The screech of an eagle, but far louder than any ordinary eagle could be heard echoing through the city of Edoras and its environs. King Théoden jumped at the piercing sound of the bird call. He turned to find a great Eagle had landed and stood, eyeing him through a doorway. The king was not sure if he should approach or shut the door and wait for the massive bird to fly away, but the eagle spoke suddenly in common tongue. "Greetings, Théoden King."

The king’s eyes widened as he heard speech utter from the bird’s beak. he wondered if this may be one of the Great Eagles of Manwë, of which he had heard. He stood in disbelief that he had received a visit from such a lofty being.

The Eagle saw that he frightened the King. "My apologies Théoden. I ought, perhaps, to have been more careful. I am Gwaihir, Lord of the Great Eagles of the Misty Mountains."

The King of Rohan finally managed to find the wherewithal to speak: "Greetings! Welcome to Edoras." This was the best he could muster, still astonished to be conversing with an animal.

"I thank you Son of Thengel, the Great Eagle replied. “We have not met, but I knew your father well. We fought together once."

Théoden smiled and started to relax. "I am honored to host you, Lord Gwaihir! May I ask what brings you to the Horse-lands?” The king wondered what a Maia-born Eagle of Manwë might eat, and what to offer his guest. He hoped it would not be horsemeat.

“A word of warning, the eagle said. “From my flight in the high skies, I see much that ground walkers might miss. Not all the orcs in Moria were killed or dispersed. Many have been heading to the south of Mirkwood, I know not why. I wish only to honor my friendship with Rohan by sharing with you that, which I have seen."

Théoden’s face turned grey with concern. He had feared that the troubles that plague the lands to the North would migrate to his door.

Gwaihir nodded to a lady that emerged from the building. "Greetings, daughter of Eorl."

The king spoke. “Lord Gwaihir, may I present Lady Quil of Rohan?”

Lady Quil smiled warmly and bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Lord Gwaihir," she said.

"An honor Lady Quil," the great eagle nodded as a Lord might, without bowing as a commoner would.

The king spoke again, "Lady Quil, it is my esteemed pleasure to introduce to you none other than a Maia of Manwë himself. The great Eagle has come to share news of the world."

The lady inquired, “And what might that news be Lord Gwaihir? It must be important."

Théoden hoped the Great Eagle would keep mum and downplay the Orc trouble. The King was concerned and felt it was early yet to worry his people.

Gwaihir noted Théoden's silence and said to the Lady only "One sovereign visiting another.” He then responded to Théoden’s introduction. "I am not equal to the first Eagle, who indeed is of the Maiar. His wings spanned the width of an entire city. however, I serve my own people and all free folk in Middle Earth, to the benefit of all. Such is our mandate from the Lord of Winds, and thus I have lived and shall spend the rest of my days."

Théoden was visibly grateful for Lord Gwaihir's discretion. "You speak of Thorondir?" the king asked as Lady Quil listened quietly to the wise bird.

Gwaihir responded, "Yes, Thorondir the Great King of Eagles. After him there could be none equal, and hence we have only taken the title of Lord, in deference to our Eternal King." Presently Lady Quil departed about some matter of her own concern.

Théoden smiled, trying to imagine an even greater bird than that which stood before him: "Manwë is the greatest of the Valar, as I was taught as a boy."

Gwaihir nodded, "Lord Manwë is King of the Valar, and his beloved servant Thorondir is the King of Eagles. Our great hope at the end of our lives is to join Him in his Eyries atop the sacred Pelori in Aman.”

"This is what I was taught,” the king asserted, “yet, I was also taught that there was once a greater Vala. The one who fell into darkness, whose name is not to be spoken." Théoden wondered at times, if the tales of these Valar were true and began to think that the Great Eagle before him might be proof. He nodded, glad he had not misspoken.

Gwaihir replied. “That darkened one of whom you speak is not a Vala and has not been one since he began flying with the wind of rebellion. We do not speak his name either and he was cast out of all circles of Eä, which is all that is. "Great power was his, but great power is not Greatness. Wisdom he spurned and deemed himself better than others. And this pride was the gale that blew him into darkness."

Théoden continued to another question in his mind. "It is said that the Elves return to the land of the Valar when they depart Middle Earth. This is not so for Men. It gives me hope to think that the Animals of Middle Earth may go yet to the undying lands.”

Gwaihir nodded. “Men are given the gift of mortality, although not all men see this as a gift. Men sometimes foolishly desire the immortality of the elder folk. But the wisest say the gift to mankind was the greater gift, to depart this world to true rest and eternal bliss in the luminous presence of The One, the Allfather." he translated these names directly from elvish Eru Iluvatar, out of respect for their tradition, that speaking his name aloud anywhere but the most safe and sacred of places was forbidden.

Théoden nodded and looked to the ground. He then looked up and answered. " The Rohirrim believe the same. We try to achieve great deeds in life, so that we may have honor in death."

Gwaihir listened attentively then responded thoughtfully, "A wise elder Eagle once told me...What we become is of far surpassing in value and importance, to what we do."

Théoden smiled, enjoying very much his first conversation with a Sentient Animal. The horse-lord enjoyed a close bond with his steed, Snowmane, of course. But the horse did not converse on this level. "My sires, the Sons of Eorl, have achieved greatness. I only wish to follow in the footsteps of the former kings."

The Windlord nodded perceptively. "Remember, my friend, we are all of us beings of light, not the forms we take in life. And to light all return, sooner in the case of Man, later in the case of the Elves and Eagles. Even the Valar take forms in this world and will shed them when it ends."

The king smiled. The Rohirrim have never considered Eru Iluvatar's gift of mortality less than a gift.”

Gwaihir nodded his agreement, the continued his thought, "I know not. what is the eternal fate of the darkened folk and their dark lords, but it would not surprise me if they too will one day be redeemed and taught the folly and arrogance of their ways, and humbled to the depths of sorrow and then renewal."

"Men are all flawed in some way,” Théoden rejoined. “To that end, we all hope for redemption. I imagine that to be the same even for those who choose a path of darkness."

The Eagle nodded. "Flaws are part of learning, growing, and becoming. Even Darkness must play its role. Only The One knows all things and how all beings play parts in his purposes. I bow to The One, whose wisdom surpasses that of the wisest of beings in Eä.”

The Lord of the Mark smiled. "It seems we have more in common in difference, Lord Gwaihir! And that is saying a lot, considering!"

Gwaihir nodded and fluffed his plumage, an eagle expression of agreement. "I know this, if it were not for evil and darkness, I would never have found valor and compassion, and these I cherish above all, even above life."

Théoden smiled at the Great Bird, still in awe that he had the opportunity to speak with him.

“I have flown the winds of this world for more than a thousand years, but some men who live but 90 years or fewer, have wisdom that even I have learned from. Whether we live long or briefly is not important. Obtaining wisdom and virtue are all that matter to me.," Gwaihir confided.

The king knew in his heart that he had a deep bond with all the "beasts" of Rohan, especially the horses. His people treated their feathered and four-legged friends as well as other people. But he was still inwardly impressed to have an exchange of words with a Lord of the Eagles. Théoden tried to imagine the world from the view of an Eagle, from the sky... He understands the swiftness of riding full out on horse across the plain. It feels a bit like what flying may be like. he added, "Wisdom and virtue are appreciated qualities in my lands, As well as Honesty and Kindness."

Gwaihir nodded and fluffed his agreement again. "Kindness is the greatest of virtues, and honesty the better part of honor. I sense great depth of spirit and mind in you Théoden King. I am persuaded that you shall rise to the stature of your forebears and play a significant role in this age, ere it comes to an end. I wish you only strength and faith in yourself. Walk the path, wherever it leads, and walk it well. I depart now, for my watch over Middle Earth is not ended, and there is yet much I can do before the sun sets this day."

The Lord of Rohan heard the Eagle Lord’s words and heeded them. He answered, "The great pleasure of our meeting, Lord Gwaihir, is mine. I thank you for your words of Friendship. As ever I will strive to attain the greatness of my forebears. I do not want to lose heart with news of the troubles beyond my borders. I will seek assistance from this advice.”

Gwaihir said in parting, "To fear is not cowardice, only to let that fear stop you from engaging the enemy. Farewell until our paths cross again." The Lord of the Great Eagles flapped his huge wings with a great cry, then rose up into the air and flew northwest, toward Isengard and Dunland beyond.

King Théoden, Lord of the Mark of Rohan called out as the Great Eagle was still near, "Good night! I thank you for offering your news and this great counsel."