(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkein's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna.)
Brenna stood between Aragorn and Haldir on battlement wall of the Keep. Rain started falling, fitting the gloomy mood that had settled into darkness. Drawing a deep breath she pushed the strongest currents of the water and wind at the incoming army, slowing them with the onslaught of the storm. She pushed Saruman's powers back at him with such a force that though she didn't know it, he was thrown from his feet from the force behind it. She had faintly begun to glow as she increased her hold on the storm, bending it to her will. Haldir and Aragorn stepped forward to shield her, so as not to draw attention to her, or her location from the orcs.
Once she was satisfied with the force behind the storm pounding on their enemy, she drew back to herself. Opening her eyes she looked up at Aragorn and Haldir who had taken up positions, blocking her from the sight of the oncoming army. She nodded her thanks and drew her cloak tighter around her for the time being, knowing that it would have to be abandoned when the fighting began. She did not want to be constricted in her movements. Her thoughts drifted to the conversations with the elves prior to taking their positions.
Haldir, Telgalad, and Beleg all had talked to her prior to going to their assigned locations throughout the Keep. They all confirmed that they would be part of what eventually would be her honor guard. Haldir also informed her that his brothers Rumil, and Orophin would be as well. Telgalad informed her that he and eventually his cousin, Legolas would be part of it, though he wasn't sure which of the other's from Mirkwood would be represented. Beleg told her that along with himself, the other two representatives to guard her from Rivendell were on their way, hinting at what she already knew. In her time with the sons of Elrond, she knew that her path would cross with theirs again, that their futures lied along a similar path.
Brenna told them that they had responsibilities to their realms and leaders before they could or would be her full time guard. They went to protest this, but she assured them that she would remain with the Fellowship in the meantime, until such a time they were released from their other obligations. She told them that they still yet had a purpose and duty to their homes and leaders.
Once they came to an agreement they made their way to their appointed locations of defense. She carefully reminded them to stay together and watch each other's backs, looking right at Haldir as she said this. He looked a bit startled, but nodded in understanding; she was telling him that something may happen to him in this battle.
Drawing back from her thoughts, Brenna looked from Aragorn to Haldir and gave them a tight smile. Looking further down the line on the wall she saw Legolas and Gimli. Up on one of the turrets above the gates she saw the king and his other leaders watching the advancing army with grim expressions.
The men of Rohan were brave and strong, but they were becoming restless and scared. Her heart ached, knowing that many of them wouldn't survive the battle, and even more would not survive the war. Legolas and Haldir, being the closest elves shifted closer to her feeling her grief, but soon the others started noticing and turned to her in concern.
Gripping the edge of the wall, she needed something solid and tangible to ground her. She closed her eyed and began whispering a fervent prayer to the Valar. Her voice carried on the wind, softly. She asked for their protection, strength, and guidance, her words washed over those who heard it, as they added their own prayers. Turning swiftly facing the keep she felt the answering warmth on her brow. A small smile played on her lips as she nodded to the many eyes now staring at her. The silver stars upon her forehead remained alight with a soft glow to them. There would be no hiding this, for she was the light in the dark.
She turned to Haldir in concern. He reached out and gently touched her brow reverently. Pulling her cloak more securely around her, he and the nearest elves shifted closer to her, ready to protect her. Brenna smiled up at him and nodded.
The rain continued to pour down upon them, drenching them. Brenna called up her powers to bring a warm breeze and warm the water so they wouldn't catch a chill from it. Many of the men sighed in relief, not only from the warmth, but also for the breeze blowing the smell away. The stench of Saruman's army was something she was not prepared for.
Brenna began adding more power and strength behind her control on the storm. Once she was sure it would hold for at least a day she withdrew, swaying slightly from the exertion. Aragorn steadied her and looked at her with concern, but she waved it away.
Soon the army had crossed the distance in the valley and was now near the walls of the Keep. The thundering of their feet upon the ground was meant to scare them and though it was effective, her control of the wind helped deflect the full power of their numbers. She began to sing softly, but strongly. Pushing her voice out on the wind, singing of strength, hope and victory, she let the words wash over those standing to defend the Keep. Each person listening clung to her words, finding courage and strength in them to face whatever happened.
Turning to Haldir as the song finished, "Stay near me throughout this." She said to him quietly.
He nodded to her and looked at Aragorn standing on her other side, silently letting him know that he would stay by her side and keep her safe. She readied her bow, and the others followed suit. They all waited with bated breath, bracing themselves for what they knew was to come.
Down the wall an old farmer couldn't hold the bow in his hand taunt any longer and he released the arrow, striking down one of the orcs on the frontline. A rallying war cry rang out among the enemy and thus the battle had begun.
The call for a volley was given, the archers released their arrows. Wave after wave of arrows was exchanged. Members of both sides were cut down from the projectiles raining down on them. Two elves nearby were struck with arrows, Brenna seeing this, ducked and made her way to their side. Haldir looked around for her in a slight panic when he noticed she wasn't at his side. Aragorn nodded behind him to the right. He saw that she was staunching the blood flow and treating their wounds. She healed them as best she could under the circumstances, and directed them to help the others they found injured inside to get the wounds properly cared for. They looked ready to protest, but under her stern look, they nodded in agreement.
Making her way back to Haldir's side, she narrowly missed an arrow as it whizzed by her catching her cloak. Angrily, she whipped the hood off of her head and glared over the wall. Haldir observed this out of the corner of his eye, noticing that had it been in any other setting it may have been amusing. His lips twitched slightly, before turning back to the task at hand.
Brenna shouted to any that would listen that they were bringing forth ladders and to be ready. She stayed close to Haldir as the ladders appeared over the tops of the walls with their gruesome occupants leering viciously. She stowed her bow and drew her sword, bracing herself for the onslaught that she knew would come.
Nothing in any of the books prepared her for what she was witnessing, even the movies did not compare to the real thing. This was brutal, vicious, and heart wrenching to witness and experience. The sights, smells, and sounds were the things of nightmares and she was sure that she would never forget it for all her days.
As promised, Haldir and the others heeded her words and stayed together as best they could. Then out of the darkness Brenna saw it, the runner. She looked towards where the drain was and prayed that it was blocked enough to withstand the blast that would rock the Keep.
She called out to them in warning and ordered any and all still with their bows to take him down, but it was too late. He was too close and had too much momentum to stop him now. She yelled for everyone to brace themselves and to move away from the area on the drain as per the plan. Boom!
Though the blast had enough force to throw some of the elves and men from the wall, it did not leave the cavernous hole that the movie portrayed. The stone wall held, though there were stress cracks. The men who had been sent out earlier in the day did a good job. The elves and men that had fallen from the blast were helped to the keep to be treated for any wounds. Brenna breathed a sigh of relief knowing that for the time being the Keep held strong.
King Theoden had seen what had happened and watched the blast in horror, fearing the worst. When he saw that the wall held firm, he looked to where Brenna was in gratitude. Seeing her fighting up on the wall with the elves he was concerned for her safety. Looking around to assess the state of his forces, he saw that they were fighting valiantly. Turning to search for his nephew, out of the corner of his eye he saw a ladder hit the wall right near Brenna, he called out but his voice was lost in the din.
Brenna turned and parried the blow aimed at her head, her knees buckled with the force behind it. Aragorn cried out to her, but he couldn't get there in time. Haldir was facing his own opponent, but he called out to the archers below. Brenna kicked out at the beast that had her pinned, when suddenly it slumped over. She noticed the arrows piercing it, and turned to the elvish archers below where Telgalad stood, nodding to them in thanks as she jumped to her feet and continued fighting.
She threw the ladder back down taking out dozens of the enemy with it. She stayed back to back with Haldir on the battlement wall, guarding his back, vowing to not let him die. A noise to her right caught her attention. Turning to glance, she saw that up the ramp to the gate the orcs were running with a battering ram.
"Aragorn! Legolas!" she yelled over the din. "The battering ram, brace the gates! Tell them to brace the gates!" she yelled.
A muffled gasp behind her, brought her back to her current situation. She turned to see Haldir holding a wound on his side. Brenna swore softly as she called out to the elves near her. They gave her cover as she went to his aid. Pulling the remaining bandages from her pouch, she tried to staunch the bleeding. He was getting pale and his breathing was labored. Brenna closed her eyes letting everything around her fall away. Placing her hands on his wound, she focused her energy there and pictured the wound mending and the bleeding stopping. Brenna visualized any internal injuries sealing and closing. She began feeling fatigue, so she pulled back and slumped against him.
Haldir looked down at the girl in amazement. He had felt the rushing warmth seep into his side. He knew that his wound would have been mortal had she not intervened, but it frightened him to think what the cost of her aid would be. He tested his side and found himself only sore, as if bruised. Haldir tried to waken Brenna, but she remained unresponsive and pale. Gently, he picked her up and grabbed her things. He called to Beleg and Telgalad, both looked at the small elleth cradled in the March Warden's arms and became distressed. They made their way swiftly to him and began to clear the way for him towards the main hall of the Keep.
Aragorn saw the three elves heading towards the fortress with Brenna and thought the worst. He stood beside Legolas and Gimli fighting. He turned to his friends who each wore grim looks on their faces. Many of the men had seen Brenna carried into the fortress and began fighting with a vengeance.
Inside the room set aside for medical treatments Brenna was gently laid on the nearest available bed. Haldir sat next to her, holding her hand in his, praying that she was fine. Guilt and sorrow swamped him as he began to fear the worst for the young girl. The two elves who had accompanied him crouched next to her as well, checking her for any wounds. Physically, other than a few minor cuts, she was fine. They cleaned and healed what they did find, but could not figure out what was wrong with her. Turning to Haldir in question, he met their gaze with such guilt in his eyes.
"I had been severely wounded," he said motioning to his side which was covered in blood. They stepped forward as if to lend him aid, but he waved them off. "She already healed me, even as I felt my life slipping away, she drew me back and healed what would have been a fatal wound," he told them emotionally. "I don't know what it cost her to do so," he said regretfully.
They looked down at the girl, not sure what to do to help her at this point. The others in the room saw the small girl lying among the wounded and didn't know what to think of it. Many inquired about her, but there was no news to tell, she was still unresponsive.
Brenna drifted in and out of consciousness. She could hear them talking around her and the sounds of the battle going on outside the walls of Helm's Deep. Brenna let herself drift and sought the Valar. She followed the path that she had in the past and was greeted with warmth and love as she always had been. As she lay in their warm embrace, she let their words of encouragement and love wash over her. They told her that all would be well, that she had just exerted too much energy at once, and that she had done well and done the right thing. Whispering softly to her, they urged her to go back, that the second day of fighting was coming to a close and to go where she would awaken whole and healed.
Drawing a breath and releasing it with a sigh, Brenna began to stir. Shouts rang out around the room. She tried to sit, but was gently pushed back down. Opening her eyes, she met the worried gazes of the elves around her. Looking to Haldir, she smiled softly to him, "You're well." She stated.
"Yes, if you hadn't healed me I would've been gone," he told her solemnly. "I thought we had lost you," his voice trailed off thick with emotion. "We were meant to guard you, not the other way around little one."
"Had I not intervened, you would have died Haldir." She told him truthfully. "You still have an important role to play yet. You're the March Warden of Lorien and your time here was not done yet. Please do not question what happened, or feel guilty. I have certain tasks that I must do before my time here is over and this was one of them," she said looking him straight in the eye.
He and the others looked shocked at her confession. Haldir subconsciously touched the area on his side and looked down. The people in the room who were injured had remained silent when they saw that Brenna was stirring. Brenna looked around the room and sat up as more and more injured were being brought into the fortress for treatment. She walked over towards where there was clean water and washed the filth and grime from her hands.
Quietly she made her was around the room and began helping to treat and heal the worst of the wounded, despite the worried protests of the elves of her guard. She had treated ten men within a half hour, but the waves of the wounded men coming in just kept on coming. Those with superficial wounds were cleaned up bandaged and sent back out to fight. Brenna stilled in her actions, remembering what Gandalf had told them before he left.
Turning to the others with bright, big eyes, her face broke into a grin. She giggled gaining curious glances from the very confused men from the room. Walking back to where Haldir had brought her, she picked up her weapons strapping them back on. All of the males in the room began protesting this rather loudly. Aragorn had come into the room just as she was putting on the weapons and walked to her side to check on her.
"Aragorn, the third day will be starting soon," she told him with an infectious smile.
He looked confused for a moment before returning her grin. He picked her up and spun her around laughing. No one else in the room seemed to know what was going on, until she looked at them, with her eyes alight, "Gandalf comes today and with him Lord Erkenbrand and some one thousand strong now ride to our aid," she told them. Even Aragorn looked at her in shock at the number of riders coming to their aid.
Word quickly spread of what she had said, and the men of Rohan began fighting through their exhaustion knowing that help was on the way. Their numbers were dwindling little by little. There were many wounded, and many dead. Many elves were injured, some had died, but most were still fighting.
King Theoden entered the room covered in grime and orc blood. Eomer followed, looking around the room before his eyes fell on Brenna alive and well. He let out a shocked cry seeing her up and moving. Last he saw her limp body being carrying into the fortress. He was glad that she was well. The king and Eomer had come to find Brenna to confirm with her that what she had said was true.
Brenna trusted Gandalf at his word. She knew that the lines between the book and movies blurred, obscuring much of what she knew. On the one hand, the battle in the books only lasted a day, while in the movies it was three. So absorbed in her thoughts she didn't notice what Eomer had said.
He asked her again if what she had said was true. Nodding yes, she explained Gandalf's parting words to them before he left. Relief was etched in their weary faces. It had been a long hard fight and they would be grateful when it was over.
Brenna looked away grimly, not meeting anyone's eyes for a time. Grief at the loss of life nearly buckled her knees. The elves immediately stepped to her side to sooth and aid her. Legolas had come to her from the doorway where he had been observing the exchange. Gently taking her hand her urged her to sit in the bed she had been brought to earlier.
Eomer remembered what Aragorn had told him about grief affecting her. He didn't know what to do to help her. Looking to Aragorn, he noticed the grim expression on the man's face. He pulled him to the side to talk to him privately.
"Is she well?" he asked him quietly.
"Physically she is fine, but she is greatly affected by death," he explained. "She cherishes life and deeply grieves for the loss of life and destruction."
"Is there nothing that can be done to help her?" he asked.
"No, she is still young and needs to learn to deal with this battle on her own unfortunately," he told Eomer sadly.
Eomer and King Theoden took their leave and made their way back to the Main Hall to regroup and plan the next course of action. Meanwhile the elves were trying to sooth the young woman and help her through her grief. It physically hurt them to feel it rolling off her in such strong waves. Legolas's knees nearly gave out from the onslaught of it.
"Brenna," he cajoled softly, "now is not the time to despair. It will be alright. Yes there are those that lost their lives, but they have gone to the Halls of Mandos where they will find eternal rest and peace with their kin. All is well little one, do not grieve so." He soothed as he held her, rocking her gently.
He looked over her head towards the other elves who were watching him with carefully guarded expressions. His cousin tilted his head to the side. Then a slow grin spread across his face. Legolas knew that look and just rolled his eyes at him, shaking his head seriously to him.
"Let me assure you my friends that this is not what you think or assume," he told them seriously. "I swore to protect her. She is my friend, my sister. After everything that we've been through on this journey she has become like family to me."
The others pondered his words and nodded. Aragorn watched the exchange slightly puzzled, knowing that he was missing something. Brenna turned to him with a rueful smile on her face. She relaxed into Legolas's embrace, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Aragorn, meet three of my guard as appointed by the elvish realms and the Valar themselves," she told him seriously, gesturing towards the representatives from the three realms that had come to their aid.
His eyebrows shot to his hairline as he looked at the four elves near her. "Your guard?" he questioned.
"Yes, apparently I'm going to need an honor guard to guide and guard me until it is my time to leave these lands for Valinor, though it will not be for some time," she told him. "I will not go for many years," she said vaguely with a small smile playing on her lips.
Brenna fixed her weapons on her and stood up. She grinned at them, but quickly sobered. "Come we have to get back out there. Though help is on its way, we cannot leave them to do this on their own." They looked as if they were going to protest her returning to battle. None of them would forget the look of her limp body being carried away from the carnage. She looked so small and fragile, so out of place among the gore.
Haldir has seen many things in his long years, both as an elf and March Warden. He had experienced loss before, but he didn't ever remember feeling the desperate need to protect another before like he did this day. Holding the small elleth in his arms, he thought they had truly lost her. He would have never forgiven himself. Turning to her, he tried to convince her to stay, to not return. Brenna just glared at him and left the room, leaving the over protective males standing there.
When they got to the hall they didn't see her anywhere in the room. The sounds of fighting outside were still going strong. Gimli was soon seen hustling across the room towards the Horn of Helm Hammerhand. The resonating sound of the horn vibrated through the Deep as the sun struggled through the dark gloom to greet the day.
Theoden and his men rallied at the sound and went out to continue fighting with everything they had left in them. In the distance, an answer horn of Rohan's riders could be heard, sounding a charge on the enemy. Aragorn and the others rushed around looking for sight of Brenna. To the far right of the Deep they caught sight of her deep within the lines of the elves tending to the wounded. She was healing all that she could as the others gave her cover to do so. The group made their way to her. Eomer and Aragorn fought side by side and back to back defending one another. The four elves went to her, guarding her, allowing others to continue fighting.
Brenna saved many of the elves that day and in the days before. She kept her promise to do what she could. She had also healed many men. Her preparations for the battle and establishment of medical treatment areas had saved many lives as well. But the death toll was still high, and though it grieved her deeply, Legolas's words brought her peace and comfort to continue.
The group began to fight their way towards the gates, pushing back the enemy army that now found itself fighting a battle on two fronts. The battle waged on as the sunlight began breaking through, burning away the last of the storm. The remaining enemies were cut down and a loud cheer rang out among the men.
Brenna looked around her at the carnage and her stomach churned. The sights and smells assaulted her. The cries of the injured and dying rang in her ears. Turning towards the elves, she looked at them with grave eyes, before walking among the fallen searching for survivors.
She helped to find and treat countless men and elves as she walked around the area, solely focused on preserving life, protecting it. The sun rose in the sky as she worked, in what seemed to be endless waves of injured. Brenna was instructing the able bodied men to help move the wounded to the Keep away from the carnage.
The women had come out of the caves to help, giving her some relief. Eowyn shooed her to go get cleaned up. Brenna looked down and realized that she was covered in blood and the filth of battle. Walking to where she stowed her belongings, she let herself be led to a secluded room by Eowyn. Brenna removed her dirty tunic and leggings and began scrubbing away the grime that covered her with the bowl and cloth that Eowyn had brought her. There was no time, nor the resources to take a full bath, but it was enough to freshen herself up.
She wrapped herself in the robe Eowyn had left for her and sat on the cot brushing out her damp hair. Humming quietly she began braiding her hair, pulling it away from her face. Crossing the room she pulled out her spare tunic and leggings, knowing that the clothing she had just taken off would most likely end up being thrown away.
Eowyn reentered the room and stopped when she saw that Brenna was redressed and looked ready to leave. Looking at the soiled clothing on the floor, she asked her what she wanted done with them. Brenna looked at the clothing mournfully, and told her that if they couldn't be salvaged, then to get rid of them, that she would make due. Eowyn knew that she was wearing all that she had with her, and left in search of replacements for her friend's belongings. Coming back to the room, she found Brenna in the same spot staring at the filthy, blood covered clothes.
"Are you alright?" she asked her softly.
"I don't know," Brenna answered hoarsely, her voice filled with emotion.
Eowyn crossed the room to the younger woman and pulled her gently into an embrace. She held the smaller girl, trying to soothe her as she began to cry, her shoulders shaking with the sobs wracking her body. Her heart went out to Brenna.
There was a knock on the door as Eowyn tried to comfort her friend, not sure what to do she sat Brenna on the cot and went to answer the door. Standing in the hall Aragorn and waiting with Gandalf looking for Brenna. She beckoned them into the room quietly.
The first thing they saw was the pile of dirty, bloody clothing on the floor, they looked around the room in alarm before finding her sitting on the cot crying silently staring off into space. They crossed the room to her in hopes of comforting her. Eowyn left the room to give them privacy, taking the clothes with her she brought them out to the hall.
Brenna's other friends recognizing the clothing looked at her in question. She crossed the hall tossing the clothes in the lit fireplace. Turning back to them she spoke firmly, "I will find her replacements, but she does not need the memories that those held from the battle."
With that she left the room, going to aid the other women in tending to the wounded. Legolas, Gimli, Haldir, Telgalad, Beleg and Eomer all sat quietly thinking about what Eowyn had said. It was a brutal battle for them as experienced, seasoned warriors, but they forgot that this was still new to Brenna. They remained quietly talking in the hall as Gandalf and Aragorn returned with Brenna palely walking between them. She looked exhausted and had dark circles forming under her eyes. It had been a long, hard three days for her, but she had fought bravely and didn't complain once.
They led her to the bench where the others were sitting and placed a warm bowl of stew with bread in front of her. She just sat staring at it, lost in her thoughts and memories. Idly stirring the stew, her eyes were unfocused. She stiffened in her seat as her breathing became labored.
Flash! Frodo and Sam followed Gollum to the Dead Marshes. Flash! The Ents went to war at Isengard. Flash! Osgiliath was under siege. Flash! Denethor was sinking further into darkness and madness. Flash! Elladan and Elrohir were nearing Isengard with the Dunedain. Flash! Aragorn was walking The Paths of the Dead. Flash after flash, she saw more and more. Gripping the table her limbs were quaking with the destruction and death that she was seeing.
The others looked on helplessly. Gandalf had stopped them from interrupting the visions, telling them that they had to play out, that she had to know. Aragorn sat next to her, gently pulling her hands from the table, grasping them in his own. Slowly, she started coming out of it, but she slumped against him in exhaustion. He pulled her to him, rubbing her back trying to give her comfort. Slowly he felt her go limp in his arms.
Brenna drifted softly and gently, as if she was flying in the breeze. She found herself lying among the flowers in the field with Elbereth and Este. The others were walking towards her as well. They healed and soothed her once more, easing the pain and anguish she felt. No words were exchanged out loud this time. In her mind they assured her that all was well. They told her that the fallen had made it peacefully to the Halls of Mandos. They let her drift to sleep and sent her back, kissing her brow and blessing her, lending her strength and healing her.
Aragorn felt her breathing even out and just held her in place, he knew the others could sense what had happened, but he shook his head to them. He didn't want any undue attention drawn to the already distraught and exhausted girl. He looked down at her young face, noticing that she was wearing her hair tied back in a long braid and reached down her back. Aragorn observed her features and saw the markings on her forehead clearly. They seemed to glow softly even now in the daylight.
King Theoden entered the hall and announced that they would be making way for Isengard, waking Brenna. She awoke at the loud booming sound of his voice and pulled away from Aragorn slightly to orient herself. Taking a deep breath to compose herself she looked up at her friend and smiled sadly to him.
"I'm better now," she told him quietly. "Come, we must head to Isengard."
Most of them looked like they were ready to protest her going, but she held her hand up to quiet them. Turning to her grandfather, she looked at him seriously, solemnly.
"I'm going to remind you that there are things that I must do," she began. "There are things that I'm here to make sure don't happen. I must not stray from my path now. I've already started doing part of the task given to me by the Valar," she said looking at Haldir and then to King Thedoen. "Had I not intervened on certain things, the Keep would have been breached much sooner and much worse than it was, the wall with the drain would have blown open and we would have been overcome. You, Haldir, would have died on the wall and there are many more." She told them softly.
She quietly stepped away from them taking her leave to get ready, when Eowyn came bustling over to her with a bundle. Brenna looked at her arms, realizing it was clothes for her and she smiled at her in thanks. She hugged Eowyn, taking the bundle of clothes from her. The two women left the hall, heading back to the room Brenna had been in earlier.
Eowyn took the bundle back from her as they entered the room and began holding the clothes up for her making sure that they were close enough in size. They were obviously of Rohirric fashion. The rich earthy tones complimented Brenna's complexion and eyes. Then she lifted a Rohirric styled cloak up to Brenna. It was finely made and Brenna looked at her in question. Eowyn smiled and nodded, explaining that it was a gift to her from Eowyn in thanks for her aid. Brenna laughed and hugged her again. Eowyn continued by saying that she was having a Rohirric gown made for her as well and that it would be ready for her when she returned to Edoras. Brenna tried to protest, but Eowyn told her that she was her friend and she wanted to do this for her.
Brenna thanked her again and gathered her things and repacked her bag. Stowing her newly acquired clothes in her pack and putting away her new cloak, she put on her elvish cloak. She didn't want to get her new cloak dirty. Eowyn nodded in understanding, noticing the care in which she handled the gifts with.
Taking a last quick glance around the room making sure she had everything, Brenna strapped her weapons back on and made her way out of the room back to the main hall. Walking to the others she smiled at them, feeling more like herself and better now that she was leaving the oppressive atmosphere of the Keep. She noted that the five men that accompanied her to find Aragorn had survived the battle and appeared to be among those accompanying the group to Isengard.
Brenna walked to the group receiving nods of acknowledgment and respect. King Theoden made his way over to the assembled group, calling for them to prepare to move out. Gandalf walked ahead to Theoden and the two began conversing quietly. Eomer fell into step with Aragorn, whom he had fought back to back with, the two had formed a close friendship and bond during the battle. Legolas and Gimli looked to Brenna who followed. Around her she was accompanied by Haldir, Telgalad, and Beleg as well as the Riders of Rohan accompanying them.
Walking to the courtyard their horses had been readied for them. Brenna nearly skipped to Hiril, who she was glad to see had endured the battle. Hiril nickered and nudged Brenna in the shoulder in greeting. Murmuring quietly to her friend she rubbed her nose affectionately. The men of the group stopped to watch the small young woman and the large Mearas. Legolas walked over and helped stow her things in the saddle bags before turning to help her mount the horse.
With the extra boost, Brenna was able to vault into the saddle easily. She loosely pulled the reigns to her hands, and leaned forward to pat Hiril's neck. She turned to see the stunned look on Haldir, Telgalad and Beleg's faces. Brenna laughed softly, whispering to Hiril, who tossed her head stomping in answer causing Brenna to giggle. Looking around, she noticed that the Riders of Rohan were opening grinning at her, watching her and her horse. As people who dearly loved their horses, they understood and appreciated the bond between Brenna and Hiril.
King Theoden made the call to move out, and they set off for Isengard. Theoden had left instructions with Eowyn and a few of his captains to secure the Hornburg, leaving a company of men to guard it, but also to safely move the rest of the people to Edoras.
The mixed company of men and elves made their way swiftly towards Isengard covering the distance with haste. Brenna looked around taking in the destruction that Saruman's army left in its wake and her heart ached for the evil taint on the lands. It grieved her to see the land so scarred and poorly treated. The elves, sensing her feelings, turned to her in question. She nodded to the land with a sorrowful expression on her face.
Turning back to face the elves, she spoke softly, "I will be returning here to help make this right and to help heal the lands."
The Riders around her heard this and looked to her with hopeful expressions on their faces. She nodded to them and turned to Eomer who had come to ride at her side with Aragorn. He too had heard this and took her hand in his and thanked her.
"Don't thank me yet," she told him. "There will be much to do, and so little time for me to do all that I must, but I promise that I will help the best that I can. I will do what I can to help restore what has been destroyed here. It will be a long road to recovering, but there is hope," she told him as her eyes went unfocused.
Aragorn and Eomer moved their horses in closer to her, recognizing the symptoms, as her eyes blinked rapidly, rolling back in her head. Aragorn called out to Gandalf. The company slowed to a stop turning towards Brenna in concern. Aragorn pulled her from her horse onto his own. This vision must have been a strong one because she began to murmur quietly as it was happening. Unbeknownst to Brenna, she was murmuring in elvish, to the shock of those around her.
With tears pouring from her unseeing eyes, Brenna clutched at Aragorn. She watched as her grandmother left with her father from Mirkwood. She saw her grandmother attacked by giant spiders as she defended her young son. She saw her father go to Lorien, welcomed by the Lord and Lady of the Wood. She saw her mother, who immediately transfixed her father. She watched their lives together, their marriage, their home, their love. She saw her birth, and the celebration that rang out in the Wood. Her parents and a small company set out for Rivendell, only to be hunted and cut down by Wargs. She watched as her parents sent her away somewhere safe, unknowingly sending her to a completely different time.
Gandalf came to her side and murmured soothingly to her, trying to draw her back to the present. The elves looked on with concern, Haldir in particular looked affected by this, he knew what she was seeing and his heart ached for the loss of his friends. Telgalad looked extremely uncomfortable. He knew of her grandmother and what had happened as a result from the treatment by some of his people. He shared a look with Legolas, nodding to him grimly. The two knew that they would have to make it right with Brenna and Gandalf, they had both lost much. Beleg knew of the girl's family and was saddened for her. He knew it must affect her deeply.
The Riders were greatly concerned for the girl and didn't quite understand what was happening. Brenna came back to them with a shaky breath. She relaxed into Aragorn's embrace, wiping her eyes in frustration. Taking a deep calming breath, she asked him to put her back on Hiril. He looked like he was going to hesitate, but she just stared at him with an eyebrow raised. Relenting, he gently lifted her to her horse. Eomer reached across to give her a hand to steady herself. He looked at her in question, with worry clearly visible on his face. Sighing, she knew that she would have to explain.
"We should keep moving, we cannot delay anymore," she said. "I know you're worried and you want answers, but right now we've got business with a treacherous wizard," she reminded them. "I'll explain later, when we make camp for the night, but for now we should ride. Please," she asked him with big emotional eyes.
He finally nodded, motioning to the others that they would continue on. Eomer didn't know her very well, but knew enough to know that if she asked something of you, there was a reason for it. The company set out again, racing across the plains towards Isengard. They stopped as the light of day started fading on the horizon. The company quickly set up camp keeping their equipment within reach and establishing a perimeter and a guard. Brenna was taking her things from Hiril and brushing the horse down. Making sure that her horse was comfortable and set for the night, Brenna turned to the camp, finding her bedroll situated in the center of camp by the fire, she stopped.
Standing at the edge of camp, raising an eyebrow she looked towards her friends. Brenna noticed that her bedroll was protectively surrounded by theirs. Shaking her head she walked towards them quietly. Pulling her cloak tighter around herself, she sat on her bedroll. She noticed Eomer sitting quietly nearby, looking at her as if to remind her of their earlier conversation. Sighing, she sat back and got comfortable, noticing that the others had begun settling around her as well.
Brenna looked around her cautiously, not sure how much she could say or who she could tell. If the enemy were to ever know all would be lost. As if sensing her quandary, Gandalf looked at her before nodding. Letting out a breath she turned back to Eomer. And began her story, explaining what she saw on the way there and what it meant. She told him and the others of her world and where she was raised. She told them everything, talking until her voice was hoarse. Brenna talked for quite some time, telling them of their journey, but leaving out the Ring for now. She also didn't tell them of the outcome, but hinted that she knew what the future held, but couldn't tell them.
When she was done talking, she took a sip of the water offered to her by Haldir, who looked at her with a pensive expression. Telgalad watched her carefully, not sure what to tell this young girl. Then the thought struck him, she was essentially a child to his people. He had known that she was younger, much younger than them, but not this young. His eyes got huge with the realization. He looked to the other elves in alarm and exclaimed, "Ai, she's twenty! She's only twenty!" his voice rising with more agitation as his rant continued. Legolas moved to intercept and calm him, but it was Brenna who stood and stared him down.
With her hands on her hips and her legs planted shoulder width apart she faced off against the much older elf with a look that made the others who knew her take a step back. They could see her anger building, and judging by the faint bluish glow on her hands and the glowing of the marks on her forehead, she was very angry.
"Excuse you," she gritted out. "If you're quite finished! Believe it or not, where I was raised I have been considered an adult for two years already. Do I look like a child to you? And don't even think about cracking a joke about my height, or so help me I will retaliate!"
Her hair was crackling with power. Telgalad stood slack jawed at the girl in front of him, eye bulging out of his head as he observed the small woman in front of him. Aragorn and the other members of the Fellowship sniggered behind their hands at the stunned looks of the rest of the men in the encampment.
Gandalf cleared his throat to diffuse the situation, his lips slightly twitching. "Yes dear, you're quite grown up, perhaps I shall explain the situation," he offered. Upon seeing her nod her turned towards Telgalad with a quirked eyebrow. "Yes, by the way of elves Brenna will not be considered of age until she's fifty, however you must understand a few things. Where she was raised she was considered of age two years ago. Her time in the world in which she grew up in seems to have aged and matured her much faster than elves normally do, as she stated and as you can see she is, physically and mentally, a mature adult. Now, be that as it may," he said turning to Brenna, "you won't be considered at your majority until you're at least fifty. I know this will be difficult for you, but it will give you time to grow as a person, but also to adjust to this world," told her.
Brenna looked conflicted, but she nodded in understanding, thinking about what her grandfather had told her. Stopping, she turned to him, "So does this mean I'll always be this short?" she asked humorously causing the company to chuckle.
Gandalf laughed and replied, "I'm afraid so my dear, you are the shortest elf I have ever known."
She glared at him as she flopped on her bedroll. She turned her back on Telgalad and looked at Legolas, purposely ignoring his still gaping cousin. Telgalad cleared his throat, coming out of his stupor. "My lady, I'm sorry. Forgive me?" he asked.
Turning and glaring at him, she observed him quietly, before nodding grudgingly. Aragorn laugh softly at Brenna from his spot next to her. Haldir watched the girl from his spot, not really sure what to make of his friends' daughter. He could see each of her parents in the girl, but she also saw traits in her that clearly came from her upbringing. Though she was very young, she carried herself with a maturity that many didn't have even centuries later. His thoughts strayed to his home and his duty there, but he knew his path would ultimately lead to this girl, whom he would protect and guide in this world until her task was done.
Beleg was having similar thoughts. He was highly amused by the small girl. She was intelligent, witty, brave, funny and strong. He could clearly see that she was going to be a handful in the years to come. He looked forward to watching Telgalad put his foot in his mouth and watching Brenna put him in his place.
Brenna drifted into an exhausted sleep, curling up and rolling onto her side. She curled her hand to her face, cushioning her head from the ground. Her breathing evened out, signaling to the others that she had drifted off to sleep. The others observed the small woman off and on throughout the night. They had seen her fight bravely in battle, heal with gentle hands, and give a tongue lashing to an elf thousands of years her senior. She was a walking, talking quandary for them to ponder.
Dawn broke, and Brenna rose with the sun. Stretching, she sat up and began gathering her things. Pulling some a piece of lembas from her pack, she took a bite to hold her over until they would have time to have a more substantial meal. Haldir looked at her in amusement as he saw what she was eating, pulling out his own with a smile. She laughed softly, and got up walking over to Hiril. The Mearas was munching on the grass nearby. She patted her horses neck, talking to her softly as the others in camp began waking up.
Brenna stored her things back in the saddle bags. Heleth came over to her and offered to saddle Hiril for her. Brenna thanked him for his help with a smile. Nodding in recognition, he finished his task, giving her a grin, before going back to situate his own horse. Brenna knew that she would have to start saddling her own horse, but she was unfamiliar with the Rohirric style of saddles. They were much heavier than the ones that she had used at home.
Soon the entire encampment was saddled and ready to move out. Brenna mounted Hiril which was a sight in itself. Though no one dared laugh out loud, there was a lot of coughing, smiles behind hands, and twinkling eyes. She sniffed disdainfully at them further amusing the males, but she laughed with them this time.
By midday they made their way to Isengard and the Orthanc. They were met at the flooded gates by Merry and Pippin, who were delighted to see their friends. Their eyes lit up when they saw that Brenna was still with the group. An amusing exchange between Gimli and the Hobbits was watched by the company. For the Riders these were the first Hobbits they had ever seen.
The group pushed their horses forward through the waters towards the Orthanc. Treebeard and the other Ents were standing guards, keeping the wizard in his tower. Gandalf advised them to not listen to the words of the wizard. He pulled Brenna aside and told her to pull up her hood and remain out of sight, to not draw attention to herself. The elves of her guard fell into formation around her, beside them rode the five guards from Rohan. Her group followed behind the main group of Gandalf, Theoden, Eomer, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and the Hobbits.
Saruman addressed the group from the top of the tower. His noxious and toxic words made Brenna's skin crawl with their evil taint. She shuddered with each word that left his mouth, getting close to being physically ill. The elves pulled their horses in closer to her.
Gandalf demanded answers, while Saruman mocked him. Anger laced through Brenna's veins, but she held her tongue. Theoden however did not. Saruman made the already troubled man doubt himself and his actions. Brenna made note to speak with the king when there was a chance. She knew that he would need reassurance in the near future before he rode to battle. Startled she caught her name mentioned and heard him threaten her. Saying that the lost granddaughter of Gandalf would make no difference, in the end the Dark Lord would win. The elves and near her shifted closer to shield and protect her. She felt sick at the realization that they knew! The enemy knew!
Saruman turned directly facing her. Brenna removed her hood, seeing no need to hide if he knew that she was there and who she was. He sneered at her, taunting her with her parents and their deaths. He told her that she would never succeed, that she would fail in her task, for there was no winning against the rising darkness.
Brenna had heard enough, "You will answer for your deeds and the oaths that you have broken old man. The Valar have seen and know of your treachery. You will find no peace or welcome in Valinor. Listen to me now, for these words are true. Your greed for power and taking the easy way out will be your downfall. Heed my words traitor, if you even think of setting one foot in the Shire, you will have nowhere to hide from me." She told him calmly and coldly, her hands and forehead glowing.
Those around her watched the exchange anxiously. Gandalf urged her to fall back. He nodded at her and gave her a small smile. Gandalf drew Saruman's attention back to him, urging him to tell them anything that he knew. More mocking words were exchanged and Brenna's thoughts began to drift. She ran their conversation in her mind over and over again, thinking of her parents.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even know how it happened. Grima Wormtongue attacked Saruman killing him. Legolas killed Grima, and Saruman fell from the top of the tower into the waters, dead. Just like the scene in the movie Pippin picked up and found the palantir. She shook herself from her thoughts as her eyes met her grandfather's as he took the seeing stone. He could tell by her pale look that she knew what it was and what it meant.
The group made their way out of the waters and moved further from the waters to the edges of it and started to make their way. They charged the Ents with guarding the tower and clearing the destruction, before making their departure for Edoras.
They rode hard and fast to put as much distance between the tainted lands and themselves. Brenna was still visibly shaken by what he had said. She was so careful and yet they still knew! She didn't know what to think of it.
Slowing to make a quick and light camp for the night, the company only unpacked their sleeping rolls and only necessary items. They felt uneasy staying so close to Isengard for the night. Sitting quietly on her bedroll, Brenna's thoughts were troubled. Gandalf, seeing this, sought her out and tried to get her to speak her mind, but she shook her head. Closing her eyes, she pushed, seeking what she couldn't see. What she was seeing disturbed her greatly. Her breathing became uneven and her whole body trembled. Her second task was upon her.
The elves could feel her fear rolling off of her in waves. She turned to them looking pale and terrified. "What is going to happen this night is something that I must face alone." She told them solemnly. "I know that you would seek to protect me, but you must not interfere."
The others in the camp overheard what she had said and were confused, but greatly concerned. Gandalf looked at her sharply, but she would not meet his eye. A cold chill ran down his spine, he knew that whatever she would face, there was nothing that he could do to stop it.
"My next task is upon me and though I cannot tell you want it is, I can tell you this. Have lit torches at ready and when the time comes, you must let me do what is before me," she cautioned them.
Haldir argued that they were meant to protect her, that whatever it is she was going to face that she shouldn't have to face it alone. He began losing his calm demeanor, becoming agitated at the thought of her putting herself in harm's way. She was theirs to protect, his to protect and this was going against everything he knew.
"I know you're concerned, I am as well," she told him honestly. "I would be lying if I said that I wasn't afraid, but this is a task that no one but I can face. Consider this my first charge of you if it means you obeying. You cannot interfere."
Her eyes went unfocused briefly, before becoming wide and clear. A loud inhumane screech rang out in the night. They turned to Brenna in fear and she just nodded grimly. Running to Hiril, she tossed her belongings in the saddle bags. Quickly strapping her weapons on and launching into her saddle, she looked around the camp and saw that they were all mounted and ready to ride out.
Brenna called out reminding them about lighting torches. She made sure that her sword and daggers were in place. Reaching back she touched her quiver of arrows and drew her bow. Grabbing two arrows she knotted some extra bandages around the end. Gaining questioning looks with her actions, she just shook her head and turned away. She spoke firmly to Hiril, instructing her to remain safe and to not take any unnecessary chances this night. The horse snorted and stamped her feet.
The company rode out, setting a teeth jarring pace, racing into the night fleeing from their unseen foes. The screeching was closing in and seemed to pierce their very hearts in fear. The elves rode near Brenna, as did others, but she pulled away instructing them to not interfere. Calling out to them that help was heading their way from behind, she took a steadying breath. She shouted to Aragorn, telling him that when the sons of Elrond arrived that she must be given to them immediately. He looked at her in question, seeing her grim look and nod in response, he paled.
Ever closer the Nazgul flew, giving chase and hunting them. Brenna was shaking in her saddle knowing that this ordeal would test her. She now knew that they weren't just here for their original purpose in the book, they were searching for her. Praying to the Valar for aid and strength, she leaned to Haldir who had a torch. Lighting her two arrows on fire, she turned in her saddle and fired. Her aim was true and an unholy screech sounded in the air. She had struck one of them. With its robes were aflame, he was turning to flee into the night.
Turning back around she braced herself, and found herself in the scaly clawed grasp of the beast the Nazgul rode on. Her sword arm was free and she reached for her weapon. In the distance she could hear the frantic shouts of the company below. Gripping her sword, she instinctively blocked the blow the Nazgul aimed at her head, parrying and then slicing his hand clean off. The answering shriek made her blood run cold. The great beast holding her dropped lower in the sky as it's rider struggled to hold the reins. Heaving her sword she hacked at the clawed foot holding her. One, two, three and she fell, still in the foot that was no longer attached to the winged creature flying away.
She impacted on the ground, somewhat cushioned, but jarring her left shoulder and side, causing the claws to pierce her skin sharply. The company had caught up in time to see her fall and land hardly. They rushed to her side, checking her for injuries. Riders in the distance could be heard coming up behind them. They identified themselves as the Dunedain and the Sons of Elrond.
Aragorn called over Elladan and Elrohir, the fear in his voice had them moving swiftly to his side. They exclaimed shouts of shock and horror at the sight before them. One of the riders of Rohan called out fifty meters away. The shock in his voice had others coming to his side. He had found the hand and blade of the Nazgul that Brenna had cut. Gandalf made his way over and wrapped the armored hand and blade in cloth and bagged it. He then went to Brenna's side, fearing for his granddaughter.
The members of the two companies couldn't believe what they saw. Once the Dunedain had heard what she had done, they turned to the small elleth in disbelief. Elladan and Elrohir worked in tandem drawing Brenna to them while healing her as best they could in the dark of night. Her side had been pierced by the claws of the beast when she landed. Though they weren't deep cuts, they feared infection. Her shoulder was dislocated and they tried to reset it without causing her too much pain. She started to stir as her shoulder slid back into place, moaning in pain.
"Brenna, how do you feel?" Elladan asked her while holding her carefully.
"Like I fell fifty feet after being kidnapped and attacked by a Nazgul, how about you?" she said weakly.
Drawing a shaky breath, Elladan brushed her hair from her face briefly touching the marks on her forehead. He looked to his brother who was watching him with piercing eyes and a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. Turning to Aragorn, he saw the man looking at Brenna with an unreadable expression on his face. The man turned to Elladan blinking before explaining that she knew it was going to happen and still willingly let it.
"My lord, what should we do with the beast's foot?" one of the Rohirrim asked King Theoden.
The King replied, "Let the lady decide what to do with it, it is her trophy."
Brenna shivered at the thought and Elladan pulled her into a tighter embrace. She struggled to sit up and with his help she was able to do so. She looked towards the huge vicious claws and then towards the king.
"My lord, I seek no trophies, certainly none of such vile evilness. I do not keep this for myself. I say put it on a pike somewhere letting our enemies know that we can and will defeat them, warning them to not seek us out again." She told him weakly and he nodded in agreement. He gave the order to do just that.
"Brenna," Aragorn began, "can you sit a horse? Are you well enough to ride, we must make haste to Edoras." He told her gently.
Nodding she called softly for Hiril. The Mearas came obediently, nudging her good shoulder. Hiril snorted in her hair, causing Brenna to laugh, then to brace her side with a wince. Standing with the help of others, she leaned against her horse. Brenna's weapons were retrieved and brought to her.
Aragorn helped strap them back on her, securing them carefully so as not to jar her injuries. Elladan and Elrohir fashioned a sling to keep her left arm tight and stable against her torso. Checking her other injuries, they made sure that she was bandaged and ready to go. Aragorn looked to the Mearas and then back at the small injured elleth, not sure if she should ride alone. Brenna sighed and walked closer to her horse, making her intention clear. Nodding Aragorn and the others helped her into the saddle as carefully as possible.
Halabard came forward to greet Aragorn. He presented him with the banner that Arwen had made for him, but Aragorn bade him to keep it for safe keeping until the time was right. Brenna smiled softly, knowing that the king would have his queen and they would rule long together making the world a better place.
Brenna leaned forward in the saddle murmuring to her friend, stroking her mane with her good hand. The others watched and tried to listen to what she was saying. Eomer came to her side on his own stead, with a question on his mind.
"Brenna, why did you tell your horse to stay safe?" he asked. "The Mearas are loyal and noble steads and she would have fought to keep you safe if need be," he explained.
"I know that Eomer, but it wouldn't have been just her life in danger. As it is, no one could have interfered and I would not have risked their lives." The others looked at her in confusion, but she just laughed softly, leaning to pat Hiril's neck. "My friends, sometime early next year this Mearas will bear a great gift into this world. She now carries not one, but two foals. I would not have her risk them, as it is I need to ask a favor of you regarding her." Brenna said looking towards Eomer. "I cannot in good conscience ride her after this. She will have to remain in Edoras, in the care of your people. I cannot risk her or the foals where I must go. In return for this favor, I will gift you with one of the foals." She told him with a smile.
Eomer and the others looked stunned at this confession. The elves, who were more sensitive to life, were not. They knew that Brenna was especially sensitive to life. Eomer looked to his king and uncle, who nodded in response. Turning back to Brenna he gave her a nod and a smile in return.
"My lady, we would be happy to look after your friend and care for her. You can borrow another stead in replacement until Hiril is able to be ridden again." He told her, his eyes alight with excitement. The Rohirrim valued and treasured their horses. The thought of being able to work with a Mearas was an honor, but the thought of being given one was truly a gift he could not fathom.
The company set out, gaging their pace by the wounded elleth riding with them. Brenna whispered to Hiril, asking her to swiftly get them to Edoras safely and gently. The Mearas set a fast pace, urging the other horses to keep up. The group rode through the night and straight on through the day. By midday, they reached Edoras. Brenna was assisted from her horse by the Sons of Elrond, who checked her injuries. Eomer pulled aside the senior stable master and led him to Hiril. The Mearas was unsaddled and led to a large enclosure in the Royal stables. Brenna was told that she could go to see her whenever she wanted and was given leave and access to places that many people could not go. Whether she realized it or not, she was greatly honoring the people of Rohan, not only with her trust in them, but her promised gift of one of the foals.
Eowyn awaited them on the steps of the hall, but rushed to Brenna's side seeing her friend was injured. Turning to the company of men and elves with a shrewed look, she looped her arm through Brenna's good arm and led her into the hall. Eowyn brought her to the room that she had used before. She had called to the maids on the way to the room to get a bath for the lady ready.
Guiding her carefully into the room, she pushed her into a chair and began taking her weapons off. A knock sounded on the door, it was a maid bringing Brenna's things and a few others bringing her bath. Eowyn hissed upon seeing the bruising and deep claw marks on her friend as she helped her undress carefully. With the help of the maids, they situated the girl in the bath and took care of the tired and sore young girl.
After a long, peaceful soak, Brenna was helped from the tub. Her wounds were redressed and she was helped into a soft shift. Eowyn sat her down and brushed out her hair. She asked her what had happened, and so Brenna told her. The maids had heard as well and the room had gone quiet as she finished her tale. Eowyn looked at her with wide eyes, gently brushing out the younger girl's hair. She looked almost wistful before looking back at Brenna. The maids were told to keep quiet by Eowyn and dismissed.
"Here, let me help you into the bed, you should rest a bit," Eowyn said to her. "I will wake you and help you get ready for the feast tonight."
Brenna climbed into the soft bed and settled in. Sighing softly she let Eowyn draw the covers up around her before she let herself drift into a deep sleep. Eowyn left the room and made her way to the Hall to get answers.
Brenna met the Valar in her dreams, they praised her for her successes, pointed out mistakes, and counseled her in what she must do next. They sent her into a healing sleep, a deep sleep that would heal her physical wounds, but also the emotional hurts from her recent ordeals.
Eowyn was frantic, she couldn't get Brenna to awaken. She rushed from the room towards the hall, calling out to Lord Aragorn, he came to her side in concern. Her voice had drawn the attention of Brenna's other companions as well. Eowyn explained to him what had happened and how she couldn't get Brenna to wake up and the elves stood as well, following Eowyn towards Brenna's room. She paused at the door, unsure if it would be proper to let them in with Brenna in bed, not fully dressed.
Gandalf arrived just as her inner turmoil waged. He bade her to let them in the room. Walking to Brenna's side he took her hand. Aragorn also, took her hand and rest his other on her forehead. They called to her and tried to draw her back but she wasn't waking. Elladan and Elrohir stepped forward to lend their aid. When they called her she stirred.
Gandalf once more called her and she mumbled in her sleep burrowing further in the blankets and pillows. Rolling to her side she sighed and cracked her eyes open. She blinked in confusion before her eyes went wide realizing who was with her in her room. Clutching the blankets to her chin so looked around wildly.
Gandalf chuckled a bit before saying they would wait for her in the great hall. Eowyn stepped forward embracing her friend in a careful hug. Once the males had left, she helped Brenna from the bed. She checked her wounds and was shocked to find them healing rather quickly.
Eowyn stepped toward the other side of the room, showing Brenna the gown she had made for her hanging on the privacy screen. Brenna gasped seeing it. It was a beautiful piece of work. It was a deep green gown, close to the shade of her eyes, with intricate Celtic looking knots around the border. Brenna ran her hand gently on the soft material before turning back to her friend and giving her a hug.
Eowyn grinned seeing her friend's reaction. She was glad that she liked it. Eowyn had a few more simple dresses made for her as well as some tunics and leggings fashioned for her while she was gone. The seamstresses had worked quickly, and were happy to make things for the young elf maiden who had fought with them and healed so many.
Helping Brenna into the gown, she had one of the maids come in to complete the look by putting her hair into an intricate braid. Eowyn left to get herself dressed. Soon the two women were ready and met each other in the hallway outside their rooms. They linked arms and made their way to the Great Hall where many of the military leaders as well as the Fellowship, elves and Dunedain were assembled. A hush fell over the crowd when the girls walked into the room. Both fell into curtsies to the king, before they separated. Eowyn went to the king and Brenna went to sit by Gandalf and Aragorn.
Brenna was receiving appraising looks from around the room. Gone was the dirty, bloody warrior elf maiden and in her place was a lady. The gown had the effect that Eowny had hoped for and she grinned. Brenna sat quietly, observing the hall and the people in it. Looking around she noticed some of the stares she was getting and she blushed. Turning toward a grinning Eowyn, she raised an eyebrow at the other woman.
Soon the king gave a speech about the battle hard fought and won. He praised his men and those that aided them. He hailed and honored those lost. They toasted and drank, and then the festivities began. Brenna ate some of the food, trying a few of the things pointed out to her. The Hobbits, she noted were quite a hit with these simple, yet good hearted people. She remained quiet for the most part observing the hall and the people in it. She watched as they ate and laughed and drank. There was dancing and singing, it truly was a lively time.
Though asked by quite a few men, she turned them down for dances. When asked by Gandalf she explained that not only was she still on the mend, reminding those in the company of what had happened such a short time ago, but also she told him that dancing here was very different than at home.
Upon hearing this some of those listening asked for an explanation. Brenna balked at this, and blushed violently. She stammered a response before looking to Gandalf for help. He just chuckled and asked her to explain. Looking around wildly, she tried to think of the best way to explain dancing from home. This caused her to blush more, getting even more curious glances from those around her.
"Well you see," she managed, clearing her throat slightly. "Where I was raised things were a bit more," and she paused searching for the right words. "Things were a bit more relaxed in general. There weren't as stiff rules of propriety for one. So what would be normal for me at home, would often be considered scandalous here." She told them. Looking towards where the dancing was taking place, she blushed again. "Even the dancing at home would be considered positively indecent here," she said, causing many of the Rohirrim to stare at her with shocked expressions.
"Why don't you show us?" Pippin asked jokingly.
"Neither am I drunk enough to ever dance like that here in Arda, nor am I willing to shock people. Let's just say that what you're seeing here tonight is tame in comparison." She said drawing curious looks. Some of the Rohirrim looked at her incredulously upon hearing her explanation.
"Well I still don't know why you won't dance," Pippin said naively.
Brenna closed her eyes, blushing and drew a deep calming breath. "Pippin, if I danced the way that people do where I was raised," turning to look at her grandfather who was smoking his pipe watching her curiously. "My grandfather would either have to fend off most of the males for the type of attention it would garner or see me married off before the night was done because of some of the laws and what is considered proper here." Gandalf sputtered, coughing. The others jaws dropped and Brenna chuckled blushing. She quickly got up and made her way towards Eowyn who leaned in to whisper to her. Whatever Brenna replied shocked the woman and then they both looked at each other laughing.
Gandalf still recovering from the shocking words of his granddaughter, now began glaring at the males watching her curiously. He knew that where she had grown up things were different, hearing her words tonight he meant to learn more about it and what that would mean for her hear. He observed her laughing and enjoying herself. Many people had come up thanking her for her healing and for help during Helm's Deep. She just smiled and would not take credit for it. She truly was a special girl. He knew he needed to teach her, but he feared there wouldn't be time.
The celebration lasted well into the night. They were alive and there was much to be thankful for. But the night was not over and neither was their journey.