What do you guys think of this development?

I used the chaos that ensued after as a distraction to retreat to my room. No idea what a helms deep is but I'm too tired to care. I didn't even bother changing or taking my boots off before I lay down and passed out. I woke up before the dawn, a dreamless sleep. Gandalf had told me most of my memories would return in dream form, I was anxious to sleep; waking up to nothing was disappointing to say the least. I sat on the edge of the bed slowly allowing my cramped limps to wake up I noticed my hoodie and leggings were folded neatly in a pile on the other side of the bed along with several other garments I was thankful for. A green tunic, and breeches that looked a lot like joggers, loose at the top but funneled at the calf with ties. I decided on wearing those, might as well fit in. I know part of the reason everyone stared before was because my clothing was different. I changed into my new outfit and looked at myself in the mirror in the bathroom after I brushed my hair out. I fit in now, I didn't look out of place in this world, and maybe my memories wouldn't be so foggy now? The tunic was slightly tight over my breasts, but it wasn't uncomfortable. I think perhaps I should braid my hair seeing as we are traveling, I braided my hair loosely in two braids on each side being sure to cover my ears. Until I figured out more about who I am and this world I think mystery will benefit me.

I smiled at myself in the mirror still memorized at how my skin seemed to glow, no maybe that's not right it wasn't just my skin it was my existence, my aura. I ran down the stairs with a spring in my step excited to finally fit in and not be stared at. I saw our group at the same table everyone else was already awake and bleary eyed eating breakfast. I walked over to the table and smiled and waved at them freezing suddenly when I realized the only available seat was next to Legolas. It's not that I don't want to sit by him I thought. It's that I do! And when I do I cannot focus or think anything other than his eyes. I sat down vexed by my inner turmoil. Gimli and Legolas didn't even look up from their conversation. Something about who made better wine elves or dwarves? I looked to Aragorn and spoke softly only wanting him to hear

"Can you teach me to fight? I was not much use yesterday and if we are to go to war …" I trailed off. I was much more comfortable around Aragorn now than before and would rather it be him or Gandalf. I think if Gimli taught me he'd just laugh at me ' oh the wee lass you need a hot meal and a bed… us dwarves? Oh we are born holding axes ready for war. We are not as delicate as elves or men ' I giggled thinking of how he would berate me. I would not dare ask Legolas.

Aragorn's eyes met mine he seemed surprised by my request, " I would be honored lady verity, but I have hope you will see no war" he answered holding a hand over his heart

Gimli looked up at me then distraught written on his features "You must have the better wine if you're so drunk and daft to realize she's still starving!" Gimli gestured to me. Making me now the center of the conversation, I realized I had sat down before getting food not the other way around. Foolishly I shuffled off of the bench and ran to the kitchens and grabbed a small bowl of fruit my stomach could not handle much else with all the emotions churning in it. When I returned the conversation had changed to something else and I was ever the more grateful. I thoughtfully ate my grapes. "Where is Gandalf?" I asked quietly interrupting whatever elf vs dwarf discussion was going on now I really needed to talk to him I needed to figure out what was going on with plants growing around me and my ears. As I spoke Gandalf strode toward our table from across the room.

He huddled by them "the king will not be swayed"

He gestured us out of the door of the hall and into the street. I hesitated at the last step Gimli and Aragorn were already far ahead Legolas stood beside me staring at me; he grinned when I looked up and met his gaze. I blushed underneath it wishing he'd run and catch up with the others. He stared at me a long time his brows furrowed a small frown graced his lips. Then his frown vanished and he smiled widely "I know your fear Bein er " [fair one]

I froze standing straight up. He knows! He knows it was me. Is he going to tell? What if I get sent away or a worse fate of that of Gríma? Fear shown through my eyes as I looked pleading with him my eyes began to cloud with tears.

He reached out his arms around me and hugged me on the step, it wasn't a long embrace it was quick and friendly. Electric shoot through my entire body "come let us join our companions mellon nin" he said linking his arm in mine. He dragged me over the first patch of dirt by the steps I winced scrunching my eyes shut then opened them and looked down to see if there were any flowers. No flowers! I smiled; the flowers from yesterday still grew shining in the morning dew and rising sun. I walked with Legolas very aware of our close proximity breathless almost by it. I could see the rest of our group talking by the stables. I turned to Legolas suddenly stopping our step. He stopped as well looking at me questioningly his brow quirked, his lips smirking. I looked at him and opened my mouth with the question I was dying to know but nothing came out. "uh sorry my bad whoopsie daisy " I spoke the words coming out quickly like vomit. I couldn't ask him, I couldn't ask him at least not yet, what if I didn't like the answer. I unlinked our arms and shook my head, quickening my pace towards the stables to add as much space in between us as I could muster. Once I made it to the stables Gandalf was already mounted on shadowfax.

"-I fear for the survival of Rohan." He said as I approached he had already started trotting towards the edge of the city Aragorn and Gimli walked along side him.

I gaped at him "no Gandalf you can't leave you're all I have were supposed to stay together you can't-"I gasped at the pain I was feeling the grief in my chest of losing the only familiar thing to me. I ran to him grabbing hold on the reigns he held, hoping to keep the horse from moving forward but to no avail. Tears sprung from my eyes and flowed freely down my face. "You were supposed to help me! What will I do without you please don't go?" I looked up at him, my face red and wet with tears. Gandalf rested a hand on top of mine which were gripping the reigns. He looked forlorn. "My dear Verity, the Valar did not send you to be babysat by a wizard. " I looked into his eyes as he continued "you will find no refuge at helms deep. Only war." He turned to the rest of the group "you will be outnumbered until my return the defenses must hold!"

"They will hold." Aragorn said softly

"They will need you Aragorn, before the end" Gandalf warned him.

He turned back to me "We are all given a path we must tread. You will know what to do when the time comes." His countenance was weary; he gripped the reigns tight and caused the horse to trot. He turned back to us "look for my coming. At first light on the fifth day, at dawn, look to the east." Shadowfax lunged forward his hooves pounding the ground. My knees gave out from under me and I crumbled to the ground in an embarrassing heap of sobs. I felt arms wrap around me and someone comfort me. I curled into their chest. My eyes were scrunched shut as I cried and felt my grief in its entirety. Not long later I heard the voice of my comforter "it is time to leave we cannot tarry any longer" it was Aragorn, his voice held the same grief I felt he seemed to feel remorseful for having to interrupt my grief. I nodded into his chest opening my eyes to get up, we were no longer in the street we were in the stables, and large white peonies grew out of the dirt floor around us popping up around the hay. Its sweet smell covered the smell of horse manure and hay. How did I get here? Did he carry me? Was I so overcome with emotions I didn't even realize I was being carried?

I looked around the stables, it looked like what you would imagine a wedding to look like soft white peonies at our feet and it seemed the same vines with white flowers graced the walls and stalls. I glanced at Aragorn who was looking down at me to gauge my reaction. Seemingly feeling my thoughts and inner panic at realizing what I've done. I stood up fast feeling dizzy. "Aragorn how do I control it?" I asked

He didn't answer my question instead he stood up and said "we must make haste, I can teach you to fight along the journey if you are still willing?"

I nodded as we walked through the stable doors and I gasped at the sight. Candytuft in a large circle then small foot like prints in the distance that seeming to disappear closer to the stable. I know what happened now. I gulped. They all saw they all knew. What did Legolas think? Maybe he was disgusted that's why he had not comforted me, and Gimli he was gone as well too. Aragorn's horse stood at the ready not far from where I stood and trotted over to us happily, Aragorn mounted and reached his hand out to help me. I climbed on much easier than before. And we were off; I didn't have to fight a blush this time at being so close to him. He had just held me while I cried I feel we are past that. I'm starting to see him more as I do Gandalf. Could I consider him a friend after only knowing him such few days? Legolas considered me a friend. Even so I still tried my best to grip his cloak and not him. We found the rohirrim in no time. It was startling to see the droves of people all walking in lines. Some carried baskets or sacks of their belongings hastily thrown together for their journey. We rode alongside the walking people, as we passed. There were several wooden carts being pulled by horses in the middle of the precession carrying what can only be assumed as sustenance for the journey, or maybe it was weapons for war?

We rode for what felt like hours, Aragorn stopped and I attempted to dismount on my own. my foot caught on something, probably a strap. Flailing my arms about as I fell backwards ungracefully an arm grabbed my elbow stopping me from hitting the ground. I stood on my own two feet now blushing. I looked up at my savior to thank them and saw Rhun. He was smirking he released my elbow and reached for my hand and brought it to his lips bowing his head to kiss the top of my hand. "Lady Verity we must stop meeting like this." He said playfully

I bowed my head in embarrassment at his teasing, no wonder Gimli thought I needed to have food brought to me like a child and Gandalf thought himself a babysitter!

"I will be just ahead, Legolas and Gimli are around here somewhere." Before I could protest he trotted off on his horse. Panic surged in my veins once again, alone in unfamiliar lands; I knew they were close by but not close enough. Rhun looked down at me still holding my hand gently in his. I blushed yanking it away to cover my mouth. "I-I thank you, I am not familiar with Horses."

He smirked and nodded as if what I said was obvious. And we began walking side by side it was quiet at first. Not an awkward silence as we both were deep in thought. Eventually he spoke, telling me of his home, his family, translating the silly songs the children sang in their native tongue. Occasionally another guard would approach or someone would ride by and pull him away. But he would always return smiling. Being with him was different than Legolas or Aragorn; I felt I still needed to have a guard up. Even though our conversation was casual and light he would look at me with a strange emotion. Maybe hunger? No that couldn't be it. It made my stomach twist remembering how we first met and the position we were in. he did not feel safe, something about him was different than my comrades. He spoke of Rohan with pride; he spoke of the man Éomer who went against Gríma's orders on hunting orcs in the lands. He told me of our destination, Helm's Deep rest on the northern side of the White Mountains, the rohirrim king Helm hammerhand used the city as refuge for his keep, holding out during the long winter. Helms deep, bears his name in remembrance and honor. Perhaps it will serve us as a refuge again? Gandalf's last parting words echoed in my mind. You will find no refuge at helms deep only war. I shuddered at the thought.