The next morning she was up and about before her uncle was even awake. By the time Gandalf came into the Great Hall she had been waiting for fifteen minutes.

"Excited?" he asked her when she jumped to her feet.

"More than ever!" she replied brightly.

King Theoden came in, looking tired. Eomer followed after him, practically dragging with fatigue, and, surprisingly, Eowyn brought up the rear.

"Have a great time, Calen," her uncle said as he embraced her. "Be careful. We'll miss you."

"Me too," she replied. "Tell Theodred I said goodbye to him as well, whenever he gets back from his travels. And thanks for the horse."

"Watch out for yourself, Calen," said Eomer. "You never know what could happen."

"I will," Calen assured him as they clasped each other tight.

Eomer held something out to her.

"You might need it," he said as Calen took the bright, cold dagger from his hand.

"Isn't this yours?" she asked him.

"I can get another one."

"Well, thanks. I hope I never have to use it, though.," replied Calen, slipping the dagger into her boot.

"As do I."

Calen nodded and turned to Eowyn.

"Goodbye, cousin. Remember what I said. When I return you shall see that what you have is invaluable."

Eowyn nodded stiffly, then rushed to hug Calen.

"I'll miss you, Calen," she whispered. "One of these days you're going to owe me for leaving me to be the only woman here..."

They both laughed, though it was a wet laugh.

"Let's go, Calen. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can get to Rivendell," Gandalf remarked gently.

"Right," sniffed Calen. "Okay. Bye everyone!" she waved, then practically skipped out the door.

The sun was rising as they topped the hill that would shield Rohan from sight from then on. Looking back one last time, she saw the roof of the Golden Hall soaked in early-morning sunlight and felt a pang of sadness.

'But just think,' she told herself, 'you finally get to go somewhere, and do something, just like you've always wanted...'

That was enough to reassure her. She turned Fe back to the path and nodded to Gandalf.

"Okay. Let's go."