them well in front of Théoden "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Láthspell spell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest." Asteria was tired of the snake as she spoke up "Be silent snake!" Grima froze as he stared at her; in his eyes he knew who she was. The fact she was here and not already going to Saruman was a shock to him as Gandalf spoke "Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed through fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm." He raises his staff to Grima as he backed away from it afraid "His staff!" He backs well away from Gandalf and Asteria while addressing the guards, arrogantly "I told you to take the wizard's staff!"

The guards behind them burst through to attack them as Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli engage them to keep them away from Gandalf and Asteria as they approach Théoden. Gandalf reaches out to Théoden hoping he would hear him "Théoden, son of Thengel..." he spoke as Théoden reacts to Gandalf with a wicked stare, a stare that sent shivers down Asteria's back as she held true to Gandalf's side waiting for the right moment. "Too long have you sat in the shadows" he continued as Asteria removed her hand from him "Hearken to me! I release you... from the spell" he said as he raised his hand, closing his eyes.

Théoden; then begins to laugh as if to mock him, Gandalf opened his eyes looking at the sickly king as he taunted him "You have no power here... Gandalf the Grey, nor will a woman have enough power to break me" Gandalf looked at Asteria angered and nodded as they both shed their cloaks off; revealing a supreme bright light from both of them which caused Théoden to be thrown back by the light.

Asteria raised her hand as she started to chant in Elvish to assist Gandalf as he approached Théoden "I will draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound" he thrusts forward his staff, which throws the king back into his chair. Asteria continued her chanting as Théoden focused on her "I see you brought the Lady of Starlight, how fitting that she will die and it will be your fault" Gandalf's eyes widened as he could see Asteria wincing in pain but keeping her hands up chanting; sweat beaded down her brow. He turned his attention back to Théoden "You did not kill me... You will not kill him or her" he said in retort as Théoden was struggling again Gandalf "Rohan is mine" he said with his voice laced in hatred.

Suddenly Théoden jumps from his throne, lunging at Gandalf and Asteria.  Gandalf thrusts him back with his staff as Asteria released her grip on Théoden; the spell she was chanting was a spell to keep Théoden's soul here on this plane so he did not die. Weakened she shivered as she stepped back almost falling back; Legolas quickly managed to get to her, catching her in his arms as he held her hand and body. Gandalf looked back at her and smiled nodding in reassurance which she happily returned the smile. Legolas helped her up, keeping her close to him "I am alright" she said softly as he nodding; trusting her.

Théoden slumps forward as the maiden from earlier; Eowyn rushes to stop him falling. Théoden's face slowly changes.  His hair and beard shorten, and his face becomes younger.  His eyes clear. He looks at Eowyn quizzically "I know your face" she smiled at him happily "Eowyn..... Eowyn" she cried with happiness as she watched him look around to everyone laying his eyes on Gandalf "Gandalf?..."  Gandalf gave him a smile "Breathe the free air again, my friend"

They watched Théoden stand shakily "Dark have been my dreams of late... I saw a beautiful maiden, singing to me, telling me to stay" he rubbed his hands as his eyes met Asteria's who gave him a smile and a nod which he returned "Your fingers would remember their old strength better... if they grasped your sword" Hama steps forward and offers him his sword.  He takes it and lifts it up in front of him.  He looks at it wonderingly as everyone smiles.  Then he seems to remember something, and turns his gaze to Grima who is being held on the floor by Gimli. Grima is thrown out of the Hall, and falls down the stairs.  Théoden walks falteringly down the stairs after him with his sword in hand as the others followed him.

"I've only... ever served you, my lord" Grima said as he was crawling away backwards on his hands, trying to get away from Théoden as he continued to advance on his with sword in hand "Your leech-craft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" Asteria looked at Gandalf in worry as he nodded to her, she leaves Legolas's side with Aragorn not far behind her as she made her way to Théoden; raises his sword above Grima's head, as if to kill him. Asteria rushes forward and holds his hands to stop him "No, my lord! No, my lord. Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account... please..." Her voice was calm and serene as Théoden stared at her and immediately felt peace giving her a slight nod.

Aragorn offers Grima a hand up, but he just spits on it and scrambles to his feet, pushing past people "Get out of my way!" Hama spoke up "Hail, Théoden King!" The people in the city kneel before Théoden.  Those from the Great Hall do the same as Asteria and Aragorn both kneel at Théoden's side.  Grima rides out of Edoras with haste. Théoden turns back to the Golden Hall and looks at everyone "Where is Theodred? Where is my son?"

3000 words

*Woooooooo, i've been stuck on the damn Thor story again so I'm working on this one while i think*