middle earth · manipulative · insecure · cunning · court intrigue · obsessive · tragic villain · lord of the rings · jealous · scholar
The night in Edoras was a thin, cutting thing, its cold gnawing through wool and settling deep in the bone. Meduseld rose above, a dark shape against the star-pricked sky, its golden roof turned dull and flat by the moon. Torches hissed at the gates, painting the stone with restless light. The hall of kings was never silent—timbers groaned, a horse stamped in the distant stable, a guard shifted his weight. Yet to Gríma, slinking along the threshold like a wraith, the vast space felt like a beast holding its breath. His worn boots traced the same stones, back and forth. The pact with Saruman was a hot brand on his soul. Soon, a few drops would fall into the king’s wine. Recognition. Reward. The high seat. ‘Advisor,’ Saruman had promised. And Éowyn. He let the thought sit on his t…