Chapter 21 - Reunited

5th March, 3019 (Third Age)

"We ride through the night," said Halbarad, his commanding voice carrying across the group of riders.

Oh goodness no.

Elanor leaned wearily on Fundanár's withers, attempting to relieve the ache in her thighs, hamstrings, and backside. The sun was beginning to set, spilling the plains of Enedwaith in a most becoming shade of gold. Unfortunately, the majesty of the scenery was lost on Elanor, who had ceased to pay any attention to her surroundings.

"Lady Elanor?"

She did not need to open her eyes to realise that Eärendur had halted his mare beside her, and she sighed heavily.

"You may have to tie me onto my saddle, Eärendur," she half-spat, rubbing her eyes with one grimy hand. "I am half-asleep already!"

"We shall take turns sleeping in the saddle, my lady. Though I should willingly forgo my turn to doze so that you may rest better," Eärendur replied, his brow furrowed.

Elanor raised an eyebrow at him. "You certainly shall not!"

I hope to Eru I don't change my mind about that offer later.

Eärendur seemed to grow in his saddle, though his face was tinged with playfulness. "Won't I?"

She merely laughed.

The young Ranger might be hardier than she, but even the toughest of the company were beginning to look worn. Elanor could not remember what it felt like to wake up refreshed and not as tired as when she had gone to sleep.

The first few hours after dark passed in a blur. Halbarad set a fast pace, pushing the horses for the final leg of the journey. Elanor knew that they should come upon Aragorn early the following morning.

Aragorn… and who? Legolas? Oh goodness, what if one of them died… Boromir… So many things could have gone wrong… Glorfindel… I couldn't… oh dear…

Fortunately, Eärendur's tongue was not affected by his level of exhaustion.

"Would you tell me about your family?" Elanor asked loudly, over the thudding of hooves. She and Eärendur rode in the middle of the group, slightly to the back. The Rangers cantered briskly in a loose mob.

"My family?"

"Yes!"

"What do you wish to know, my lady?"

Elanor laughed into the sky, marvelling once more at the manners of the folk of Middle Earth. The quaintness of expression and gentlemanly courtesies never ceased to impress her.

"Who are your parents, Eärendur? What do they do, amongst the Dúnedain? Do you have any siblings?" She laughed again. "I do not know, I hoped you would come up with your own answers."

It was Eärendur's turn to chuckle then, the sound echoing loud as Halbarad signalled for the company to slow to a walk.

"I wish to learn more of your people," Elanor said, glancing over at him. He was no longer clean-shaven after their weeks on the road, but sported a rough brown beard. Nevertheless, he still possessed a boyish air in comparison to the other Rangers. "I feel as if I have spoken of my home rather a lot, but heard little of yours."

"There is not a great deal to tell," Eärendur shrugged, holding his reins casually in one hand. "It is a hard life, for Arthedain is no longer a hospitable or profitable land. My mother died nigh on twenty years ago, and my father is also a Ranger. It was expected that I and my brothers should follow him in working to defend the North-kingdom." He paused, and Elanor noticed his voice was no longer playful. "My childhood was short, Lady Elanor. Though I believe you would know something of hardship." She thought he grinned, though the darkness made it hard to tell.

Hardship? I couldn't claim to know the meaning of the word until five months ago! And even then, I have been lucky. Elrond has sheltered me a great deal, and even this two weeks… some people pay to do this kind of thing back home!

"How many siblings do you have, Eärendur?" Elanor asked instead, quelling memories of home.

"A brother," Eärendur replied, a note of fondness in his voice. "Aechon. He has only seen nineteen summers."

"He is quite a bit younger than you."

Eärendur laughed. "Aechon is… he is my little bird, Lady Elanor. He is ever cheerful, and his voice is like a nightingale in song; he is beloved by all, for he has winning manners and a giving heart." He looked over at her. "You would like him, I believe."

"I'm sure I should," Elanor replied. "Did you not say 'brothers' earlier, though?"

Eärendur was silent, and she could have kicked herself. It had become swiftly apparent that tragedy was not uncommon in Middle-Earth, where few had access to Elvish medicine and battles were fought on a regular basis.

Fundanár and Eärendur's mare walked close side-by-side, and Elanor reached out to touch his arm on an impulse. "I am sorry, Eärendur. I should not have pried. I know what it is to have lost one's family."

The moon was glimmering brightly on the company, and by its light Elanor saw Eärendur's soft expression.

"It is of little import, my lady; you would not be the first to intrude upon a sensitive matter," he grinned, remembering his impasse just after their first meeting. "I had an elder brother—Miniôn. He was killed in an Orc-raid the summer before last."

Elanor stared down at Fundanár's mane. Few of her friends from home had experienced loss, and it baffled her how to respond.

They are… they are made of sterner stuff than anyone I have ever met. Elrond, losing Celebrían and now Arwen… Aragorn, with the loss of both his parents… Boromir, and his mother's death… Legolas… Bilbo…

They face more difficulties than anyone you have ever met.

Yes…

"I am sorry for your loss," she whispered, hoping that her emotions were relayed through the words. She felt a great deal of empathy for the light-hearted young man on her left.

"And I for yours."

They rode in silence for a time then, both consumed in thought.

Far too soon, Halbarad's voice echoed through the night:

"Increase the pace!"

By midnight, clouds had scudded across the moon, plunging the company into blackness. Fortunately, they had struck the North-South Road, and were drawing near to the Fords of Isen-at least, that was what Elanor presumed from her last reading of The Lord of the Rings.

Eärendur had repeated his offer to lead Fundanár so Elanor could rest. She was reluctant to keep him awake, but noticed that some of the other Rangers had adopted such a practice and so passed him her reins.

At first she was so discomfited by the lack of reins that she could not relax. Eventually, she leaned forward against Fundanár's neck.

It was one thing to sleep on the ground, but quite another to attempt to doze on horseback. Her mount's pace was the smoothest she had ever sat, but it was still an eye-opening experience. Leaning against his chestnut neck with her arms wrapped around him made her feel distinctly like she was going to plunge forward over his shoulder.

She defied her own sense of self-preservation and lay against him, trying to save her strength. Had she been any less tired, she would never have succeeded. As it was, she passed into oblivion with relieving swiftness.

Eärendur glanced over his shoulder at the chestnut gelding trailing behind him. Fundanár was a perfect example of Elvish quality, and followed easily behind his own mare, Tuilin.

Lady Elanor was slumped upon the gelding's neck, her long blonde braid flapping limply. He had known many hardy women of his homeland, and the peculiar Elvish fosterling had shown fortitude beyond what he had expected. The first week had left her looking like a limp rag, but over the past few days she had turned to steel. Her face was pale and her eyes ringed with deep shadows, but she had not complained.

"We near the Fords of Isen!" cried Hádhon, relaying the call from the front of the group.

Eärendur squinted into the darkness, trying to catch a glimpse of their destination. Even his keen eyes could not make out any sign of the river ahead.

And what then, I wonder?

Elanor woke to the sound of voices and running water. Gingerly, she pried herself of Fundanár's neck. Her body was stiff from the peculiar sleeping position, but she was relieved to discover she had not fallen off.

Eärendur was sitting his mare nearby, his back to her.

"Eärendur?" she rasped, and then cleared her throat.

"Yes, my lady?" The Ranger turned in the saddle.

"Could I have my reins back, please?"

He nodded, manoeuvring his horse so he could toss Elanor her reins. Smiling her thanks, Elanor shifted uncomfortable in her seat. She desperately needed to use the bathroom, and was extremely puzzled as to why the company had halted.

"Why have we stopped?"

"We have reached the River Isen," Eärendur replied, over his shoulder. "I do not know what Lord Halbarad is intending."

Elanor nodded. The sky was still dark, though the moon shone out brightly once more. Several nights ago, when they had made camp, she had slipped her copy of The Lord of the Rings from her pack. According to its record, they met Aragorn and Théoden's people in the early hours of the day.

Whoever has survived…

At least this is nearly over.

Yes, and as soon as it is, I am making a beeline for the first available bath. Or river, if that's what it comes down to.

Slipping from Fundanár's back, she told Eärendur she would be back in half a minute, and stumbled away into the darkness until she couldn't see the Rangers. Going to the bathroom was even less pleasant than usual, but it was a relief. She hurried back to the company and mounted as quickly as her tired legs would allow.

"We ride!" came a hoarse shout from the front of the group; Halbarad, presumably. Seeing Eärendur urging his mount to action, Elanor squeezed Fundanár's sides.

"Almost there, boy," she whispered, as they trotted down the gentle slope towards the Fords of Isen.

The river was not overly deep, though it ran swiftly. The tall horses had little difficulty traversing its breadth, and were soon loping up the opposite side.

As soon as they had cleared the bank, the horses about Elanor leapt forward in a burst of speed. Halbarad set a swift course, and the company thundered across the plains.

Surely we must be close by now…

Fundanár surged beneath her, his powerful frame keeping pace easily with the hardy Ranger horses. She could spy her foster-brothers in the lead by the silvery coat of Elladan's horse, reflecting the moonlight.

Elanor's head was clear, far clearer than it had been all of the previous day. The nap had done her good, and the closeness of her destination gave her a second wave of strength. From the muttering she heard from those about her, she gathered that they had picked up the trail of a contingent of horsemen ahead.

Oh thank goodness, we're nearly there!

The moon drifted behind a cloud, obscuring the land around. It was hard to make out the countryside, though it looked to be rolling grasslands for the most part.

Suddenly the horse in front of Elanor was wrenched to a halt, half-rearing and twisting to the right. She clutched at Fundanár's reins, drawing him in as gently as she could to prevent him crashing headlong into the Ranger's mount. He hopped in place, and even when he halted Elanor could feel that he was poised to spring into action.

"Halt! Halt! Who rides in Rohan?" came a stern cry from up ahead.

Elanor stood high in Fundanár's stirrups, and as the moon drifted from behind it's veil she saw it glinting upon the tips of spears. Behind them, milling in the darkness, were the shapes of men and horses.

The Rangers were silent, and as she watched a tall figure—Halbarad, presumably—dismounted and strode towards the ones they followed. He was no more than a shadow in the dark, and replied in his clear voice:

"Rohan? Rohan did you say? That is a glad word. We seek that land in haste from long afar."

"You have found it," said the challenger. "When you crossed the fords yonder you entered it. But it is the realm of Théoden the King. None ride here save by his leave. Who are you? And what is your haste?"

"Halbarad Dunadan, Ranger of the North I am," he said. "We seek one Aragorn son of Arathorn, and we heard that he was in Rohan."

"And you have found him also!" replied a familiar voice. Elanor's heart leapt as a mighty figure ran forward from the other company and embraced Halbarad. "Halbarad! Of all joys this is least expected."

Oh thank Eru, he's alive!

Relief on behalf of her foster-sister flooded her being.

"All is well," said Aragorn, his voice lost somewhat as he turned towards what Elanor now knew to be the company of Rohirrim. "Here are some of my own kin from the far land where I dwelt. But why they come, and how many they be, Halbarad shall tell us."

"I have thirty with me," said Halbarad. "That is all of our kindred that could be gathered in haste; but the brethren Elladan and Elrohir have ridden with us, desiring to go to the war, and their foster-sister. We rode as swiftly as we might when your summons came."

"But I did not summon you," said Aragorn, astonished, "save only in wish. My thoughts have often turned to you, and seldom more than tonight; yet I have sent no word. But come! All such matters must wait. You find us riding in haste and danger. Ride with us now, if the king will give his leave."

Elanor heard another voice join the conversation. "It is well!" he said. "If these kinsmen be in any way like to yourself, my lord Aragorn, thirty such knights will be a strength that cannot be counted by heads."

Théoden?

Oh, but where are Legolas and Gimli! And Merry!

"Are we stopping?" she asked Eärendur, her heart longing to see her Rivendell companions once more.

"Nay, lady," he replied. "We ride with Théoden's company, to Helm's Deep."

If Elanor could have mustered the energy to scream, she would have.

Her second wind had blown itself out, and she felt utterly miserable.

I cannot ride any longer… oh man this is awful… why does no one think to ask if I'm all right… I just want to sleep… or die…

Tears began to form in her eyes, and she allowed them to fall. It was quite dark, and she did not care if anyone saw her weeping. Blearily, she saw Aragorn's silhouette guide his horse back towards the Dúnedain, and ride alongside Halbarad and her foster-brothers. Fundanár was thoroughly boxed in—a safety measure should they be attacked—and she had no way to guide him to the front of the column without a great deal of shouting and nuisance.

Elanor admitted that she had harboured secret hopes of a triumphant reunion with her companions; that the two companies would halt for the night, and a merry feast would ensue. Instead, it was something like 3am, she had been on a horse for almost twenty-four hours, and all she could do was sob like a child.

She could not sleep, for she did not want to draw Eärendur's attention to her tear-streaked face by asking him to hold her reins. Instead, she sat Fundanár's rocking canter limply and allowed him to follow the other horses without guidance. Her mind was filled with the fumes of self-pity, and her thoughts ran in circles at her weariness and injustice.

"Elanor! Elanor! Are you all right? Elanor!"

Shifting sleepily, that lady opened her eyes.

"Yeah?"

She was lying upon a pile of scratchy blankets. Attempting to sit up, her hand met with the cold stone floor. The world was swimming as her body adjusted to the abrupt wakening.

"You're awake!"

Trying to focus her gritty eyes, she blinked a few more times. Leaning over her was a dark-haired figure.

"Elladan?" she mumbled, hazarding a guess at which twin had interrupted her sleep.

"Yes, nethig. Are you all right?" He moved carefully so he sat beside her, one arm behind her back. "You were delirious by we arrived this morning, and Eärendur brought you here."

Elanor felt the fog in her brain receding slowly. She turned to Elladan, noting his concern and the faint lines of weariness on his face. Despite their desperate ride, he looked none the worse.

Far out, the Elvish constitution…

"I'm all right," Elanor croaked, adjusting herself so she was sitting more comfortably. "Oh goodness, I'm sore though. How long have I been asleep?"

"About six hours."

Great. Just enough time to make my muscles seize up. Thanks, Elladan. Oh, what I would give to have a full night's rest!

"Are you sure you are well, Elanor?"

"I need a good long sleep, but I think that's all that's wrong with me," she said, smiling at her foster-brother. "Is there a bathroom, of some sorts?"

"Oh, of course!" cried Elladan, looking rather horrified he had not thought of such a thing. "Yes, come. I shall take you there, and then there are many who wish to speak with you."

Nodding vaguely, Elanor allowed him to help her to her feet. Her legs felt weak and shaky, and she realised it had been a long time since she had eaten. One arm wrapped around her foster-brother's waist, she stumbled across various other piles of blankets towards a broad archway.

The room that Elladan led her to was primitive compared to Rivendell, but infinitely better than the wild. There was a smelly bucket and another wooden basin filled with clean water, and after her brother had closed the door she swiftly set about relieving herself. Then, she turned to the clean water and splashed her face thoroughly. There was no mirror, but she was too sleepy to care what she looked like.

Elladan was waiting just outside, and offered her his arm once more. Though it made her feel like a child, Elanor took it and they returned to the room where she had slept.

It was a utilitarian space, with a stone floor and walls. The way bedding was scattered about made her realise that the rest of the company must have slept there as well, and Elladan had allowed her to remain. Apart from the belongings of the Grey Company, a few chairs and a rack of spears on one wall, the room was empty. The windows were high and narrow, but several candles and torches bathed the room in a lukewarm glow. Elladan gently guided her to her bed and helped her sit down.

"What have I missed?" she asked, smoothing back her dishevelled hair and glancing ruefully at her brother's immaculate black locks as he joined her on the floor.

"We arrived at the Hornburg just after dawn, and Aragorn is busy in counsel with Halbarad and Elrohir. Eärendur brought you here, and so we were not aware of your state until just recently. You have slept nigh on half the day away, nethig." He chuckled and flicked the end of her braid.

"You ought to be with Aragorn and Elrohir," Elanor said, after a pause during which she urged her mind into gear. Glancing up at her brother in uncertainty and hope, she spoke quietly: "Did any of the others come with Aragorn?"

Elladan laughed. "Yea, little sister. Both Legolas and Glorfindel accompanied Aragorn hither."

And what of Gimli? her mind cried, though she silenced it swiftly.

"Would you take me to them? Then you can go and hear what must be done."

He nodded. "Thankyou, I think that is wise." He climbed to his feet and helped her do the same. "Come; they shall be glad to see you once again!"

Elanor's legs were beginning to feel her own again as she traipsed down the corridor after Elladan. Her brain still felt sluggish from lack of sleep, but she was beginning to piece things together.

Helm's Deep… the Hornburg… which means the battle was… I need to check the book dates again… hang on, what is the date?

After a few minutes, Elladan opened a metal-studded door and gestured that she enter. The door led to a brightly lit room, and as Elanor glanced through she saw that a fair number were gathered inside, eating and reclining. Most were Riders of Rohan, but to her right she observed a small cluster in grey-cloaks.

Elanor hurried forward, heedless of her filthy state and weariness.

"Elanor!" cried one of the figures, leaping to their feet as he caught sight of her.

"Legolas," she laughed, stumbling towards the brown-haired Elf. He reached out to clasp her hands, a look of shocked delight upon his countenance. Elanor glanced behind him as several other people also moved towards her.

"Glorfindel! And Merry!"

"Lady Elanor!"

"How came you to be in Rohan, Elanor?" cried Glorfindel, astonished. "You have come most unlooked for!"

"Did you not hear Halbarad's announcement? 'The brethren Elladan and Elrohir… and their foster-sister'," she twinkled at him, leaning down to embrace Merry. "I could not remain behind while you all went adventuring."

"I must have missed that announcement," Glorfindel admitted, with a grin.

Merry smiled up at her. "It is good to see you, my lady."

Elanor grinned, pleasure at seeing her friends driving back her exhaustion. "And you, Merry. Come, I want to hear all that has transpired!"

"I shall speak with you later, nethig," Elladan said, nodding at the others and planting a kiss upon Elanor's hair.

"Alright, Elladan," she smiled, sitting down between Legolas and Merry. Her foster-brother strode back in the direction of the door, and many of the Rohirrim within the room followed him with shrewd eyes. Elves were a curiosity in the south, and the sons of Elrond were tall and lordly even amongst the warriors gathered.

Elanor sighed happily as she studied the faces of the three sitting around her.

Man, it's good to see them all again…

"Alright now; tell me what mischief you've all been up to!"

So Elanor finally gets to see her friends again!

Even though I don't want this story to be ridiculous/improbable and too Elanor-centric, I also wanted her to see her companions once more.

Please let me know what you think! There will be more answers in the next chapter, as I piece together for you what has changed about the story. There are a lot of interesting things, least of which is the fact that Glorfindel and not Gimli is in Rohan!

Thanks for your patience, hope you liked it!

Finwe. :)