(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkien's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna.)
Brenna let Ash stretch his legs a bit as he surged forward and seemed to fly on the wind as they approached Lothlorien. Her laughter seemed to carry on the wind as her companions and Guard kept in formation around her. The Riders of Rohan grinned at the joy evident on her face as they rode closer towards their destination.
Brenna briefly felt the Lady's greeting in her mind as they approached the boarder. Two hundred yards from the tree line they slowed their horses a bit and the tension of their journey seemed to disappear as they reached the safety of the trees. The Wardens called out in greeting and some of the others were waiting on the forest floor.
Stopping their horses, many dismounted. Haldir stepped forward to greet and talk with his kinsmen. His brothers stood nearby smiling and talking to some of their friends among the group. Brenna watched as the other elves moved forward to talk to and greet one another. She smiled softly as Elladan and Elrohir were clapped on the back by the others in greeting.
Turning towards Eothain and Amrothos she grinned and shrugged. Sliding off of Ash, she took the reins and looked around her. She now noticed a clear distinction between the different forests that she had visited along her journey. A slight breeze swirled around her and her brow glowed warmly. She sighed in contentment and looked around her.
Brenna knew that her time in Arda would be short. There was so much that she needed to do in such a small amount of time. Even with the help of others it would be difficult to see it all done. She knew that she had until the passing of Arwen to complete her tasks. Only a few short months after that she would need to lead the remaining elves to the Grey Havens where the last ship would be waiting for them to sail to the West.
The whispering of the trees was like white noise to her. The quiet murmur of the forest drowned out the conversations taking place around her. Her brow creased in concentration as she tried to follow what was being said. While there was the pull to heal, there wasn't the same urgent crying she had heard in Mirkwood.
Closing her eyes she let herself fall away and focused on the call of the wood. To the East there was a need of healing, but there was not the same destruction that was found in the realm of their kin. The taint of evil wasn't strong here.
Pulling back she leaned into Ash who nickered and snorted in her hair. He nudged her, nearly causing her to stumble. Laughing softly at his antics, she clung to him as she felt the visions wash over her. Eothain called out in alarm as her knees buckled, catching her before she hit the ground.
Flash! LothÃriel was laughing along the sea shore. Her eyes were alight with mirth as she splashed in the surf. Flash! Eomer was walking the Halls of Meduseld thinking and trying to avoid his advisers. He seemed to be lost in his thoughts, his brow creased with worry. Flash! The remaining members of the Fellowship were in Minas Tirith enjoying each other's company. Flash! A host of rebels to the East were amassing, lying in wait and plotting. Flash! The Old Kingdom of the North smoldered as the people screamed in terror running from an unseen foe. Flash! They were boarding the last ship as the gulls cried in the sky above. Flash! On and on the visions went, Brenna's skull was throbbing and pounding with the force of the visions pulsing in her mind.
Brenna felt the others calling to her, Eothain held her as the Sons of Elrond tried to reach her and bring her back to them. She was cold and pale, her eyes were clouded and she was shaking. Whatever it was that she was seeing did not bode well. A sense of unease fell upon the group.
With a raspy breath, she pulled herself away from the visions. Brenna's head was pounding and she closed her eyes and leaned into Eothain's arms, knowing that for the time being that she was safe. Shakily she turned towards Halabard with a grim look.
"Something or someone is planning on wiping out what is left of the Old Kingdom to the North," she told him. "A message and warning must be sent ahead, and Aragorn must be informed as well."
The Rangers all had fierce looks on their faces. Many of them had kin and family left in the old holdings. However they were honor and duty bound to remain at her side. As if sensing their concern and quandary she turned to them.
"The North must be held and defended. I will be protected and well for the time being, you must return to your Home and make safe your people." They went to argue but she stopped them, "Listen to me, stop. Just listen. I know that you take your oath to me seriously. And I value and am honored by it, but right now you have a duty to your people and your home. Worst case I rely more on the Elves and the delegation from Rohan to get back to Minas Tirith, safely. Bottom line though, word must be sent North and some of you will need to return home to do so. Even as we speak a group from the East is amassing and making plans to move on Gondor, I need to hurry back or send word to Aragorn immediately. I know not the foe that has its sights set on the North and that is what troubles me."
The others listened in shock and building horror, realizing what she was implying. Something however, was nagging the back of Eothain's mind. He carefully when over exactly what she said and what it might be implying.
"Brenna," he began cautiously. "Will there be trouble en route to Gondor?"
Sighing Brenna nodded. The colorful language that rang out from her companions caused her to giggle and some of them to flush. They stammered apologies for using such language in front of her. She laughed outright before sobering. Her eyes briefly went unclear before she turned towards them.
"After we leave the protection of the realm of Rohan, just two days from the boarder, a large hoard of orcs will begin tracking us. By the dawn of the third day we will be set upon. I fear that it will not be a minor skirmish either," she told them seriously. "Everyone will need to be armed and ready to fight; male, female or child it will matter not. This group we will be facing will be especially merciless and gruesome. They are leaderless, starving, and even more depraved than before."
She shivered in revulsion. Fighting back the bile that had risen in her throat, she sat up. Eothain released her once he was sure that she was alright. He turned towards his men and bit out orders in Rohirric. Amrothos was giving similar orders to his men and the others representing Gondor. Despite the differences in language, the message was similar; be vigilant, stay alert, and protect their charge.
Brenna sat on the ground shivering lost in her thoughts when Ash snorted into her hair, reminding her of his presence. She jumped and nearly screamed, causing the others to laugh. Turning to her equine friend she laughed at his antics.
Elladan crouched next to her, searching her for any sign of distress. His concern and fear for her was almost palpable. His brother put a hand on his shoulder calming him. He took her hand in his own drawing her attention to him.
Brenna turned back towards him still grinning. Her heart was thudding wildly in her chest as she saw the intense look in Elladan's eye. She flushed under his scrutiny and felt the jolt of attraction. Taking a deep breath she calmed herself and smiled shyly at him.
Elladan held her gaze, losing himself in her bright expressive green eyes. He noticed the blush on her complexion and felt a grin tug at the corner of his mouth. He stood, pulling her up with him. He kissed her knuckles with a full grin and deep chuckle and turned to get his pack.
The others watched the exchange in amusement and discreetly looked away. They knew that the two were fated to be formally bonded, but they also knew that Elladan would never do anything to compromise her honor.
Brenna was blushing deeply by now, well aware that they had an audience. Eothain was trying to muffle his laughter when she turned on him with a grin. He stopped with wide eyes. The others turned and watched curiously.
"Eothain, when will you learn? By the way, your Lioness will be making her appearance sooner than you think. Think well, or you may find yourself sputtering in a horse troth to cool yourself," she told him merrily as she walked away leading Ash.
He looked towards the others wide-eyed. Many of them were laughing out right at his shock. When he came back to his senses he grabbed his things and the reins of his horse and quickly set after Brenna. He dodged some of the others trying to catch up to her.
"Lady Brenna! Brenna wait!" he called out to her. "What do you mean I'll meet her soon?"
Her answering laughter seemed to dance around them, echoing in the forest. Eothain caught up to her around the bend in the path ahead. She had apparently stopped to wait for him, much to the amusement of the others.
"Eothain, when we reach Rohan your little Lioness is going to be there, though hers is a story of struggle and fierce determination to protect her younger siblings. They were orphaned by the War and she was left to care for her four younger siblings. Two of her older brothers perished in defense of their home, a third rode to Minas Tirith. I know not what happened to him. They are protective of each other and weary of letting anyone get too close. You'll have your hands full that's for sure."
Her words sobered those who listened. The members of her Guard understood that their own matches potentially had suffered similar or possibly worse fates during the War. She turned to them and watched their reactions. Eothain in particular looked ill and stricken that his future wife had endured so much.
"Don't worry; they're all well in the meantime. Each has had their own struggles, for sure, but they are all safe. As many of you know, but some of you do not, as members of my Guard in honor of your service and sacrifice the Valar will bless you with your mates. Your future match will compliment you and balance you. Your lives will be blessed and full of love and happiness."
This news startled Amrothos and the others of the Gondor representatives. They hadn't heard this before and were thrilled to know that they would find companions. The elves knew, but to hear her say it out loud was a reminder that it would be worth the wait. Halabard looked to his kin and grinned. They shared a look and nodded. Three of their men had ridden out on fresh horses from the elves immediately after Brenna's revelation about the threat to their home. They left in hope of catching up with the others, but knew that they were now three days behind them.
They continued walking slowly through the forest towards the heart of the realm, Caras Galadhon. Their swift traveling had given them the ability to take the time to travel back South in the forest at a more moderate pace. Brenna would stop from time to time healing here and there, but there wasn't as much damage done to this area of the wood.
At midday they stopped to rest. Brenna was led towards a stream to wash and freshen up. She knew that they others were standing guard and giving her privacy. It was a bit brisk, so she hurried through her task. Changing into the deep green riding habit from Mirkwood, she quickly brushed out her hair. She packed up her dirty tunic and bundled her things, leaving her hair flowing free.
She stepping into the encampment and a noticed that the others were looking at her strangely. Nervously, she went and put her things away in her saddlebags. After storing her belongings she went to sit on one of the logs near the fire. She made quick work of braiding her hair back into one thick braid that went down her back. She hummed quietly, focusing on her task and ignoring the looks that she was getting from her companions.
"Lady Brenna," Eothain approached her. "Where did you get that attire?"
"It was a gift sent to me from the Queen of Mirkwood. King Thranduil gave it to me at the outpost."
"Green suits you milady," he told her quietly, though the others murmured their agreement.
She grinned and thanked them. It was a deep green with finely embroidered silver starts along the edging. Celtic looking knots were woven along the borders as well. The undercoats were of lighter shades of green and her shift was of the softest, lightest green she had ever seen.
Singing softly she let her mind drift and go over the visions that she had seen earlier. She knew that she would have to face the events and conflict head on. There would be no hiding or cowering away from what was to come. While it wasn't going to be the same as the planned attack on Eomer, the ramifications would be just as devastating if she did not intervene.
She was startled from her thoughts when Haldir called her and let her know that they would have to move out soon. Nodding she stood and went to Ash. Brenna began murmuring quietly to him and he nickered and nudged her with his nose in response. He snorted in her hair and whinnied.
Laughing she vaulted up into the saddle and arranged the layers of her riding habit. Beleg passed her each of her weapons, waiting for her to put them on before going to his own horse and mounting.
The group set off towards the main dwelling of the elves. An hour had passed when Brenna felt a pull towards the East. She turned facing that direction of the forest and stopped Ash. She listened intently and heard the forest calling to her. The whispering of the tree grew louder as the rest of the company stopped and observed her. They looked at her in question, but she didn't seem to notice.
Brenna turned Ash and urged him East. She held up a hand to the protest of the others and let them know that this was the area that she needed to heal. The Lady briefly touched her mind and let her know that others were on their way to help stand guard over her while she was vulnerable. She silently thanked the Lady and continued on, urging Ash to increase his pace slightly.
Within a half hour they arrived at a clearing. The trees were charred and damaged here. The ground was blackened and a heavy smell of smoke still lingered in the air. The cries of the trees and land hurt her deeply. Where the trees in Mirkwood seemed deeper and wilder, the trees here were ancient and held such a light presence.
The blanket for her to kneel on was brought forth, as was her burlap wrapped pouch. Haldir helped her down from Ash. He and his brothers looked at the clearing with great sadness. Rusting in the wood around them alerted them to the presence of more elves arriving. Wardens stepped forward, bowing towards Brenna and took up protective positions around the perimeter.
She knelt gently on the ground and sat back on her heels she closed her eyes. Letting herself drift away, she took deep calming and cleansing breaths. Her brow and hands warmed as she drew her power, preparing for the task before her.
The wind swirled around the clearing as she began to sing the ancient and celestial songs of the Valar. She let the healing words and power pour out of her as she sunk her hands into the ground and pushed it outward into the land. Calling forth the seedlings and saplings she encouraged them to grow and flourish. Pulling water from deep in the ground to bring life to the land and wash away the traces of the battle.
She felt as Elladan and Elrohir knelt next to her, sensing their presence. Her voice rose in volume and carried out on the wind. Elladan wiped her brow when he noticed beads of sweat forming. Elrohir pressed the pouch of blossoms into her hand when she was preparing for that step in the process.
The Wardens who had not seen what her powers could do looked on in shock watching their beloved forest come back to life. They turned to observe the trembling elleth and watched the power pour off of her. Her blue magic swirled around them reaching far and wipe. As her song came to a close, they watched as she slumped in exhaustion.
Elladan and Elrohir tended to her and laid her gently on the blanket, telling her to rest a bit before the moved. Haldir and his brothers knelt next to her and thanked her for her aid. The other Wardens watched as their leader reverently touched the young maiden's brow before he stood to watch over her.
They all looked around them and saw the clearing come to life with color. The bright blossoms seemed to burst forth from the ground like mini fireworks. Buds and saplings stretched from their deep sleep, greeting the world and the sun. The astonished elves had heard of her deeds but hadn't yet had the chance to see for themselves now understood the importance of the petite young woman now resting peacefully in the cheerful meadow.
A warm breeze swirled around them, carrying the sweet smell of the flowers far and wide. In the distance the sound of horses drew near. The guards stood and turned unsure of who or what would be approaching. A group entered the clearing led by the Lady herself. She dismounted and walked swiftly towards where Brenna was laying.
They noticed that she had a grimace on her face and sweat was beginning to bead on her brow again. Brenna whimpered in her sleep murmuring unintelligibly. Rolling to her side she woke with a gasp, reaching back to touch her back gingerly. She groaned in pain as the Lady Galadriel and Lord Elrond knelt at her side. The two shared a look in concern when they felt pain radiating off of the elleth's back.
"I hope that this is not a common occurrence. I'm not sure that I can take reliving that and feeling a blade in my back regularly," she said.
Elladan watch in horror as Lady Galadriel checked her back. What they saw shocked them. The healed wound on her back was red and angry looking. The scar was hot to the touch, but it was not infected. She whimpered as they hit a particularly tender spot near her shoulder. Those that didn't know the extent of her injury paled when they saw the thick scar.
The Riders of Rohan blanched when they saw the remains of the wound. They knew that she had intercepted the blows intended for their Lord King and shuddered to think of what would have happened had she not been there. It sickened them that she now bore the marks of battle. They knew that women could fight and would fight if there was a need, but to see her hurting nearly stole their breath.
"I think that I may have over exerted myself and pushed my body beyond its limits. I will need to rest a bit before I can do more," but the Lady cut her off.
"Little one, you have done more than any should have asked of you in the short time since you were injured. You are not yet fully recovered from your battle wounds. Though they may be sealed and healed, you need to make sure you're resting properly. The Valar may have aided and sped up your healing, but the wound should have been fatal even for an elleth. For one so young still coming into their power, not yet at your majority, you are very lucky," Lady Galadriel chided gently.
Brenna sighed in relief as Lord Elrond and his sons murmured elvish words of healing. They soothed the aches and cooled the wound. She shivered as the chilly tingling stretched from her shoulder diagonally across her back along the wound. Breathing easier she relaxed in the Lady's embrace and allowed her to fix the back of her clothing for her.
They helped her to her feet where Elladan swept her up in his arms and carried her toward where Eothain had Ash waiting. He paused mid-stride and looked down at the blushing elleth. He grinned at her but sobered a bit.
"Will you be well enough to ride on your own Brenna?" he asked her.
"She needs to rest and her body needs to heal," Lady Galadriel interrupted. "She should ride with you on the journey to Caras Galadhon. We need to make it there by nightfall and she needs to be taken immediately to her rooms to wash and sleep."
Elrohir held out his arms with a grin. Elladan passed Brenna to his brother and mounted his own horse and reached down. Elrohir passed her back to Elladan, who settled her across his lap in his arms. The others were all mounting their horses and preparing to leave quickly.
The Wardens quietly conferred with Celeborn before bowing and disappearing into the forest around them presumably returning to their posts. Once everyone was mounted they set out towards Caras Galadhon.
Brenna lulled to a sleepy state in Elladan's arms. The deep murmur and rumble of his voice soothed her. She burrowed into his chest deeper, causing him to look down and chuckle sending tingles down her spine. Sub consciously she thought that thirty years was going to be a long wait and by that point there would be so much built up tension between them. She mused that her residing in the different realms for years at a time wouldn't be a bad thing.
Elladan kept glancing down at the petite, curvy young woman in his arms. He thanked the Valar for sending her to him. His grip tightened on her as he thought about how many times he nearly lost her. Swallowing the lump and fear bubbling within, he turned his focus back to his brother.
Brenna drifted off to sleep only waking slightly when Elladan passed her to Elrohir when he needed to dismount once they reached their destination. He carried her up the many stairs to her rooms within the main Talan for the Lord and Lady. He kissed her brow and left her in the care of his sister and grandmother.
Making his way down the hall he entered his room. Stripping out of his travel clothes he stepped into the bath and soaked away the weariness and grime of the last couple of weeks. The brief times they had to freshen up weren't the same as taking an actual bath.
His thoughts strayed to Brenna and his chest tightened at the thought of losing her. He cleaned himself and stepped out of the bath back into his room. He changed into a loose tunic in deep blue. Crossing the room he climbed into his bed and let himself find peace and rest. She was safe for now and he would do all that he could to keep it that way. With those thoughts he let himself drift to sleep.
Arwen and Galadriel helped Brenna out of her riding clothes. Her two packs of dirty clothes and current outfit were taken by a maid to be laundered immediately. They helped her into the bath and poured in scented oil to sooth her and healing herbs to help her body recover.
Arwen massaged scented soap into her hair while Galadriel chose a shift for her to change into. Brenna drifted in and out while she soaked. Arwen and Galadriel helped her step from the bath and wrapped her in a large fluffy towel. A maid came to assist as they led her back to her room. She was laid on the bed with her back exposed. The three of them massaged a healing oil into her scar. It tingled and soothed, dulling the ache that lingered from her dreams.
Arwen brought over the light purple shift and pulled it over Brenna's head. They tucked her into the bed and covered her with the blankets. Arwen offered to sit with her to make sure that she slept soundly and peacefully through the night. Galadriel agreed but only after she was assured that she would be told immediately if there were any changes to Brenna.
Arwen sat reading quietly as her friend and future sister in law slept soundly. A maid came and relieved her, taking her place at the Lady's insistence. She reluctantly agreed and set out for her own rooms nearby.
Morning came and went and still Brenna slept deeply. Arwen had returned to sit with her friend. Elladan and Elrohir stopped in to check on her as did various others from her Guard.
Mid-morning came and she showed the first signs of waking. She grumbled a bit and rolled over pulling the blankets up to her shoulders. Arwen stifled a laugh watching her friend come to. She stretched and burrowed in the blankets a bit more. Blinking in confusion she looked down and then squinted at the room that she was in.
Launching up sitting, she pulled the blanket up to her chin and looked around with wide eyes. Arwen's tinkling bell laughter rang out in the room as Brenna looked around in confusion.
"Oh my God you gave me a bath and dressed me! Good Lord this is mortifying. Was I really that tired that I didn't notice?" Brenna squeaked out.
Arwen laughed harder seeing her friend's embarrassment. Tears of mirth formed in her eyes as she tried to calm the poor girl down. By now Brenna was working herself up into a frenzy.
"Wait it was you wasn't it? Last I knew I was falling asleep on," she paused and her eyes bulged. "Oh please tell me that it was you." She stated as her cheeks flamed red.
Arwen went to her side and calmed her as best she could. "Brenna of course it wasn't my brother. You know better than that. Breathe, you're fine. There's nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed of."
Blinking at her friend she took a deep breath. Letting it out she observed and realized that she was in her rooms at the dwelling of the Lord and Lady of Lorien. She peeked down and saw that she was in a soft purple shift. Sitting up straighter, she acknowledged that her back and body felt much better. She turned towards the window and noticed that it was well past dawn.
With a sigh she let the covers fall awake. Arwen stood and went to get the dress that went with the shift. The deep purple dress had Brenna's customary silver stars adorning it. She helped her into the gown, lacing her into the dress. A silver belt with bursting stars engraved on it was fastened around her small waist, accentuating her curves. Her necklace glinted in the sunlight and her forehead glowed bright silver. Once they found a soft leather pair of slippers for her the two left Brenna's rooms and set out for the greeting hall of the Lord and Lady.
Arwen looped her arm through Brenna's and the two elleths chatted quietly through the halls. They nodded in greeting to the elves that they passed. Around the corner they were joined by Elladan and Elrohir, who were heading in the same direction. Elladan grinned at Brenna and Elrohir winked as they made their way. A century announced their arrival to the hall and they were ushered into the rooms.
Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn stood to greet their family. Brenna looked towards Arwen for hints on what to do or how to proceed, but her friend just smiled at her encouragingly. Lady Galadriel reached her side and looped her arm around Brenna's shoulders affectionately, drawing her into the room. Elladan smiled softly at her and nodded.
Lady Galadriel led her to a dais where there were a number of chairs set up. She urged her to sit and motioned for food to be brought forward. Once there was a small table set up Lady Galadriel encouraged her to eat.
Brenna looked around in question, but they were all giving her the same look. Gathering a small assortment of fruits and some bread with cheese, she began to eat quietly. She finished what she could of the plate and washed it down with crisp, clean water. Sitting back with a sigh, she observed the others in the room. They were essentially a royal family and she felt slightly out of place.
A warm touch in her mind drew her gaze to the Lady. Galadriel reached over and took one of her hands in her own and gave her a reassuring squeeze. Brenna smiled softly in thanks and unknowingly, subconsciously began humming. The conversation and noise of the room quieted upon hearing the tune of her voice. The Lord and Lady listened with a look of longing on their faces. They wanted to go Home.
Brenna smiled at them and nodded. "The Valar have deemed it time for our people to return home. All of their children are welcome."
The radiant smiles that adorned the face of the two ancient elves were breath-taking. Brenna grinned at the others and saw Arwen's heartbreaking look upon her face. Her smile faltered a bit and she motioned her friend to take a seat next to her. Taking her friend's hand she looked deep into her eyes. Brenna's eyes clouded a bit and then she looked clearly at her.
"Your choice has been made, but it won't be forever; though you may be parted from us for a time. I have a feeling that we will see you again someday. The Valar are not so cruel as to separate a family for all eternity, who knows what surprises may be in store for us in Valinor," she told Arwen quietly.
The others gasped at her words. Lord Elrond knelt in front of her searching her eyes imploringly. Brenna took a deep breath and let herself drift. Her spirit floated away to Valinor where the Valar waited for her in the meadow. She kneeled before them reverently bowing her head.
A touch under her chin lifted her face to see the smiling face of Elbereth and Manwe standing before her. They helped her to stand and urged her to come to the center of the meadow with them. All around her were the blossoms of Vana's garden. The heady smell of them swirled around them.
"Brenna child what has you seeking our council?" Elbereth asked kindly.
"My lady, I, " she paused unsure of how to ask her question.
Manwe looked at her quietly, knowing what it was that she wanted to know. He saw in her mind her thought process and reasoning and knew that he would have to think it over carefully. She wanted to know if Arwen and Aragorn would be able to eventually join them in Valinor after their passing. They were both descendants of the line from Earendil and Luthien, but it all came down to their choice. With a sigh he thought of what he should do. The others were mentally adding their input. After what seemed like only seconds to Brenna, he turned back to her.
"Child, what you ask is not something to be taken lightly. It is not something done, however in light of all that has been sacrificed and done by those involved they will be given another choice when they reach the Halls of Mandos. They can choose to stay in the Halls, or pass through to Valinor, restored and allowed to spend eternity with their kin. This choice will only be given to those We deem worthy. I ask that you only let them know that they may see Arwen and Aragorn again," Manwe said.
"You must go back child, they're waiting for you," Elbereth said. She kissed her brow and faded away. One by one the others followed her example.
Brenna felt herself being pulled back rapidly. She sat up taking a big gasping breath and looked around at the others. Lord Elrond held her, looking pale and shaken. The rest of his extended family did not look much better.
"Are you well Brenna?" Lord Elrond asked hoarsely.
She smiled softly, her bright green eyes sparkling. "I'm more than well." Turning towards Arwen and taking her hand, "We may see you again my friend, do not despair or lose hope. Do not be afraid." She told her surely.
The others observed their interaction. Lord Elrond looked at her in question, almost pleadingly. She nodded once with a bright smile and the man wept. His children looked alarmed, but he laughed wetly, hugging his daughter to him. Turning to Brenna he nodded in thanks.
The Lady touched her mind and in response Brenna pushed forward the conversation that she had with the Valar. The Lady smiled beautifully with tears pooling in her own eyes. She must have shared the information with her husband, for he too looked overjoyed and happy.
Brenna stood to take her leave of them to allow the family to spend time together. Despite their protests she insisted that she would gladly spend time with them, but she needed to check on the rest of her guard and make preparations for their journey. At this Elladan and Elrohir immediately stood and made their way to her side, intent on accompanying her. She tried to insist that they stay and spend time with their family.
The Sons of Elrond looked to their family, who waved them off in acknowledgement of their question. They turned to Brenna with matching mirthful smiles and each looped an arm around her leading her to the main stairs of the Talan.
As soon as they were out of hearing distance of the others Elladan turned to her with a questioning look. His brother's face mirrored the look. It appeared that they wanted Brenna to explain what had just happened upstairs. With a sigh, she quietly told them that she would explain it once they reached the ground and found somewhere private to speak.
The twins seemed to quicken their pace down the steps, leading her down them swiftly. They ushered her through a series of paths to a secluded garden before turning towards her expectantly. She went and sat on one of the stone benches and waited for them to do the same.
When they finally sat down, Brenna swore them to secrecy before the explained to them what had happened. They listened with hopeful and astonished looks on their faces. Elladan realized that she had sought the Valar to request this and get answers for their family. Emotion course through him as he stood and pulled her up to him. With a laugh he lifted her and spun her around.
Brenna let out peals of laughter as she held around his neck very tightly. He set her down only to have the action repeated by Elrohir. Both of the brothers thanked her, their voices choked with emotion. She just smiled at them and dusted herself off. She asked them to lead her to where the rest of her Guard was staying.
They lead her through the gardens telling her stories of their youth. She gave an unladylike snort when they inferred that they may have caused mischief when they were younger. She was grinning and laughing with them as they regaled her with stories of Arwen and Aragorn in their childhoods as well. It was the sound of her laughter that alerted her Guards of her approach.
She stepped into their clearing with her face flushed with mirth. Her long black hair was flowing down her back unadorned. Not for the first time many of them thought about how lucky Elladan was. They all knew and recognized that they too were or would be blessed and held onto the hope that they too would find a woman to share their lives with.
Brenna spent the rest of her day talking and spending time with the members of her Guard. Elladan and Elrohir kept close, ready to escort her back to the rooms that she was staying in at any time. They explored the enchanted wood, taking refuge and comfort under the bows of the majestic trees.
As the day wore on Brenna began to tire. At the urging of her friends she decided that she would retire and rest for a bit before returning to their company. The Sons of Elrond stood to escort her back to her rooms. The bowed to her and took their leave, saying that they would send along a maid to assist her. Elladan told her that they would return for her to escort her to dinner.
Smiling gratefully she entered her rooms. She noticed that her clothes had been returned clean and folded carefully on her bed. Looking around she also noticed that there were two new gowns and tunics in the fashion of the Lorien elves.
Shaking her head with a gentle smile on her face, she kicked off her leather slippers. Walking to the bath she looked around for a comb. Brenna walked back into the bedroom when she found one and sat at her vanity and combed out her hair while humming softly to herself.
A knock at her door startled her, but she called whomever it was in. The elleth who had assisted her before stepped into the room and smiled cheerfully at Brenna. She stepped forward and unfastened her dress and helped her slip into the bed. The elleth carefully hung up the purple dress before turning back to Brenna.
"My lady," she began in a soft, lyrical voice. "I just wanted to say thank you for what you have done for my, our home. Please let me know if there is anything else that I could do to help you or make your time here more enjoyable."
Brenna observed the fair haired elleth quietly. "What is your name? I feel terrible, but in the time that I have been here I fear that I haven't caught it before now."
"Oriel, milady. I am glad that I have been able to assist you and give you comfort in your time with us. Should you need anything else please let me know," she told Brenna softly.
"I am truly grateful for your help. I am still getting used to allowing others to assist me. It is a custom that I was unfamiliar with until I came to Arda. I am still learning about the different peoples and their cultures," Brenna explained sleepily.
"Rest milady, you need to let your body heal," Oriel told her firmly.
"I will. Thank you again Oriel," Brenna told her as her eyes became heavier. She heard the door close quietly even as she drifted off to sleep.
She awoke to a knock at her door. Rolling over she pulled the blanket up to her chin as the door opened to reveal Oriel and Arwen entering. Brenna smiled sleepily at them and sat up. She looked out the window and realized that she must have slept for hours as the sun was going down in the sky.
"Come milady, you must get up and changed. A feast has been prepared, similar to the night before you left." Oriel told her.
Arwen looked through the gowns before pulling out a sage green dress. It was one of the gowns that had come from Colfinell, the Queen of Mirkwood. Taking out the matching accessories and layers of clothing that went with the gown, she turning back to where Brenna was sitting. She and Oriel set about getting Brenna changed and ready for the evening. Once they were satisfied, Oriel took their leave and Arwen stood smiling at her friend.
There was a knock at the door and Arwen opened it to reveal her brothers waiting. Upon seeing Brenna Elladan stopped short. She was dressed in a rich sage green dress with lighter shades of green material for the underdresses. Her hair was woven intricately with ribbons, pulling the hair away from her face. He stepped forward and bowed over her hand elegantly.
With a breathy laugh, she curtseyed to him. Looping her arm through his, she finally noticed that Arwen and Elrohir stood waiting for them. Her cheeks flushed a bit as they stepped into the hall to follow the others down to the clearing below. Already she could see and hear the merriment. There was laughter and music and she could already smell the wonderful foods.
They reached the bottom of the stairs fairly quickly and made their way to the main table where Galadriel, Celeborn, and Elrond were already seated. Elladan sat her and then took his place to one side of her. To her other side sat Arwen, with Elrohir sitting next to her. Brenna noticed that filled the table directly next to her and was glad to see that they were all looking relaxed and well rested.
Looking around she noticed that the elves were filled with great joy and yet there was a bittersweet feeling to the celebrations. While the evil was gone and their lands now on the way to being restored, it was all happening just as their time was leaving. Though some would stay in Middle Earth and leave with Brenna, many were leaving these shore within the next few years.
As the evening wore on Brenna let herself live in the moment and really enjoy herself. There was music and dancing, storytelling, laughter and just enjoying the companionship of others. She let herself become immersed in the culture and the people that she was living with, if only for a few more days. She knew that her time here would be brief, though she would return from time to time. The evening passed quickly and soon the party-goers were taking their leave and retiring for the night.
Elladan and Elrohir escorted the two elleths back up to the main Talan after Brenna made sure that the other members of her Guard were all set. They walked quietly up the many steps to the Talan where the Lord and Lady dwelled, talking quietly among themselves. They stopped first to drop off Brenna, she bid them goodnight and stepped into her room, where Oriel was waiting to help her change out of her dress. The ribbons were taken from her hair and it was brushed out before she climbed into bed. Oriel bid her goodnight and took her leave.
With a deep breath she let herself drift to sleep, but she sought the Valar. Brenna seemed to float along until she reached the clearing with the Two Trees. The light emanating from the majestic trees resonated deep within her soul, comforting and stirring a yearning deep within her. Sighing she took a seat letting her thoughts wander a bit.
"Brenna child," Elbereth called. "What is it that has you so troubled little one?"
"The next leg of my journey is upon me and I fear that what I am going to face is more than I can handle. I know that you would never let anything happen that you didn't intend to, but I am afraid. If I should fail and something goes wrong it would not just be my life anymore, I fear for Elladan," she told Her emotionally.
"Peace child," Este soothed. "We will not let anything happen to you or your mate. True you will face many trials and difficulties along the way, but we will protect and watch over you. Trust that all will be well and that we will be with you."
Soaking up their reassurances Brenna took comfort in their words. "Will I be able to stop the attack soon enough? If not, will I be able to Heal the damage done?"
"While it is not certain if you will be able to prevent the attack or damage from happening, you will certainly be able to Heal whatever may or may not occur." Elbereth told her certainly. "You will make a difference Brenna, you already have. Remain true to your path and all will be well. Trust and have faith."
"Now peace little one, rest and sleep," Este coaxed.
Brenna felt Lorien or Irmo send her into a deep peaceful sleep. With a sigh she drifted away into the land of dreams. She saw her children and extended family living peacefully in Valinor. Smiling peacefully in her sleep, she slept soundly through the night.
It was two days later after much packing that the group made their final preparations to leave. Brenna got as much rest as possible, but she spent time healing in between helping the others packing and getting ready for the journey to Rohan. The first leg of their long trip to Gondor would be swift. Once they reached the safety of Rohan they could relax a bit with the added number of the Rohirrim. Though they would have many elvish warriors within their party, there would also be more females and members of the nobility present. While most of them could fight, it created a bit of a logistic strain on those sworn to guard and protect.
Brenna's Guard had their gear packed and ready to go. The horses were saddled and Fram had Ash waiting for her. Amrothos took her packs from Oriel and put them into her saddlebags. Oriel had decided to travel with the group to assist Brenna and the other ladies of the party.
By mid-morning the group was ready to ride out. They followed back down the Anduin River toward the borders of Rohan. They kept their pace swift and set a speed that would see them reaching the border in five days. Resting their horses regularly and taking brief breaks, the pushed onward as quickly as they could, knowing that such a large traveling group would garner the unwanted attention of any foes in the area.
The journey was relatively uneventful, for which Brenna was grateful. When they reach Amon Hen Brenna asked to stop briefly to pay her respects where Boromir had fallen protecting the Hobbits. She knelt and whispered softly in prayer for her fallen friend. Others joined her in her brief vigil, saying kind words about the brave and noble man.
Midday on the fifth day they reached the border of Rohan, where Eomer and his company were waiting for them. A messenger had been sent ahead to give them warning. Pleasantries and formalities where quickly exchanged and the group continued on in a leisurely pace in the direction of Gondor. It was decided that they would go as far as they could across the plains of Rohan that day.
Eomer conferred with Eothain and the others finding out what had happened in their travels. He listened grimly when he heard of the Warg attacks that had taken place and dispatched messengers to the neighboring settlements to warn of them and rogue bands of orcs and wild men. He was gravely concerned when he learned of the eminent attack on their party so close to their borders. However, with the recent damage to their population and their people still recovering from their own ordeals, he didn't know if he could risk any more men accompanying their entourage.
As if sensing his quandary, Brenna rode to his side. "Eomer, while there will be an attack, we will be fine. I ask that you trust me," she told him quietly.
He looked at her, and cautiously nodded. "I trust you milady, but I don't know that I can risk you being harmed again. You've already taken years off of our lives in the past month or so."
Smiling ruefully at him, she just nodded. Her eyes clouded for a moment and her brow creased. Elladan and Elrohir were riding at her side by now. Noticing the change in her body language they shifted closer in case they needed to intervene. Exhaling shakily, she looked around a bit agitate.
"We need to keep this pace Eomer," she told him. "We can stop at the next town for the night, be we need to leave early in the morning if possible."
The others nodded in agreement. Galadriel and Arwen looked to her in question, but Brenna would not meet their eyes. This troubled the elves in her party. Brenna didn't like keeping something from them, but the sooner they reached Gondor the easier she would breathe.
The rest of the day passed quickly and two hours before nightfall they reached the nearest settlement. It unfortunately looked like it had seen better days and had obviously fallen victim to the war. Eomer sent Riders ahead to check on the inhabitants while slowing the party, unsure of what they would find there.
Brenna sat up straighter in her saddle and looked around with wide eyes. Turning to Eomer and Eothain she gasped and looked back towards the outcropping of dwellings. With a grin spreading across her face and her eyes alight with mirth she looked right at Eothain and started giggling.
The Riders returned saying that while many of the dwellings had been damaged and some people had perished in the attacks, there were still a significant number of people living there, determined to make a living off of the land there and to keep their homes. Eomer nodded and the group moved out, hoping to stay there the night.