(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkein's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna.)
Brenna grew weary of the festivities. She knew that these people needed this celebration to bring them closer together and uplift their spirits, but as the night wore on she could not bring herself to celebrate like the others. She quietly asked Eowyn if she could retrieve the cloak and get some air.
Eowyn turned to her friend in concern, seeing the drawn look on her face. Taking Brenna's hand she gently led her away from the center of the room. Calling for one of the maids, she asked her to go and retrieve Lady Brenna's new green cloak. Upon returning the young maid held it to her and helped her to put the garment ok. Eowyn showed Brenna a side entrance that most people did not know about. She explained that King Theoden deemed her friend of his House and of Rohan, that she was an honored guest and would always have a place with them.
Brenna was stunned by this admission. The king was honoring her greatly. He was essentially giving her a home should she choose to remain here. He was giving her a home if she ever visited these lands. Eowyn drew her back from her thoughts, leading her to the side entrance, explaining it went out to the gardens. She told her to follow the paths and she would eventually go around the front of the hall.
Brenna quietly slipped out of the hall, but her exit wasn't completely unnoticed. The elves of her guard nodded to each other and took their leave of the festivities. They made their way out the front and began walking around the building in search of their charge. Walking around the corner the found her sitting on a bench near the gardens looking up at the night sky singing softly to herself. She didn't know they were there, so they remained quiet and just took up positions to make sure that she wasn't disturbed and came to no harm.
Brenna looked at the choked garden in front of her and felt a pang at the beauty that it must have once held. Looking around surreptitiously, she kicked off the soft leather flats and put her shoes on the bench. She unfastened the cloak, placing that on the bench next to the shoes. Brenna, not wanting to get her gown dirty, lifted it carefully and stepped off of the path, humming as she went. Bending carefully, she buried her hands in the soil and pushed her power out. Closing her eyes she drew water up into the soil, and pulled the breeze to blow away the debris. She continued humming as her hands and her forehead began to glow brightly in the night. She called upon her instincts and her need and desire to heal.
Her guard came closer, in case she exerted too much energy. They watched in awe as they saw the garden come back to lift little by little. Eowyn came to check on her friend and gasped at the sight before her. There was a faint blue glow trickling throughout the gardens. She watched as buds and sprouts began to form. Turning back to her friend in shock, she watched as the blue power extended beyond the garden and started to spread and flow out towards the nearby fields.
Brenna began feeling drained, swaying slightly. Strong hands helped her up. Haldir scooped her up in his arms as Telgalad and Beleg cleaned the dirt from her hands and feet. The Sons of Elrond, checked to make sure that she was unharmed from the amount of power she had used. The elves looked at their charge reverently, for the first time beginning to fully understand the gift that she would bring the lands. She could not only heal people and elves, but it appeared her gift extended to the lands as well. The elves wouldn't be surprised if she could also heal animals, judging by her strong connection with Hiril.
Eowyn stepped forward in concern. She had Brenna's shoes and cloak in her hand. Eowyn explained that people were retiring for bed and she wanted to make sure Brenna made it to her rooms safely. She turned to look at her friend making sure that she was well.
Brenna had relaxed and snuggled into Haldir's arms and fallen into a light sleep. The elves looked down at the young woman. Haldir motioned for them to open the door and lead into the hall. Upon stepping inside, Gandalf and some of the others left in the hall stood and moved to her side in alarm. The king and Eomer stepped forward with grave expressions, ready to do battle with anyone who dared harm the girl in their home.
Eowyn and the elves quietly explained what had happened and what Brenna had done. King Theoden looked at the girl in awe and with great affection for her. She truly was a gift to the lands. Rohan owed her much.
Brenna stirred in Haldir's arms as he shifted her light weight talking quietly to Legolas in elvish. She heard his voice rumble through his chest and his steady heartbeat under her ear. She must have moved or made a noise because everyone turned to her.
Haldir gently put her down and steadied her. Eowyn bent and help her put her shoes on. King Theoden held her cloak out for her and gently fastened it for her. He gently touched her brow with a smile and bowed to her, motioning for her to go back out into the gardens. The king called for torches and motioned for everyone to follow.
The group made their way out the entrance Eowyn showed Brenna. To the astonishment of the king and the others from Rohan was palpable. Gone was a deserted, barren grounds and what replaced it was the renewed beginning of life. They saw buds and sprouts could be seen growing throughout the gardens.
The elves explained what they saw and told them that her power reached out far past the confines of the city. King Theoden walked to Brenna and took her hand in his and thanked her. He told her that she greatly honored his people. He looked around the dimly lit gardens and turned back to her with a smile.
The group turned and made their way back to the hall and broke to retire for the night. Gandalf looped his arm through hers and led her towards he rooms. He looked down at his young granddaughter with pride and something akin to awe. She was growing into her powers and into a strong young woman. In time, he suspected her powers may exceed his own.
Stopping at her door he wished her goodnight before turning to where the rest of the Fellowship was staying. She had initially thought to stay with them, but Eowyn told her that her uncle was emphatic that her room would be hers for as long as she stayed in Meduseld, that it would be kept for her. Brenna walked into her room and was followed by one of the maids, who helped her out of her gown and took her hair out. Brenna dismissed her and sat brushing her hair out before climbing into the soft, warm bed.
Her dreams were filled with the Valar. She knew that Pippin would be tempted by the palantir this night, but she could not interfere. She sought their counsel for the things to come and her next task at hand. Elbereth and Este seemed to have taken the young girl under their wing, and though the others helped and instructed her as well. The two female Valar had taken a particular liking and affection for the young elleth, though the other queens were becoming more and more drawn to the girl, imparting her with their wisdom. Each of the Valar had given her blessings and gifts. They were each instructing her in what they were and what they meant.
Brenna sat quietly in a grove, illuminated by the light of two large bright trees. She felt at peace sitting here with them. There was an ache and a longing that sprung up in here to remain here, but she knew that her time had not yet come.
"Young one," Elbereth began, "your time to come home will be sooner than you think. I am sorry that you now feel the longing and the ache to remain here with us, but you must not stay now. All will be well little one, we are with you."
Manwe stepped forward, touching her forehead lightly, he smiled gently to her. "You Brenna must continue on the path before you. We have sent and prepared a group of elves that will be your guard and perhaps someday one of them will become something more to you," he told her vaguely with a smile playing at his lips. He looked to Elbereth with a soft smile and nodded before leaving the women.
Throughout the night Brenna was given advice for her journey. Vana, quietly weaved flowers in her hair as Elbereth talked to her of the history of the Valar and Arda. Brenna listened taking in as much information as she could. Their voices were calming and soothing. As Vana moved her hands through her hair, she struggled to stay awake. She heard tinkling laughter and a whispered voice telling her to go, rest and awake healed and at peace.
The maid that had gone to get her was in quite a state. Eowyn followed the girl in exasperation, not understanding the babbling that was streaming from her mouth as she wrung her hands. Gandalf looked to Eowyn in question as she left to follow the fretful girl, but she shrugged.
Upon entering the room Eowyn understood what had started the girl. Brenna lay sleeping peacefully in the bed, but she had flowers woven into her hair in a very intricate looking weave and design. All around the bed and room were flowers that she had never seen before scattered around the room. Turning towards the door she noticed that Gandalf and the others had come to see what the commotion was.
Gandalf recognized the flowers and knew that none grew here in Arda. He looked to his granddaughter in shock. Seeing her hair weaved with the delicate blossoms, he knew that she had a visit from the Valar last night. The elves present hadn't seen these flowers before, but they could guess where they came from. The faint floral smell from the blooms permeated the room.
Brenna stirred softly from her sleep. She blinked and inhaled the smell of the flowers that Vana had been weaving into her hair the night before. Lifting a hand to her hair, her eyes shot open and she sat up. Looking around the room first she noticed the flowers, and then she realized that she had company in her room. Brenna squeaked and pulled the blankets up, flushing as she remembered what she was wearing.
Gandalf looked to her in question, but she shook her head and looked pointedly at the door. Taking the hint, he and the other males left the room to wait for her in the hall. Eowyn told the maid to carefully gather the blossoms and put them in a bowl to be kept in the room. Turning back to her friend, she helped her into one of the more simple dresses, careful not to disrupt her hair.
Once Brenna was dressed she went to the hall where she knew she would find the males waiting for her. Gandalf was waiting patiently for her as she came in the room. She looked at him a bit sheepishly, realizing that she had slept in a bit longer than she had anticipated. She made her way over to where he was waiting at one of the long tables, with a pale looking Pippin.
Brenna sat with her grandfather and looked pointedly at Pippin. The Hobbit ducked his curly head, not meeting her eye. Gandalf got her attention and explained to her what had happened and his decision to ride to Gondor. She just nodded and looked up him. Biting her lip she glanced around at the others watching the exchange.
"You must make for Minas Tirith with haste," she told Gandalf quietly. "I will not be accompanying you on this trip, but I shall remain with the others and follow their path." She told him, looking pointedly at Aragorn. "Grandfather," she paused dropping her voice lower, "the Beacons must be lit, Gondor cannot stand alone. Aid will come."
Gandalf nodded solemnly. He gathered his things and bade Pippin to follow him for departure. Brenna followed the two quietly. The group walked towards the stables, ready to part ways once more. The parting of Merry and Pippin was especially hard to witness for Brenna. She gave Gandalf a quick hug and told him to make haste. She warned him that they must make it to Gondor as soon as possible. Brenna told him that all was not well in the realm.
The group watched as Gandalf and Pippin left on Shadowfax racing across the plains from the city watch tower. Brenna stood with Merry and Aragorn watching them grow smaller and smaller in the distance until they passed from their sight. Climbing back down the fortified wall, Brenna made her way to the stables in search of Hiril. At first she was stopped at the door, but Eothain who had been walking by introduced her to the stable guard, explaining to him that Hiril was hers. The guard flushed and apologized, but Brenna just waved it off.
Eothain escorted her in to where Hiril was being kept. The smell of fresh straw was sweet in the air. Brenna turned to thank him, but he just grinned and took his leave of her. She turned to watch the man go. Hearing the soft nicker nearby, she walked towards her friend. Hiril nudged her and snorted into her hand causing Brenna to laugh. She spent some time with her, brushing her and talking to her friend softly. As she turned to leave, she realized that she wasn't alone in the stables. She quietly regarded the members of her elvish guard watching her. She noticed that for the first time, all of the known members of the group were present, with the exception of Haldir's brothers. They were still in Lorien guarding the forest from the onslaught of evil.
Moving out of the pen, she walked forward nodding and smiling at them. They nodded in return and followed her out of the stables. The group made their way back towards the gardens. Brenna was astonished to see that the once dead looking garden had come to life. Looking around with wide eyes, she gently reached out to touch the plants. She turned to look out in the direction of the plains that she had felt her powers touch and noticed that a large portion of the fields reaching out were turning a lush green with the sun.
She sat shakily on the bench she had been on last night, fully realizing the extent of her powers. With a trembling hand she reached up to her hair to touch the flowers still weaved in it. Elladan and Elrohir walked to her and sat on either side of her. They and the others noticed that she seemed shocked and a little distressed by what she was seeing. The Sons of Elrond each grasped one of her hands and tried to calm the young elleth.
Aragorn and the others of the Fellowship found Brenna in the gardens talking quietly with the elves. Aragorn walked towards her and asked to speak to her privately. She looked at him in confusion, but agreed, following him to a secluded area.
"Brenna, the path I must go," he tried to warn, but she cut him off.
"You cannot leave me behind now Aragorn. There are things that I have to do, I know that you want to protect me, but there are some things that I must be there to make sure take place and others that I must prevent. There is more at stake than my well-being." She told him.
"Brenna, I worry for you," he exclaimed. "You are dear to me like my own sister. There are some things that I would protect you from if I could."
"You're like a brother to me Aragorn. I don't have much family, I never did. I care about you as well and it is for this reason that I must go with you." She told him
He sighed, knowing that he wouldn't win this argument. Brenna reminded him of his promise to her grandfather to keep her close and keep her safe. She also reminded him that she was a member of the Fellowship. He relented and walked with her back to the group looking around the gardens.
Legolas was drawn to his kin and now knew that even as he considered her his sister, he was meant to be part of the group that would watch and guard her in the coming years. His dreams of late had been filled with visions that he didn't understand at first, but now he knew, he was meant to stay with her as long as needed. He silently watched the other elves and their regard for Brenna. He noticed a few of them watching her with interest that wasn't all together platonic and made note to keep an eye on that situation.
The group made their way to the Main Hall where the king was sitting speaking with his advisors. He rose when he saw Brenna enter the hall, as did the others. Not used to such actions, she looked at Aragorn in question. He quietly explained that they did so out of respect for her as a lady. Her eyes got huge at this and she blushed, nodding to the king, smiling.
She sat at the table with Aragorn and the rest of the men followed suit. Brenna shook her head ruefully. Eowyn made her way over to the group, unsure of how she'd be received. Brenna called her over and made introductions. Eowyn took a seat next to Brenna and the two women chatted quietly.
The men of the Dunedain observed the two women quietly, yet respectfully. They knew that Lady Eowyn was the niece of the king, their host. They also knew that Lady Brenna was Gandalf's daughter and that their Lord Aragorn regarded the young elf maiden as his sister, he had said as much the night before. They remembered when they first laid eyes on the young girl, she had been bloody and injured after having just battled two of the Nazgul.
Eothain and Eomer had joined the group, having just left a council meeting with other military leaders. Eothain grinned at Brenna and asked her if she and Eowyn would be having a rematch. Brenna looked to Eowyn, who shrugged and grinned.
"Well, I don't know about you but fighting in a dress is not going to happen," she told Eowyn with a smirk. "I need to change and I'll meet you back here."
Brenna left the hall with Eowyn following. The others turned and looked at Eothain with a mixed range of emotions on their faces. The man knew that he was stirring the pot, he had seen the way that some of the males were looking at Brenna. He himself had gone their briefly until Eomer, his friend, had a frank conversation with him explaining a few things about the girl. Turning to his friend, he saw that Eomer was not amused in the least by his suggestion.
Brenna returned to the hall in a tunic and leggings. The flowers had been removed from her hair and it was put into a more functional braid. Her weapons were strapped on her and she turned to greet Eowyn who had entered the hall having retrieved her own sword. The two women smiled at each other and made their way out of the hall towards the practice areas where the men typically trained.
They chatted quietly with one another as they made their way towards the training area. It appeared that word had gotten out that they were going to spar again and a crowd began to form. Brenna was flanked by the members of the Fellowship, the elves, and the Dunedain. As they made their way into the training ring, the riders and knights who had been training stopped to watch the two women. They moved out of the ring to watch.
Taking off her quiver of arrows, her bow, and her twin daggers she handed them to Aragorn with a grin. She turned back to Eowyn and unsheathed her sword. The two women grinned and nodded to one another as the approached each other. With a loud clang their swords met. They circled each other and met again. Move after move they matched each other. Their feet moved and seemed like it was a well-choreographed dance they were practicing. As time passed Brenna began to push harder and faster against the other woman. Once again her battle experience gave her an advantage and she was able to unarm her friend.
Eowyn was out of breath, and tired from the sparring match, but Brenna didn't appear to be affected by it. Elrohir stepped forward with his sword ready, quirking an eyebrow as he approached, Brenna nodded.
The match was set at a fast pace. The two moved quickly and gracefully in time with one another. Brenna hadn't had an opponent like Elrohir since they last sparred before she left Rivendell. He moved with a speed and power that she had yet to find in another. He disarmed her and bowed to her with a grin.
"You've been practicing Brenna," he told her with a smile. "You've gotten much better since we last sparred."
"Yes well fighting in real battles tends to do that," she told him dryly, but smiled at him.
Elladan stepped forward to take her sword. He passed it to his brother and handed her the twin daggers. He stared at her quietly for a moment before a small smile grew across his face. Quirking his eyebrow much like his brother, Brenna nodded in response.
By now the crowd had grown considerably. The match between Brenna and Eowyn had drawn many, but when the elves had joined in, it seemed that everyone had wanted to see, including the king who watched near Eomer and Eothain.
Elladan drew his own daggers and bowed to Brenna. She returned the gesture and the two advanced on each other. Brenna kept her face carefully blank as she watched Elladan. He was so like his brother, yet so unlike him at the same time. They were both good, honorable, and noble men, well elves she amended.
In a flash their blades met. Their synchronized movements blurred as they faced off against each other. Elladan seemed to be holding back and Brenna pressed her advantage, taking him by surprise. She pushed harder and faster than before and he let out a startled sound as she disarmed one of the blades. He fought back, but she was at the advantage and disarmed the second one, catching it.
He looked down at his now empty hands stunned. Elladan knew that he had been distracted by her, that he had underestimated her. Now he looked around and met the stunned look of the people watching including his brother and the men of the Dunedain. Shaking himself from his thoughts he reached out and took the daggers that Brenna was handing back to him with a grin. He knew that he was in trouble.
Brenna turned to the silent crowd with a shrug. Legolas stepped up handing her bow and quiver and taking her daggers. She looked at him in question but he just smiled and pointed to the targets on the other side of the field.
"Where am I taking the shot from?" she asked him.
"Right here," he told her.
Looking at him unsure for a moment, she finally nodded. Drawing her bow and notching the arrow, she took a deep calming breath and took aim. Letting the arrow fly she struck the target on the edge of the inner ring. He told her to shoot another and she complied. This time the arrow was closer to the center. He had her shoot again and again until finally she struck bull's eye.
Turning back around with a grin, she looked at his smiling face. He nodded to her and slung his arm around her shoulder affectionately. Brenna missed the glare he was receiving from some of the others in the group because she was talking to him and Eowyn who had come over to congratulate her.
King Theoden had come over to congratulate her as well. He acknowledged her skill and praised Eowyn as well. Turning back to his advisors and military leaders he bade them return to the hall for the midday meal.
Brenna followed with the others up the steps to the hall of Meduseld. Pausing at the top of the stairs on the platform overlooking the city her eyes went wide. Aragorn came to her side supporting her as she was lost to visions.
Flash! Frodo and Sam being were captured by Faramir and Gollum's plan for treachery and Shelob. Flash! She saw Gandalf and Pippin riding to Minas Tirith. She saw Pippin becoming a member of the guard of the citadel. Flash! She saw Faramir letting the Hobbits go, and his valiant attempt to defend Osgiliath. Flash! She saw Aragorn and company racing to the Stone of Erech. Flash after flash the visions went on and on. She saw Arwen struggling against the evil taint the ring had on the world. She saw Lothiriel, Eomer's future wife. On and on it went until her knees gave out.
Aragorn swept her up into his arms and he carried her into the hall. She groaned clutching her head and closed her eyes. He and the Sons of Elrond placed their hands on her brow and whispered something in elvish and the pressure stopped. She pushed to sit on her own and Aragorn reluctantly released her.
Turning to Eomer, "Your future wife and I are going to get along just fine," she said with an impish smile. He sputtered looking slightly flushed. Brenna laughed and continued, "She is going to certainly lead you on a merry chase my friend."
"Well who is she? Where is she from?" Eothain asked laughing.
Brenna's eyes went unfocused for a moment before they cleared. She grinned and replied, "She is currently arguing with her father about not sitting home where it's safe while there's fighting. Her father, I believe, will send her to the safety of Minas Tirith to be with her kin there because he thinks it will be safer. Little does he know the city will soon be under siege," she told him grimly.
Eomer tensed at this admission, his jaw clenched and his hands fisted at his side. The others in the hall heard what she had said. At first they were highly amused by her description of Eomer's future wife, but soon they became grim at her description of the state of Gondor.
Brenna began humming softly to herself, staring at the table with unseeing eyes. Her mind drifted to all that the Valar had told her and more so to the things that they hadn't come right out and told her. She knew that she would be needed with Aragorn, but to what end she wasn't sure yet. Like with the Nazgul, she didn't know for sure until right before it happened. This left her with a cold feeling of dread.
Eowyn touched her friend's hand, asking her if she was well. Brenna nodded with a wan smile. Brenna sat comfortably next to Aragorn and Legolas, both of whom looked to one another grimly.
The next couple of days were much the same. Brenna spent them assisting Eowyn and sparring when she could. She spent time in the gardens and around the grounds, healing what she could while she was there. Brenna spent time with Hiril, she knew that she would soon be parted from her friend for a time. Eomer had introduced her to a gray Roan gelding named Ash in the common tongue.
Eomer and some of the others helped to introduce her and show her how to work her new horse. Eowyn was present to help as well. She was learning the way of horses from the experts. Soon Brenna had enough of the basics that she could care for Ash or any other horse on her own with ease, though if she was being honest, she felt that some of her newly acquired skill was a gift from the Valar, rather than her actually having the skill. She thought back to her past experience with horses and snorted out loud. Eomer looked at her in question and told him what she had been thinking. He and the others laughed out loud hearing some of her prior experiences with horses.
Brenna was making her way back to the hall when the wind swirled around her. She stopped and turned towards the South. There on the far mountain top the Beacon had been lit. She heard Aragorn cry out, and a signal rang out in the guard tower. She raced up the steps to Meduseld following Aragorn. Brenna entered the hall just in time to hear Theoden declaring that Rohan would ride to the aid of Gondor. He gave orders to muster the Rohirrim and make way to Dunharrow. They were to leave within a few hours.
Brenna ran to her room and began packing her things. She had given the hobbit's pack back to Merry and Pippin to do with what they will. Now she only had her own pack and things to worry about. She packed two extra tunics and leggings. She left the elvish dress and slippers in the pack, but folded them neatly. She packed her essentials, extra bandages and some toiletries. Brenna had her bedroll ready with a blanket.
Turning back to her bed, she noticed Aragorn leaning on the frame of the door watching her. She beckoned him in as she moved about the room methodically checking and rechecking her things. Aragorn sat on the vacant chair in her room, watching her get ready to ride to war. She had on her newly mended and cleaned elvish tunic. Her cloak from Lorien was fastened at her throat. Her weapons were cleaned and ready.
Brenna was humming softly as she finished her task. She strapped her weapons on and shouldered her pack. Aragorn grabbed her bedroll and helped her to carry her things out to the hall. She looked around the room seeing the flurry of activity. They stopped at one of the long tables where the others from their company were assembling. She noticed that she was the only one completely packed and grinned.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Eowyn. She could see the turmoil in her friend. Brenna knew that Eowyn needed to travel with the Rohirrim and that she needed to face the Witch King. Brenna trembled at the thought. Haldir, noticed this and touched her shoulder in concern. Brenna looked pale as she watched Eowyn.
From across the room Eomer also saw Brenna as she watched his sister and a cold hard fear filled him. He strode towards Brenna with a grim expression on his face. Brenna's guard subtly arranged themselves protectively around her as Eomer drew closer.
"Lady Brenna, what have you seen?" he asked her, he took her hands urging her to tell him. "You've seen something about my sister. Tell me what is going to happen to her. You have to help her, you have to stop this," he said becoming more and more agitated.
Aragorn stepped between him and Brenna and urged him to calm and remember himself. Eowyn had come over to see what was wrong. She heard the exchange and looked to Brenna, even the king stopped to watch the exchange.
Brenna stepped around Aragorn, despite the protests of the others. She faced Eomer and looked at him solemnly. He had become a good friend of hers and to see him so angry at her hurt. She searched he face, waiting for him to calm. Finally when he relaxed a bit she tried to explain to him.
"Eomer, there are things that I see that may or may not happen. While I do know some things, there are things that I cannot change." He looked ready to protest but she stopped him. "Eomer look at me, I would not let harm come to my friends if I could help it."
Brenna looked away and ached for the things the people she cared about would have to suffer before it was all over. Legolas came to her side as the other elves stepped closer. She turned to Eowyn and then back to Eomer and nodded, hustling out of the hall. Elladan and Elrohir grabbed her things as well as their own and followed her. The others rounded on Eomer in anger, even Eowyn seemed appalled at the confrontation. Brenna had already helped them so much and to treat her so was inexcusable. Eowyn told her brother as much before leaving the hall to continue in her preparations.
Brenna hurried down the steps towards the stables blinking away the tears that were forming in her eyes. She didn't slow until she reached Hiril's stall and then she went in and leaned her back against the wall and cried. Brenna didn't hear Elladan and Elrohir approaching, nor did she hear them set her stuff down and enter the stall with her. They crouched down on either side of her and reached out gently to her, trying to sooth and comfort the girl.
With her head in her hands she began sobbing quietly. Over and over again they heard her say "there's so much death." Not knowing what to do, they looked at each other unsurely. Haldir and the others had caught up with them and were standing outside the stall looking in. The elves could feel her pain and turmoil. Her guard looked to one another with tight jaws, each seriously contemplating going back to the king's nephew to sort him out.
Aragorn stepped into the stall and kneeled in front of Brenna. He pulled her gently to him and rubbed her back gently. He murmured to her and held her until her tears were finished. Once he was sure that she was calmed he pulled back and looked down at the heartbroken girl.
"I wish that I could tell people that everyone will be fine and that we will all make it out of this alive and well," she began sadly, "but this is war. I can't tell people what is going to happen. There are some that I cannot even warn about the things that they will face and have to do. Some things are meant to happen and must happen. I cannot change things and I know people are going to be angry."
"Brenna, no one expects you to change things." Aragorn told her. "All that we can ever expect of you is to do the best that you can. We know that there's a reason that you don't tell us, that it could mean the destruction of us all. Come, we need to get ready to leave within the hour."
Brenna stood, slightly embarrassed at her breakdown. Dusting herself off, she smiled weakly at her friends and grabbed her things. They exited the stable after she said goodbye to Hiril. She would not see her friend for many months to come.
The group made their way to where their horses were saddled. Haldir, Telgalad and Beleg had been given horses to ride as gifts for their help at Helm's Deep. The rest of the elves in their company had been sent back to their realms in the command of their seconds. Haldir, Telgalad, and Beleg chose to stay and to protect Brenna on her journey, sending word to their realms and rulers of their intentions.
Brenna noticed that Eothain had Ash saddled and ready for her. He looked at her regretfully, grasping her hand in comfort before nodding and taking his leave. She watched the man walk back to the rest of his company and saw that Eomer watched her and her friends with a remorseful look on his face.
Brenna turned away and mounted Ash. She missed Hiril, but knew that she and Ash would get along just fine. As is sensing her thoughts the gelding stomped his foot, tossing his head back snorting. Brenna grinned and patted his neck. Straightening in her saddle she nodded to her friends.
She watched as Eowyn mounted her own horse. Brenna nodded to her with a small smile. Eomer called in the distance for the Rohirrim to mount up and move out. He rallied them to ride in honor fulfilling oaths of fealty they had sworn, his words gave her chills. Brenna watched as the front of the line rode out. She could feel the thundering of hooves vibrate through her chest.
Brenna and her friends set out following with the Rohirrim. Aragorn and the members of the Fellowship moved towards the front of the column with the king. The elves rode on either side of Brenna, with the Dunedain falling in around them.
As they were passing, Eomer called out to Brenna. She turned to him with a guarded expression. He frowned seeing her usually open and friendly face closed and sad. He urged his horse near hers despite the looks he was getting from her guard. Turning to her, he apologized for his harsh words and for questioning her. The warrior next to her struggled for the right words to say to the young woman, the young elf maiden he had hurt.
Brenna as if understanding, nodded and gave a small half smile letting him know that she held no hard feelings or ill will towards him. He nodded and breathed a sigh of relief, though judging by the looks that he was still receiving from those from her company, all was not forgotten.
Eowyn fell into pace with Brenna as the group made haste to the Dunharrow to muster and rally the men of Rohan to ride into battle. The two women talked quietly as they rode side by side. Brenna let her know that she needed to talk to her in private when they reached the encampment. Eowyn nodded in understanding and smiled to Brenna.
While riding across the plains Brenna kept pausing seeing and assessing the damage. The ruined and tainted lands called to her. As much as she tried to ignore it she could not. She and her guard paused from the group from time to time and she would drop to the ground, sinking her hands in the soil healing what she could. Brenna's ring would pulse with power as she pushed out tendrils of power, summoning the waters from deep in the ground, and pushing her healing powers out in the land. Her hands would glow blue and her brow would faintly glow, even in the sunlight of midday.
The riders passing would watch the girl, not sure what she was doing, but she knew that upon their return they would understand. Once she was done, one of the elves would help her mount Ash and they would set off to catch up with the others. By the time they reached the encampment Brenna was weary. She had used quite a bit of her power to heal what she could or begin to heal the hurt that was brought to this land.
They reached the Dunharrow in late afternoon. There were thousands of riders from across the Riddermark already assembled. Theoden led the large company that rode out from Edoras, greeting his men as he passed. They rode to the top of the pass and set up camp overlooking the assembling troops. Tents were quickly erected, fires were lit, and a war council assembled to talk strategy and come up with a plan of action.
Brenna helped Eowyn set up. Under the watchful eyes of her guards and the Dunedain sat around their area of the camp, Brenna and Eowyn seemed to be busy setting up and preparing. Brenna and Eowyn were to share a tent, so once it was set up they brought their things to the tent and set up their cots.
Throughout the day Brenna was whispering softly to Eowyn, unbeknownst to the others. Telling her that she knew what it was she wanted and planned to do. Eowyn for her part looked to her friend in shock. Brenna just looked at her seriously and nodded. Once they were in their tent Brenna unpacked one of the extra sets of clothes that she brought and passed them to Eowyn knowingly. She left her pack as is on her cot and made no move to unpack her things. Before leaving the tent to join her guard she whispered softly to her, "Your hour is upon you Eowyn, you must take courage now and prepare."
Brenna quickly made her way towards the awaiting elves and Dunedain who had been joined by her friends from the Fellowship. She learned that Merry was now an esquire of Rohan. Smiling softly she nodded to the Hobbit. A few of those in the company noticed that the smile didn't quite reach her eyes and she appeared to be deeply saddened by something.
She sat on a log near the fire, lost in her thoughts. A chilling wind reached her, causing her to freeze in fear. Turning around slowly, she looked towards the narrow pass behind her that she knew contained that Paths of the Dead. She shivered in fear and paled. Whispering softly she began praying fervently for their safe passage. The others upon hearing her plea looked to her in concern.
Beleg reached the girl first and crouched down gripping her hand. He lifted her chin raising her eyes to meet his and what he saw there caught his breath. He held both of her hands now searching her eyes. In her eyes he saw such pain and fear, so much so that he looked to the others who had come to her.
Brenna closed her eyes as she began to tremble with the voices whispering on the wind. She slowly pushed her power out, forcing the wind and voices back to where they came from swirling down the narrow pass. The others observing this looked to her in question. She shook her head at them and closed her eyes tightly.
Brenna sought the guidance of the Valar. The voices had greatly shaken her. They whispered to her telling her they knew who and what she was. Brenna drifted and found herself in the great hall in Valinor. The Valar had assembled and greeted her warmly. She bowed before them and fell to her knees in the fear that was consuming her. Elbereth went to her and held the girl.
"Little one, you must not fear," Manwe chided her. "We are with you, watching over you at all times. You will face dark and troubling things, but we will not leave you to face it alone."
"That's it Brenna, calm down," Elbereth soothed. "You know that you must follow him. They will need your aid in the near future, you must not falter now young one. Now go, one of your guards is very frantic," Elbereth said with great humor.
Brenna awoke to Beleg holding her looking around wide eyed and panicked. He was pale and completely ruffled. Legolas had come closer trying to calm the elf.
"She's not waking up. Why isn't she waking up? What is happening? She's left us." Beleg's frantic ramblings could be heard.
Brenna shifted and breathed deep. She pushed to sit up on her own. Beleg released her from his grasp. She noticed that most of the company was watching and waiting. They had witnessed her losing consciousness before and knew that she had left them for a bit. Beleg had before as well, but it was a completely different experience feeling her fëa had truly left them for a time and her body was just a cold empty shell in his arms.
"Beleg," she cajoled, "breathe all is well. I am fine, I'm right here."
"I will never forget the feeling of your fëa leaving your body as I held you," he told her with his voice thick with emotion. Turning to Leglas, "How are you used to this? How can you be used to that feeling? I thought we had lost her."
"You do not get used to it my friend, but you learn to understand it. Her purpose here is important, but her need to seek the counsel of the Valar is great at times. You learn to respect that and you learn to guard her until she returns to us," Legolas told him and the others listening.
Brenna looked at the normally composed elf and took his hand in her own. She sent waves of calm and peace to him causing him to relax and breathe easier. Smiling softly at this warrior who was sent to care for her, she sat back on the log she must have fallen from.
"Sorry to scare you like that. The Valar were giving me counsel and courage." She told them softly. Glancing surreptitiously and the mountain pass behind her, she took a breath and turned back to her companions. "I needed further instruction on what lay before me in my path. It will be a dark one, but I will be fine. I just needed a few things cleared up."
Her look behind her was noticed by a few. Haldir and the Sons of Elrond caught this look and wondered what it meant. They made note to stay near here through the mountain pass, something there was obviously bothering her and scaring the normally calm elleth.
Brenna sat quietly staring at the flames. Rubbing her arms to calm herself, she turned to Beleg, "The Valar are pleased that you care so much. Elbereth was especially touched and amused by your frantic state and fussing," she told him dryly.
Beleg's eyes got huge hearing this, causing Brenna to chuckle at him. Looking back over her shoulder at the mountain pass she shivered again. Turning back to the group with serious eyes she said, "That mountain is evil. There is a darkness there that chills me to the very bone, and yet that is our path. Something lingers there that seems to stalk me."
Eomer accompanied by Eothain and the other four men that had gone with her to find Aragorn, had come to their fire and overheard her. They too looked uneasily towards the mountain. Hama and Gamling had come with them as well and thus their once small party sitting quietly by the fire had grown significantly. The company of the Rohirrim with them looked at her in shock hearing where their group was set to travel. They tried to warn them of the route they intended to take, but the others explained that it was the only way.
Brenna went to find Eowyn excusing herself from the group. Eomer watched her leave regretfully. He knew that she was still uncomfortable around him after his heated words. Eothain and the others shared a look and shook their heads. While they respected and trusted their friend and commander, they had grown to care for and respect the young girl as well. She risked everything and sacrificed much for the sake of their people. Eomer's words were unjustified, even if she did know something was going to happen, she was a seer, but that didn't mean that it was her job to stop or change everything she saw from happening.
They had seen and heard about her stopping from time to time on the journey here. They knew she had healed the gardens and fields near Edoras and if that was any indication to go by, she was trying to heal some of the lands on their way to the Dunharrow. The girl had already given their people so much. Her aid at Helm's Deep stopped a slaughter and she helped to heal many that day. Her promise of a Mearas foal was a great honor as well. But most of all, she had given hope back to the people in healing their lands.
Brenna weaved between the fires and tents in search of Eowyn. She found her near the tent they were supposed to share. Brenna nodded to her as she slipped in the tent, not realizing that two of her guard had followed at a distance to make sure she was safe. Eowyn followed her and closed the flap turning to her friend.
"Eowyn, you know what you must do. You know that you must go." Brenna paused, thinking. "Your task will be something no man can do. You must bring Merry with you. He will help you, but you must keep each other safe."
Brenna turned, grabbing her things. She clasped her friend on the shoulder and pulled her into a hug. She fiercely embraced the other woman, blinking back tears.
"What you are going to do is not without danger or pain. You will live through your ordeal my friend, but it will not be an easy road. I will find you and come to you when we get there. Take courage and go with the blessings of the Valar." Brenna said as she shouldered her pack and things.
She was strapping her weapons on as she left the tent. Turning the corner she nearly walked into Haldir and Telgalad who looked at her with unreadable expressions. Her eyes were huge as she realized that they had overheard her conversation. Shaking her head and looking around she led them away from the main area of the encampment where she could talk to them privately.
"I know that you're wondering about what you overheard, but I can't tell you. All I can say is that this is supposed to happen. This is meant to happen this way, if she does not go I don't want to think of the consequences."
Haldir opened his mouth as if to say something, but closed it and just looked at her. "Lady Brenna," he addressed her, "it is not our place to judge you. We are here to protect and guide you the best that we can. Whatever it is that you feel needs to happen, we must respect that."
Telgalad just observed her for a bit. He knew that he was quick to judge her before and he didn't want to make her angry again. He contemplated what she had said and the conversation that he had overheard. From what he knew of the young elleth, she was a kind soul and only sought to help. He knew that as a Valar blessed being, she needed to be looked after and protected. Being Valar blessed also meant that she had wisdom and gifts that most would never possess.
Nodding to her respectfully, "Lady Brenna, we trust you. The Valar have given you gifts and blessings, who are we to question that," Telgalad stated. "Yours is a burden none of us will ever be able to fully understand. We will stand by you and aid you in any way that we can on this journey. We have sworn to protect and guide you, and we will do so until you have completed your task and safely reach the shores of Valinor."
Brenna released a breath that she didn't know she had been holding. She still feared anger and accusations from others for not doing things the way that they thought was best. Brenna knew that some of the things that would happen would cause some anger and questions from people, and it hurt her to know that some would question her decisions because of what would happen during the war. She felt the full weight of her gifts and was weary. Sighing she looked around them and suggested that they rejoin the others.
Haldir and Telgalad looked at each other, feeling her weariness and sadness they became concerned. They fell into step with the small elleth, the crown of her head only reaching their sternum. Looking at her, they marveled at just how petite and short she was in comparison not only to themselves, but other elleths. They realized that Brenna, though young was far more mature that many elves who had reached their majority centuries before. Both acknowledged that it was partly because of her upbringing, but also because of her gifts and knowledge as a seer.
Haldir offered to take her pack for her, but she thanked him and said she was fine. As the three rejoined the group, there were questioning glances sent their way. Brenna sat with her things and began repacking her bag more efficiently. Aragorn, who had joined the group, noticed that only one extra set of clothes was in the bag and made note to ask her about it later.
Brenna stilled in her actions and remembered that she needed to speak to Theoden. Her eyes went unfocused for a moment and she drew a shaky breath and turned to Aragorn, "I need to speak to the king."
Those around the fire had gone silent and still at her announcement. Eomer looked a bit startled by this, as did the rest of the Rohirrim in the company. Brenna avoided eye contact with him and the others, looking down biting her lower lip. She focused and thought of the timelines and knew that the Rohirrim had to leave at dawn the latest. They needed to move fast.
Aragorn nodded and stood. He reached down to help her up and led her to the king's tent. She told Aragorn that he should hear it too and he followed her in when they received permission to enter. Brenna looked at the guards in the room and around the tent, and was unsure and uneasy speaking in front of them.
As if sensing her reluctance the king dismissed everyone else from the tent. Eomer had come asking if he could hear the news as well. Brenna looked at him and nodded reluctantly, knowing that he should hear it as well.
She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and focused on what was to come on Pelennor Fields. Before her stood the black masses, she saw the evil and cringed. Gate after gate she saw battered and breaking. People were dying and they were outnumbered. She saw the Riders of Rohan arriving and saving them. She saw the king fall and Eowyn take on the Witch King with Merry. She saw Aragorn arrive with reinforcements. Scene after scene flashed before her eyes. She saw so much death and destruction that her knees buckled and silent tears poured from her vacant eyes. The fields were saturated with blood.
The three men went to her side, with grim expressions on their faces. Aragorn pulled her into his arms and rocked her gently. He let her come back to them slowly and on her own, though he hated to see her suffer so.
Brenna drew a shaky breath and clutched Aragorn to anchor herself. She could still see and smell what they would be facing at Pelennor Fields and the aftermath. Turning wearily to Theoden, she looked to him with big sad eyes.
"My lord, you must ride out at dawn. The pace you must set will be hard and grueling at best. You must reach Gondor in five days, if not all will be lost," she told him fearfully.
The men looked to one another grimly. Aragorn's jaw tightened upon hearing the extent of the enemies grasp. He held his friend, his sister as she trembled in his arms. He looked down and noticed the dark circles under her eyes and how pale she was. Nodding to the others he picked her up and made his way out of the tent.
Brenna held his tunic and murmured "so much blood" quietly. She closed her eyes and let herself fall asleep in his arms. Brenna felt safe in his grasp and let the world and her worries fall away from her. Silently praying for peaceful sleep and healing, her forehead glowed brightly as Aragorn, carried her cradled to his chest back to the fire. Eomer followed behind, saddened by the toll and burden of the young girl.
Upon entering the area where their company was resting, there were shouts and exclamations seeing Brenna being carried back by Aragorn. Her guard as well as the others launched to their feet ready to defend the young elf maiden. Aragorn shook his head and sat near the fire still holding her. He waved the others off explaining that she was exhausted and weary from her gift.
Eomer turned to the Rohirrim present and told them to spread the word that they would leave first thing in the morning setting out for Gondor. He told them that there was need of haste, quietly glancing at the sleeping girl. He felt guilty for the words to her before, especially now seeing what her gift cost her. He knelt by her and brushed her hair from her forehead. Eomer watched and observed her features, delicate and at peace as she slept.
Brenna stirred at his touch and turned to see him looking at her with such a sad look on his face. She reached out and brushed her hand over his face, smoothing away the worry lines she found there. "Do not be troubled, do not look so grim. I am well just a bit tired. You're a good man Eomer, do not forget that. Your people will need you to be strong. Go in peace friend and take with you blessings of the Valar."
Turning and looking up at Aragorn, "We need to leave soon, though I hate traveling in such a place while it is still dark, we too need to make haste. There is one more thing I need to do though."
Pushing to stand up Aragorn, protested telling her she needed rest. Turning to him she grimly replied, "I will find no rest until our quest is done Aragorn." She said looking at him pointedly. "Even then I will find no real rest until I reach Valinor. I will travel from place to place, healing what I can. I will stay until your time is done and for a short time after, but then I must leave. There will be nothing left for me in this world," she told him quietly. "Once in Valinor perhaps I will find peace and rest, but not until then. I cannot think of myself, my own wants and needs until my task is done."
Turning to her guard and Eomer, "I need to go to the horses, all of them."
They all looked at her strangely, but nodded. They got up and led her to where the horses were being kept. Brenna pulled up her hood on her cloak and walked quietly flanked be her guard, both of elves and the men of Rohan. She sang quietly as they walked, her whispered voice carried across the encampment on the breeze much like it had in Helm's Deep. She sang of peace, victory, strength, and blessings of the Valar. Brenna sang of honor and a speedy, safe journey as she poured her power into the song.
Reaching one of the large pens she walked forward. At her approach the Mearas there came forward, nodding to her. She nodded in return, not seeing the astonished looks of those watching. She reached the pen and held out her hands, pushing her power behind the words as she began to say a blessing over the noble horses. Her words lent them aid and strength for their journey and courage for the battle they would face.
Brenna went to each of the pens repeating her words and blessings until she had seen to all of the horses. The men of Rohan were stunned and deeply touched. They looked to her in awe and bowed to her in thanks. Brenna leaned on the last pen, exhausted from the exertion on her. Elladan and Elrohir stepped forward to aid her. Elladan swept her up in his arms and turned to bring her back to their fire in the encampment. Elrohir fell into step with his brother and checked her over. He murmured something in elvish and she felt the ache in her temples subside.
A path was cleared for them and many called out their thanks to her. Whether she knew it or not, she had won over the people of Rohan and would forever have their loyalty and aid should she need it. They would honor her and count her as one of their own for her deeds in their lands and her aid.
Eomer watched as her guard brought her back to their fire, still shocked at what she had done. He had admired her before, but now he was truly in awe of her. If she had been a regular maiden rather than an elf, he was certain he would have fought for her affections, but he knew that it was not to be. He thought about what she had said about his future wife and held on to the hope that he would find a true companion in life. He prayed that whoever she was, that she would stay safe and out of trouble and that she would remain from harm's way in Minas Tirith.
His men, those that had rode with and guarded her and those that had met her on the plains when she first met him, watched the small girl go with concern, but growing affection and respect. Turning back to their leader, they watched the emotions play across his normally stoic face. Each of the men went back to their preparations, praying to make it through this war and that the girl would make it as well.
Brenna fell asleep in Elladan's arms as he carried her to the fire. He looked down at the girl who was slowly worming her way into his heart. Turning, he found his brother observing him with a grin. He smiled ruefully at him as they took up places near her things by the fire. Elladan tried to set her down on the bedroll that Elrohir had set up, but she clutched his tunic and burrowed her face into his chest. It would seem that she wasn't going to budge.
He looked around at the others not sure what to do at this point. Many of them chuckled at the predicament he found himself in. Haldir chuckled, but had an unreadable expression on his face as he watched her. Elladan knew that he would have competition for her affections when she officially reached her majority. Gandalf had explained to them the differences in her aging and maturity in regards to her reaching her majority. Though she was physically and mentally an adult, they saw the wisdom in having her wait. Not only would it not cause scandal and problems for her, but it would allow her to grow as an individual. He knew that he could not act upon his feelings before then, so he would have to be patient with the girl. In the short time that he had spent with her, she captured something in him that he had lost hope in ever finding. Though it pained him in thinking of leaving his sister to her fate, he knew that his path now lie with Brenna and ultimately Valinor, whether she chose him or not, it mattered little. He swore to guard and to protect her until she safely reached the shores.
Sighing, Elladan sat leaning back against the log still holding her, letting her sleep. He could feel her weariness. Looking at his brother, he nodded to him. They were so in tune with one another that they often didn't need words to have conversations. Elrohir passed him her blanket and covered her up. Elladan made sure to keep his hands above the blanket where the others could see them. He did not want to have her honor called into question by anything done on his part.
The company talked quietly. The Dunedain heard what she had done and wondered about the girl. The others began filling the men in about her. Aragorn informed them that she was like a sister to him, a sentiment that Legolas and Gimli echoed, much to the shock of the others, especially the elves. The young woman slept on peacefully, missing much of their conversations.
In her sleep the Valar comforted and healed the girl. They renewed her strength and eased her weariness and the ache within her soul. Her brow was glowing as she slept, causing the group to stare at the sleeping girl from time to time. They let her rest as much as they could, but soon they needed to leave.
Aragorn crouched down next to Elladan, and gently tried to wake her. She grumbled in her sleep, snuggling in closer to the crook of Elladan's neck. Her warm breath on his skin was beginning to make him uncomfortable, sending chills down his spine. He gently tried to move her, shifting her weight so that he could sit up more. It was only because of his years of warrior training that he was able to maintain such a calm demeanor. On the inside his mind was racing, as was his heart. The girl had no idea what she was doing to him, even now in her sleep. As if reading his mind, his brother grinned and winked before coming to help wake her.
Brenna blinked up at him, and squeaked when she realized that she had such a vice like grip on his tunic and she was snuggled in so close to him. He chuckled softly in response and watched as she blushed. She scrambled off of his lap and stood up looking at him wide eyed. His deep chuckle seemed to reverberate through her, sending a tingle down her spine, causing an acute awareness in her that she hadn't felt before.
The others around the fire laughed at her reaction. They began gathering their things making their way to get their horses. Eothain, Elfhild, Wulf, Haleth, and Fram stood by Ash that they had made ready for Brenna. They smiled nodding her, wishing her well and a safe journey. These men had become her unofficial guard among the Rohan and they took that job seriously. They presented her with a dagger they had the smiths of Edoras make for her. It was in Rohirric fashion and would fit in her boot. They told her that it would make them feel better if she would take it, knowing that she would have it should the need ever arise. They explained that though they couldn't be there to protect her in person, it would give them comfort to know that they could add to her protection, even if only with the blade. She thanked each of them, startling them by hugging each of them. Giggling quietly to herself as she did so, she was almost certain that she noticed a faint flush to their complexions.
With a boost from Eothain, she mounted Ash. Haleth secured her things in her saddle bags for her. She turned to them, thanking them. Her eyes briefly went unfocused and then she grinned at them. Brenna told them she would see them soon, she gave them blessings and told them to be careful and stick together. The men nodded and took her words to heart, she was a seer. She nodded in recognition of Eomer and Theoden, having already had parting words with them.
Eowyn had come seeking Aragorn asking him to let her fight a short while before. Brenna looked to her friend sadly and wished her well, nodding solemnly to the other woman. The company of Aragorn left the encampment and began their journey in the mountain pass.
Brenna shivered as they entered the eerie cavern. She rode behind Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. Halabard rode with his kin behind her and the elves. They moved quickly and quietly, venturing into the dark. Their torches' light had only shown so far, the light not quite permeating the vast blackness surrounding them.
Brenna could hear their voices whispering to her. Ash pranced uneasily and she tried to soothe him, though she herself was terrified. Elladan and Elrohir moved closer, murmuring to Ash and soothing Brenna. Elladan could see her trembling and he knew it was not from the cold. They too could sense and hear things, though it seemed that it affected Brenna more than the others. Haldir, Telgalad, and Beleg rode directly behind her, their eyes moving around them. Watching Brenna, they too realized that she was terrified. The elves could feel her fear rolling off of her in waves.
Brenna began softly humming to calm herself and the others. The sound echoed off the cavern walls, pushing out and stilling the night around them. Her voice was a balm to their souls in this dark place. She kept humming, pushing down her fear and pushing her voice out over the winds. The trembling of her limbs ceased and the horses calmed. The company made their way through the pass with little trouble.
Coming to the entrance, Brenna was still humming. A cold fear went through her as she heard Legolas and the Sons of Elrond read the warning on the outside. They would be entering the domain of the dead. They dismounted and prepared to enter.
Brenna stopped, her knees were shaking and her breathing was coming in erratic gasps. She was clutching her head as she dropped to her knees. The others around her called out in alarm. They watched as her eyes rolled back, her nose began to bleed, and she whimpered in pain.
A strange feeling overcame her and it began felt like hot pokers were stabbing in her head. Flash! She saw an army of men deserting and leaving their posts. She watched as they hid in the mountains fleeing. She saw them age and eventually die, never finding peace or rest, they were damned for their actions. She watched as they waited endlessly for the one to release them. Flash! She saw images of the First War. She saw Isildur battling against Sauron and ultimately succumbing to the power of the ring. She saw The Ring betraying him and eventually being found by Smeagol and Deagol.
Slowly the feeling of forced images subsided and her natural seeing gift took over. Flash! Frodo and Sam were venturing up the pass near Minas Morgul. Flash! Shelob was in her lair lying in wait. Flash! Faramir was injured at Osgiliath. Flash! A rider arrived bearing the Red Arrow from Gondor to Theoden. The Riders of Rohan set out for Gondor and with them traveled Merry and Eowyn. Flash! The realms of the elves were fighting to protect their own borders.
Elladan and Elrohir dropped to her side while the others held the reins of their horses. She was trembling and whimpering. Elladan pulled her into his arms, cradling her between he and his brother and they began calling her back to them, soothing her pain. Slowly her trembling subsided and her breathing evened out. She clutched at Elladan. Aragorn approached, he knelt down in front of her and she launched herself in his arms. She shakily whispered to him what she had seen. Only the elves could understand and hear her words.
"They're so sad Aragorn, so regretful in their choice. They're so tired." She told him hoarsely.
Gimli mumbled about them being traitors and deserters. Brenna whimpered and she felt their anger and more visions of their lives were forced on her. It was physically painful and she clutched her head whimpering. She called out weakly to Gimli to stop saying that.
She began to pray hoarsely for relief and help. The answering warmth on her brow eased the pain in her mind and seemed to shield her from the onslaught. Sighing in relief she opened her eyes blurrily. Aragorn and Elladan checked her for any other wounds and helped her to her feet. She swayed slightly, and both steadied her. Elladan took a cloth and cleaned the blood from her nose gently. He searched her eyes, holding her gaze for a moment before looking away.
Aragorn looked to her in concern, but she stopped him. "You know this is the path we must take. I knew that before we left. However I was not prepared for them or the fact that they could cause me such pain."
Her admission startled the others and her guards stepped in closer, as if to shield her. She smiled wanly at them. "I am well now, the Valar have helped to shield me from their visions and thoughts."
Steeling herself for the darkness ahead, she urged Aragorn to lead on, they had to move swiftly. She reminded him that they had to make it to the Stone of Erech as soon as possible, no later than the close of the next day. Taking the reins of Ash, she nodded to the others. The Sons of Elrond flanked her once more, with the rest of her guard following behind. With one last look behind him Aragorn led the company into the cave through the mountain and into the domain of the dead.