(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkein's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna.)
Brenna sat quietly in the boat observing her companions as they paddled swiftly down the river. She was lost in her thoughts and absently let her fingers dip into the cold currents of the river. Silently she prayed that they would be strong enough to face the evils that were before them.
Unnoticed by her, but not my Legolas and Aragorn, the rivers currents seemed to pick up, aiding them in their quest. They glanced at one another and then at Brenna as she idly let her finger tips play along the surface of the waters. A gentle breeze pushed their backs further lending aid. She hummed the songs that she had learned from Este that were quickly becoming a comfort to all. Whether she knew it or not, Brenna was lending aid and strength to the others subtly.
Startled from her musings, she looked around her to find her companions watching her. She smiled at them shyly. Glancing towards Boromir, she found him watching her quietly. He too smiled and she felt more at ease. Brenna quietly tried to draw him into a conversation, this time he was more receptive. He happily talked of his people, his home, and his brother. She was glad that he was opening up to her, even if it seemed a bit late. His whole face lit up as he described the White City to her. She smiled at him as he continued talking as he paddled strongly and surely down the river.
Brenna looked to Aragorn and returned his smile, it was as if he knew what she was trying to do and he nodded to her in acknowledgement. "Brenna," Aragorn began, "will you tell us about your life to pass the time?" he asked with a slight smile.
"I suppose, but there's not much to tell," she explained.
And so she began telling about her upbringing and her life with the Logans. Madeline and Johnathan, the people that raised her were from wealthy families and could have lived lives of leisure, but instead were in politics and were diplomats. They chose to work towards making the world a better and safer place, but in the end they paid for their hard work, their dreams of peace, with their lives.
Brenna talked of her time in boarding school. A concept that was hard for her friends to understand, not only because females didn't often receive formal education here, but also because her parents sent her away for long periods of time. She talked of her training in archery and fencing and her failed attempts at equestrian training. They laughed at the fact that she seemed sure that horses were out to get her. Tears of mirth poured down their faces as she described when the horse she was riding decided he didn't want to walk with her on him after all and chose to sit right there on the trail thus unseating her from the saddle.
"My lady," Boromir chuckled, "perhaps we ought to arrange lessons with one of the Rohirrim." He suggested laughingly.
Brenna first laughed and then quickly sobered looking at her friends very gravely because she knew that she would have to face her lack of skill with horses in the near future. Bringing herself back to the task at hand, she looked to her friends finding them watching her once more.
"Very funny Boromir, I think I shall avoid horses unless there is absolutely no other choice left to me. I wouldn't subject myself to the embarrassment of asking one of the Rohirrim to show me the way of horses. I've got two working legs that I mean to use thank you very much," she stated with as much dignity as she could muster while trying to keep a straight face, thus sending her friends laughing once again.
"Aye Lassie, I'm with you." Gimli stated causing even more laughter from the bunch.
They came around a bend in the river and in the distance was the Argonath. She ducked her head, closing her eye praying for strength and guidance. She gripped the edges of the boat until her knuckles went white. Suddenly she slumped in the boat. She fell away from the world of consciousness and was lost to the visions coming to her. Brenna saw Gandalf cloaked in white making his way on his leg of the journey. Flash! It changed to Rohan and the ill king slumped in his throne. Flash! Elladan and Elrohir had met with the Dunedain and were making haste to eventually meet with Aragorn and the others. Flash! The Steward of Gondor in the high tower with the palantir seeking counsel far beyond his comprehension. Flash! Her parents running as the Wargs closed in on them. She heard her father chanting and her mother joining as their enemies were upon them. Flash!
Brenna sat up straight shaking, pale and gasping for breath. She had tears pouring down her face as she looked around with unseeing eyes. Legolas touched her shoulder to draw her back to them, but she was so distraught that he was unable to reach her. Aragorn looked on in concern, but they had to keep going, stopping now would be unwise.
Boromir turned to the girl whom he had come to care for and watched her with sadness in his eyes. Such innocence shouldn't have to suffer so much. True he tried to keep her and the others at distance, but he still cared. His distrust of those he doesn't know and his lack of understanding of Brenna and the world in which she was raised, kept him from getting closer to the girl. He turned his gaze towards Aragorn's boat and his eyes fell on Frodo, a darkness descended upon him, consuming him once more. His people must have the ring; it must go to Gondor. Take it! Take it! Over and over again the voice in his head chanted. Deep down he tried to fight it, sought to gain back control, but it was a losing battle. Onward he paddled focusing once more on the river, towards his doom.
Brenna drifted, floating her way to the Valar again. Elbereth greeted her in a strong embrace soothing her as Este sang to her, healing her hurting heart.
"Young one, take courage for we are with you. The journey will be hard, but you must take courage. The others and the fate of the world depend on you." Elbereth softly told her.
Brenna relaxed into her embrace, taking a deep breath she turned and looked to Elbereth. "I saw my parents this time, it came with the other visions," she began, "I watched as we were hunted and they were slaughtered as they sent me away to keep me safe." A sob broke forth from her, for deep was her grief. Though she did not know her parents, it was obvious their love for her.
Elbereth rocked her as Este continued to ease her pain. The other Valar had come to the peaceful meadow where the three females were kneeling.
"I am sorry for my weakness," Brenna said as she pulled herself together.
"Do not apologize, for we know what you see and what you will see child. It will be a long and dark road, but there is hope and we are always with you. Now hurry child you must go back, the hour is nearly upon you for the next task." Elbereth instructed her, kissing her brow lovingly.
Bright lights faded around her as she felt the boat land on the edge of the river. Aragorn swiftly reached into the boat lifting her and cradling her to his chest. Legolas and Gimli anchored the boat as the others crowded around.
"Brenna," Aragorn asked urgently, "Are you well? We lost you for a while and had feared the worst. We had to keep moving we needed to reach here to make camp by nightfall." He tried explaining, almost apologizing for not stopping.
She looked to him and brushed her hand over the worry lines on his forehead. "I'm fine. I did leave you for a time and I'm sorry for scaring you all, but I needed counsel from the Valar. My visions are coming faster now, some of it I don't understand. Some of it is from the past, while other parts have yet to come. Do not apologizing for following the path before us. The quest is more important than stopping and waiting for me, no matter how much your chivalrous upbringings would have had you do so." She assured him and the others.
She looked to the sky, taking a deep breath praying for strength, she felt the answering rush of warmth flood her body and smiled. Turning to the others she smiled softly and said "I'm fine, we should get everything set up for camp though, we're losing day light."
As they sat along the edge of the shore near the boats they began unpacking the boats and discussing the next course of action on their journey. Debating and arguing which path to take next from here. Aragorn the leader said they'd cross the river and enter Mordor from there. Some object, Boromir urged them to take the ring to Gondor. Frodo once again caught and unsure of what to do told them he needed time to think.
Brenna intercepted him before he left their sight and crouched down to him. The others watched, but Legolas drew them into the debate and conversation again, he knew that whatever she needed to talk to Frodo about needed a distraction from the others. With his keen elvish hearing, he picked up the quiet words she gave The Ringbearer.
"Frodo, I know you are struggling," she began quietly. "But deep down you know what path you must choose. You know what you must do, but I want you to know that you will never be alone. Should you have need of me, search for aid in your dreams and I will do what I can to help you. Now go in peace ringbearer." She hugged him, kissing his brow and let him go.
Legolas looked to her in concern and confusion, but she just shook her head. She pulled him quietly to the side as the other's arguments were beginning to die down as they were setting up packs and bedrolls. She looked around and saw Boromir nowhere to be seen and her eye widened.
"What is wrong Brenna, I can feel the fear radiating off of you now," Legolas asked softly.
"I cannot tell you more other than to be ready." She stated with wide eyes.
She made her way quickly to her things and began getting her weapons ready, checking her quiver of arrows trapping on the daggers and sword. Aragorn looked at her with his eyes wide. The others saw her actions and they too began strapping on their weapons. Her eyes cast down her chin wobbled a bit, before she looked up at them.
"Where is Frodo? Where is Boromir?" he asked her urgently.
"Aragorn, I'm going to ask you to remember what Gandalf told you and the promise that you made now," she stated sadly.
The Hobbits had already set off in a run to find their friend. Aragorn nodded to her once and took off running. Legolas and Gimli looked to her and the three of them set off in the woods after their friends.
They heard the sound of armor and heavy footfalls coming swiftly through the trees. Her heart was racing as she heard the yelling and clang of weapons in the distances. So it had begun; she prayed for the safety of her friends and strength for them to make it through this.
Coming to a clearing she began engaging the enemy to the best of her abilities. She felt an odd strength radiate through her, and he body seemed to move on autopilot throughout the fight. She parried, jabbed, sliced, hacked, chopped and fought her way towards the others.
In the distances the Horn of Gondor sounded, loud and strong, clear and true. With a new vigor she fought harder and faster, hastening her way towards the sound and her friends. An ache in her chest heaved, the pain of loss brimming, threatening to spill over and consume. Brenna fought as tears began pouring down her face.
She and the others caught up with Aragorn and Boromir, but it was too late. She fell to her knees next to him crying. He looked to her and smiled sadly. She held his hand and wiped his hair out of his face as the world around her started to blur. Legolas put his hand on her shoulder trying to give her comfort.
"I'm so sorry," she sobbed. "I tried, I wish I could have…" and she could speak no more.
"There's nothing to be sorry for," he gasped. "You're a good friend Brenna, a strong woman that I'm proud to have known."
He turned to Aragorn and the two men gave each other parting words, Brenna heard none of it. She only heard the roaring in her ears and the pain in her heart for the loss of a friend. She started humming the song Este sang to her earlier and the others immediately felt peace. Boromir closed his eyes and smiled, letting out one last breath, he departed from them and his spirit made its way to the Hall of Mandos.
Brenna finished the last few lines of the song with a sigh. She turned to the others and then dropped her eyes in shame and pain. Aragorn lifted her chin and looked her in the eye. There he saw her pain laid bare before him and he thought that he was finally beginning to understand and see the burden that was hers to carry.
"This was not your fault." He told her sternly. "You couldn't have prevented this. Nothing you could have done would have changed this. We know that you cannot change things. Be at peace little one, it's okay. We do not blame you." He pulled her into a comforting embrace. He looked to the others who nodded.
Legolas and Gimli prepared Boromir for a proper send off. They laid him in one of the boats with his weapons and the Horn that led them to him. He looked at peace for maybe the first time since they left Rivendell. Pushing him out into the water the current gently took the boat. Brenna went to the shore and crouched. She placed her hands in the water and closed her eyes, willing the water to carry him home. Silently she stood and went to where her remaining companions were and watched the boat go over the falls.
Brenna immediately went over to the packs and started repacking two of them. She cleaned her weapons as the others began talking about what they would do next. She drowned out their conversation weighing and contemplating each item in the two packs that she planned to take with her. She decided that she would take one of the Hobbit's packs with her as well as her own. She packed some of the more personal items of the Hobbits in the pack, as well as some extra lembas. In her own pack she kept much the way that it was. She didn't bring much with her to begin with, therefore she felt no need to dump what little she had with her.
She stood and glanced at the others who had started going through their own packs. She noticed that they would be traveling extremely light, so she stuffed more lembas in her own pack, making mental note to remind them later. She took the water bladders and went to the river, plunging her hands into the waters she called forth the cleanest the river had to offer into the containers. Fastening the caps, she turned to her companions.
"Lassie, we said to pack light," Gimli said gruffly.
She quirked and eyebrow up at him and gave a slight smile. Brenna turned to start strapping on her weapons and packs. Legolas took one of the water bladders from her and arranged it in his own things to carry. Aragorn looked at her concerned seeing all that she meant to bring.
"Trust me," she said vaguely.
With a nod, they set off at a brisk pace. Brenna let her mind wander as she hummed a tune, warmth and hope filled her and her companions, spurning them on faster in their haste to find and rescue their friends.
They ran with everything they had in them. Brenna, not used to such exercise, prayed for the strength to not hinder her friends. She kept pace with them as best she could and did not falter, despite her muscles screaming for relief. She reached back and pulled out a piece of lembas bread, taking a small bite and washing it down, she ran and passed it to Aragorn, who took it with a surprised look on his face. She just smiled and then passed it to her other companions, before packing the rest away.
With a renewed fervor they ran. Coming to the edge of the tree line, Brenna knew they now would be out in the open. A sense of unease crept in her, but she shook it off, knowing what was to come. Brenna hummed as best she could, trying to help calm herself and the others.
Days passed and still they ran, struggling with fatigue and weariness. They took little to no rest and what little they did eat and drank did nothing to ease the tiredness that was seeping into their bones with each passing mile that they ran. Aragorn suddenly stopped them around a bend, seeing a few dead orcs he found one of the elvish broaches, Brenna knew it was Pippin's and that they were on the right path.
With their spirits uplifted, they ran onward following the trail that was clearly before them. Brenna continued humming the various songs she'd heard from Este and Eleberth in her time with the Valar, bringing peace to their spirits and helping to ease their aches in their quest to find their friends.
On the dawn of the fourth day, Brenna drew the hood of her cloak around her over her head as they ran across the open plains of Rohan. She knew that they would soon be meeting with Eomer and his eored. She kept glancing around her surroundings. Legolas, seeing the change in his friend, began looking around more closely. He noticed the riders coming towards them off in the distances and let Aragorn know.
Aragorn directed them to an outcropping of rock and bade them rest a bit. Brenna passed around the lembas and water. While catching their breath they could hear and feel the thundering of the hooves, signaling the approach of Eomer. Brenna quickly packed away her things and secured her weapons to her, but didn't reach for them.
Once the riders had passed them Aragorn stepped out and the others followed. He called out to them and they soon found themselves surrounded. They three males arranged themselves protectively around Brenna, keeping her in the center of them. Spears and other weapons were pointed at them as Eomer rode forward.
Brenna put her head down and drew her cloak closer to her. Her mind started to drift, her limbs began to shake. She stepped towards Aragorn and Legolas, not hearing the conversation, seeking their comfort and strength as visions soon began to flash before her eyes. Her breathing began coming in gasps, becoming more erratic, drawing Eomer's attention to her.
She didn't hear him demand she show herself, but Brenna came to when her companions drew their weapons when he reached to remove her hood himself. Aragorn stepped forward trying to diffuse the already tense situation. He began introductions, that of himself and the others and then he paused. He turned to Brenna lifting her chin and searching her eyes, she just smiled and nodded.
Brenna removed her hood all spears near her were moved away or removed completely for they saw that she was a female, not just any female but a female elf! She smile softly to them and nodded her head in thanks and greeting. Turing back to her companions, she urged them to lower their weapons, raising her eyes, she met the gaze of Eomer.
He turned to Aragorn stunned. Eomer couldn't believe what he had been told. Isildur's heir was he before him, as were a dwarf and elf, and a female elf. She was petite, smaller than her companions. He took in her features, not truly believing what he was seeing. He turned to Aragorn to ask what sort of task a woman would need to be on, but he was interrupted by Brenna herself.
Smiling softly she turned to him and said, "I'm Brenna, daughter of Calanon and Eruraviel of Lorien, granddaughter of Gandalf and Alya of Mirkwood."
Her companions and the company of men around her looked at her somewhat in shock at the introduction that she gave them. Eomer nodded his head to her in greeting and turned back to Aragorn. The men of the eored could not believe their eyes. Few has seen elves, even fewer had seen an elf maiden. Brenna, a little uncomfortable with the attention, shifted closer to her companions. Legolas and Gimli stepped closer to her, while Eomer and Aragorn were talking.
Eomer and Aragorn were busy discussing the quest they were on and their haste. Legolas touched Brenna's shoulder drawing her attention back to them. He asked her quietly, "what did you see Brenna?"
This question drew the attention of Eomer and Aragorn, both men seemed to be waiting for her response. She looked around her noticing that now the attention was back on her. Warily she looked around not sure what to do. Her gaze met Aragorn's, he searched her eyes and nodded, urging her to speak.
Drawing in a deep breath, "They fought the orcs last night and killed all that they saw," she paused, drawing out the word. "But we need to make haste for all is not what it seems."
Walking forward toward Eomer, she looked between him and Aragorn, at the later's encouragement, she continued. "We need your aid, and we will in turn come to yours. I cannot fully divulge what I know to you, but I know that it goes ill with your king. However, I can tell you that aid will come." She broke off abruptly closing her eyes against the onslaught of visions. Brenna swayed slightly on her feet, Eomer and Aragorn stepped to steady her.
She saw the king's son fall in battle and later his return to Edoras. Brenna watched as the life in him was extinguished, when he finally succumbed to his wounds. She saw Wormtongue spreading his influence and taint within the Halls of Meduseld. Brenna watched Eowyn drawing into herself, trapped in a role of caregiver. Flash! The vision changed Frodo and Sam had met with Gollum. Flash! Merry and Pippin were with Treebeard! Flash! On and on the visions went, building until her temples began to throb.
Aragorn and Eomer held her up even as her legs could no longer hold her weight. Brenna's breathing began to even out as those around her looked on with worry. She tried to stand on her own and swayed slightly, but Aragorn pulled her closer trying to comfort her. The men of Rohan were not sure what to make of this elf maiden. They instinctively wanted to protect, but were fighting the suspicion of outsiders, especially such a powerful one.
Eomer stepped back observing the young girl cautiously. Deep down he knew that he could trust them, but he was concerned for the girl. Calling forth two horses for them to borrow, Eomer turned back to them and bade them to be return upon their arrival at Edoras. He turned back to Brenna as if unsure if he should let her continue, but her companions quickly told him they wouldn't be parted.
As they were beginning to get ready to mount the horses Gimli decided he'd remind Brenna of something they spoke of recently.
"Lass, are you going to show us your prowess on the horse," he snorted with humor, causing her other companions to chuckle as well.
She glared at him, causing curious stares from the eored and full out laughter from her friends. Brenna replied, "About as well as you master dwarf."
Aragorn reached down to pull her up behind him, while Legolas did the same for Gimli. Eomer watched them as they turned to ride away, Brenna whispered something to Aragorn and he pulled the horse alongside Eomer's. He looked to them questioningly as the whole company had stopped.
Brenna turned to face him, and looked at him solemnly. "Your people have suffered greatly Lord Eomer. Nothing I can say to you will ease that pain or suffering, but there is hope. You and your people must not lose hope, for while there are still those willing to stand and fight for what they know to be right, there is always hope. You're a noble and honorable people and the world will know it once more."
He and his men sat a little straighter in their saddles. Their hearts lightened and warmed some at her words, for she had given them some hope and courage back. He gave her a small smile and nodded his head in acknowledgement and respect.
The two companies separated; one flying across the plains towards the smoke billowing in the air, towards Fanghorn, while the other headed toward Edoras.
Aragorn assisted Brenna from Hasufel, while Legolas did the same for Gimli off of Arod. The three males began scouring the pile for any sign of the Hobbits they believed were dead. Once they realized Brenna was standing off to the side herself, they stopped and looked at her, she was standing staring at Fanghorn Forest smiling. Aragorn looked at her in question, but turned away and continued searching. He soon found their tracks, and the ropes that had bound them. He called to the others, before turning back to Brenna with hope shining in his eyes. Brenna nodded her head once with a smile. With a shout he picked her up and spun her around. Placing her on the ground they made their way into the forest.
They crept forward quietly, Aragorn following the tracks ahead, Brenna silently hummed as she let her mind wander. Legolas gently guided her as he let her mind drift. The trees seemed to reach towards the humming and sound of her voice. He turned to her and watched as she seemed to immerse herself in the nature around her. She gently ran her hands over the trees as she passed.
Brenna turned towards and uneasy Gimli and smiled. "Peace Master Dwarf, the forest means you no harm, but you might want to lower your axe so they know that you mean them no harm." She laughed softly.
Legolas looked around him in wonder. This was indeed a very old forest, he knew that Brenna could feel it, they all could. He turned towards his friend at his side and guided her over a fallen log. Movement ahead caught his attention and he pushed her behind himself. Aragorn turned to him in question. Legaolas warned him of who he thought was approaching, the others armed themselves, but Brenna remained unarmed and continued to quietly hum to herself. She knew who was approaching, not only from visions and what she knew, but because the trees told her so.
Blinding white light flooded the clearing as a deep voice rang out. Brenna stood alone as the other stepped forward prepared to fight who they believed was Saruman, upon finding Gandalf standing before them, they stared in disbelief and then turned towards Brenna. She stood quietly alone with silent tears falling down her face. Though she seemed relieved and happy even, she seemed to be bracing herself for some sort of backlash. Aragorn turned and stepped towards her with his hands out in a peaceful manner and drew her into a hug.
"I know that you cannot control things little one. Yes, we are shocked and wonder why you wouldn't say anything, but we know not to question you, peace little sister." He told her with emotion clouding his words.
Brenna relaxed into his embrace and returned it before pulling away. "Little sister?" she asked.
"Aye, for that is what you've become to me, though not by blood you are as kin to me," he stated calmly.
"Aye Lass," Gimli said with a blush. "Though an elf maid as sister to a dwarf is a sight to see." He mumbled with a chuckle.
Legolas smiled and nodded to her as well. Her face lit up as she turned to her grandfather who was leaning on his staff watching the scene smiling. Straightening, he opened his arms to Brenna as she stepped forward. Smiling up at him she hugged him tightly. Gandalf looked down at his granddaughter and smiled, taking comfort from her embrace he looked towards the others.
"Come, we must make our way to Edoras," Gandalf said leading the reunited group out of Fanghorn. He explained the story of Merry and Pippin and where they were at the moment. After assuring the four companions that their friends were indeed safe, they exited the forest. As they walked he told them the tale of Merry and Pippin and all that he knew of their journey. He told them of his own journey, his fight with the Balrog and rescue from Gwaihir, the Eagle who brought him to Lorien.
Brenna rested peacefully for the first time since Lorien in the small camp they made for the night. They rest quietly around the fire. Legolas was busy fetching arrows, making some for Brenna as well. She asked him to make as many as possible, extra if need be, but wouldn't elaborate further. Gimli the stout, yet kind-hearted dwarf, slept near the fire. She looked towards Gandalf and Aragorn who were talking quietly amongst themselves. She knew what they were discussing, Frodo and Sam being their main topic. Brenna inhaled deeply and cleanly and closed her eyes.
She directed her mind to Frodo, searching and seeking him out. Her eyes rolled in the back of her head and she slumped hunched over. She saw Frodo and Sam walking through a maze of sharp shear edges of stone heading towards Mordon. Gollum was with them leading them. Flash! She saw Eomer in the dungeons at Edoras with Wormtongue whispering to the king. Flash! She saw Faramir and the Rangers of Ithilien. Flash! Corsairs attacking and pillaging along the coast. Flash! Osgiliath under siege. Flash! Helm's Deep. Flash! Lord Erkenbrand coming to the aid at Helm's Deep. Flash! Elladan and Elrohir leading the Dunedain heading towards Rohan at a grueling pace to aid Aragorn. Flash! A host of elves from all three ruling relms making their way towards Rohan, with Haldir, an elf strongly resembling Legolas, and an elf clearly from Rivendell leading.
Brenna heaved a deep breath and shot upright sitting. She turned to Gandalf with wide eyes. She was shaking, her whole body trembling as Legolas reached her and pulled her close. He gently rocked her rubbing her back looking to the others unsure what to do. Gandalf and Aragorn crouched near each taking her hand. Her breathing evened out, and she looked to them, with a tight smile.
"Frodo and Sam are well and on the path they ought to be, but I cannot tell you more." She said. "You should also know that the two storylines are blending now, and things are happening from both of them." She told them gravely.
Turning towards Legolas, she looked at him, searchingly. With great care she cautiously asked, "Do you have a younger male relative?"
He looked at her sharply, "Yes, my cousin Tegalad. Why do you ask, is he well?" he asked concernedly.
She looked back and forth between them unsure what she would do, conflict roiled within her. Brenna struggled with what she could and couldn't tell them. She felt a warming peace fill her, and her brow seemed to tingle. Looking to the sky she asked for guidance and strength to get through this, to do what was right. Turning to her companions she felt herself drifting, and she smiled softly to them as she embraced it.
Brenna found herself in the same meadow that she last met Elbereth and Este. Once again she was greeted by their calming and soothing presences, but she noticed the others there as well. She smiled to them nodding to them in thanks and respect.
"You are in a much better place than we last met little one. You are finally coming into your own and growing into your powers," Elbereth observed with a kind smile. "What do you seek, what has you seeking our counsel?" she asked softly.
"The visions are coming much more quickly now. It goes beyond what I know from the books or movies. I'm seeing things that are happening or are going to happen here that I know little of. The elves are making way towards Helm's Deep, kin of Legolas. I am wondering do I tell them, can I warn them of what I see and know, now that some of the immediate danger has passed?" she asked.
Silence met her question. It was as if they were silently communicating, weighing the pros and cons of such actions. After what seemed like hours of silence. Elbereth turned to her, as Manwe stepped forward, taking Brenna's hand in a gentle, warm grasp.
"You must be cautious in what you say and who you tell, but we believe that it will be fine for you to tell your companions some things." Manwe told her gently. "However, I caution you to not let the enemy know of your powers or existence. You must not fall to their hands. Use what you know to help and guide others as best you can, but you must survive little one. Your true task is yet to come." He told her.
Brenna looked to them and nodded her head in understanding. She smiled to them and thanked them for their guidance and aid, bowing reverently towards them she stepped back and felt herself drift away peacefully back to her friends.
She came to, with the others hovering over her, all pale with grave expressions on their faces. Sitting up she held up a hand staving off questions for the time being. Composing herself, and collecting her thoughts she started humming, but stopped when she realized how distressed Legolas was regarding his cousin.
Brenna reached his hand, gripping it softly but strongly drawing his eyes to her own. She smiled a little, "Your cousin now leads a group of elves from Mirkwood, joining Haldir with elves from Lorien and a delegate from Rivendell leading elves from that realm as well, all heading here to Rohan, coming to our aid, for we will need it." She paused, letting her words sink in.
They all looked stunned glancing back and forth between each other at the news and then back to Brenna. Gandalf looked at her with his brow furrowed before looking at her sternly.
Before he could reprimand her she cut him off, "Gandalf, grandfather, I know you would caution me to not tell you anything, but the Valar feel that I can tell you and warn you of some things, especially those that may cause things to change." She warned.
He paused, as if pondering her words before nodding. The silence was broken, but a loud snore from Gimli by the fire, breaking the mounting tension. Brenna stifled a giggle before stepping from their grasp. She went to her pack and pulled out lembas offering it to her family. She stopped, stunned at the thought. Smiling to herself, she felt a warm peace settle over and realized that it felt right. They were her family, by blood and choice.
Settling into her bedroll, for she was the only one to grab theirs in their run, Brenna curled up by the warmth of the fire. She hummed lulling herself to sleep finding peace.
With the dawn brought an urgency to reach Edoras. They promised to return the borrowed horses. Brenna apprehensively looked at the large horse sniffing at her hair. Hasufel nudged her with his nose snorting by her ear tickling her with his breath. Laughing she reached out her hand to pat his nose and rub his neck.
Noticing the silence behind her, she turned to see the others watching silently laughing or smiling at her interaction with the large warhorse. Shrugging her shoulders she whispered quietly to him, "My friend, please don't let me fall and embarrass myself while riding, you hear?"
As if understanding her, he snorted and butted her with his nose again, causing her to giggle. His ears flicked back at the sound and he nudged her again rubbing his nose in her neck and hair. Brenna continued whispering softly to him while running her hand on his nose.
Legolas walked up to him hold his hand out. Hasufel butted his head against Legolas's hand. He nickered softly in greeting as Arod came over, feeling neglected. Arod went to Legolas, obviously not pleased that the elf was showing more attention to the other horse.
Gandalf whistled, and it seemed to carry over the wind far and wide. Brenna could feel it reverberate through her entire being. Brenna pushed out the wind, lending what aid she could to her grandfather's call. Gandalf turned sharply towards her before a slow smile crossed his face. The others didn't quite understand what had gone on, but the thundering of hooves sounded in the distances and over a far hill came Shadowfax, but he did not come alone. A large Chestnut colored mare ran beside him.
Brenna gulped when she saw the horse coming towards her. Turning to Gandalf with a stunned expression on her face, he just chuckled and nodded his head as if to say "yes, this is the horse you're going to ride." She walked to Hasufel and talked to him quietly, telling him that she was sorry and asking him to keep Aragorn company. The horse nodded his head seemingly understanding what she was telling him. She swallowed thickly as the Mare trotted to her. Brenna overheard Legolas telling the others that the horses were Mearas. Brenna bowed her head to the large horse in front of her, the horse nodded her head in answer. Cautiously reaching out her hand, the horse moved forward nudging her nose in her hand. Brenna let out a breath in silent relief.
She walked cautiously closer to the majestic mare. Brenna began whispering to her, telling her who she was, where she came from, any little thing she could think of to tell the horse. Brenna told her much the same she told Hasufel, that she was not an experienced rider. That she hoped not to embarrass herself or the horses with her inexperience. Brenna quietly murmured to the mare while rubbing her neck and sides.
The others looked on, not sure what to say or do. They all joked about her inexperience with horses. Her tales and lack of skill on them were funny to laugh about, but for her to ride a Mearas, without a saddle or tack, was a task that none of them were sure she was up for. They were concerned for her safety.
The Mearas nickered softly in Brenna's ear understanding. Legolas walked over to her and helped her mount the horse. Giving her instructions of where to hold on, but also murmuring to the mare in elvish, asking her to safely carry his friend. The horse tossed her head and nickered in answer to his request, stamping her foot impatiently ready to begin their journey.
Brenna was uneasily sitting atop the horse that was much taller than her. She looked between her companions, ill at ease with her riding arrangement. Turning to her grandfather, he chuckled at her terrified facial expression.
"Brenna, child," he began, barely concealing his mirth, "you are going to be riding one of the Mearas; King, well in your case Queen of all horses. You will not be riding on an over-taxed, over worked trail-horse as in the story that you told your friends." He told her confidently.
Gandalf observed his granddaughter with a keen eye before turning back to the others, giving signal that they needed to move out. Legolas and Aragorn fell in beside her on the Mearas. She gently gripped the mane of the mare as Legolas had shown her, and tried to mimic the movements she knew from her previous training in horseback riding, but nothing prepared her for riding bareback.
Praying for the skill and strength to stay seated on the horse as they flew across the plains towards Edoras, Brenna felt the answering warmth flood through her body. Seemingly, as if of its own accord, she felt her body muscle relax and adjust to make the ride more comfortable and natural. Smiling, she mentally sent her thanks.
Feeling the wind whip around them as they flew, tearing up the distance quickly, Brenna relaxed further. She felt the thrill of the ride, joy bubbled through her veins. She felt free. Her hood had flown off miles before and now her hair danced in the wind as they made haste to Edoras to free the King.
The hours passed by quickly as they rode hard. Her companions stay close, ready to give aid if need be, but soon they found that she was comfortable. Once she was no longer solely focused on staying on the horse, she turned to them with dancing eyes and laughter, reminding them just how young she really was. They began talking to pass the time as Brenna sung softly to herself enjoying the experience.
Legolas watched her as she rode. She looked natural now. She no longer held the awkward stiffness from when she first sat astride the horse. She was so young, especially to his people. She was still really considered a child, not only because of her age, but also because of the innocence that she carried. Brenna truly was becoming like a younger sister for him to watch out for. He held nothing but platonic, familial affection for the young girl.
His mind drifted to the conversation with Gandalf last night after she had fallen asleep. They discussed that despite her young age, the world in which she grew up caused her to mature and grow up much faster than she would have otherwise. Though she was physically mature, her age alone would be reason for her to be considered a youth still. They agreed that even though she looked and acted mature, far more mature than most elves at her age would have, that she would still be considered at her majority on her fiftieth year.
Gandalf hadn't taken the conversation lightly either. He asked both Legolas and Aragorn to watch over her as best they could in his stead should they be parted again. They readily agreed, knowing that they would have even if he had not asked. They turned and watched her sleep soundly as they discussed their next plan of action for the coming dawn.
Drawn back to their ride, Legolas turned to see Brenna quirking her eyebrow at him smirking. He looked to Aragorn to find him too looking at him smiling.
"Forgive me, my mind strayed for a moment." He said.
Brenna laughed and pointed to the city in the distance, the Golden Hall glinting in the sun across the plains. The group smiled to each other as the spurned their horse onward to the next phase of their journey.