Maiel of Rohan

They were going to Helms Deep but Gandalf did not go with them, he was looking for Eomer. Maiels thoughts often turned to the Marshal of Rohan. yet she felt he thought nothing of her, perhaps a cousin but that was all. She was walking amongst the old asking them how they were. Her horse was being ridden by an old woman but she did not begrudge her the seat. They set up camp for the night and she saw Eowyn helping with the stew and declined it when it was offered. She watched as her friend made her way through the camp and saw as many bowls that were eaten accidentally split. She laughed and then watched her friend as she spoke to Aragorn. There was something different about her.

She sat and looked at ttarstars for a while as the camp quieten and began to sleep. As she sat a figure appeared next to her, 'How are you child?' She quickly stood, 'My Lord,' she said in a whisper, 'Maiel my child you are as much my own as Theodred sit down.' She sat as Theoden sat next to her and placed an arm around her, 'There is no blame on you.' She nodded. 'Now tell me how you are?' 'Fine a little tired.' Theoden nodded in return, 'These times were hard on you both.' He looked over at Eowyn, 'She more than me,' she answered. Theoden smiled, 'I would disagree with you but I know you will not let me.' He sat with her for a time before kissing her forehead, 'Now sleep. Our journey will be hard tomorrow.' She nodded and placed her head on her pack, she thought she would never sleep but before Theoden had walked away she was breathing deeply.

The next day they walked more and soon they would be at the Keep. She was relaxed thinking that they would be out of danger when she heard the cries, Wargs and their Riders. She began to call the people at the back and drag them forward, 'Faster, come we must move as fast as you can.' Eowyn was doing the same at the front and the column moved along. They were within sight of the keep and a guard of riders came out to greet them, but the sight within was disheartening, all the local people seemed to be inside the walls.

She moved amongst the people tending the wounded and at last found Eowyn, 'We should move them into the caves,' she said. Eowyn nodded appearing wild eyed, 'It has been ordered by my uncle.' The riders had returned, 'Eowyn what is wrong.' Eowyn's head seemed to droop and she said softly, 'Lord Aragorn died.' 'I am sorry Eowyn.' She did not really know what to say to her, 'I must return to my duties.' She turned and walked away knowing tears were running down Eowyns pale face.

Inside the caves the air seemed stale and they were full much too full but more were entering all the time. So many people but she passed amongst them, helping dress wounds and comfort those who needed it. Everyone could sense something coming.

Maiel saw Eowyn moving amongst the people and her friend nodded to her briefly and cou could see she seemed less sad more angry and Maiel wondered what had happened now but she had no time to ask, she needed to walk amongst those outside for a time and tend to them. She exited the caves and made her way to the hall of Helm’s Deep to find Theoden although he seemed returned to his full health her natural instinct did not see how this could be possible and see wished to check on him before battle came. She found him preparing to put on his armour and Gamling stood nearby. He waved her over with a smile, ‘I am glad to see you well child.’ He took hold of her and began to talk to her in a low voice, ‘I am fine but many will be wounded or worse, we will need your skills, I would not ask where it not important. Will you remain here in this hall?’ She looked up at him, ‘Of course my King, I would do your will.’ Theoden smiled and nodded, ‘I knew you would do this.’ He sent her from the hall as he placed on his armour and she wandered amongst the men for a time talking to the boys and old men who had been given swords and bows and asked to defend the keep. She knew Eowyn would have wished to stand among them, perhaps that explained her anger.

At last she stood on the steps leading down to the gate, the air was heavy and full of mist, there would be rain. As she stood waiting for the inevitable she heard a noise, a strange noise, horns, not horns of the Rohirrim, not Orc horns something else. She was pushed against the wall as someone hurried to tell the king and the gates were opened. A sight she had never thought to see appear, Elves, hundreds of elves. Their leader stepped forward and was embraced by Aragorn and then the King appeared, the elves were here to honour some treaty of old. Maiel’s heart leapt, perhaps they had a chance after all.

She tried to sneak back into the caves to retrieve her pack before Eowyn saw her, knowing her friend would be angry that she was to be left inside with the women and children. Eowyn saw her but Maiel moved quicker leaving her friend behind as she was stopped by an old woman seeking comfort. Maiel made her way into a chamber off the main hall and left her pack there, she wanted to see the elves.

She stood outside and saw them as they began to form up, the Uruk Hai were close the stench of them was clogging up the air around her. She watched as the one who had spoken passed her by, he stopped and looked at her inclining his head, ‘Lady of Rohan should you not be in the caves.’ His voice was like soft material floating over her skin and she shuddered without being able to say why. ‘No I am a healer of my people I have been asked to stay to tend the wounded.’ ‘You are indeed brave.’ She looked at him drawn in by the blue eyes and then his bow caught her eye, she reached out to it without thinking, ‘It is beautiful,’ she said as her hand ran down the wood. ‘All elves of Lorien carry it.’ He handed it too her and it seemed to be almost as big as she. Quickly he stood behind her and aided hernotcnotching an arrow, ‘You are skilled with a bow,’ he said in admiration. ‘Thank you,’ she blushed. He looked over at her, ‘Please tell me your name. I am Haldir of Lorien.’ She smiled at him, ‘Maiel of Rohan.’ He bowed low to her and then with swiftness was gone up to the walls amongst the elven archers. She saw him turn and look at her and then tkieskies seemed to open and pour water down onto them. She turned and ran inside hearing the horns of the enemy, it was time.