(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkein's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna.)
Author's Note: Hi all! Sorry that I haven't written in a while, there's been a lot going on with work and in life in general. I will try to write as often as I can, but life tends to get in the way and make it tough to find time to write. I do have the story outlined and I know how it's going to all end up eventually ;) You just have to bear with me. The chapters to come may not be as long as some of the previous ones, but I'll do the best that I can…enjoy!
The next week was spent making preparations for Eowyn and Faramir's wedding ceremony and the departure of Eomer and his army. Brenna spent her days between assisting her friends, tending to the injured in the House of Healing, and sparring in the practice ring. She kept herself busy, pondering her task and what her next move would be. She knew that she would have to tell them soon, Eomer and his company were departing in two days.
Brenna looked around her room and dug out her pack. She began rolling her elvish tunics and clothes to take with her. Getting the necessary supplies ready took little time because she was used to packing light. Once she had her things ready, she left her rooms and made her way to Aragorn's Hall where he and the others were in a meeting. She greeted the guard and asked to have word sent to the king and the others that she needed to speak to them.
Brenna turned to look at the delicate tapestry hanging on the opposite wall. A few moments later the door opened and Aragorn greeted her in concern. He saw that she was dressed in a tunic and leggings, but also had her weapons strapped on. Drawing her into the room, she noticed that the advisors had been dismissed and only her friends and guards were present.
Sighing she turned to Aragorn, "I need to leave in two days time," she stated.
"What? Why?" Aragorn asked in confusion and concern.
"I need to travel with the men a Rohan for part of their journey and then continue my way along the Anduin and make my way to Lothlorien. I've been feeling like I need to move for a couple of days but I had to be sure before I said anything. I will be back, as I will be traveling with the escort of Lady Arwen," she told him quietly.
Her elvish guard stood and made their way to her side. She looked at them guiltily. "I'm sorry that I didn't say anything sooner, but we must leave so soon. I must make it to Lothlorien as soon as possible. The forest…" she said trailing off and looking very pale.
Haldir looked at her sharply. "What about the forest Brenna? Is all well?" he asked in concern.
"I'm afraid that the forests of Lothlorien and Mirkwood have been damaged from the recent battles. I must make my way there to heal what I can while the elvish leaders are still on these shores. Their time here is quickly coming to an end," Brenna told them. "I know that we will be gone for some time, but we need to make haste and pack somewhat lightly."
The grouped exchanged looks and nodded, the elves took their leave to go make preparations for their journey. Eomer nodded to Eothain and the others, and they too went to make the necessary alterations to their plans. He turned to Brenna and made his way to her side.
"Brenna, we would be honored to have you travel with us," he told her.
She nodded to him in thanks, breathing a sigh of relief. "I'm sorry Aragorn, but I must –," but he cut her off.
"Brenna, I understand. I know that there are tasks that you must do, but we need to form the necessary guard for your travels as it is still not safe." Aragorn said before her turned and nodded to Faramir and Prince Imrahil, both men left the room.
Brenna looked to him in confusion, not really understanding what he meant. She knew that she was to have a guard, but she didn't know what that had to do with all of the realms. Even though she had not been expecting this, she knew the wisdom of what they were planning.
"I would not want to keep anyone from their obligations and duties to their own countries. I know that what you're saying makes sense, but I'm sure these men are eager to get home to their families," she said in concern.
"Brenna," Eomer said answering her. "The men that we will be assembling will be honored to be part of your guard. Whether it is while you stay in their home countries or during your travels, they will be at your side. While they may miss their homes and families, they will go with you to ensure your safety."
Sighing, she nodded. They began talking of the route that would be fastest for her to take, when the others returned. The group began pouring over maps and talking logistics. Aragorn and Faramir talked of who would go with Brenna from the different provinces of Gondor. Aragorn select five knights from Minas Tirith with the help of Faramir and Imrahil. Prince Imrahil would be sending Amrothos and four of his knights. Faramir, the newly appointed Prince of Ithilien, selected five of his most trusted men from his rangers. Halabard stepped forward, volunteering his assistance. He would travel with her with a number of the Dunedain rangers. They would ensure her safe passage, before half of them would continue North to return to their posts to watch over the lands.
The members of her elvish guard and her Rohirric guard nodded in agreement with the others. In all there would be five elves, the five men of Rohan, five from Minas Tirith, five from Dol Amroth, five from Ithilien, and a company of fifteen men of the Dunedain. Their party would travel with the rest of the contingent leaving for Rohan, and then continue on their way North, following along the Anduin. Brenna would ride with the forty males to Lothlorien, where eight of the Dunedain Rangers would set out, heading back to their positions across the Northern Realm.
Once all of the plans were established, Brenna took her leave of the group. She noticed Gandalf had been watching her throughout this meeting, looking at her curiously. Smiling softly, she nodded to him as she left the room. Walking down the hallway towards one of the private gardens, she was humming softly to herself.
Brenna walked through an archway out into an outdoor corridor. Stepping through another archway, she stepped out into a canopied walkway lined with trees. She quietly made her way towards the center of the garden where there was a large fountain. Sighing, she noticed that like so many of the gardens and courtyards of the city, this one was in need of some help.
Brenna silently made her way toward the plant bed nearest her. She knelt and buried her hands deep within the soil. Closing her eyes, singing softly to herself, she pushed out her healing power and called upon the waters to quench the thirst of the plants. Her magic flared out, casting a soft blue haze fanning out over the garden and out beyond its walls, its tendrils floating and reaching further and further out.
Her friends and the members of her elvish guard felt the pulse and vibration of her power in the air and followed it swiftly. They feared that she would do too much and become too weak. They also feared that she would be vulnerable from the exertion on herself. The group quickly made their way down the hallway, coming to the courtyard where they found her kneeling. They could hear her singing softly and felt her power wash over them, gently swirling around them and lightening their hearts.
Elladan and Elrohir went to her side and each put a hand on her shoulder. Sighing she pulled herself back, opening her eyes. Her complexion was slightly flushed from the power that had course through her. She shivered slightly as she slowly pulled the power back within her. Her eyes cleared as she looked up at them. Smiling wearily she stood.
Haldir came forward with a cloth for her to clean her hands on. He looked around the garden as she took the cloth and began to wipe away the soil. He could see the plants stretching towards the sun as well as flowers and leaves unfurling. Turning back to her, he took the cloth and handed it to a nearby servant.
The others observed her quietly, looking for any sign that she was weak or that she had over exerted herself. They noted that though she looked a little tired that she was otherwise well. They looked around the garden and saw that the plants were thriving.
By this time the Aragorn and the others had joined them. He had come in search of the Sons of Elrond and was surprised to see the extent of Brenna's power. She seemed to be growing stronger and more powerful each time he saw her in action. He turned to Gandalf who was standing nearby looking around and observing his granddaughter.
Brenna continues humming quietly while looking around the garden. Her thoughts were swirling around as she was trying to prepare herself for the next leg of her journey. She knew what she had to do, but there were questions she needed answering. Smiling softly to herself, she closed her eyes and sought the counsel of the Valar. Her body swayed as her friends called out in shock, catching her before she fell as her consciousness faded away.
Brenna found herself walking under the Two Trees humming the song of Elbereth. There she found the Valar waiting. They nodded to her in recognition and smiled gently to her. Elbereth waved her forward and opened her arms to embrace the young elleth.
"Come, young one," Elbereth beckoned her. "We have much to discuss and little time to do it in. What is on your mind child?"
"I know that I must prepare to leave for Lothlorien and begin to heal what I can of the elven lands. While I know this, I cannot help this feeling of dread within me. Something in my travels is going to happen either to myself or someone close to me, I can feel it," she told Elbereth emotionally.
"Child, all will be well. Things are going to happen in the future that we cannot come right out and tell you about. You must focus on your task and have faith young one," Manwe gently chided her. "You are right, something will happen in the future during your travels that is troubling, but you must travel none the less."
Brenna's brow furrowed. She knew that she was given tasks and she also knew that she had the blessings of the Valar. She was not really concerned for herself, but her friends and companions who would be traveling with her.
Elbereth lifted her chin, drawing her from her thoughts. "Little one, you must travel and make your way to Lothlorien. We will be watching over you and guiding you. Even though there may be confrontations and skirmishes along you travels, you cannot stray from the path set before you. Trust in us and all will be well, call us should you need us."
The Valar instructed her of what they expected from her in the next few weeks and months. They told her that she was to heal what she could of the lands along her travels, doing a little at a time. Warning her not to use too much of herself and her power, they told her that she needed to quickly make her way to Lothlorien, where she would help begin healing the forest. If there was time she was to start healing the forest of Mirkwood. She would only have a week or two at most to heal what she could of the forests before she needed to leave with the party of elves escorting Lady Arwen for her wedding and reunion with Aragorn.
"Little one, you must go back now," Manwe told her. "They are calling you."
Brenna felt calloused warm hands on her brow. The muffled male voices around her were becoming alarmed as they called for her, trying to wake her. She felt herself being lifted as whoever had her carried her out of the courtyard. She felt herself being laid down on a soft surface as she struggled to open her eyes. Drawing a deep breath she began to stir, fighting to the surface of consciousness. She heard Legolas call out and heard the others come forward.
Drawing a deep breath, she struggled to open her eyes. Pushing herself up, Brenna sat up and looked around her. She found that she was sitting in one of the front rooms in Aragorn's Hall. Her friends and guard were standing around her looking at her in concern.
Sighing she turned to them, "I'm sorry if I startled you. The Valar called me to them to give me further instruction on what is to come. I will have two weeks at most to heal as much of the elvish lands as I can while there."
Aragorn crouched down in front of her taking her hands in his. "Brenna, while I understand and respect that there are things that you must do, please do not over tax yourself."
She nodded to him and smiled softly, closing her eyes and resting her head against the back of the couch. Taking a deep breathe she opened her eyes and saw that the others were still looking at her in concern. She gave them a rueful smile and laughed softly.
"I promise that during our travels I won't stray far from my guard," she assured them.
"We will hold you to that promise Brenna," Elladan told her sternly, with a slight smile tugging at his lips.
She grinned and nodded at him with a slight laugh. Sighing she looked around the room and noticed that they were all still present. Eomer and her Rohirric Guard were led to the room by a servant. They looked around the room in concern. Finding Brenna sitting on the couch resting, Eomer shook his head at her knowing that she had done something to tire herself out again.
"Preparations have been made," Eomer began, "Everything is all set for Brenna's journey. If necessary more men of the Rohirrim can travel with her company. There's no telling what their journey will be like."
Aragorn and the others nodded thoughtfully. Though all formidable warriors, a contingent of forty men and elves would be no match for a larger assembled group of orcs or wild-men. This gave them pause for thought.
"A group of my men can travel with them to the border of Rohan. If they feel that they're needed for Brenna's protection they will have orders to travel with her to ensure her safety. I will plan to ride out and meet them on their return journey, also giving more protection for the Elvish party traveling towards Gondor." Eomer assured Aragorn and the others.
Everyone agreed to this plan, though it seemed as though Eomer had planned and made arrangements for another fifteen to twenty Riders to accompany Brenna's Guard to Lothlorien. Brenna nodded and knew that this was wise, especially with the sense of foreboding that had been steadily creeping up on her. The group stayed and chatted before leaving to freshen up for the evening meal.
Brenna returned to her room right after dinner. She knew that with tomorrow's wedding festivities and then her departure the following day, that she would need as much rest as she could get. Hanna helped her prepare for bed, brushing her hair out and taking her tunic to be laundered. She also let Brenna know that a bath would be drawn for her in the morning. Taking her leave, Hanna left Brenna for the evening.
Crawling into bed, she blew out the candle and burrowed under the covers. Sending up a silent prayer to the Valar, she closed her eyes and let herself drift to sleep.
With the dawn, came the bustling and excitement of the whole city for the impending nuptials of Eowyn and Faramir. Hanna knocked and bustled into the room followed by a number of other maids and servants with a large tub and water to fill it. Once the males and other maids left, Brenna was dragged from bed by Hanna. Brenna grumbled, but Hanna just laughed and pushed her towards the tub.
Scented oils were poured in the warm water and Brenna soaked and scrubbed, while Hanna pulled out a burgundy colored gown. The dress was laid out on her bed with a corresponding shift of a shear silky material. The trademark silver stars were embroidered on this gown. The gown had an empire waist and a squared neckline. The underdress was a shade lighter than the rich burgundy outer dress. She gently ran her hands over the delicate fabric once her bath was complete.
Hanna assisted her in dressing and sat her in the chair of the vanity in her room. She quickly made work on Brenna's long raven locks, pulling them into an intricate weave of ribbons and braids. Once finished, Brenna left her rooms in search of Eowyn to see if she needed any assistance in her preparations for the day's festivities. Along the way she passed bustling servants within the palace walls.
Brenna finally found her way to the suite of rooms allotted Eowyn as part of a foreign royal delegation. She knocked on the door and was quickly ushered into the room by Eowyn herself. Eowyn had a happy glow and flush to her skin in anticipation of her pending nuptials to Faramir. Brenna offered her assistance, which Eowyn gladly accepted as the two chatted quietly to pass the time.
Soon it was past the noon hour and time for Eowyn to begin her procession towards her marriage ceremony. Brenna took her leave of her friend and made her way to the King's Hall where many of the guests had already assembled. She took her place among the rest of the Fellowship, nodding to familiar faces in the crowd along the way. She respectfully curtsied to Aragorn, who bowed to her in return. Looking around she noticed that her Elvish guard were seated next to her with the Fellowship. On one side of the room were the Rohirric delegation in attendance while on the other side were the Gondorian delegations, each representing the bride and groom respectively.
Trumpets sounded heralding the arrival of the groom and his personal delegation. He walked tall and proud toward the daise where Aragorn was seated and bowed respectively to his King. He asked Aragorn formally for permission to join with Eowyn, thus creating a bond and alliance with the kingdom of Rohan. The ritual words were spoken and permissions granted.
A second trumpet sounded heralding the arrival of Eowyn, who was escorted by her brother Eomer. The two walked forward bowing respectively to the king. Aragorn stood and walked towards the two and motioned Faramir forward. Turning to Eomer he told him of the request of his Steward and newly appointed Prince of Ithilien, asking if it was his will to agree to and bless the union. Eomer took his sister's hand and placed it in Faramir's stating that his will and blessing was given.
Gandalf stepped forward and performed a ceremony similar to a handfasting. Five ribbons of fine silk were wrapped around their joined hands symbolizing their union. Green for Rohan and fertility, Red for passion and love, Blue for stability and strength, Purple for royalty, and White for hope and faith, were all knotted and woven around their joined hands. Ritual and ceremonial words were spoken, much like a typical wedding, pledges of faithfulness, honor, obedience and love.
Brenna looked on with tears in her eyes as she felt the love and happiness of her friends in her heart. She watched the soft smiles exchanged by Eowyn and Faramir and knew that they would make their relationship work. She sighed with contentment, knowing that for now all was well.
Soon the ceremony was concluded and the festivities began. A large feast and celebration was prepared for the occasion. Toasts to the happy couple were given and lively dances and reels were performed. Brenna sat watching and observing the people who had fought for this happiness. She looked around the Hall and saw the laughing faces of the people enjoying themselves.
Looking across the Hall she found Lothiriel standing somewhat uncomfortably with an older man. Brenna, concerned for her friend made her way over. Her guard watched her progress across the Hall carefully, ready to step in if need be.
"There you are Princess Lothiriel," she began, "pardon my intrusion but I must speak to you of a most urgent matter." Brenna told her earnestly.
"The princess and I are having a discussion and were planning on dancing. Be on your way young lady," the older man stated pompously.
"Lord Hereford, may I introduce you to Lady Brenna, granddaughter of Gandalf, adopted sister of King Aragorn, betrothed of Lord Elladan," Lothiriel told him just as snidely.
The man flushed and stuttered a saccharine apology. Brenna sniffed and looped her arm around Lothiriel's turning to lead her away. Lord Hereford reached out and grabbed her arm spinning her around to face him. He had gone purple with rage and embarrassment. She winced as his grip tightened, when suddenly he was yanked away from her.
Brenna looked around and noticed that the room had gone silent. Turning she saw that Lord Hereford was now facing the full force of both her elvish guard as well as her Rohirric guard. Aragorn swiftly made his way towards her, as the others gave the man a dressing down. Eowyn and Faramir as well as Eomer had also begun to make their way towards the group.
"Are you alright Brenna?" Aragorn asked her and he took her hands in his own.
She nodded to him, not sure how the situation had gotten so far out of hand.
"Aragorn, my friend, what shall be done to one that would lay his hands on our sister and friend in such a way?" Eomer asked declaring Brenna his adopted kin as well.
The offending man looked even more pale at the declaration, looking ready to wet himself or pass out at the implications of his actions. The hall looked at the man with such contempt, that he recoiled. For all his bravado and putting on airs, he knew deep down that he had fallen from Grace so to speak. He knew that he bolstered his own reputation and played up his means. He often thought himself cunning and more than able to get what he wanted in the end, even if it meant taking what he wanted. He meant to have the princess to increase his assets and influence, but he never expected her to put up such a fight and now he knew he would never be welcome.
Eothain yanked and twisted his arm behind his back. "You won't look at either of them again. You won't approach them. You won't think about them. And you certainly won't touch them ever again. How does it feel to have someone bigger than you put their hands on you old man?" Eothain seethed. A sharp word in Rohirric from Eomer had him releasing the man, dropping him to the ground.
Aragorn pushed Lothiriel and Brenna behind him as he turned to face Lord Hereford. The gentle kind look that was normally worn on his face had changed into a hardened fierce look of anger. "Listen here and now, such actions and behavior will not be tolerated in my Hall or Kingdom. No woman will be treated as such, from common citizen to royalty. Your behavior today is intolerable and unbefitting your title. As such, you are hereby stripped of it and all that goes with it. Guards take him away for judgment at a later date, treat him as you would any other prisoner."
"Rohan agrees with the sentiment," Eomer declared staring down the trembling man.
"Come now, let us get back to the celebration," Aragorn called out, motioning for the music to restart.
The group turned and escorted Brenna and a trembling Lothiriel towards the royal daise. They remained silent as subtle nods of the guards signaled that they were not to be disturbed or approached unless otherwise noted.
"What happened?" Aragorn asked them quietly.
"I noticed Lothiriel was cornered and looking uncomfortable. She looked a bit panicked when I made eye contact with her I knew that I needed to do something. I tried to divert the situation telling him that she was needed for something. He dismissed me as if I was a nobody, but when she let him know who I was his demeanor turned into this fake welcoming and cajoling tone. When we turned to leave something changed. He grabbed me, and well you know the rest," she told them.
"Lothiriel?" Prince Imrahil asked.
"Ada," she began quietly looking down, "the man is not what you thought he was. He does not like to take no for an answer..." she was cut off by the immediate standing of the group of men. "Stop Ada, while he didn't like it, my personal guards and maid made sure that nothing happened and the scoundrel left with his tail between his legs. He was told to never come near me again. You were all preparing for war, there was no time to explain the situation that I thought was over."
"Lothiriel," he chided gently, taking her hands in his own. "You should have told us and he would have been taken care of before now. Had I known I would've never let the cur near you."
Eomer swore intensely in Rohirric, fully understanding the implications of the story. The insolent man, nay the beast, tried to take liberties that were not his to claim. He seethed just thinking about what might have happened to Lothiriel. His knuckles were white on the chair he was sitting in. So lost in his own thoughts he didn't realize that the others were now looking at him in question.
"Pardon me, my mind wandered. Please repeat that," he asked.
"I asked if you were well my friend," Imrahil stated. "You look a bit distraught."
"I am well, just angered and livid that such a man," he stopped at a loss for words.
Brenna was still shaken, but she was so furious with the pig of a man. How dare he! She took Lothiriel's hands in her own. "You know that none of this is your fault, right? That you did nothing wrong?" she asked.
Lothiriel nodded, looking at Brenna. "I know," she stated quietly.
Her brothers and father all looked guilty about not knowing what really happened. They knew that she didn't like the man, but now they knew why. They vowed to pay closer attention to what happened in regards to Lothiriel.
Brenna looked at her friend and glanced at Eomer. She found him watching Lothiriel with concern and something else in his eyes. The corners of her lips tugged up, she fought the smile forming and met the eyes of Eothain. He quirked an eyebrow at her and she nodded to Eomer and then looked pointedly at Lothiriel and grinned. He snorted in response and tried to cover it up with a cough, causing Brenna to let out a peel of giggles that bubbled up suddenly. The situation wasn't very funny, but watching the two tip toe around each other was beginning to be amusing.
She met the confused eyes of the others and just shook her head. The group sat chatting quietly and observing the festivities. Elladan approached Brenna quietly. "Are you well mela?" he asked her.
"I'm fine, I was a little shaken and very angry that he would do such a thing, but I am well." She replied.
"Did he hurt you?" he asked her gently.
"I'm sure that I'm fine. There may be a bruise, but other than that I am fine, please don't worry about me," she told him.
He growled at the thought of the man putting marks on her, not realizing he did so out loud. Brenna snorted and laughed that he did so, as did his brother, though he agreed with him. Elladan looked at her curiously.
Between laughing breaths, "You just growled," she said.
His face went blank and he looked at his brother in question. When he nodded, Elladan felt a flush warm his cheeks and he looked down. Brenna reached over and took his hand. She hadn't meant to upset or embarrass him. She was flattered that he felt so protective of her, but really? Growling? It truly was amusing, when one thought about it.
Brenna stood and took Lothiriel's hand. The two women walked towards the dancing group of party goers, despite the protests of their companions. Elladan and Eomer quickly stood and made their way to their sides. The others in the group shared a look and smirks. The two pairs passed the newlyweds on the dance floor.
The night wore on and the celebration started winding down. Everyone started to disperse, especially those departing in the morning. Brenna bid everyone goodnight and took her leave of the group. Her guard stood and followed to escort her safely to her rooms. Once they knew that she was safely within her rooms with Hanna, they left to make the last minute preparation before they went to bed themselves.
Hanna helped to undress Brenna. A bath had been drawn, for it would be her last until she reached first Rohan, and then later Lothlorien. She soaked for a while, letting the stress and tension fall away from her body. Once the water began to cool she got up. Hanna helped her into a dressing gown and brushed out her hair. Brenna looked into the mirror and thanked Hanna for her help once her hair was finished.
She stood and rechecked her packs to make sure that she had everything that she needed. Once she was sure that she had everything that she needed, she climbed into bed. She leaned over and blew out the candle and curled up under the covers. Sighing, she let herself drift to sleep, thinking of the next part of her journey and what she would be facing.