t h e . o n l y . h o p e

The Only Hope
[by victoria p.]

Rating: G

Summary: "It is the only hope he has now, and he clings to it fiercely."

Notes: Thanks to Jen, Melissa-n-Pete, Dot, and Meg. Written for thepiratequeen, who requested "Théoden, saddle, angry." Movieverse, obviously.

Date: April 27, 2004

Théoden has not had many dealings with Elves, though he knows the old stories as well as any. When Elrond Half-Elven arrives at the encampment, Théoden wonders if, once again, as at Helm's Deep, the Elves have come to honor their alliance with Men.

Instead, he listens in growing incredulity and not a little anger as Elrond tells him of the Sword That Was Broken, its reforging, and how Aragorn, who has brought hope to the Rohirrim, will be leaving them to ride into the Dimholt, to gather the cursed dead of the mountain to him.

Théoden has a war to fight and cannot count on half-remembered legends and stories used to scare children to yield an army to come to his, or Gondor's, aid. But he is resigned to it; stranger things have come to pass, and in these dark days, they all grasp at faint hopes.

But it is when Elrond tells of his daughter, her failing health, and her long betrothal to Aragorn, that Théoden feels a white hot rush of anger. That Éowyn won't have -- never had -- a chance to win the man who is worthy of her love, a man equal to her in honor and valor, makes his teeth clench and his fists ache to strike out.

But he nods as graciously as he can, and calls Aragorn to his tent. He is sure his anger shows, and he wishes he could speak, but these are things in which even a king cannot meddle, and he is a king, first and foremost.

He has failed Éowyn in that regard. Instead of being the father she needed, he has been her king, and in addition to being his beloved daughter, she was his staff when he could not stand on his own. She held him together, body and soul, and did her best to keep his kingdom intact when he could not, and he can never repay that. He would see her happy if it is in his power. He remembers the jewel around Aragorn's neck, and knows it is not.

He watches Aragorn saddle his horse, hears the murmur of fear and anger running through his men. They will fight and they will die, and they will do so bravely, with honor enough to make him proud, but their hope rides away into the mountain, and none believe he will return, and they believe their chance of victory goes with him.

Theoden sees the traces of tears on Éowyn's fair face, the light in her eyes dimmed, and he vows to see her smile again, her face lit with joy, one last time before he dies. It is the only hope he has now, and he clings to it fiercely, though he knows, in reality, it is fruitless.

end

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Disclaimer: All LotR characters belong JRR Tolkien and his estate, New Line Cinema, etc. This piece of fan-written fiction intends no infringement on any copyrights.