A/N: Thank you so much for the heartwarming reviews on my last chapter. Really really lovely of you all!

To answer some questions you had:

- This story will continue with Vezely's exploits in Rhun for the next few chapters, with time/dates noted as it moves along. *WARNING* - it starts out slow (this chapter is set up) but I have some exciting plot lines to run after.

- And yes, I am writing another fanfictions after this = A dark!Vez AU fanfic set in the Hobbit filmscape!

Chapter 46 - On the Borders of Khand and Beyond

The march of the freed prisoners was slow but the mild spring weather made it less taxing. They made use of their few bows and arrows before departing the plains of Gondor, filling their stomachs with small game such a hare and fowl, thus sparing their gifted rations of jerky and dried fruits until the outer borders of Mordor, where the land was barren of life. They would snake down and around the western and southern borders of the mountain range Ephel Dúath, the Mountains of Shadow, which surrounded the ash covered lands. Even there, at the outward side of the mountains jagged upward slopes, they could smell sulfur yet rising from its fiery remnants.

Despite the foul air, since being homebound, the men were in high spirits and it was not until a full day of spring showers did they show any disgruntlement. That evening they had found some shelter against the rocky mountainside; the cave jutted in just enough to shield the company from the downpour. The rain only gave Vezely's mind an excuse to reminisce of the evening her and Legolas were caught in the storm out on the terrace, and remember the warmth they found in each other's arms later that evening. It would only be the start of her cherishing those memories in hard times, and this time her discomfort was minimal.

Vezely would come to know the Captain better through their long conversations as they rode their horses next to each other in the front of the line. He had a wife, a daughter and one son, both soon to be of age, and a homestead he hoped to return to and provide for by continued service to his clan. He told her, "If not for them, I would vow to go north with you on your mission;" for the man held great respect for the General who had proven her worth more than once. Yet Vezely also deemed he would bring King Elessar's words of peace to his people, and through his future service, strengthen Khand to become a strong nation once more. She hoped, through him and the others she escorted back, Khand would be an ally rather than an enemy if war with the People of the Dark Lands came to pass.

Remi remained quiet, marching alongside the other warriors, though often she felt his eyes upon her. One evening as she sat aside the Captain at their small fire, for the two leaders had segregated themselves from the others as was custom, Remi approached and asked permission to hold council alone with her. Vezely bid the Captain momentary leave, and she acted impassively as he sat beside her. She had grown ever more distrustful of his intentions since the incident with the dagger.

"Measure your words carefully, divinator," Vez spoke darkly, and she decided to resume honing one of her sai's blades with a sharpening stone, "And remind yourself that only with my continued silence of your foul deed, do you yet draw breath."

Remi swallowed what spit he had in his mouth before speaking; yes, he had pick pocketed the ceremonial dagger from Vezely's bag after the burial ritual and yes, he bargained it to win the trust of Yaban. He figured if Vezely lost, he would be under the good graces of the new leader, and if she won, well, he did not fear her repercussion; perhaps not until now. He fixed his posture and placed his hands on his knees, "The dagger provided me a way into their coup, giving me access to the information you asked me to obtain. Do you think they would have trust your personal divinator otherwise?" He tried to speak nonchalantly as if worry of rebuke or worse did not enter his mind. He then added as a compliment, "Besides, I had no doubt you could handle a blade being thrown into the mix."

"And the deliverer of that blade is dead for it," Vez rejoined unimpressed by his explanation.

"I had nothing to do with that," he defended casually, crossing his arms.

Vez arched one eyebrow up, finally looking at the young man who sat irreverently before her, "And if you are not here to repent, then what is it you desire to council with me on, divinator? For I have no need for my stars to be read tonight or any night hereafter;" her tone was slightly mocking the expected deeds of his trade.

Remi uncrossed his arms, "It is about my position, General," he then paused trying to find a more suitable tone, "I desire to be a divinator no longer and request to be bestowed the position of warrior."

Vez narrowed her eyes on him, and she became displeased when she observed his request was genuine. "Tell me, why does a warrior suit you better? You will lack rank aside those more seasoned and skilled. While as divinator, and one who once served the general, you hold some power."

Remi then made his intention known, "I desire to go north with you, to aid your cause."

"A cause which is not your own," Vez scoffed a moment later, asking, "What is it you desire with this?"

"To prove myself to you," he replied undeterred; garnering him an unkind look.

Vez considered again his base desires and scraped the stone across her blade two more times until she spoke. "I vowed to bid all these men leave to do as they please once we reach the borders of Khand. Thus I cannot deter you from this choice, or deny a lowered position you prefer to hold," then adding as warning, "But nor am I convinced your charge is worthy. If you follow me north, do not expect my trust to come easy."

"Gratitude, General," Remi bowed his head down and placed his fist to his chest in deference before rising up and leaving her side.

Vezely wondered if she was making a mistake in these matters, but a part of her felt Remi yet had a role to play in her life, though what that role was eluded her.

Three weeks after leaving Minas Tirith the company reached the borders of Khand after trekking along the northern edges of Harad. There, the four Haradrim in their group entered their homeland, seeking the outer forts for food and supplies before trekking through the sand deserts to their kin's settlements, which lay on the northern reaches of the land's jungles. They bid the General gratitude for her assistance and as the Variags who also departed, they vowed to bring King Elessar's words of peace to their leaders. Many years later she would hear such tasks were followed through with and Aragorn welcomed both the Haradrim and Variags as ambassadors to his court. Aragorn would also grant them rule over the lands of Mordor, in hopes that it would be green once more.

From Khand, Vezely would bestow the Captain the honor of leadership over the troop in her leave, and then depart northward with twelve willing men; each vowing to assist her in locating the Blue Wizards and to aid in Rhun's recovery. They were all young and able-bodied, without families of their own to return to or pressing responsibilities to uphold since they entered the war as vassals and not overlords. Most had an adventurous desire to further test fate's dealings, having survived the war; many believed they were yet destined for greatness. And others, Remi included, had grown a fondness for their leader and wanted to remain in her presence for they believed through her they could be made great.

The thirteen first traveled northeast, passing the eastern borders of Mordor, where Easterling forts stood now abandoned. Beyond defense purposes, they were used as check points for the militia; places of rest where legions could camp after they crossed the steppes and before continuing on into Mordor. They had a natural source of water and held stocks of rice and grain to feed those on route. The company's rations were low and would have already depleted if not for the generosity of the warriors they departed from. They had provided them with what was left after the journey from Gondor; knowing they would soon be replenished in their homeland. They needed supplies and decided to try the forts to see if anything was left behind.

The first abandoned fort on their path proved fruitful even if it provided no means of nourishment. The cleaned out rice and grain stocks and the wagon trails leaving northward, gave Vezely hope that those who once manned it returned to their homes, rather than westward to defend Mordor. The fruitfulness of their stay instead came in the form of weaponry. The supply room offered her and her men an array of swords, spears, daggers, scythes, bows, shields and armor to choose from, and they outfitted themselves appropriately for travel.

Kor, the most seasoned warrior of the group, though not yet passing his fourth decade, brought Vezely an Easterling officer's sword; and what all deemed was the best weapon among the cache. "General," he courteously handed it to her with outstretched hands. Kor was tall with strong arms; his black hair hung disheveled about his face but it did not pass his now bearded chin; for up until that point the men had no knives to shave on their journey. And his face was scarred aside his left eye, the remnant of the war just passed. Despite his rough look, he was not unpleasant in demeanor, and had garnered approval of the Captain, who informed Vezely of his trustworthiness before their sundering at the borders of Khand. Already she had taken a liking to him, for he was sharp, respectful, and appeared tireless in spirit.

She tilted her head down accepting the weapon he held; having long desired a proper sword since losing hers in the battle of Pelennor Fields. It was a slightly curved, thin one-edged blade, with a black leather bound hilt that could accommodate two hands comfortably. It was made of strong, militia grade steel, but being forged for an officer, it was considerably finer in detail. The cross guard and hilt's end were plated in gold and the black metal scabbard was finely etched with common runes declaring the common oaths of leadership. She unsheathed it and felt its perfect balance, and eyeing the blade's sheen she realized it was unused; unknowing then how soon it would be christened.

Two days later they came across an abandoned settlement; a cluster of wooden structures, fenced pastures, and food shelters in a disheveled condition, suggesting long disuse.

"No one's lived here for at least half a decade," Kor confirmed while examining one of shelters.

"Though it's been a more recent resting place for Orcs," Vezely rejoined displeased, noting the fresh tracks and refuse scattered behind. "We need to be wary," she reminded her men. While Orcs were now a declining race, small patches undoubtedly escaped decimation and they would have journeyed eastward rather than West to their slaughter. Her eyes then scanned the surrounding plains, seeing to the east a line of cottonwood trees.

"There are settlements to the east of the thin forests of Avalut?" Vez asked Kor, desiring to confirm her knowledge of the land's demographics.

"Aye General," Kor answered, ready to provide his knowledge, "The southern border clans dwell on the grasslands on the eastern side, where it is more hospitable to crops and closer to water sources."

"Then we go in that direction," she affirmed a moment later, having made her decision.

"We then abandon our northward march?" Kor asked respectfully.

"For a time," she stated nonchalantly while fitting a black leather gauntlet over her wrist. Then looking up, she addressed the men who stood before her, speaking her thoughts steadily, "The surviving Orcs from Mordor will have also taken that route, and I fear where they have gone, destruction followed. We may be too late to aid the border settlements, but if Orcs are tarrying in these lands, perhaps we can stop them from doing any more harm."

Kor smirked; containing his delight with the decision. As the others, he looked forward to the opportunity to use the weapons they just mustered. Variags loved fighting, and the thought of a hunt only ignited their appetite.

Not one night later they would come across a small band of Orcs in the thin forests of Avalut; the ones they assumed were at the abandoned settlement just prior. The thirteen quietly surrounded them, and Vezely bid them hold their positions to see if the Orc's conversation offered any knowledge of their intent. Yet their speech proved unimportant and they sprang on them.

The ambush was quick, for the Orcs did not expect danger in lands that appeared desolate of travelers and their weapons had been cast far from their sides. They would keep one alive, however, to question him.

The Orc gritted and cursed as they bond his arms and legs, tying him to a tree. "Curse you forsaken race of Men," he spat, "Evil, cruel Men. Kill me! Kill me!"

Vez walked over to the wallowing creature while cleaning the black blood off her blade with a cloth, "We will kill you," she told him with a smile, "But it is the time before then that you should beg mercy for." Orcs do not readily give information, but being skilled in various torture methods, it did not take long for Vezely to discover where the pack was heading.

Impressed that she got the Orc to speak after cutting off two of his fingernails, Kor remarked, "I can see this working quite well on men."

Vez shrugged, replying, "Men are easier, for there is one appendage when threatened removal that gets them talking."

The Variags admired her unflinching violence; for Vezely it was simply a means to an end. Without leadership of Sauron, the surviving Orcs would return to their tribal communes, living in underground lairs and pillaging nearby settlements. The Orc told them exactly where he was headed, specifying the small mountain range to the east of the forests. She feared the southern Easterling clans were and would be their victims if left to congregate and multiply. She decided to turn her men's purpose to eradicating them.

"We rest here until dawn," she told her crew, and then noting the anxious demeanor and quaking hands of the youngest in the company, Otar, she cupped his shoulder and looked him consolingly in the eyes. "Tend to the fire, Otar, and then get some rest," her softened voice and the light in her face calmed him. Vezely gathered he was undergoing post-war stress, for she had seen warriors fall victim to it before. The scuffle with the Orcs must have triggered this adverse reaction. After making sure the rest of the company was well, and setting men on watch along their perimeter, her and Kor would spend until dawn devising their future trajectory.

For the following year, Vezely and her men would spend their time in the Easterling south lands. They first laid siege to the small mountain lair, picking off the Orcs who descended from it at night and waylaying those that desired to enter. But in order to eradicate it and other strongholds they would find, they needed local support since they were few in number. It was her first attempt at mustering the strength of the residents that remained; asking them to be part time warriors. Despite their defeat and the loss of many of their kin, the people of the area were still steadfast in resolve and banded together.

The thirteen's aid and exploits had gained them mild fame in those lands, since the Orcs had already wrecked havoc on many of their settlements. Later, when they went from settlement to settlement, the inhabitants welcomed them. Vezely and her men, however, kept their identities and origins hidden. The Elf never went without a long strip of black fabric banded and tied around her ears, calling herself "the General" only. And when leaders asked about their company, they would say, "We are from the south," and as to their purpose, "We seek peace for Rhun and her people."

"Peace?" they would ponder, believing now their Orc problem had diminished, "We are defeated. Most of our warriors walk with our ancestors. Are we not forced to be at peace?"

Ramblings from the north had just started filtering into the territory - People from the Dark Lands had not diminished and they were sending envoys throughout the land to treat with magistrates and clan leaders. Vezely and her men suspected they were seeking to leverage their influence by rerouting trade routes to their benefit; hiding their true intent under a banal desire to restart the economy. This would soon make the outer lands indebted to them and in the future, they would be easier to control.

The south was the least populated of the Easterling territories, but due to the flat plains, which were more fertile as you travel northward, many considered it Rhun's agricultural heartland. During the war, however, the inhabitants neglected their crops and herds, believing they would be moving West to the lands Sauron promised them in Rohan and Gondor. The settlements thus now had to refocus their energies on their agricultural staples, cotton, sorgum, millet, and nuts among other things, and to tending their large goat population.

Settlements were grander and more densely populated as one traveled northward since they were closer to the Sea of Rhun - which Easterlings say is where the life of their land springs forth. There, four defined territories of the now defunct Easterling Coalition share the sea's shore and stretch out from there. The sixth, the People of the Dark Lands, do not share its banks and are located farther to the East, in the vast stretches of lands beyond.

The company would continue their journey towards the sea, returning to their prior mission to seek out the Blue Wizards. For many months they traveled from city to city, but no word, not even rumors, circulated concerning the two Istari, who all believed to have vanished the moment the Easterling Resistance was brought down.

"...We are searching in vain," Kor spoke carefully, while Vez stared pensively northward, as they stood atop the cliff face they were camped on that evening, "If they yet stand surely they would not be idle."

Vezely held onto hope for their survival and their guidance, but now she felt the same as Kor and knew finding them could no longer be their purpose of wandering. Instead, they would turn to seek confirmation of another rumor; about towns destroyed in the westward lands of the Easterling province of Logathavuld. Those were the lands where, when abandoning their charge during the siege of the Lonely Mountain, the militia of the People of the Dark Lands marched through to return to their homeland.

"...In Logathavuld, we would have allies," Vezely replied, speaking her thoughts on this new direction. "They were the least trustful of the People of the Dark Lands during the war. And if they have caused hurt to their people, they would be quick to aid us..."

Third Age 3021; 2 years after leaving Minas Tirith...

The towns on the western reaches of Logathavuld had been raped and pillaged, and their inhabitants burned as offerings to Morgoth. The Logathavulds knew the People of the Dark Lands were responsible, but having suffered the greatest number of causalities of any of the provinces in the war they could do little in the form of retribution. They did, however, snub the envoys sent from the Dark Lands, not desiring their council or offerings of resuming trade for they suspected, as Vezely did, their intentions were foul. And thus, her small company found welcome in the halls of their leaders, who listened eagerly to news from the West, and of the high king of Gondor's desire for peace. For Logathavuld was a prosperous province in terms of trade, especially with the West. Within the region sat the powerful state of Dorwinion, home of the most reputed wine in Middle Earth. Several other states were also growers and distributers of fine tobacco and spices, which before the war was found as far West as Dale and as far South as Minas Tirith. Sustaining peace with the West would be good for their trade.

It was also in Logathavuld that Vezely revealed her identity. And instead of distrust, their leaders saw in her prospects for reestablishing a militia in their province. Yet, Vezely was not of that mind. Yes, she desired a contingent of warriors, but not for that contingent to be beholden to one province.

"...I do not dissuade you from preparing arms. Instead, to secure peace in Rhun I would establish a force that stood not for one province but for all. One whose mission is not assault, as the Dark Lord wanted it, but to protect those territories who desire peace from those who do not," she told them in council.

Believing her cause valid and just, but more so finding it beneficial for trade, the leaders of Logathavuld were the first province to pledge aid to her cause. Thus started Vezely's building of a defense force; a standing company of men and women not unlike the former Easterling Coalition, pledged to keep order in Rhun.

Remi handed her a mug of ale, "Congrats, General," he then lifted his own mug in praise, "You have accomplished your mission."

Vez smiled slightly while taking the mug from him. The men decided they needed a night of revelry to celebrate the good tidings and forced her to join them at one of the city's taverns, even though she rarely went with them on their drinking and gambling exploits. "It is only the start of it," she replied humbly.

Remi had surprisingly proved his worth in the group, even becoming friends with Otar and helping the young man adjust to life post-war. She knew he yet held affection for her, but Vezely remained cold to all his advances. And if that wasn't enough for Remi to back off, he grew to fear Kor, who disliked the way he laid eyes upon her.

"A good start," Remi replied with a pleasant smile, placing his hand on her forearm, "You should at least take some joy from that."

Joy, the word sounded foreign to Vezely; it was difficult to be so optimistic. The support of the Logathavulds' leaders came considerably easier than she expected, and she began to worry she helped start a power play between them and the People of the Dark Lands; becoming a chess piece in their game. It was imperative to establish similar relations with the other Easterling provinces, garnering their support and thus making the Dark Lands keep their power in check.

The leaders from all the provinces were called to a council meeting in Logathavuld, including the envoys from the Dark Lands; for they did not want to shut them out. The majority were in support of rebuilding a neutral contingent of warriors, believing they were stronger as a united Easterling nation, rather than divided. Thus, clan or state leaders signed a treaty of peace and pledged their willing warriors to offer years of service at the various command posts to be reestablished throughout the regions. The People of the Dark Lands signed the treaty but were less inclined to pledge either resources or labor to the outposts. And during a heated argument between their envoys and the leaders of Logathavuld, stemming from accusations being flung concerning their retreat during the war, Vezely foresaw, as did others, that civil war loomed on the horizon. She also deduced some hesitation from the province of Agasha Dag, which lay east of the Sea of Rhun. This province shared the westward border with the People of the Dark Lands. Perhaps, she wondered, they were already falling susceptible to the Dark Lands' influence.

For the first time in three years, the twelve would separate. Despite being of Variag descent, Vezely convinced the leaders to allow four of her best men to be given officer positions at the re-christened command posts in the Easterling provinces. There, cohorts of warriors would be trained and maintained as standing forces. The cohorts at each were small, no more than three-hundred strong. This was because they were deemed as precautionary, rather than necessary. Many leaders did not yet worry about strife, since all provinces were focused on economic recovery, caring more about trade than arms. And the People of the Dark Lands seemed also to be of like mind, focusing on their exports; not that there was any stopping of their opiates trade.

Vezely was unsure whether reestablishing these posts waylaid their true intentions, causing them to revise their tactics, and devise a more sinister plot. Yet she felt better knowing a militia was being built to act as a buffer against any future encroachment.

She would stay in Logathavuld, whose leaders much desired having her command their main outpost in Szreb Kain, on the northeast borders of Dorwinion. Thus, she sent Kor to Agasha Dag, the province closest to the Dark Lands, and the one she was most wary about. "...I would go there myself for fear of future trouble," Vezely confided in him, knowing it would not be a blissful charge believing that some of their leaders may already be under the thumb of the Dark Lands, "That is why I send you in my stead..." for she placed great trust in the man.

Kor would take several of the company with him, including Remi, desiring to give the General a break from his presence. Remi was not keen on leaving, and made it known to his superiors, though he did not disobey orders.

For the next several years, Vezely and her men aided in forming the Easterlings' standing militia, with one of their first tasks being the obliteration Orcs. The peace treaty even extended into Variag territory, thanks to her former companions, the Captain in particular, who now held some influence in the region. Peace between the provinces was maintained through diplomacy efforts. Yet trade disagreements between regions within Logathavuld and Agasha Dag began to cause concern, and though resolved they highlighted the distrust brewing throughout the land.

8th year of the Fourth Age; 10 years after leaving Minas Tirith...

Recovery never occurs equally in all areas. It was inevitable for certain states to find themselves better off than others, and for some to feel neglected in the great hope for a stronger Rhun. The People of the Dark Lands of course took advantage of this inequality and sent envoys to disadvantaged states offering them economic support in exchange for fealty; though the perimeters of that relationship were hidden. But more than this, they used something else to exert their influence that Vezely did not readily expect; their culture. The cult of Melkor worship had started to spread.

When Vezely first heard that Easterling tribes in the province of Sogathavuld were making incursions into the Western territory of Rohan, she was surprised. The clans which bordered the southern part of Rhovanion or the Wilderlands did not openly show any intent at territorial expansion, and despite some disgruntlement on trade issues, they did not appear flippant of the peace treaty acts.

"...I will go myself," Vezely declared at a hearing, which was called after receiving a letter of the infractions from Sogathavuld's only outpost in the area. "We cannot risk destabilizing our yet tenuous relations with the West because of some rogue states..." Logathavuld's leaders were particularly concerned, for their trade with the West had finally reached where it was pre-war.

With a thirty strong unit of female cavalry she rode south, wondering if there she would meet old friends in order to apologize for her inability to keep her promise of protecting their borders...