towers

682 the two towers
cunning work, gifts to my fathers out of Gondor. Choose
from these ere we go, and may they serve you well!’
Now men came bearing raiment of war from the king’s
hoard, and they arrayed Aragorn and Legolas in shining mail.
Helms too they chose, and round shields: their bosses were
overlaid with gold and set with gems, green and red and
white. Gandalf took no armour; and Gimli needed no coat
of rings, even if one had been found to match his stature, for
there was no hauberk in the hoards of Edoras of better make
than his short corslet forged beneath the Mountain in the
North. But he chose a cap of iron and leather that fitted well
upon his round head; and a small shield he also took. It bore
the running horse, white upon green, that was the emblem
of the House of Eorl.
‘May it keep you well!’ said Théoden. ‘It was made for me
in Thengel’s day, while still I was a boy.’
Gimli bowed. ‘I am proud, Lord of the Mark, to bear your
device,’ he said. ‘Indeed sooner would I bear a horse than be
borne by one. I love my feet better. But, maybe, I shall come
yet where I can stand and fight.’
‘It may well be so,’ said Théoden.
The king now rose, and at once Éowyn came forward
bearing wine. ‘Ferthu Théoden hál! ’ she said. ‘Receive now
this cup and drink in happy hour. Health be with thee at thy
going and coming!’
Théoden drank from the cup, and she then proffered it to
the guests. As she stood before Aragorn she paused suddenly
and looked upon him, and her eyes were shining. And he
looked down upon her fair face and smiled; but as he took
the cup, his hand met hers, and he knew that she trembled
at the touch. ‘Hail Aragorn son of Arathorn!’ she said. ‘Hail
Lady of Rohan!’ he answered, but his face now was troubled
and he did not smile.
When they had all drunk, the king went down the hall to
the doors. There the guards awaited him, and heralds stood,