Reminder:: Tolkien created the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and surrounding works and such pieces are only associated with his family and affiliates. 'May It Be' is an original song by Enya and her affiliates. Also re-sung by Celtic Woman. I do not claim ownership.

One more chapter before Christmas! Happy Hobidays everyone. =3 I couldn't help but use one of my favorite songs yet again in here. Let the music ring! And don't the Gaelic parts remind you of Elvish? 8D There's some long awaited action in this chapter and I hope that I get some reviews for Christmas. All I want for Christmas… is your reviews~! If you knew that I was singing that last part like Mariah Carey, you rock. xD

Thank you so much to all the people who 'alerted', or 'favorited' me or my story, or reviewed… or all four! It means a ton and it makes me feel very loved. =3 Thanks again and enjoy!

Chapter Nine :: The Raid

Life was slow, but never monotonous at the house in Rohan. I enjoyed living peacefully there, and I had stayed all throughout the winter and spring. It was now early summer and the flowers were in full blossom, the fields were fresh with tall grasses, and the air reeked of earthly fragrance. It was truly paradise.

I was surprised that I had stayed so long, but deep inside I couldn't imagine leaving… They felt like family. Real family. I knew what that meant now and I did not want to give it up. I… I loved them.

It was early morning when I was shaken awake. Linius was standing over me with an excited look on his face. "Lady! Come quick!"

"What? What? Is something wrong?" I rubbed my eyes and hurried as I stumbled out of bed. Linius did not answer me but ran out into the hall. I dressed myself quickly and ran out after him.

I saw his silhouette in the front door by the light of a torch. He beckoned me to follow him, so I sprinted down the hall and after him down the lawn. There was a light in the stable.

When we entered, I was about to ask a question when Beleg appeared from the top of one of the stalls. "Did you fetch the blankets, son?"

"Yes, Father, they're right here. I went and got Lady."

"Hello." Beleg smiled at me.

"What is going on?" I asked sleepily.

"You'll see! You'll see!" Linius smiled reassuringly. "I know you'll want to see this. This happens quite a bit around here, but you probably haven't seen anything like—"

"Hurry, Linius!" Beleg pressured. He had disappeared again.

"Oh, sorry! Come, Lady."

I followed Linius down the aisle, giving a small wave to the drowsy Alatar. He looked very irritated that there was so much commotion. His expression seemed to say: 'Do you know the hour?'. I smiled, thinking the same thing.

When I made a left into a large stall after Linius, I gasped. A horse was still panting hard, but she had recently given birth. A shaky, slimy looking mass quaked near her feet. Beleg was strategically placing blankets and making the mother comfortable.

"See?" Linius prompted. How could I not?

"Wow…" I whispered. "What is it?"

"A foal!"

"Gender, silly!" I rolled my eyes.

"A girl." Beleg answered.

"She's beautiful…" I smiled. The mother was a rich chestnut color, but her baby was bright and cream. Linius said his color would change when he was older. It was hard to listen to all the technical talk. The little foal's eyes were pinching themselves open and shut like the light was bothering her. She smacked her lips and tossed her head about and rocked back and forth with a spirited air. One thing he was right about, yes, I wanted to see this… It gave a whole new meaning to life itself… How could I complain that I didn't have memories? Seeing the birth of a new life was enough for me. It should be enough for anyone! Strangely, I felt changed.

That night after supper and a day of taking care of the little newcomer, our broken little family was sitting once more around the family fireplace in the living room. I loved nights like these. The fire was low because it was warm outside and we were scattered about the floor and furniture trying not to overheat. On nights like these, Linius taught me how to read and Beleg taught me about the history of the world. I learned so much and the entire time I was happy…

"So read this line, Lady." Linius scrawled something down and held it up to me.

"'The chickens flock together outside the house.'"

"Good. This one?"

"'It is time to say goodnight.'" I read.

"Very good. Hm… This one?"

"'Beleg has a—' Linius, I'm not saying that!" I scolded.

"What was that, Linius?" Beleg peered over his papers.

"Just read it." Linius pressured.

I let out a huff. "Well, it's not my fault… 'Beleg has a large, obnoxious head.'"

There was a loud crack and Beleg withdrew the scroll. Linius was rubbing his head but he was still wearing a smile. I started laughing at him and that sent Beleg laughing and finally Linius joined in.

"Beleg?"

"Yes, Lady?"

"When—"

"Wait a moment, I just thought of something." Linius cut in. His interruption made me forget my history question. "Lady, do you know any songs? When I found you last winter, I remember you were mumbling something that sounded like a song, but I never asked."

"Hm… Now that I come to think of it, I don't think I knew any songs before I got here."

"You cannot remember? What about the times you sat around the fireside?" Linius said.

It felt like I was physically taken back. After all, I was laying down flat on my stomach in front of the fire place like I had in the supply tent watching the men around the fire. I could see the men sparring and drinking and singing jolly songs. A smile came to my face as I reminisced in memories that were not mine and I nodded. "Actually, I can remember one…"

"Why don't you sing it, Lady? Do you know the tune?" Beleg said.

"I'll try, but nobody criticize, please?" I begged good-heartedly. I went over the words in my head a few times and finally decided to try after awhile.

"May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh how far you are from home

Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now

May it be the shadows call
Will fly away
May it be you journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun

Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now

A promise lives within you now."

"That's a great song, Lady!" Linius clapped.

"Not bad. Not bad at all." Beleg smiled politely. "Sounds rather Elvish."

"I know I sound dreadful, but I like the song, too." I admitted. "I only wish I could sing it better."

"You did fine." Linius shrugged. "I mean, I wouldn't go to Edoras and suggest a concert in the Golden Hall, but you were fine."

Feeling rebellious, I picked up the chair cushion and threw it across the room into his face. Thus commenced the pillow war! Beleg had to get in on it too when one of us accidentally smacked him hard in the back of the head. The three of us ran about the room, beating each other with all the soft objects we could find. I was giggling madly and was the first to go down. Father and son fought it out for awhile before Huan started barking from the noise so we had to settle down.

"I think it is time for bed." Beleg sighed and tossed a pillow back in place.

"Aw…" Linius and I whined.

"Off to bed!" Beleg shooed us.

As I went after Linius down the hall, Beleg stopped me for a moment. "Lady, would you spare me a word?"

"Of course."

He looked like he was feeling awkward. He wanted to say something, but he wasn't sure how to go about saying it. I remained patient and gave him time to make it easier for him.

"Lady… You've lived with us for quite some time now…"

I nodded. "And I've very happy here, but I do not want to wear out my welcome."

"That is what I was getting to." Beleg nodded. "I would like to thank you."

Thank me? Me? If anything, I should be at his feet scrubbing the floors to make up for my burdens on these good people! But… thank me? Obviously, I was taken aback.

"You have filled part of the void left by Linius' mother when she died… We have gone too long on our own. You make us feel like a family again and…" He paused. I was on the verge of tears being the crybaby I am. "I would like you to stay with us. And, not to push it, but if you wanted to call me 'Father'—"

I couldn't help it. I dived at him and clutched him tight in a hug as I bawled my eyes out. "That was the nicest thing I have ever heard…! And I would be honored to be a part of your family… Father." I let it all out in gulps and messy hiccups.

When we finally pulled away, after what felt like a warm and happy eternity, Beleg looked like he had tears in his eyes, too. "Well, you better get to bed now. It's late."

I nodded and walked down the hall feeling elated. How would I ever sleep now? I had an official father! And not to mention an official brother—

In the dark, I was tackled by invisible hands. I knew who it was eavesdropping though, so I hugged them back.

"I'm so glad you're staying with us, Lady. You're my little sister and I promise to be a good brother, I promise."

"I promise to be a good sister." I promised. Smiling, I finally said goodnight and everyone went to their rooms. I blew out the last candle and snuggled into the thin summer blanket. How would I ever get to sleep…?

I awoke to the sounds of barking. It was Huan. I sat up in bed, confused. I crept off onto the floor and quickly tied up my boots in the dark. It took me under two minutes to dress myself and open up the door. To my surprise, Linius was walking down the hall already. I stood out in the hall and watched as Beleg ran in through the front door with a torch.

The two saw me in the torchlight and I could see their faces. Something was wrong. Linius came running past me to his room.

"Don't worry, Lady, everything's under control."

"Is something wrong with the foal?"

"No. Go back to bed. All is well." Linius mumbled. I was definitely not convinced though when he emerged from his room with his bow and quiver of arrows.

"Linius, tell me what's going on!" I begged, holding his shoulder and following him.

"Thieves."

"Thieves?"

"Horse thieves out of the East."

I gulped. I had no idea that the East was so dangerous when I was living there. "Men?"

"No. Orcs. They're back again… Da and I thought they left…"

"They've been here before?"

Linius quickly nodded, obviously wanting to get back outside. "They take horses to the black land."

"You don't mean—"

"Mordor? Yes. Now get back in your room, Lady. You'll be safe if they know you are not here."

Fear in my eyes and a protest in my throat, Linius felt he had to urge me further and actually pushed me into my room. "Please. As your big brother, I insist you stay here."

I couldn't argue that, so I closed the door and sat on my bed. I looked around me and wished more than ever that this room had a window.

It was very quiet for a long while. Very, very quiet. I grew restless and started to pace back and forth, occasionally pressing my ear to the door to hear anything. Just as I was about to open the door, there was a loud shout from outside and a horse's desperate neigh. Immediately deciding I wasn't going to stay hidden any longer, I burst from my room and sprinted down the hall.

I will not hide… Not this time…

When I tore the front door open, I was shocked at what was before me. The fire coming from the stables made the yard as bright as day. Horses were scattering and the horrible, foul-smelling creatures I had seen at the camp in the East were wrangling them up and going after other runaways.

In the light of the flames and screams, Beleg was on top of a horse with a gleaming sword. He was flying along, literally cutting the throats of those who invaded his homeland. Linius was not on a horse, but he was standing resolutely with his bow and shooting arrows out with precision.

Feeling I needed to do something, I launched myself into the fray. Linius caught a glimpse of me as I dashed into the burning stables.

"Lady! Get back!"

I ignored him and dashed through the front door. The heat was intense and flames danced everywhere, blocking my vision with smoke. Coughing and feeling like turning back now instead of perish in flame, I took another step forward and strained to hear. That was it. The stables were completely empty, all the locks cut, and the door at the end wide open. But the small call I was looking for was still nestled in a bundle near the center of the stables.

Knowing where to step, I blindly ran forward down the stalls and the whinny became louder. I turned left and saw the little foal. Her mother was gone, but she was confused and tangled in the blankets, crying wildly for help.

"Sh, I'm here! I'm here!" I coaxed and dashed forward. My sudden presence startled her and she tried to scurry away. Without hesitation, I grabbed at her and heaved her up. She was very heavy, but she could have been heavier. She kicked around a bit, but I wouldn't let her fight me. I exited her stall and with a quick survey of the rest of the stables, I was sure that she was the only one left inside.

My eyes were watering like mad and my breathing was so restricted it felt like someone was sitting on my chest. Turning to the nearest door, the stable door, I ran out and into the fresh heavy air of a humid summer night.

Gasping, I set the foal down for a few seconds to regain myself. She didn't stir or protest again when I picked her up a second time. I was determined to get her to the house.

But when I went around the side of the burning building, I was crushed to see that the house was on fire now, too. I couldn't see Beleg anywhere, but it looked like the orcs were leaving with most or all of the horses. The foal was kicking again, but I carried her as fast as I could to the fence.

Linius was aiming with his bow in the light of the fire directly ahead of me. Eager to get to him, I pulled myself through the fence poles and struggled with the foal. There was a cry of an inhuman creature behind me. Dropping my concern for the foal, I whirled around. Linius was lining up another arrow towards the east, but coming directly behind him was an orc on one of our horses brandishing a sword.

"LINIUS, BEHIND YOU!" I screamed at the top of my voice. Linius heard me, but probably didn't understand my shriek. He looked at me just as the orc passed by and sliced the back of his head.

"NO!" I cried. Tears streaming down my face, I ran for Linius who was still standing. He had a shocked look on his face, and just as I reached him, he fell down over my shoulder. He was heavy and I was brought to my knees, trying to keep him up. Blood was pouring from the back of his head and I tried not to look, but understood that I would have to if I wanted to bandage him up and save him.

"Linius, stay with me, Linius!" I ordered fiercely. His hands clenched and unclenched and his arm was holding mine in an iron grip. I pushed him forward and looked at his face, getting the hair out of his eyes. "It's all right, Linius, you'll be fine. You're going to be just fine. I'm going to save you, Linius, I promise…"

Linius' eyes were hazy as he searched for something. He reached around with his other hand, groping about until he found my face. He held it for awhile.

I nodded, crying onto his hand. "I'm here, Linius, I'm here." I promised and hugged him tight. I pulled away and saw his eyes were glazed over. But… he wore a small smile.

Bawling and struggling with his body, I leaned him back and closed his eyes. I saw his bow by his side a few arrows left. Feeling a sudden rage fill my entire being, I snatched them both and left Linius behind. The orc was still riding away. It all happened in a few seconds.

Throwing an arrow into place, I took aim and fired. Missed. Screaming, I drew another and shot and another and another and another. Each arrow missed my spiteful target and he was nearly a hundred yards away now. Drawing one of the last arrows, I took my aim and shot like the day I shot my first arrow, basing it on distance and power. I released and the arrow whizzed through the air after the light twang from the bow string. The arrow soared and hit my mark directly in the back. The orc shrieked and collapsed off of the horse that continued to flee.

I fell to my knees. I stared at the grass as the tears flowed, clenching my fists and squishing the mud beneath me. Looking up, I saw what had become of the land around me. It was hauntingly similar to the campsite after it was raided. The final foundations of the house were burning down and the stables were already ash. Luckily it was wet enough that the fields didn't burn… Bodies of orcs were strewn about and even a few unfortunate horses and silence rung through the entire area. I could only hear my own heavy sobs.

"Beleg?" I called out, feeling the déjà vu.

"BELEG!" My voice echoed. Father…?

The silence was overbearing. I stood, forgetting everything that I was supposed to do and felt only madness. It happened again. Again.

Clutching my arms, I stared around feeling very cold in the summer heat. The sun was far from rising but it was easy to see on the starlit night. The moon was held high and glowed over the fields.

Thinking I couldn't leave Linius so easily, I went back to him to make sure the nightmare was simply… a nightmare. But fairy tales never last… Linius was dead. Remembering the foal and trying to forget Linius, an impossibility, I walked back over to the fence and peered over. The foal was sitting on the ground motionless. She had visible burns on her flanks and her mane was singed. Sick to my stomach, I patted her head. It was stiff and cold. She didn't survive the fire.

"Must they all die…?" I whispered sadly. My tears were spent. I felt like I would never cry again.

But Beleg. He must be around somewhere… Perhaps he's knocked out! He may need help!

I started running around wildly checking bodies. Orc, orc, orc… Another orc… Ew, really nasty orc… Beleg was nowhere to be found.

I used my time in the moonlight and my search for Beleg as an outlet for my grief and my last source of hope. The moonlight was waning and the sun was steadily rising, but nowhere could I find Beleg. In my search for him though, I found a horse that looked alarmingly like the one Beleg was riding lying across the grass dead. Fighting to find more evidence, I sadly could not. Not a hair, not a piece of cloth, not a trace. My family was gone in the dust.

Giving up all hope and seriously close to killing myself, I stumbled across a horse that was injured by still alive. I saw his panting stomach rising with panic. I ran to the horse, hoping I could do something of use.

I leaned over the black animal and stroked its sweating form. "Sh…" I comforted. Placing my hand over his head, I felt a big knot in his mane. Prepared to untie it, I realized who I was leaning over.

"Alatar!" The knot was the blue cloth. I started deftly searching Alatar for his injuries. His back left flank had a pretty bad slice. Orc blade.

"Sh… Sh…" I calmed him, pushing his head down. "I'm here… I'm here…"

Looking around wildly for something to use as a tourniquet, I finally settled on the tangled mass of clothes that was a dead orc. I tore fabric from the thing's tunic and ran back to Alatar. I covered his wound tied it tight. I helped him to his feet, which he was very happy to do, and I helped him limp back to the yard. I opened the fence gate and led him through by the mane and made him stand by the well. I got some water and poured it over his cut. It wasn't too deep and soon I had him bandaged up with more fabric I had to go and find.

The sun broke over the horizon when I had finished taking care of Alatar. To my surprise and small relief, a shadow slinked over to me from around the house. It was Huan. He was in one piece, but he looked very tired. I was sure he was running around everywhere like I was looking for his masters.

He limped over to me, being the old dog he was, and wagged his tail gently at the sight of my ready hand. I pet his head and pulled him into a hug. Huan sat down next to me and I leaned against him.

I wasn't sure what to do. I felt I needed to give Linius a proper burial, but I didn't know how. I walked over to Linius' body while Alatar was taking a drink. I didn't want to look at his face. After being more than positive that he was dead, no matter how much I wanted to deny it, I did the only thing I could think of doing.

I dragged Linius to the house and then brought the dead foal that was only born a day ago. The ashes of the house were hot and I couldn't recognize anything except the general lay out. Not a thing was standing. I covered the two in hot ashes and ran away from them. I felt like I had committed a crime.

Going to the last of my friends for comfort, I heard something creak under my foot. I jumped back and saw Linius' bow. The quiver of arrows was spent, but their container was still nearby. I looked to the East and saw that this was the spot I had shot down the orc that killed—

Never mind. I looked at the bow and held it for awhile, watching the sun rise into the sky. I sat down next to the tired Alatar and old Huan and sighed, feeling no tears come. It was a beautiful morning…

"Starlight gleaming, downcast meanings, horse please take me home…" I hummed, feeling the sting in my nose and lump in my throat. I wished I remembered this song when Linius asked… I was actually surprised that I remembered it now.

"Come home sad soldier, home sad soldier, to a place you know…"