Chapter 5

Éomer was aware of something wet and warm tickling his foot and the same sensations elsewhere on his body. Not to mention, he was covered in something warm and unmistakably alive. He shifted experimentally and there was a brief chill followed by an indignant puppy yelp. As the chill was warded off by more warmth, Éomer's eyes flew open. As his eyes adjusted to the dark, he made out a large shape beside him. His fingers curled around thick fur on his left. Something cold and wet bumped him in the neck and he gasped, freezing. Wolves. He was completely surrounded by wolves! The one licking his foot had stopped and was watching him. He wiggled his toes and was rewarded with a warm tongue. Something small and fuzzy crawled up his bare chest, tiny claws digging into his skin, and Éomer found himself nose-to-nose with a curious wolf-pup. He had always had a fear of wolves, but after spending half a morning fighting alongside some of the biggest wolves he'd ever seen and then mingling with them, he had no fear of them. Those wolves had been Clan Wolves and followed black Oriana, who was known as Elendûr, or Black Star. He remembered the kind, protective young black female Clan Wolf he had met on the plains with Boromir and wondered how she had fared during the battle. Word had it that she had nearly been trampled. He smiled in the dark and rubbed noses with the pup on his chest. The warmth on his wound was the steady ministrations of an old graying male whose coat had once been black. A beautiful black female lay between his legs, her head on his thigh. She was young but something told him that she was the alpha and the Clan leader. Or one of them.

At the moment, like many others in the den, she slept. Some pups played in a corner, tugging on a piece of green cloth. A young golden male lay curled up on his left, draped over his legs, sound asleep. Yawning, Éomer drifted off to sleep, safe, warm, and momentarily free of pain. It seemed hours before he was awakened by movement. Hunters had returned with a kill and there was a great deal of joyful greeting. The hunters greeted their pack leaders and Éomer. He winced slightly as the smell of blood stung his nose. The young black female gave a low rumble and swung her head. In response, the pack, left the den. Éomer closed his eyes as the pups snuggled up around him to wait their turn. The young female returned first, and Éomer wondered if she had eaten at all. She fetched something from a corner and came to him. Her golden companion padded in next. Éomer struggled to sit up as they brought him a flask, a leaf-wrapped packet, and his cloak. The old male had also returned and settled behind Éomer, who sank into a reclining position, closing his eyes. His wound, though grave, did not hurt him. This was a blessing in disguise for him. Hungry, he unwrapped the packet and smiled. Someone had left him lembas, Elvish way-bread. He had once heard that one small piece could keep a man going for at least two days if not three. Breaking off a piece with his teeth, he ate. Then he remembered who had told him about lembas and what it could do. Alert blue eyes that saw everything set in a fair and laughing face. Legolas, called Greenleaf, Prince of the Elven Realm of Mirkwood. Éomer paused and looked at the young female, remembering her during the battle as little more than a blur of movement in the chaos, "Legolas…where is he?"

"He has gone to Isengard, Princeling." A deep, steady voice startled Éomer and the wolves alike. Turning he saw a magnificent black wolf with a scattering of silver in his fur come into the den. The young female got up and went to greet him. Éomer gasped, "Stars of Ea! You can talk!"

"I am a wizard, Prince Éomer. I see you have already met my daughter and Day." The wolf soothed, stretching along his unprotected side. Éomer gulped, shivering, "Your d-daughter?"

"Yes. I believe Legolas calls her Elendûr." the wolf said calmly. Éomer frowned, "Elendûr is the one who led the Clans with Day. All I could ever see of her was a blur of black in and out of the enemy ranks, followed by her Clans."

"Hmm, yes. A bit of a puzzle."

"I remember she had blue eyes." Éomer glanced at the wolf who lay between his legs again. She stared at him placidly and licked his thigh, causing him to squirm.

"Elendûr, what have I told you about teasing?" the wolf scolded as she proceeded to lick Éomer in a very sensitive place and he slumped against the gray male with a groan.

"Just because you tell us doesn't mean we'll actually listen." The gold male quipped as he sniffed Éomer's toes before giving an experimental lick. He jerked, flinching away, "That's not fair!"

"Well, he's awake now."

"Of course he's awake. He should be asleep. Leave him alone and let him sleep so he can recover. That goes for both of you." The black male growled. The two young wolves exchanged a look and lowered their heads. Relieved to be left alone, at least for the moment, Éomer closed his eyes. The black male padded out after giving another warning, "I'll be tracking, the others are already in Isengard by now. You behave yourselves."

"Yes, Amadeus." They chimed. Shaking his head, Amadeus left. Éomer looked at Elendûr, who gazed back at him innocently, "So you're the Black Star of the Clans."

"Same and only." If Elendûr had been human, she would have smiled. He reached down and rubbed her ears, "Thanks to you and your wolves I'm still alive."

"When Elladan mentioned poisoned blades, I knew what it was. Convincing them to leave you behind was hard."

"They were afraid we would leave you to die." Gold-coated Day mused, licking his foot.

"I'm not dead yet. How did you get me here?"

"The same way we'll get you out. When you're ready, and well, we'll pull you out again. Your horse is waiting outside the den, and Legolas left your armor behind when he went with the others."

"I'll have to thank him. Where did the rest of your pack go?" he noticed that only three of the adults were in the den. Elendûr sighed, "Scouting, or resting outside. Most of them went with Amadeus, I think. Get some sleep, Éomer, or he'll have us both. You do not want to make the Wolf-King angry, and disobeying orders is the easiest way to do that." Resigned, and comfortable for the moment, Éomer did as she said and slept. When he woke next, it was much cooler. He shivered and with a start he woke up. He was out in the open under the trees. His horse was tethered nearby, saddled and ready for travel. The pack was scarce, but the pups played nearby. Elendûr and Day appeared as he tried to sit up and helped him get into a comfortable position. A quick check proved that his wound was fairly well healed. With a shrug, he looked around, "Would this be the first step to getting me out of this place?"

"Theoretically. If you can get dressed, we'll see about getting you onto your horse." Day mused, sitting beside him. His clothes were folded next to him, for which he was grateful. There was no need for modesty with the Wolves of Elendûr's Clans, and these were her Clan Wolves, so he was comfortable with them. It took a while to get dressed, and he didn't even bother with his armor. Getting to his feet, using a nearby tree for balance, he buckled on his bracers and his sword. He wore his chainmail, that should be enough for any trouble they encountered. Bracing himself, Éomer took a step away from the tree and nearly landed on his face. Elendûr caught him and herded him back to the tree, "Never mind, you're not going anywhere. Sit down for a few minutes." She brought him the flask and lembas, "Eat and drink first, then try again." The flask carried a sweet, refreshing drink he recalled as miruvor. Again, an Elvish refreshment. He reminded himself to thank Legolas when he got home. After he'd had several swigs of miruvor and a few bites of lembas, he felt a bit better. Determined, he shoved to his feet. The ground swayed under him, but eventually the world stopped moving and he made his way slowly to his horse, tucking the flask and packet into his saddlebag. He looked at the Wolves, and noticed that most of the pack was returned. He groaned and leaned his forehead against the saddle-horn. Maybe he could walk, but there was no way in hell he could mount his horse. And Telera wasn't obedient enough to kneel and make it easier for him. Resigned, he slid to the ground and sat there, "Well, I'm not going anywhere, Telera won't kneel."

"Then Telera won't carry you until you can mount him." Day said, coming to him. Éomer raised his head from his arms and noticed that, somehow, Day had grown larger. Quite large, in fact. He arched an eyebrow, "What happened?"

"The Clans can grow at will, depending on the situation. Luor carried Aragorn to Helm's Deep." Day said, crouching before him, "I'll carry you to Edoras, at least until you can mount Telera." Sighing, Éomer reached out and gripped handfuls of fur. With a groan, he pulled himself onto Day. As the golden one got slowly to his feet, he swayed. Bracing himself, he looked at the ground, "This is unbelievable. I feel like an idiot."

"There's nothing wrong with it, stop whining." Elendûr scolded, "At least you're still alive." Éomer wondered if he was going mad as they set off, Telera's reins held in Elendûr's teeth. He admired the stupid creature for not spooking and bolting. They walked all day and at sunset they stopped. Éomer slid from Day's back and groaned, curling into the warmth the Wolf provided, "How close are we?"

"Two days. The forest took up a day of travel." Elendûr mused, lying on the other side of him. He smiled and stroked her fur, "You're an amazing creature, Elendûr. All of you are. Will you stay with us?"

"My Clans are bound to the Fellowship. We're not leaving them until this is all over." She said, yawning. Day was already asleep, he noticed. With a sigh and a stretch, he closed his eyes. The Wolves kept him warm that night and the next morning he was strong enough to mount Telera. They moved faster that day and didn't stop until dawn the following day, by which time they could see Edoras. Éomer smiled, "Home. I've never been so happy to see it."

"Let's get you home and to a bath, you could use one." Day quipped.

Éomer glared at his golden-furred friend, "Thank you for your honesty."

"Just making a statement, cousin. Not a judgement." Day mused before loping off. Éomer frowned, "What?"

"Oh no." Elendûr groaned, "Damn him!"

"What did he call me?"

"Cousin!" Elendûr buried her face in her paws, "I'm going to skin him alive! Come, Éomer. We've wasted enough time out here and there's something you need to see." With a huff, Elendûr got up and took off. Wondering what had just happened, Éomer followed, urging Telera to a gallop.

Oriana found Theodred and threw herself at him, "You idiot! What were you thinking?"

"It was an honest mistake!" Theodred gasped. She snarled, nipping his muzzle, "Honest mistake? Did it ever occur to you that half of Edoras still thinks you're dead? Including your father and your cousins!" Shaking herself, she let him up, "Come on, we need to talk to Amadeus before we do anything else." They went into Meduseld and found Amadeus with Aragorn, who was flanked by Luor as always. She sat before them, "We have a problem, gentlemen."

"What would that be? Where's Éomer?" Aragorn frowned. She looked at Theodred, "He's on his way into the city by now, but that's not the problem. Someone slipped up. Now we have to show them that, contrary to common belief, Theodred isn't dead!"

"I've apologized already!" Aragorn and Amadeus exchanged a worried glance and Amadeus sighed, "I think it's time they knew the truth, Ori. Despite what you want."

"They won't take it well, you know that!" Oriana snapped, shaking her head. Aragorn stroked her head, paying special attention to her ears. Early in their journey together, the Fellowship had discovered Oriana's ears to be a sensitive place she liked to have scratched and fondled. Little shivers twitched along her nerves and she closed her eyes, relishing in the attention. Aragorn chuckled, "Well, that seems to have worked."

"Cheater. You're not getting off easy, Theodred." She groaned. Theodred chuckled, "That didn't sound very threatening." Amadeus shook his head, "Come, you three, there is work to be done." Oriana sighed heavily, "I have a bad feeling about this. Everyone thinks Theodred is dead."

"Everyone is wrong, Ori. I'm not dead, and I probably won't die for a long time." Theodred said reassuringly as they departed to a small chamber. Aragorn took it upon himself to find proper attire for them, and came up with a fine tunic of deep green velvet embroidered with a white horse, black trousers, boots, and a crown for Theodred. For Oriana, he found a chiffon gown in the same green with a white corset-top and a pair of soft black slippers. Amadeus had a crown for her. When all was ready, including the amenities for a bath, Amadeus looked at them, "Are you both ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." Oriana looked at Theodred. He licked her on the nose, "Don't worry, Ori. Everything will turn out alright, you'll see."

"Sit here, together." Amadeus instructed. Oriana sat obediently before her father, and Theodred sat beside her. As he began reciting the incantation that would give them the freedom to transfigure from wolf to human at will, she tucked her head under Theodred's chin and closed her eyes. The transfiguration took only moments to complete, and when it was finished, she lay wrapped in Theodred's arms. She heard Amadeus and Aragorn leave quietly, locking the door so they would not be disturbed. Smiling, she curled into Theodred's arms. He stirred and she looked up. He blinked several times and grinned slowly as he realized that the transfiguration spell had in fact worked. She looked over her shoulder, "They provided for us, Theo."

"The rest is up to us, I suppose." He sighed, in no great hurry to move. They lay on a thick covering of furs before a warm blaze in the hearth, and she was quite content to stay where she was. Tipping her head to one side, she listened. It was quiet outside. Biting her lip, she got shakily to her feet, picked up a robe, and snuck to the door. Unlocking it, she peeked out into the hallway beyond and found it empty. Looking both ways, she saw Aragorn moving away to the right. She bit her lip and stepped out into the hall, "Aragorn! Wait!" Without missing a beat, the Ranger spun on his heel and came back to her, "Oriana, what is it?"

"Nothing is wrong, but I don't know how much time Theodred and I have before the feast."

"You have plenty of time. Eomer came in about ten minutes ago. He was worried about you and Theodred. I told him that you were both resting and suggested he do the same." Aragorn shrugged, "The celebration won't begin until sunset. There are three hours until the sun reaches the mountains."

"Oh. Thank you, Aragorn. Everything you've done for us is above the call of duty." She felt her face grow warm and cursed herself.

"You deserve to be happy, and I think Theodred makes you happy." Aragorn mused, smiling as he reached out to touch her face, "You were a beautiful wolf, you are breathtaking as a woman." Oriana gasped as the touch sent tingles down her spine. Her gasp was covered by a gentle but passionate kiss from Aragorn, who had years of practice perfecting the art of kissing. When he let her go, she looked at him dazedly, "Oh, wow. That was…amazing."

"I'd show you more, but I'll leave that to someone else." He pressed a kiss to her forehead, "There is time, Oriana. Use it as you will. When it is time for you to come, I will find you."

"Thank you, Aragorn." She whispered, letting him hold her for a moment more before vanishing. She turned and went back into the room. No sooner had she set foot over the threshold than Theodred pounced on her. He must have overheard them talking outside. As one hand went to the sash of her robe, he blazed a trail from her ear to her lips, "How much time do we have?"

"Aragorn said…three hours." She gasped, reaching for the sash and closures of his own robe as he kissed her violently. Theodred growled, his beard tickling her cheek as he moved his kisses lower. He tore her robe from her body and fell to his knees, trailing kisses along her belly. When he reached her mons, he looked up at her and locked eyes with her. She tangled her hands in his hair and held him close as he made love to her with his mouth. The power of her climax brought her to her knees with a wail, and she knocked Theodred onto his back, tearing away his constricting robe. They wrestled together for dominance, but she overpowered her mate, pinning him with her thighs around his hips and her hands on his shoulders. He lay gasping for breath, his chest heaving, "Guardians of Valinor, you are no tame creature!"

"What ever gave you that ridiculous idea?" she purred, bending down to kiss him, "You should know that wolves are not easily tamed." His eyes nearly popped out of his head as she took him deep into her body in a single brutal thrust. Growling, he flipped her onto her back and set a violent pace, "No, we aren't. Wolves…are not…tamed." Arching until she thought her spine would snap, she threw her arms around him and dragged him down for a suffocating kiss. If no one heard their cries, the walls had to be truly two feet thick. Finally, their climax crashed over them and Theodred collapsed with a howl. When the world came back to them, Theodred lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bath. The water was pleasantly warm, almost hot, and she chuckled. Theodred looked at her as he combed soaproot through her hair with his fingers, "What are you chuckling about?"

"The water should have cooled a long time ago, but it's still warm. My father put a heating spell on it."

"That was creative." Theodred mused, tipping her head back to rinse the soaproot from her hair. She smiled, "Insightful." His fingers felt so good, and she groaned, sinking into his arms. Between long, sensuous kisses, they finished bathing and Theodred carried her from the bath, setting her on the furs before the fire. Wrapping a warm blanket around them, he knelt beside her and showered her with kisses and light touches. After a time, they parted to prepare for the night. After she was dressed, Oriana brushed out her still-damp hair until it fell in curls and waves to the small of her back. Braiding it from her temples, she joined the braids into one plait that fell down her back. She picked up the circlet her father had left for her and set it firmly in place across her brow. Theodred came behind her and rested his hands lightly on her shoulders, "The sun is nearly set, are you ready?"

"Aragorn promised to get us when it was the right time. I would imagine he reached an agreement with my father, Sirus, and Gandalf to approach the King before the feast." She smiled and turned into his arms, "I can't say your father is going to take the news very well, but he is a wise man and may have suspected such things possible."

"I wouldn't doubt that." Theodred, resplendent in the colors of his father's house, held her close. A soft tap on the door was Aragorn, with Luor in tow, come to fetch them. It was time. Theoden was alone, contemplating the future of his people and himself, so now was the most opportune time to reveal the truth. Prepared to face the worst outcome, Oriana and Theodred made their way to the King's chambers. No one saw them, Aragorn had planned the timing perfectly. Well, almost no one saw them.

Frodo had decided to wander the expansive stone halls of Meduseld, which would be his home for a few days while plans were made for the next stage of their battle against Mordor. Sam was with Merry and Pippin, content to stay in the room the four of them shared as guests of King Theoden. He had only met his host once, briefly while they were still in Isengard. Aleo and Mathet had decided it best to follow Treebeard and reunite them with the cousins, and deal with the consequences of disobeying Oriana's very direct orders later. He had been glad to see Saruman defeated, and was secure in the knowledge that the traitor would no longer trouble him or his friends. Suddenly, he heard voices. He ducked into an alcove and watched as a small band of people went past. He saw Aragorn, who wore a red shirt and black vest over black trousers and his boots. Even in this time of peace, the Ranger carried a dagger on his belt. Gandalf was with him, and he saw Sirus and Amadeus, who reminded him greatly of Lord Elrond, who had hosted him and his friends so long ago in Rivendell. They had the same face and the same eyes, though Amadeus' long dark hair was sprinkled with streaks of gray that just added to his air of dignity.

But it wasn't Aragon or the trio of powerful wizards who caught Frodo's attention, it was the two strikingly beautiful and very young people they escorted. The girl was tall and slender with black hair like raven's wings and brilliant blue eyes full of wisdom. Almost like Lady Arwen, whom Frodo loved dearly with his whole heart as he loved Aragorn. Beside her walked a tall young man with broad shoulders and a mane of golden hair. His eyes were brilliant green, though they carried the shadows of pain and loss. He couldn't help but notice that the man limped slightly, his gait uneven. He must have been wounded terribly to walk that way, and Frodo's heart went out to the brave warrior who had served his King so selflessly. He couldn't remember if he had ever seen the warrior among the hundreds of soldiers he'd encountered, but Frodo couldn't shake the feeling that he somehow knew the couple. Why he would know them or from where, he didn't know. Curious, he padded out of hiding and trailed after them. After a while, the girl looked over her shoulder and smiled to see him, turning to her companion and whispering something to him. As the pair turned, Frodo felt rooted to the spot. Well, no wonder he'd recognized them! It was Oriana and Theodred! Just…human instead of wolves. Oriana held out one hand and he ran to her, hugging her tightly, "I thought I recognized you! What happened, how did you change?"

"The first time we were here, my father lifted the spell that held Theodred and I captive, giving us freedom we hadn't had until then."

"But why didn't I see you in Isengard?" he asked as she put one arm around him. She looked at Theodred, "After Helm's Deep, we were forced to stay behind to take care of Eomer, who was fevered by a poisoned wound. We only just returned and my father finished lifting the curse."

"Oh." He wrinkled his nose, "Where are you going?"

"To tell my father the truth." Theodred said, his eyes sad, "He believes me dead."

"That's terrible! Why would he think such a thing?"

"Because he doesn't know that I became a wolf to save my own life."

"Theodred, Oriana. Time is short." Aragorn came back to them. Oriana nodded, "I know. We just had some explaining to do." Aragorn arched an eyebrow and looked at Frodo, who gulped. He really hoped Aragorn wouldn't send him away, not now. The Ranger chuckled and turned, "Well, hurry up." Frodo heaved a sigh of relief and trotted after Oriana and Theodred. She was so dark, he so fair, and yet they were so perfectly matched. Black Star and Bright Star, that's what their Elvish names meant. When they reached King Theoden's chambers, Frodo watched something amazing take place. Aragorn and the wizards didn't even have to say a word, Theoden just looked from Oriana to Theodred and knew exactly what had happened. He embraced them both and wept for happiness, thanking the Valar for their mercies and gifts to an old man.

The feast was an event for celebration, and Oriana couldn't help but notice how her Clans seemed to take up every spare inch of floor-space. Most of that was under the tables. When the Fellowship put two and two together, she committed their expressions to memory for all time. Gandalf, Aragorn, and Frodo knew what she looked like as a human, but Merry, Pipin, Boromir, Gimli, Legolas, and Sam did not. Eowyn and Eomer didn't know, either, and those two had no idea that Day and Theodred were one in the same. When Theoden presented the two of them to a packed hall, the whole place fell silent. A moment later, a deafening cheer filled the hall. Many knew that Oriana and Theodred were responsible for their incredible victory at Helm's Deep by summoning and taking command of several troops of Clan Creatures from all over the Free Lands of Middle Earth. Not only had the Clans of Fangorn rallied, but Clans from Mirkwood, Rivendell and Lothlorien had come as well. Saruman had learned a very hard lesson in his defeat at Helm's Deep, Oriana had no doubt he would think twice before giving Rohan any trouble in the future.