Forums » Fantasy Roleplay » The War Of The Rohirrim

Dunhama watched as Runhild cared for one of the dead. Seeing such empathy made Dunhama proud to know her. He looked around and saw the carnage of the destroyed deeping-wall and those working to lay the dead to rest. Then his eye caught sight of the Dunlanding prisoners working in the rubble. He glared hard at them, and when one lay a body down and looked up at first Runhild, then him, his fist opened to squeeze the handle of his axe.

But then, a most beautiful sound he hear come to his ears, and he turned to behold Runhild. Her voice was soft, smooth, and velvety with such feeling! He swallowed as a break in the cloud allowed a beam of the sun to wrap her in its comforting light. She glowed bright in her green dress, and the dirge for the dead echoed out over the destruction below. Dunhama swallowed and started to accompany her with a lower resonance. Dunhama wished he had his lyre, but still the air around them seemed to lighten even as the sun again faded behind clouds of grey.

As Runhild’s song turned to that of life, Dunhama listened as did those around them. Much different from the songs of the tavern, he closed his eyes and fell into a dream wrapped in her voice. When she ended, there was silence. Even the Dunlandings below had paused to listen. Dunhama no longer felt hatred toward them as he turned to Runhild and said,

”M’lady, you are gifted with song! Maybe we could compose a song of these days together?”

He was hopeful, and gave her a smile as she looked to him.


But time they had little, for the King came out and with, Eomer, Eowyn, a dark-haired man from the north, and a grey bearded wise man, called everyone to attentionin a commanding voice and said,

”People of Rohan, we have won a great victory with help unlooked for. But danger has yet to pass us by. There will be a celebration of feasting, song, and dance when we return to Edoras. As we made the trek here in much danger, we return now in less danger. Erkenbrand will command the recovery efforts here in Helms Deep and the Westfold, and for all who have lost loved ones, a service will be held as they are laid to rest.”

He paused for a moment before he went on,

”I have also granted the Dunlanding prisoners to attend to their dead. With such gesture, may it instil a beginning of peace and co-existence, ending the centuries-old feud between our peoples.”

Dunhama stood still. He again turned his attention to those Dunlandings working below. The King of Rohan has extended an olive branch to the Dunlandings. Could he do the same? Thoughts of his mother came to him, and he knew it would be a hard ask for him to do. He again turned his attention back to the King as he spoke, unknowingly taking Runhild’s hand in his.

"I would love to compose a song with you, Dunhama," Runhild said softly. She rose as the king appeared, followed by his kin and two of the strangers she'd heard about. She studied each of them carefully. The Northerner was handsome enough, but still slightly grizzled. Yet he held himself with a sense of dignity. The old man bore the look of a man who had seen much of the world. His face was somber, but his eyes twinkled with a child-like amusement.

She felt Dunhama's hand slip into hers at the king's announcement. She could sense his internal struggle, though she did not fully understand what it was about. She ran her thumb over the top of his hand.

"It will be alright," she soothed, her eyes trained on his face.

Dunhama felt Runhild's gaze on him, and as he looked to her, he felt himself relax. The King was right. There had to be a first step taken. It had to be hard for King Theoden to make such a statement after these very people tried to kill every one of us.

With a deep breath, Dunhama nodded slightly. Runhild was right. This would be alright. He had to let go of the hatred of the Dunlandings. But as the King finished speaking, they would have to prepare to return to Edoras.

"I have little to bring back with me. I either left it in Edoras or lost it on the road. Yet I feel I gained much in life in meeting and getting to know you Lady Runhild. Already my mind composes a song for you."

Dunhama blushed some after he said that. He thought of what Runhild said was her dreams, and what she felt was going to be her life.... what she thouyght she had to settle for. He wanted her to be able to at least reach for her dreams, but what could an orphan tavern rat offer? He fell deep in thought not realising the preparations to return were commencing.

Runhild blushed, a smile creeping upon her face. She gave her friend's hand one more squeeze before turning to help pack up from the ruins. Children clung to their parents, wives to their husbands. Soldiers from both sides picked each other up, some with hesitation, but it happened all the same.

Runhild found herself helping a wounded warrior onto a stretcher, or returning a young boy to his mother. Before she knew it, the Hornburg was emptying, and Rohan was moving back home.

Once again, she took Dunhama by the hand, leading him beyond the Deeping wall. Once, she feared that they would not make it out alive. Now...she found a new fear. Something bigger was out there. She could sense it. Something far more dangerous. Isengard had fallen into darkness...how much of the rest of the world was following in its path?

They had made good time toward Edoras as the day waned. The westering sun had warmed them nicely, but the clouds rolled in from the west against the White Mountains and it started to rain. Such was the weather in the spring, making fields of green grass. Dunhama looked up to the sky and let the rain splash his face. It felt good, not as much as the warm spring in the glittering caves, but good.

He looked to Runhild who rode next to him, and she seemed somber as she looked about. She pointed away to the east where the last rays of the sun lit a rising black mass of an unnatural plume far to the east. It faded into the dimness as the couds overtook the last of the sun.

"We have gained but a respite I am afraid."

Dunhama said as he reached for Runhild's hand. He drew closer and kissed her fingers as they entwined for a moment, befor ethey parted again. It will be good to arrive in Edoras. They would get a moment to rest and celebrate their victory before they had to face the eastern fear.

Runhild stayed by his side the entire duration of the movement. Many a time she broke into song, singing as they walked. Sometimes the children in the procession would join in, sometimes it was just her and Dunhama.

It was late in the day when they'd returned to Edoras. Runhild paused within the streets, still clinging to Dunhama's hand. She took in the sight of the familiar land, the scent, the smiles as people ran home. For a moment, all fear was forgotten. Bouncing on her toes, she flung her arms around Dunhama's neck, half laughing, half crying from joy.

"We're home," she whispered. "We're home!"

Edoras, it seemed so long ago that they had to flee to Helms Deep. It was really only a few days.

”Yes, we’re home…”

Dunhama said as he kissed Runhild’s cheek. They looked to the Golden Hall, and already those who came back from Dunharrow or arrived before them from Helms Deep were preparing for a celebration. Dunhama glimpsed at the darkness away to the east before turning again to Runhild. He looked at how radiant Runhild looked in her green dress and her happiness, and he too had to smile. For now, he would not dwell on what was to come. He laughed and lifted Runhild by the hips and turned around in a circle before giving her a hug. He now just had to find something decent enough to wear to be able to escort Runhild to the celebration.

Runhild leaned her head against his chest after Dunhama set her down, giggling like she did all those years ago when she would spy on boys working in the fields. It felt so good to be home, and with Dunhama by her side. They shared a quiet moment together until at last, a voice cut through the air.

"Runhild? Runhild! Thank the stars!" A woman cried, bustling towards them. Her hair was almost silver, shot through with remaining strands of strawberry blonde. She bore the same bright green eyes as Runhild.

Runhild let out a faint cry as she pulled away from Dunhama, for the woman was her mother, Tahyldr. The two women embraced each other, crying and laughing at the same time.

"Father..." Runhild managed to get out. Tahyldr nodded.

"I know, love. I saw them lay him to rest. Thank goodness you're safe!" She held her daughter at arm's length, then paused, finally noticing Dunhama. A shadow seemed to pass over her face. Runhild took note, stepping protectively in front of him.

"Mother, this is Dunhama," Runhild said in a measured voice. "He helped me bring Father's body to Helm's Deep, and fought by my side. He is a true man of Rohan. And I..." she flushed, her voice growing smaller, "I love him."

Tahyldr studied the two, her lips thin. She knew this day would come sooner or later, but she hadn't expected it to be the tavern wench's boy. Yet she could tell that Runhild held him dear in her heart. Who was she to take away her daughter's happiness?

A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Well then. There is to be a feast tonight in celebration. Come with me. I cannot allow you two to show up in traveling clothes. Not in the king's presence!"

She led them to a small house upon a hill. A couple of goats were tied outside; laundry still hung on a line, fluttering in the breeze. Tahyldr motioned them inside, insisting that they sat while she gathered up clothes. She returned only moments later, an embroidered tunic and silk pants for Dunhama, and a soft blue dress for Runhild.

"Go on! Get dressed, and quickly! You can't keep the king waiting!" Tahyldr cried. Runhild laughed and disappeared into a back room to change.

Dunhama could see the hesitation in Tahyldr as Runhild introduced him. He gave her a polite nod and was relieved that she relented with Runhild’s words. Still she didn’t give him any quarter in her looks. He did not know she knew who he was.

He was nervous and was grateful for the loan of the fine clothing. Dunhama waited while Runhild dressed. Tahyldr came to him and said,

”I can’t say I approve of my daughter’s choice of boys. It was my hope that a noble horselord would smite her heart, but the way she looks at you and the sound of her voice… Who am I to say? I do say that you do not hurt her heart. Do you love Runhild?”

Dunhama fidgeted slightly under her stare but said as Runhild walked out in her beautiful dress,

”I believe I do m’lady.”

He bowed to her then turned and bowed to Runhild even as he tried not to stare. She was breathtaking! He quickly went down and got into the fine attire. When he emerged, Tahyldr was working with Runhild’s hair. She was quite driven for they not get to the Golden Hall late.

Tahyldr put the finishing touches in her daughter's hair; a silver ribbon that wove through her braids. With a smile, Runhild rose to face Dunhama. A faint blush touched her cheeks as she took in Dunhama in his finery; he cleaned up nicely.

She crossed the floor and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek before looping her arm around his.

"Come," she said brightly, leading him out the door. "Let us be merry!"

She led him through the now darkened streets, towards the Hall. Even from a distance, music and laughter could be heard.

It felt Surreal walking to the Golden Hall with Runhild. She was so beautiful in her dress, and there was a glow to her smile when she looked at him. He felt awkward as he had never dressed formally before, and he had to remember his proper manners while mingling with the high-born.

But as soon as the entered, the music and song seemed to lift spirits. This night was not going to be infested by the darkness of the east. Dunhama tried to remember the tavern dances, and he looked to Runhild as a fast number broke out on the Lyre and Nykleharpia.

”A dance me lady?”

Dunhama said to Runhild with a smile. He would have to ask Tahyldr to dance sometime this night. He guessed Runhild’s mother could keep it there with any of them young ones. Dunhama wondered what it would be like to see Runhild’s father and mother dancing with joy.

Dunhama turned his sights only on Runhild, who smiled and danced, and her body moved in such gentle and enticing ways that had him tensing even as he tried to appear relaxed and unrestrained.

Runhild beamed, taking Dunhama by the hand and leading him to an open spot in the floor. The two of them were quickly swept up into the dance. Runhild bounded through the steps, switching from partner to partner, back to Dunhama, and then off again. Each time she found herself in Dunhama's arms, she stayed a little longer, her eyes bright.

The music died away, and the room was filled with cheers and applause. Runhild stayed by Dunhama's side. It felt so good to be home, safe, without a care in the world. The joy here was almost tangible.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw two Halfings. She'd heard that they had been picked up by the king after their ride to Isengard. Halflings had always been nothing more than a child's tale to her, so it was more than a shock for her to see them. Some ways away, she caught sight of the Elf and Dwarf, accompanied by Eomer.

She turned back to Dunhama. "Is there anything you'd like to do?"

Dunhama enjoyed the dances and watching Runhild smile and glow. He took her arm feeling proud to be with the most beautiful woman there. He said,

"I think I may get a glass of wine. Would you like one? If not, walk with me over to the table where they were serving."

They started to walk around the edge of the hall, and he could see for once it was not he who turned heads, but Runhild. While they waited to be served, Dunhama heard the tuning of a nyklharpa. He turned and looked at the stage. The musicians were taking a small break, and one was checking his instruments. He leaned to Runhild and said,

"Maybe I will see if I can maybe play something later. That grey-haired guy tuning the nyklharpa, I know him. He would play at the tavern. He won't remember me, but I can only ask."

He looked at Runhild and was amazed at how beautiful she was. He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. He looked to her glowing eyes and asked,

"Come to the stage with me?"

"Yes, of course," Runhild grinned. She followed Dunhama over to the musicians. A few she recognized from her work in the stables; it was a common occurrence that they would neglect their duties and hide away to play their music. She had sung with them a couple of times. She smiled graciously as one of them winked at her, but she made no move to speak to him.

"Good evening," she said, loud enough to be heard over the chatter. "Might we be so bold as to ask to play ourselves? Dunhama here is skilled in song."

She shifted her weight, still smiling brightly.

"Dunhama you say?"

The older musician said as he bowed his head to Runhild and looked to Dunhama.

"My boy, you are all grown to manhood! With a lovely lady on your arm too. Have you learned much since we last spoke?"

Dunhama shifted and said,

"Yes, I still have the Lyre you gave me. I played it a lot. I also learned to play the nyklharpa and had a chance to play an Organistrum"

The man stood up and bowed to Dunhama and held out his Nyklharpa.

"Well come up and show us what you have. Are you going to sing m'lady?"

Dunhama stepped up, forgetting he was in front of everyone including travellers and royalty, and took the nyklharpa. This was a nice one well cared for. He checked the tuning a little, as he looked back to Runhild. Would she join him in song?

Runhild shyly pulled herself up onto the stage, smiling faintly as she listened to Dunhama warm up. She had not sung in front of a large crowd, but she hardly doubted it would matter. Many of the men would be too drunk to remember anything the next day.

Comforted by that thought, she opened her mouth and began to sing a song she had heard sung relatively often within the taverns. She swayed gently to the tune, her eyes flitting to Dunhama as he played. It filled her with warmth to see the light in his eyes as the music filled the hall.

Playing music and listening to song brought Dunhama a happiness that, until a few days ago, couldn't be matched. Meeting Runhild changed it all. Now here they were he playing and she singing, it was magical! Watching her sway in her dress as she sang so beautiful brought smiles to Dunhama. He looked about and could see others in the hall pause and take note of the songstress. When she finished there were cheers and applause. Dunhama too set the instrument down gently and applaused Runhild who seemed to blush.

Dunhama came to her as she turned to him and he gave her a hug. He said in her ear,

"You are wonderful!"

And kissed her cheek before looking around seeing so many eyes on them. Dunhama stepped off the stage and turned to Runhild and lifted her down by her hips.

"I think I need that wine now. Shall we get a glass and take a walk?"



The celebration would go on and the musicians

Runhild grinned, latching onto Dunhama's arm. "Not so bad yourself," she laughed as she led him to one of the many barrels scattered throughout the hall. "You play very well."

She accepted a pair of goblets from a servant, handing one to Dunhama before placing her own underneath the spigot of the barrel. The dark red stuff pooled to the brim. She lifted it to her lips, inhaling the smell before taking a sip. She waited until Dunhama had filled his goblet, then began leading him around the edge of the hall, towards the doors.

"It's too stuffy in here," she explained, drinking now and again from her cup.

"Yes, it is. Let's walk out on to the courtyard"

Dunhama said as they passed the door-guard. He took a drink off the edge of his goblet to give him some room so as to not spill it. He took REunhild's arm after they got outside and they walked around the Golden Hall.

It would have been nice to have a vast field of stars to greet them, or the bright noon. But the skies were the same drab brown from the volcano in the east. The moon attempted to penitrate it, but could only manage a dull red that was barely noticable. When they got to the courtyard, they overlooked the wide reach of Rohan to the north. Dunhama took Runhild's free hand with his and sipped the wine.

"So dark," Runhild mused, all joy suddenly gone from her. She pressed her lips tightly together, her eyes trained on the horizon. There was a time, long ago, when the skies bore the same ill tidings and the wind whispered of death. Now, it seemed, that history was to try and repeat itself.

She let out a soft sigh. How strange, she thought, it was to celebrate a victory when so much darkness was creeping over the land. Victory would not last long. Not in these times.

And all the same, it somehow made sense to her. Celebration took one's mind off such things. Even if it was for a brief moment.

She took another sip of wine, the corners of her mouth pulled into a faint frown, and she leaned against Dunhama's shoulder.