When they arrived they found Theoden with Gandalf and Eomer. Aragorn and Legolas joined them.

"I've spoken to Theoden and he agrees that we should head for Gondor at once." Gandalf imformed them.

"Why did the orcs attack Gandalf?" Eomer asked.

"I do not know. But it is important that we start our journey as soon as possible."

Eomer nodded and then turned to Theoden. "My king, I ask that by your leave I would like to accompany Gandalf and his companions to Gondor. If this has to do with the orc's attack I should like to know more about it."

Theoden looked startled. "Absolutely not. I will not allow my kin to go on such a errand. Especially with orc armies about. Sending you with them would be like sending my own son."

"And why shouldn't I go?"

They turned around to see Theodred walking up to them with Gimli.

"Eomer is right. If this has something to do with Rohan's safety we should look into it."

"It is out of the question." Theoden told them both sternly.
"Besides, I doubt Gandalf would want you to come."

"Actually, Theoden, I believe that having Eomer and Theoden accompany us would prove most helpful."

Theoden turned to Gandalf in disbelief.

"We do not have enough riders to help carry the hobbits. As well as Gimli."

Gimli glared at Gandalf but the wizard didn't notice.

"You would ask me to send my son and nephew on a perilous journey to Gondor?" Theoden asked in anger.

"It would not be perilous my King. We may encounter a small pack of orcs or two. But both Theodred and Eomer know how to handle themselves and I can assure you that Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli are three of the most skilled fighters you will ever meet."

Aragorn waited for Theoden's response. He understood that Theoden wouldn't want to endanger his kin.

Of course, Aragorn wouldn't mind having Eomer and Theodred with them. They were skilled horsemen and fighters.

Finally, Theoden sighed. "If this is what the two of you wish, than I will not stop you."

Theodred's face lit up immediately. "Do not worry father, we shall return soon. Come Eomer! Let us prepare for the journey!"

Theodred sped off while Eomer followed more slowly.

Gimli glanced at Aragorn with a look that said, Are we sure about this?

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The hobbits were glad to hear that Theodred and Eomer would be going with them to Gondor.

The same could not be said for Eowyn.

"I do not see why I cannot go if my brother is." She told Theodred.

"I've already made up my mind. Eomer and Theodred will go with Gandalf and you will remain here. Your people need you Eowyn."

Eowyn opened her mouth to protest but Theoden silenced her with a look.

Meanwhile, the others were preparing for the journey. They'd packed food, water, and weapons.

They also decided whom each of the hobbits would be riding with.

Frodo would ride with Gandalf, Sam with Aragorn, Merry with Eomer, and Pippin with Theodred. Gimli and Legolas already agreed that they would ride together.

Frodo noticed that neither Gandalf or Legolas used reigns, or a saddle.

"Do you wonder how they manage to ride like that?" Frodo asked Gimli.

"I don't know lad. I just hope that elf knows what he's doing."

"Are you afraid of falling off?" Frodo asked.

"No."

"Are you afraid of the horse?"

"I don't trust it."

Gimli glared at the white horse, whose name was Arod, while it stamped its hooves impatiently on the ground.

Legolas walked over to it and gently stroked his neck. Whispering softly to it.

The horse snorted and stamped its hoof again.

"He is eager to begin our journey. He has not run for awhile." Legolas told them.

"You can understand him?" Frodo asked in wonder.

"Crazy elf business." Gimli muttered.

"I heard that." Legolas said as he continued to stroke Arod.

Elves. Gimli rolled his eyes and waited for the others to arrive.

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They left without much fanfare. A few people watched them leave but they didn't ask questions.

Once they left the city Gandalf led them in a run through Rohan. They had left at night and planned to ride until dawn.

Gandalf told them that if they went without to long of a rest they could reach Minas Tirith in three days.

They rode all night and didn't stop even when the sun rose the next morning. They didn't stop until it began to grow dark again.

They dismounted and made camp for that night. After they'd eaten they decided who would have first watch.

Theodred offered to go first. The others settled themselves on the ground. Pippin, however, couldn't sleep.

He sat up and looked around at his sleeping companions.

"Do they always sleep like that?"

Pippin jumped at Theodred's voice.

"Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

"It's alright. I just forgot you were here. I'm used to it just being us." Pippin gestured to his friends.

Theodred laughed quietly. "That's fine Pippin."

"What were you saying?" Pippin asked walking over to sit next to him.

"Elves. Do they always sleep like that?" Pippin looked over at Legolas. The hobbit still hadn't gotten used to how elves slept with their eyes open.

"Yes. I think so. I heard Aragorn say that elves never fall into an actual sleep."

"That's odd." Theodred commented. He looked over at Pippin.

"So, how did you come to be in this company of men, elves, dwarves, and hobbits?"

Pippin blinked. Gandalf hadn't told them about the ring. What would he say?

Legolas suddenly shot up. It startled both Pippin and Theodred.

"Someone is coming." He stood up and was followed by Gandalf and Aragorn.

Gimli, Eomer, and the rest of the hobbits woke up as well.

"Were any of you actually sleeping?" Theodred asked as he stood to his feet.

His question remained unanswered as they saw a lone rider approaching them. The rider dismounted and began walking towards them.

Legolas recognized who it was in the dark. "Eowyn?"

"Eowyn?" Eomer and Theodred exclaimed at the same time. They waited for her to cone closer.

"What are you doing here?" Eomer asked her angrily.

"I wanted to come with you." She replied calmly.

"Does my father know you are here?" Theodred asked. He seemed more curious than angry.

Eowyn shook her head. "No. He doesn't."

"How long have you been following us?" Eomer asked.

"I started after you an hour after you left." Eowyn looked at all of them and declared, "I will not go back to Edoras. I am going with you no matter what."

None of them spoke. Everyone was waiting for someone to say something.

Finally Gandalf spoke. "Well, as long as you are here lady Eowyn, you might as well come with us. But I guarantee that Theoden will not be pleased."

Eowyn smiled and turned to Eomer. "As long as you are all awake, shall we continue? If we leave now we can reach Minas Tirith by nightfall."

Everyone glanced at each other in silence. Pippin shrugged. "All right then. Let's go."

They put out the fire and mounted their horses. Following Gandalf they headed for Minas Tirith.