Alrighty people, I ask you bear with me as I was editing solo for this bit and I might have a fever. If Reiyna's name is mispelled I apologize. I noticed the error and tried to correct it as I went along. If anything seems too unbelievable, well its a story and I like it as it is.
Kasi was feeling better by dinner and with Morna and Ezra on either side of her, she felt strong enough to enter the great hall and eat with the other guests in Elrond's home. Reiyna was already seated alongside the dwarf from earlier caught up in a heated discussion. Morna nudged her empathetic friend ever so slightly with an elbow and tilted her head to where a familiar human man sat amongst his new, assortment of comrades. He looked up in that moment and rose upon seeing them. Boromir was soon just a few feet away and offering a bow before offering her his arm.
"My Lady, you and your friends are more than welcome to sit with us." Kasi was a bit stunned by this offer but nodded her thanks.
"Sadly Lord Boromir we cannot join you, though we appreciate the offer. Ezra must seat himself beside Gandalf this night to discuss several important matters. I also have previous engagements, but perhaps you could keep an eye on Kasi for me?" Morna's look of sisterly concern seemed real enough as she gazed at her. Boromir nodded his head thoughtfully.
"She will be well looked after this night." Morna offered him a brilliant smile that shocked their entire little company.
"Thank you My Lord. Have a good evening Kasi, Ezra. I'll see you both later." Then she slipped away from them and out of the hall entirely. Ezra also made his excuses before weaving himself through the tables to where Gandalf sat.
Boromir led Kasi to his comrades and pulled out the chair next to his own for her.
"Your friend does not wish to dine at all?" He asked curiously.
"Morna will find something to eat, or maybe Elrond has already sent someone to leave her a meal outside somewhere."
"Is the hall or the company within not to her liking?" Kasi looked away from him, wondering how much to say about her friend in her absence. She wondered how much to say about them all.
"Morna's gift revolves around animals for the most part. She loves the outdoors very much, and...We spent a great deal of time away from the sun and open air, away from everything. We all are afraid I think, of going back to that place, or being in the dark once more. She feels better outside where she can see what is around her and can commune with the animals." She daintily picked at the fruit on her plate as she spoke. Her voice was soft, and her words meant only for the man next to her.
A brief touch of his hand against hers made her lift her head to face him.
"You and your friends suffered much, and today our meeting made you ill. I apologize for what you've had to face." His eyes were sincere, and Kasi realized that once again, others' emotions were mysteriously kept at bay. She could sense his only vaguely as if they lay behind a curtain.
"It was my own fault. I knew better than to enter that meeting, but sometimes it is easy to forget my limitations. Plus, it was fun to watch Elrond's expression grow moody." Her companion laughed and Kasi joined in his good humor. Around them people looked on with curiosity, as the dinner had been rather somber until that point. Yet their laughter seemed to change the very air in the room and soon others were relaxing as well.
The dinner went well and soon led to the sweet music of the elves. Even Morna returned to the hall to hear their voices. One did not need to understand their language to grasp the meaning and emotion behind their song. By this point all four of their group sat together near to the singers and huddled close with rapt attention. If their eyes were a bit misty no one was willing to comment. The music was a sure sign they were free of that place where only screams and curses could be heard.
Without thought or consciousness Morna was singing even as the elves finished. Her voice was soft at first but gaining power as she went.
When in the springtime of the year, when the trees are crowned with leaves. Reiyna's voice joined her own, slightly lower but just as powerful.
When the ash and oak and the birch and yew are dressed in ribbons fair. Now Kasi joined them and the three voices blended into a harmony that gave Morna goose bumps. The last time they had sung together had ended in days of isolation for their "racket". Her heart beat wildly as they continued.
When owls call to breathless moon in the blue veil of the night. When shadows of the trees appear amidst the lantern light.
We've been rambling all the night and sometime on this day. Now returning back again we bring a garland gay. The song went on from there but Morna sang the words from memory for the melody itself had swept her away. She could feel the jubilation of her two friends as well. There was power in this too, new and unexpected and beautiful.
When the last notes rang out silence fell in the hall. Morna hadn't realized her eyes were closed but upon opening them she froze. Every man, elf, dwarf, and hobbit was staring at them in incredulity. Even Ezra looked awed. The three glanced at each other and fought the urge to flee from the scrutiny.
"You're young friends are full of surprises Gandalf," Elrond's voice carried throughout the hall.
"So it would seem, though I have come to expect it I assure you." The wizard agreed.
"It was beautiful," the Lady Arwen spoke and all heads turned to her. Her eyes met each young woman's gaze in turn and her smile gave them courage.
"Beautiful indeed," another onlooker agreed. Many said as much to the young women and they politely thanked their audience. It seemed to matter little that their song was in a tongue foreign to these people. Morna searched frantically for a way to disappear but thankfully that proved unnecessary.
"And now my friends and allies I believe it best we all found our beds. Tomorrow is a day not to be met lightly." Upon Elrond's words people trickled out of the hall. Ezra stood and eyed them all curiously.
"I didn't realize I was traveling with a band. A little warning next time would be appreciated."
"You could have sung with us you know." Kasi replied.
"No, you don't want him to even attempt trust me." Morna assured her.
"If he sings anything like he snores I can believe you." Reiyna added with a grin. Ezra threw his arms about both girls.
"You love me and you know it."
"You poor man, they really did hit your head too much didn't they?" Morna joked. Kasi shook her own head at their antics and heard someone clear their throat behind her. Jumping a bit, she spun around to see Boromir.
"As your friend has no more arms to offer, perhaps I could escort you to your rooms?" She placed her hand on his arm.
"Thank you."
That night, though they each had a room and bed of their own, the four met and formed a haphazard dog pile on the one large bed in Ezra's suite. The nightmares were drowned out by thoughts of music and laughter, and above all hope.
***
All four of them were up before the dawn. It would take months, Morna guessed, before they could sleep more than a handful of hours at a time. The silence was companionable as they went their separate ways to change then met once again to search for breakfast. Ezra, usually the morning person of the group, seemed withdrawn this morning lost in deep thoughts. They sat about one table in the hall waiting for the rest of Elrond's house to wake.
"Someone needs to see to the hobbits." Ezra's comment was not exactly what Morna had expected but she nodded in agreement nonetheless.
"It's true. They're little more than sitting ducks at present. If Saruman attacks they stand no chance against him."
"What of the other races? They need help as well," Kasi chimed in. Reiyna shot them all an amused look.
"Well so much for just giving them information," the others looked at her. "Don't worry I'm in too, but who goes where?" This led to another round of silence. People were slowly beginning to trickle in now with the lightening of the sky outside, mostly servants still.
"Well Ezra mentioned the hobbits so I say they're his responsibility."
"And what about the rest of us," Kasi enquired of Morna. The other three exchanged glances.
"I think maybe you should talk to Elrond, Kas," Ezra began. "You still need to learn control or you're going to get seriously hurt one of these days." Kasi started to argue her point but stopped. She hated to admit her surrogate brother was right, but his spoke only the truth.
"See if he'll send you to Galadriel." Morna thought aloud and the others listened intently. She did this more often than she realized. "You'll be amongst the elves, and she is known for gifts similar to yours. Plus," here Morna grinned. "It would give you a chance to see Boromir again in just a few weeks time."
Ezra groaned dramatically.
"Please save your female discussion topics for later, preferably when I am far away." Just then an elleth placed a mug of tea before him with an amused glint in her eyes. The young wizard blushed beet red. His female companions chuckled.
"Please save your boyish adoration and stuttering for later, preferably after we've left you alone at the table," Reiyna retorted. Ezra feigned a glare at them. Kasi brought them back to the topic at hand.
"Ok I will speak with Elrond this morning about visiting Lothlorien." Morna nodded then looked at Reiyna. Reiyna grinned.
"See I like that look. It always means we're going to cause mischief for the orcs."
"But there aren't any orcs here," Ezra pointed out.
"There are back at Saruman's fortress," Morna countered. Ezra choked on his tea and Kasi had to pat him in the back.
Once their male companion had regained control of his breathing he turned on them.
"Would you care to repeat that?"
"Well how else are we supposed to keep an eye on Saruman if we don't actually go to his residence? If we notice him turning his attention towards the hobbits I can try to send you a warning, and likewise if he sets his sights on Lothlorien or the fellowship." Morna's argument was sound but Ezra looked ready to protest.
"Oh get over it. It's not like she's suggesting we storm the castle. Are you?" Reiyna sounded half interested in such an idea. Morna grinned and took a sip from her own mug.
"No, no ambushing the orcs or their master. We just need to see what is going on. We'll stay in the woods and go no farther."
"It's foolish. There are other ways and places to help."
"Maybe, but none are as important at this present moment." Reiyna nodded her agreement.
"Well it looks like you'll get your chance to voice your opinion. Elrond is walking this way as we speak."
In the end it was Kasi who spoke for the four. Elrond seemed to like them all equally but Kasi knew how to speak without leading him towards exasperation.
So the hour after dawn found them each carrying a saddle bag full of clothes and other necessities gifted by the elf King. The fellowship was also preparing for their departure. In the end a fairly large group was gathered outside of Elrond's home. Ezra would travel alone as would the two girls headed for Saruman's fortress, much to the protest of their host. The three had reminded him that they were not entirely defenseless and preferred only each other's company at present. Kasi, however, would have a proper elven escort. Morna could sense her friend's irritation at this but it was for the best. Should an attack come on the way to Lothlorien, the attackers' emotions alone would overwhelm Kasi. The four shared brief hugs, uncaring of their audience.
"Stay safe," Ezra demanded.
"Oh please, worry about your own self." Reiyna suggested. Morna was watching intently while Kasi said a prayer for them all and she crossed herself when it was over.
"We'll meet again soon enough," Morna said to reassure herself as well as her companions.
So saying she and Reiyna mounted their horses. Ezra moved to have a last minute discussion with Gandalf, and Kasi found herself being escorted to her mount by Boromir. Reiyna winked at Merry as she and Morna rode by. They turned a corner and left the comfort of Elrond's home behind.