*I don't own Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings, I promise. Now I will be using many lines from the movie directly for dialogue of the meeting so that being said I also done own any trademarked material of New Line Cinema. I felt this would work best for how Hermione was to interact with the others.**I also would like to reiterate that as this is fan fiction, au and a crossover timelines will vary slightly.**I also can't thank all of my beautiful readers enough for the comments, favorites and follows. This is why I love writing Fan Fiction. To share my creativity with all of you is an indescribable feeling.*

The sun was at it's peak in the sky, light radiating into the courtyard of Rivendell's meeting yard. The colorful early autumn leaves rustled in the breeze, birds chirping their songs as chaos had erupted amongst the delegates of Middle Earth.

"What is the meaning of this, Lord Elrond?!" One man demanded, wearing the garb of Gondor.

"She has no right to be here! She bears no banner!" Another, a dwarf, shouted over his taller emissaries.

Hermione stood calmly beside Gandalf, a smile firmly plastered on her face being the only barrier to her boiling patience. These men were facing the darkest magic in an eon yet were fussing over a skirt. Lord Elrond stood uncomfortably at the head of the circle, attempting to calm his guests.

"You know nothing of the Lady before you!" Gandalf's voice boomed over the others. "She has seen more battles than half of your finest warriors. She has faced magic darker than any in this world have ever seen."

"How?" Boromir of Gondor scoffed, turning towards the wizard. "What kind of warrior could she possibly be?"

"You could ask 'her' yourself, you know." Hermione mumbled under her breath.

"I beg your pardon?" He sneered in her direction. "Why don't you leave the matters at hand to the men and find something more suiting to occupy your time? Perhaps you can find a pillow that needs some stitching."

His comment may have brought a few chuckles and snorts from his male companions but his mistake had been made.

Before Gandalf could stop her the young witch had already reeled back and landed her fist square in the center of the Gondorian knight's throat, effectively knocking him to his knees. Gasping for air he looked up to see a seething woman before him, anger flashing in her honey eyes.

"We are wasting time! You are wasting time." She shouted at the prone man before her. "While you bicker and argue you show Lord Elrond tremendous disrespect in his own house! He has called you here, not to threaten your manhood with the presence of a woman, but to show you the true danger we all face. Now if you'll kindly find your seat we can continue with what we have all gathered here to do."

Before anyone could utter another word she turned swiftly and sat beside Frodo who had remained still and silent in his seat. He looked over at the witch and offered a small smile. Whilst the witch had proven herself to him he knew others would not be convinced as easily. One by one the members of the council found their seats. Another man bearing the White Tree helped Boromir to his chair, the man still red faced and wheezing. Many cast a wary eye towards the young woman in their company but remained silent as Lord Elrond stood before his seat.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom" He looked over to Frodo who sat paralyzed beside Gandalf. "Bring forth the ring, Frodo."

Hermione reached over and gently squeezed the Hobbit's arm in encouragement before he stood, slowly approaching a pedestal at the center of the seats. He gently placed what the young witch could only call a simple gold band on the stone surface before returning quickly to his seat.

The magic radiating from the trinket hit Hermione like a storm, an angry darkness challenging her own light.

Whispers echoed in the chamber as the delegates realized what had been placed before them.

"So it is true." Boromir gasped, still rubbing his throat.

A redheaded dwarf stared openly at the ring, his mouth agape. The Prince of Mirkwood looked upon the stone plinth with disdain and fear. Hermione found herself focusing more on the reactions of the others than the pull of darkness emitting from the Ring. Aragorn's eyes seemed to follow hers around the circle, evaluating.

"In a dream I saw the Eastern sky grow dark." Boromir stood from his seat, staring down at the band as he approached it's place on the column. "In the West a pale light lingered A voice was crying, your doom is near at hand: Isildur's bane is found." As the Gondorian Knight stared st the Ring Elrond glanced over at Gandalf, his eyes swimming in worry.

"Isildur's Bane..." He stretched his hand forth towards the pillar but Hermione was a step ahead.

Feigning surprise she covered her mouth with her hand. "Confundo." She whispered just as Lord Elrond shot up from his seat. The knight seemed to stumble slightly away from the pedestal.

"Boromir!" He shouted alarmingly, believing he had been the one to startle the knight.

Gandalf stood, staring in vehement anger at Boromir. "Ash nazg durbatuluk, ash nazg gimbatul, ash nazg thrakatuluk agh burzum-ishi krimpatul. One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and, in the darkness, bind them."

The others seemed to flinch at the wizard's words. The sky became dark, churning with magic and leaves fluttered with an unseen breeze. Elrond covered his face with one hand, reaching towards his seat with the other, as though pained. Boromir gaped at Gandalf, as though a boy scolded by a parent, before finding his seat as well.

"Gandalf." Hermione whispered, worried for her friend as the clouds began to clear.

"Never before has anyone uttered words of that tongue here in Imladris." Elrond seethed, almost looking betrayed by one of his oldest friends.

Gandalf shook his head, staring at those gathered before him. "I do not ask your pardon, Master Elrond, for the Black Speech of Mordor may yet be heard in every corner of the West." His gaze turned to those carrying the Banner of the White Tree, boring into the arrogant knight leading them.The wizard could tell by the faces of his fellow delegates that they were as unsure of how the fates of their people could be tied to such a small trinket. "The Ring is altogether evil!" He waited for his words to ring off the pillars before sitting down beside Frodo.

Hermione, constantly vigilant, also watched the faces of those around her. The Elves seemed to look to Elrond, waiting for his reactions before offering their own, less they risk disrespect. The dwarves murmured low amongst themselves, knuckles white on their weapons.

It was Boromir who truly worried her, she could all but see his pride and ego boiling to the surface.

"Aye it is a gift!" Boromir stood and Hermione could feel her own impatience beginning to rise. "A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this Ring? Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, kept the forces of Mordor at bay. By thebloodof our people are your lands kept safe! Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy, let us use it against him!"

Hermione was about to stand and hit the man again when she heard a low voice speaking calmly across the circle.

"You cannot wield it. None of us can." Aragorn looked at the other man, exasperated. "The One Ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master!" His explanation only fueled a rude rebuke from the Gondorian.

The man scoffed and Hermione had to hold herself back. "And what would a ranger know of this matter?"

The Prince of Mirkwood stood abruptly, moving to stand before the Knight, eye to eye. "This is no mere Ranger. He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn, you owe him your allegiance."

The witch looked to the ranger and felt her heart nearly break at the look of shame that crossed his face. The Hobbit beside her gasped, the idea of being in the presence of real royalty seemed to shade the contempt between the two men, in his naive eyes.

"Aragorn! This.. is Isildur's heir?" Boromir looked as though he may have to eat his own door, but quickly covered his surprise with an arrogant smirk.

"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas continued in the defense of his friend.

Aragorn, who could take no further attention, held his hand up in a plea to the elf. "Havo dad, Legolas."

The elf looked over, only standing down upon seeing the pleading look on the ranger's face. Boromir, in all his arrogance, took this as a victory.

"Gondor has no King." He turned, nearly struttinf to his seat. His eyes found Aragorn's and his voice practically dripped in disdain. "Gondor needs no King."

Hermione didn't need to be a mind reader to know that Boromir's attitude was nothing but a facade, Aragorn was a threat to his family's reign. This man was certainly not gaining any favor in the witch's eye.

Gandalf sighed, the pompousness of youth seeming to drown the air. "Aragorn is right.We cannot use it."

Before Boromir could open his mouth Hermione chimed in. "This is not a matter of using it for good. This ring is evil, pure darkness. Embued with the ever churning malevolence that Sauron could muster. Not one person here would be it's match."

The men looked to her in silence. They could not argue her wisdom, as much as they may not like the counsel of a woman.

"You have only one choice. The Ring must be destroyed." Elrond stood from his seat, looking around for their replies.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Before anyone had a chance to react Gimli, one of the Dwarves, stood with his battleaxe poised over his shoulder.

"No!" Hermione shouted, but his axe had already been swung.

The resounding wave of energy burst forth from the Ring, knocking all those standing back to their seats. The witch scrambled over to the dwarf who had been knocked back by the force, his axe crumbled on the ground before him. Frodo gasped in pain, looking away from the pedestal, his eyes wide in fear. Gandalf looked over at the Hobbit with concern, remaining in his seat beside him.

"Are you alright, Master Dwarf?" She asked, lending a hand for him to sit up.

"Aye, lass." He gasped.

As she stood a cold whisper began to resonate in her ears. Turning to the Ring she noticed Elrond's eye also resting on the trinket. The ring was calling... something. His gaze met hers and he nodded, he could hear it as well.

"The Ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess. The Ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom. Only there can it be unmade." The rings whispers grew louder, drawing the attention of the other delegates. "It must be taken deep into Mordor and cast back into the firey chasm from whence it came. One of you must do this." The ring stopped. It knew. These mortals were planning it's destruction.

The silence was deafening. The groups all looked to each other, waiting for the first move.

Of course it would come from the Gondor delegation.

"One does not simply walk into Mordor. Its black gates are guarded by more than just orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep and the great eye is ever watchful. Tis a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust. The very air you breathe is a poisonous fume. Not with ten thousand men could you do this." Boromir looked to Hermione, in particular, his meaning clear. If ten thousand men could not best the armies of Mordor, no woman has a place amongst their plan to take this ring to the Eastern Shadowlands. "It is folly."

"Is it folly to attempt the unattempted?" Hermione asked. "You cannot be a Victor if you are too afraid to step outside your door."

"You know nothing!" He spat back, not able to continue for Legolas also countered his remark.

"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?" He asked the Knight before looking at the companions. "The ring must be destroyed!"

Gimli stood sharply and Hermione could tell heated racial tensions were rising to the surface. "And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?!" He demanded.

Boromir stood now, his face red with embarrassment, guised as anger. "And if we fail what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?"

"Why offer excuses when we could be offering plans, strategies?" Hermione scolded, crossing her arms. "What if's will do nothing for us but waste whatever time we may have to fight Sauron!"

Gimli, not to be outdone in a shouting match and still angry at Legolas' remarks. "I'll die before I see the Ring in the hands of an elf! Never trust an elf!" The witch rolled her eyes.

All the members of the meeting were on their feet, shouting at one another. Hermione, as embarrassed as she would be to admit it, was letting her anger get the better of her, and she shouted rebuttals right back. Gandalf had even joined the fray, scolding Boromir for his arrogance.

No one noticed the Hobbit, still in his seat, eyes fixed on the gold band. The faces of the delegates reflected in the polished surface before being engulfed in an unseen flame. A voice pounded against his mind, whispering the same words Gandalf had spoken to the council. The voice of Sauron.

Frodo knew he had to do something. Anything. The only thing he could do.

"I will take it!" He shouted, his voice small and uncarrying over the shouting voices. Taking a deep breath he said the words again, believing them himself. "I will take it!"

Hermione felt her heart break as she heard the small voice breakthrough the crowd. The finger that had been poised in front of Boromir's face dropped limply to her side as she turned to face the Hobbit, seeing Gandalf look over at Frodo, too. The other delegates realized that in their bickering and fighting had failed to do what this halfling had: He answered the call. The call of the council they had been called to convene.

"I will take the Ring to Mordor. Though... I do not know the way."

Hermione sobbed as she rushed over to the Hobbit, throwing her arms around his shoulders. "I am with you, Frodo." She whispered.

"We will help you bear this burden Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear." Gandalf smiled at the nephew of his old friend. Another adventure had begun.

"We?" Boromir gasped. "Surely you jest that lady Granger will accompany you to Mount Doom?" He laughed, though no one laughed with him as Hermione stood from her embrace, turning to the Knight.

"I am no mere Lady, sir. I am Hermione Granger and I am the apprentice of Gandalf the Grey, Istari of Middle Earth!" And with those words Hermione had been exposed by her own hand. There would be no turning back now. "I will protect Frodo and Gandalf and anyone else who dares this journey with us until my dying breath. I am willing to do what needs to be done, my Lord."

She pulled her wand from the hidden bracer in her right sleeve, pointing it Boromir's sweating brow before swinging suddenly to Frodo. "Protego!" The Hobbit was engulfed, as was Gandalf, in a pale blue light. Hermione then dropped the item from her other bracer and threw an Elven dagger at the pair.

Boromir moved to seize the witch upon sight of the blade, stopping short when the dagger simply bounced off the light and clattered to the ground. She turned sharply to the group. "No weapon can pierce my shield. Would anyone care to try, my Lords?"

The reactions were a mix of shock, awe and fear but not one man raised their weapons. "My dear, I do think they believe you, now." Gandalf smiled softy. "You can drop the ward."

The witch did as she was told, dispelling the charm and moving to stand beside her new companions.

"I would recommend you not doubt her, my Lord." Aragorn stood, staring at Boromir with a gaze that spoke the years of wisdom the Dunedain had over the knight.

"If by my life or death I can protect you, I will. You have my sword." The Ranger approached the Hobbit, kneeling before him. He stood, moving to Hermione's side. "I will aide you in all of my abilities in the protection of our Ring-Bearer."

She beamed as he reached forth and she grasped his forearm, sealing their camaraderie.

"And you have my bow." They looked to see Legolas stepping forward, bowing his head in respect to Frodo.

"And my axe!" Gimli raised what was left of his stone axe. Hermione made the mental note to repair the blade before their departure.

"You carry the fate of us all little one." Boromir spoke up, stepping towards the group."If this is indeed the will of the Council, then Gondor will see it done."

Lord Elrond nodded proudly, opening his mouth to speak but was interrupted by another small voice behind the circle.

"Oy!" Another Hobbit, round faced and with bright red hair burst forth from the bushes. "Mr Frodo's not going anywhere without me!"

The elf-lord chuckled lightly. "No indeed it is hardly possible to seperate you, even when he is summoned to a secret council and you are not!" He wouldn't say it before the delegates but the Hobbit's loyalty to his friend had impressed him.

"Wait! we're coming too!" Everyone turned to see two more Hobbits rushing to stand beside Frodo. Lord Elrond was astounded that not one, but three Hobbits had managed to make their presence unknown throughout the entire council.

"You'd have to send us home tied up in a sack to stop us!" One of them beamed proudly, very pleased with himself.

"Anyway you need people of intelligence on this sort of mission ... quest ... thing." The other chirped up.

The first rolled his eyes, looking over at his partner in crime. "Well that rules you out, Pip."

Hermione couldn't help the giggle that escaped her. These two brought forth happy memories of two certain brothers, their antics a match for any Weasley.

Lord Elrond looked upon the group with pride. "Ten companions... So be it! You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring!"

"Great!" Pippin beamed. "Where are we going?"

Hermione had found that packing for this journey had been quite simple once she'd been able to charm a bag similar to the one she had had back home. The memories of England had grown less sorrowful in the recent weeks, becoming more of a reminder of what she was fighting to return to. She had thought fondly of her friends' weddings she had missed, how many children being born she may never meet but knew would be unconditionally loved be her from afar.

Shaking her head she laid her bag on the table in her room, ready for when Gandalf gave the word for them to depart. Most of the council delegates had already begun making their journeys home, under the instruction of Lord Elrond that nothing was to be discussed outside of Rivendell.

Hermione had learned as much as she could about Middle Earth during her time in Imladris. She was anxious to see the rest of this world she'd only read of. Legolas and Gimli both told her of their homelands. The dwarf had boasted that once she had received a taste of Dwarven Hospitality she may never want to leave the Mountain Halls.

Aragorn had become quite the tutor when it came to teaching her the Dunedain ways, especially those of stealth. To remain unseen on their quest is their only hope to evade Sauron. She had come to respect the Ranger, his guidance and counsel had proven invaluable to her, as had his character towards her. He had never shown fear or hesitancy towards her after she'd revealed her magic to the others. He'd seen hear heal Frodo's wound but that was nothing compared to her wards.

The Hobbits seemed to idolize her, Merry and Pippin often watching her training sessions in the courtyards. Their banter and jokes reminded her so much of Fred and George that she quickly found herself to be quite fond of the two halflings. Sam seemed cautious of her, at first, often only asking her questions about her magic. Why did she have a wand where Gandalf had his staff? Could her magic protect Bill, his pony? Had she ever turned anyone into anything unnatural?

Hermione did her best to comfort Samwise the Gardener. She told him her wand was the same as Gandalf's staff, just smaller. She could ward Bill by carving a rune into his leading harness. She also swore on Imladris itself that she would never turn him into anything unnatural, not even to save his life.

Frodo had spent many hours with his Uncle Bilbo in the days leading up to their departure. The witch had spoken only briefly with the Baggins elder, he'd shown her the book he was writing. She was impressed at his ability to recall a journey he'd taken almost half a century prior. He had wished her well on her adventure, thanking her for her willingness to aid his nephew.

The only member of their party to not extend such kindness was Boromir. He'd kept his distance from the witch, wary of what may come with not one, but two spellcasters in their band.

Hermione did not let his disdain for her distract from the oath she'd taken. She would prove to him her worth, though she knew she owed him naught. He was simply prideful and now felt challenged and she smiled at the thought of making him nervous.

She made her way to the courtyard, bow and quiver on her back. Practice and preparation could do no harm before their exodus took them across the expanse of Middle-Earth. She had begun to wear the tunics Arwen had made for her, as gowns would be a hindrance on this type of adventure. She was pleased at how freeing the new garb had been, how similar it was to her old clothing.

She was surprised to find Gandalf in her normal clearing, Eomer of Rohan beside him. The two seemed deep im conversation as she approached. The blonde man smiled brightly when she came to stand beside them.

"My lady." The horse-lord once again raised her hand to his lips in a cordial greeting. "Gandalf was telling me of the council meeting. You are very brave to have accepted this quest."

"Thank you, my Lord." She returned his smile. "I am sorry you were not amongst us."

He shook his head, looking between the two Istari. "I understand, completely. While I would have joined you with no hesitation Gandalf has explained to me his reasoning and I cannot argue with his wisdom."

She nodded. "From what I have learned of Saruman and his trickery I know that your aid to us is best served from Edoras. Do you leave today?" She had to admit to herself that she had hoped to speak to him more in regards to Rohan and it's people.

"I depart in the morning, at first light." He sighed heavily. "How am I to stand by and allow Saruman to believe his hold on my uncle is strong enough to turn Rohan to his path?"

Hermione smiled sadly at the rider. "You wouldn't be allowing him, per se, as you would be gathering witness against him. Every act you see him control, every edict or announcement from his serf shall be held against him. Let him bury himself beneath his own words and he will face his own judgment."

Gandalf smiled. "After all these years you are still full of astonishment, my dear. I'll take my leave, however, there a few more matters to discuss with Lord Elrond." He placed his hand on Eomer's shoulder. "Your uncle is a dear friend of mine and I promise you, he will not fall to the darkness."

Eomer nodded his acknowledgment, a small smile on his face. The wizard left the two standing in the clearing, his smile unseen by the pair as he departed. Hermione gestured for him to follow her, wanting to continue the conversation even if she was here to train.

"What will you do now, then?" Hermione asked the Third Marshall. "Upon your return to Edoras, I mean."

The man shrugged slightly, his stoic expression faltering for a moment. "I suppose the only thing I can do is continue to protect my people... and my sister."

"You have a sister? What is she like?" She could tell that Eomer was struggling with his new task, as it were. This man before her was, above all else, a protector. Now he was being asked to observe an evil threat against his own family, and do nothing. Any slight escape she could offer would probably be welcomed.

"My sister... heh..." He chuckled before looking at the witch beside him. "I'd have to say you would enjoy her company, very much, my lady."

"Please, it's Hermione. You don't need to use any proper terms with me. I hold no court title here, though many use it." She stopped when they reached her targets, but her eyes strayed to the small table and chairs beneath a tree opposite her archery marks. "Would you mind staying? I only mean that I'm enjoying our conversation and, to be honest, my archery was merely to pass the time."

Eomer smiled, nodding as he reached to pull a chair out for her. "I would enjoy that, Hermione."

Removing the quiver and bow from her back she took the seat with a smile. He sat opposite from her, the helm beneath his arm resting now beside her items on the vacant third chair. "Tell me more about your sister." Hermione offered the conversation starter and soon the two talked until the light no longer breached the top of the canyon wall. Their topics ranged from the Calvary aptitude of Rohan to the customs and songs of the Golden Hall of Edoras. The witch kept her own histories more vague, but found herself opening up to the man before her.

"I must say, even admittedly as not the most well-read Marshall of the Riddermark, I haven't heard of a woman amongst the Istari ranks before." He grinned before adding. "Though, if there are other women wizards like yourself, then they would be a force to behold."

Hermione blushed at the comment, thankful for the fading light. "From what I know there aren't many of us. Though the correct term is 'witch', it rolls off the tongue better than 'woman wizard', wouldn't you agree?"

"I would." He looked around them, noting the darkness rapidly approaching. "I hope I am not being so bold as to say I hope your travels will bring you to Edoras, Hermione. I've enjoyed your... company."

She nodded her agreement. "And I, yours." She sighed, resting her hands atop the table. "To be honest, I do not know where this journey will take us. I would not say you are being bold in continuing to want for each other's company, for I hope we do see each other again. Very few here have reacted to my magic with such... indifference."

"Indifference? Forgive me, Hermione I meant no insult." He sat straighter in his chair, his blonde hair shining in the pale lantern light.

"You misunderstand, Eomer." Hesitantly she reached for his hand, his rough skin contrasting hers and making her smile. "Your indifference was welcomed! I was terrified... that by revealing my magic I would prove myself less an ally and more a target, I just ... reacted."

She moved to quickly pull her hand back but he held her firm. Her honey eyes met his deep sepia gaze and her breath caught in her throat.

"Bold of me to say, or not... Anyone who makes you their target has made an enemy of me." He stood, still holding her hand. "The hour is late, it seems the day couldn't keep up with our company. Please, allow me to escort you back."

Hermione nodded, taking his offer. She was nervous on the walk back to her chambers. Their conversation had turned to small talk, the artwork in the corridors, the craftsmanship of the elves. The witch would be lying if she said she didn't feel the same twitterpation that plagued many of her classmates growing up. Eomer was handsome, charming and kind to her. She was no longer the naive girl she'd been with buck teeth and armfuls of books, but she could sense a bond forming between herself and the Rider, much to her surprise. It had been years since she'd imagined anything that could be construed as romantic, yet here was this dashing warrior before her. One not afraid of her power, but in respect of it. Many men, wizard or muggle, often felt intimidated by her so she gave up the notion of looking for romance. It seemed, though, that Imladris had brought ... something to her.

Or someone.

Hermione tossed and turned all night. After Eomer had returned her to her room, after one final kiss to her knuckles, Aragorn arrived to inform her they'd be leaving the following afternoon. She was glad she had already packed, it would allow her a full night's sleep before they left. Yet the dreamscape eluded her. She though of plains and horses. Galadriel's words whispered through the night. Send your finest to the Middle Earth Plains. Perhaps she was meant to meet Eomer again. To see the Golden Hall. Before she knew it her room was bathed in the pale glow of twilight. Dawn. He was leaving soon. Grabbing her bag and dressing quickly she slipped from her room as silently as she could. She made her way to the stable courtyard, hoping Eomer had not yet departed.

Descending the stairway she noticed no sentries at the gate, nor their horses in their pens. They must have already departed. She went to the gate, staring down the path hoping to see a dust trail indicating they'd just left but was met with still earth.

"Hermione?" She jumped, turning swiftly with her wand dropped from it's holster to her palm.

"Eomer!" She gasped. "I thought you had already..."

His smile was beaming when he realized she was there to see him off. "Not yet, I wanted to feed Firefoot before we departed."

She nodded. "Of course! He'd need to have a full breakfast for such an early start... and all." She smiled timidly as she put her wand back in it's place. "I wanted to say... I just... I do hope my travels will lead my path to Edoras. And I have something for you."

Reaching into her bag, inwardly laughing as his eyes doubled when her arm disappeared into it, she pulled out a small gold and red ribbon. He eyed the fabric curiously as she held it in her hand.

"It's nothing extravagant, but these simple colors represent what I am... who I am. These are my house colors where I am from, where I have already proven myself. You've reminded me I have nothing to prove, to anyone, and I can't thank you enough for that." Hermione held out her empty hand and he reached for it. She smiled as she wrapped the strip around his wrist. "I hope our paths cross again, Eomer. But until then... know that I am honored to have met you."

He could tell that she struggled with this, a vulnerable moment. Eomer gently covered her hand with his as she fastened the ribbon. "The honor is mine. I know our paths will cross again, you are a rarity not to be avoided." He leaned forward and placed a gentle, chaste kiss upon her cheek. "Thank you, I will wear your banner with pride. Though, I do have something for you. I was going to leave it with Gandalf." He rummaged through a saddle bag, thankful he was turned away from the blush radiating across her cheeks.

He turned back to her, a small pouch in his hand, holding it out for her to take. She pulled the string open and turned it's contents into her palm. A simple braided leather bracelet with a small wooden horse looked up at her. "Eomer, I... thank you, this is beautiful!" She couldn't help the blush this time as she smiled up at the man before reaching over to stroke the mane of the steed beside them. "We um... shouldn't keep Firefoot waiting. You've a long ride ahead."

He nodded, reaching forward and squeezing her hand one last time before letting go, both of them with internal protest. He finished tightening the straps of the saddle, turning to her once more. "Until next time, Hermione. I look forward to the day."

"So do I, Eomer." She smiled sadly as he pulled himself up into the saddle. "Please stay safe."

He laughed. "I should be requesting you stay safe, Hermione, although... I don't doubt you can look after yourself better than your companions."

She nodded. "That's probably true."

"Goodbye, My Lady." He donned his helmet and spurred the horse through the gate, leaving Hermjone standing in the courtyard. She stared down at the bracelet before securing around her right wrist, her wand hand. The leather was soft against her skin and she noticed the carving of the horse had the same markings as Firefoot.

She watched the canyon wall, occasionally seeing the glimmer of armor against the stone as the horse-lord ascended from the city of the Elves. It wasn't until she could no longer spy his form that she turned and ascended the steps. Her companions would be gathering here soon, for their own departure.

Playing with the worn leather Hermione smiled, she was ready.