(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkien's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna.)
Chapter 20
The company riding to Minas Tirith rode long and hard only taking short breaks to rest and water their horses and themselves. They covered as much ground as they could throughout the day, making the most of the daylight afforded to them. Periodically, they'd all fall back from time to time to check on Brenna, who slept peacefully on the ride.
Elladan held her across his lap with her leaning on his right arm for the first leg of their journey that morning. When they stopped to take a rest he gently shifted her into the waiting arms of Eomer who had come to see how she was fairing. Elladan dismounted and took care of his horse and Ash before walking to where Eomer had laid Brenna and covered her with a thick Rohirric blanket.
Nodding his thanks to the young king, Elladan sat next to the wounded young woman. He accepted the lembas offered to him by his brother and stretched out his sore and tense muscles. Looking across the group he watched as the children sat quietly, observing everyone while not straying from their older sister's side. Eothain stayed near them and talked quietly with them.
All too soon it was time to ride out again. The travel worn and weary group, saddled their horses and prepared to depart once more. Eomer once more stepped forward to lift the petite slumbering girl in his arms and followed to the horses that Elladan had saddled and ready. Once more Brenna was situated across his lap and cradled against his chest to absorb some of the jostling and keep her as safe and comfortable as they could.
They had passed sparse outlying guard posts along the way. Their arrival was heralded and they were greeted cheerfully. When they had passed the border three and half days before, a messenger was sent from the farthest outpost to the King. The message was sent from one outpost to the next until it had reach Minas Tirith days before.
Eomer called for them to move out and continue on. His battle-honed instincts screaming at him to travel at full speed until they reached the safety of Minas Tirith, but with women, children, and injured they were greatly slowed down. His thoughts drifted back to Brenna, yet again injured while protecting someone else. His anger boiled at the thought that her body would now bear another scar caused by those foul beasts. His horse snorted and tossed its head sensing his master's ire. Murmuring soothingly to his trustworthy friend, they rode on.
Upon the horizon he saw a cloud of dust signaling the rapid travel of a party traveling on horseback. His men and the other warriors present fell into a protective formation around the women and children as well as the members of nobility that many had sworn and pledged to protect.
A banner flew in the distance, flapping in the wind. Eomer and the others seemed to sag in relief upon seeing the colors and standard of Aragorn approaching. The two parties met fifteen minutes later and slowed their horses to a halt.
Aragorn and the other members of the Fellowship surveyed the haggard looking group with unease. Turning to Eomer in question the two men dismounted and discussed what had happened in their travels. The other leaders stepped forward and Aragorn greeted Lord Elrond warmly. The elf smiled sadly at the man and stepped aside to present his daughter. Aragorn bowed over her hand, kissing it gently. He straightened with a smile still on his face, listening to Eomer discuss their journey while searching for his little sister.
A feeling of dread settled in him as he looked around not seeing her. He listened on in shock and horror at the many skirmishes that they had faced in their travels. When he heard that Brenna had been injured his sights finally fell on Ash. It was then that he saw Elladan carrying her towards the group. The other members of the Fellowship called out in alarm.
Brenna was pale, though her forehead was still shining brightly. Her forehead was warm to the touch as her body fought the infection cause by the tainted orc blade. She had dark smudges under her eyes and her breathing was shallow.
"How is she?" Aragorn asked his adoptive brother.
Sighing and holding her close to his chest, "She's burning up and fighting a fever at the moment. Her ribs are infected in a similar manner to what happened to her leg from Moria," Elladan told him quietly.
Aragorn and the other members of the Fellowship looked alarmed at the news. Legolas began to talk rapidly to them in elvish, Haldir and his brothers interjected adding their opinion and what they knew as well. Even though many of the men present could not understand them, it became clear to them that Lady Brenna was in a dangerous state and would need the help and care of the elves.
"Will you be able to travel with her a little farther? Two hours south west of here is a village where you all can rest and freshen up. You'll be able to sleep and rest your horses for the night and let others stand guard while you recover from your ordeals." Aragorn told them kindly.
Elladan nodded gratefully, as did the rest of the delegation. Eomer nodded in agreement and they mounted their horses quickly. For the first time Aragorn noticed the four young children traveling with them and looked to Eomer in question. The man nodded to where his second in command was talking earnestly to the young woman and the four children around her. Grinning to his brother in arms, "his lioness" was all his would say.
Thinking back to the conversations that had taken place before Eomer and his men as well as Brenna's Guard had departed Minas Tirith, Aragorn laughed quietly. Turning to his own lady, now riding at his side, he smiled at her. The corners of his eyes crinkled and his eyes sparkled with joy. As promised she had come to him. For the first time since they had won, he truly felt at peace and at ease with his position. With her by his side he could face anything.
The rather large group now rode towards the village as Aragorn had directed. They made good time and were soon out of their saddles and ushered into nearby accommodations where warm baths and beds were awaiting them. Their horses were brought to clean stables and bedded down, getting their much deserved and needed rest.
Elladan quietly carried his precious cargo, following Aragorn. He was leading them towards the apartments set aside for he and his kin. They had the top floor of the Inn to themselves. Servants had gone ahead and prepared a room for Brenna, who would be sharing with Arwen, who insisted that she stay with the younger elleth to watch over her. Déorwyn and the children would sleep in cots in the room, as would Oriel. It would be a bit crowded, but due to their numbers and the limited room available, they would make it work.
Oriel bustled about the room unpacking Brenna's things and taking her soiled garments to be cleaned. The males left Brenna in the care of the females of the group. Déorwyn stayed near her side, determined to help in any way that she could. The children sat quietly in the room.
Elladan leaned tiredly on the wall outside the door and closed his eyes. He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see his brother and father standing with him. Behind them he saw Celeborn and the rest of the elves that made up Brenna's Guard. He let them lead him to his room that he would be sharing with his brother. They urged him to soak in the warm water of the tub and get into a fresh set of cloths. He tried to protest but his father insisted that he get some rest. They assured him that Brenna was well and safe and would get the rest and care that she needed. He reluctantly agreed and soon found himself nodding off to sleep in the warm soft bed.
Brenna's Guard sat in the tavern of the Inn, talking quietly among themselves. They cautiously watched the other patrons and kept an eye on the door and the hallway leading to the stairs. Unwilling to let their guard down, especially with their charge injured, they were watchful and distrustful.
Eomer was in his room talking with Eothain and the other members of Brenna's Rohirric Guard. They had gone over what happened on their journey and tried to think of things that could of have been done differently. Each felt guilt that she had been injured in their presence, but knew that there was nothing that they could have done to stop it.
The weary travelers ate heartily. They took warm baths and settled in for an early night. The warriors still took turns patrolling the halls and guarding their charges. Rotations were taken throughout the night, giving everyone a chance to get hours of much needed sleep and rest.
Brenna slept deeply. Este and Elbereth especially spent most of the time at her side healing her hurts and soothing her. Lorien made sure that her dreams were clear and pleasant, allowing her to rest. In her dreams he showed her more of her life in Valinor and her children. She let the weariness wash away from her as she fought the infection and fever burning in her body. The Valar each had come to her in her rest to aid her healing and to renew her power and strength. As dawn crested in the sky, they each kissed her brow and sent her back with their blessings.
Stirring awake, Brenna rolled to her side and winced slightly at the tenderness of her ribcage. Though the wound had been healed, the area that had been injured still had a dull ache, like a bad bruise. She pulled the blankets around her tightly and burrowed into the soft bedding she was laying on.
She must have made a sound because little Edmund shouted, waking the others that had stayed in her room on cots. Bracing herself she felt the small body launch himself on her. Laughing sleepily she grabbed the boy and tickled his tummy. His squeals of laughter brought a knock on the door. The others in the room scrambled to get robes on and make themselves somewhat presentable.
Lady Galadriel poked her head in the room dressed in a similar manner and made her way to the bed where Brenna now lay snuggled with the boy clinging to her. With a smile, Galadriel gently smoothed the hair from her brow. She turned towards the door and nodded to where the male members of her family waited.
There was a collective sigh of relief and soon word had spread that Lady Brenna was awake and well. Déorwyn was shocked by the actions of her younger brother and tried to scold him, but she knew how upset the young boy was seeing Brenna fall so ill. It had been a reminder of what their older brothers had gone through before they had perished.
Brenna smiled sleepily down at the boy snuggled into her smiling at her impishly. She laughed softly and hugged the young boy. Turning back to her friends and extended family she gave them a sheepish smile.
"I knew that I would sleep, but I'm guessing more time has passed than I had first anticipated," she said.
"Brenna, child, it is a full day since you had fallen ill from the infection of your wound." Galadriel's lyrical voice answered in response.
"Oh dear, I'm sorry if I worried you or caused any trouble," Brenna told them.
"All is well young one. Come, let us allow Lady Brenna to freshen up and dress," Galadriel told the others, ushering the extra people now present back to the door, shutting it firmly behind her as she exited the room.
Oriel stepped forward, "Come milady, I'll have a bath drawn for you to soak and wash away the fever."
Brenna allowed herself to be dragged from the bed and brought behind the privacy screen on the far side of the room. She listened as Déorwyn had the children get changed and leave the room quietly to get some breakfast. She heard Eothain greet them at the door and take the children down to the tavern to get something to eat, Déorwyn stayed behind to help if she could.
A maid knocked and brought the laundered and dry clothing back to those staying in the room. Déorwyn and Arwen folded and packed away the clothing in the packs of those that they belonged to and pulled out a fresh set of clothes for Brenna before they changed for the day.
Sighing as she let the warmth of the water relax her and seep deep in her bones, Brenna closed her eyes. Oriel came around the screen and massaged a floral oil into her hair and rinsed it. Holding up a fluffy towel, she helped Brenna from the tub and into a robe.
Walking back into the main area of the room, she found Arwen, Déorwyn and Lady Galadriel there waiting for her to emerge. Brenna waved off their thanks and worries. She told them that she intervened because had she not, both Lady Galadriel and Déorwyn at the very least would have fallen injured, and at least one of them would have succumb to their wounds had she not taken action.
Stunned silence that met her admission and caused the others to sit shakily. Lady Galadriel touched her mind and saw what would have happened had the younger elleth not stepped in. She saw herself taken by surprise and run through from behind. She saw Déorwyn falling to the enemy's blade as well. When she fell her younger siblings would have come out and been captured. A whole series of events would have taken place that would have decimated their numbers and though some would have eventually survived the night, Gondor would not have had their Queen. She pulled back, looking at Brenna with tears in her eyes.
There was a frantic knock on the door as Lord Celeborn, entered, kneeling in front of his normally serene and stoic wife. Taking her hands in his, she shared what she had seen with him. He clutched her hands desperately, turning to Brenna in shock. He stood, pulling his wife in his arms and turned to thank Brenna.
From the door Lord Elrond and his Sons watched, unsure of what had happened. At the nod from Brenna they entered even though she had not yet changed from the robe she was wearing. It was not altogether appropriate, but they needed to know what was going on. Aragorn had accompanied them, as had Eomer. They men quietly shut the door behind them and waited to be filled in.
Lady Galadriel once more shared what Brenna had showed her with the others in the room. There was a collective gasps in horror as the scene played out in their minds. Arwen trembled as she watched herself cut down, her family steadied her, and Aragorn went to her side with tears in his eyes. Eomer looked ill as he watched what could have and would have happened. Déorwyn sat down heavily and wept. Eomer crossed to her side trying to comfort the young girl. Her family would have been completely wiped out. Oriel quietly brushed out Brenna's hair, she was fighting the tears that were pooling in her eyes. Vowing silently to stay and help Brenna, she felt the Lady touch her mind in agreement. It was decided that she would stay with Brenna as a companion and to help her in her time in Arda and then accompany her on the last ship to Valinor.
Elladan sat quietly next to her, taking her hand in his own. He brought her hand to his lips, gently kissing it. Elrohir stood beside his brother, quietly observing the others in the room. He was rocked to his very core with what grandmother had shown them all in their minds. He did not want to think of the world that would have been had Brenna not gotten there in time. He surveyed the varying reactions of his family and knew that they would not have been able to recover from the loss. Swallowing the emotions that threatened to consume him, he put a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder, lending what strength and support he could.
Brenna sat quietly lost in her own thoughts. Oriel had begun braiding her hair and weaving in different purple shades of ribbon. A deep purple colored dress had been pulled out from her pack along with the other garments that went with it. She urged the men to step out of the room so she could get Brenna dressed and ready for the day.
Elladan dropped an affectionate kiss on her brow as he took his leave. They all filed out of the room and went to share what they had found out with the others of their party. Eothain in particular would need to be sat down and calmed when he was told Eomer thought grimly to himself.
Back in the room the ladies helped Brenna into her shift and corresponding dress. Her silver belt adorned with stars was brought out and secured around her waist. Soft leather slippers were taken from her pack and the rest of her belongings were stored carefully away. Once the others were dressed and ready to leave the rooms, they escorted Brenna down the hall where members of Brenna's Guard were waiting to lead them down to the tavern for a hot meal. Amrothos, Haldir, Fram, and Beleg were standing by the stairway ready to take them downstairs.
Upon entering the room the noise died down. The residents of the village, though they had seen the male and warrior elves walking around hadn't seen the female elves present. The men in their group shifted more protectively around the women as they were led to the parlor set aside for Aragorn and those in his party. More of Brenna's Guard fell in around them as they made their way across the main room of the tavern. The room set aside was a bit crowded but they made due. Guards stationed themselves at the doors and windows, at ready to perform their duties.
Elladan had stepped forward to lead her to a chair near Eomer and Aragorn. Once she and the other ladies were seated, their male counterparts took seats and stood around them. Smoothing out the folds of fabric in her dress, she situated herself more comfortably in the chair before turning to Aragorn and Eomer.
It soon became clear to her that everyone in the room had been briefed on what would have happened the previous day. She was met with varying looks of grief and anger. Eothain looked ashen as he took a seat next to Déorwyn and gasped one of her hands in his own. The children chatted happily, completely unaware of what was going on around them.
"Lady Brenna," Eothain began.
"Please," she cut him off, "it's Brenna to my friends and family. I did what I had to do. It is done and over with, so can we please move forward instead of looking back on what could have been. We now need to focus on the rest of our journey to Minas Tirith." She said with exasperation.
Elladan looked slightly concerned by her tone and how she so easily brushed off the concern of others. She turned to him, "It is not that I don't care or that I take lightly what happened. I would like to be able to continue forward instead of talking about what might have been and what might have happened. I don't mean to be harsh or short with people, but I'm still tired right now. While some acknowledgement and gratitude is appreciated, I'm just doing what I'm supposed to while I'm here."
Taking his hand in her own, "My journey here will not be an easy one, Elladan. I would rather have my close friends and family surrounding and supporting me than to have them put me up on some ridiculous pedestal, expecting me to be able to perform the impossible all of the time. I'm only one person. I am now constantly seeing things, some things I can change, some that I cannot. There will come a time when I won't be there in time to stop something or I won't be able to fix it. I dread that day and the reaction of the people involved," she told him hoarsely.
He pulled her into his arms, uncaring of the others in the room. His sole thought was to comfort her. With their heads bent together as he held her, he whispered words of encouragement and affection to her. Praising her and telling her that he would be at her side every step of the way.
All of the tension she was feeling seeped out of her hearing what he was saying. The others in the room began voicing similar statements and vowed to help her. They let her know that they understood what she was going through and that she could only do her best.
With a sigh Elladan reluctantly released her so that she could sit back in her own chair once more. He reached out and took her hand in his own again, needing and craving her touch, finding comfort in the innocent and brief physical contact.
Gandalf and the older elves present watched the two and concluded that their bond was growing stronger. Brief, albeit innocent, contact would help them to feel more comfortable and help the bond to deepen and flourish. Gandalf watched his granddaughter and felt pride swell up in him as he thought about everything that she had accomplished and overcome in her short time with them.
The group chatted quietly among themselves, lounging and relaxing in the company of one another. A hearty meal of stew and bread was brought to them, with fresh pitchers of mead and casks of wine. Everyone ate their fill and talked of their departure the next morning. It had been decided earlier that morning that they would take the whole day to rest their horses and themselves before continuing the next three or four days to Minas Tirith.
Brenna stood, telling them that she wanted to walk around a bit. Elladan stayed at her side, intent on going wherever she went. Members of her Guard also stood ready to escort her wherever she wished to stroll to pass the time. Many of them were getting a bit restless and felt that they could use the walk and fresh air.
And so Brenna and a mixed group of her Guard stepped out of the Inn, making their way down the main street. They discovered that there were other members of their company out, enjoying the sun walking through the village and exploring the different wares at the market and shops. Oriel quickly made her way to Brenna's side, hidden within the folds of her skirt she carried a purse given to her from the leaders of the realms to purchase some things that caught Brenna's eye in her travels. They intended to make sure that the young woman was taken care of and well looked after while she stayed in Arda. Though that responsibility would transition more to her husband, they still intended to make sure that she would want for nothing even then.
Walking through the different vendors and displays, Brenna looked over their merchandise in fascination. For her some of this was like going through an interactive museum. She touched the different fabrics, listening in rapt attention as one particular vendor explained the dyeing and weaving process to her. The short, cheerful little woman had rosy cheeks and long gray hair pulled back, covered by a soft blue scarf. As the little older woman described things to her, she was drawn to the blues and purples, but there were some rich earthy tones that were also attractive to her. She ran her hands over the soft, luxurious fabrics, relishing the feel of it on her skin.
Oriel stepped forward and made the arrangement to purchase the fabrics that Brenna seemed to like, much to the surprise of Brenna herself. She tried to tell her friend that she had more than enough clothes, but Oriel and the others wouldn't hear her protests. Brenna was shocked and didn't understand, she had enough things, plenty of clothes. Surely she didn't need more, they had already been so generous to her.
Elladan drew her to the side and quietly explained to her that it was their way of taking care of her and repaying her for everything that she had done and sacrificed. When she went to protest he calmly put a finger to her lips, hushing her. She blushed madly and he grinned in response. He led her back to where the others were waiting with the beaming vendor.
The elderly woman thanked them warmly for their patronage and gifted Brenna with a soft, hand embroidered shawl with swirls of purple and blue through the fabric. The little old lady took her hands in her own, and whispered her thanks to her. She told Brenna that her grandson had returned from the Battle of Pelennor grievously injured, but he survived because she had healed him.
Brenna chatted quietly with the woman and asked how her family was doing. She learned that her grandson, though he lost the use of his left arm, was still able to use his right. While he often became frustrated with his injury, he made the most of what he had and pushed himself to make due. His response when asked about it was simply that he was one of the lucky ones, and he would not take for granted the gift of his life and second chance to live it.
The others were greatly moved by the story. As they were quietly chatting, Brenna held the charming little woman's hands. They were gnarled and stiff with arthritis from working with her hands so much. Brenna discreetly, soothed the aches and reversed some of the damage done to her hands from years of long hours and hard work. Elladan watched her with an obviously smitten look as she healed the woman's hands behind the counter of her stall.
Brenna thanked the woman and took her leave of the stall with the beautiful shawl wrapped around her shoulders, complimenting her dress. The group made their way through the market stopping from time to time is something caught their interest. Oriel had a dozen different bolts of fabric selected. The Guard members, ever the gentlemen, took the packages, relieving the elleth of her burden.
At a Silversmith's stall, Brenna admired the handcrafter works. She looked over the various trinkets, marveling at the talent of the artisan. His workmanship was superb and the engravings and design work beautifully executed. As she was looking around her eyes were drawn to one particular case. Elladan watched as she glanced as one particular pair of decorative hair combs. He nodded subtly to the vendor as she turned to look over more of the wares on display. He hung back as she left the stall with Oriel and purchased the combs. The craftsman wrapped them carefully before handing them to Elladan. He tucked the delicate bundle into the money purse and quickly made his way back to Brenna's side.
As they made their way back towards the Inn, the Rohirric members present left to check on the horses. The rest of the group entered the Inn and made their way back towards the private parlor that Aragorn and the others were still talking in. Oriel went to take out the purse, but before she could the Lady told her to keep it for the needs that Brenna may have in the future. She showed the other ladies the fabrics that Brenna had selected, and showed them the shawl that Brenna was wearing. An in depth discussion began about what they could use each of the fabrics for and the best uses for each, listing different design options and styles.
Seeing Brenna so out of her element Elladan chuckled discreetly. She turned to him with an eyebrow raised and he tried to smother his amusement with a cough. The other males in the room tried their best to hide their amusement, but it was clear to them that Brenna knew little about what the other females were talking about. While she was clearly a female, she had more "tomboyish" tendencies. Oriel looked toward the younger elleth and smiled encouragingly. She let out a slight giggle seeing her friend's discomfort. It was clear to her that while Brenna could pick out lovely shades of colors and had an eye for good quality, she knew little else in regards to fabrics and cloth to make clothing.
Arwen looped her arm through Brenna's, drawing her towards the other ladies and away from her brother. She winked and whispered conspiratorially with Brenna as they walked away to talk about the finer points of clothing. Elladan looked gob smacked for a moment seeing his sister and Brenna teaming up against him, but the laughter from his sister and love let him know that they were teasing. Brenna grinned at him over her shoulder, her bright green eyes sparkling with mirth.
After an evening meal the group retired to their rooms for the evening. The ladies were escorted to their rooms and once again there was a guard and patrol set up to keep watch over their safety for the evening. Brenna was helped out of her dress and her wound was checked by Arwen and Galadriel. The new pink flesh showed them that she had healed just fine, and though she would be left with a very faint white scar, she was healed.
The children were curled up sleeping soundly in their cots as the women stayed up chatting for a while. Soon they bade each other good night and settled in to sleep.
The dawn broke with a flurry of activity. The women quickly changed into riding outfits and the children dressed in a clean set of clothing. Brenna was wearing the rich green one gifted to her from Mirkwood. Her hair was pulled back in a simple braid and her cloak was fastened. They all turned to make sure that they had everything packed and ready to go.
Brenna grabbed her packs and two of the packages as a knock sounded on their door. Eomer poked his head in to see if they were ready and shook his head in amusement as Brenna seemed to be juggling her things. He gallantly took the bundled packages of cloth for her and led her and the others downstairs. With a hand on the small of her back he led her through the busy tavern. She kept her head down and her cheeks flamed at some of the comments made. The ribald and bawdy comments as well as the riotous laughter in response mortified her. Eomer's fierce look silenced them, and her Guards looked menacingly at the offenders. A few of them stepped towards the apparently drunken deviants and had words with them in defense of their Lady.
The others waiting outside saw Eomer's fierce scowl and became concerned, especially when Brenna was blushing madly. The other females looked to be in the same state, causing Aragorn to ask what had happened. Eomer told him what had transpired and as politely as possible explained what had been said while Brenna and the others walked through the Tavern.
Elladan looked ready to throttle someone, and then his face went carefully blank when he saw Eomer's hand on the small of Brenna's back guiding her toward where Eothain had Ash waiting for her. He took deep calming breaths, reminding himself that there was nothing there. His brother looked at him in question, but he just shook his head and wouldn't look him in the eye. He knew that he was being ridiculous, but the green eyed jealousy monster was rearing its ugly head. Stamping down the irrational feelings and thoughts flying through his mind, he focus on securing his pack.
As if sensing something was wrong, Brenna made her way to his side. She cautiously touched his arm, looking at him in confusion. "Is everything alright Elladan?"
He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw, taking a deep calming breath. "I'm fine Brenna. Do not worry about me." He said taking her hand, kissing her fingertips. His smile didn't quite meeting his eyes though.
Seeing her wounded look he pulled her close and bent his head to hers. He quietly whispered to her what had bothered him. Before she could say or do anything he let her know that he understood that she had done nothing wrong and that the feeling was irrational. He told her simply that he had a small bout of jealousy, but all would be well and he knew that there was nothing more than friendship and platonic feelings between her and Eomer.
Assuring her that he recognized and fully believed that they were soul mates, he told her that she already meant more to him than he ever anticipated or hoped for in his life. He explained to her that he was having a difficult time with his emotions and feelings at the moment, especially knowing that they would have to wait before they could even think of acting on their feelings. He told her that while they could formalize their betrothal in the coming years, they would still have to live within the guidelines of propriety. Holding her hands to his chest he explained to her that he would allow nothing to call into question her honor.
The two spoke quietly together, each struggling with their feelings a bit. Brenna knew how he felt and she ached knowing that they would struggle with this for a while. When she voiced her hope that the years would be easier on them while they were each in different realms, Elladan looked a bit skeptical. She elaborated, telling him that it would make the time that they did have with one another more important and special, while allowing each of them to continue living their lives. She reminded him that she would need to travel between the different realms frequently and spend extended periods of time there. That they could correspond and would see each other every few years or so once Arda started to recover from the war. Gripping his hands and looking in his eyes, she told him that thirty years would be a blink of time in comparison to the life they would live together. Surely the time would pass quickly for them.
Elladan listened intently as she tried to figure out the best way for them to deal with the next few decades. While he was reluctant to agree he knew that what she was saying made sense. They each had obligations that they would need to fulfill in that time. He promised himself and her silently that he would give her the time to settle into her life here; that he would not become the possessive, jealous type of man. He ached knowing that they would be parted for extended periods of time.
Brenna touched the side of his face gently, smoothing away the worry and frown lines that she saw there. He leaned into her touch and closed his eyes. Resting his forehead against hers, he sighed softly before straightening and standing tall. He smiled at her nodding. Come what may this was his soul mate and he would do whatever he needed to in order to support and help her. He would not make this more difficult on her than it already was.
The others had given them some privacy, standing off at distance allowing them the chance to talk. It was clear to them that this was something that needed to be taken care of before they left. Elrohir watched the pair in concern. He was worried for his brother. Waiting patiently until they were done, he stood to the side.
Elladan led her back to Ash and helped her to mount before turning back to his own horse. He noticed that all of the bundles that were purchased for her were already secured to her saddlebags, he turned and nodded gratefully to Eothain. Giving her hand a comforting squeeze, he turned back to his own horse.
The rest of the group mounted their horses, seeing that they were now ready to set out. Elrohir had gone to his brother's side and was talking with him quietly. Elrohir stopped and looked at his brother incredulously, shaking his head while speaking to him earnestly.
Brenna for her part kept quietly to herself. Déorwyn fell in line beside her with the children nearby and tried to draw her into a conversation. She reached over to the young woman's hand giving her a comforting squeeze. Brenna smiled softly in thanks and turned towards her and talked softly with her about inane everyday things.
Soon enough she had the children laughing merrily at the stories about her past experiences with horses. Those had hadn't heard them before laughed with them, and looked at her in shock. Elladan and Elrohir, hearing these stories the first time laughed until they were doubled over on their horses. The rest of their group smiled in relief seeing that whatever had been bothering the young woman and her mate had been resolved for now. The tension between them seemed to evaporate with each mile that they traveled. Both of them not willing to let a misunderstanding cloud what precious time they had together. Neither wanted to cloud this happy occasion with anything, not just for their sake but also for the sake of their friends.
Eomer fell back a few times to speak with Brenna and the others. Elladan had tensed at first, but when he heard the man asking Brenna about Princess Lothíriel, any questions or doubts he had completely went away. He knew all along logically that Eomer had no intentions towards his lady, but he couldn't help his previous feelings. He let his mind drift to the others in the group. Wondering if Brenna knew each of their matches.
She turned and grinned at him in response to his musings, turning back to what Eomer was saying. Brenna laughed merrily as she told Eomer that he would have a bit of a difficult task telling his wife what to do. He looked at her in question. Brenna elaborated, telling him that while he may be her husband and sovereign, and his wife may follow her role publicly, if he put too much of a cage on her or any woman it would not bode well for a peaceful and harmonious marriage.
The amused laughter of the women and married men around them caused some of that bachelors to look at them in question. Brenna just grinned and told them, "A wise man once told my dad, 'happy wife, happy life'," causing the women to snort with laughter. They particularly found it funny when she told stories of some of the things her mom had done to prove her point, until her dad conceded on things and compromised more. She told them that her parents had a partnership and worked together. The married couples smiled and nodded, while others looked thoughtful. Brenna and the other ladies laughed. Glancing at Elladan she gave him a playful wink, before turning back to Déorwyn, who was fast becoming a great friend.
The days went by quickly, and they did not run into any more trouble along their way to Minas Tirith. In the early afternoon four days later, they could finally see the White City on the horizon. They slowed their pace to give some relief to their horses. By dinner time, the heralds rang out, signaling the return of their Lord King and entry of their long awaited guests to the City. Faramir and a beaming Eowyn stood at the main courtyard near the King's Hall to greet them.
Prince Imrahil and Lothíriel waited as well. Princes Elphir and Erchirion had returned home to make the necessary preparations for the eminent attack on their harbor. With them traveled their kinsmen and countrymen for Belfalas, going home to make safe their own home. Faramir had sent with them two hundred additional soldiers, all of whom volunteered to answer the call of their neighbors.
Aragorn and the others dismounted. Servants came forward to take their packs to their rooms and stable workers came to take their horses. Brenna sighed, taking a deep breath and let it out. She was exhausted from her trip and it was clear the others of her party were as well. It was decided that Déorwyn and her siblings would stay in the rooms next to Brenna, with Oriel staying in the room across the hall from her. It was an arrangement that suited all of the women just fine as they had gotten close over the week or so traveling together.
Eowyn greeted them warmly and spoke in Rohirric to Déorwyn, taking her hands and speaking rapidly with her fellow countrywomen. Brenna smiled and took her leave of the two. She strolled through the hallways making her way towards where her rooms were located.
Upon entering, she found Hanna and Oriel bustling about the room chatting with one another. She smiled to them in greeting and stepped into the adjoining bathroom. They assisted her out of her riding habit and she stepped into the steaming water with a sigh. Oriel added healing herbs and scented oils into the water and left Brenna to soak in the water for a while. Sometime later she bustled back into the room with a large fluffy towel and a robe. Brenna dunked under the water a few times, before stepping out and toweling off. Oriel wrapped her in the robe and back into her room and had her sit at the vanity.
Hanna stepped forward and brushed her hair out while talking quietly with Oriel. They both noticed how tired Brenna was and allowed her to get lost in her thoughts. They had chosen a simple light purple colored dress for dinner, as it would be an informal affair in the King's private Hall. Tomorrow there would be an elaborate feast in celebration of the arrival of their guests and future Queen. The wedding ceremony was planned to take place in five days, giving Arwen the chance to make any suggestions to any of the arrangements that had been made.
Brenna thanked the two of them for their help and told them that she would be fine getting to bed after the meal. It was a simple gown that she would be able to get out of on her own with ease. They tried to protest but she assured them that she would indeed be fine and bid them to enjoy their evening. Oriel went to her room and changed before joining Brenna who had waited for her in the hallway with Déorwyn and the children.
They made their way towards the private dining hall and entered to find many of their companions already there talking. Greeting people as they passed, they made their way towards where Aragorn and Eomer were standing.
Brenna smiled warmly at two of the men that show looked to as older brothers. Arwen walked towards her, her eyes alight with emotions and excitement. The men came forward and escorted the ladies to their seats before sitting down themselves. The members of Brenna's Guard were present as were the Fellowship and members of Aragorn's soon to be family. It was a joyous affair, with lots of laughter and easy bantering back and forth.
The children were thrilled to be included in such a group of people. Déorwyn looked around nervously, feeling slightly out of place. Eothain subtly reached for her hand under the table and squeezed it in comfort. He could see that she was overwhelmed. With a discreet nod catching Brenna's attention, he looked pointedly at Déorwyn, hoping that his friend would be able to allay her fears.
Brenna caught Eothain's eye and nodded slightly. She turned to Lothíriel who leaned in to talk to her quietly. She told her what she understood, as she casually glanced at her new friend who kept looking down at her dress and the clothing of the children. Lothíriel immediately caught on and glanced around the table. Seeing the young woman and knowing of her story from what Eomer had told them upon their arrival, she decided to help the girl. Giving Brenna a conspiratorial look, she nodded and told her friend that she would talk to her father and have the situation taken care of immediately.
Catching Eothain's attention, she nodded to him once glancing at Lothíriel who grinned at the man over her goblet. Eomer sat back watching the subtle byplay happening across the table. Watching the interaction of his second with Brenna and Lothíriel intrigued him. His mind went over different scenarios until he saw Déorwyn clutching his friend's hand under the table. Looking toward Lothíriel, he found her watching him with a pensive look. She had yet to thaw towards him completely after his treatment of Brenna in the past. While she was polite and pleasant, she held herself back. It frustrated him to no end, especially knowing things from what Brenna had told him.
The meal passed quickly and soon the weary travelers were ready to retire for the evening. With calls of good night and pleasant sleep, they departed and headed towards their rooms. Elladan called Brenna to one side of the room before she left. She approached him with a smile. He grinned in response and led her out toward the well-lit paths to one of the nearby gardens. Leading her to one of the stone benches he had her sit down.
She looked around noticing that there were others strolling around, so they weren't completely alone. Turning back to Elladan, she found him watching her quietly. He cleared his throat slightly and reached into a pouch that he had at his side. Carefully extracting a small bundle, he took her hands in his own.
"I wanted to give you a gift," he told her nervously.
Brenna stared at this battle-experienced warrior, and felt his hands tremble a bit as they held her own. Looking down she felt him press the object into her hands. Whatever it was fit into the palm of her hands. Upon opening it she gasped. Looking up at him in shock, he smiled encouragingly at her. Her own hands shook as she took out the two finely made hair combs she had seen at the Silversmith. There were clusters of flowers and what appeared to be some sort of sparkling jewel or stone in them.
She took him by surprise when she lunged at him, hugging him and thanking him. Pulling back she pushed them into her hair, smiling at him gratefully. He took her hands and kissed her fingertips, smiling happily at her. Standing, he pulled her up and led her to where Lothíriel was waiting at an archway smiling at the two of them. He softly kissed her brow before giving them a slight bow and bidding them good night.
Brenna sighed happily, looping her arm through Lothiriel's and walking toward the direction of her rooms. The girls giggle and laughed quietly as they walked along. Brenna explained the gift to Lothíriel who cooed at the gesture and how sweet he was. Nodding with a grin, Brenna ushered Lothíriel into her rooms.
Shutting the door she turned to her friend, thinking back to the interaction at dinner time, "Lothíriel, we must help them."
"Who?" Lothíriel asked in slight confusion.
"Déorwyn and the children silly," Brenna said in exasperation.
"Oh! I know Brenna and we will, but we need to do it in such a way that it won't cause offense or seem like charity," Lothíriel replied. "I can have the measurements taken and outfits made for the wedding and order a few additional outfits for their time and stay in court here, but as of yet I cannot think of how to go about doing it."
"Can we possibly say that it's a gift from the kings?" Brenna mused. "No, that wouldn't work. Perhaps we can just have Eothain offer and have the outfits commissioned?"
"That may not be a bad idea, but I don't know if that would cause problems for him," Lothíriel said in concern. "They were dressed perfectly fine for this evening. They were clean and presentable, so she shouldn't fear so much about such things."
"Lothíriel," Brenna began quietly. "As someone who has nothing, save for what she was given from others, I can understand where she is coming from and how she feels."
"Brenna!" she exclaimed. "That's not what I meant!"
"I know, but you need to try to see it from our point of view." She told her softly, not meeting her eye. "While it is greatly appreciated, it also can hurt one's pride to rely on others to get by with the basics. I understand her feelings more than others because the only belongings that I can claim as my own here were given to me. Every place I have stayed, every meal that I've eaten, the very clothes on my back are all because of the kindness of others."
Lothíriel approached her friend with tears in her eyes, "I'm sorry Brenna, I didn't realize that you felt that way." She looked like she was struggling for words, laying a comforting hand on her arm she said, "Then perhaps you would be the best one to sit down and speak to her, with Eothain there to express his desire to help her and make her feel more comfortable."
Brenna nodded tiredly. "It would probably be best if I did."
"You know that we only mean to help right? That neither of you are charity cases as far as I'm concerned. You have sacrificed much, including your own body in the fight for Good in this world. Déorwyn has struggled to keep those children happy and healthy doing all that she could despite the odds and has done a remarkable job. That doesn't make either of you a charity case," Lothíriel told her friend confidently.
Brenna nodded to the other girl and they sat talking for a while before there was a knock on Brenna's door. Prince Imrahil had come to escort Lothíriel to their dwelling. The two girls said goodnight and Brenna changed out of her dress into a muslin night shirt. Sitting at her vanity she took out the hair combs and touched them gently before taking out the rest of her hair and ribbons. She brushed out her hair humming softly to herself, thinking about how to talk to Déorwyn, with a sigh she stood up and walked towards her bed. She blew out the candles and climbed into the soft bed she curled up and closed her eyes. She let herself drift to sleep and pushed away her busy thoughts. Tomorrow would be another day and there was a lot to do before the wedding of her friend and brother.