a/n:This whole story is dedicated to my little sister who is also a writer on here (LobsterMobster95). Without her constant nagging, I wouldn't have gotten this up until I was an old woman. She put up with my whining and my re-writes. Most of all she supported me and I can't thank her enough for that. Love ya Bibsta!

And thanks to you my dear reader. You are who has made me into a better author.


~O~

I stepped back, clutching the pitcher to my breast as I watched the King confer with these newcomers. I learned that they had been a part of a fellowship that had been accompanying the Ring and the Ring bearer to Mount Doom for its destruction, before their separation. The man was called Aragorn, a ranger from the west. The dwarf was Gimli, son of Gloin. The elf was Legolas, son of Thranduil the Elvin King of Mirkwood. And the wizard Gandalf had been formerly known as Gandalf the Grey. That was why I had not recognized him! He had somehow changed in his travels and now bore a white robe and gleaming staff.

"They had no warning. They were unarmed." Eowyn said, standing up from her kneeling position by the children that had come from a newly sacked village in the Westfold. I stood at the other side of the table, refilling their goblets after they had gulped down their fill. "Now the wild men are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go!"

My eyes strayed to the elf, leaning against one of the pillars on the other side of the room, listening raptly to the debate. He still sent my heart racing and mind reeling with thoughts of faraway lands and other beautiful things. But those thoughts in this present state of unrest were foolish. Chastising myself silently, I strode to the dwarf's side and refilled his tankard with honeyed mead from my pitcher and once again concentrated on the plan that was conspiring.

Gandalf stepped toward the King, who had traveled across the room to Aragorn who sat smoking his pipe at one of the tables, and asked, "Then what is the King's decision?"

I held my breath as Theoden thought hard, glancing from one expectant face to the next. We were ordered to empty the city and make for Helms Deep, our safe hold in the mountainside. I quickly went about my duties, packing a few traveling gowns for Eowyn, and other assortment's of her items into trunks. I then put all my belongings in a sack and had everything taken out to a cart that was to be drawn by two mules. Lady Eowyn then excused me to go to the Orphans and make sure everything was being handled down there.

With a few last minute items clutched to my chest, I started for the Golden Hall, but as I went around the last corner I ran straight into someone. Stumbling slightly, I dropped the items held loosely in my arms, the contents spilling onto the floor. I stooped and began hastily grabbing up what had fallen, muttering apologetically, "Forgive me! I had no mind of where I was going!"

I felt my face heat uncomfortably, and cursed myself for letting my thoughts carry me too far away. I froze however when I recognized the hand that offered me the small book of letters that Lady Eowyn had given me (in order to learn how to read and write). I'd spent enough time staring at it over the past few days. I looked up slowly into the clear blue eyes of the elf, Legolas. I took my book, clutching it white knuckled, and stood swiftly stammering out an apology once again.

He merely smirked amusedly down at me as he gracefully rose to face me and commented bluntly, "You are very absent-minded for a royal."

I stuffed the book onto the pile of other things in my arms and mumbled embarrassed, "I am not part of the royal family…"

He seemed confused by this and asked, "But are you not dressed as one?"

Standing a little straighter, I replied, "I am Lady Eowyn's hand maiden. She has given me her old clothes out of the goodness of her heart."

With that, I muttered a small farewell and brushed past him. I did not look back. Before long, I was at the cottage, helping load all the children's things into the neighbor's cart. I was able to trade some of my pay for a bigger one, so he gladly obliged helping out when he could. Viorith, I noticed, was looking a little pale. I asked worriedly as he clambered into the back, pulling blankets over himself, "Do you feel well, brother?"

He grinned crookedly up at me, coughed and said, "Very well, dear sister. Do not worry about me. Marthay and Calil will take good care to keep me well."

I took his cold hand and squeezed it before going and telling Marthay that I was to ride with Lady Eowyn to Helms Deep if she needed me. I left shortly after that, knowing that if I took any more time, they would leave without me. I was given my own horse, which I quickly tied my satchel to, and mounted.

Soon after, we started on the journey to our safe haven.

~O~

"And so…the Kings…will l-live in…the halls of their…f-for…forb-"I read, struggling slightly. At the last word I held out the little book to Eowyn, still keeping a firm hold on my horse's reigns leading it along the uneven ground. She glanced at the page and said calmly, "Forbearers."

"Forbearers…" I repeated resolutely before continuing. We walked along next to the people of Edoras, talking with those around us, laughing at jokes, and reading from the book. It was slow going, but pleasant enough.

I was just beginning to read the next chapter when the dwarf, the elf, and the man rode up. My eyes widened slightly as I saw the elf study me curiously, and promptly shut the book. I would not allow so great of men hear me fumble with reading. He blinked in response. But I pretended not to notice and ducked my head, hiding my now red cheeks.

Leaning in to Lady Eowyn slightly, I whispered, "Look Milady, Lord Aragorn is here!"

I stifled my giggle as I saw her start in surprise. She of course told me of the meeting that had transpired between them before our departure; a clash of swords and an exchange of words. She'd never had anyone speak so well and strongly of her courage before. I nodded and smiled knowingly as she turned to greet them. Her feelings for him were already great, it was plain to see. Milady was a very simple, honest person really. If she didn't care for someone, you would know. If she did, you most certainly would know. Almost like Viorith, but with a harder edge from years of being suppressed as a woman.

I hung back and let Aragorn and her joke with one another. It appeared as though he may care for her as well. Smiling to myself, I tugged the book from my apron once again and turned back to where I'd left off.

"Are you only just learning?" a familiar voice asked softly to my left.

I started and looked up at the elf. He was gazing at me with interest, now. He continued, "You seem to be stuck. Perhaps I can assist you?"

I flushed, gripping the reigns of my horse tightly. Did he mean to insult me? I did not trouble either of us with answering his question. I instead lowered my gaze ashamedly and strode away, seeking the safety and comfort of Milady's strong presence. I couldn't help but feel like I was a child running to hide under her mother's skirts. When I no longer felt like my face was burning, I snuck a glance over my shoulder at him only to discover that he was no longer there. I took a fleeting look around and finally caught sight of him galloping off to the front of the procession. I sighed heavily, and then mumbled a quick excuse before offering up the word that I was having difficulty with to Milady for guidance.

We marched well into the night, and rose early the next morning. Today we would reach Helm's Deep. Many were exhausted, and after a long day of progress yesterday, the King was calling for rest until mid day which all were thankful for. Eowyn found me just as I was starting to prepare a stew. She watched as I situated the great iron pot over the fire curiously. Smiling as I poured water from the nearby stream in, I asked jokingly, "Does my lady wish to prepare the meal?"

The smile slipped from my face as she nodded and exclaimed, "Yes, I'll make enough for as many as I can!"

She took the ladle from my numb hand and began adding the ingredients I'd chopped. Truth be told, I was a bit nervous. The last time she'd cooked something it had somehow gone wrong. But despite my reluctance, I tried my best to walk her through the process once again. Sadly though, it was in vain. As we sat down to eat, I had to fight past the gammy texture of the fish and odd arrangement of spices.

"I believe this is better than last time," she commented, working the strange aftertaste around in her mouth.

"Yes I agree," I squeaked, as she turned to share a pleased grin with me.

Soon after that, she went around dolling out small portions to those around us. I could see in their faces that they too thought the flavor to be odd, but most merely shrugged and ignored it. Some have had little to go on but bread and small bits of dried pork. They were thankful for what they were given. Lord Aragorn however, was more transparent with his displeasure. Biting my knuckles so as not to laugh openly, I watched him attempt to pour his bowl full onto the ground behind him when Eowyn was not looking.

Leaving her to her charitable duties, I took my horse and checked on Viorith as the sun was just nearing mid afternoon. The lengthy traveling seemed to be taking a toll on him. I spent a couple hours reading to him slowly out of my book, even as the procession began once again.

"You must think yourself very important now that you know how to read." He teased weakly, grinning crookedly up at me.

I smiled importantly and asked, "Jealous?"

He shrugged and mumbled, "Maybe a little…"

Tucking the blankets around him more securely, I kissed the top of his head affectionately before leaving him to rest. I then rode up the line to where Lady Eowyn was. To my great displeasure I saw the dwarf, the man, and the elf were there at her side. When I neared, she smiled and asked, "How is your brother faring?"

I could feel all the eyes staring, waiting for my reply. Trying to avoid their scrutiny, I dismounted and answered quietly that he was doing well. When I slipped back out from the other side of my horse, I was glad to see that none had heard my small utterance.

It was nearing time for dinner when we heard the shrill scream of someone being attacked just over the hill. My heart jumped horribly in my chest, and I immediately scurried to Lady Eowyn's side and clutched her arm asking breathlessly, "What is it, Milady?!"

She shook her head, and looked to see Aragorn dashing down the hill to us. He called, "Orcs, we're under attack!"

Panic ran through the crowd in one great shiver. Those who did not hear quickly learned as those around them passed on the information in hurried whispers. I was grateful that Viorith and the others were well out of harm's way near the rear. They could make an easy escape if they had to.

All the soldiers rushed to their horses, mounting them and riding off towards the fast approaching danger. I helped Lady Eowyn usher those around us back, trying to keep the pandemonium under control, and direct them around the other side of the hill to Helm's Deep which was just in the distance. My eyes traveled to the crest of the hill, where I saw Legolas standing precariously on a jutting rock, looking out over the rolling hills. I watched in horror as dozens of Wargs – dreadful wolves from the bowels of darkness – bounded over the ridge, but he did not flinch. Instead, he drew his bow and shot two arrows in quick succession.

I did not see whether the arrows met their targets, but did not need to. I knew they would. I went with the throng back around to the other side of the hill and comforted those still shaken alongside Lady Eowyn. I too was scared, but seeing Legolas standing aloft, looking so strong, had somehow given me courage enough to help usher others along.

Soon we were within a few hundred yards of Helms Deep, and thankful cries rang out along the procession. Once I knew we were safe, I let out a long breath. Before long all the people of Edoras were inside, mingling with those from other refugee villages in Rohan. I saw Marthay and Viorith heading into the keep and out of the elements. Good, I thought, get him a bed and more rest.

Without my realizing, I found myself constantly glancing over the high walls when I got the chance. I was worried for the King and the men of Edoras, but my thoughts also strayed to the elf and his other two companions.

"Do you think they will be back soon…?" Eowyn asked suddenly as we jointly moved a crate full of provisions. I started, gripping the edge of the wood a little too tightly. When I did not answer straight away, she looked up and fixed me with her gaze.

My surprise immediately melted away when I saw her worry. Smiling reassuringly, I guided the box to a nearby resting place and went to her, taking her arm and leading her from the manual labor unfit for someone like her, to the encampment where Rohirians milled about looking frightened.

I said gently, "They will be back in time. Right now, your people need you. Come, I know of some sick we can tend while we wait. Do not worry Milady…"

My distraction proved to work. That is, until the King returned with those remaining of the soldiers. All looked a little worse for wear. I dashed forward with Lady Eowyn, and when we neared she said breathlessly, "So few…so few of you have returned."

"Our people are safe…" the King replied, moving to help a wounded soldier off his horse. "We have paid for it with many lives."

I rushed to aid him, helping steady the young man as he got to his feet. Over my shoulder, I heard Gimli's gruff voice, "My lady…"

I glanced back quickly and saw her studying his stance worriedly. He shuffled a little under her gaze as she asked tentatively, "Lord Aragorn…where is he?"

The dwarf's mouth worked for a moment no words escaping, until finally he said voice breaking slightly, "He fell…"

Her eyes grew wide with shock as my heart seemed to drop suddenly. She turned slowly to look at the King. He merely returned her gaze unemotionally as he made his way up the nearby stone steps. I wished to go to her but the wounded man needed attention. Using my shoulder as a crutch we made our way to the nearest cot. I cleaned his wounds and redressed the gaping slash in his side, but once I released him from my care, I went to find her.

She was busy helping with the other wounded. By the focused look in her eyes, I knew she would not wish to speak on the matter. She was not one to willingly bare her heart, and this one time when she did – when I encouraged her to – it was broken. Quietly I moved away, attempting to follow her example and care for those in need.

In a few minutes, however, it became apparent that I was to be of no further use. My head was too full of distracting thoughts. I settled upon going to the hall and seeing what I could do there. To my surprise, I saw the elf sitting on a stool, hunched over with his head in his hands as if trying to chase away some debilitating migraine. For whatever reason, my legs carried me to him. And as I stood before him, I muttered unthinkingly, "Lord Aragorn was a good man…I am sorry for your loss…"

He looked up at me slowly, as if unsure of what he heard. When he did not say anything, I resolved to dragging another stool to his side, and grabbing a nearby basket full of clothes that looked to be in need of mending. Sure enough I found the thread and needle on top of the pile, and silently began patching a hole in a pair of trousers.

After a minute of working, I stole a glance at him and saw him still staring at me incredulously. I blushed and mumbled, "It is best if one is not alone when grieving…"

"I am not grieving." He said quickly, a hint of stubbornness and anger in his voice. Patience, I told myself as I bristled at his manner, his companion has just been lost.

"As you say, my lord…"

I noticed his expression softened, as if he realized his harsh words. He then continued, "I am not grieving, because I do not know yet if he is truly gone from this world. Your King did not allow us to collect him…or any of the other dead…"

My hand froze mid-stitch. He left them? I looked into his clear blue eyes once again and asked slowly, "So you are…waiting for his return?"

My question seemed to amuse him. He smiled slightly and answered, "Yes…I suppose so…"

I blushed once again and looked away, busying myself with work. We did not speak again until he rose and said that he was to see to his other companion. But before departing, he asked gently, "May I leave my cloak with you to be mended…? It appears to have been torn in battle…"

I nodded mechanically, not trusting my voice to speak without it faltering. He removed it and held it out. I took it deftly, not meeting his gaze. He smiled once again and bowed before striding off down the hall. My entire body felt warm and tingly as I realized that the cloth smelled of the outdoors and something subtly sweet that I couldn't put my finger on.

~O~

Later on that evening, I went to see how Viorith was doing. Marthay and he were situated against a wall near the entrance to the keep on a cot the other children all close at hand. He was buried under blankets, pale face flushed with fever. I knelt by his side and stroked his hair asking, "How are you, my brother…"

His doe eyes opened a crack before closing once again. He panted, a ghost of his usual smile turning up his lips, "Quite well…"

I chuckled and situated myself next to him. I took out the cloak the elf had left me and began repairing the tear. When I was nearly finished my brother commented weakly, "That is the best mending I have seen you do, sister. Is it for someone you admire?"

My cheeks burned as my head snapped around to look down at him. He was watching me closely, mischief glinting in his eyes. My cheeks flushed as I cried, glancing around to make sure no one had heard, "Of course not!"

One of his brows raised in curiosity. When my initial shock had calmed, I tried holding back the giggle that wished to bubble up, but found it difficult. Finally I confided embarrassedly, "He is an elf. I did not wish to give back a garment that seemed as if repaired by a mere man."

"An elf?!" he asked in awe, all teasing forgotten. "You have seen an elf?!"

I grinned and asked, "Jealous?"

"Yes! Oh Valene, I wish to see him!"

He was preparing to get up, so I quickly pressed him back and said, "Conserve your energy. I shall go fetch him for you."

His excitement seemed to be strengthening him for the time being, so I quickly went off in search of Legolas. I found him with the Dwarf on the outer wall. As I approached, they cut off their conversation in favor of looking at me quizzically. I curtsied before clearing my throat and extending the cloak out.

"I have mended it, my lord…"

He took it tenderly, and gazed at my stitches surprisingly impressed making me secretly glow with pride. He gave a short bow. And before they could turn away I stuttered out quickly, "Forgive me for imposing, but…I was hoping you could do me a favor in return for my services?"

The Dwarf's brow raised in question at my lack of respect, but I only continued gazing determinedly up at Legolas. He nodded without hesitation. I smiled, letting out a sigh of relief and said, "My brother wishes to meet you…"

I then led him through the crowds to where my brother lay. Marthay saw Legolas first, her eyes widening in awe. I did not even have to tell my brother we had arrived. His head popped up, excitement glittering in his eyes. When his gaze fell on Legolas, I cleared my throat and said, "My lord please let me introduce to you, my brother Viorith…"

Legolas smiled gracefully and bowed. Viorith looked to be completely frozen in place. Finally, after an awkward pause, he whispered sidelong to me, "Valene…you are truly amazing! You are younger than me, and yet you still meet elves and kings and dwarves!"

My cheeks colored as I grumbled, "I am only younger by a few minutes…"

Viorith merely grinned crookedly up at me. Then he turned his gaze back on the elf. He nodded weakly and said, "Thank you my Lord, for seeing me…"

Legolas bowed once again.

"Excuse me. I must prepare for battle…" he said, turning and making his way back out into the crowds. As he passed me, he smiled.

After his footsteps had faded, I went to Viorith's side once again, and listened dazedly to his recounting of their meeting, despite the fact of my being there for the whole thing.

~O~

The next day, Lady Eowyn and I were both mending one of the giant tarps outside of the hall, when a miracle happened. She paused as if hearing something and grew suddenly still, then without explanation, started off towards the doors. I peered over her shoulder, and felt happiness and relief wash through me like a great wave. Lord Aragorn was alive!

Suddenly, my lady stopped in her tracks. Brows furrowed in question, I quickly went to her side. But before I could ask what the matter was, I saw the necklace that was exchanged between Legolas and Lord Aragorn. My mouth immediately clamped shut, and I moved away. I could guess what that elaborate gift meant, and I knew Lady Eowyn did not need to hear of it.

When the King emerged from inside the keep however, that became the last thing on my mind. He wished for more to ready for battle by nightfall. Heart sinking, I immediately dropped all that I carried, and rushed down the stone steps of the first wall and through the crowds to where I last saw Viorith. To my horror I saw that he no longer lay in his cot.

"Marthay where has Viorith gone?!" I asked breathlessly. The urgency in my voice worried her, and all she could do was shake her head. I spun and headed for the only other place he could be.

I found him just as he was staggering out of the armament. His arms were laden with armor, a sword, and a helmet. I could only gape. He saw me and straightened, striding toward me purposefully. He said determinedly, "Do not try to dissuade me, sister…I wish to do this!"

"But you are too weak, Viorith! I cannot let you-"

"I can fight!" he interrupted harshly, frustration and anger evident. I noticed a light sweat had broken out over his brow.

It was silent between us for a moment before I mumbled, "…you promised you wouldn't try to be strong…"

I glanced up at him just as he looked away. He said gruffly, shifting the weight of the armor in his arms slightly, "Sister, this is for the protection of our country…for you."

His breaths were becoming labored as he brushed past me. I followed crying, "Viorith, please! There's no need for you to prove yourself!"

My words seemed to fall on deaf ears. I continued calling after him, staying right on his heels as he made his way back to the cot for his things. As time passed, his steps grew less purposeful, and his breaths increasingly arduous. Finally he paused by a wall, leaning heavily upon it. I stepped around him and saw his face white and speckled with the sweat of fever. He muttered something under his breath, but it was too low for me to hear it. And without warning his eyes fluttered, knees giving way.

I caught him, breathing a silent thank you as I guided him gently down against the wall. Once situated, I pressed my hand against his forehead and felt how warm he was. He needed rest and herbs. Thinking quickly, I snatched his armor up and hurried into a nearby storage room.

Before anyone could find me and question my meaning of being there, I brushed back my hair, tugged the chainmail over my head, slipped my arms into the sleeves, and shoved the helmet on. Luckily I was not much smaller than my brother. With our being twins with similar builds, the others would have a hard time telling I was a woman and not a man.

I slipped out and went back to him, still sitting against the wall. I bent and placed my arm around his waist, taking his arm with my other. He groaned in protest, but he was no longer in the right mind to be making any sense. I'd only ever seen him this bad once before.

"Marthay!" I called laboriously once she was in my sight. "Help him!"

"Oh, dear child what has happened?!" she cried wildly, rushing to my brother immediately. I waited until we had gotten Viorith in bed before explaining.

I took her hands in mine and said quickly, "Please, Marthay, keep him safe for me. Get Calil and keep out of harm's way. Protect the children. Take them far into the caves."

By now she had recognized me, and her eyes widened in fear. She started, "Oh, Valene-"

I interrupted, "There is no time, Marthay! Viorith enlisted himself in the upcoming battle! If he goes to war with the Orcs, then he is dead! They know his name, and if he does not show as per his word, then he is as good as dead! I must go in his place!"

She spluttered for a moment, but I merely smiled and hugged her tight. I whispered, "Do not fret. I shall see you again."

For a moment she merely stood stunned, but finally her arms lifted and embraced me. When I pulled away, she dabbed at her eyes quickly muttering, "…too young…oh my sweet angel…"

I brushed all that aside and said, "I must be swift, they will be forming ranks soon and I must prepare. Go, now."

She took one long last look at me, then spun on her heel and called for Calil to come quickly. I smiled bitterly, and watched as the two women flitted back and forth around Viorith. My dear, sweet brother…I wish you a long life after this.