Fear No Darkness

Chapter Three
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There is no greater wonder than the way the face and character of a woman fit so perfectly in a man's mind, and stay there, and he could never tell you why. It just seems it was the thing he most wanted.

— Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)
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King Théoden stood in his chamber, buckling the gauntlets to his armor. Turning to pick up his cloak, he startled as he saw Edlyn standing there, his cloak folded over her arms. He smiled. "I am glad you came."

Edlyn stepped toward him. "Wild stallions could not have kept me away, Freond min."
She stepped toward him, unfolding his cloak, and draping it about his shoulders. "I would come to farewell you no matter who I had to bribe."

"You bribe my guards?" he asked teasingly.

"Sometimes," she answered coyly. "They are actually quite easy to get past. They are particularly fond of lemon tarts."

"You mock me," he chided, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Never, Hlaford min. I have far too much respect for your station." The redhead grinned sweetly.

"I sometimes doubt my wisdom in showing you those hidden passages," he responded with a grin. He leaned his forehead against hers, pulling her closer, his expression suddenly losing its humor. "Edlyn...if I do not return..."

"Théoden, please..." she interrupted. "Do not speak of it. War has taken from me before and no doubt will do so again before this life is over. However much we disdain that blood must be spilled, we cannot deny that there are times when we must fight. This is one of those times." She held his gaze. "I would rather have the memory of loving a valiant man," she said seriously, her tone then changing to one of raillery, "than share the rest of my life with a poltroon."

He chuckled. "A poltroon, eh? Well, I cannot have that said about the King of the Mark. It would not do to have songs written of Théoden the Coward."

They both laughed softly. Théoden found himself still holding her tightly, reluctant to let go. "I love you, Edlyn."

She pulled back slightly, her soft grey eyes meeting pale blue. "Ic freogane ge, Théoden."

The king bent and kissed her, a sweet, gentle kiss, then pressed his lips to her forehead.

"Sire!" Gamling's voice echoed through the stone corridor. "I have had your horse brought around."

Théoden looked down at her once again, smiling. Releasing her at last, he moved to the door. "I am coming, Gamling. I will meet you in the hall." He turned back to Edlyn, intending to say goodbye. She was gone. Picking up Herugrim, his sword, from the table, he sheathed it. With a last look around his chamber, he turned and resolutely headed to meet Gamling.
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The people of the city of Edoras watched as the men prepared to leave. Banners flying proudly in the ever present wind atop the hill, the king and his men mounted their steeds. Éomer barked orders to the men, who quickly complied, forming their lines as they readied themselves to ride. "Riders of Rohan!" he shouted in a deep voice. "Oaths you have taken! Ride now and fulfill them all! To Lord! To Land!"

The horns rang out through the valley, echoing and reverberating loudly. Théoden moved with Éomer and Gamling to the head of the column, taking a last look around Edoras as they headed to the gate. He spied her, standing discreetly back, her red hair and cloak blowing in the breeze. Straight and tall she stood, bowing slightly as they passed. Théoden’s mouth curved into a smile as they reached the gate.

"Arise, arise, Riders of Théoden! Ride now, ride now! Ride for Gondor!"

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Ic freogane ge - I love you