(Disclaimer: I own or claim none of Tolkien's work or characters, the only character that I claim is Brenna. See profile for updated full disclaimer.)
Authors Note: Please note that I upgraded the rating on the story. With the violence, mentions of a future attempted assault, and progression in the relationships of the characters in my story, it seemed time to elevate the rating to be on the safe side. I did so to make sure that I comply with the guidelines of the site. My story won't get very graphic, but again I wanted to be on the safe side of things. Also, I've added a list of reference sites on my profile for the story. Onward.
Chapter 23
Brenna was sad to leave her friends from Rohan behind. She was thrilled for the happily married Eothain and Déorwyn, but she would miss them both dearly. Smiling softly to herself she thought of the growing family they would have when they next met. With a sigh she focused on her travel companions and realized soon she would have to leave them as well.
The group rode for days taking their time to explore the land, but also setting a pace that would not strain Arwen. Aragorn was using this as an opportunity to tour some of his realm and to speak with his people. He and Faramir had sent a messenger ahead to Minas Tirith calling for a sizable company of soldiers and Rangers to meet them in two days. The fifty men that were now riding towards them would be Brenna's added protection as she stayed in Ithilien. She would work side by side with the workers and masons sent there to restore the ruins that were found there. Faramir and Eowyn would spend a few hours there with them before they needed to turn and head back to Minas Tirith. After some discussion the rest of Aragorn's party decided to accompany them as well before the large group headed back home.
The next two days went by in a blur and Brenna was now dreading leaving her friends, especially leaving Elladan. She spent time with each of them, fighting the yearning to stay at their sides. She knew that they would be together again, but for now they each had tasks that they must do. They each had duties and obligations that needed to be completed.
It was an emotional parting for Brenna. Clinging to Elladan, she struggled not to cry. The others had stepped away, giving the two of them the chance to say goodbye with privacy. Brenna pressed into his taller, more muscular frame. He wrapped his arms around her, whispering words of comfort in her hair as he too fought with his emotions. He knew that this wasn't a permanent parting, but after having spent so many months at her side he was finding it difficult to leave her now.
With a sigh she reluctantly stepped back after giving him one last hug and kissing the right side of his jaw. He squeezed her tightly kissing her brow and then her hand that held his betrothal ring. Blinking back tears, she turned to the rest of the group and went to each of them. She hugged her friends and sent them away with the blessings of the Valar. Aragorn held her tightly, telling her hoarsely to keep safe, a phrase that was repeated by each of them.
She waited until they had left before she let the tears fall. Her guard looked on helplessly as she watched them go. The newest members of their group didn't know what to think. When they were given the task and mission of protecting Lady Brenna many of them volunteered for the position. Taking deep calming breaths she slowed the tears and wiped them away in frustration. Oriel laid a comforting hand on her arm.
Laughing sadly, she said, "Sorry about that. We can continue now."
Faelchon, Beleg, and Rumil regarded their young charge carefully. They had each promised Elladan and her family to make sure that she would be alright. Even though she had a smile on her face, they could feel the sadness rolling off of her. Wulf, Dernhelm, and Amrothos regarded the young woman and marveled at her resolve. She was a bit of an enigma to many of them and a walking contradiction. Where she was strong and brave, she was also scared and weak.
For Amrothos the separation from his family was difficult, but he was a soldier and had spent time away from them before. Knowing that he would be reunited with them in a couple of months helped him to get through this latest separation. He had promised both Eomer and his sister to keep their young friend safe. His sister all but ordered him to make sure that she laughed.
Brenna sighed and smiled sadly at the men who had come to keep her safe on her journey. Nodding to them in thanks, she turned to set up her pack and bedroll. Seeing her actions they began to do the same. Some of them went to gather firewood and others discussed setting up a perimeter and guard rotation. The other men that were there working, assisted them and helped to add an additional layer of protection for Brenna.
The next three weeks were long and tiring for Brenna. The group spent those three weeks traveling throughout Ithilien, making their way throughout the wilderness. Much to her joy, she meadow that she had planted months before was thriving and still blooming in the bright sun. She spent most of her time searching out the most scarred locations of land and healing what she could. The elvish members of her guard and Oriel stayed close and urged her to not push herself too much. While they could help her, they did not have the same level of skill as Lord Elrond or his Sons. The last week of her stay, she went to where the planners and Faramir had designated for crops and gardens to grow. Spending hours at a time there, she helped to make the soil rich and fertile. It would be ready for the next planting season to the great joy of the people who intended to live here once it was ready.
The newest members of her guard had come to regard her with a great deal of respect and affection. Many of them were surprised to find that she had turned down a tent, preferring to sleep under the stars and fresh air. Her determination and work ethic astounded many of them, even the men that she knew. She worked long hard hours and more often than not had to be carried back to the camp to rest. Not only did she heal the land, but she cleansed some of the wells that had been tainted by the enemy.
The Rangers in particular seemed to take a shine to her when they saw her practicing shooting her bow one day. To pass the time and maintain her level of skill, Brenna could sometimes be found sparring with the members of her Guard. She mischievously had challenged some of the men that didn't know her well, occasionally besting them because they underestimated her. They quickly realized that this was no simpering powdered lady from the courts. They knew the stories of her valor and bravery, but to see that she could fight first hand let them breathe easier knowing that she wasn't defenseless.
Many of the men took shifts scouting and keeping watch, while others assisted the workers trying to restore and rebuild the area enough to make it habitable. They all pitched in where they could. Not only did it help them pass the time, but it also gave them something to do to keep their hands busy.
On their last day there dawn greeted them with a rumble of thunder in the distance. Brenna looked at the sky blandly and quickly stowed her things into her saddle bags. It would be a long, soggy ride today. If they hurried they could make it to Osgiliath before sundown. They scrambled to get their gear packed and horses saddled. They wanted to make the most of the day. The sky opened up on them as they were riding two hours later. Stopping a few times on the road when it became too dangerous for them to continue, they finally made it to Osgiliath. Though it was dark and raining, they were welcomed and ushered into one of the newly repaired buildings.
A bath was drawn for Brenna and one of the wives of the men came to help her with her things. Oriel helped her out of the wet clothing and into the bath. Her things were rung out and hung to dry by the fire that was cheerfully crackling in the hearth. Sighing, Brenna soaked away the long miles and soreness of her body. Sometime later she stepped from the tub and changed into a fresh tunic and linen undershirt. She climbed into the cot that had been provided for her and slept deeply and soundly through the night. After washing and changing, Oriel, who was sharing a room with her, climbed into her own cot before she too went to sleep once her friend was situated.
The Valar visited her in her dreams. Each of them sitting and quietly talking with her as they explained more of what the next few years would bring her. They reassured her that all would be well and she would be fine. Sending her praises and blessings, Lorien sent her into a deeper sleep for the remainder of the night.
Brenna stirred awake just before the sun came up. She quickly dressed in the rest of her tunic and put on her now dry boots. The fire had dried out most of her things enough that she was able to repack her bags and made preparations to leave. Strapping on her weapons, she looked around the room making sure that she didn't forget anything. Running her fingers through her hair, she quickly braided it back. Oriel was mirroring her actions getting her own things ready as quickly as possible.
A knock sounded on her door, and Beleg poked his head in the room. He stepped in grinning and helped her with her things. He led her and Oriel to where the others were beginning to assemble. Wulf had Ash saddled for her. Brenna smiled and thanked him. She walked forward and put her things into her saddlebags. The various members of her Guard were present, getting their own things ready. Many of them looked blurry eyed this morning and Brenna sighed softly.
"We can wait and eat breakfast before leaving," she told them. "I don't have to leave right this minute. While I'm eager to reunite with my family and friends, you have all worked hard over the past few weeks. An hour or so will not make a difference. Yesterday was a long ride, it was miserable. I think we've earned some time."
"Nay milady," one of the Gondorian soldiers called out. "We too are eager to return home."
Seeing the sleepy nods and reassuring grins, Brenna smiled and mounted Ash. Pulling her cloak tighter around herself to keep out the morning chill, they set out across one of the bridges that had been rebuilt. Overhead a gull cried in the air, causing an ache to build up inside her chest. She looked sadly at the members of her Elvish Guard and Oriel, knowing that they now would feel a yearning for the Sea. Faelchon looked at her unsurely and then looked up at the gulls flying overhead.
"I'm sorry my friend," she told him remorsefully.
"Nay milady," he tried to assure her.
"We will leave here in roughly one hundred and twenty years. It will not be so long. Then we will all sail Home," she told him softly.
Her elvish friends could see a sad longing in her eyes. It was well known that she visited the Valar and had even seen the Two Trees. For such a young elleth, she had a longing and yearning to sail West that was unequalled among them. They somberly nodded to one another, acknowledging that they would work through it together, not just for their own sake but for hers as well.
Once they had crossed the bridge and made it through the city on the other side of the river, Brenna breathed deeply seeing the road across the Pelennor fields. Rich, deep green grass stretched out on the plains there. Smiling softly to herself, she silently thanked the Valar for her gifts and their aid. She nudged Ash forward, slowly urging him to run faster. Her cloak whipped behind her in the wind and she laughed happily as the sun continued rising in the sky.
With her Guard riding around her, they swiftly made their way to the gates. Brenna gasped at the craftsmanship of the work done. Gimli's kin had certainly worked hard to complete it quickly. It was a beautifully crafted work of art, but strongly built to fortify the city. The City Guard called out before they were heralded and allowed passage once their identities were known.
Brenna was led to the top level of the City where Aragorn and his family waited for her. She dismounted and greeted him with a smile. He embraced her and picked her up spinning her around. Faramir and the others had now joined them and spoke quietly with one of his Rangers, occasionally glancing at the young woman. Aragorn stepped aside to talk to one of his knights and Brenna turned to Arwen.
Seeing her friend a little pale Brenna became concerned. She took her friend's hand and began to murmur quietly. Her hands flared a light blue glow and seemed to swirl around the Queen, who sighed in relief. Arwen hugged her friend and thanked her. She quietly explained that she was feeling poorly and slightly ill for a couple of weeks now.
Brenna pulled back and nodded wearily to her friend. She was startled when she was spun around and greeted by Elladan. She hugged him tightly and whispered quietly to him that she was well and that she had missed him. He buried his face in her neck and seemed to sag in relief seeing and holding her. Pulling back he gently touched the side of her face with a grin.
"Well are you going to let the rest of us greet her now brother?" Elrohir asked in an amused voice. He had known that his brother missed her and was worried for him when he seemed to withdraw into himself as the days passed. Though he teased his twin, he was glad that they were reunited.
"Aye, now that I have greeted my lady," Elladan replied with a grin as he kissed the back of her hand.
Brenna sighed happily and chatted with them as they made their way towards Aragorn and Arwen's apartments. Servants had come forward to collect their things and the horses were taken to the stables. Oriel greeted Arwen warmly and the two spoke quietly and excitedly in elvish.
Elladan looped Brenna's arm through his own, needing the contact. He spun the ring on her hand as he led her to her rooms so that she could change into something more comfortable and completely dry. He had missed her a great deal over the past few weeks. Even though he was kept busy in discussions with Aragorn and his brother, there was still the constant ache of his separation from her.
Hanna greeted Brenna warmly and ushered her into the room to get changed. Elladan took his leave and said that he would meet her in Aragorn's study. Oriel ducked into her room to change seeing that Hanna was waiting to help Brenna.
Hanna took her clothes and the things from her pack and bundled them to be laundered properly. She selected a slate blue dress with pale blue under layers for Brenna to wear. Brenna slipped on a clean shift and started dressing. Hanna tied her into the dress and sat her at the vanity to pull her hair up. When she was done she stood and thanked Hanna for her help before leaving to meet up with the others.
She quickly made her way through the halls towards Aragorn's study. A guard let her in the room where the others were already waiting and talking quietly together. Elladan led her further into the room and brought her to sit next to he and Elrohir. He grasped her hand in his own, holding it even while they were sitting. She smiled happily as she looked around the room. Though they were now separated from many of their friends, she felt better being with her family once more.
Brenna lost herself in her thoughts and missed a lot of the conversation going on around her. Elladan leaned over and told her quietly that he would fill her in later, understanding her need to just sit there quietly. She nodded in thanks and relaxed more as the day passed. A private dinner was brought into the study for the group.
Elladan nudged her slightly leaning over and letting her know that Aragorn had asked her what he plan was next. Smiling softly in thanks she turned to address the king. She faltered a bit and hesitated, unsure of how much to let some of the others know.
"The plan is to stay here for a month before making my way to Dol Amroth for about a year. I'd return for Arwen's impending delivery, though you can expect the newest member of the Royal House to arrive in early spring," she told him with a happy smile before so sobered a bit. "I'd return to Dol Amroth shortly after the birth and stay with Lothíriel before returning here for a brief amount of time. Sometime late next fall I plan on making my way to Lothlorien and Greenwood. I would make the journey from there an meet everyone in Rohan for Eomer and Lothiriel's wedding."
Looking directly at Aragorn before glancing quickly to the other females in the room, he nodded grimly. Elladan tensed beside her as she reminded them subtly of what was to come. A subtle look was shared by the males. Eowyn could feel the tension radiating off of her husband. One look at Brenna let her know that her instincts were right, but she kept it to herself with a look from her friend. They would talk in private later.
The group began to disperse and Elladan led Brenna towards one of the private gardens of the Royal House. Faramir and Eowyn accompanied them as chaperones as the others took their leave and went to attend other matters. Once they were well within the walls of the garden Eowyn rounded on her friend.
"Brenna is everything going to be alright? What is going to happen that you're trying not to have the other ladies know about?" she asked her friend in concern.
"Perhaps you ought to sit Eowyn," Brenna told her tiredly, taking a seat and leaning into Elladan's side.
Once she started talking, she could not stop. She told Eowyn everything from beginning to end. When she had finished her golden haired friend looked pale and angry. Faramir tried to comfort his wife, but she looked at him pointedly. With a sigh he looked away, knowing that they would have to discuss him withholding things from her in the future.
"Why would you not want us to know Brenna?" Eowyn asked in a hurt voice.
"I do not want to trouble Arwen during this delicate time or to make Lothíriel afraid. With that said however, I have seen that you will be there when they come to get me and that I'm going to need you," she told her friend quietly.
Elladan held her tightly to his side. "What else have you seen Brenna?"
"The attack is meant to be retribution against the Men of the West, particularly the leaders. I need to talk to Amrothos, there is an old abandoned port city on the coast. That is where they have taken up refuge and where I will be taken."
Elladan breathed deeply, they had some answers. They would know where to find her. Pulling her to his chest, he held her there and buried his face in her hair. She returned the embrace and relished the feel of his strong hands holding her.
With a reluctant sigh she pulled back to look at her friends. She realized that Faramir had left and Eowyn looked at her friends with a raised eyebrow. Grinning, she started a conversation on Ithilien and asked about how progress when there. Her eyes lit up in excitement when Brenna told her about the area allotted for the fields and gardens.
Faramir returned with Amrothos, Aragorn and Elrohir as well as the rest of Brenna's Guard. Aragorn had his personal guard members stationed around the garden with orders to let none pass. Faramir filled them in on what Brenna had told them and they soon began to come up with various contingency plans and back up plans. They eventually decided on a two front plan of attack to recover Brenna. They would go after her both by land and sea. There would be companies at ready during her entire stay in Dol Amroth and they would be at ready.
They noticed that Brenna looked tired and weary and soon decided to adjourn their meeting and meet up later in Aragorn's study. Aragorn assured her that they would handle the details and that unless there was anything else that they should know, that she could go rest. Elladan looked torn, unsure what to do. Seeing his brother's dilemma, Elrohir offered to tell him about it later so that he could spend time with Brenna.
Oriel found them in the garden sitting on a bench talking quietly together. She looked around and noticed that Eowyn was sitting by one of the trees with a book and that Arwen had joined them with two of her handmaidens. Oriel brought her friend the purple and blue shawl having noticed that there was a chill in the air. Brenna thanked her and asked her to join them enjoying as much of the sunny weather as they could while it lasted.
As the sun began to set in the sky Brenna's eye grew heavier. Elladan seeing this drew her against his side and let her rest her head on his chest. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and felt her breathing even out. Gently tucking the shawl more securely around her, he kissed her brow and thanked the Valar for her presence.
Elrohir found them sitting there and began talking to his brother quietly, nodding to the ladies as they took their leave. They wanted to give Elladan and Brenna as much time together as they possibly could. It was decided that they would take turns acting as chaperones for the betrothed couple once they had seen how greatly Elladan was affected by their separation. To strength their bond they would need to spend more time together.
Brenna slowly came back to consciousness, listening to the deep rumbling of Elladan's voice in his chest. She kept her eyes closed as she listened to his heart beat strongly and steadily in his chest, letting it lull her. Snuggling in closer, she felt him run his hand over her back and shivered slightly at the contact. Thinking that she was cold, he wrapped her in his cloak and picked her up to carry her to her rooms. Oriel smiled softly at the couple and followed with a grinning Elrohir.
Oriel walked ahead to open the door, letting Elladan and Elrohir enter. A fire had been lit in the room to kill off some of the draft that was now beginning to seep in even with the shutters closed. He gently laid her on her bed and kissed her brow before stepping away. He and his brother exited her room and greeted Eowyn who had come to check on her friend.
The two women set about getting her out of her dress, waking her fully. Brenna was disoriented when she saw that she was back in her room. They took her dress off and put her in a warm night shirt, tucking her back into the bed. Oriel told her to sleep as it was already well into the evening. Sighing contentedly she did just that.
Her weeks in Minas Tirith went by in a blur. She spent some time healing and cleansing around Osgiliath, but with it being late fall much of what was left would have to wait until another season. The work on rebuilding was slow, but the people worked hard to reclaim back what they had lost.
Elladan and Brenna spent as much of their free time together as they possibly could. She would be gone for about six months before she returned for the birth of Arwen and Aragorn's first child. They could be seen walking the gardens together or riding across Pelennor with chaperones following at a discreet distance. They made the most of their time together and talked about their future.
Brenna told him of what she had seen of their lives in Valinor. Elrohir had been with them in the gardens that day and listened quietly, eager to know as well. When she told him about their daughter and three sons he looked like he was going to burst with excitement and love. Elladan held her hands in his own as he struggled to find the right words.
Turning to where Elrohir sat she smiled softly at him and told him of his mate, Tinwel. He listened in rapt attention as she described the dark haired, gray eyed elleth to him. He swallowed thickly when she told him about his twin sons Brethilion and Gwaedhon and his younger daughter Dolien. Sharing a look with his brother, he hugged Brenna tightly and thanked her for giving him something to hope and hold onto as he waited to reach Valinor. Whispering to her quietly, he suggested that she tell the elves of her guard of their families to make the stay easier for them. She agreed to the idea and would begin talking with each of them about the life that they had waiting for them in just a short while.
The weeks and days blended together. Spending time each day with Arwen and Eowyn, she learned as much as possible about the roles that they played. Arwen continued her lessons in elvish and Oriel promised to continue them when there was time. She wouldn't be an expert any time soon, but she was learning enough to get her by for the time being.
Far too soon for their liking, it was time for Brenna to make her way to Dol Amroth. She wanted to leave before the weather turned too bad to travel. Her things were packed and she was getting ready to leave. It was a bitterly cold morning and the skies were gray. Dressed in her dark blue riding habit, she checked to make sure she would have what she needed.
Oriel knocked and bustled into her room to help. Elladan poked his head in seeing her put on her weapons and cloak. He took one of her packs and carried it, while holding her right hand in his free hand as they walked through the halls to the main courtyard by the entrance hall. They had been dreading saying goodbye and left it as long as they possibly could. Elrohir took her packs and stored them in her saddle bags, giving them a chance to talk quietly.
Elladan swallowed thickly as he pulled her tightly against his chest. He sighed feeling her smaller, softer frame mold against his own. He fought the terror and sadness bubbling up within and tried to make her laugh before leaving. Picking her up and spinning her around, he laughed at her startled squeal and giggles. With a sigh he stopped and slid her down to set her on her feet, and she reluctantly dropped her arms from around his neck.
He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them gently, his eyes glinting with emotion. She grinned at him and leaned up against him to kiss he cheek, purposely brushing up against him. She smiled at him coyly through her lashes before turning and winking at Elrohir as she walked over to mount her horse. The normally composed elf looked flushed and gob smacked before he grinned roguishly at her. Elrohir watched the exchange and couldn't help but think that the next few decades would be highly amusing watching them dance around each other. None of the others noticed the exchange as they were all saying their goodbyes.
Once mounted on Ash, Brenna promised she'd be back in the spring. With her appointed Guard around her and an additional twenty soldiers escorting them, she set out down the levels of the city. They made their way through the gates and headed to Osgiliath where they would take a ship to Dol Amroth. It would take days if not weeks off of their journey using the waterway. They boarded the waiting ship and thanked the captain for bearing them to the city. Brenna waved to the soldiers that had accompanied them in thanks as they weighed anchor. Amrothos chatted happily with the captain who apparently was someone that he knew from home.
The time passed by quickly and they made it safely to the port in Dol Amroth. Prince Imrahil and Lothíriel were waiting on the dock for them. They greeted the group happily and led them off of the docks to the main road to their keep. Amrothos walked with his father and sister, catching up on news and exchanging stories.
When Lothíriel dropped back to ride with Brenna, Amrothos leaned in and handed his father a missive from Aragorn and briefly explained to him what Brenna had told them about the eminent attack. The two men talked quietly, with their head bowed close. Prince Imrahil kept glancing back they two young women.
Crossing the gates of the fortress surrounding their holdings, Brenna saw that their keep was built right into the cliffs above. She could see that the town was built along the water's edge well behind a protective wall. There was a beach below where Brenna could see people pulling in fishing nets and children playing in the sand. Breathing in deeply, she took in the familiar smell of ocean air.
They soon reached the castle of Prince Imrahil and his family. Entering into the central courtyard, they were greeted by Erchirion and Elphir who were waiting for them. Brenna dismounted and began grabbing her things from her saddle bags. Lothíriel was helping her take her things and passing them to a waiting servant. She looped her arm through Brenna's and drew her along towards the front steps.
Brenna smiled and greeted the familiar faces that she saw. Looking around she noticed that there were a large number of soldiers along the battlements looking out into the horizon, watching the waters closely. Meeting Lothiriel's gaze her friend shrugged and explained that they had taken her warning to heart and had been making battle preparations for months. She told her friend that they had enough provisions to last a siege for months if need be.
Nodding she let herself be led into the main entrance hall. Much like Minas Tirith the building seemed to be carved right out of the rock. The design was a hint of elvish, but had the Swan standard of Dol Amroth and paid homage to their seafaring roots.
Lothíriel led their guests into the parlor off the main hall. A large fire was burning warmly in the hearth and there were throw rugs covering the stone floors. The tapestries on the wall were depictions of different scenes of their history. There were beautiful scenes of the ocean and an assortment of sea related trinkets and treasures strewn throughout the room.
Brenna sat gratefully on one of the chairs. She had yet to get her land legs back, which Lothíriel grinned and assured her would correct itself within the next day or so. When asked if Brenna had been sailing before, her demeanor changed. They looked at her in concern and asked her what was wrong.
"I haven't been to the sea since I was a child. My father always planned on teaching me, but life had other plans. War broke out in my homeland and it was no longer safe to travel to the coast. That was where our enemy was aiming their attacks," she told them quietly with a haunted look on her face. "My parents were killed before they ever had the chance to teach me."
The group listened quietly as Brenna told them her story. Some of them knew it, but many hadn't heard it yet. She explained about her birth parents and their efforts to save her, somehow sending her into the future or parallel reality. She told them of her adoptive parents and the loving childhood that she had. Her story got much darker when she told them about the World War that had broken out. The devastation and destruction that she described was mind boggling for them. The idea of fighting over resources, including water chilled them.
After briefly telling them about her education and life at boarding school, she told them of how she had ended up in Arda. When she told them that the world she had come from cease to be, they sat in silence.
Sighing she sat back and closed her eyes listening to the sound of the waves on the rocks below. "It almost sounds like home, " she whispered. "I used to lie in my bed during the summer and let the sound of the waves lull me to sleep."
Lothíriel sat next to her and took her friend's hand in her own. She pulled her up and led her to the rooms that she would be staying in. Turning to her brothers and father, she asked them to see that Brenna's Guard were shown to their rooms for the evening after they had whatever talk they needed to have. She beckoned Oriel to follow them and the three young women made their way out of the room.
Once in Brenna's room, Lothíriel pushed her towards the adjoining bathroom. There was steaming tub of bath water for her. With not further incentive necessary, Brenna stripped out of her travel clothes and climbed into the warm bath, hissing slightly at the sting of the water against her cold skin.
Lothíriel showed Oriel her room which was directly next door while Brenna relaxed in the warm bath water. She return to the room and gentle massaged scented oil into her friend's hair. The two women talked quietly with one another, catching up and chatting happily about their futures.
Brenna was soon out of the tub and wrapped in a warm robe as Lothíriel dug around in the chest of drawers. Pulling out a warm night shirt, she tugged it over her friend's head and pushed her into the bed. Ignoring her protests, Lothíriel urged her to get some rest.
Days turned to weeks and weeks turned into months on the coast of Belfalas. Brenna was greatly enjoying her time with the family of the Prince who took her in like a long lost family member. She was taught the finer points of being lady-like by Lothíriel, though both women would rather prefer they didn't need to behave in such a way.
Lothíriel began teaching her to read and write in Westron, which Brenna found similar and yet so very different from the writing that she was used to. She went over the household responsibilities covering everything from the kitchen duty, to cleaning the chamber pots. During one particularly interesting lesson in the kitchens, both Brenna and Lothíriel somehow ended up covered in flour and there was a chicken on the loose. The bellows of the chef were so loud that Prince Imrahil and his sons came running to investigate. Upon seeing the two young women they doubled over in laughter. When they explained that Brenna couldn't bring herself to kill and pluck the chicken the group laughed even harder.
Two months into her stay, the Corsairs finally made their move. Their ships were spotted on the horizon by lookouts stationed along the coast. They were able to sound the alarm and evacuated the people in time before their ships entered the harbor. Brenna watched as the Navy of Dol Amroth prepared for battle. From the battlements she watched the scene unfold before her.
The Dol Amroth Naval Fleet outclasses and out sailed the Corsairs. They were able to maneuver their vessels at pin point precision in the harbor. Whereas the Corsairs, not as familiar in these waters, ended up damaging many of their ships on submerged rock and sandbars.
Along the shores waited an entire battalion of Dol Amroth's knights, ready to defend their soil from any foe that set foot on their homeland. Their armor glinted in the sunlight as the bitter cold winds of the winter blew in off of the sea. The Corsairs picked a difficult time of year to sail, which was part of their problem. The seas were freezing cold and the waves were rough.
It appeared that this was a last ditch effort by the Corsairs to find resources. They raised their white flags before all of their ships were damaged beyond repair. Half of their remaining fleet had been sunk, three boats were run aground on one of the sandbars, while another two shattered on the rocks. It was a far cry from the battle that Brenna had seen when they were caught unaware, and for that Brenna would be eternally grateful to the Valar.
By the end of the first half of her stay Brenna was more familiar with the day to day life of castle life and felt more comfortable with both her knowledge and skill. She gathered her belongings together in her packs. Lothíriel had an entire wardrobe provided for her in Dol Amroth. So, Brenna decided to bring the clothes that she brought with her back. Taking only what she would need and prepared to leave.
Dressed in a new wine colored riding habit from Lothíriel, she made her way to the main entrance where her Guard were waiting. They greeted her with smiles as they were ready to visit another realm. They had kept busy on the training grounds and making sure that at least two of them were with Brenna and Lothíriel at all times.
Once again she would be traveling with her ten Guards by ship. Prince Imrahil was sending a group of men to travel with them to Osgiliath on the ship, where they would be met by soldiers of Gondor and Rangers of Ithilien. Brenna led Ash down the now familiar streets of the city. Lothíriel decided to accompany her to assist her with Arwen, who would need her friends there with her. They boarded the ship and set off. The trip was a bit longer due to the fact that they were going against the current, even with the aid of the wind it was not as fast.
When they finally docked, the sun was setting in the sky. They quickly gathered their things and mounted their horses. The waiting company of men greeted them and they set off across the plains to Minas Tirith. Reaching the city gate just as it really started getting dark, they rode quickly up the levels to the King's level by torch light.
Aragorn greeted them with a warm smile and escorted them into Arwen's private solar. She had gone into seclusion per the custom during the end of her pregnancy and was now due any day. She glowed with happiness as she rubbed her rounded belly, full with child and love. Waving them into the room she smiled at them in welcome. They talked briefly before they took their leave to eat a quick meal and get some rest.
Lothíriel would be staying in the room that Déorwyn had used in order to be near Brenna and on hand for the birth of the newest Princess. They all ate quickly and chatted quietly, respectful of the late hour. Making their way to their rooms they bid each other good night.
Brenna entered her room wondering where Elladan and Elrohir had been that evening. She was slightly disappointed that she hadn't seen either of them, especially Elladan. She entered her bath to see that there was water awaiting her there. Hanna entered the room and helped her out of her riding clothes and took them to be laundered. Brenna washed quickly and dressed in a night shirt. Climbing into bed, she blew out the candle.
Letting herself drift, she sought the council of the Valar. She found herself in the meadow surrounded by the female Valar who welcomed her kindly. Elbereth embraced her, and brushed her hair from her brow softly. Gently touching the stars on Brenna's forehead, she smiled down softly at the young woman.
"You seek our council young one, and not a day too soon. The little one will greet the world late tomorrow evening. Queen Arwen will be well, but will need the support of her female friends and companions," Elbereth told her.
Brenna looked slightly panicked causing the Valar's lyrical laughter to ring out in the clearing. "Calm child," Este said. "All will be well. It is women's work and a woman's battle to face. You have the Gifts that you need to help your friends in their time of need."
Brenna sighed in relief. She had seen some of the labors that her friends would be going through and was afraid that she wouldn't be able to assist them. Her fear washed away with the soothing words of the Lady Valar and she smiled in thanks. They sent her back with their blessings and Brenna drifted off to sleep.
Early morning, before the sun had even come up, Brenna was woken by frantic knocking at her door. Blurrily she opened the door to reveal a haggard looking Aragorn. She lit the candles in her room and was met by Lothíriel and Oriel. She told him that she would meet him there immediately. He nodded in relief and left them to get ready.
Once they had all dressed they swiftly made their way through the halls. Outside the King's Apartments she found a gathering group of women. All of them seemed to think that they would be sitting with the Queen. When they saw Brenna and her friends the scowled, before schooling their faces to polite smiles. Brenna grinned at them in response as she and her friends were ushered into the chambers immediately. She heard them squawking in indignation as they were turned away and told in no uncertain terms would any of them be entering.
Lady Eowyn arrived mid-morning and joined them. She was followed closely by her husband and Elladan and Elrohir. All of them looked exhausted and it appeared as if they had ridden through the night to get there. Brenna tiredly greeted her betrothed as she wiped the brow of his laboring sister. She sang softly, soothing the babe and mother, taking away as much of the pain as she dared. Elladan and Elrohir assisted Brenna as best they could. As healers they could help many hurts, but seeing their little sister the one in pain was something they were not accustomed to.
Arwen struggled as the day wore on, tired and in pain. Brenna chased the court appointed midwife from the room and helped Arwen to her feet. She had her pacing around the room to move the labor along. When she could stand no longer, Brenna helped her back into the bed and massaged her lower back. They repeated this process for a couple of hours until her waters broke and the labor began to rapidly progress from there. Brenna asked Lothíriel if there was a Master Healer or midwife from the House of Healing that could be trusted to help attend to the birth. At her positive reply a message was dispatched immediately.
Aragorn checked in on them as he was getting an earful from the members of the courts about traditions. He eventually told them that enough was enough and Brenna and the other Ladies of the Realms would see to the Queen. He used their own tradition of the highest ranking ladies being present at the birth against them, silencing their protests. When the midwife grumbled, he turned to her coldly and informed her that his sister and brothers-in-law were fully trained elvish healers. He pressed on saying that a Healer that he the King sent for personally was on the way she silenced immediately and left with her cheeks flaming. The guards escorted the rest group from the chambers where they had the doors slammed in their noses.
Brenna pushed through her exhaustion, and encouraged Arwen while wiping her brow. The Healer had come and checked the labor progress. The kindly woman beamed at the Queen and announced that it wouldn't be much longer now. The Healer at first wanted to banish Elladan and Elrohir from the room, but the idea was quickly shot down. Arwen was maneuvered into position, but she asked for Aragorn.
No one had the heart to deny the Queen and so they broke tradition. He climbed into bed behind his love and supported her. Lothíriel and Eowyn each held one of her legs to help her bear down while she pushed. Brenna sang softly, though her voice was nearly hoarse from the long hours of use. She was down with the Healer with a clean blanket ready to catch the child as she entered the world.
It was well past the evening meal when the cries of a newborn were heard in the hushed halls of the King. Little Duvaissel entered the world late in the night with skies bright and clear showing the twinkling stars overhead. Brenna held the child with tears pouring down her face as she gently cleaned her. Swaddling her and whispering a blessing over her, she handed the tiny, dark haired child to her beaming parents.
Elladan helped to wash Brenna's hands, while looking at his niece in awe. He kissed his sister on her cheek and clapped Aragorn on the back. The Healer tended to Arwen and took her leave. Brenna and the Sons of Elrond approached Arwen and worked to sooth the pain and trauma of childbirth on her body. She sighed and relaxed a bit better, they couldn't take the pain away, but they made it bearable.
Arwen yawned widely and was settled back into the freshly cleaned bed. Aragorn stood guard over his ladies as they slept. Arwen's two handmaidens sat in chairs waiting to attend to their lady. The others took their leave of the happy family. He thanked them all and smiled happily, yet tiredly as they left.
Elladan and Elrohir helped the ladies out of the King's Apartments. Faramir led Eowyn back out of the rooms. It had been a long exhausting day for all of them. When they stepped into the hall there were a crowd of the members of the court waiting for news. When they all started talking at once Brenna glared at them.
"The Queen is now resting, both mother and child are happy and healthy. Other than that you will all have to wait for the formal announcement of the King, per the customs that you seem to cling to when it suits you. They are not to be disturbed. Any attempts to cause trouble or bother them will find themselves in the stocks or in a barred cell before they have a chance to protest. Have I made myself clear?" she asked hoarsely.
Seeing Faramir's agreement to Brenna's word, the crowd quickly dispersed and left. The guards at the doors nodded in thanks and spread the word to the other guards that the King and Queen were not to be disturbed. The courtiers were still not used to a King being present in their lives. But they would soon find that they now had someone to answer to and that their behavior if found unbecoming would not be tolerated. It was the dawning of a New Age and with it would come changes throughout the kingdom.
Faramir and Eowyn retired to the Stewards rooms, with Elladan and Elrohir led the other three ladies back to their wing in the King's halls. Once they made sure that the ladies were safe and secure in their rooms, they had a guard set at the end of the hall to prevent the ladies from being disturbed. The Sons of Elrond went down an adjoining wing to their own rooms. All of them were getting the much needed and well-earned rest.