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Disclaimer: I do not own Batman nor do I own Lord of the Rings. They are the sole property of DC Comics and JRR Tolkien.
Author’s Note: GASP! Updates, within a couple of weeks of one another? NO, your eyes do not deceive you!
The Golden Hall of Meduseld was filled with an eerie darkness that was broken when the two large oak doors at the end of the hall were opened, and the afternoon sunlight flooded in. Gandalf as always took the lead, followed closely by Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas. The later three looked about uneasily, taking note of the Rohan soldiers who were watching them intently with distaste and suspicion.
Though the watchful eyes of the Rohan soldiers were not the cause of the Fellowship’s uneasiness. It was the fact that their fifth member had gone suddenly missing and had yet to make a re-appearance. Batgirl had been with them as they entered the city of Edoras and had dismounted her steed alongside them.
So where was she?
Yet Gandalf seemed to pay no mind. His steely grey eyes stared straight ahead to the dais; the only part of the hall besides the doorway, bathed in semi-light.
The others allowed their own eyes to flicker momentarily on the throne position at the front of the hall, and the elderly decrepit figure seated there. His skin was withered and wrinkled and his eyes were glassy and drained of color. They were the eyes of a dead man. The robes that he wore which were once fine garment were now worn and ratty. On his head, he was a crown of dulled gold that seemed horribly out of place on the man’s head, which was covered with stringy and greasy white hair.
Seated besides the throne was another man, if he could be called that. This one was much more lively looking, though certainly not much more pleasing to the eye. His skin was ghostly pale that seem extenuated by his greasy mop of black hair. He was dressed in fur-lined black robes and leaned heavy on the arm of the king.
Gandalf’s deep and strong voice boomed through the heavy silence: "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden King."
The squatting greasy hair man lean in closer to Théoden and whispered something into his ear. The King then lifted his head slightly, and it appeared to take a great deal force and effort on his part. Meeting Gandalf with his lifeless eyes, he gave a rather pathetic and distant answer, which struggled its way from his lips. "Why should I welcome you…Gandalf Stormcrow?"
"A just question, my liege," agreed the greasy black haired man, before turning back towards Gandalf and the others. "Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. ‘Láthspell’ I name him. Ill news is an ill guest."
All the while that the man sneered at Gandalf, none but Aragorn seemed to take notice of the shadow that appeared to be moving about the hall. His left eyebrow rose slightly when he noticed several of the Rohan guards get dragged into the deeper shadows and was followed by the soft sounds of a body striking the floor. The corners of the ranger’s mouth quirked slightly as he turned his attention back to Gandalf
"Be silent," commanded Gandalf the greasy haired man with spiteful yet even tone. "The wise speak only of they know Grima Wormtongue. Therefore keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not passed though fire and death to bandy crooked words with a witless worm." Suddenly Gandalf lifted his staff sharply, allowing Wormtongue to see it for the first time. The man’s already pale features grew even whiter.
"His staff," Wormtongue gasped and turned an accusing glare to where Háma was positioned. "I told you to take the wizard’s staff!"
The entire room seemed to explode into chaos as Háma and nearly a dozen soldiers rushed in to apprehend the Fellowship.
“Where are the rest of the guards?” Wormtongue demanded furiously while completely unaware of all of unconscious Rohan men who were now lining the walls of the hall.
While the guards tried to stop Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas quickly leapt in to give Gandalf cover as he strolled towards the King’s thrown. On one side of the wizard, Gimli and Legolas took out any and all that approached their friend while Aragorn covered the other side effectively on his own.
Wormtongue meanwhile attempted to make a run for it, when suddenly a black clad fist appeared from the deep shadows striking him hard in the gut.
"Going somewhere?" growled a sharp and deadly voice. Slowly the form of Batgirl melted from the deep shadows and glared menacingly at the quivering wretch before her.
"A… D-Demon…!" Wormtongue gasped in shock, before Batgirl’s fist flew out at him again. The loud cracking sound of a fist striking a man’s jaw echoed, through the hall followed the sound of Wormtongue’s body striking the floor in a heap. Silence followed, thus signaling the end of the fight.
Legolas, Gimli and Aragorn raced to Batgirl’s side, giving her looks ranging from amusement to annoyance. The Prince of Mirkwood had been amongst the latter. Robin had become like a brother to Legolas over the past few months and after his death, Legolas had sworn to himself to watch over Batgirl in honor of his fallen friend. But Cassandra was NOT making his job very easy.
"Must you always do that?" he demanded in a low whisper.
"What?" Batgirl replied innocently as she tilting her head to one side.
"What do you mean ‘what’?" the Elf exclaimed. It used to be that Legolas thought Robin was exaggerating when he said Batgirl was a difficult girl to handle. Now he knew better. "What might you think? Vanishing without letting us know! What would have happened had you been injured or captured? Cassandra, you can not just disappear whenever you wish!"
Cassandra could only give the Elf Prince smile and pat on the back that only intensified his annoyance.
Meanwhile Aragorn and Gimli looked on with visible amusement. For Aragorn, he was merely enjoying the fact that it was someone else whom Cassandra was driving mad with her unpredictable nature.
"Master Elf," Gimli said to his friend, "I would think an old and wise race of people such as the elves would have already learned that the mind of a woman can never be explained."
Legolas’ mouth open and closed several times in a futile attempt to win this debate before finally throwing his hands up and muttered: “Never mind."
Attention once again returned to the head of the Golden Hall where King Théoden and Gandalf were starring each other down.
"Théoden, son of Thengel," Gandalf said, seemingly to ignore the battle that had taking place around him, "too long have you sat in the Shadows." He stopped at the very base of the dais and raised his hand. "Hearken to me! I release you from the spell."
The response that followed was not one the Fellowship had been expecting. Dark and sinister laughter emanated from the King’s lips and his wrinkled face contorted into a look of sick pleasure and amusement.
"You have no power here, Gandalf the Grey," Théoden laughed, though now his voice was stronger and far more different than before.
The Fellowship watched with increasing anxiety, but this was only the opening that Gandalf had been waiting for. Throwing back his grey cloak, he lifted his arms and staff high revealing a glowing countenance. Théoden cried out in a mixture of surprise and pain.
"I will draw you, Saruman," Gandalf said loudly, “as poison is drawn from a wound." He pointed his staff out towards the King who jumped back as if some invisible hand had flown against his chest.
As Théoden’s body cried out, a beautiful woman with flowing blonde hair and skin like porcelain, dressed in white raced out of a doorway. She gasped in shock at the sight before her.
Before the woman could even move, Batgirl swept in before her and held up her hand. "Stop," Batgirl said in a flat tone. She studied the overbearing fear for the crumple old man on the throne from the young woman’s body language. Her face softened somewhat as did her voice. "Please."
The woman looked at Batgirl in pure shock and her mouth fell open. Her blue eyes scanned the unusual costume and mask, while making the realization that this person standing before her was not only human but was female warrior.
Before the woman could reply, Aragorn placed a gentle hand on her arm. His grey eyes seemed to calm her, though she still looked at him and Batgirl with great confusion, before all three turned back to look at Gandalf and Théoden.
Théoden had apparently noticed the slight commotion, and his gaze turned to the woman and Batgirl. His eyes went wide as his eyes fell on Batgirl. "The other child…" Théoden’s possessed body whispered with a smirk. “Yes…”
Batgirl’s glare intensified despite her own confusion. It looked as if Saruman knew her. It wasn’t possible… was it? Did it even matter? After all, because of Saruman Robin and Boromir were dead and the Hobbits were as good as dead. If only the cowardly wizard were truly here and not using the body of someone else.
"Withdraw from him Saruman!" Gandalf snarled, drawing everyone’s attention back to him.
"If I go," crocked the King’s body looking back at Gandalf, "Théoden dies." Gandalf staff shot up again throwing the King’s body back into the throne with invisible force.
"You did not kill me," Gandalf responded, "You will not kill him."
"Rohan is mine!"
Again the white staff shot forward and Théoden’s body struck the back of the throne.
"BE GONE!"
The pale eyes of Théoden looked at Gandalf with malice, before the King leapt forward to attack the wizard. For a final time Gandalf’s staff flew out and a flash of white light filled the Great Hall of Rohan.
The King’s body was thrown back and collapsed into the throne. The woman in white let out a gasp of horror and broke free from the grasps of Batgirl and Aragon. She ran onto the dais and fell to her knees just in time to catch the King from falling over.
All in the room but Gandalf gasped in surprise, as the years seemed to literally melt away from the King. His hair was no longer a matted snowy white, but now soft and blonde with bits of grey. His eyes cleared to a soft sky blue and his face gained a rosy color to it. Théoden’s eyes flew wildly around until they finally fixed with those of the young woman kneeling before him.
"I know your face," he said softly, as if remembering a long lost dream. "Éowyn."
Gently Éowyn caressed his face and tears of joy filled her eyes. They then turned to look at Gandalf who smiled weakly at the reunited Uncle and Niece. He was leaning heavily on his staff and his breathing was forced. Whatever it was he had done, it had done obviously took a lot out of him.
"Gandalf?" Théoden asked.
"Breathe the free air again, my friend," Gandalf said.
Cassandra felt any ill will she had towards Gandalf fading, if only for now. Just the fact that he had reunited a family was enough to redeem him in her eyes.
Théoden meanwhile continued looked at Gandalf and his face clouded in confusion. "Dark have been my dreams of late," the King said softly, flexing his hands slightly.
"Your fingers would remember their old strength," Gandalf smiled, "if they grasped your sword."
Almost as if on cue, the Doorwarden Háma stepped forward carrying an old but well maintained long-sword in a black and red sheath. Holding the hilt towards Théoden, the King reached out slowly and drew the blade. His face lightened up, for he felt like he had been reunited with a long lost friend who had been dearly missed.
It was at that point that Wormtongue regained consciousness. His bulging eyes stared about fearfully, and he realized that all the work he had done had been destroy by Gandalf and his friends. His eyes landed on Batgirl, he turned to look down at him with disgust. The pathetic creature pointed an accusing finger at her and opened his mouth to say something but instead let out a yelp of pain and held his jaw. He tried to open his mouth a second time, but again felt a sharp stab of pain run through his jaw. All that came out of him was pathetic whimpers of pain.
"I think ye broke his jaw, lass," Gimli said with a smirk of approval. Batgirl shrugged.
"Not broken. Only tiny… fracture."
Many people, including the same guards that had attacked the Fellowship, smiled. King Théoden though was amongst the exception, as he had turned to glare down at Wormtongue quivering in pain and fear.
Éowyn followed closely after her Uncle, King Théoden as the Rohan guards dragged the sniveling Grima Wormtongue from the Golden Hall out into in the open air of Edoras. To the eyes of any who looked at her, the shield-maiden’s was the very picture of calm and serenity. Even as her uncle’s once trusted advisor was thrown from down the flight of stairs that led up to the Hall and sent rolling painfully to the bottom, her face remained stern and impassive.
But despite the mask of control that Éowyn wore, Batgirl could see by the way Éowyn shifted her weight slightly from foot to foot that the shield-maiden was as giddy as a child on Christmas Day.
And she was not the only one.
It seemed every resident, soldier and peasant who was there, enjoyed watching Wormtongue being manhandled by the Rohan guards. Háma, who had been among the soldiers fortunate enough to throw Wormtongue down the stairs, grinned happily like a child whose birth had come early.
The residents walked out of the homes, and many gasped loudly as they saw Théoden. It had been a long time since King Théoden left the walls of the Golden Hall. And longer since they had seen him look so furious.
Although he was still weak, Théoden walked slowly down the stairs, sword in hand and glaring angrily at the sniveling creature before him.
"I've o'ly e'er ser'ed you, m' lord…" Wormtongue pleaded, though is words were more or less gibberish due to his now fractured jaw.
"Your leechcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!" the King growled furiously, stalking closer towards his former advisor. Fearful of his master’s wrath Wormtongue began crawling further and further back.
"Sen' me not f'om ye'r sight!" he wept. But Théoden would no listen. He raised his sword violently into the air ready to get his revenge. Yet just when the blade would have fallen, Aragorn sprang forth, and held back the King's hand.
"No, my lord!" Aragorn shouted. "No, my lord. Let him go." Théoden looked at Aragorn with wild yet confused eyes. "Enough blood has been spilt on his account."
Despite his desire for vengeance, Théoden understood what Aragorn meant. To spill more blood, even someone as vile as Wormtongue’s would do no good for anyone. And gazing down at the pathetic mass before him, it wasn’t worth the effort. Reluctantly, the King lowed his sword.
Aragorn turn to look at Wormtongue, but it was not a look of hatred and disgust as everyone else's. Instead it was one of sorrow and pity. Aragorn knelt down and held out his hand to the pale man in black.
Wormtongue looked at the gesture and then back at Aragorn, before his spit in the ranger’s opened palm. Leaping to his feet, the cowardly man fought his way through the crowds of people and stealing a horse from the stables, left Edoras, never to return again.
"HAIL, THEODEN KING!" Aragorn cried. To the great surprise of Théoden, all of his people bowed to him.
Despite all the evils that Wormtongue had done in his name, his people still would follow him. Even Aragorn and Gandalf bowed to the King of Edoras, while Legolas, Gimli and Batgirl bowed their heads in respect.
Théoden could not deny how moved he felt. But all that was pushed aside as a single thought reached his mind. He turned to Gandalf with fearful and pleading eyes.
"Where is Theodred?" he asked. "Where is my son?"
After taking some time to recover from his initial shock, the king made an announcement that funeral services were to take place for Theodred that very evening, at sunset.
The Fellowship meanwhile was given rooms and the opportunity to wash the filth of travel from their bodies. Batgirl was thrilled at the opportunity to finally getting a chance to bath, considering it was the first one she had since the company had left Lothlórien.
‘Living with Barbara has made me a bit soft,’ Batgirl mused as she lounged contently in the tub of warm soapy water. Normally, Cassandra Cain was not one to voice physical discomfort, (considering if she had done that as a child, her father would have shot her) but nearly two weeks without a bath or shower had become too much, even for her.
Reluctantly, Cassandra raised her self from the now dirt filled tub of water and reached for several towels set nearby. Wrapping one about her body, she walked back to the room that had been set for her. This room, much like everything in Edoras was adorned with the images of Horses.
As she started drying her hair with a second towel, there was a soft knocking at the door. The mental gears shifted immediately, Batgirl spun about and fell into an instinctive defensive fighting stance. A lifetime of fighting for one’s life did not fade away, even after finding a home and family.
An elderly woman entered holding a black bundle of clothes. The woman’s eyes looked at Batgirl with nervous curiosity. Ever since she arrived in Middle-Earth, people had looked at Cassandra unusually, most likely because her delicate Asian features were so rarely, if ever, seen.
"I beg you pardon, my lady," the woman said bowing her head in apology. "I hope I am not interrupting you, but I have your clothes freshly cleaned."
"Thank you." Batgirl stepped forward and took her costume. The old woman, bow a second time and quickly turned to leave.
While the company's generous hosts had offered her new clothes, Cassandra opted instead to merely have her Batgirl costume cleaned. Not only because it was better suited for nearly all kinds of combat and weather situations, but because it was now the only link she had left to Gotham.
To… her family.
Cassandra let out a soft sigh, as she allowed her fingers to trace the gold-outline of the bat-emblem on the chest of her costume. It had been so long since the battle with Klarion the Witch Boy. So long, since she had seen Oracle or Batman or any of the others. Were they still looking for them? Had Batman given up? Did Barbara and the others miss them? Did Cain know she was gone? Did any of them even care?
Frankly, a part of Batgirl did not want to return back to Gotham. Not because she didn’t miss her life back there, but just that she couldn’t imagine being the one to tell Batman and the others that Robin… That Tim was dead.
‘Who’s going tell his dad?’ she asked herself. She had never really thought about that before. Unlike Bruce, Dick or herself, Tim actually had an immediate family outside the clan. Would Batman tell Jack Drake the truth, or would he simply leave Mister Drake to forever wonder what happened to his son?
Cassandra pulled on her Kevlar costume, and after tucking her cowl into her belt went out to search for the others. She was still feeling antsy for a fight and that brief skirmish with the Rohan soldiers wasn't much to write home on.
‘Maybe Legolas or Aragorn are up for a sparring session.’
Walking out into the hallway, Cassandra passed by several Rohan guards who paused to stare out her. The effect her tight-fitting uniform had on men in Middle-Earth still made Batgirl grin wickedly. Dinah Lance had once said that the greatest weapon in any woman’s arsenal was their sexuality. Batgirl was finally realizing what she meant by that, and why she always opted to wear those fishnets.
Batgirl paused as she realized that she had gone down the wrong hallway. Just as she was about to turn around she could hear a soft but distinct sound further down. Someone was crying.
Instinctively she began to follow the sounds and soon found herself standing before a large wooden door that was slightly ajar. Peeking through the opened door, Cassandra could see a quivering shape seated on a large overstuffed bed. Pushing the door open a bit more, she could see that it was the blond woman from earlier, Éowyn. She had her face in her hands and it was obvious that she was crying softly.
Despite her initial judgment to leave her alone, Cassandra raised her fist and knocked on the door. The shield-maiden jumped slightly. She then stood up, arched her back straight and began to wipe away her tears with her palm.
"C-Come in," Éowyn called, trying to keep her voice stead and controlled. Being too late to turn back now, Batgirl opened the door.
"I’m sorry," Batgirl, said, "I… will leave you alone." She then began to back away, but Éowyn shook her head slightly and bade that Cassandra enter.
"No, no, please come in," Éowyn said, wiping back more tears while trying to smile weakly. "I am sorry, I did not properly introduce myself earlier. I am Éowyn, daughter of Éomund."
"Hi. I’m Batgirl… err… Cassandra."
Éowyn nodded, though she was obviously a bit confused by the names Cassandra had given as well as the way she spoke. "Hello Lady Cassandra. How may I help you?"
"Just… Cassandra. Please. I… I heard someone…crying. I wanted to see if they… if you needed help."
“I am well, but thank you for your concern Lady… I mean, Cassandra.” The Shield-Maiden smiled, though it was obvious that she didn’t like showing weakness in front of others.
An awkward silence hung in the room until Batgirl decided that it would be best to change the subject. "So… if King Théoden is… uncle, and Éomund is your father, that makes Éomer… brother, right?"
"Éomer? Why, yes. Please… forgive my bluntness, but how do you know of Éomer?"
"Met him," Batgirl smiled. "Three days ago. Said his name was… Éomer Son of Éomund. Also… you two move like each other. You have the same… body language."
"How do you…?"
"I read… body language. I am able to understand people… by the way they move."
Éowyn's eyes lit up in fascination. "Is that how you have become such a skilled warrior, Cassandra? Because you can read the body?"
Batgirl nodded slightly. "It helps. My father was… assassin. Best assassin. He… err… what’s the word…? He taught me only… to fight. Didn’t know anything else. So I learned… movement instead of words."
Éowyn’s brow furrowed slightly. "I do not understand-"
"So why Éomer… banished?" Cassandra interrupted somewhat too quickly.
She hated thinking about her childhood, much less discussing it. It was too painful an experience and she always felt that no one could ever understand what she experienced. So why dwell on it?
Éowyn’s face lost its smile and her eyes narrowed darkly. "Wormtongue," she almost snarled the name. "When Éomer tried to tell Théoden of the Orc that ravaged our lands and who wore the white hand of Saruman, Wormtongue had him banished for his… 'War-mongering'" Éowyn let out a rather unladylike scoff and she crossed her arms tightly across her chest. "That man is a monster! A snake, who’s every word is poison!"
Éowyn’s body language instantly spoke volumes. The faint paling of her skin, the change in pulse and respiration and the way she shifted her eyes from side to side, told Batgirl everything that she needed to know.
"He tried to rape you!" she cried bluntly.
Éowyn's head snapped towards Cassandra in shock. "What…? How did-"
"Your body… It… told me." Batgirl answered dismissively, trying to return to the topic at hand. "Did he…"
Éowyn shook her head fervently and hugged her arms to her chest. "He… tried. T'was another reason for Éomer's expulsion. My brother tried to protect me. He attacked Wormtongue, swearing that too long had he watched me and haunted my footsteps. His outburst only served as more reason for his banishment."
“I’m sorry,” Batgirl whispered. “I wish… I could help.”
Éowyn sat down on the edge of her bed again, and looked down at her folded hands. "My brother has been banished and my cousin is slain. I am not sure if anything can be helped."
"That stupid," Batgirl snapped and Éowyn spun around to look at her indignantly. "Things hurt. But things get better. I lose Robin. But I still fight. It's stupid to give up because of Wormtongue. Stupid Wormtongue… He’s just… a sexually frustrated jerk-hole!" Cassandra had once heard Black Canary call Green Arrow that once to Oracle. "You are a strong woman. I… see it in your body. In your eyes! You stopped him from hurting you! Be proud!"
Batgirl paused realizing that she was shouting and ducked her head slightly. "Sorry. I..."
Éowyn's eyes blazed with a renewed passion. She had no idea what a ‘sexually frustrated jerk-hole’ was, but it seemed a fitting description for Wormtongue. "No, do not apologize Cassandra," Éowyn said firmly, and she stood up proudly. "You are right! My uncle has been freed and my brother will return. I should not let the past hurt me further."
Batgirl nodded slightly. "Right."
Éowyn took Cassandra’s hands in her own and smiled thankfully. "Thank you, My Lady. I do not know how I shall ever be able to repay the kindness you have shown."
"No need," Cassandra said shaking her head. "What friends for?"
The Shield-Maiden's smile grew wider. "Of course." Éowyn paused as she looked out the window to see the sun beginning to set. "Come Cassandra… It is time."
The Prince of Rohan would forever be remembered as a mighty warrior, for he had died defending his land from the Uruk-Hai of Saruman. But that brought no comfort for his family. King Théoden dressed in fine bearing the colors of Edoras, followed his son’s body, head bowed and face grave. Besides him strode Lady Éowyn clad in dark blue gown and her long blonde hair was done up in an intricate bun. She held her head up high and her face was commanding, though her blue eyes glistened with tears.
All of Edoras followed the grieving family in a silent funeral march; amongst them were the five members of the Fellowship. Although none save Gandalf and Aragorn had ever met Theodred, they all felt a need to pay their respects, at least for the sake of Théoden and Éowyn.
The precession traveled though the village and out into the fields that surrounded Edoras. They were led to where the royal burial site had been built hundreds of years passed. Éowyn and the other Shield-Maidens of Rohan stood to one side of the mausoleum’s doors and in a quivering voice Éowyn sang softly, as her cousin was laid to rest.
Batgirl stood with her friends a little further back, remaining respectfully silent and distant enough to give the mourners their space. As Cassandra watch Theodred’s body set into the mausoleum and all those he cared for him crying and mourning his passing, she couldn’t help but let her mind wander back to Robin. He had also died while fighting the Orcs of Saruman, but unlike Théoden's son, had not been given a proper burial. Only brief mention and one of his weapons put out to sea.
Once the services had ended and the crowds began to disperse, Théoden called Éowyn to him. He spoke to her quietly for a brief moment and then kissed her brow. The Shield-maiden turned and strode purposefully where the Fellowship stood.
"My Lady, I am certain I speak for all my companions when I say how sorry we are for the loss you and your Uncle have suffered," Aragorn said, bowing his head slightly, as did the other members of the Fellowship.
Éowyn's cheeks flushed and she bowed her head slightly. "I thank you, my lord," she said softly, turning to look at everyone. "The King has requested that food be arranged so that you all may know the true hospitality of Edoras and to make amends for the events of the afternoon. We owe you all our deepest of thanks."
"Friends should always be willing to help one another, especially in these dark times, my lady," Legolas said.
Éowyn nodded and turned to lead them back to Edoras.
Batgirl stopped when she realized that Gandalf wasn’t following, but instead stood watching as Théoden placed a flower at the foot of the family tomb. She was about to call out to the Wizard, when Aragorn placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head.
The group returned to Golden Hall, and sat about awaiting Théoden and Gandalf’s return. Éowyn spent much of the timing asking many questions about their adventures that led them to Rohan. The Fellowship answered everything best they could, though making certain to avoid anything about the Frodo, Sam and the One Ring. Even if they were no longer with the two hobbits, secrecy of their mission was still important and Saruman’s spies could still be anywhere.
As Gimli and Legolas began to argue about the size of the cave-troll they had faced in Moria, Éowyn took a seat besides Batgirl and Aragorn. "Cassandra, I’ve been meaning to ask you a something for sometime. I hope that you will forgive my tactlessness, but… You told me of Boromir and of your friends the Hobbits, yet you haven’t spoken much of the other one you lost. Please don’t think me rude, but what happened to the one you called ‘Robin’?"
Batgirl looked at Aragorn sadly, but before either could respond, the doors burst open and Gandalf and Théoden came barging in. In Théoden’s arms he carried a small girl no older than eight years old, while Gandalf held a boy roughly about twelve or thirteen.
"Children?" Aragorn gasped in confusion. "Gandalf what has happened?"
"Danger."
To be continued…