Gwin checks in with the Brenin, and tries to convince Nona not to be afraid of her. Enjoy!

Chapter 47

I was able to reach Lhanuch just before sunset, and the guards, recognizing me, let me in begrudgingly. I almost rolled my eyes at their prejudice, but refrained. Asking around, I was directed to the Brenin's Hall. After waiting for a short time, I was allowed to speak to Glynn Brenin.

I bowed and greeted the Brenin in the Elvish fashion, and he said, "Greetings, Elichthi. What brings you to my hall?"

"I was asked by my leader Halbarad to enquire on the welfare of you and your village after your encounter with Saruman's emissary," I replied.

The Brenin sat in thought for a moment, and seemed uneasy. "It has been quiet…perhaps too quiet. I worry Saruman is planning something."

I held in a sigh and replied, "It is indeed possible, but if your defenses remain strong and your people united, I believe you can overcome whatever challenge Saruman poses to you." I was not sure if I believed this entirely, but I could tell that my words seemed to encourage him.

"We have fortified our outer walls and doubled the watch," he replied. "The back entrance was not well-defended, and I thank you for making us aware of it." I almost blushed at the reason why I knew this fact, but managed to keep it at bay by focusing on the conversation at hand.

"Of course," I said. "Please send word to my group should you need aid, but we will keep our distance unless you ask for help."

"Thank you Elichthi, I will keep it in mind." He looked searchingly at me, and I fought the urge to squirm. "I wondered if you were…recovered from the troubles you faced during the meeting with the emissary."

"I am well Glynn Brenin." I replied, despite it not being entirely true.

He seemed to sense this, and I noted that it was good Lhanuch had such a perceptive leader. "If there is anything I or my village can do to help you, please let me know. We are in your debt for the aid you provided us."

I bowed and answered, "Thank you, I appreciate the offer." Noting that I was dismissed, I left the tent and took some deep breaths. The memory of the council meeting had returned to me in full force, and recalling the words I had said and the fast but furious battle with the large Uruk was difficult for me to handle. Before I had a chance to gather myself, I took only a few steps before I almost ran face-first into Nona, who looked at me in shock and no small amount of fear. Before she could run away, I called, "Nona wait! Please, can we talk?" She looked at me warily. "I promise, you have nothing to fear from me. If you let me explain, perhaps I can reassure you." After a few moments of indecision, she nodded shortly and I wordlessly followed her to a more secluded location.

"What do you want?" Nona asked nervously.

I sighed. "Nona, I came to speak with the Brenin, but also with you. I wanted to see how you were doing after everything that has happened." I paused, and once I was sure she would stay to listen, I added, "I am concerned for you."

Nona laughed, but it was a harsh, humorless sound. "Concerned? Do not be concerned for me. I was lost after the death of my brother, but that was before I learned of the glory he had attained before his death. Those who slew him were right to do so from hiding; they must have been able to sense that he had become a great warrior and would have bested them." She sat down on the ground, and I followed slowly. "I am sorry I ran off after what happened between you and the red-haired dwarf. It was cowardly." She looked angry at herself, and I wanted to take her hand, but refrained.

Instead, I replied, "It is understandable; I was afraid after Elrohir told me what happened. I almost left to go off alone because I did not want another person to be hurt because of it."

"Almost?" Nona asked.

I nodded, "Yes, almost. Elrohir convinced me it was best to stay close to friends and family; they could help me if something similar were to happen again." I paused for a moment, thinking. "I suppose this is true in life as well; leaning on those we love when we need help is better than trying to face it all alone." It was a lesson I was truly just learning; I had been on my own for so many months that I didn't realize how much easier it could be with others to have my back. I had forgotten the importance of companionship, support, and love.

Nona was looking at her hands, and seemed unsure what to say. I waited in silence, and finally she murmured, "I wish Wadu had learned that lesson before he died. Perhaps we would still be together, doing great deeds as brother and sister." I saw her wipe her face roughly, clearly ashamed to be seen crying. "I left my brother's sword next to his favorite tree, on a hill nearby. I thought to keep it there in his memory…but maybe it would be better to wield this sword in the defense of our people. I wish to avenge my brother." She pointed it out to me, and I could see the sword from here. "Could you fetch it for me?"

Worried about her plans of vengeance, I nodded, and went to retrieve the sword. On the way, I ran into her father, Suvulch, and I was alarmed at his appearance. He was wandering about, and almost unaware of his surroundings. He seemed not to recognize me initially when I greeted him, but finally said, "Nona...told me...about the mighty gwiber. The one he...the one my son killed. I did not think he had the spirit for that." I went to reply, but he walked away from me without a farewell. I found this very alarming, but Nona must have known about it and likely did not know how to help him.

When I returned the sword to Nona's hand, she looked at it for a moment, deep in thought. "I will use this sword in Wadu's memory." She then turned to me, and I became wary at the determined look in her eyes. "'I have a request, Gwinthilnel. Go to the leader of your company, the man called Halbarad, and tell him that I will go with your people when they leave Lhanuch. It is my desire to avenge the death of my brother on the enemies of the Uch-luth and on the Wizard Saruman, and our road lies together for a little while."

The chance of Halbarad letting her come with us was almost zero, but I promised to relay the message. "Until we next meet," I said, and waved farewell before heading back to Candaith's camp.

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On my way there, I was waylaid by Elrohir. "Suilad," he said with a grin. "I was asked to escort you directly to Halbarad's camp, as he wants to talk to you personally."

"Ah, I see," I replied, feeling disappointed.

Elrohir gave me an understanding smile but couldn't help but tease me, "Your valiant Dunedain ranger is safe and well, and I am sure the thought of you returning to his side will sustain him until you meet again!" I rolled my eyes and would have shoved him off his horse if he had not danced out of my reach.

The first person I saw upon entrance to the camp was Radanir, who's eyes lit up and a wide grin was on his face. "Gwin! It is great to see you!" I dismounted and he swept me up into a bear hug, and immediately I was passed off to Lothrandir, who twirled me around until I was dizzy. "What on earth!" I gasped, trying not to fall over.

Both rangers laughed, and Radanir said, "We planned this little ambush for whenever you showed up!" I tried to glare at them but couldn't help the smile that formed on my face. "How was your journey?"

I inferred that he meant the entirety of our little quest up the mountain, and replied, "Oh it was fine, a few little hiccups along the way but all of us are alive and uninjured, which is about all you can ask for." I was smiling but of course, being the perceptive rangers they were, I could tell they noticed I was not exactly telling the whole truth. Before they could question me further, I saw Halbarad coming towards me and made a hasty exit.

"Hello Gwinthilnel, it is good to see you again," Halbarad said, clapping me on the shoulder.

"And you as well!" I replied. Looking around, I noted that only a handful of Dunedain were here. "I assume most of our party is spread far afield?"

Halbarad nodded. "Indeed; some very strange things are occurring in Enedwaith, but we do not have the time to investigate everything." He sighed, and I sat down next to him on a log in front of the fire. "Our main priority is getting to Aragorn, and hopefully playing a part in keeping some of the Dunlending clans from allying with Saruman."

"I spoke with the Brenin today, as you asked, and he is firm in his decision to fight against Saruman. However, he worries about how quiet things have seemed. Perhaps Saruman is planning something?"

"I find it likely, but what those plans are, we do not know." He looked frustrated, and I could sympathize. Turning towards me more fully, he continued, "I heard from Elrohir about your time in Zudrugund." I nodded but was unsure how detailed Elrohir had been; could Halbarad know about the strange evil presence trying to influence me? "It seems like the dwarf Nar has knowledge of our road, but we are unable to learn of it due to his…mental faculties."

"Yes, it is unfortunate that we have more questions than answers, but if I may give my opinion?" I asked, and when Halbarad nodded, I said, "I feel there is still a need to further investigate. There has been a strange feeling growing in my mind that perhaps Saruman knows of Nar, and guesses that he has information that he cannot articulate." I furrowed my brow, "I fear Saruman will send enemies to capture and interrogate him, and the poor dwarf would likely not survive it." The thought of Nar being tormented but unable to answer the questions of his captors made my heart ache.

Halbarad looked thoughtful. "Who could have told him about our road, or even about the Dunedain?"

I shrugged, "It is possible he may have known one, many years ago, who could have educated him on your people's history, which would include the Oathbreakers and potentially the Paths of the Dead." It seemed like a stretch, but anything was possible. "However, we have no evidence of this."

We sat for a short time, both of us deeply in thought. I was trying to figure out how to bring up Nona's request. Well, rather her statement of what she would do; she had not meant it to be a request in the first place. I could understand why she wanted to come along, but in my opinion, her quest for vengeance could lead to her death, as dramatic as it sounded. She had a fire in her eyes that worried me.

I decided to just say it, as objectively as I could. "Halbarad, after I spoke with the Brenin, I ran into Nona, the sister of Wadu."

"Ah yes, I remember her. Poor girl; it is hard to lose a loved one, especially after a bitter last parting," he replied gravely.

"During our conversation, she asked me if she could travel with us for a time. I believe she intends to travel to Dunland and aid in the resistance against Saruman," I said quietly, watching Halbarad's expression closely.

As expected, his response was quick and unyielding, "No, absolutely not. I must refuse. This is not open for debate."

Well, that answers that question; Halbarad certainly does not mince words! When I was writing this chapter, I had this vision pop into my head randomly of Radanir and Lothrandir being silly with Gwin, and had to put it in there! Hopefully Gwin and Candaith will see each other soon; will they be able to keep their hands off each other when they are reunited? We shall see! Review if you have a moment!