(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkien's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna. See profile for updated full disclaimer.)
Chapter 29
Brenna looked around herself and smiled. They had left Rivendell a week ago and were making their way towards the Shire. Their company was making good time and the weather was holding out just fine. Their group had been joined by a handful of Dunedain Rangers that were sent by Halabard to report in as well as a dozen additional elves from Rivendell. Lords Glorfindel and Celeborn stayed behind to make sure that things ran smoothly.
Brenna breathed deeply relaxing the further West that they traveled. The gentle rolling hills on the horizon were a lush green with a smattering of fields of amber. The trees danced along in the breeze as if waving hello. There was a peace here, in the wilds. Sure they followed the Great East Road, but it was still not very busy.
The rugged landscape was altogether refreshing and yet foreign to her. She had been to the other lands and realms during her time in Arda, but this place as unique. This land had a look that was all its own. Judging from the weary looks of the Rangers and elves, Brenna knew that they were steadily getting closer to either a town or to where the Shadow Wraith was reportedly stalking. Neither scenario brought her much comfort, particularly if the others in her group were anxious about something.
Glancing around her group she noticed Ohtar riding beside Raina and the younger girls. She smiled as she watched the group interacting. Over the weeks since they had left Minas Tirith, Raina had begun opening up to Ohtar and he was cautiously courting the young woman. Raina caught her eye and gave her a shy smile, blushing brightly before turning back to the ruggedly handsome Ranger.
Brenna sang softly and felt the warm breeze swirl around them in reply. She closed her eyes and sang quietly, letting her voice carry on the breeze. Her travel companions smiled at the young elleth. Her voice comforted them and eased the weariness and aches of their travels.
Hiril nickered softly and Ash huffed happily as her voice trailed off in the breeze. It was a leisurely pace that the group was traveling at this morning. They would need to stop and rest the horses either the next day or the following. It would be another couple of weeks before they made it to the Shire and then another week or two before they made it to the Gray Havens. Brenna breathed deeply the clean country air and let her worries seep out of her.
The traveled for a few more hours when the breeze died off abruptly, causing the hair on the back of her neck to stand up. Brenna sat up alert and at attention in her saddle and put her hand on her blade. Her actions had drawn the attention of her companions who mirrored her actions. Brenna felt out with her senses and had brief flashes of the ambush that awaited them about a mile ahead around the corner. Even now they were being flanked and shadowed by a group of rebels.
Brenna whispered what she saw so that only those closest to her heard. They relayed the message through a series of hand gestures and in elvish or Rohirric. Aragorn whispered to his captain and the other men quietly what was going on. Soon the members of the whole company knew that there was trouble coming and soon.
Brenna's warning gave them enough time to form a plan of action. It was a foolish plot on the part of the band of men awaiting them. Some of the elves and Rangers discreetly slipped off their horses and into the trees along the road silently. Their company was able to subdue and capture the awaiting group and hold them for questioning.
When the ragged looking men saw their intended targets they paled upon seeing the Royal Standard. The men quickly gave up all the information that they had, and it was discerned that they were just a group of highway men that often waylaid travelers. They were bound and taken along with them to the nearest town. Aragorn, as King and sovereign, deemed them guilty and turned them over to the local authorities for their punishment.
The group continued on their way, wanting to put as much distance between themselves and the highwaymen as possible. Brenna urged them to continue one as far West as they could with the light of the day. Just an hour before sunset, the group stopped at one of the old watch towers to camp for the next couple of days. Aragorn was taking the time to see the towers and fortifications in the lands. He wanted to see how much work would need to be done to get them into some semblance of working order again.
It was the same watch tower that the Hobbits had stayed at Weathertop. It was in ruins, but was solid considering its age and state. Gimli gave his opinion of the stonework and surveyed the area with Aragorn, advising him what would need to be done. They checked the tower and surrounding area, scouring for the missing or damaged stonework.
It was decided that they would make camp up in the ruins of the watch tower. Brenna followed the stairs up to the main level of the watch tower. There would be a fire set up in the center and they would put their bedrolls in nearby. There would be a number of men camping down at the base of the tower, watching the perimeter.
Brenna unrolled her bedroll and put her pack down nearby. She sat down and stretched out her sore and aching muscles. She had Alana sit down in front of her so that she could comb out and pull her hair back into a plait. Humming softly she completed her task with deft hands before waving Beatrice over to repeat the action. Both girls were at a point where they were on the brink of blossoming into lovely young women. They were both bright and very skilled.
Brenna knew however, that these young girls would need a special kind of man to cherish them. She looked towards where some of the Dunedain Rangers were setting up and storing their gear. Smiling softly to herself she knew that the young men that were meant for them were currently in the wild passing their own coming of age tests. They were a few years older than the girls, but not so much that it would be a problem. She had caught flashes of the young men and their future together. Though there was a slight age difference with Ohtar and Raina, it didn't appear to be an issue as he was a patient and kind man. Theirs would be a happy future together as well.
Sighing, she pulled her cloak around her shoulders tighter and leaned back on the stone wall to look up at the darkening sky. Though it was relatively warm, there was still a chill in the air. Brenna hummed quietly to herself as the other got camp ready. She was startled from her thoughts when Elladan crouched down in front of her. He grinned at her and handed her a plate of food that had been put together. She smiled at him and thanked him. Once she had the plate he sat back against the wall next to her.
"A group of us will be riding out to scout the area in the morning," he told her quietly. "You'll stay here with the rest of the company and get some rest."
"You'll be careful?" Brenna asked him quietly.
"Of course, I'm not will to risk our future if I can help it," he replied. "We'll be back the day after tomorrow, if not sooner. We'll be taking a relatively small number with us. We don't want to leave you unprotected here."
"We'll be fine here, but we need to leave in three days," she told him seriously. "I need to continue and make my way to Samwise. From there I need to greet the ship from Valinor."
"We'll be back in time Brenna," he assured her. "Why don't you finish eating and try to get some rest. We're leaving at first light and I don't want to wake you if you're sleeping. I thought it would be easier to speak to you tonight."
Brenna protested, telling him that she wanted to see them off. He told her that they would be leaving before first light. She nodded to him in understanding and quietly ate the food he brought her. He talked to her and told her stories of his family growing up and taught her different tales of elvish lore and legend. When she was finished eating they talked of her plans for the years to come. It would be a very busy decade for her. There would be princes and princesses born. There would be the battle against the Shadow Wraith and the problem with the East to deal with. After that she would work to restore as much of the damage as she could to Arda before her time was up. She would only stay until Arwen's passing. Then she and all the remaining elves left in Arda would be taking the last ship to sail to Valinor.
She leaned her head on his shoulder and let the sound of his voice lull her to sleep. Her mind slowly drifted off to a peaceful, restful sleep. Her dreams were pleasant ones. They were flashes of the future that they would have in Valinor and of the family that they would have.
It was still dark out when Elladan shook Brenna awake in the morning. He silently led her towards the stairs where the others were preparing to leave. His brother and some of the Rangers were already getting their horses ready when they had arrived. He led her to where Elrohir had their horses waiting.
"Aragorn and the others are staying here to further study the area," he told her quietly. "We'll be scout out the surrounding area and check in with some of the other Rangers to see how far reaching the damage of the Shadow Wraith is."
"Please be careful," she asked him. "I know that you're all capable, but I just don't want anything to happen to you."
"We'll be careful love. If we feel that it's unsafe or something is wrong we'll turn back," he assured her.
Brenna nodded at him and turned to bid the others goodbye. She gave each of them blessings, before turning back to Elladan. "I don't like this. I don't like being parted from you so near to danger."
"If you tell me now that there's something wrong and we shouldn't go, then we won't go," he told her seriously. "If you can see and tell me that something will go terribly wrong we'll stay close."
"I cannot tell what will happen, I just feel ill at ease," she told him. "I don't know if something will happen, but something about you leaving is making me very afraid Elladan."
The others had overheard her words and stilled. They gathered around as Aragorn approached to ask what was going on. Her warning was relayed to him and he looked concerned. She explained to them that she couldn't see what was going to happen and urged them to be cautious. Brenna told them not to stray too far; that they should make their contact, but not scout too far at this time. For the time being the Dunedain Rangers in the area were fine, but soon they would need to start traveling in pairs. Her words made them pause. She cautioned them that soon the cold and mist would stalk the lands more freely, that those caught unaware and alone would not survive. Elladan promised to heed her words and relay her message to the Rangers. Aragorn passed him a missive to hand off to the Rangers.
Brenna stood beside Aragorn as they watched the small scouting party ride out just as the sun was beginning to creep up over the horizon. They stood there watching them ride off into the wilds until they could no longer see them on the horizon. By the time they turned back to go up to the fire, the rest of camp was awake and getting ready for the day. A hunting party would be sent out to catch food for the next few days, while the rest would stay close to camp. Some of the Rangers familiar with the area would go and get fresh water and firewood to bring back to camp.
Brenna greeted Oriel with a shaky smile and accepted the breakfast her friend had prepared. She sat on a log that had been brought in to act as a seat and ate her breakfast quietly. When she was done she went to see if there was anything that she could help with, but was waved off. Sighing she went back to her pack and grabbed her brush to run it through her hair before she re-braided it. She ended up pulling it back in one long French braid that she pulled to one side for the time being.
Getting up she went to stand in one of the higher points of the tower to look out over the horizon. She let her thoughts stray as she surveyed their surroundings. They were at a high enough point that she could see far and wide towards the North, the direction of their foe. Leaning on one of the remaining pillars she silently prayed for the Valar to be with them and to keep them safe against this latest evil in their lives. Swallowing a lump in her throat, she prayed that the scouting party would return safe and unharmed.
Sighing she pushed off of the cold stone and turned back to help around the camp, determined to make herself useful. She helped to prepare the meals and fires. She offered to mend any clothing that had been ripped or torn, just to keep herself busy. She sat quietly sewing by the fire. There was a large pile of clothing that had been gathered that she and the girls were steadily making their way through. In their minds it was the least that they could do for the men that had kept them safe along the way.
It had taken the two elleths and three young women the better part of that day and the following one to get through all of the mending, but they were able to finish it. It was with much gratitude that the males gathered their newly mended clothing and stored it away. The females chatted happily, keeping busy and enjoying the sunlight. The weather was fairly warm and the gentle breeze kept them comfortable.
It was dusk at the end of the second day at camp that the sound of a party of riders alerted them to the return of the scouting party. Brenna raced down the stairs of the watch tower as soon as she saw the dust from their horses on the horizon. When the party reached the tower, they tethered and tended to their horses. Others came down to help them with their gear and their tasks. They all returned back up into the tower to discuss their findings and interaction with the Rangers.
"We were able to meet up with Hallas," Elrohir told them. "He had Turgon and Baranor with him. They're both climbing the ranks of the Rangers and just passed their coming of age test. Time passes quickly, for I remember them as young babes."
Brenna grinned at the news, but said nothing. Her mood changed as she listened to them report that there were some issues with livestock missing, but thus far the people had been staying close and traveling in groups. The Rangers appreciated and took her warning to heart and were beginning to travel in groups as well. They were patrolling the Old Northern Kingdom and keeping an eye on things as best they could.
Elladan stood next to Brenna. Though they weren't touching, the two of them felt better just being near one another. Their bond was growing stronger steadily the longer that they were together. They were becoming so in tune with one another that they often didn't need to say anything.
Brenna was startled from her thoughts when Aragorn turned towards her. "Brenna how are we going to go about facing the Shadow Wraith when the time comes?" he asked her.
Her brow furrowed in thought, "I'm not certain at the moment. I know that I'll have to face off against it at some point."
"You told me, us, after the war that you would not ride into battle again," he reminded her.
Brenna looked him straight in the eye. "And I won't be riding into battle Aragorn. I'm going to walk right up to the Shadow Wraith when the time comes."
There were exclamations and shouts of protest at her words but she just kept looking right at Aragorn. He regarded her carefully and quietly before a pained look crossed over his face. He nodded to her in understanding, knowing that no matter what he said it wouldn't change what she needed and would do. The group fell quiet watching the exchange between the two.
"You don't really think we're going to let you walk up to it alone do you Lass?" Gimli asked in exasperation.
"No I don't suppose you will, but it doesn't change the fact that I'm going to do so anyways," she told him calmly.
"Brenna," Haldir began, "you can't really think we're not going to be there with you."
"Oh I know that you will be, but when the time comes I'm going to have to face it," Brenna told him. "Much like the Nazgul, this is something that I have to do."
"And look at how well that ended," Elladan told her hotly. "You nearly died Brenna!"
"I know!" she told him. "I was there remember? However the fact still remains that this is something that I must do. I will do everything in my power to stop this evil from tainting the world and come back whole, but nothing is certain. I fear that my being here may have brought this on. There are things that I stopped and changed that seem to have changed the rules in such a way that this evil was unleashed. This was never part of the original story line. This is my responsibility to fix. You have to understand, please!"
Elladan closed his eyes and swallowed the lump in his throat. He couldn't go through nearly losing her again. He wasn't sure that he could survive that kind of grief or fear again. Elrohir as if sensing his brother's thoughts, put a comforting hand on his shoulder and nodded to Brenna.
"I'm trying Brenna, but I don't think I can go through that again," Elladan told her hoarsely.
"I'll be fine Elladan," she tried to assure him. "The Valar are sending more help and doing everything that they can to give us the advantage in all of this. They will be there with us, with me."
He let out a shaky breath and looked at her, trying to take comfort in her words. "You had better come back to me Brenna. When this is done you had better come back to me," he ordered her.
Brenna turned to him and wrapped her arms around him trying to lend him comfort. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and held her tightly. She felt his body trembling with his fear and emotions and whispered to him soothingly. Reluctantly she stepped from him when she felt him calm and turned back to the group.
"When we greet and meet with the warriors sent from Valinor, we will know more of what it is we are to do," she told them. "Now let's settle in for the night and prepare for the next leg of our journey. We need to get to the Shire as soon as we can. The time for rest is now gone. Our pace will have to be swift on the morrow."
Brenna excused herself from the group and made her way over to her bedroll. She meticulously began to pack her things and gather all of her belongings together. They would be leaving early in the morning and make the most of the following days to make it to the Shire. Raina and the other girls followed her example and began packing their things. They worked through each of their packs only leaving out what they would need in the morning. Oriel had her pack ready and sat with the girls telling them stories of her childhood to pass the time.
The camp had a hearty stew made with the catch from the hunting party before retiring for bed. They all wanted to get the most rest that they could before they began the next leg of the journey. It was a quiet night, the men from the scouting party talked briefly with the others before they turned in as it had been a long hard ride for them to get back in time.
Dawn of the next day brought their departure for the Shire. It was still dim out when they started to break camp. They ate a light breakfast and readied their horses. Brenna strapped on her weapons and made sure that the younger girls were ready and armed as well. She was taking no chances along the way. Oriel stayed near the younger girls. Raina and Ohtar made sure that their things were packed and stored in the saddle bags.
Brenna made sure that Hiril was ready to go. Elladan approached her while she was packing her saddle bags and tying her bedroll to her saddle. He apologized to her for his shortness with her the night before. She too apologized for their argument. The coming years wouldn't be easy on them. There would be periods of time were they would not see each other for years. Once all of the eminent threats were addressed in the next decade, Brenna would begin to spend months and years at a time in the different realms. It would be a test on their relationship and bond.
She smiled shakily at him and mounted Hiril as the group prepared to leave. Elladan turned to mount his own horse and stayed by Brenna's side talking to her quietly as they rode. They discussed the coming years and what it would mean for them. Though neither wanted to be parted they knew that there was no way for them to avoid it.
Once they had talked things through they felt that they were more on the same page. Brenna knew that had their roles been reversed that she would have a hard time being as patient and understanding as he was. She knew that letting her put herself in danger went against everything these brave and chivalrous warriors were taught. But at the end of the day she knew that she didn't have a choice in the scheme of things. She had to push on and continue her journey, come what may.
The week passed quickly for them when they finally reached the outskirts of the Shire. The hobbits scurried out of their way and ducked into their homes. Brenna tried to reassure them that they were just passing through and meant no harm. Word had apparently spread because they were eventually met by Merry, Pippin, and Sam. It was a happy, but bittersweet reunion for Brenna and the remaining members of the Fellowship.
Brenna walked while holding Hiril's reigns, talking happily with the Hobbits. She introduced her friend to each other and the group made their way through the winding paths of the Shire. Sam led them to Bag End and invited them in. Only the members of the Fellowship entered, the rest were led to an area just outside the main part of town to set up camp for the next day or two.
Brenna sat in one of the chairs and greeted Rosie, Sam's wife warmly. She sat talking quietly with the bright and happy young hobbit while looking towards Sam in concern. The stout and loyal hobbit was missing his friend and having a difficult time adjusting to life in Bag End.
"How have you been Sam?" she asked him kindly.
"We've been well Lady Brenna," Sam replied with a smile that didn't quite meet his eyes.
"Sam," she began softly. "You know that he needed to go. He was suffering here. Someday you'll see him again, but he was in so much pain. Surely you understand that he never meant to hurt you by leaving."
Sam sniffed a little and nodded his head, blinking back tears. "Aye Lady Brenna I know."
"Come now Sam," she cajoled, "surely life in this fine home with a growing family is not so bad?"
He laughed with a bittersweet smile, "No it's not bad at all milady."
Rosie stood behind his chair and put her hand on his shoulder to lend him comfort. Brenna could see that the warm, loving hobbit woman loved Sam dearly. She smiled at them and changed the topic to their family. Merry and Pippin return a while later and joined the group. They talked well into the afternoon before Brenna and the others stood to take their leave. They waved off the protests of the Hobbits saying that they would be staying at camp and visit them. They didn't want to disrupt the quiet lives of the residents of the Shire too much with their presence.
Brenna and the others spent a relaxing three days in the Shire. It was wonderful for her to see such a place, still yet untouched by the taint of the war and evil. They led such happy and simple lives. They lived off of the land, and were content with what they had. They worked hard, but lived and love well for it.
When it was time for them to move on to the Gray Havens, Brenna invited their Hobbit friends along. They joined them for a brief adventure, waved off by their happy and laughing wives. Brenna smiled to them and promised to return their husbands shortly. It was a two day trek to the Gray Havens at the pace that they were going. When they arrived they were greeted and heralded by the elves dwelling there.
Brenna was ushered to one of the nearby vacant homes and given permission to stay there with her female friends to give them privacy. The rest of her company was put up in other nearby dwellings that were available. They stored their packs in their rooms and freshened up. Once they were bathed and dressed in a fresh set of clothing they went out to explore the harbor.
Brenna pulled off her boots and walked along the sandy shore barefoot. She closed her eyes and breathed in the sea air deeply. Her companions watched her walking along the shore and kicking her feet in the waves. The elves in the party felt the pull and ache to return to Valinor. They were so close, but knew that they could not leave.
Brenna sat on one of the rocks in the harbor and looked out at the sea. She allowed herself to relax and felt her worries wash away with the tides. It was low tide now, but high tide would bring the arrival of the ship carrying the warriors from Valinor. She heard laughter and splashing and opened her eyes to see Alanna and Beatrice frolicking in the surf. They went out to their knees and rolled up their leggings. Brenna grinned and went to join them.
With her leggings rolled up above her knees she joined in the water war. Raina, showing her youth came to aid her against the younger girls. There were hoots and hollers cheering them on. Brenna laughed as they slowly came to a stop. They were completely drenched. She walked across the beach to ask one of the local elves about the species that lived in the harbor. He looked confused for a moment, but when she leaned in and whispered he laughed and told her that they would be fine. Brenna laughed and jogged back to the girls and whispered her plan to them.
Turning back to face the others she called out to Erchirion, "You're sister is going to be so disappointed she wasn't here to join us," before the four girls raced into the water, ignoring the startled calls of their male companions. Brenna dove into the next wave and swam under water a little ways before surfacing. She showed the other girls the basics of swimming and waved to her companions along the shore. Some of them were taking off their boots and weapons to take a dip in the sea. The knights from Dol Amroth ran in, right at home with the waves.
All around it was a fun and relaxing afternoon spent in and along the shores. Some of the elves even gave it a try. Most had swum in lakes and rivers, so it wasn't too foreign to them. It was a tired, salty group that climbed the steps back up to the main part of the city and walked towards their accommodations with their shoes and belongings in hand. They cleaned up and ate a warm hearty meal before retiring and sleeping soundly through the night.
Brenna was visited by the Valar in her dreams. They drew her to the light under the Two Trees and bade her to sit. Elbereth sat her down and began humming softly while braiding her hair. Irmo and Manwe addressed her and gave her counsel for what was to come next.
"Little one, the warriors are almost there," Irmo told her gently. "Many of them will need time to adjust to the lives that they have been given. Much time has passed since their passing. Some of them will feel honor bound and determined to earn this gift they've been given."
"There are those that are doing this to atone for the wrongs they did in life," Manwe advised her. "Some of them were kings and leaders of their peoples long ago and now are taking the chance to make right their wrongs. Give them time and have patience."
Brenna talked quietly with them for a while before Elbereth and Este lulled her to a deep and peaceful sleep. It was the sound of the gulls and the crashing of the waves that woke her just before dawn. There was a call from the harbor master; a ship was on the horizon and riding the tide and winds in.
Brenna launched up out of bed and dug through her packs for a fresh tunic. She was able to find her deep blue riding habit with silver stars embroidered on the edging. She quickly set about dressing. Sitting on her bed she ran her brush through her hair and braided it in one long French braid that she pulled over her right shoulder. Looking around her room, she quickly packed all of her things that were ready and strapped on her weapons. She tugged on her worn travel boots and made her way out of her rooms.
Oriel poked her head out of her door to see who was up and Brenna explained to her where she was going. Brenna asked her to stay with the girls and told her that she would be back later. Oriel seemed conflicted but agreed and went back into her room to listen for when the girls woke up.
Walking quickly down the stairs she exited the dwelling. The centuries that were posted outside nodded to her and pointed her in the direction of the docks. She swiftly made her way through the quiet streets and walked down the wooden dock waiting. Soon her Elvish Guard had joined her in her vigil. Aragorn was summonsed and joined them shortly after.
Finally the ship coasted into the harbor, just as the first light of the day crested on the horizon. Its sails were pulled taunt with the breeze pushing it towards the docks. Brenna could see the elves beginning to assemble on the decks. Many of them were looking around, taking in the sights around them. Some of them looked a bit emotional at being in Arda once more. There were some that looked stoic and humbled to be there.
Brenna and her companions stepped back to allow planks to be brought out and the ropes to be tied off, securing the ship to the dock. She felt Elladan come to stand next to her and rest his hand on the small of her back as Círdan set the gangplank for his passengers to disembark. Elrohir stepped up to her other side and the rest of her Guard flanked her. Aragorn also stepped closer to her. It was a showing of support and lending moral strength to her. It was not that they didn't trust the warriors set by the Valar, they didn't know them well enough.
The first of the elves began walking down the gangplank. They were obviously of Noldor descent. They stood tall and proud as they stepped off onto the dock. Behind them came Vanyar and Teleri standing just as tall and graceful. The obvious difference between them was their appearance and coloring. The group assembled on the dock and broke off into their distinctive clan groupings. There were some one hundred fifty in total. They eyed each other wearily and said little. All three groups turned towards Brenna looking for direction.
Brenna stepped forward in the middle of the large group that had assembled on the dock. Each of them bowed and nodded to her respectfully. She returned the gesture towards them, surprising some of them. She looked back towards her Guard and friends for some sort of direction. Elladan smiled at her encouragingly and Aragorn nodded for her to continue and address the group.
"Welcome friends," Brenna began softly. "I thank you for coming to our aid and coming to fight with us."
There was a murmur through the group present. She took deep calming breath to steady her nerves. Searching for the right words to say to them. Silently praying to the Valar for guidance, she took courage to continue.
"I know that for some, perhaps many of you coming here may bring back some difficult memories. I am sorry if being here causes you any pain or discomfort. I hope that while you are here you can find some comfort, peace and closure. I don't know what happened in your pasts, I won't ask you either. It's none of my business. I only ask that you set aside your differences so we can reach common goal and defeat our common enemy," she said to them cautiously. "When our task is done and the Shadow Wraith is defeated you may choose to return to Valinor right away, or you may choose to wait to sail until I leave. Regardless of what your choice is you have my gratitude for your help."
A dark haired elf from the Noldor stepped forward and bowed to her. "Lady Brenna, my name is Angrod of the Noldor," he said in a lilting voice. "We are glad to be of assistance and will do all that we can to help you."
A blonde elf stepped forward from the second group. "I am Daeron of the Vanyar, Lady Brenna. We too will help in whatever way we can," he said strongly.
A silvery haired elf from the third and final group stepped forward. "My name is Gelmir, Lady Brenna. We chose to come and help like our brethren. You have our aid as well."
Brenna smiled at them and nodded. "As I said, we're very glad for the assistance. The Shadow Wraith is something of old. We will need all of the help that we can get. It won't be long before it starts preying on the people of these lands. I'm not even sure where to begin in slaying it," she told them with a shrug. "The Nazgul were difficult, I'd imagine that this is going to be much more difficult to kill."
Many of them just looked at her as if she had a second head. She grinned at them and gave a slight laugh. "Looks can be deceiving my friends. I may look small and delicate, but I can certainly hold my own. Come let us get you accommodations for tonight to let you get settled in and we'll make a plan of what's next."
The group walked towards the city with Brenna leading. Elladan remained at her side with his hand on the small of her back. They both drew comfort from the contact. They walked through the city streets enjoying the bright sunny day as they walked towards the area that they were staying.
The group congregated talking and greeting each other in the courtyard near where Brenna and her travel companions were staying. Her Guard stayed close to her as the elves from Valinor and the rest of her company talked. The three groups of elves interacted politely, but there was an underlying tension among them. Brenna knew from having read and heard about the Silmarillions and that some of these elves may have been part of that whole dark period in the history of the elves.
She observed the groups and noticed the dark looks thrown towards the Noldor by some of the others. Biting her lip, she looked around with confusion in her eyes. Her friends noticed this and looked to her in question. She turned to Elladan looked at him and then back towards the Noldor. He followed her eyes and then looked back at her in confusion. She pointedly looked at the three very separate, very distinct groups and then looked back at him. He seemed to have caught her train of thought because he nodded to her in agreement.
Brenna stepped away from him and walked towards Angrod and the rest of the Noldor. The other groups watched curiously to see what she was doing. Elladan and Elrohir fell into step with her as she walked and made her way to the group. She smiled warmly at them and talked to them politely. She waved and smiled at the other groups, trying to show that she wasn't going to play favorites, but she also wasn't going to make anyone feel alienated or ostracized.
Angrod looked at her in confusion. "Why are you doing this?" he asked. "I'm sure that you've been told. That you know who we are and what some of us have done."
Brenna looked him in the eye. "I do know, but the fact that you're here now and that you were deemed worthy enough to do so should be answer enough for anyone," she replied loud enough so that the others heard. "Had you been so unredeemable the Valar would never have allowed you to return."
He looked at her critically before giving her a half smile and nod of gratitude. "You are not what I expected young one," he told her with amusement coloring his voice. "Many would have and have judged us in the past. You're not like other elleths."
Brenna grinned and shrugged, "Well that would have a lot to do with the fact that I didn't grow up here and didn't even know of my heritage until a few years ago." She paused looking at him wondering why he looked so familiar.
"How is that even possible?" he asked in confusion, interrupting her train of thought.
"That my friend is a very long story," she told him. "Perhaps along our way back towards Rivendell I can tell all of you."
She and the Sons of Elrond stood talking to them for a while before going to the other groups and speaking with them as well. Once they were done, the elves from Valinor were lead to their accommodations for the night so that they could rest for the long trek back to Rivendell. Provisions were provided for them and everyone left them to get settled in. There was a plan to meet up together later on for the midday meal.
Brenna looped her arm through Elladan's and strolled quietly along through the city. Her Guard walked with them talking and taking in the sights around them. She breathed in the sea air deeply and turned to find Elladan watching her with a smile tugging at his mouth. She shrugged and grinned at him as they continued to walk towards some of the vendors set up in a small market. While walking she stopped suddenly startling her friends. It dawned on her why Angrod looked so familiar. Oriel's warrior had come to her here, but why would she have seen in on the shores of Valinor Brenna wondered. She shook her head at her friends and continued walking.
Oriel arrived a short while later with Raina and the girls in tow. Ohtar had gone to retrieve them to join the group in town and to make sure that they safely arrived. He walked with Raina and the younger girls smiling kindly at them as they chatted excitedly about this or that. Brenna watched as Raina looped her arm through his as they walked together. Oriel walked towards Brenna with a smile of her own.
"I trust that everything went well?" Oriel asked quietly looking around for the arrivals.
Brenna grinned mischievously at her friend. "Oh yes, everything went well. Though I'm pretty sure you're in for a surprise."
The group turned and looked at her in question. Brenna just smiled and laughed at her friend's puzzled look. "Worry not Oriel. They're mighty warriors from Valinor," she said pointedly. Watching the startled look on the elleth's face Brenna just smiled reassuringly. "Aye my friend, he's here."
Elladan looked at her in surprise. "Her match is here?" he asked.
Brenna smiled and nodded. "Yes he's here. I thought he looked familiar and I wasn't sure why. I'm not going to say anymore. Things will just have to play out. Perhaps you're not meant to be with him until you're in Valinor. Just relax Oriel," Brenna soothed her friend.
Oriel looked so startled, so hopeful that it was nearly heartbreaking for Brenna. She took her friend's hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "Breathe my friend. In the end it will happen as the Valar have intended it to." Brenna held her hand for a moment before continuing, "Just take things one step at a time. You have eternity, my friend."
Oriel let out a shaky breath and nodded. "Is there anything that you tell me about him?" she asked.
Brenna smiled softly at her friend. Her eyes went unfocused for a moment before she turned back to the other elleth. "He's a good man, well elf," Brenna corrected herself. "His past is his story to tell you, but you should remember that if the Valar thought him unworthy he wouldn't be here."
Oriel went to say something, but paused. Brenna looked at her strangely and then followed her line of sight. A slow smile spread across her face when she saw that Angrod was walking through the market with some of his kinsmen. It would seem that their new warriors were venturing out to enjoy the day. As if sensing someone was looking, he turned towards them. He paused and looked dumbfounded for a moment and turned towards where they were standing. His companions called out confusion, but followed. He dodged other shoppers as he made his way through the crowded market.
Elladan and Elrohir shared a look and smiled. The rest of Brenna's Guard watched the scene unfold in front of them as Angrod reached where Brenna and Oriel were standing. Elladan was standing protectively and possessively next to Brenna watching the strangers carefully. Angrod stood in front of Oriel looking at her quietly. His eyes were wide with a look of disbelief. He turned to Brenna in surprise.
"Did you know? Does this mean what I think it does?" he asked thickly.
"Well, perhaps we ought to go somewhere privately to talk," Brenna suggested.
Oriel waved her off as if to say it was fine. Brenna looked between the two and realized that they wanted her to answer. She let her sense flair out and realized they were indeed fated to be together. Light and Dark they complimented each other. He was tall, broad, muscular and handsome. She was lithe, limber, and graceful and had an otherworldly beauty. Brenna shook herself from her thoughts and turned back to address Angrod.
"You're fëa matched, blessed by the Valar," she told them simply. "You're being here Angrod, may or may not have sped up the timeline of your actual meeting, but they must have intended for you to meet now."
"Fëa matched?" he whispered while looking at Oriel like she was a life line. "How is this possible? What I've done, how can I possibly deserve such a gift?"
"I would imagine that the Valar deemed you to be a good person and deserving of this," Brenna said quietly. "I believe that they knew that you didn't really want to do what you did in the past. I think they knew that you were remorseful before it had even happened and that you are here to make amends."
Some of the other elves from Valinor looked on with hopeful expressions on their own faces. Brenna's brow furrowed as she tried to figure out what this meant for them. She felt her body sway slightly as she felt the pull of the Valar. Elladan caught her as she slipped away, startling the others. She drifted off as she heard the surprised cries of the people around that didn't know of her journeys to Valinor.
Brenna found herself walking in the Halls of Mandos towards a great throne room. She dropped to her knees in front of the large dais where the Valar where assembled. She bowed her head respectfully, trying to get her thoughts together before addressing them. There were so many questions that she had. Tinkling laughter interrupted her thoughts and she looked up.
Elbereth knelt next to her and helped her to stand. "Come child, there is much to discuss and only a short time in which to do it."
Manwe beckoned them through an archway towards a vast courtyard in full bloom. "Little one, you've done well along the way and we are greatly pleased. Your courage and strength has gotten you this far. You must hold on to that in the years to come. We will do all that we can to aid you against this Shadow Wraith. Even now we're hunting down Melkor's minions," Manwe assured her.
Elbereth led her to a stone bench. "The answers you seek, you already know child. Of course they will all be blessed. Angrod was sent to Oriel for the reasons that you already told them and more. Mainly because they needed to know of each other before they both return to Valinor to get through the difficult times ahead. There is much danger in their future. The others have the hope of their mates here in Valinor, but Angrod needed something more tangible to hold on to. He would have acted rashly otherwise."
Brenna nodded in understanding. "He has such sadness and regret in him. I could feel it. He wants so much to show and prove that he's different, that his past is not who he is." Brenna looked to them before continuing, "he and the others that have returned long to redeem themselves."
"If they weren't redeemed or redeemable they would not have been given the chance to return," Manwe told her. "For the rest of them their mates are here waiting for them."
Brenna sat talking with the Valar about what was to come and what she must do for the next few moments. She slowly felt herself starting to surface. As she started to drift away she felt them kiss her forehead and bless her as she returned to Arda. She gradually returned to herself. As she regained consciousness she felt herself being carried swiftly. She felt the sea breeze on her face as the person carrying made their way past the shore towards where she was staying. Breathing in deeply she recognized a scent that she instantly recognized as Elladan. She burrowed her face in the crook of his neck and felt his arms tighten around her.
Elladan looked down at Brenna as his long legs made quick strides towards the dwelling where Brenna was staying. He felt her eyelashes slowly fluttering on the skin of his neck and breathed easy. He knew the signs of her seeking the Valar or them calling her, but it was something that he still struggled to get used to. He caught her as her body swayed and immediately began walking with her towards her room. The rest of her Guard fell in rank around them, taking up a protective perimeter. The elves from Valinor let out startled cries as she left. Having not known what was happening, Angrod panicked when he felt her fëa leave. Oriel explained to him and the rest present what was happening as they followed Elladan.
Brenna stirred in Elladan's arms and sleepily opened her eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on as he continued walking. He slowed when he realized that she was fully awake. He stopped and looked down at her in concern.
Brenna looked up at him and smiled tiredly. "I'm fine Elladan," she told him softly. Touching his face reassuringly, "Really melamin I'm fine."
His breath whooshed out at her words, one word in particular, and he swallowed reflexively. "Are you well enough to walk on your own love?" he asked her softly.
Brenna smiled mischievously, "Why am I too heavy for you to carry?"
He grinned roguishly, "Hardly love. You weigh next to nothing. If need be I could carry you for quite some time and it wouldn't be an issue."
Brenna laughed and nodded for him to put her down. Her feet gently touched the ground as she looked up at him with sparkling green eyes. By now the rest of their group was standing around them. Brenna's Guard and friends looked on in amusement. The newcomers watched in confusion, but regarded their interaction carefully. They noticed the possessive and protective actions of Elladan, but it was the betrothal ring on her finger that glinted in the sun that answered their questions. The silver stars on her brow sparkled in the sunlight, giving them pause.
"Are you well Lady Brenna?" Angrod asked coming up beside where they stood.
Brenna smiled happily at him and the others. "Yes I'm fine. The Valar called me to them. They had answers for your questions and instructions for what is to come," she replied. Her expression sobered as she was lost in thought. Coming back to the present she looked at the group. With a soft smile she addressed the group. "The Valar wanted me to let you know that your fëa mates are waiting for you in Valinor. They'll be there when you return; this is one of your rewards for answering their call and coming to our aid in our time of need."
There was in instantaneous murmuring that broke out among the warriors from Valinor. None of them had been blessed in finding their fëa mates in their past life. This was all of them hoped and prayed to find. Returning to the living, returning to Arda for another chance at life was more than they could have hoped for. The news that their fëa mates were in Valinor waiting was almost too much for them. All of them stood a little taller and looked like they were swallowing back their emotions. The guilty were finally beginning to feel that they had been redeemed and atoned for their sins, or would in there time here in Arda. These battle hardened and honed warriors looked humbled and hopeful.
"I hope that this news brings you peace and hope," Brenna told them happily. "I also caution you to take care. There is now more at stake in this for you. Let this give you something to truly live for."
Angrod looked at her in question. "How is it that my fëa mate is here?" he asked.
"Oriel has been a great help and comfort for me in my short time here in Arda. Your being here now and meeting now is to help each of you through the years to come. What you do with this opportunity is completely up to you," Brenna told them.
Angrod looked at Oriel to see that she was watching him carefully. She smiled at him shyly and he returned her smile. His companions clapped him on the back in congratulations and encouragement. He was given congratulations from elves of each of the different clans. Angrod nodded his thanks and held his hand out to Oriel. She shyly took his hand and the two walked away from the group to talk quietly and privately.
Brenna smiled and nodded to the others tiredly. Elladan seeing her urged her to get some rest and led her back to her accommodations to nap. She tried to protest but he reminded her that he was going to make sure that she took care of herself. Once he was certain that she was securely in her room, he left her to sleep.
Brenna climbed in her bed and drifted off to a peaceful sleep. It was an hour later when Oriel knocked on her door and entered to wake her. She sat talking with her while she got ready to have the midday meal with their now much larger entourage. Oriel excitedly told her that she and Angrod would be getting to know one another and if they were indeed fëa-matched, they would eventually bond with one another here in Arda if the Valar were willing. Brenna smiled and congratulated her friend as they left the room.
There was a rather large hall that was provided for their use for meals. Brenna was led to sit with her Guard and friends. Looking around she saw the warriors from Valinor mingling and getting to know others in the room. It was a start, she realized. It would be some time before they all trusted one another, but this was a very good start. The large group assembled enjoyed their meal and spent time getting to know one another as the day wound down. The groups were tentatively starting to blend. It was a good start indeed.
The rest of their time in the Gray Havens flew by and it was soon time for the group to leave. Brenna had her things packed up and ready early. They set a slower pace to get to first the Shire and then Rivendell because of those in their group on foot. They were able to procure some horses to carry the extra gear and provisions by wagon, but there weren't enough for everyone to ride. They were on their guard because of the slow pace, which made them more vulnerable to an attack. Brenna and the females in their party were kept in the center of the group as they made their way back to the Shire.
It was a sad parting for Brenna and the Hobbits in the Shire. Aragorn crouched down to talk to his friends and promised them that the borders of the Shire would be protected and kept safe. The Hobbits thanked him for this, and promised that he and his would always be welcome. Legolas and Gimli both promised to visit when they could. Alanna and Beatrice waved happily to their new friends and promised to visit again someday if they could. Brenna was the last to crouch down to her friends. She whispered words of encouragement and told them each bits and pieces of their futures. With one last hug she left them on the edge of the Shire, promising to return to them and that she'd see them again.
Roughly two and a half weeks later, just three days from Rivendell, the group was met by Hallas who had Turgon and Baranor with him. The two young men still had youthful faces, but were clearly past their boyhood. They had lean bodies and tanned faces. Their grey eyes and coloring were like that of their Dunedain brethren. The three Dunedain Rangers met them on the Great East Road just before they were ready to make camp.
"What news Hallas?" Aragorn called out.
"Dark times are coming milord," Hallas called out. "A shipping vessel went missing about a week ago. Part of the wreckage washed ashore, but there were no survivors. It's getting worse."
The news was met with grim faces. Brenna shivered because she knew that this was only the beginning. It would get much worse before the end. There was little that they could do to stop this evil just yet, but they would. Come what may they would stand and face it.
Brenna's mind wandered and she shivered against the breeze in the air. Her eyes rolled back as the visions swamped her senses. Slumping forward in her saddle, she heard muffled shouts of alarm as the visions overtook her. Flash! The anguished cries and screams of the sailors as the Shadow Wraith attacked their ship. Flash! Lothíriel was struggling through her labor, in great amounts of pain. Brenna would need to be there to help her. Flash! She saw herself planting the flowers from Vana in the meadows of her friends' homelands. Flash! She saw the bonding ceremony of Oriel and Angrod. Flash! She was arriving in the hidden village of the Dunedain. Flash! Flash! Flash!
Brenna came back to herself and realized that she was lying on a blanket near a camp fire. Camp had been set up and her things were set beside her. Elladan was sitting next to her stroking her hair while talking to his brother. Her head throbbed with the force of the visions that had plagued her. She realized that she was out of it far longer than she had first realized. The sky was darkening already. She struggled to stay awake, but couldn't keep her eyes open. Elladan must have notices that she had come to because he hushed her and told her to get some rest. Brenna let herself drift off to sleep, comforted in knowing that he was by her side and that she was safe. Letting sleep over take her, she drifted to the feeling of Elladan running his fingers through her hair.
Brenna awoke the next morning and found herself carefully tucked in on her bedroll. Next to her Oriel was sleeping soundly. Raina and the other girls were curled up nearby slumbering peacefully. Brenna looked around and realized that they must have set up camp near where they met with the three Rangers the day before. Sitting up, she checked her things. Looking around camp she realized that the three Rangers had stayed with their group last night. She found that there was a guard watch set on the perimeter. Some of her travel companions were sleeping, but many of the warriors and members of her Elvish Guard were awake.
Brenna sat on her bedroll and brushed out her hair. She carefully re-braided it and tied it off with a leather strap. Straightening out her clothes she stood and carefully made her way to where the members of her Guard were sitting and talking. She was greeted with concerned looks when they saw her making her way quietly across camp towards them. It was then that she realized that they had continued to the appointed location for camp the night before.
Elladan met her midway through camp and led her to the group that was sitting talking quietly. He held her arm looped through his own. Before they reached the rest of the group he stopped and faced her. He looked at her face, taking in her features searching for any sign that she was in any discomfort.
Touching her cheek gently he asked, "Are you well melamin? You gave us a bit of a scare yesterday."
Brenna smile softly at him. "Yes Elladan, I am well," she assured him. "I am feeling much better now, rested."
"Are you sure love?" he asked. "We can wait to talk about this until you're well."
"I'm fine to do this now," she told him. "I'd rather get it done with and make the necessary plans."
Looking at her carefully, he nodded slowly finally relenting. They resumed walking towards the others. He kept looking at her to make sure that she was indeed fine, but said nothing more about it. They reached the group and Hallas went to get Aragorn. Angrod, Daeron, and Gelmir asked her if she was feeling better. She nodded and told them that she felt much better. The group gathered round and waited for her to fill them in on what she had seen.
Brenna looked at them and told them of the things that she had seen. It was quickly clear to them that she would not be able to tarry long in Rivendell. She would have a week, maybe two at most that she could stay there to help the returned elves to settle in. If Queen Lothíriel was indeed going to have a difficult labor then Brenna would need to make way to Rohan with all due haste. Her Guard nodded in agreement and knew that they need to get Brenna to Rohan in the next few months. If she made it there by then, Lothíriel would be in her third trimester. The warriors from Valinor agreed that they would stay in Rivendell with many of their kinsmen and prepare for the coming battle with the Shadow Wraith. They would brush up on their fighting skills and get to know not only each other, but also the people living in Arda during the current time.
Soon the rest of camp was up and packing quickly. They were up and moving after a quick breakfast. Hallas made his way back towards the Dunedain village with Turgon and Baranor in tow. The two younger men had taken an instant liking to Brenna and her friends. They were friendly and polite. Brenna noticed that they would give curious looks towards Alanna and Beatrice and realized that subconsciously they recognized their future wives.
The teens were on the cusp of womanhood. At fourteen and fifteen, they had a few short years before they would be able to marry. Some girls in Arda were married early, at sixteen, but Brenna was adamant that the girls wait until they were eighteen. Her argument was that at eighteen they would have had enough time to really think about what they wanted and what kind of life that they wanted to live. She knew that Arda was much different, but she wanted them to know that they had choices and options. Ohtar and Raina were both in agreement with this.
Brenna's group parted ways with the Dunedain and turned towards Rivendell once more. The rest of their journey was uneventful. It was around dusk of the third day that the weary travels reached Rivendell. Lord Celeborn and Lord Glorfindel were brought up to speed with the timeline of events and introduced to the returned elvish warriors. Some they greeted familiarly, others were introduced for the first time.
Brenna and her friends made sure that the elves were settled in at Rivendell before they prepared for the next leg of their journey. After a heated discussion with her friends, they decided that either they all went together or they'd wait to leave. Though at first Brenna wanted to travel light and fast with the others following later at a slower pace, she listened to the other side of the argument. Brenna relented and agreed to the whole group traveling together knowing that there was safety in numbers. She explained to Raina and the younger girls that this part of the journey would be long and hard. They would only rest when they had to and needed to set a hard, fast pace. Once she was sure that they understood this, they all went to pack and get ready.
The warriors wanted to see Brenna's skill and offered to help give her and the other ladies pointers. Brenna's Guard stifled their protests, but stopped when she threw and impish grin over her shoulder their way. After her first sparring match with Gelmir, they pretty much left her to herself and only gave minor pointers. They worked with the other ladies and young girls to help them during their time there. Brenna's Guard was there with them sparring and giving tips. Oriel and Angrod were able to use this time to get to know one another better. Raina and Ohtar also spent time closer together. All of the time spent fighting and preparing made their time in Rivendell pass quickly.
It was on the dawn of the second week since they arrived in Rivendell that Brenna and her rather large entourage was in the main courtyard ready to leave. She bid her new friends good bye and mounted Hiril. She looked over to see Ash stamping impatiently with Raina in the saddle. Alanna and Beatrice no longer needed to ride the same horse, as one of the geldings they procured in the Gray Havens was given to them to use. They waved good bye to the peaceful valley tucked away safely in the mountains and made their way towards Rohan.
Brenna hoped and prayed that they would reach Edoras in time. The journey back was a difficult one as the weather was rather uncooperative. They faced torrential rains that caused them many delays along the way. There were rock and landslides on the mountains, further delaying their journey. Throughout all of this Brenna did her best to use her power to deflect as much of this away from their party as she could, but she could not control or manipulate the will of the Valar.
Brenna was beginning to get rather anxious and worried that she wasn't going to make it to Edoras on time. Turning to her friends, she gave reassuring smiles to the younger girls. They had weathered the journey with no complaints and had kept up. They were currently huddled under some trees on the edge of the Anduin, waiting for the rains to let up. They had left Lothlorien two days before and were nearly to the border of Rohan.
Another hour passed before the rains had finally stopped. Everyone dried out the best that they could before they were back in the saddle and moving. Brenna sang, filling them with strength and the will to push through the weariness and exhaustion of their travels. They left Rivendell over a month before. They still had at least another week of travel before they would reach Edoras, provided there were no further delays.
A few hours later they were losing the light of day and set about finding a suitable place to camp for the evening. Aragorn and the Rangers that knew the area led them to a secure and well relatively well protected ruin of an old outpost. There was cover enough to set up make shift shelters for the night in case the rains once more drenched the lands. Fires were set up and the horses bedded down for the night. Everyone set about drying out their things as best they could and settled down to get as much rest as possible.
Morning brought with it the sun, though there was a distinct chill in the air. Brenna huddled under her blankets and clenched her jaw to keep her teeth from chattering. Her clothes though mostly dried out, still had some dampness to them. She got up and checked the rest of her things that had been hung near one of the fires and found much to her relief that her gray riding habit had dried overnight. Making sure the rest of the ladies each had something dry to wear, she grabbed their change of clothes and woke them to set up a make shift changing area. Once dressed in fresh clothes they began packing their things.
Meanwhile the males of the group were doing similar things. Brenna's Elvish Guard were up and dressed before the others. Aragorn was dressed more like a Ranger than a King. It had been a long journey for all present, including the monarch. Soon the whole camp was up and ready to go. With their horses rested overnight, they were ready to set out.
The company mounted up and moved out. By midday they reached the border of Rohan and were greeted by a party of Riders patrolling. Brenna tiredly greeted the familiar faces in the group and thanked them as they gave them passage. She smiled as Haleth and Fram greeted their comrades. They spoke rapidly in Rohirric and concerned glances were cast towards their group. Brenna watched as they looked sharply to her at something that Haleth said.
Brenna looked back at them with solemn eyes. "I must make it to Edoras soon," she told them. "Your lady Queen is going to need me soon."
There were curses in Rohirric as they understood the implication of her words. The Riders looked worried and concerned for their Queen and the babe that she would soon have. The spoke rapidly back and forth and while Brenna was trying to be courteous and have patience, she was rapidly losing what little patience she had. She shifted in her saddle and waited.
Elladan regarded her from nearby and knew that she was exhausted and barely keeping it together. Something would go horribly wrong with their friend if she did not make it there in time. The others were beginning to catch on to the change in her mood. She looked at them and told them that she needed to move out. If they wanted to stay and talk or to go at a slower pace they could, but she needed to go. She could feel it in her bones, it wouldn't be long now. She caught flashes and echoes of Lothíriel tiring and being gripped by the contractions. Brenna knew that she was out of time, she couldn't delay anymore.
Looking at Ohtar she said, "You stay with Raina and the girls no matter what. If they fall behind you and a group need to stay with them, but I cannot wait any longer."
When the group began protesting so raised her hand to silence them. That was when the group noticed her brow beginning to pulse in silver light and her hands glowing a soft blue. It was the first time that many of them had seen her power flaring out in such a way before. Aragorn and the other members of the Fellowship recognized it, as did her Elvish Guard.
"I will go with a group and I apologize for my rudeness and shortness with you, but I don't have time to argue. I'm safe within these borders. I'll not ride alone, but I must go. If I leave now and ride through I'll hopefully be there before she begins laboring." Pausing she took a shaky breath. "Aragorn, I do not want to be rude, but please understand that I must go."
"Peace little sister," he told her. "I'll ride with Raina and her young charges. You take your Elvish Guard and Oriel with you and ten others. I will feel better knowing that there are others with you. Ride hard and ride fast little one. We will catch up with you in Edoras."
Brenna bid the girls goodbye for the time being. "Raina, I'm sorry but I must go. Will you be alright?" she asked unsurely.
"Aye Brenna, we'll be fine. We're safe with them," Raina answered emotionally. "You must get to the Queen. Don't worry about us. I trust these men."
Brenna regarded her carefully and nodded to her. She hugged her young friend and the two younger girls before repeating the action with her other friends.
"Ohtar, Aragorn, I'm trusting them in your care. I'll see you soon," Brenna told them pointedly. They nodded in acknowledgement.
She addressed the Riders that they had met telling them that they needed to continue their patrol, but to have word sent for the rest of their party to rest the night before continuing on. They nodded and sent out one of their riders to the nearest village.
With that Brenna spun Hiril around and the group that was going with her followed her actions. She spurned Hiril to fly. Singing strongly, she let her voice carry on the wind around them. It seemed to resonate through them, filling them with energy and pushing them on. They rode through the day, only stopping briefly before continuing on through the night. It was an exhausted and travel worn group that arrived in Edoras the following evening. Heralds sounded their arrival as they flew across the plains towards the Golden Hall. Brenna pushed them all, perhaps too hard, but her only thoughts were of Lothíriel and the unborn princess.
They charged up the road towards the Royal stables. Reigning in, she slid from the saddle wearily, nearly falling into a shocked Eomer who had come to greet them. He took one look at her and the grim expressions of the others and knew that something was wrong. When he didn't see Aragorn and the rest of her party he feared the worst. Fram and Haleth, who had gone with her, assured him that the party was safe. Brenna had needed to be here and couldn't wait for the whole group. They explained the situation as Brenna and the others were ushered into the hall to get cleaned up and some rest.
Oriel and Brenna leaned on each other tiredly as they sat in the hall. Their appearances shocked those present. Déorwyn made sure that their rooms were ready with baths and had the rest of the guest found suitable accommodations for the night. Brenna tiredly gave her thanks and allowed herself to be led to her room to wash and sleep. She looked back to see that her Guard was being taken care of as well before she continued down the hallway.
Brenna allowed Déorwyn to help her strip out of the dirty riding habit and into the waiting tub. Brenna sighed and closed her eyes as she heard a maid arrive with her packs. She washed away the many miles of travel from her skin. Scrubbing her body clean and washing her hair, she took care to make sure that she was thoroughly cleaned, knowing that sometime in the night it would begin. Déorwyn returned with a fluffy towel to dry off with and a robe for her to put on.
Brenna stumbled a bit out of the tub as she was so tired. Déorwyn and the maid caught her and helped her to sit at the vanity. They made quick work of her hair and helped her into a clean chemise. Brenna sighed and mumbled to them as she climbed into the bed. The two women looked at her and asked her to repeat what she had said. Brenna told them that she had made it in time; that the queen would begin labor late in the night and she made it in time before she drifted off to sleep.
Déorwyn stood after tucking in the tired young elleth. She left the room with the maid following quickly behind and went directly towards where Eothain and Eomer were standing talking in the hall. She waited until they noticed her before nodding to the hallway near the Royal Rooms. The two men understood and followed her.
"Lady Brenna has been taken care of and has fallen asleep," she told them. "She drifted off to sleep telling us that she made it in time and that the queen would go into labor tonight. I think something is going to happen that required her to be here. I've never seen her this tired before."
Eomer clenched his jaw and his eye darkened with worry for his wife and child. Eothain looked to his friend and laid a comforting hand on his arm. The three stood talking quietly for a while before going to discreetly make the necessary preparations for what was to come. The midwife was called and brought to stay in the hall for the night. Fresh linens and bedding were gathered and water was boiled to wash hands and keep everything as clean as possible.
Brenna's Guard tiredly watched the flurry activity around the hall before they themselves finally allowed themselves to get some rest. A tension and apprehension settled over the hall that night. Even though there was an excitement and joy with the knowledge that the babe was coming soon, there was a great fear and worry. Lady Brenna had pushed herself and her Guard to the point of exhaustion to get there in time, which was a cause for concern. Many of the people of Edoras went to bed that night knowing that one way or another the royal child would be coming soon and they prayed to the Valar that all would be well.
It was well past the midnight hour that there was a knock on Brenna's door. She had seven solid hours of sleep and with the aid of the Valar she was refreshed and ready to aid her friend. She quickly dressed in a simple and serviceable gown and made her way down the hallway following behind a tired looking Déorwyn. As they rounded the corner to the Royal chambers Brenna sent a silent prayer to the Valar for their aid. She prayed for their protection, courage, and blessings for the mother and child. With one final prayer she entered the room.
