(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkien's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna.)
Gandalf urged the others to slow as the neared the gates. He spoke to the guards who granted them passage, eyeing them suspiciously. Turning to Brenna, he saw that she already had her cloak up and nodded in appreciation of her forethought. He bade her to keep away from danger and not to draw attention to herself.
Slowly they made their way higher, going straight to the main courtyard and entrance to Meduseld. An audience had drawn, silently watching with suspicion of the strangers approaching their king's hall. Legolas reached to help Brenna down and steadied her as she touched ground. Guards and stablemen came forward to take the horses, but they stopped in surprise seeing not one, but two of the Mearas. One was known to them, for Shadowfax was a kingly horse among their lands. The deep chestnut mare drew their attention; this was a horse they hadn't seen before. Brenna stroked the horse's neck, whispering to her softly. The mare nickered in return, nuzzling her hair and neck causing Brenna to laugh quietly. She bade her horse go with the others, but promised her to return with a treat in thanks for bearing her safely.
Turning she realized she had drawn an audience and more attention than she intended. Among the growing crowd of curious people, she recognized a couple of the men that rode with Eomer. Gandalf drew her to his side and the others fell in beside them up the steps to the Golden Hall. Hama, warden and guard of the door halted them and told them they could not enter the halls armed. Gandalf and Aragorn finally agreed after they were assured their belongings would be kept safe. Gandalf was allowed to keep his staff and nodded to Hama in thanks. He turned to the noble guard and whispered to him a request. He asked him to keep Brenna to the side, out of harm's way and to not draw attention to her. He explained to him that she was his granddaughter and that she must be kept safe. Hama looked ill at ease, but upon seeing Brenna turn to him, her young face caused his duty to protect to rear up. He agreed quietly and nodded to the few loyal men in his company. They came forward talking quietly among themselves, Hama explained the situation to them and turning to glance at the young woman they too agreed.
Meanwhile Gandalf was explaining his intent to the others. At first Brenna protested, but she eventually gave in, remembering the words of caution from the Valar. Brenna knew that she must keep from the notice and attention of Wormtongue and men loyal to his corruptions. She silently went with Hama and his men, surrounded protectively by them, keeping to the side of the room as her companions strode respectively, yet bold in the hall straight towards the throne and the king.
Brenna drew her cloak tighter around her and stepped closer to the men guarding her. She felt the evil taint in the room, spreading out seeking, searching. Silently praying for protection and for safety, she watched the proceedings to overthrow Wormtongue and the power of Saruman. Her companions fought off the Worm's thugs, while her grandfather began drawing Saruman from the king's mind. Brenna saw Eowyn creeping forward and went to intercept her. She caught her arm and turned to face the willowy blonde. Eowyn tried to struggle, but Brenna looked at her calmly and told her to hold off, that her uncle would be fine and Gandalf was helping. Brenna kept her back to Wormtongue and his men, never letting them see her face.
Gandalf released Saruman's hold and freed the king from his influence. Théoden seemed to awaken from a haze and Eowyn rushed to his side. The king then turned his wrath to Wormtongue and his men. They were cast from the Hall and banished from Rohan for their treason after Aragorn stayed the king's hand, stopping him from outright killing them. Brenna kept to the shadows, staying out of the way and keeping near Hama and his men until her grandfather brought her out in the open. She thought she was doing a good job of it until she heard the king questioning her presence, not knowing who she was.
"Who is the cloaked figure hanging in the shadows of my halls?" he asked suspiciously.
Brenna's eyes got large, she turned searching for Gandalf. Upon his nod and wave of encouragement, Brenna stepped forward to the center of the hall. Soft murmurs could be heard as the small cloaked figure made her towards Gandalf. She silently pushed her hood back and turned towards the king, whose eyes widened in disbelief. Théoden looked to Gandalf in question awaiting an explanation and introduction.
"Théoden King, this is my granddaughter, Brenna. She travels with us on an urgent quest and is part of a company set out on a secret mission my friend," he explained.
Brenna for her part bowed respectively to the king and smiled. Looking around the hall, she noticed the absence of one that she knew needed their help. She quietly stepped towards where Gandalf and the others were conversing with the king and waited respectfully for their attention. The others seeing her presence became quiet seeing the worry in her eyes.
"Grandfather," she paused with a wobbly voice. She seemed visibly shaken and pale, alarming the others. Turning back to the king, "My lord, your nephew now lies in the dungeons upon orders of the Worm," she began haltingly, "I know that it is not my place sir, but I do not wish to see others suffer if I can help it," her voice trailed off.
The king looked visibly startled at this news and immediately called for his release. Then, looking around the hall he asked where his son was. Silence and sorrow descended in the Golden Hall as the king learned of his son's passing. Théoden motioned Eowyn forward, and bade her to show Brenna a room to rest and freshen up before returning to prepare a burial for her cousin. Eomer entered the hall just as Eowyn was leading Brenna towards her quarters. Brenna saw him and smiled nodding her head towards him before silently following Eowyn. Eomer turned to watch her leave before turning towards the king and bowing to his uncle.
The others observed Eomer's perusal of Brenna, each making their own opinions and silently vowing to have a talk to the heir. For his part, Eomer once again was wondering about the strange elf maiden. He wondered what her part in all of this really was. He knew from his brief meeting with the girl, that she was a seer, but he was sure that there was more to the story than the others were letting on. Turning back to his uncle and trying to pay attention to the conversations taking place.
Meanwhile down the halls in Eowyn's rooms, Brenna was faced with a very stern young woman staring her down. She knew Eowyn felt caged, that she was suspicious of her, but she also knew that she was a caring woman behind her icy persona. Eowyn seemed to be waiting for her to say something as they waited for the maids to draw a bath.
"How is it a woman has come to travel on such a perilous journey?" Eowyn asked.
"For my part, my grandfather decided it would be best if I stay by his side and accompany him on this journey," Brenna began quietly. "I have earned my place among them, fighting and working alongside them towards our goal. Gandalf is the only family I have left in this world, and the others are as dear to me as my own family, like my brothers," she explained.
"Even Lord Aragorn?" Eowyn asked.
"Even Lord Aragorn, though he is already spoken for," she told the shieldmaiden quietly.
Eowyn turned to her sharply and flushed slightly. The knock at the door stopped the conversation as the maids came to prepare the bath. Eowyn turned to the young girl, her facade softening slightly as she observed the small young woman next to her. She had clearly been on a hard journey.
"I'm not sure that I have a dress that will fit you," she began, but was cut off by Brenna.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, "I have one with me in my pack, though I'm afraid it may be a bit wrinkled."
Eowyn watched as she meticulously began taking items from her pack. Her eyebrows nearly reached her hairline when she saw everything the girl carried. She pulled out strange looking bread, wrapped in leaves, toiletries, a brush, a spare tunic and leggings, extra shoes, various survival supplies and other miscellaneous things before she finally pulled out the gown that Caladwen had her bring. As she thought it was wrinkled, but Eowyn and the maids insisted it could be fixed by the time she was out of her bath. Brenna reluctantly stripped and parted with her tunic and leggings. She made them promise not to burn or throw them away, but to just have them washed. They agreed, seeing that she hadn't brought many clothes with her.
Eowyn, once seeing that Brenna was fine, left to the great hall to assist in funeral preparations. The maids bustled about the room, helping Brenna and taking her clothes to be laundered. Brenna sank in the tub, letting the hot water they had brought in soak and seep into her very being. It felt like forever since she had felt truly clean. The dirt and grime of her travels slowly rinsed from her, dirtying the waters.
Once she was washed and her hair cleaned, she was assisted from the large tub by one of the maids. Brenna toweled off and put on a robe that was being lent to her from Eowyn. She sat on a chair as one of the maids began brushing her hair out. The gently strokes began to lull Brenna into a near sleeping state. She heard the door open and close but had yet to open her eyes.
True to their word, Eowyn and the maids presented her dress, wrinkle free. Eowyn walked to Brenna, and offered to help her with her hair. Brenna smiled at her in thanks and nodded. Once her hair was finished, in an elaborate braid, they helped her into her dress. Somewhere from the bottom of her pack, the maids had found the slippers to match her dress, which she slipped on and turned to the other women.
Not for the first time Brenna noticed that she was a bit smaller than those around her. Her small frame only reached five foot three. Eowyn was a bit taller than her, as were the two maids who had assisted her. She self-consciously smoothed out the skirts of the dress, feeling a little unsure of herself. Eowyn seeing the girl's distress took her hand and squeezed it in encouragement.
"Come, we must get you to the hall, then I will get ready," she said.
Brenna protested, saying that she should return the favor and help her, but Eowyn waved her off with a smile that for the first time, truly reached her eyes. Though wary of the strangers in her uncle's halls, she was beginning to like this girl, recognizing a kindred spirit. Eowyn led Brenna down the hallway that they had come down.
Upon entering the room, the men turned to see Brenna laughing and smiling at something Eowyn had said to her. Brenna noticed the suddenly silent hall and turned to see most of the men staring at the two young women; like night and day they contrasted each other. Brenna blushed deeply at the attention and looked to her feet not sure what to do or where to go. She didn't immediately see her companions in the hall and felt a bit uncomfortable. Eowyn turned to her in concern and squeezed her hand again drawing her attention. Turning to Eowyn, she gave a shaky, unsure smile. Eowyn returned the tentative smile, nodding to the direction her grandfather and friends were. Brenna let out a breath and nodded to her in thanks as Eowyn turned to leave.
Legolas had crossed the room to bring Brenna over to their group as Gandalf was sitting talking with the king. Brenna smiled gratefully and took the arm he offered to her with a smile. The hall was still fairly quiet, as many watched the two elves walk towards their companions. Gandalf excused himself from the king and got up to greet his granddaughter. The king made his way over towards them and nodded his head respectfully, motioning Eomer over. Brenna dropped into what she hoped was a graceful enough curtsey and smiled at the group a bit nervously. Aragorn smiled at her, nodding his head as if saying "well done."
Eomer came to stand next to his uncle and nodded his head to the assembled group and turned to Brenna with wide eyes. He quickly composed himself, seeing the somewhat disgruntled looks on the faces of her protective male companions' faces. Eomer stood quietly watching the interaction of the group as the others talked and laughed quietly with one another.
Aragorn stopped and turned to Brenna, "Has your leg bothered you recently?" he asked, for the first time remembering that she had been injured not too long ago. "I know that you had healed well in Lorien, but we came such a far distance in a short time. You did not further injure it did you?" he asked with concern lacing in his speech.
The whole group turned and looked to her, as had others who had overheard the question. Eomer, Théoden, and Gandalf all looked to her in confusion and question, wondering if and how she had been injured. Brenna looked a bit startled at the question, shifting her weight on her leg to test for discomfort or pain. She found none and turned to respond.
"I am well Aragorn, thank you for your concern. It is true we ran very far in such a short time, but I am well. I wasn't injured other than a few minor scrapes that have already been cleaned and healed from the confrontation at Amon Hen," she assured her friend, her brother.
"When was she injured?" Gandalf asked him with a stern eye.
Brenna interjected answering for herself. "When we were in Moria, in the room of Balin's tomb. I intercepted a blow meant for Pippin. I was cut on the leg by an orc blade and it eventually became infected, but I'm fine now." she dismissed it, in what she hoped was a convincing enough explanation. She didn't want him to know just how serious the injury had been, for fear he'd ask her to stay behind.
"Just as scratch! Fine!" thundered the dwarf. "Lass, you were at death's door from the infection and by your own words, only through the healing of the Valar and the elves you're alive now. Do not down play the severity of it!" he scolded her, causing her to flush.
Gandalf looked at her for an explanation. Both the Théoden and Eomer looked at her with shocked expressions on their faces. Brenna looked at her feet for a bit, composing herself before turning back to her grandfather. She glanced warily at her companions and saw that they were less than pleased with her previous answer.
"I meant not to worry you grandfather," she began, "the wound did become infected, but I am well and healed. At this time I am uninjured and have full function of my being. It wasn't a very deep wound to begin with. However, in our haste to leave Moria, there was no time for treatment. As we fled the mines towards Lorien it became more enflamed," she confessed.
Gandalf looked from her to the others with a grave expression on his face. He looked like he wanted to say more, but Brenna shook her head and cast a casual glance around the room. He nodded subtly, but still didn't look pleased.
"Grandfather, I know that I'm much smaller than the others, not nearly as strong, and female, but I have proven myself," she began tersely. "I have fought and earned my place among you. I joined this quest at your behest, and I will not leave it now for any reason. I mustn't. My task is yet before me, the Valar have given me instructions that I must follow. I cannot fail in this. There are things that I must do, you must understand," she bade him nearly frantic now.
"Calm, child," Gandalf soothed her. Gently he took her hand in his own, trying to calm her. "You'll remain with us, the Fellowship, to the very end. I would not have you parted from us now," he stated looking directly at the king, letting him know that she would remain with her companions.
Théoden looked like he wanted to protest, but thought better of it. She was not his charge and it was not his decision. He nodded his ascent and agreement, thus taking any decision regarding her out of his hands for the duration of her stay in his lands. Gandalf nodded to him in thanks and looked firmly at the three males that would be in charge of her safety should the time come.
Eowyn swept into the hall dressed in mourning clothes, bringing a black shawl for Brenna to borrow. She handed the garment to her with a soft smile, before turning to her uncle and brother. Hugging her brother in greeting, she silently watched the strangers interact. Eowyn noticed that they all seemed very protective of her. She noticed there was a familial affection between them that went beyond the bounds of simple friendship. She realized that the things they had experienced drew them closer together.
Soon it was time to begin the funeral procession. The king's son was respectfully carried by the king's guard towards the burial mound prepared for him. Brenna walked behind Théoden with her companions, keeping a respectful distance for the grieving king. Theodred was lowered into his final resting place and sealed into his tomb as Eowyn led a mourning song. The haunting sound of her voice carried in the breeze.
The people had soon left the king to say his goodbye in privacy. Gandalf has stayed behind with him, while the others had made their way back towards the city of Edoras. A swift breeze swept over the plains causing Brenna to stop suddenly. With shaking limbs, she turned quickly to look over the horizon. Her friends stood at her side, concerned, their eyes following her gaze. Eowyn and Eomer stepped back to where the four had stopped.
Brenna's eyes went wide as her breaths began coming in sharp gasps. She looked back and forth between her friends looking torn and confused. "I need a horse," she exclaimed. "Or someone needs to ride in that direction. Someone is coming and they need help," she stated shakily.
As she spoke, a lone horse with two small riders came up over a hill in the distance. One of them slumped and fell off the horse. Gandalf and Théoden had seen this too. A cry rang out from the tower guard. Eomer called out a command and a small party of riders rushed out over the field towards the two children.
Legolas put his hand on Brenna's arm to steady her. He looked at her questioningly, but she just shook her head. She still hadn't stopped shaking and her breathing had yet to even out.
"Their village was attacked," she stated, her eyes becoming unfocused. "They were sent to get help. Farms are burning, people were cut down with no warning," she sobbed out. Turning to the small group around her, "so much senseless death," she managed to get out before she became too emotional to speak.
Eowyn and Eomer passed a look between each other. Eomer's jaw clenched in anger, he swore softly in Rohirric. Eowyn looked heartbroken, but startled at what she had heard Brenna say. She didn't know the girl was a seer.
Brenna turning back to the siblings became solemn. "I must ask you to swear not to say anything to anyone about me. The enemy cannot know about me or my powers, please," she pleaded.
They both agreed and swore not to say anything as the riders brought the horse and children to the Golden Hall. They all made their way there to get ready for the evening meal. Eowyn quickly made her way after the children. She was the lady of the hall and duties to fulfill. Brenna called out to her, and quickly followed to give what assistance she could, which Eowyn gave her thanks for.
Eomer soon found himself in the company of the male counterparts of the fellowship. Almost as one they turned to him with their eyebrows raised. He held out his hands in peace, knowing they were warning him off.
Aragorn was the one to address him. "Lord Eomer, we know that you're a noble man," he began cautiously, so as not to insult the newly named heir of the throne. "Brenna is much younger than you seem to understand. Though she is mature, she is considered a youth by elvish standards. Her twenty years and maturity belie just how young she really is, for elves do not reach their majority until their fiftieth year," he explained to the man.
Eomer nodded his head in understanding. "I meant no offense in regard to Lady Brenna," he explained. "I will not lie; she does intrigue me and has me curious, for she is such a strong woman to have endured such a journey. I now see and understand what you say and will not pursue the girl in any other regard except that as friend," he assured them.
Once the conversation was over, the tension between the group evaporated. They traded stories and bantered quietly in the hall. Brenna and Eowyn tended the two children, who told the adults basically the same thing Brenna told them. Gandalf and the king sat talking quietly to the side.
Before nightfall, a rider from raced through the gates up to the hall with an urgent message for the king. Brenna silently watched the exchange and sat quietly thinking to herself, running over the timeline from the book and movie and realized that the king's son's death had blurred with that of the movie. A chill went down her spine as she realized that the stories were blending the way that they were.
As if sensing her distress, Gandalf turned to her. Her friends drew her away from the children towards her grandfather. The messenger told them of the battle in the Westfold, of Lord Erkenbrand's defeat. Théoden sat weakly on his throne, jaw clenched, with his head in his hands. Gandalf stepped forward, but Théoden's voice carried out across the hall, "Prepare to make way to Helm's Deep," he ordered.
Gandalf closed his eyes, turning to his granddaughter; he held her gaze and nodded. Turning to the others he nodded to them and reminded them of their promise to watch after her and to keep her safe with them. Gandalf exited the hall taking his leave of the king and made his way to the stables. Brenna stopped a servant, asking for three apples from the kitchen. Once she had them she made her way out of the hall following her grandfather. Legolas and the others followed her silently out of the hall.
Brenna followed down the steps towards the stables nodding to guards that she recognized. Legolas quickly caught up to her with the others trailing behind them. He guided her to the stables towards their horses, where they found Gandalf already readying Shadowfax for departure. Brenna watched silently as he made preparations for his journey. He turned to them and smiles sadly at her, opening his arms to embrace her before he left.
Brenna went to him and let him hug her, returning his embrace she prayed for him to stay safe. Stepping back she let him lead his horse out of his stall and out of the stables. The king met them outside, watching with a grave look on his face.
Gandalf looked to his friends and said, "Keep her with you at all times, and keep her safe. She is under your protection until I release you from it," he told them seriously. He looked to the king who nodded in agreement and understanding, she was the responsibility of the Fellowship. "Look for my arrival on the third day," he cautioned them. He told them urgently that the defenses of the Keep must hold and turned to leave.
Brenna nodded and made note to pay attention to the days. She knew that he would come, but she also knew that the elves would be coming to their aid soon as well. As she watched her grandfather ride out, her friends stood close to her, silently lending her comfort.
Brenna turned and walked back towards the stable. By now Eomer had joined his uncle and the others outside watching Gandalf ride off. They turned and watched her curiously, seeing their questioning looks; she pulled the three apples from the folds of her gown with a grin. The others chuckled and followed her into the stables.
Making her way towards Arod and Hasufeld, she took two of the apples, holding them out, murmuring to the loyal horses. The king and Eomer watched with stunned looks on their faces as they saw two warhorses docilely take apples from the young maiden's hand. Nickering softly they munched, butting their noses against her palms.
From the far end of the stable, they heard an impatient horse, stomping. Brenna looked up and grinned seeing the Mearas that had taken her to Edoras. She walked silently to her new friend, the king and Eomer went to warn her, but the others bade them to keep silent and watch.
Brenna stepped up to edge of her stall, speaking softly and gently to her friend. Grabbing a brush from the wall and stepped into the stall. She began to gently brush the mare while humming one of the many tunes she'd heard in Valinor. Brenna paused to offer the mare the apple she brought and continued brushing.
The group of males looked on in disbelief, watching the small elf maiden with the Mearas. Her friends looked back and forth between each other, stunned. Surely she had to have been joking about her experience with horses before! No one with so little experience as she had described should have been able to interact with horses the way that she had in their time together.
Once she was done she stepped away from the mare. The Mearas turned and nudged her with her nose, sniffing her hair and neck, making Brenna laugh softly. She patted the mare's neck and left the stall, returning the brush from where she got it. Turning back to the group of quiet males, she smiled to them and nodded.
Turning towards the entrance, she started heading towards the hall. She stopped and waited for the others to catch up before continuing. The group silently made their way to the hall, each lost in their own thoughts. Along the way Brenna began to softly hum, while thinking about what she could do to possible help she could lend the coming battle. She pondered what needed to be done, stopping suddenly. She turned towards the king, catching her lower lip between her teeth unsure how to approach him. Glancing at her friends, they caught her look and looked towards the king. Aragorn regarded her for a few moments before nodding.
"Excuse me, My Lord," she began cautiously. "I was wondering if there are perhaps spare linens that can be made into bandages?" she asked softly. Her eyes were wide and she had gone pale.
The others looked at her and were visibly shaken knowing that she must have seen what was to come. Brenna wouldn't ask such a question unless there was going to be dire need for such preparations. Aragorn watched her carefully, and knew that they were going to be facing another battle and soon by the way she was behaving.
Théoden looked at the young woman carefully. He knew from what Gandalf had told her and what he heard from his kin, that she was a seer. It concerned him that she would ask such a question, but he was relieved that she was giving them some forewarning. He thought about the supplies within the hall and surrounding settlement and nodded. Turning to her and the others, he beckoned a servant.
"Gather spare linens and start tearing them down to bandages," he instructed. "Have them made ready for our departure in the morning."
He turned back to Brenna and asked, "Is there anything else…" he began but was cut off abruptly by Brenna.
"I mean no disrespect sir, but I don't know all. I don't see all things that are coming. I can give subtle clue and hints, but I cannot change things. No matter how much I wish it otherwise, some things are meant to happen. I can only do what I can to help some," she told him softly. Looking to the ground, she was swamped with grief as she knew the death toll would be high before it was all done.
Legolas inhaled a sharp breath and stepped closer to her. He shared a look with Aragorn over her head and began leading her to the hall to sit. The others followed quickly behind. Eomer and the king not understanding fully what had happened.
"She is filled with grief," Aragorn explained quietly. "Legolas could feel it, which for an elf is no small matter," he told them before going to her side trying to lend her comfort.
Théoden and Eomer went to make arrangements with the advisors and other military leaders for the morning departure. Messengers were sent out to the dwellings of the citizens, urging them to prepare for departure in the morning. Warning them to take only what the need; necessary provisions, but also to bring with them extra linens and blankets if they had them. This puzzled the people but they did as their king bade them.
Eowyn came to collect a saddened Brenna. She was puzzled by the change in the vibrant young woman she met earlier in the day. Her companions were shown quarters, while Brenna followed Eowyn towards her rooms. Brenna was given the room to the right of hers and all of her things had already been moved there. Her freshly cleaned tunic and leggings were laid out on a chair for her and a small fire burned in the fireplace adding warmth and light to the rooms.
Brenna turned to Eowyn with solemn eyes and thanked her. Eowyn stepped forward and asked her if she was ok. Brenna nodded, turning away as tears threatened to spill over. Eowyn touched her shoulder in a comforting move. Brenna smiled sadly at her and told Eowyn what had happened earlier. The two sat quietly talking for a while before Eowyn bade her goodnight.
Eowyn went next door to her room, but paused in the hallway. She thought about what Brenna had said about bandages and quietly made her way to the great hall. Upon entering she noticed that servants were busy tearing strips of cloth into lengths to make bandages. She saw the growing pile of bandages and felt slightly ill. Making her way to the kitchens, she bade the staff gather certain medicinal and healing herbs and package them for transport. Turning to leave, she saw her brother standing there watching her.
"What is it," he asked. "What has you so distressed? Why are you so pale?" he urged her to answer taking her hands.
She nodded for him to step out in the hall away from any audience. Drawing him away from the servants and others, she looked around to make sure that she wasn't overheard.
"Lady Brenna is greatly distressed," she stated. "She told me some of what happened earlier, and some of what she saw. As best she could she tried to give me instructions on what preparations I should make to help. She can't tell us more without something horrible happening, but the guilt and grief is so strong in her," Eowyn told her brother quietly.
He nodded to her, thinking about what she had told him. "Go, get some rest. We ride out in the morning, and dawn comes quickly."
The siblings made their way to their rooms and soon the whole hall was sleeping. Brenna, however, did not sleep restfully. Her dreams were plagued by visions. Praying silently for peace, she drifted off into a healing slumber.
Dawn broke sooner than many would have liked. Brenna had all of her things packed, looking around the room to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything. Strapping her weapons onto her, she quickly left her room to the main hall. She met her companions gathering in the hall. She took one of the pouches with bandages in it.
Legolas walked to her and put more arrows in her quiver. He had an entire bundle of extras made. He now knew why she had asked him to make so many and was grateful for her warning. The group made their way to the stables where their horses were ready and waiting for them.
Eomer and Eowyn met them outside the stables. They watched as the group made their way to the awaiting horses. Théoden stood back watching Brenna walk forward towards the Mearas. Brenna grinned as the large horse came towards her nudging her. Turning to Legolas she asked him the Sindarin word for "lady." He told what it was and thus Brenna dubbed the horse Hiril, for that is what this horse was, a lady. The people in the courtyard looked on at the strange sight. The horse was much taller than the girl.
Aragorn watched with unease to see her with the large horse, not sure what to make of it. He was grateful someone had saddled the horse this time. He didn't think he was ready for the stress of watching Brenna riding bareback again. Legolas was having similar thoughts, as he moved towards her to give her a leg up.
With Legolas's help, she vaulted into the saddle easily. He secured her packs to the saddle bags, and made sure that she was seated comfortably before moving to Arod. He reached down and pulled Gimli up with him. The others mounted their horses as the exodus from Edoras began.
The travel was slow and tedious. Brenna gradually became accustomed to being on a horse, though she was a bit sore. She confided in Eowyn that she didn't have much experience with horses and told her storied of her past experiences. Exclamations of shock and bursts of laughter could be heard from the two as they journeyed together. Eomer overhearing one story raised his eyebrows in disbelief and then looked cautiously at the Mearas that the younger woman was riding. Legolas seeing his reaction chuckled, and nodded.
They made camp at night, Brenna stayed near her companions, but was joined by Eowyn. The two were becoming closer and enjoying the company of a female that understood. Brenna brought up the topic of sparring with Eowyn, who readily agreed to a match. Word quickly spread and a crowd gathered to watch the two women.
Brenna saw that Eowyn had a sword and chose to spare with the same weapon. She left her twin daggers on her bedroll. The two women faced off nodding to each other in respect and then met with a clash of blades. They moved fluidly, almost as if they were in a dance. They seemed evenly match in the beginning, but Brenna having previous battle experience and being an elf had its advantage. She disarmed Eowyn swiftly and cleanly. Silence met the end of the fight. The two women were heaving breaths from exertion. Brenna held out the blade she took from Eowyn to return it to her with a grin. Eowyn answered with a rueful smile.
There was murmuring throughout the crowd that had watched. Legolas stepped up, taking Brenna's sword, but handing her the twin daggers, saying it had been a while since she had practiced. He passed her sword off to Aragorn before unsheathing his own daggers. The two elves faced each other and in a flurry of movements they met head on. Their hands seemed to blur with their movements. Brenna struggled to keep up with him, but her adrenaline was still pumping from her previous fight. She pushed him back with her onslaught, moving faster still with her movements. Everything around them seemed to fall away. Legolas then pushed her back with his own moves and disarmed first one then the second dagger.
The only sound was that of the breeze gently blowing across the plains. Legolas handed her the daggers and smiled at her. She walked with him back where they planned to camp for the night and sat heavily on her bedroll exhausted. Eowyn walked over and sat by her just staring.
"Where did you learn to move like that," she asked.
"Legolas and the sons of Elrond taught me elvish ways of fighting," Brenna answered tiredly.
Eomer who had seen the two fights came over to sit with the group. He had been impressed by what he saw. Looking towards the slowly dispersing crowd he knew that the people had been as well. He looked back towards the members of the Fellowship, he watched them interact. He didn't know all of their story, but he knew enough to know that they had been through a lot together.
Brenna had laid out her things keeping her weapons close at hand. She yawned and covered her mouth in embarrassment. She laughed softly and watched her friends talking by the fire. Lying back on her bedding she sighed softly. Letting her mind drift she began to sing quietly. Her thoughts wandered over her journey so far, where she had been and come from, to where she was now. Brenna didn't even realize that it was quiet around her until she saw that she was being stared at. Her eyes got huge as she fell silent, sitting up.
Eowyn nudged her smiling at her, while her companions nodded to her grinning. Eomer for his part just looked at this young elf maiden. She seemed to be full of surprises, but so different and yet so alike the women of his people. Though not expected to fight, there were shieldmaidens for a reason. Fiercely independent, strong, but caring were the women of Rohan. He was glad that Eowyn had found a friend in her. He turned his gaze to the fire, lost in his thoughts. He wasn't trained or prepared to heir to the king. For the first time he was finally realizing what that meant and he felt more than a little out of his element.
Brenna walked over to him and sat quietly next to him. The others were talking amongst themselves. She nudged him with her shoulder much the way Eowyn had done to her shortly before. Brenna grinned at him and asked him if everything was alright. He nodded, but when she just stared at him seriously, he shrugged.
"You know, things don't always happen how we plan in life," she began somewhat vaguely. "I know that you feel overwhelmed, but," she paused and furrowed her brow a bit, unsure if she should continue. "Everything happens for a reason, and who are we to question things. I know that you're saddened by the loss of your cousin, and I'm very sorry that you lost him. But I also know that you're a good and honorable man. I know that when the time comes you will do right by your people," she said and quickly got up and moved back to her bedroll before he could comment.
Leaving Eomer to his thoughts, she mentally chided herself for almost giving too much away. She curled up on her bedroll, pulling her cloak tighter around herself and let herself drift to sleep. Eomer watched her walk away and was lost in his thoughts, before he too got up to go to sleep.
With the dawn, the people broke camp and quickly were on their way. They traveled for hours talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company despite the circumstances. Brenna's thoughts strayed back to her dreams the night before. Throughout the night the Valar visited her dreams, giving her instructions and lessons. They were teaching her many things that they felt she needed to know that would aid her in her journey.
Turning to her friends, she saw that Legolas had a large bundle with his saddle bags. She was glad that he had listened to her when she asked him to make as many as he could when he had the time. He apparently had plenty of time, she thought, as he had quite a large bundle stored and packed.
Looking around she searched for Aragorn in the group and silently made her way over to him. Pulling him aside she quietly warned him to stay away from cliffs today. He looked at her strangely, but seeing the grave look on her face, he nodded seriously. Legolas had overheard the quiet conversation and knew that something was going to happen today. He looked at her in question, but she shook her head at him and went to her horse. Eomer had one of the men saddle Hiril for her, he overheard a conversation regarding her "experience" with horses and chose to help her where he could.
Eomer quietly made his was to his own group of men, they were his friends, his trusted Riders. He pulled two of them aside. They were among his closest, most trusted riders. He asked them to stay close to Brenna and to aid her if need be. When they asked him why, he explained that she was Gandalf's granddaughter and she must be kept safe. Not fully understanding who she was and what that meant, they agreed simply because Eomer asked them to.
They traveled for a couple of hours at a slow pace. The members of the Fellowship rode in the front with the King and his guard. Legolas rode ahead to scout and in the distance he saw something heading towards them. It was a Warg scout, and more were coming behind it.
Brenna looked to her companions with large frightened eyes. They knew her past and that Wargs in particular frightened her, and with good reason. She urges them to stay together and look out for one another. Pulling back from the others, she stayed by the fleeing people. Her friends looked at her in question, she waved them to go as she dismounted and took up position to give cover for the people that Eowyn was charged to lead to Helm's Deep.
Eomer's two friends kept close to her and drew their own weapons. They watched as she drew her bow and began systematically taking out as many Wargs as she could from her position. The two men drew closer to her side as the fighting continued, ready to defend the small woman should the need arise.
Soon the skirmish was over. King Théoden and his men assessed the damage. Brenna went to collect her arrows, getting strange glances, but no one commented, many followed suit. The king ordered to take the wounded, but as there was no time, they had to leave the dead. This was a sentiment that did not sit well with any of them, but there was nothing they could do about it.
Brenna ran to where her friends were by the cliffs. Dread filled her as she races to the edge, knowing Aragorn had fallen. She walked up beside Legolas, who turned to her with his eyes blazing with anger and sorrow. She took a step back as the two men guarding her came to her side.
"You could have stopped this!" he shouted as he was overcome with grief for his friend.
Brenna just looked at him with tears in her eyes. She didn't deny his accusation, but looked to the ground, pained by his anger. Hiril came to her, nudging her shoulder as if to comfort her.
The king called for them to move out, but Brenna stayed rooted where she was. The company turned to her, but she shook her head. Eomer rode to where she was, looking at her, understanding what she meant to do. He rode back to his uncle and leaned in talking to him quietly. Théoden looked ready to protest, but nodded eventually.
Eomer called over three more of his men and bade them to go with Brenna. Legolas and Gimli looked on with grim expressions. Gimli looked as though he wanted to protest her decision, he wasn't truly angry with her, but remained silent. She turned to Legolas and Gimli, who were watching her and looking at her in question. She explained her intent to go find Aragorn causing another heated discussion to break out between them.
"Since you feel this is my fault," she began tersely, "I'll go fix it."
With that, she mounted the patiently waiting Mearas. Nodding to the five men who had been asked to accompany her, she told the others to swiftly make way to Helm's Deep. She reminded them of the battle preparations and to have a room set aside for medical supplies and treatment before she turned to leave. With one last sad look at her friends, she turned her horse and followed the current of the fast moving water below.
Legolas and Gimli watched regretfully as she rode off. Gimli scolded Legolas for his harsh words, as did Eomer, who fiercely defended the young woman. The company took heed of her words and sought to swiftly reach Helm's Deep.
Brenna and the men followed the fast moving water for about a half hour before they found Hasufeld roaming nearby. They caught the horse and brought him with them. Suddenly, Brenna called out and made her way to the water's edge. They had found him!
Gently, she turned him over and began tending his wounds and waking him up. With the help of the men, she was able to get him up and eventually mounted on his horse. The group turned towards Helm's Deep and were on their way. Along the way in the distance they saw Saruman's army making its way towards them. Spurning their horses at a fast pace, they set off to reach Helm's Deep as quickly as possible.
Brenna found that one of the men she found was Eothain, friend of Eomer and his second in command in his eored. She was introduced to the others; Dernhelm, Fram, Haleth, and Wulf. Each of them was polite and kind to her. She asked of their families and about themselves to pass the time and they did the same with her. Soon they saw Helm's Deep in the distance, they urged their horses faster and covered the distance quickly.
Heralds announced their arrival. They were greeted by Legolas and Gimli, but Eomer and Eowyn as well. Brenna dismounted and took her supplies and packs from Hiril. Whispering her appreciation and thanks, she handed over the reins to the man who stepped forward to get the horses. Haleth stepped to her side to help grab her things. She smiled in thanks and turned to thank the others. Nodding to Eowyn and Eomer she turned to enter the Keep to assist where she could.
Aragorn noticed the exchange and the tension between Brenna and the others. He frowned when he finally realized that they left her in the care of the riders in her task to recover him. He looked to Eomer, who nodded grimly and took his leave to make battle preparations.
Eowyn had followed Brenna, who had set up in one of the side rooms of the main hall to get all of the medical supplies sorted out and ready. Eowyn called a few of the women in the hall to help. The group began going through everything that they had and dividing it up as needed.
Meanwhile, Aragorn looked to his friends in question. Legolas wouldn't quite meet him in the eye as he explained what had happened and the harsh exchange between Brenna and himself. Aragorn, hearing this, swore and turned to them in anger. He took his pendant from Arwen that had come off in the fight with the Wargs and left to find the king. What should have been a happy reunion between friends quickly went sour.
Brenna with Eowyn's help, sorted through the medical supplies. In the current room they were in, they would first treat and stabilize the wounded. A secondary room was set up near the entrance to the caves. The less serious wounded would be treated here. These men would serves as the last defense and protection of those in the caves should it go ill. The king approved of this plan and saw the wisdom behind it and though he wished that Brenna wouldn't fight, she wasn't his to rule. Eowyn however, was and she was told to help prepare the caves.
Eowyn and Brenna spoke at length and devised a plan. Brenna reminded Eowyn of her duty and vaguely told her that her time would come. Some of the spare weapons were brought to the caves, after a brief discussion with the king. Brenna reminded him that whether the women in the caves were armed or not, they could still die by the sword. The few spare swords, daggers and other weapons found were brought to Eowyn for distribution, so that if need be there would be some defense.
Satisfied with her work, Brenna returned to the first room near the hall. She grabbed her things and stowed them somewhere safe, but out of sight. Slowly she made her way to the armory. Upon coming to the room she was met by an argument between Legolas and Aragorn. Aragorn left the room and Brenna turned to Legolas.
"You have a way with words today my friend," she scolded him. "You are thousands of years older and yet in the span of hours you have forgotten yourself and your calm demeanor. You've hurt and insulted two of us now."
Turning to the crowd she addressed them. "I'm an elf. I have the gift of an immortal life. I could have sailed to the West, passing from these lands and leaving behind this darkness for all eternity, but I chose to stay and fight. I had the chance to leave and have an eternity of peace, but I chose to stay because there's hope. As long as there are those willing to fight for what's right there is hope. Being afraid doesn't make you weak, it makes you smart and brave to face it head on. This is war. There will be pain and death, but while there is life in you, while there is strength and breath, there is hope," she told them. "I take a stand here with you defending your home, come what may."
Turning back to Legolas, "I would rather fight and die knowing that I did all that I could here," she said grabbing a chainmail shirt and vambraces as she left.
Stunned silence met her speech. The men, young and old took courage at her words. They began arming themselves and getting ready to fight and die, if need be, for their home. Legolas left the room to compose himself. He knew Aragorn and Brenna were right. He knew that he had to make it right with them.
Silently he made his way to find Brenna, for he knew that he had hurt her greatly. Coming around the corner he found her crouched down talking to some small children, laughing. She looked up as he came closer and her eyes were guarded.
"Brenna," he paused. "I am sorry for my harsh words and actions. None of this is your fault and I was wrong then and now."
She nodded, still looking guarded and he knew then just how deep the hurt went. This young elf maiden, his friend, sister, was deeply wounded and he was the cause. He pulled her up and into a hug. Holding her, he realized not for the first time just how small and young she really was. Stepping back, he kissed her brow and looked into her eye, "I'm sorry."
When she nodded, he turned to help her gather her things and prepare. Once they were done they left in search of the others. They all met once again in the armory and Legolas apologized to Aragorn. As the group was coming together, reforming stronger than before, a horn sounded in the Deep.
"That is no orc horn," Legolas declared in awe. His kin had come!
The members of the Fellowship turned and ran to the courtyard by the gate and watched as the company of elves led by Haldir, Telgalad, and the dark haired elf from Rivendell. Aragorn ran forward looking at them in disbelief. King Théoden watched them in astonishment, as did Eomer. The men of Rohan watched with new hope for the coming battle.
Brenna came to stand beside her friends who were greeting the elves. She smiled to the elves, but then remembered the story line of the films. Her eyes went wide as she turned to the king in horror. Her breathing came in sharp gasps as her eyes went unfocused. Feeling herself drift away, she sought the counsel of the Valar.
Brenna found herself in the great hall she had previously been to and once again the Valar were all seated around the room.
"I come to you now seeking counsel," she begged softly. "There will be much death should this play out along the lines of the films. Deaths of men and elves that weren't originally meant to happen according to the books."
There wasn't a sound in the room when she finished speaking. Each of the Valar looked from one to the other, seemingly coming to a decision.
"Child, you must do what you can to prevent it. The different timelines of your world are what caused so much havoc in the universe. You know both of these timelines and you must make sure the end result is the same, the ring must be destroyed and the major people must survive this war. You have your elemental powers, but also gifts from us. Your voice soothes living things around you. You now have some healing powers. We have helped you by gifting you the Mearas you call Hiril and lent you strength as you needed it. We will lend you aid, but there is more," Manwe told her. "Part of the reason the elves have come to Helm's Deep is not only to aid Rohan, but ultimately to aid and guard you. We have sent visions and dreams to the leaders of the elvish realms and the elves that will become part of that group. You will have and need an honor guard to guide and guard you until you reach Valinor. There will be elves from each realm selected to guard and guide you until you lead the last of them all home to Valinor."
"When the war is done, you must immediately send word to the Grey Havens to have a large ship either commissioned or left for you. There it shall be guarded and kept safe until it is your time." Elbereth told her. "Now go little one, they worry for you."
Brenna woke up to warm hands on her brow and frantic male voices talking about her. She pushed the hands away and tried to sit up. Looking up she saw that Aragorn and Legolas held her while the representatives of the elves knelt around her. Eomer and Théoden were also nearby, watching with worry etched on their faces.
Brenna sat up shakily and turned to the king. "My lord, you must block the drain in the wall quickly. It is the weakest point in the wall."
King Théoden looked ready to argue, but sent men to do as she advised remembering that she was a seer and the granddaughter of Gandalf.
Turning back to her friends and the elves, "We need to talk," she said gravely.
As she pushed herself up to stand, there were many sets of hands there to help steady her. She smiled ruefully and led them away from the crowd of men from Rohan. Brenna didn't want to scare the men, only King Théoden and Eomer accompanied them.
"The walls will break, the gates will fail," she told them shakily. "We are essentially trapped with my grandfather and his aid being our only hope. Even then we must hold the defenses for three days."
She paced, letting her words sink in to her now pale and shocked audience. She turned the ring on her hand subconsciously and hummed to calm herself. Stopping, she turned back to them, focusing on the elves, Haldir in particular.
"You must fight back to back when swords are drawn. Do not separate from others if it can be avoided and watch your backs," she told him, them. "They will have ladders, battering rams, and will easily outnumber us ten or fifteen to one."
Drawing a breath and praying for strength, guidance, and the will to succeed, she felt the answering warmth flood her. For the first time she saw the light from the marks on her forehead glow in the growing darkness. The elves watched in awe as she seemed celestial, otherworldly, more so than any other they had seen. She was Valar blessed, and she was on their side. She was theirs to protect and they vowed to do so.
"We have one thing they do not," she said with a small smile. "They don't have the strength or the blessings of the Valar and they don't have my powers to lend them aid in this fight. We must be vigilant and stay strong," she told them.
The wind blew gently around Brenna, she shut her eyes and then grimaced in disgust. "They draw near. You have two hours at most to block the drain and brace the gates before they are upon us. In the meantime, go do whatever it is males do to prepare for battle. Talk strategy, bond or whatever," she said impishly with a smile.
Turning to Haldir, Telgalad, and the elf which she learned wasBeleg of Rivendell, she asked them to meet her when there was time before the battle. Her friends stood to the side and waited for her patiently.
King Théoden stepped forward, "What counsel can you give a king?" he asked.
"Stand and fight. Show them that such evil won't be tolerated. Send them back to the depths of Hell from whence they came." She told him loudly and boldly. "You have done what you felt is right by your people, none can fault you for it. Stand strong King Théoden, trust in hope."
Brenna looked down at her feet sheepishly. She couldn't really believe what she had said. Sometimes she knew that she talked before thinking. She just hoped that she hadn't offended the king or overstepped her bounds. She was drawn from her thoughts when the king raised her chin to meet his gaze. He nodded to her and thanked her. The king turned away to talk with his military leaders to go over the plans and strategy.
Brenna walked to Aragorn who was talking quietly with the others. As if reading their thoughts she said, "No! I'm not going to the caves, so you can forget that thought right now." Her raised voice was gathering attention, but she didn't care.
Aragorn looked at her with a pained expression, but eventually nodded his ascent. She glared at him and the others, quickly making her way back up the steps to the Main hall of the Keep. She passed Eothain and the other men that had ridden with her to find Aragorn. They looked at her with concerned expressions seeing that she was dressed for battle. Brenna walked to the room prepared for medical needs and went to where she hid her things. She grabbed a piece of lembas and tucked some extra into a small pouch on her waist.
Turning she noticed her friends had caught up with her, but also a few others as well. They looked around the room and took in all the bandages and other healing supplies set up. Looking to her with raised eyebrows, she nodded grimly. Checking to make sure her weapons were secured, she grabbed some bandages and tucked them into the pouch next to the lembas.
She motioned for the group to go out to the main hall. Brenna went with them and sat at one of the many large wooden tables in the room. Turning back to Legolas she asked, "Where are all of the extra arrows?"
He told her he put some in groups along the turret walls along the wall of the Keep. She nodded contemplating anything else that she may be forgetting. She started humming as she thought, subconsciously calming herself, but also others around her. The room had gone quiet, listening to her voice carry through the room softly. Slowly she started singing, softly, almost whispering the words in the wind. Her voice seemed to carry throughout the Keep, spreading the soothing calm sound, lulling all of them. It was as if she was singing to each one of them. Twirling her ring on her finger, her thoughts wandered and she finished the song softly.
Looking up, she noticed the looks that she was receiving. Some of the elves had such emotional looks on their normally stoic faces that she was afraid something was wrong. Aragorn went to her and pulled her into a hug. He whispered to her what had happened and she ducked her head blushing. He chuckled at her reaction and drew her back to the group.
Soon the group made way to the battlement walls and began getting into formation. Each person took up their position and waited. Thunder sounded in the distance, as a storm rolled in ahead of the large host of orcs. Lightning lit up the skies, showing for the first time, just what they were up against.