Immediately Legolas nocked an arrow at the wizard and Gimli gripped his axe menacingly. Between them, Eredhel pulled her bow from behind her but did not draw an arrow, staring up at Saruman warily. "I come out as you ask only to be met with hostility. Gandalf, can we not speak as we once did, as old friends?" asked Saruman.

"I do not recall my stay in your tower as being any way friendly. But you need not fear, no harm shall come to you if you come down," answered Gandalf. Saruman snorted but then turned his eyes to Théoden, his face softening.

"My lord, did I not often give you council and travel freely over your lands?" He suddenly looked very old and bent, leaning out against the rail. "With the protection of the Rohirrim and Isengard, no evil would dare enter Rohan. Can we not have peace?" Many of the soldiers seemed moved by his words and their shoulders relaxed. But Théoden's gaze hardened and his hands curled into fists.

"We shall have peace when you answer for the death of my son, and the deaths of all the men and boys who lost their lives at Helm's Deep!" he shouted, shaking his men from the spell. "We shall have peace when the innocent lives lost have been avenged and scavengers feast on your bones. Speak no enchantments to me wizard!" The men agreed and raised their swords into the air as Saruman sneered.

"Rohan will burn, the house of wood and straw will be crushed under the armies of Sauron while you listen to the words of a wandering fool and put your hopes in the last remnant of a broken line!" he spat, glaring at Aragorn coldly. Eredhel growled and Saruman's eyes fell on her, a wicked grin spreading over his face. "So you have returned Varyor? Why not come up and we can finish our discussion?" Legolas pulled farther on his string and looked to Gandalf for permission but the wizard shook his head as Saruman continued. "He won't let you kill me, he is too noble for that. Did your friend tell you what I did to her? How I broke her, made her cry out for those she cares about and would do anything to protect. I realized that no physical wound would cause enough pain although my efforts left marks that will never heal. No, her body may be strong but once I made her see that which she fears most her mind became fragile. She screamed especially loud for the elf."

Legolas realized he was shaking with rage. All he wanted to do was send an arrow through the wizard's cruel heart. He looked over at Eredhel and was surprised to see that her weapon was steady, but her eyes were hard.

"Enough Saruman, you will do no more harm to her or anyone else!"

"You are leading these naive fools to their doom. You are quick to sacrifice those you say you care about, all for your conceived greater good. Well all your sacrifices will have been in vain. What comfort did you speak to the halfling before abandoning him? Did you tell him that was little chance he would survive? You have sent him to his death Gandalf and you will send the rest of them to their deaths as well." An arrow flew past Saruman's ear and he froze, the shaft centimetres from his face. Aragorn and Gimli immediately looked at Legolas but their gaze then fell on Eredhel and her empty bow string. The elleth's face was calm but her eyes betrayed her emotion. They were full of pain and hate, and she fitted another arrow to her string.

"I believe that was a warning shot Saruman, do not think she would hesitate to shoot again. Now please, you know how Sauron plans to strike, come down and speak with us."

"Leave here Gandalf! Or you will regret it! My servants may be scattered but you cannot enter the Orthanc and my power is great." He drew nearer to the balcony and raised one of his hands. Legolas saw the elf beside him stiffen, her bow falling from her grasp. Eredhel whimpered in pain, tearing at the fabric of her sleeve. She cried out as the burning intensified, as if Saruman was pressing the hot metal to her skin once again. Her horse shifted nervously and the men glanced up at the wizard uneasily. Legolas dismounted his horse and moved to catch her as she lurched forward.

"I have given you the chance to walk away freely but you have refused." Gandalf cast off his grey cloak and Saruman staggered back from the rail. "Your staff is broken!" The iron rod split down the middle and the pieces fell at Saruman's feet.

"Your world will fall to the shadow of Mordor!" he seethed. Saruman turned and stormed backed into his tower, slamming the heavy doors behind him. Gandalf sighed as he stared up at the Orthanc sadly.

"It seems our negotiations have ended. Saruman is now truly trapped. The Enemy will not forgive him for the deceit of trying to steal the Ring, he will no longer be ignorant of the movements of Isengard. Alas, that our allies turn to foes in times of war."

"Indeed," agreed Théoden. "But there is nothing more to do here, we should return to Edoras." They turned their horses away from the black tower and rode slowly through the flowing water. Soon they came upon Treebeard and the Ent seemed sad to see Merry and Pippin go. He bent to speak with Gandalf when Pippin jumped down off Shadowfax and splashed into the river, plowing his way towards several broken beams and torn fabric. He reached into the water and pulled out a swirling orb, studying it curiously.

"Peregrin!" said Gandalf sharply, "I'll take that, quickly now!" The wizard swept the glass ball from the hobbit's hands and wrapped his cloak around it tightly. "There are many dangerous things to be found in the rubble of Isengard." Pippin nodded guiltily and Gandalf pulled him up onto the horse. Behind them Legolas was still supporting Eredhel, her breathing ragged. Aragorn and Gandalf turned to look at her in alarm, the wizard stopping his horse alongside where she and Legolas were standing.

"Mellonin, what happened?" he asked gently.

"It is nothing, a parting gift from Saruman. The pain has subsided, I am fine," she explained. Gandalf looked at her, his face hard. When she forced a smile and stiffly remounted her horse he sighed, returning to his place at the front of their group. Though Gandalf seemed somewhat convinced Legolas was still worried.

"Are you alright?" he asked silently.

"Yes, that was a palantir," Eredhel answered.

"A what?" He was thrown off by her sudden change of subject. The word seemed vaguely familiar and he tried to remember where he had read it before.

"An ancient seeing stone. I saw it when I was captive in the tower. Saruman used it to communicate with Sauron as well as to allow Sauron to interrogate me. The Enemy has one in Mordor, allowing him to see through any others that have been found. That is why Gandalf covered it." Legolas stared at the wrapped bundle in Gandalf's lap as they continued towards the entrance to Isengard and noticed that Pippin occasionally threw glances at it as well. They climbed up the bank of the river and onto the mossy ground. From there they turned away from the forest and rode across the open plains towards Edoras. Long grass brushed the horses' knees as they continued over golden hills and trickling rivers. Small flowers bloomed among the clumps of wild wheat and barley. They were purple, white and yellow with round petals and shaded centers. After covering over half the distance to Edoras they made camp for the night and set Eredhel and Éomer as their watch, the two talking quietly as the air became cool and the moon rose high above them. Eventually the man's eyelids became heavy and he lay on his back, telling Eredhel to wake him if she became tired. The elf chuckled and agreed, moving to sit cross legged in a small depression in the ground and to decide how she was going to tell Legolas about the fires in Mirkwood. As she warily slipped into the waking sleep of the elves she dreamed of her last visit to the forest.

***
Eredhel was sitting in a gnarled and knotted tree outside the entrance to the King's hall. The capital of the Elves' realm was carved deep into the rock yet trees grew from the ground and up to the sunlight from within the caves. She had climbed to her perch over an hour ago, wishing to look out over the trees and feel fresh wind on her face. Two days ago she had arrived with a message from Lothlórien after taking a detour to see what evil was festering in Dol Goldur. The wood was sick, the leaves were dry and mottled. Cobwebs blocked the sunlight from reaching the ground and giant spiders were everywhere. A deep enchantment now lay over the earth, one that was quick to confuse and bewitch any unaware travelers. Dol Goldur had seemed empty but a dark magic could be felt in the air. The crumbling fortress was shrouded in a thick fog, with dead leaves littering the grey floor. Eredhel had only gotten within eyesight of it, crouching behind a thick tree root near the arched entrance. Spiders scuttled back and forth and she had even seen weapons lying discarded in piles. After seeing all that she could, she had retreated and continued on, looking forward to seeing Legolas in the Northern Realm.

A small purple butterfly fluttered past her eyes, pulling her from her thoughts. Looking down, she swung from branch to branch and finally dropped to solid ground. Once back inside the stone halls she walked quietly down a bright corridor until a rich voice called her name from one of the main chambers. "Eredhel, may I speak with you?"

"Yes of course, my lord," she answered, backing up to turn into the room. King Thranduil was standing beside a shallow pool, pouring a glass of wine and glanced at her as she entered. She remained silent as he took a sip of the deep red liquid and paused, savoring it critically.

"Hmm, magnificent. I understand that you came here from the Golden Wood yet Legolas mentioned that you passed Dol Goldur?"

"Yes, I wished to see what source of disease could cause such sickness to the great forest. I went only as far as the entrance as there were spiders beyond count. A heavy enchantment lies over that fortress," said Eredhel and the King frowned as he looked at her.

"You need not have troubled yourself that rubble is far beyond our borders."

"I was concerned for others and was curious to know the purpose of an enemy taking up residence there."

"But if we interfere with them at their source it may draw them to our dwellings," said Thranduil, an edge creeping into his voice.

"Have they not crept in anyways? If evil is left unchecked it will be free to seep into other lands."

"Other lands are no concern of mine, you would be wise not to burden yourself with them," argued the King, his eyes narrowing. Besides with Legolas, he was not accustomed to having to debate his choices.

"I prefer to fight an enemy no matter where I find them, not holding them off until they are strong enough to crush any who stand in their path. The Enemy is growing," said Eredhel with a sigh, keeping her voice even and polite. She hated politics, they made things far too complicated.

"Some of us do not have the luxury to travel as we wish, playing the hero. We have people and homes to defend, in all your traveling have you forgotten yours?" sneered Thranduil. His words felt like the lash of a whip and Eredhel bit down on her lip.

"Adar!" The two spun around to find Legolas standing in the doorway, his angry blue eyes fixed on his father.

"No, my Lord, I have not," answered Eredhel sadly, her chest aching when she thought of Rivendell. "I consider all of Middle Earth to be my home and I intend to do what I can to protect it." She inclined her head towards the King and then swept from the room, hearing Legolas' light steps chasing after her.

"Eredhel, Eredhel!"

***
She leaned forward and blinked to see Éomer shaking her gently by the shoulder. The stars were bright overhead and a warm wind was blowing from the West. "Were you awake? I could not tell for your eyes were open yet you seemed unfocused," asked Éomer.

"I was in a waking dream, if anything had approached or there had been need of alarm I would have known it. The elves can rest and be aware of their surroundings at the same time," she explained. The man's eyes widened as he rolled the information over in his head.

"Ah, a useful advantage. Either way, I cannot sleep peacefully so soon after war so I suppose we will have two people on watch," he said and Eredhel chuckled.

"Of course, I wouldn't mind the company." The sky slowly turned a pale blue as they sat in the small dell and spoke quietly. When the riders woke at dawn they immediately carried on, hoping to reach the city by early noon. The golden roof of Meduseld came into view an hour after midday and the men spurred their horses on, eager to reach their home. As they passed through the gate the King and his men were met with many cheers from the people lining the road. It was not the quiet, grim settlement that the four companions had entered only days ago. There was hope in the people's eyes and children ran among the houses. Already preparations were being made for the victory feast that evening. Smoke could be seen rising from the chimneys near the back of the King's hall and wood was stacked into the braziers near the entrance. The feast would begin relatively early, as it was tradition to toast to the lost soldiers at sunset, so that the prayers for their peaceful rest would descend down with the sun. Théoden excused himself to oversee many of the preparations for that evening, Gandalf joining him. His men went their separate ways, wanting to return to their homes. The six friends were left on the road, tired from their long journey. Eredhel looked over at Legolas and decided she would tell him now, before she lost her nerve. Reaching out her mind she felt for Aragorn's thoughts.

"Take the others to the dining hall, I need to speak with Legolas, I can't keep it from him any longer." She had explained the situation to the man during the ride that day and he had not been surprised by the news. Both of them had expected such attacks after their discussion with Lord Celeborn in Lórien. Aragorn caught her eye and nodded before turning to grin at the others.

"Well it seems we are allowed a rest from our long toil. I myself am in need of food and drink to fill me until this evening. Would anyone like to join me?" Merry and Pippin were the first to volunteer eagerly, it being their first time in Édoras they were eager to see more of the city, as well as eat much of its food. Gimli grumbled something about needing to prepare his stomach for the ale that evening and followed the other three up the hill. Legolas turned towards the hall as well but Eredhel took his arm.

"No, wait I need to tell you something." She pulled him in the direction of one of the empty watch towers and he followed her wordlessly up the creaking wooden stairs. Once they were seated on the edge of the platform he fixed his eyes on her questioningly.

"What is it? Is something wrong?"

"Lady Galadriel spoke with me as we were entering Isengard. She cautioned me against approaching Saruman but there was something else. I asked her for news of Mirkwood." Eredhel saw the other elf's face darken with fear.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice urgent.

"Legolas, there have been attacks on areas of the border and the orcs have burned parts of the forest. The Nine have been gathering more forces in Dol Goldur, I'm so sorry." The blue eyes filled with pain and Eredhel wanted nothing more than to be able to tell him it would be alright, that the forest would be saved. But she couldn't, the Enemy was strong and his power was growing, Legolas knew that. He gripped the wooden beam next to him tightly as he fought with his fear for his people. Eredhel wrapped her arms around him, feeling his head turn towards the curve of her neck. "Your father will not allow evil to overcome his lands."

"I should be there, I abandoned my home to peril."

"No, you did not. You could not have known what would befall the forest in your absence, you knew how important the quest of the Ring was. We must hope that Frodo and Sam succeed." The blond elf sighed and stared off towards the horizon, looking in the direction of his home. After a moment he turned away, setting his eyes on the Golden Hall.

"You are right, it will do no good to dwell on such things when there is nothing we can do to change them. Besides if I left now, who would there be to look out for you?" Legolas grinned and Eredhel snorted.

"I have no need of anyone looking out for me, I can assure you. Come on, they will be wondering where we are." They descended the creaking steps and continued up the hill. Inside they quickly removed their armor and weapons and made their way to the room that Theoden had given to his guests. The room was bright and open, with eight large beds and soft carpets on the floor. Eredhel changed into a clean tunic, as the one she wore had become torn and dirty. She found clothes had been left for her in one of the drawers but passed on the dresses for a navy, silk tunic. Once they were ready they returned to the central hall where benches and tables were being arranged and grey smoke twisted up through the hole in the roof from several fires lit around the room. Aragorn and the others were standing to the side, trying to keep out of the way. The feast would start in an hour and it seemed that preparations were behind schedule. Women in aprons hurried to and fro carrying pots brimming with fruit filling and boiled vegetables. The smell of food had wafted from the kitchens and Gimli and the hobbits sniffed eagerly. Aragorn chuckled as he drew out his pipe.

"Well we may as well find ourselves a place to sit, my feet are weary from the past few days." They found a long table to the far side of the room and sat so there were three of them on each side. Already wine had been set out and Eredhel reached to pour a glass as villagers began to enter the hall. As she extended her arm Pippin caught a glance of her exposed wrist where her bracer usually was. His eyes studied the scar curiously before Eredhel saw him looking and she hastily pulled the fabric down. Pippin however did not catch on to her discomfort and he pointed to her hand.

"Eredhel that is a strange mark. I have not noticed it before. How did you get it?"

"It's nothing, really," she said.

"And I just realized that you did not mention what happened to you after we were captured by the Orcs, we've told our tale, now it's your turn. All we know is that you were grabbed by that flying monster and then met the others near Fangorn. Go on, there's nothing like an exciting story to prepare you for a good meal," added Merry. Eredhel was about to reply when Aragorn cut her off, for a moment acting as her protective brother.

"No, I do not think now is the time gentleman. It is hardly a story for victory feasts. Instead let's hear about those Midsummer Eve parties you've mentioned so often." The hobbits were perturbed by the lack of information for a moment but they quickly rebounded with a long and detailed description of their favorite summer parties. They spoke dreamily about the food, the pastries, the cakes, the honey pork and the golden ale. There would be many lights and the air would be warm and sweet. Of course, there would be dancing and singing and anyone who could play an instrument was welcome to perform as often as they wished. By the time the two hobbits had finished telling the story of the time they had danced for two hours straight the hall around them was entirely packed with people and the sky outside had turned a bright pink with the setting sun. Soon a bell was rang and they all stood for the King's toast. King Théoden was dressed in a silk shirt of deep red and he raised his glass as he cleared his throat.

"Tonight we celebrate the lives of those who fell in battle and the lives that will now prosper because of their sacrifice. In such dark times we must hold on to hope and have trust in the strength of our people. To the victorious dead, may they rest in peace with honor." He took a long drink from the glass and his movement was followed by the rest of the room. After a moment of silence Théoden indicated for the food, and platters were brought to every table. There was soft warm bread and cheese, a thick beef stew with root vegetables, roasted mutton and chicken, peas, beans and other native dishes.

The sound of scraping cutlery and the murmur of voices filled the room as everyone ate. Gimli and Aragorn piled their plates with a bit of everything while Merry and Pippin started with the bread and slowly worked their way through the rest. The two elves took moderate portions as they needed little food for sustenance. Eredhel pulled off small pieces from her chicken as she chewed slowly, staring across the room. Legolas followed her gaze and saw she was looking at Éowyn who was seated at the high table with the King. The blond woman's eyes were on Aragorn, a faint smile on her lips. Eredhel frowned and turned away before Éowyn saw her. "She is fair," said Legolas suddenly in her head.

"Aye, she is, she and her brother share a strong resemblance," she replied.

"As you do with your siblings."

"Somehow we all inherited my father's looks. A pity, my mother had golden hair and blue eyes. She is fond of Aragorn," said Eredhel bluntly.

"But then you and I would look far too much alike," pointed out Legolas with a chuckle. "Are you concerned that his eyes will cease to want to look upon your sister?"

"No, of course not, I am concerned as to how he is going to deal with the situation. Aragorn can often be completely blind to the affection others have for him. It was quite fun to see him stutter through declining other elleth's advances before he met Arwen." Eredhel caught Legolas' eye and they grinned at their friend across the table. Aragorn had just finished his last piece of meat when Théoden called for the clearing of the center of the room. The tables were lined up along the walls and instruments were brought out from storerooms. The music was bright and many people began stomping their feet to accompany the players. Pippin and Merry went in search of more ale as Gandalf appeared beside Aragorn and Eredhel. He was wearing a wide smile but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"I do not think I formally congratulated you on your victory," said the wizard.

"You need not, for if you had not arrived the battle would have gone ill." Aragorn's face grew sombre and he lowered his voice," Has there been no word of Frodo?"

"No, he is no longer within my sight. My heart grieves for it was I who allowed him to embark on the Quest and I now believe that I have sent him to his doom. Eredhel have you seen anything?" The elf shook her head and Gandalf sighed.

"Do not lose hope my friend," said Aragorn. "We would know if Frodo and Sam's journey had ended. Allow your heart to speak, what does it say?"

"That they still carry on," answered Gandalf with a small smile. Aragorn clapped him on the shoulder and then saw Éowyn making her way across the room towards him. Eredhel quickly excused herself and turned to talk to Legolas but found him nowhere in sight. She caught a glimpse of his light hair at a table with Gimli beside him. As she walked towards them she saw that they had an audience. The two were downing pints of ale and there were already several empty mugs on the table. They had both just finished their sixth when Gimli caught sight of Eredhel and pointed at her boldly.

"Ah see here! You are about t-to lose in front of the lass!" he exclaimed, stuttering slightly. Those watching parted to allow her through and she shook her head at the two friends' antics.

"And what exactly are you two doing?"

"We're goin' to see which, urrrp, excuse me, race can better hold their ale!" explained Gimli as he downed another pint. Eredhel looked at Legolas and her eyes narrowed.

"Oh are you now?" He knew as well as she did that it took far longer for alcohol to have an effect on the Eldar. He grinned sheepishly and turned to the dwarf beside him, giving her a wink as he did so.

"Gimli, I think it's starting to affect me, I, I don't know how much longer I can last!" He rubbed his fingers together, barely suppressing a laugh. Eredhel rolled her eyes and turned away, taking a cup of wine from the counter behind her. She spotted Aragorn and Éomer watching Merry and Pippin dance on a table and went to join them. It had not taken the hobbits long to get in the spirit. The beer in their mugs sloshed onto the table as they spun in circles and kicked their feet. They were singing a song about the Green Dragon, their beloved local tavern. Their curls bounced and their cheeks grew redder as they progressed through the song with a crowd cheering them on. Aragorn nodded to her as she reached them.

"Well they're enjoying themselves," he said.

"Your friends are a very merry folk," acknowledged Éomer.

"Indeed, if only we all valued food and good company over power and gold," agreed Aragorn. The three of them laughed as Merry and Pippin linked arms and downed the contents of their mugs.

"So where did you travel since you last came to Edoras Eredhel?" asked Éomer, tearing his eyes from the hobbits for a moment.

"All over," replied Eredhel, smiling. "I went South for a while before returning to the North and then venturing West over the mountains to the great forest."

"How did the two of you meet?" inquired Aragorn.

"I was preparing for a ride by the stables one day when I noticed someone lurking under the eve of one of the harvest sheds. They did not move but simply watched and listened. When I mentioned it to King Théoden he explained who it was. Of course I had heard the rumors of this Varyor, who fought off orcs and seemed to know the comings and goings of all Middle Earth. When I approached the wanderer I was surprised to find a woman and even more surprised when she knew who I was and where I was going."

"Yes she tends to know more than she should," said Aragorn and Eredhel glared at him. At that moment a strong arm wrapped around her waist and Legolas rested his chin on her shoulder.

"And it often gets her into trouble," he added with a grin and Eredhel scowled. "I won by the way, I'm afraid the dwarf lost his balance after his thirteenth glass."

"Congratulations my friend," said Éomer. Eredhel rolled her eyes and drained her cup of wine, it was tart, made with some kind of berries that grew on the plains. She could hear Legolas humming in her ear and she turned to face him.

"And just how much of an effect did that ale have on you?" Legolas looked at her in mock incredulity.

"I'm insulted melethen, you do realize that I grew up in the halls of Mirkwood?"

"Yes and now look at you, made slow by the drought of men!" prodded Eredhel with a smirk.

"Slow? Well then let us see who is slow. I'm sure they have targets at the training grounds, what say you to a rematch? The loser drinks three pints." Eredhel considered him then reached for a drink of wine and finished it in one go before sliding it down the table.

"I say you should prepare to join Gimli on the floor," she answered.