A/N: I had to delete this chapter once because for some reason it repeated itself. So anywho, whatever comment I had on here before I can't remember. Just read and enjoy.

"Look!" cried Threwen. They had just gotten to the top of a hill and she could see it. "Edoras!"

She was so glad to be back. The whole left side of her upper body throbbed. She had kept it clean in order to protect from infection, but it still ached. Rannyn had been checking on her regularly and she was rather touched that he was concerned for her.

What a sweet guy, she had thought to herself. Once she had fallen into her habit of not thinking of him in a friend sort of way but then she remembered. I'm free. I can make friends again… But she knew this would take time. A lot of time.

Rannyn smiled at her and he seemed relieved to be back. Threwen decided she was going to clean up and go to bed once she got back. Sleep…sleep in her own bed. That sound really good at that point in time. Rannyn had said he needed to speak with the King and the wizard. He was, after all, going to be the only Rider of the Riddermark in Edoras.

"We should get there in time for dinner." He glanced at Threwen when he saw her showing discomfort with her arm. "And in time for you to get some rest. I think you over did it today."

She shrugged him off. "I'm fine."

He smirked. "Now when have I heard that before?"

She sighed and said, "You aren't going to make me drink tea again, are you?" She made a face at the memory. It hadn't tasted good at all.

But she had to admit that it would be nice to be taken care of. Especially by someone like Rannyn.

Rannyn practically ran to the Golden Hall after he had put Isidien in the stable. He needed to find out what was going on. He had been a close friend of Eomer for a while now and he was sure he could offer some help.

But he was too late. King Théoden had already made his decision when he got there.

Helm's Deep.

Rannyn thought the man was making a stupid mistake. From what he had heard from Threwen and what she had heard from Lord Aragorn, Saruman was going to strike soon. And Rannyn knew they should contact the other Riders.

"Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not."

The Ranger was right but it seemed like Théoden felt he needed to protect his country since it had already been through so much. So that was why they had an order the next morning, from the King.

"By order of the King, the city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep. Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need."

Rannyn, who was helping Threwen with some chores since she was having trouble, watched as people started packing and Gandalf, followed closely by his friends, grumble as he went into the stables.

"Where is he going?" asked Threwen, a concerned look on her face. She had come out to check on how he was doing with some tasks she'd assigned him.

Rannyn sighed. "He's going to find Eomer and his men."

Threwen's eyes widened. "But, we need him! Wizards are powerful and he could help protect us."

Rannyn glanced at her, wondering how she knew so much about wizards. Most thought they were just conjurers of cheap tricks, like fireworks. Threwen seemed like the last person who would be convinced of their authority.

"We'll be fine."

Threwen knew how to gather things up in a hurry and she was used to moving. She got Asimma and packed what she could on the mare. Rannyn had said he wanted her to ride with him, up near the King in the front of the procession.

We'll be fine. Threwen wished she could believe that but she knew better. She knew what Saruman and his forces were capable of. In fact, she knew exact how large his forces were and what they looked like. And it wasn't pretty.

Infuriating though it was, she had to have the stable keeper's help getting up into the saddle. Rannyn had made her a sort of sling for her arm. Luckily she was an experienced rider and Asimma was already used to her, since it would be a little tough riding one handed.

"You're leaving too, aren't you?" she asked the old man. She had grown fond of him, his smiling eyes.

He grinned up at her. "Oh yes. I'm just helping people get themselves all packed up and then I'm heading out too."

She frowned. "Do you have any family to travel with?"

He shook his head. "No, it's only me."

The girl noticed a shred of sadness in those grey eyes. She bit her lip, able to sympathize with him completely. Threwen knew what it was like to be alone in life. So she made a decision as she sat atop Asimma, looking down at one of the only people in Edoras who had talked with her, been concerned about her well being.

"Would you like to ride with me?" she asked shyly.

He seemed a bit surprised, but then he broke into a wide smile. "I'd like that a lot," he said quietly.

She smiled back. He helped her down from Asimma and she went to find Rannyn. She had finally taken a step and made a friend.

End Note: Okey dokey. Read the next chapter and I'm happy. Lol.