(Archive) The King of the Golden Hall

Atop the Wall A fierce gust of wind rips you as you stagger though the raging thunderstorm. Lightning flashes and thunder booms as the rain stings your face. Through your tears you can scarcely see your location... You stand atop the wall overlooking the gates to the city of Edoras. Beneath you people move in and out. The guards standing there are ever watchful of the actions going on about them. Behind you the height permits you to see into the city's market, but more closely the square at the entrance spreads out and can be viewed. This area is only, perhaps, ten feet above the ground but its thorny crest provides ample discouragement to any who would wish to try and surmount it by means other than the stairs you have climbed.

Contents: Theoden
Obvious exits: Before the City leads to Edoras: City Gates. Entrance Square leads to Entrance Square.

[Theoden(#4668)] With thick wrinkles over his greying brow, the aging King Theoden leans forward muttering unintelligble words from his pale and thin lips. With a firm cough from deep inside his chest, he spits a thick object from his mouth over the wall and follows the trail of the mass of spittle as it descends far to the ground leaving a trail of whizzle behind...to settle over the guards that stand attentively before the city walls.

Finally reaching the top of the wall, Aearwen pauses for a moment to run her hands quickly over her hair and dress, drawing in a deep breath as she prepares to meet King Theoden. Nervously gripping the pleat of her skirt, she smiles serenely and walks across the open area, nodding her head at the guards she passes, her own guards following closely behind her. A small chuckle almost escapes her lips as she sees the King at the edge of the wall spitting over the edge. Her crystal blue eyes twinkle with laughter as she finally approaches him, sweetly saying, "Your highness, Lady Aearwen of Ethring-Bragollach at your service", dipping into a low curtsey.

[Theoden(#4668)] confident in the tongue of his guest, "Well a pleasure to meet with you Lady Aearwen, As you seem to already know, I am the King of the Mark an d I apologize that I have not met with your party yet." Rubbing his head, "A severe headache I suffer from this day."

A soft understanding smile curves her pink lips as Aearwen replies to the King, "It is an honour to meet you, your highness. I am grieved to hear that you are not feeling well today." Concern fills her lovely blue eyes as she inquires, "Would it be best to perhaps meet with you later in the day?" Frowing slightly as she remembers the time, "Our little group is departing early in the morning as we still have a long journey before us." A soft laugh tinkles out, "Forgive me for continuing on with you having a severe headache, as is obvious, I very rarely lack for words.", her eyes warm as she gazes at the King.

[Theoden(#4668)] A thick and hearty laugh blows forth from the aging king shaking his weakening frame like shutters in a hurricane. An uneven smile breaks through his thick beard, "No need for forgivness for your delicate charm has chased the throbbing in my skull. "What would you like to speak about, for I owe you at least that for curing my malady."

Her soft laugh tinkling like silver bells, Aearwen smiles sweetly at the King, "Then today is a good day, to be rid of a terrible headache is reason to celebrate. Truthfully, my reason for wishing audience with you was simply to convey the best wishes of Prince Imrahil. He speaks highly of you and requested me to seek you out." A blush covers her fair skin as she continues, "To continue in the vein of truth, this is my first diplomatic duty as his envoy and I would suppose this is a test of my ability to serve him well."

[Theoden(#4668)] Theoden warms upon hearing the name of an old friend. Tugging and pulling on his robes as he straightens and grooms himself to be more presentable for the emissary of his old friend. With subtly feigned surprise, "Oh you come with word from the Prince? How did one so young and fair as you acquire such an esteemed job? And tell me m'lady, how his health may be?"

Smiling as she watches the King's face light up at the mention of the Prince, her voice glows with pride, "He is doing quite well your highness. As you are aware, he has been serving Denethor in many battles the last year and has been away from his fief. He felt it was time to evaluate the duties his servants have done in his absence. He is such a brave man, my own eyes have watched him in numerous battles, there is none finer." Shaking her head, "To answer your question, after my studies at White Tower, my father sent me to Dol Amroth to be of service to the Prince. My loyalty has been pledged to him as envoy and I also serve as a healer when necessary, your highness."

[Theoden(#4668)] From brightness to gloom the king's eyes darken at words of battle and valor. He fingers his own golden spear that glints angrily in the light, a spear he now uses more as a cane than as a weapon, "Battles, glorious battles to the south, and I am here, with no enemy to vanquish except my own body. Perhaps you, as a young healer have a the weapon against this. Theoden strokes his tangled white beard. The king forces a small smile.

Sympathy filling her eyes, Aearwen places one hand briefly on the King's arm, "My knowledge knows of nothing to vanquish the ravages of time and servitude to our country." Gazing out over the wall she says, almost to herself, "To fight the darkness that threatens our land, takes a toll on all us, your highness." Turning back to smile at the King, "It has been a great pleasure to meet you and again, Prince Imrahil sends you his best wishes and pledge of loyalty.

[Theoden(#4668)] Theoden brightens at your kind words but his mind continues to remain preoccupied with his own introspection, "That is true m'lady... War shall soon affect us all. I hope I do not hear battles that go to ill in your lands. He pauses briefly and squints to the south, "But if your land needs the aid of the brave riders of the Eorlingas.. Then simply call as the ancient bargain has bound our two peoples."

Nodding her head as she again dips to curtsy, "Thank you, your highness, I will give Prince Imrahil your reminder. Let us both hope, the ancient bargain is not needed by either of our lands. I wish you well health, your highness."