The Golden Hall

[Anwyn]

On the walls are hung great tapestries, the most magnificent of all,which a shaft of pure white light illuminates, gloriously portrays Eorl the young, first king of Rohan, riding to battle to the aid of Gondor. The Hall is long and wide,and the high ceiling is held aloft by great columns that shine dully with pale gold and many other colours. The floor is paved with many stones, intricatly cut and fitted perfectly together. This Hall, which has stood since the time of the second king of Rohan, is a place of great beauty and wisdom.

[Anwyn]

The many intridicate tapestries that adorned the walls, woven of golds and crimsons were a bright contrast to the heavy mood in the air this night. Many had gathered this night following the return of those that had fallen during a squrimish with the wildmen of Dunland. A hush fell over the group as the great doors swung open and Anwyn appeared, garbed in a long black dress, hung head low as she seemed to drift to the front of the hall. Mounting the raised dias, she turned to address the gathered. Soldiers, family...children.

Starring out into the group, she saw much pain. Tears ran into thick beards, eyes lined with years of worry and toil glistening. Taking a deep breath she collected her own sorrows enough to speak "Brothers....Sisters, Of Rohan" she started in a voice loud enough so that it rang out through the hall and could be heard by all "Today we gather to mourn the loss of our brothers, husbands...sons" as she said this a womans tortured sob rang throughout the hall and Anwyn hung her head, silent as the woman was held tightly by her husband "They fell into battle to our enemies, the barbaric wildmen of Dunland" despite this most solemn occasion she was barely able to keep the venom from her tone when speaking of them.

"They may have broken there bodies, but there spirits shall never be broken and now dwell in the halls of there Fathers, for they were heros all and we owe them our most prefound gratitude." Anwyn paused for a moment, others followed bowing there heads in thought "For many years Rohan has fought off those that would take our lands from us, and for many years we have fought back. Many have given there lives in service to country. Challenges have been issued to us, and she shall answear as we always have....with raised swords and our voices. Let our enemies run in fear once they hear the horns of Rohan!" The men raised there fists and cheered, loud clear voices echoing off the stone walls of the chamber.

Anwyn raised a chalice "Hail! To the Victorious Dead" The gathered raised there glasses as well, and took a drink. Taking a sip herself, Anwyn drank though the wine was abnormally bitter to her tongue. This victory had been most bitter as well, and while she knew it would not be the last many things still troubled her.