(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkien's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna.)
Chapter 22
The weeks leading up to their departure to Rohan had been a flurry of activity. Aragorn and Arwen's wedding and her coronation were beautiful, but somewhat bittersweet for her family. Though they now held the hope that they would see one another again, it would be a sad parting for them. There would be many long years before they would see each other again.
Brenna spent some time each day with Galadriel and Gandalf who taught her all that they knew and mentored her as best they could. With time and practice she was able to use the techniques taught to her to get a better grasp and understanding to control her powers and gifts better. She spent time each morning and in the evening right before bed meditating and centering herself. This helped her to control and alleviate most of the pain and discomfort she felt from her visions.
A week after the wedding Brenna took members of her Guard with her and went down to begin to heal the Pelennor Fields. Elladan stayed at her side and was able to call to her when she was swaying with exhaustion. Each time he would carry her back to Ash and ride with her back up to the King's hall.
Two weeks after that she took a larger contingent of Guards and protection with her as she set out for Ithilien. Stopping frequently, she would heal what she could along the way. She knew that it would take years to completely erase the damage done to the land and people in Arda, but she could do a little bit at a time. She spent four days under the watchful eye of her Guards healing and helping the land. They didn't experience any trouble while there, but decided that on the fifth morning they would leave because they didn't want to test their luck.
Most of afternoons were spent talking with her female companions. Learning from each of them about the different cultures and what she could expect as a member of their society. Arwen and Oriel taught her elvish customs and began tutoring her in the language and writing. They told her of their history and ceremonies special to their people. She struggled with the new language and runes, but did her best and tried not to become discouraged.
Lothíriel told her of the customs in Gondor and the various roles that women filled. She went over the day to day life and responsibilities of the lady of the house. Making sure to cover all aspects and areas of life to give her a better idea and background. The focus of her conversation for two afternoons were the courts and what the role of women there were, which all of the ladies there found fascinating and helpful. She also promised to teach her Westron writing and the finer points of sailing. Lothíriel only had a short time to explain to Brenna a brief history of her people, but she promised to further explain when she came to visit.
Eowyn and Déorwyn talked of their homeland and the women there. Discovering that some of the roles were the same in other lands, it saved time for them to cover the differences. They made sure that they went over the traditions and customs of their people. Telling Brenna of the lore and legend of their people seemed to give them great joy.
The four women had formed a tight bond over their time together. With the promise to correspond with each other and lend each other advise and help in their new roles, the women prepared for the beginning of the next chapter in their lives. They rode together in the procession to Rohan and spoke quietly among themselves.
Brenna noticed that Eomer and Lothíriel had been spending time together talking over the past weeks. Their connection seemed to be a strong one that was growing with each passing day. They were both determined, loyal, loving and intelligent people and it would be a great match. She grinned, remembering when they had told their close friends that they would formally announce their betrothal at the feast in Edoras after the wedding. The advisors and leaders for both realms were working quickly to iron out the formal agreement, but as far as Lothíriel and Eomer were concerned whatever was written on the paper didn't matter to them as long as they were married in the end.
The journey to Rohan was slow and the weather was hot and humid as summer was now fully upon them. The rest of the injured Rohirrim were riding home with them, finally well enough to return. There were wagons of provisions and carriages brought for some of the ladies from the court. Brenna snorted in disgust, causing her riding companions to look at her in question. Brenna looked disdainfully at the carriages. Lothíriel giggled while Eowyn and Déorwyn chuckled and nodding in agreement with their friend. Arwen rode nearby with a soft smile, but her eyes showed her amusement.
A long two weeks later they had finally reached Edoras. Their procession had grown as the people of Rohan had come to see their beloved king laid to rest. Eomer rode at the front of the column with Aragorn. They talked quietly over the many miles, sharing in their concerns for their people. Brenna would often ride ahead to talk with them quietly. She reassured them that all was well and they would have long happy lives leading their people to greatness.
Setting up camp outside the city walls, the group finally rested. A tent facing the fire was erected for Brenna, which she shared with her unmarried female friends. It was situated near Aragorn's tent because she was a member of his family. With Prince Imrahil's tent on the other side and the tent of Faramir and Eowyn on the remaining side, she was surrounded by people that she trusted.
Large tubs of hot water were set up and everyone cleaned the many miles of travel and sweat from their bodies. Brenna sighed in relief as she changed into a fresh set of clothing, a sentiment that the others agreed with. She emerged from her tent in a simple light brown dress. Her hair was pulled back in a single braid. Breathing in the strong earthy smell of the plains, she made her way towards the fire where her friends were sitting. There was a warm breeze rolling across the plains, the tall grass dancing like waves on the ocean under the rising moon.
Taking a seat next to Elladan, she accepted the plate of food with a smile and listened as her friends talked happily and tiredly. Sighing softly, she realized that this would be the last time that they were all together for quite some time. Shaking her sad thoughts from her mind. She turned and saw that her friends, particularly the elves, were looking at her in concern.
Smiling shakily, "I just realized that this will be the last time for a while that we are all together like this. After our stay here, we each leave to start the next chapters of our lives. Our paths are closely connected and I will be seeing each of you more often than others, but I will still miss you all."
There were nods and statements in agreement. Brenna smiled to her friends, watching as Déorwyn and Eothain helped Fasthelm to one of the nearby logs to sit on. The younger siblings were happily talking with him and little Edmund sat on his knee. She was glad to see the family coming together again.
Looking around the group pensively, she turned back to Déorwyn. With a smile blooming across her face she asked, "So when's the wedding?"
"As soon as it can be arranged," Eothain replied gently squeezing Déorwyn's waist, causing her to blush.
The group cheered happily. Eomer and Eowyn told them that it could be arranged for a week after the funeral, to which the happy couple beamed. The guests ate a light meal that evening and sat talking quietly by the fires late into the night.
Morning broke and with it the somber atmosphere settled over the people. Brenna woke and donned a dark green dress with black and green embroidery. Her hair was swept up into an elegant coif and she wrapped a black shawl overhead and around her shoulders. She met the others assembling outside of the encampment as the masses prepared to say goodbye to their departed king.
Eomer and Eowyn led the group, filled with grief for the loss of their kinsman. Théoden was sent off to the Halls of his Forefathers in a hauntingly beautiful ceremony. When the group headed back towards the city Eomer was halted on the steps of Edoras and ceremonially crowned as king, formally signifying his ascension to the throne.
Lothíriel looked on in awe of the humble man she would wed. Their betrothal agreement called for a longer waiting period to allow for Rohan to stabilize before they could welcome their Queen. She tried to protest, but Eomer spoke to her quietly and assured her that it would be time that they both needed to help their homelands heal from the scars of the war. She relented in her protests, understanding what he was saying and agreed that waiting two years to be wed would be worth it.
He stood tall and proud on the platform entry to the Golden Hall, thrusting his sword to the sky, a cheer and welcome hailing the new king rang out over the people. Holding a hand out to Lothíriel, she shyly made her way up the steps to his side. Seeing the dark haired maiden, the crowd quieted. At first they had thought that it was Lady Brenna, but they soon realized that it was another young maiden.
In a clear, strong voice he told his people that now that they had their King, they would also have their Queen. A hush fell over the crowd as the people observed the young woman standing beside their king. She turned with a bright smile looking up at Eomer and laughed as he began to tell them of his first meeting with the girl. Smiles spread across the faces of those assembled knowing that if the girl could put the stubborn warrior king in his place, she would be a worthy wife and queen. Though there were still those who were skeptical of his choice, there were joyful cries of welcome to Lothíriel.
Word had spread through the crowds that she was a friend of Lady Brenna and had worked in the house of healing tending to the wounded from the war. Further winning over the people, they soon discovered that she declined a carriage and rode to Rohan on horseback side by side with Eomer, Eowyn, and Brenna. That she could ride a horse and do it well, earned their respect.
Eomer beckoned his friends and family forward. The group made their way into the Hall where a feast was being laid out. Aragorn and Arwen entered directly behind them and behind them the various dignitaries. Brenna entered on Elladan's arm with Gandalf following behind them. They all sat at tables together and enjoyed the food and dancing. Brenna looked around the room and saw the different members of her Guard relaxed and enjoying themselves.
Midway through the celebration Eomer called forth Eothain and Déorwyn announcing their impending nuptials to the crowd. A thunderous reply met the news, the people were happy and ready to start celebrating life again. The people of Rohan were ready to move on and live their lives again.
Many times throughout the night Brenna was approached by the men of Rohan that she had healed and their families. They greeted her warmly, thanking her for her help. Some of the more lasting injuries caught Brenna's eye and she asked them to visit the Hall the following day and she would see if she could help them further. Some of them tearfully thanked her, being able to ride and provide for their families is who they were. What she was offering meant the world to them.
Elladan stayed at her side and watched as she discreetly soothed as she spoke to some of the people. Though she was tiring, she still made time to speak with them. When he noticed that she was sagging in fatigue, he excused them and brought her to sit and get some food and water. When she asked, he insisted that she rest before she over tired herself. Before she could argue he explained that he knew that she had been helping people all night and that he just wanted to make sure that she rested and took care of herself. Telling her that he would stand by her through whatever came their way, but he would make sure that she took care of herself.
Nodding, she sheepishly accepted the cool drink of water. Eomer stopped by their table and spoke quietly with her, asking how she was doing. Lothíriel had sat on the bench next to her, putting more fruit on her plate, causing Eomer to grin at his intended. He nodded to her, his eyes held her gaze before shifting back to a tired looking Brenna.
Crouching down and taking her hands in his own, "Are you well Brenna?"
"Of course I am Eomer, do not worry about me. I'm just a little tired is all." She told her friend.
"She has been talking with and healing some of your men that rode to Pelennor and the Black Gate." Elladan explained to him.
"Brenna!" Lothíriel scolded. "We've been in the hall celebrating for hours now, surely you haven't been doing it the whole time?"
When Brenna wouldn't meet her friend's eye Lothíriel chided the girl. Aragorn and the others had made their way over to see what was going on. Brenna was once more told that she should take it easy for the rest of the evening. She knew that they were right, but she didn't feel right turning people away.
The Rohirric members of Brenna's Guard discreetly had word spread that Brenna was tired and would see more of the people tomorrow. They let the people know that she had been healing while she was talking with them, much to the shock of some of the crowd. Many of the people present looked at the girl with a warm affection. Seeing their future queen sitting with her, made some of the skeptics pause and re-evaluate their initial thoughts about her.
The celebrations lasted well into the early hours of the morning. Eowyn had pulled Brenna aside and told her that her things had been brought to the rooms that she had used during her last stay. Thanking her friend, she watched as she was swept away in a dance by a very smitten Faramir.
Elladan stood with her, tucking her snugly to his side as they watched their friends and family. She leaned into his embrace, taking comfort in just being there. He dropped a kiss on her brow and laughed as he saw his brother pulled in to dance one of the more lively reels by an acquaintance of Déorwyn. Brenna giggled as his expression, but watched as he smoothly laughed and spun the flaxen haired maiden in time with the music. When the music ended he bowed gallantly and took his leave of the dance floor quickly making his way to Brenna's side where he stood next to his brother.
Brenna laughed at the fact that he seemed to be hiding behind her. Her body tensed a bid as she let the vision slowly come over herself. Elladan and Elrohir nodded to the nearest members of her Guard who fell into place around her, shielding her as her breathing became erratic. Lothíriel and Eowyn seeing their friend pale, made their way to her side with their male counterparts following quickly behind.
Flash! She saw the parting of the Fellowship as her friends all made their way back to their respective homes. Flash! She saw Arwen laboring in early spring. Gondor would have a new Princess. Flash! She saw herself standing on the shores of Belfalas looking out at the sea. Flash! She saw a mist rise up out of the sea and overtake the Old Kingdom in the North. Flash! She watched as her party fled from an unseen attack while traveling. Flash! She felt herself being grabbed from behind and dragged away into darkness. Flash! Flash! Flash!
Elladan held her as she trembled and her complexion paled. He called to her quietly, trying to draw attention to her in the crowd. Feeling her sag against him as she came back out of it, he led her towards the hallway as Eomer excused himself and ushered them to the King's study. Once in the privacy of the hallway Elladan swept her up in his arms and felt her bury her face in his chest still trembling.
Her Guard followed behind, as did the various members of her extended family and friends. Once they were in the safety of the study, Eomer issued an order not to be disturbed to the members of his personal guard, who nodded at him. They looked at Brenna in concern. Most of them knew who and what she was and seeing her so upset had them gravely concerned for the petite woman.
Elladan sat down holding her on one of the couches. He rubbed her back soothingly, waiting for her to compose herself. Murmuring into her hair as he bent down talking to her quietly, he could only hold her as she struggled with what she had seen.
Brenna took a steadying breath as she leaned in to Elladan's embrace. Shielded from the view of others, she whispered her thanks and kissed his jaw line softly. Pulling back, she sat up more in his embrace and turned to face the others waiting.
With a shaky smile she looked at Arwen. "Do you know?" she asked her friend cryptically.
The response that she received was a confused look from everyone present in the room. Beckoning Arwen over, she took her friend's hand urging her to sit on the couch next to her. Arwen did as asked and looked at Brenna, wondering what was going on.
Pulling her in and whispering, "While you may have given up your immortality my friend, your other traits are still present. Search in and around you to find the difference."
Elladan had stilled at Brenna's words. He looked carefully from his love to his sister and let his senses search out. What he discovered had his eyes bugging and a smile broadening on his face. He laughed merrily, still seeing the confused looks of the others in the room. Looking pointedly at his fellow elves, he motioned towards his sister.
Arwen's gasp and bright smile, was all the answer Brenna needed. By now Aragorn was kneeling at his wife's side, wondering what was going on. Reaching down Arwen took one of his hands and placed it on her still flat stomach with a glowing smile. His eyes grew comically wide and he turned to Brenna seeing her nod with a soft smile. Seeing the gesture, the others in the room were shocked and elated at the news. Brenna's confirmation had them all thrilled and now anticipating the eminent arrival for the royal couple.
Reaching to take their joined hands her eyes briefly went unfocused. "You will welcome this little bundle of joy in early spring. Her birth will be followed by at least three more daughters before you have your son and heir. There may be more children after that, but I haven't seen that far as of yet," she told them grinning happily.
"A daughter?" Aragorn asked almost reverently while clasping Arwen's hands in his own.
Brenna gave a slight laughed and nodded. "Yes a daughter, followed by at least three more before your son will be born."
Arwen's family gathered round with their joy evident on their faces. The elves in the room sensitive to life, now recognized that they could feel the life of the unborn child safely in her mother's womb. They marveled at the strong, bright little feminine spirit that was now waiting to join them.
Elladan hugged Brenna tightly, noticing that she was still tense from whatever she had seen. "Melamin, was that all that you saw?"
Closing her eyes, she shook her head. "The attack from the North is still eminent. A great mist will rise up from the sea and cover the land. I don't know if this is symbolic or if the mist will really shield the enemy from my eyes."
Seeing her pale slightly, Elladan held her tightly. "There's more isn't there?" he asked shakily.
By now everyone was sitting at attention and listening carefully. They were observing Brenna's body language and her reactions. The members of her Guard and family vowing to do what they could to keep her from harm. Whatever she was seeing obviously terrified her. She didn't respond and closed her eyes leaning into him further.
Elladan felt her trembling and felt sick. He knew that she told them what she had seen but she seemed to be holding something back. When he searched her gaze, she shook her head. Drawing her back into his embrace, he held her tightly to his chest. She whispered to him that she would explain later, promising to tell him away from the others, especially his sister.
Halabard stood with his jaw clenched, the other Dunedain present were visibly upset and shaken. He looked to his chieftain and king for guidance. Aragorn nodded grimly to his kinsmen and told them that he would call a council in the morning. He stood taking Arwen's arm and helped her to stand.
The group dispersed and retired to their rooms for the night. Brenna and the elvish members of her Guard remained in the study with Eomer's permission. Elladan held her and they waited for her to further explain.
"There is an attack planned and aimed at causing someone harm. As the blow struck the back of my head I heard a deep accented male voice say that 'he would feel the loss of his lady' and that 'it would be the beginning of the pain inflicted upon him in retribution,' but I can't place the accent," she told them wearily.
Elladan shifted her to look at her face, "How bad will it be Brenna?"
She visibly shook as her eyes clouded, "By the time help reaches me and catches up to us, I will be dehydrated and in rough shape. Other than being slapped around, there will be not to for physical abusive inflicted upon me. Elladan, I fear the attack is planned for your sister or Lothíriel and I don't know how to stop it," she told him shakily.
"If we are not at your side at the time of the attack then you will most likely be staying in one of the realms while we are back with our people." Elrohir mused.
"Brenna, was there nothing else about the vision that could give us a clue?" Haldir asked gently. "Perhaps a sound or smell. Something to give us a hint as to where we should look."
With her eyes closed and her brow creased in concentration Brenna sorted through what she had Seen. Pushing back she replayed and slowed down the scene before her. There was a slight breeze in the air, and a faint smell of a large body of water. Through the blackness she felt the gentle rocking of a ship. Pushing further, she realized it would be Lothíriel that they were after. Gasping, she sat up with her large green eyes filled with tears.
"It will be happening sooner than I thought," she told them emotionally. "Sometime while I'm in Dol Amroth, but before Lothíriel is married. So some time in the next two years."
Her Guard regarded each other with grim looks. Beleg slipped out of the room to summon Aragorn, Eomer, Amrothos, Faramir and Prince Imrahil. When they had all return, they looked at the pale Brenna still sitting with Elladan with raised eyebrows. Once everyone was sitting, Brenna explained the rest of what she had seen and felt.
Eomer swore fiercely in Rohirric and looked sick. Turning to Brenna with fear in his eyes he could not find the words. Prince Imrahil and Amrothos looked visibly shaken. "What can we do to stop this Brenna?" Lothiriel's father asked.
With a sigh she reluctantly moved from Elladan's arms and stood. Pacing the room, she rubbing her arms as if to warm herself. She was still pale and looked visibly shaken.
"As I said, it will be an attempt on Lothíriel. You'll notice that what I told you indicated that I'm, in fact, the one that they take." She said fearfully while turning to face the window looking out over the moonlit plains. "I'm not sure that anything can be done to stop it. We can't stop living our lives and I refuse to live mine in fear. I will just have to make sure that I'm with Lothíriel closely in my time in Dol Amroth."
The exclamations and blistering strings of curses that were a result would have normally made Brenna laugh. Leaning tiredly against the window, she watched the stars shining brightly in the sky. Humming softly to herself, she felt the answering warmth on her brow and calmed. Regardless of what happened she would face it head on. Thanking the Valar and praying to keep them all safe, she continued to hum softly looking over the plains. She found peace watching the grass roll in the wind like waves on the ocean. Praying to the Valar to give her courage and to keep her safe should the vision come to pass, she tried to calm her racing heart.
Elladan stepped behind her, and she leaned back against his taller frame. He rested his chin on the crown of her head and held her, keeping his hands carefully placed where the others could see them. Brenna turned in his arms and looked up at him with a sad look in her eyes.
"I fear that I will have many more scars before we leave Arda," she told him painfully.
He raised his left hand to cup her cheek, "I too have scars from my time here. Brenna, I don't care about them. My only concern is that you will be wounded enough to bear such marks upon your body melamin."
"I won't be hurt so badly if I do get captured," she told him quietly.
"That you will be hurt at all is unforgivable!" he exclaimed.
"Elladan, look at me. I would love nothing more than to leave for Valinor this instant, but I cannot. I made a promise that I intend to keep. I'll not sit by and allow another to be hurt if I can prevent it," she told him.
"At the expense of yourself though Brenna. You brave, brave girl. You always get hurt preventing others from being harmed. It is through no fault of your own, I know. But the fact remains that in somehow preventing Lothíriel from being taken, you yourself will be harmed makes me sick to think about love," Elladan told her.
The others listened to the conversation and sat quietly thinking. Eomer and Lothiriel's family felt guilt and shame as they realized that they were momentarily relieved that it would be Brenna instead that was taken. Eomer paced the room, calling to the guard at the door summoning Brenna's Rohirric Guard.
Eothain entered the room, followed by Fram, Haleth and Dernhelm. A moment later Wulf entered, apologizing for his slight delay. Lords Elrond, Celeborn, Erestor and Glorfindel followed behind them. They looked to see Brenna looking pale and upset. Their instincts instantly went on high alert.
"What else has she Seen?" Eothain asked.
Eomer filled them in, setting off another series of Rohirric phrases. Brenna may not have understood the language, but she watched the men in the room pace like caged animals. Here was a group of men, many of them leaders and dignitaries from their homelands, worried for her. Whether warrior or king, there was no distinction between lines of class and station here. They were her friends and family.
Legolas turned towards her, suddenly pale and looking ill. "Brenna, they don't... they won't..." he broke off unable to finish his sentence.
The others in the room stilled, as the implication of his words sank in. Brenna's face flamed and she looked down at her feet. "It will not get that far," she said in a small voice. "Help gets there before it gets that far."
"You're not going," Elladan said in a deadly quiet voice. "If you do, it certainly won't be alone. Your answer does little to make me feel better about what will almost happen to you. How can you possibly think that I would leave your side knowing what will take place in the next two years?"
Turning to him with tears in her eyes, "You think I don't know what I will face? That I don't know that even as help comes for me one of the men will already be trying to put his hands on me? How could you think that I would leave Lothíriel to face that?" she said as the tears spilled over. "The only thing that will help me is the element of surprise. For one, the rescue mission will arrive in time and secondly I will have my dagger with me at all times. He will not live to see another day."
Elladan sat heavily on a chair trembling. His brother swallowed thickly as they thought of their mother. To know that another member of their family would come close to meeting the safe fate they could hardly breathe. Lord Elrond and Lord Celeborn looked horrified at the young elleth. Eomer shut his eyes in horror at her words. The members of Brenna's Guard looked ill. Where were they in all of this?
Brenna snorted in morbid amusement, "And to think that I had assumed this would be the beginning of an easy journey for me. I had it all planned out. I would spend a month here, before continuing on and seeing the rest of the members of the Fellowship and the Elvish delegation to the Gap of Rohan."
Shaking her head sadly, "I planned to journey back and spend a few weeks in Ithilien before continuing to Minas Tirith for a month. From there I would make arrangements to spend about a year in Dol Amroth with Lothíriel, but I'd make the trip to be with Arwen for her delivery. I would then journey back to Minas Tirith to spend some time with you before making my way to Lothlorien and then Greenwood, spending almost six months in each of the realms, before making my way back to Rohan in time for the wedding of Lothíriel and Eomer."
She walked back to the window, leaving her friends to think of what she had said to them. They could see the logic behind her outlined schedule. Something about it however troubled them.
"Brenna, where will your Guard be when all of this happens?" Legolas asked.
"Each of you has responsibilities and obligations to your people and homeland. As we discussed before, I would rely on the realm in which I'm staying to provide a sufficient Guard while I'm there." she said. Many of them protested loudly.
"Which of you does not have family or a permanent home that you need to worry about? Which of you doesn't already have a task and obligation that you must fulfill? You Legolas, will return home and in the coming years bring the elves to Ithilien. Telgalad will most likely be needed to assist you. Elladan and Elrohir will stay in Minas Tirith helping Aragorn and advising him. Haldir and his brothers will return to their home and Guard Lady Galadriel and Lothlorien until the elves begin leaving in two years. Beleg has an obligation to stay with Lord Elrond until he sails."
"Let's touch upon my other Guard members shall I?" she said becoming more agitated. "My Rohirric Guard are needed here to help rebuild and protect their own people. Halabard and his men are greatly needed in the North. Those are just the men that are here. Amrothos must go home and help prepare his homeland for the eminent attack from the remaining Corsairs."
Her words sunk in, causing many of them to sit. They knew that what she was saying was true, but it didn't make it any easier on them. Elladan especially looked a bit mutinous, but he could not argue against her. They all knew this well before now.
"We all have tasks and obligations that we must complete. Unless otherwise given leave from your duties, you must remain until such a time that you will can move. With many of the men starting families in the next few years, they will have additional obligations and ties to their homes." She added softly. "I cannot ask others to put their lives on hold for me or to sacrifice for me."
Taking a seat next to Elladan, she held one of his hands in his own. "My path is before me now and I must continue on regardless of what I will face. There is no turning back now."
"Brenna, if Beleg wishes it he has my permission to watch over you," Lord Elrond told her. The aforementioned elf nodded immediately.
"Faelchon can stay with you until such a time that Telgalad or myself can be there," Legolas told her again the elf mentioned nodded and smiled at Brenna.
"I will leave the decision up to the brothers, but one of the three from Lothlorien will be asked to stay with you," Lord Celeborn said in his deep timber. The brothers talked quietly and decided that Rúmil would go with Brenna and the others.
Brenna sighed in relief as similar agreements were made from the various contingents of her Guard. While it would be a much smaller group, it was decided that while there was still a threat Brenna would have a ten member Guard with her at all times. The three elves, two from Rohan, one of the Dunedain, two from Gondor, one from Ithilien, and one from Dol Amroth. This would be in addition to the larger company of protection provided for her when she was traveling within the realms.
Wulf had volunteered to accompany her, telling her that he just had a feeling that he had to go. Dernhelm expressed a similar sentiment when he too volunteered with the permission of Eomer. Ohtar, was the quiet Dunedain who volunteered to stay with her. Amrothos looked to his father, who nodded in agreement with his youngest son, he would be the one to watch over her. The rest of the guard would be filled in with members selected by Aragorn and Faramir in the morning.
By the end of their discussion Brenna had stopped shaking and she noticed that Elladan and the others visibly relaxed as well. It was very late when the group concluded their meeting with the agreement to gather in the morning to make the necessary arrangements. They couldn't change the fact that she would in all likelihood be taken, but they could make it more difficult for someone to do so.
Elladan escorted Brenna to her room with his brother walking at his side. Both of them were deeply upset to know that Brenna would be helpless. It was a horrible reminder of their mother and what she had been through. They checked her room and let her in. Oriel sat up in her chair and went to help her friend. Brenna clung to Elladan in an emotional hug before bidding him goodnight. Once they were sure that she was safe, the twins shut her in and went to their room to hopefully get some rest.
Brenna woke close to midday. She got up, splashing water on her face and combing her hair quickly before looking for something to wear. Oriel knocked on the door and entered. A maid came in with a tray of food for her and left soon after to let the necessary people know that the Lady would like to go for a ride.
Oriel crossed the room and opened the wardrobe in the corner of the room and pulled out a riding outfit in Rohirric fashion. The rich greens and golds of the design was beautiful. Brenna realized that it matched the cloak that Eowyn had given her all those months before. Looking in the wardrobe she realized that there was an entire selection of Rohirric clothing that had been made for her. Smiling softly she turned to eat before getting dressed.
Once she had on her clothes, she fastened her cloak and began strapping on her weapons. Oriel had braided her hair back and tying it off with a leather strip. Nodding once she followed Brenna out of the room and told her that she would meet her at the stables.
Brenna left her room and made her way through the halls to the entrance. Waving and calling out greetings to those that she passed she made her way down the steps of Meduseld. The Riders that knew the petite woman would be taking her horse out for a bit of a joy ride and grinned while watching her progress.
She ducked into the Royal Stables to check on Hiril and was met with an excited horse. Her friend snorted in her hair and nudged her shoulder. Brenna stepped into the stall and brushed her friend, rewarding her with an apple before turning to look for Ash. Not finding him in the stables she exited the doors to find Ash ready and waiting for her. Eothain and the rest of her Rohirric Guard members were ready to ride apparently. Looking around she saw that Elladan and the elvish members were also present with amused looks on their faces as well. She noticed that more Riders seemed to be joining them, nodding to her with laughter in their eyes and broad smiles on their faces.
"You look like one of our very own Lady Brenna," Eomer's deep voice called out in amusement.
Brenna grinned and dipped into a deep curtsy, "I'm flattered and honored you think so Eomer King."
"Going for a ride?" he asked casually.
"But of course milord. Ash and I could use a bit of an adventure and I think he could use the chance to stretch his legs while we fly across the plains," she said with a grin, getting cheered on by the people of Edoras.
Seeing Lothíriel coming down the steps dressed to ride as well, she nodded and smiled to her friend. "Are the others coming or is it just us?"
"It will be just us and our Guard with us today," Lothíriel replied. "I will beat you this time, you know this right?"
Brenna laughed merrily, "I'd like to see you try my friend."
The two women grinned at one another. The people of Edoras were a bit surprised to hear the Princess sound so much like one of their own. Many of them imagined a horribly stiff and unapproachable Princess who wouldn't fit in. They had past experiences with Queens and women from Gondor that weren't altogether pleasant. Yet here was their future Queen, challenging Lady Brenna in a race across the plains. The more that they learned about her, the more that they warmed up to her.
"With your leave of course Eomer," Brenna said.
He nodded with a broad smile, "Who am I to deny you ladies enjoyment during your stay with us."
She walked over to Ash and vaulted into the saddle unaided, and gave them an impish look. Lothíriel mirrored the action, much to the beaming pride of Eomer. Their company mounted up and they set off to the gates of the city.
Watching them leave Eomer mumbled to himself, "Bema! What a woman!"
Brenna and Lothíriel flew across the plains letting their horses stretch out and speed ahead. When they could just see the Golden Hall glinting in the sun they slowed their horses. By then the rest of the group had caught up to them. Eothain and his fellow Rohirrim shared glances back and forth nodding in agreement, Eomer had made a good choice.
They rode for another half hour before turning back. Their pace started out slow, but Brenna and Lothíriel stopped and looked at each other with a grin. As their traveling companions called out to them, they urged their horses on. Their cloaks billowed out behind them and their hair was coming out of their braids in the wind. They were evenly matched neck and neck the whole way. The males of their group were not far behind them. As they came around the corner near the main road to the city the young women slowed their horses.
Brenna looked up at the cheers that carried in the air around them. Upon the city battlements the people of Edoras had watched their race. Lothíriel flushed and grinned when she saw that Eomer and her Father were there watching as well. Aragorn smiled down waving at them as they entered the city.
Their hair was wind swept, and their cheeks pink from their ride. The two dark haired young women rode slowly up towards the Royal stables where they were met by Eomer, Imrahil and Aragorn. Elladan stepped forward to help her down from Ash. He grinned as he helped her down and kissed her knuckled with his eyes glinting mischievously at her.
Eomer did the same for Lothíriel. Reaching up, he easily lifted her from the saddle with his broad hands spanning her tiny waist. He gave her such a heated look that her knees quaked a bit and she blushed prettily. His deep chuckle only made her blush more. In response, Lothíriel looked up at him coyly through her lashes, halting his laughter and causing him to catch his breath. The small half grin she have him made his head spin a bit, as did her subsequent laughter. Oh what a merry chase it would be indeed!
Their horses were taken by stable hands and the ladies were led back into the Hall. Some of the Gondorian women turned their noses up at their slightly unkempt appearances, but the Rohirrim and many of the males thought they looked beautiful and untamed. The snobby court ladies found themselves slightly out of place and regarded with disdain since their arrival. Not quite understanding the cause, they regarded Rohan to be a slightly uncivilized and barbaric country if they were being honest.
Brenna and Lothíriel were led to the table where Arwen was sitting with Eowyn and Lady Galadriel. Once they were seated the males of their group took seats and chatted with them about their day. Déorwyn entered the hall with the children in tow and made her way to the group, smiling at Eothain who called them over.
After a quick meal Brenna met with the injured Riders as promised and healed them as best she could. Under the watchful eye of Lord Elrond, she helped to correct as much of the permanent damage as possible. Elladan and Elrohir were pulled into meetings with Aragorn, serving as his advisors. Lord Elrond stepped in, taking the time to get his future daughter-in-law. He showed her different techniques and practices in the art of healing.
By dinner time Brenna was exhausted. Oriel helped her change and ushered her back for the evening meal. It was a quiet affair compared to the night before. Brenna and many of the others retired relatively early after such a long day.
The weeks passed quickly for Brenna and the wedding of Eothain and Déorwyn was a joyful occasion that everyone would remember as a time of great love and fun. Brenna spent as much of her time with her family and friends as she possibly could. Making sure to take time with each of them, she tried to get to know them better in the short time that they had before their departure.
Once a week she would ride out with her Guard and heal different locations and return before nightfall. It wasn't as much as she had hoped to accomplish, but it was a start. She also suggested to Eomer to consider rotating the crops being grown each year on the different fields to see if they yielded better. He and his advisors thought this over and considered trying it in the years to come.
All too soon it was time for her to move on. Many of the dignitaries and other delegates had left a week or two prior, but Aragorn and his entourage stayed. Imrahil, Lothíriel, and Amrothos travelled with Aragorn and would stay in Minas Tirith for a time. Faramir and Eowyn returned to the White City while construction and repairs were made to Ithilien, they hoped to have it habitable by next summer.
The parting of the Fellowship was bittersweet. For each of them had changed greatly on their journey. The parting of Arwen and her kin was heartbreaking and difficult to watch. She cried quietly as her father and grandparents rode away. The elves also departed, with the exception of those staying to guard Brenna.
Brenna sat on Ash, watching as the elves and members of the Fellowship got further and further in the distance. Elladan had come up alongside her and taken her hand in his own.
"Ready Brenna?" he asked.
She smiled sadly at him and nodded. They turned their horses to where the others waited. As a group they set out towards Gondor, following the Great West Road. Brenna smiled at the family and friends that she was still surrounded by and began to sing softly as they rode over the countryside. She took comfort in the fact that she would see them all again and looked forward to the next part of her journey.