One more to go people! Not sure if I should be sad or happy... =X

Chapter 27

They had no idea how long it would take to get back, but then again, they weren't in control. These horses Lenatir, as the light was called. No wait, the guardian. Well the horses just trotted through the forest that was now filled with life and light.

But since the trio was starting to get bored, they decided to make 'small talk', with Faramir starting: "It might just be me, but I don't feel like this was something to extraordinary overall. The nightmares yes, but everything else…"

"Yea, I agree. Somehow it all felt… natural," Aragorn nodded.

"Well, I wonder more how anyone is going to believe it. Talking light that's actually a guardian, shadow-like monsters that invade your body and give you nightmares which can also turn into a huge spider. Your wives are going to think we just drank ale."

"Probably. But in the end they'll believe us. Who's going to believe you? Last I knew, you still aren't married," at that, Eomer flushed a bright red.

"S-So? I just haven't found the right woman yet!"

"I could introduce you to my cousin Lothíriel from Dol Amroth. She is 20 of age, making you 8 older. She is rather shy, but when she gets to know someone, she warms up to you. I think her, calm and reserve personality would be a good match for your, eager and… impulsive one," the two Gondorains were trying very hard not to laugh.

"Impulsive? Me! Why would you say that!" he practically pushed Dona off the horse as he snapped. Turning red again, he glared at the other direction before mumbling in a Rohan language.

"Shouldn't you two be worrying about your children instead of finding me a wife?" he smirked as their smiles sank and a look of panic flashed in their eyes.

"Easier said than done," they both muttered and looked to the side, their faces red.

"And my council members keep insisting I make sure to have an heir. But in the end, it's not my decision to make now is it?"

"She can't be that bad… At least she can cook something edible…" Faramir wanted to puke when he recalled the chicken she prepared. Not even the dogs wanted to eat it.

"Be glad you didn't have to go through that when she was younger. At least now it can't poison you…"

And so they talked on. Talked about love, friendship and battles. Anything to try and forget what they saw in the nightmares.

They were so caught up in their chatting, that they didn't even notice when they arrived at the edge of the village. They only heard shouts and cheers as the horses stopped right before the glacier in which the White Tree still remained.

Looking around, they saw the many people that came to greet them. Dismounting, Eomer handed Dona to the healers and they took him to the tent. No matter how many cheers were spoken, they didn't really understand any of it. That was, before a familiar small male ran out of the largest tent, smiling and almost seemed like he will cry.

"Friends!" he called and jumped on the Rohirrim, hugging him to tight he could hardly breathe. And soon later, another man walked out, this one older and was crying. But out joy as he came closer and pulled the two Rangers in a big hug.

The three shared a look of confusion. Sure, they went out on a seemingly impossible mission, but why was all this required? And how can Hagen already be up and about after his break down?

When they were released, Aragorn was the first to speak: "Not that we don't appreciate this, but was it necessary?"

"You don't know?" the Chief looked in shock.

"Know what?" Faramir blinked.

"You were gone from more than two weeks…"

The three down world dwellers were taken aback by this and showed it. A look of disbelieve was on their faces as their eyes and mouths opened wide. More than two weeks? That was impossible.

"They are so going to kill us…" Elessar covered his face with his hand as he could already imagine Arwen when he got back.

"Then bring us back to life so they can kill us again," Faramir gulped, seeing how Eowyn would keep stabbing him even after he was dead.

"Somehow… I'm glad I don't have a wife," Eomer sighed in relief. At least he wouldn't have to go through that.

"I see you must be on your way. Then I shan't keep you much longer," a different voice said, but the trio knew it.

Well the trio did, but everyone else didn't. So when a figure of light appeared out the White Tree, the Sango got on their knees and started bowing.

"Lenatir! What do you mean?" Faramir tilted his head. Keep them much longer? Did it have something else they had to do?

"I merely wish to christen you as members of my people. If that is alright with you three and Chief Hagen," it looked at the said male who shakily stood up.

"O-Of course! If the guardian approves so do I!" he bowed his head.

The three royals shrugged but nodded. Might as well right?

"Splendid," it put its hands together before moving to Aragorn. "Aragorn. You displayed great healing skills along with the use of sword. I bestow upon you the name; Errapel(1)!" bowing his head the King felt the warmth of the light as it supposedly put its hand on his shoulder.

Moving to Eomer it said: "Eomer. You passed the mountain challenges in order to save you friend as well as defended my people. Upon you I bestow the name; Antigonus(2)!" and the Rohirrim did the same and felt the same as the Gondorian.

Lastly, Lenatir moved before Faramir and said: "Faramir. You are the one who managed to free yourself from the fear and save your friends. Having the ability of foresight has never before been in a human. Be proud as I bestow you with the name; Didar(3)!" and he too bowed and felt the same as his companions.

When they all stood straight and proud, the tribe members cheered once again. Now they could call these men, who saved them, brothers.

"You are always welcome here my friends. And should you ever need help, know that we will answer," Hagen bowed now that they sat in the tent.

"Thank you. But we still need to find the people that were taken. Until then…" Elessar trailed off.

But the Chief's smile made his looked puzzled. Why was that a good thing?

"I thought you might wish that. So I have already called together groups that are searching the woods as we speak. Some have been found and escorted back down and to their kingdoms. Fear not for them. I give you my word that we will find them and bring them back."

"A search party? Small group of men from Rohan. Have they been found?" Eomer's eyes were filled with hope as he almost jumped.

"Yes, we have. None of them have been mortally wounded, some merely scratched," as he explained, the King sighed in relief.

"You should be leaving soon. I will see to it that you have the best navigator."

"That will not be necessary, Chief Hagen," the voice belonged to Lenatir, who appeared out of thin air.

"I shall personally escort them."

"So, why did you come yourself? Did you think the others wouldn't be enough?" Faramir looked at the figure.

"No, that is not it. I came, because I wished to see you off. There is noting that shall ever repay what I owe the three of you."

"What you have done and are doing is enough for me," Eomer smiled.

"Not to mention you gave us new clothes. This way it won't look as bad when we get back," Strider chuckled.

A while longer and they arrived at the foothills. It really paid off to have someone that knew the short cut to them.

When they were finally back on stone and grass, their horses were nowhere in sight.

"Do you acquire steeds?" Lenatir asked.

"No, thanks anyway," Eomer smirked and whistled. It echoed about the foothills before the thumping of hooves was heard.

The first horse that came was Firefoot. A bit behind him were two more; one gray and the other brown as they stopped before them.

Right the names... They have meanings so, here they are if anyone's curious.

(1) Errapel - Davine Healer

(2) Antigonus - Winter Lord

(3) Didar - Vision Sight

Well, thanks again to everyone that favorite, followed and review!