Disclaimer: All characters from Lord of the Rings books and lines from the Lord of the Rings script belong to the Tolkien family and the production companies. Please don't sue me. I only own the characters I created on my own.

Karri had spent the morning running errands for Eowyn. Mostly they were things like getting herbs from the gardens for the healers and bringing Eowyn her breakfast. Nothing she couldn't handle.

"Eowyn, if you wouldn't mind I'd like to go down to the stables." Karri commented.

"You know about horses?" She asked raising an eyebrow.

"A little bit. I worked in some stables back home for about 3 years."

"That's fine. I'll send someone for you if I need anything."

"Thank you." Karri walked slowly down the stairs leading towards the stables. A strong wind was blowing but the sky was bright blue. She opened the wooden doors and that familiar smell caught her attention. The horses were all well taken care of and beautiful. From the first day it was easy to see that the horses were the pride and joy of the people in Rohan. She walked to the end of the stable when a flash of white mane caught her attention. It was the horse Eomer was riding the first time she saw him.

"Hello there." She said softly walking towards his stall. The horse seemed to be judging her for a moment before he walked forward and nuzzled her shoulder. "I'm sorry boy I don't have anything for you." She scratched lightly in between his eyes before leaning against him. "So you're the horse of the great Eomer huh?" The horse nudged again, almost as if he could understand her. "You have a very amazing and noble owner. What am I saying? He's a little out of my league huh? You remind me of a horse I used to take care of back home." She laughed. "I am talking to a horse, I think I am going insane."

"Firefoot doesn't like anyone but me really. I've never seen him act like this with another person." His voice stopped her in her tracks. How much had he heard? Karri turned to look at Eomer.

"My Lord. Um, you have a beautiful horse. Firefoot you said?" Eomer nodded a small smirk across his face. "Well Firefoot... It's nice to be properly introduced." The horse nudged her again.

"Amazing." Eomer said walking over to his horse and touched his mane. "Old friend have you finally warmed up to someone other than me?" His voice was soft and sweet. As his eyes connected with hers she quickly looked away.

"Karri..." He said softly. "I.."

"My lord!" Eothain came running into the stables. He bowed quickly.

"What is it Eothain?" Eomer asked concerned.

"Lord Theodred's group has not returned from the Battle at the Fords of Isen. We fear he..." His voice caught in his throat.

"Assemble the riders. We leave as soon as possible." Eothain left. "I must leave quickly."

"You get ready, I will saddle Firefoot." He looked at her suspiciously. "I used to work at stables. I know how to do it."

"Thank you." He left the stables and Karri turned her attention to Firefoot.

"Ok boy, let's get you ready." Karri had him saddled before any of the other horses. "Firefoot." The horse seemed to be looking at her. "Take care of him." She watched Eomer and his eored ride out and she stood next to Eowyn. The air somehow seemed colder.

"I pray that Theodred is alright." She said quietly. Karri put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Theodred's you're cousin?" Eowyn nodded. "I'm sure he's going to be fine. Lord Eomer will find him and bring him home." Eowyn smiled at her.

"I hope you're right. If Theodred comes home maybe it will help my Uncle." Eowyn turned towards the Golden Hall. "I can't describe Grima's hold on him, but it's frightening."

"I don't like the way Grima looks at you." Karri said looking around.

"You sound like Eomer." Eowyn remarked. "Is it hard for you? Adjusting to life here?"

"Extremely." Karri admitted. "I only thought I'd ever use the words 'Lord and Lady' while reading Shakespeare or acting in a play."

"What's Shakespeare?" Eowyn asked.

"Just an author, he wrote plays... Nevermind. Anyway, yes it is a little difficult."

"Karri do you know how to use a sword." Eowyn asked and it caught Karri by surprise.

"A small amount. I took Karate for several years and we started using swords toward the end of my training, but they were nothing like the ones I have seen Lord Eomer and his men carry. Ours were a lot lighter."

"Come with me." Eowyn said before walking briskly toward her bed chamber. She rummaged around a trunk before pulling out a smaller sword. "This is a training sword. It's a lot lighter than what my brother carries." She handed it to Karri. It was still heavier than anything Karri had ever handled, but it wasn't bad. "Now it's time to practice."

"What?"

"Karri, just because we are in Edoras doesn't mean that the fighting could not come here. We need to be prepared." Eowyn grabbed another training sword. "Are you ready?" Karri nodded.

They spent the entire day training and by nightfall Eowyn was remarking at how well Karri had caught on.

"Tomorrow we'll move on to real swords." Eowyn said putting both the training swords away.

"Tomorrow?" Karri asked rubbing her arms.

"Yes. We're going to train every day until Eomer and Theodred come back. As hard as we can. We need to be prepared." Karri just nodded. The days passed slowly, even with the training. Karri found herself desperately missing things like TV and the internet. She was almost shocked at how much she had taken those things for granted. More so, she found herself wondering where Eomer was and if he was alright.

"How do you do it Eowyn?" Karri asked her as the two women sat enjoying dinner.

"Do what?"

"All this waiting. With no news about where everyone is?"

"It's not easy, but it's needed." As if fate a messenger arrived on the 6th day after Eomer had left. Karri found Eowyn crying in a back room near the kitchen.

"Eowyn, what is it?" Horrible thoughts about Eomer ran through her head.

"Theodred is severely wounded. The riders will arrive by mid-afternoon, but the messenger said he doesn't look good." Karri kneeled down beside her and pulled Eowyn into a hug.

"Try to hope for the best my friend." She said softly.

"We should practice just a few more times with the swords." Eowyn quickly stood and wiped her tears away.

"I think I have gotten pretty good, and you need to prepare for your cousin and brother to arrive."

"I should say. You're a match for me, but we still need to practice. Karri I just can't wait around for them to get here. I need to remain busy or I fear I'll go insane." Karri merely nodded and the girls went to practice. After a few hours Eowyn and Karri paused to rest.

"I think you're ready for battle." Eowyn said taking a sip out of a water cup. "Does that frighten you?"

"The idea of a battle frightens me, but I would gladly fight for things I care about."

"What here do you care about?" Eowyn asked seriously. Karri cleared her throat.

"Well you've become a great friend of mine and..."

"Karri, I have seen how you look at my brother."

"Eowyn. You're brother is out of my league."

"Why?" Eowyn's response caused Karri to stare at her.

"H-He's Third Marshal of the Mark. He's a nobleman."

"Karri let your heart guide you. Don't let status stop your heart." She paused for a moment as they both caught their breath. "You're beginning to talk more like we do."

"I catch on quickly." Karri replied with a smile. A servant came into the stables where they had been practicing.

"My lady. The riders are back." Eowyn and Karri ran up the stairs to the Golden Hall and to the Meduseld, where the king and his kin live, and into a chamber where Theodred was laying on a bed, Eomer was kneeling beside it. Karri left the room and waited in the hallway for the two siblings to come out. As various healers went rushing into the room Eomer and Eowyn exited. Their faces were worried and worn.

"We need to meet with our Uncle. Follow me." Eowyn said, tears filling her eyes. The Golden Hall was deathly quiet at the King sat on his throne staring off into nothingness. Eowyn moved beside him.

"Your son is badly wounded my lord." She said softly.

"He was ambushed by orcs. If we don't defend our country, Saruman will take it by force." Eomer said, his voice trying to remain calm.

"That is a lie!" Grima Wormtounge came out of the shadows and walked closer to the king. "Saruman the White has ever been our friend and ally." The King mumbled something softly and Grima bent down to him.

"Orcs are roaming freely across our lands. Unchecked, unchallenged, killing at will. Orcs bearing the white hand of Saruman." Eomer turned over a helmet that had a white hand painted on the front. Karri was confused. Eowyn had told her more of middle earth and Saruman was suppose to be a friend of Rohan. A white wizard that offered council and protection.

"Why do you lay these troubles on an already troubled mind?" Grima said turning again toward the King. Karri watched him with disgust. "Can you not see? Your uncle is wearied by your malcontent, your warmongering."

"Warmongering?!" Eomer's voice was dangerous. He grabbed a hold of Grima and shoved him against a pillar. "How long is it since Saruman bought you? What was the promised price, Grima? When all the men are dead you would take a share of the treasure?" Eowyn turned to leave because she needed to be with Theodred. She paused and her eyes connected with Grima's. Before walking out of the room she motioned for Karri to follow her, but Karri remained watching the scene with Eomer unfold in front of her. "Too long have you watched my sister. Too long have you haunted her steps." Karri saw several guards come up behind Eomer.

"You see much, Eomer son of Eomund. Too much." Grima said finding a new strength. The guards pulled Eomer back and held him before punching him in the stomach "You are banished forthwith from the kingdom of Rohan, and all its domains, under pain of death." Karri's stomach dropped. She looked on in desperation. It didn't matter how good Eowyn said she was becoming with a sword. She couldn't get Eomer out of this.

"You have no authority here. Your orders mean nothing." Eomer said his voice biting.

"This order does not come from me. It comes from the king." He held up a piece of paper. "He signed it this morning." The guards took away a fighting Eomer and Karri ran to find Eowyn.

"Eowyn."

"What's wrong?" She asked. Karri's eyes were panicked.

"Your uncle just banished your brother." Hey eyes grew wide.

"Other riders will go with him."

"I am going." Karri said firmly.

"You can't! Eomer will not let you."

"Eowyn, you always told me if you could you would dress as a male and ride with your brother. Well help me do that now." Karri said, her eyes pleading. "Please Eowyn. Help me." Eowyn grabbed her hand and led her quickly outside to a smaller building. She opened the door and pulled Karri inside. The room was filled with spare uniforms and equipment. Eowyn helped Karri change into the smallest uniform they could find and she led her to the stables.

"What are you doing here Eowyn?" Came a voice from behind them.

"Eaodon." Eowyn said softly. "I wanted to see my brother a last time."

"Who is... Karri?" He looked at her his eyes in understanding. "Karri what do you think you're doing?"

"I am going with you."

"No, no you're not it's too dangerous. You can't even fight."

"Yes she can. I have been teaching her and I assure you she can fight." Eowyn said protectively.

"Eomer will not allow this." Eaodon said seriously.

"Please Eaodon. I want to be there for him." Karri said seriously. Eaodon's eyes connected with Eowyn's for a moment.

"Alright, but you have to make sure to ride near the back left. They're his fighting men and he won't call on you to do scouting work. You have a better chance of not being noticed if you are back there." Karri smiled at him and the two of them grabbed horses.

"Be careful Karri." Eowyn said sadly.

"Somehow everything will be figured out. Lord Eomer will find a way to save your Uncle and we will be back. I will see you again." Karri and Eaodon rode out of the stables and joined the numerous men that had joined with Eomer. At least it would be easier to hide from Eomer with such a large number of men.

"Rohirrim! I thank all of you. We are those who are loyal to Rohan! We will defeat any Orcs we find on our lands. We ride!" Eomer and Firefoot took off in a quick gallop and the rest of the men and Karri followed closely. They rode for several hours. Karri could feel her back getting stiff, but she did her best not to let on. Eomer held up his spear and the riders stopped. Karri heard him call a name to the front and he whispered a few words to him. "Rest my friends!" Eomer called. Eaodon dismounted and walked to Karri.

"How are you."

"Fine." She answered honestly.

"Are you prepared for battle Karri?" He asked quietly. "When we find orcs we will fight them until all of them, or all of us, are dead." Karri looked around and saw Eomer discussing something with Eothain.

"I'm ready Eaodon."

"Why do you fight?" He asked honestly. "This is not your land, this is not even your world if your tale is true. So why fight?"

"Some things are just worth fighting for Eaodon."

"You love him." He said more as a statement.

"I.. I don't know what you're..."

"If you're going to fight for him, Karri. You should admit to yourself why you are fighting."

"Rohirrim! Orcs a head! WE FIGHT!" The man quickly mounted their horses and Eaodon nodded toward Karri before they set off.

Battle was not like Karri had expected. She couldn't imagine how someone prepared for something like it, but as the Orcs began to charge her adrenaline kicked in and everything Eowyn had taught her was on her mind. After almost 20 minutes three Orcs charged Karri at once. They caught her off guard and knocked her sword from her hand. She felt helpless for a moment, but her instincts kicked in and her karate took over. She dodged the attacks and got several punches in before she was able to retrieve her sword. The battle continued for several minutes before all the Orcs seemed were defeated. The soldiers began to pick up the bodies and pile them.

"Karri." Eaodon said relieved. "You're alright."

"I'm fine. Are you ok?"

"Yes. It was a good battle."

"Riders." His voice bit into ever fiber of her body. "I wanted to congratulate all of you on a great victory."

"My Lord." Both Eaodon and Karri said together, Karri trying to keep her voice low.

"Eaodon."

"Yes my Lord."

"Eothain needs to speak with you." Eaodon bowed and walked into the night. "Rider you fight well, strange even." Her heart dropped. "May I have your name?"

"Rodain my Lord." He wasn't fooled. Eomer grabbed a hold of Karri's shoulders and pulled her helmet off. "Karri... What do you think you're doing?" She looked toward the ground. "Karri you have to go back to Edoras."

"No." She turned to look at him and his eyes burned into her. "No, my Lord. I want to be here. I wish to fight."

"I wont see you hurt."

"My Lord you have seen me fight. I can hold my own. I can't just wait around to hear that Eaodon or you have been killed. I need to stand and do something about it."

"Karri." His voice was suddenly soft and his eyes were burning. "I don't want to see you hurt." Karri's eyes remained set. "This is not your battle. This is not your kingdom. This is not your world. You have no reason to fight."

"I have friends here my Lord. Friends I care about and who I will fight for."

"Who are you fighting for my Lady." He said narrowing his eyes.

"I am fighting... I am fighting..." Her voice caught in her throat. She could not reveal who she was really fighting for. It would only be a reason that he would send her back to Edoras. He wouldn't want her around. "I am fighting for Eaodon and Eowyn. They've treated me like family and something that effects them effects me. I am fighting for them." Eomer sighed. "My Lord. I may not be from Rohan, but people I care about are. Don't send me back to wait when you have seen that I can defend myself."

"I will let you stay on two conditions. First, you can not let the other men know who you are. Second, if things get to dangerous you are to step away from the fight." Karri nodded.

"Yes sir." Eomer's eyes connected with hers and they stood that way for a few moments. He turned to walk away but stopped.

"Karri..." Their eyes connected again. "I am proud of you."

"Thank you my Lord." She bowed to him and began tending to her horse.