After Ssinjin and Lac had eaten, they both rose and walked out of the kitchen together. Entering the Great Hall they approached a raised dias where King Theoden , Hamma , Gammling Sajirjirmr and Joneff sat at a long table in front of the flag of Rohan .

Lac and Ssinjin bowed respectfully and Lac spoke. "My Lord Theoden our party shall leave for the north at dawn. If you would be so kind and to grant us to take with us a few supplies from your lands to start us on our way, we would be forever grateful."
King Theoden rose and said "Lord Lac'nala take what you need and given to you freely. It is the least we can do for all you and your companions have given us. In a month's time we shall have healed our wounded and gathered more forces and will follow you. This evil that has crossed our lands threatens all free folk and those that love freedom."

Skajrimir then rose and bowed to the King. "My Lord Theoden with your permission and blessing, I shall join Lord Lac'nala now, if he does not object."
Joneff rose and said "I too join now, M'Lord."
"And I as well." said Sighere from the back of the hall

Lac smiled and bowed his head respectfully. "We will be honored to have your companionship. I think I can speak for the rest of our band and say thank you. No with your leave we must prepare to leave." Lac bowed, turned and walked with Ssinjin out of the great hall.

Jin stood proudly before the King of these great lands. Her gaze settled on Theoden’s before she let it drift to the others gathered with the King. These brave warriors had seen a great deal of war already and yet they now wished to continue on with the rag tag group and see even more. The slightest of smiles eased over her features as she thought of this. They were either fools in search of a hero’s tale or they lived for the thrill of the fight as much as she did. Either way, she would be glad to have them traveling with the group. Which was a stark contrast to the way she used to tink when they first started out.

With Theoden’s blessing to take what ever they needed for travel, jin turned with Lac and walked from the great hall. When they wre outside ahe glanced over her shoulder then leaned closer to speak softly to Lac.

”I feel better nowing these Rohirrim ride with us now, Ranger. I have a feeling we will need all the help we can get to reach it to the lands of your ancestor’s in one piece.”

Brianna sat quietly, eating her breakfast, savoring the perfectly cooked bacon, eggs and fresh bread. Every so often, her eyes would look to Augustine then fall back to her plate. She raised her head to watch Lac and Jinn head for the Great Hall where King Theoden and his men sat. She herself wanted to speak to the king, but was nervous in doing so. After all, she was the Dark Rohirrim and wasn't entirely sure on how she would be received.

But, if she wanted a chance to take Raelayeg with her, she would have to speak to King Theoden, but first she should seek out Sighere for Raelayeg's rider was none other than Ceowulf, Sighere's leader and she did not feel right in asking the king before Sighere about this matter.

"Excuse me, Augustine, but I must find Sighere and speak with him about a great black horse. If you wish to join me, please feel free to do so."

She rose and went in search of the blond warrior, finding him walking down the stairs from one of the rooms above. She made her way to him, stopping him.

"Sighere, if I might have a word with you, please. First off, please accept my apologies for my rudeness the evening before. I was still somewhat battle crazed I fear and looking for problems where there are none. Please forgive my thoughtlessness. Second, I would speak to you about Raelayeg. He and I have become close and truth be told I spent most of the night within his stall. Never have I had a connection to a horse as I do him and I would ask you to give me your blessing in Ceowulf's stead to allow Raelayeg to accept me onto his back."

Brianna waited with baited breath, knowing that with one word, Sighere could dash her dreams of having a horse that she was connected with. It was not a connection like what the riders had with their own steeds, but it was a connection that she could not deny. Somehow, her and Raelayeg had developed a bond and it had grown stronger the longer she'd stayed. Now, she couldn't imagine leaving without the great horse and something told her that Raelayeg felt the same about her.

"Brianna, if Raelayeg has chosen you now that my lord is gone, then far be it for me to deny him his choice of riders. If he wishes to leave with us with you on his back, then so be it."

With a blinding smile, Brianna turned and rushed to the Great Hall to speak with King Theoden. Upon entering, she straightened her back and yet kept a respectful look about her as she approached.

"Your majesty.....I am known as Brianna Rodreven and I am honored to be in your presence. I would ask something of you, m'lord. The great steed, Raelayeg....I have developed a bond with him and would ask your permission to take him with me if he will accept me as his new rider. I would be honored to have Ceowulf's steed carry me on our journey if you would permit it."

Again, Brianna waited with baited breath, hoping the king would great her this one thing. Never had she truly had a mount of her very own with which she had a bond with. She was not a true Rohirrim after all and as such had a difficult time with the great horses of Rohan, but Raelayeg was different somehow and she was glad for this. Her dark green eyes lifted ever so slightly to peer at the king as he sat on his raised dais, thinking.

Sighere left Brianna to ask for the command of his lord's horse from the king himself. It was her right to make such a request, but hearing her speak the words somehow made the demise of Ceolwulf, in his own mind, final. He had not realized until that moment just how much he held on to the belief that his friend would yet emerge somewhere from the rubble and they would share a good laugh as they done many times before. Standing in the morning light, the warrior had not wanted to face the reality that his lord was truly gone, but he was.



The great fortress was but a shadow of what it once was but bathed in the morning light it was still a glorious sight to behold. Within its mountain hall the companions would prepare that day for their departure, northward across the great river Anduin and onward through the Brown lands. Beyond there only the ranger knew their course. Would he brave the Wilderland or would they travel the green paths of Mirkwood, and pass through Amon Lanc, the capital of the great Celeborn's realm of East Lorien?

Three new companions had joined the quest, eager to add the swords and draw the blood of Morgoth's agents. Jorneff, Skajrnir and Sighere were among the last of their clan, only four others remained and while they were recovering from their wounds they had chosen to travel back to Edoras. The three Rohirrim had sworn their fealty to their new lord, Lac'Nala the Seeker and their hearts soared with a new sense of purpose far greater than their own lives alone could ever attain.

Skajrnir technically was now the lord of Ironglade. He was Ceolwulf's cousin and next in line should the lord not produce a successor to his title. The handsome warrior accepted the responsibility out of respect for his cousin's memory and how it pained him to know that no son's of the great lord would live on to carry the name.

The day would be spent in preparation for the upcoming journey. Many of the companions yet needed time to heal and the time would not be wasted if it ensured that they could travel as long and hard as they needed during their trek.

The sky was clear and the wind warm, it would be a comfortable day. On the bridge at the mouth of the mountainous channel which enclosed the fortress, the Phaerie bard performed his morning exercises. His movements were deliberately slow as he was tentative of his abdominal wound which yet pained him when he would suddenly flex. One more day of his mystical healing and perhaps the assistance of the Dragoness' magic would completely mend him so he was appreciative of the time before they set out northward.

King Theoden bowed his head slightly towards Briana and said "Brianna Rodreven, brave daughter of Rohan, we thank you for your bravery. You have earned our respect and gratitude. Please accept Raelayeg as yours and may he bear you safely upon your journies. Let it be known hence forth that your are a Rider of Rohan."

Jalisa took up the role of gathering provisions for the journey ahead. The King had been generous and had given them three horses to use for carrying their things, to which she was grateful. The warriors of Rohan were assessing the damage done, not only to their Keep but the loss of their comrades and relatives as well. The Gorrinvul didn’t go down without a hard fought fight and the evidence of that fight drifted in the air as the ash from Loki’s cleansing fire filled the air and blew away. The smell of burnt wood was quickly leaving as the warm air moved over the keep. It was almost as if the Gods were taking mercy upon the survivors and ridding the area of the reminder of the fallen and the memory of a hideous enemy.

As Tiphereth worked out and stretched his frame a little too much, Jalisa would feel a twinge of pain and clench her jaw, furrowing her brow. She would have a talk with the bard to remind him he wasn’t the only one suffering with this right now. Not that it would do much good, but at least her frustrations would be vented.

The horses that had been given for carrying the supplies were strong backed, sturdy legged and muscular animals. More so than their battle ready cousins. Jalisa nodded her approval at the selection. They would do just fine. Of course they were a bit skittish around her and rightfully so. Even in this disguise they could pick up on the scent of her true nature. Still, she was able to move around them without too much trouble.

As she worked with the warriors who were up and moving about already, she was able to procure food, water, blankets and a few weapons that may come in handy as well. Of course she would be grateful to leave the confines of the Keep. The smell of metal was at times nauseating to her. Thankfully the hilt of the blades she had picked up to defend herself had been wrapped in leather allowing her to handle the weapon without danger. And so far, no one seemed to notice the way she tried to avoid the metal that surrounded her.

Glancing over at Tiphereth she smirked slightly. Well, if anyone would see it, it would be him. But so far he hadn’t made mention nor indicated he knew. As the bard was finishing up his ritualistic routine, she dipped a clean tankard in the water barrel and walked towards the bridge and gave him a rather seductive smile as she handed him the water filled tankard. Her voice was soft as she spoke to him.

”Your workout was……intense, bard. You pushed the limits quite a few times. While I know it’s important for you to regain what was lost, bear in mind, you are not alone in what you feel.”

Giving him a hard look but still smiling, he would see the smile never reached her eyes. At first. Finally she softened a little as she tilted her head to look up at him.

”But on a lighter note, it appears as if what I did last night has helped some. Good. I hate to think my attention to you was a waste of time.”

There was double meaning to all of her words and rightfully so. All around them the Rohirrim moved about. They would glance at the White Warrior and the dark haired woman then share knowing smiles as they passed by helping to start the rebuilding process and clean up what they could.

Pausing to drink some water Tiphereth furrowed his brows when Jalisa made mention that the symbiotic attachment they shared due to the bond of the tokens yet remained. He actually had not considered it, thinking that Verin's will which was imposed over them would have nullified the connection. Pondering her statement with a slight nod, he considered her controlling words for a moment then went on with his morning ritual which he had yet to finish.

The Dragoness' overbearing nature was one that the free spirited Phaerie would have to learn to deal with. He understood it was the way of her kind, just one of the traits he was becoming aware of more everyday. One in particular, though, was her aversion to the metal of Humans. The poisoned element his kind were forbidden to touch was noticeably avoided by the Dragoness, but he did not know why. In his world the Aelaeydium had forbade all from using iron, but only the Phaerie suffered from its touch. He would have to test this more. His knowledge of Dragon-kind was sufficient, but he hardly knew everything. If the edge of iron was more likely to penetrate their scales then this could benefit them in the destruction of Loki.

Not a minute later they were joined by two more of their companions.

"Dawn of the morrow 'tis then?" Asked Tiphereth of the Dwarf and Sighere who had at last reached him. They had been slowly strolling up the road toward him while he slowly performed his fighting movements and had waited to pose his question until they had reached the bridge.

"Aye," Answered Othargren, "and we've two more to our number besides this ragged warrior." he said in jest, thumbing to Sighere.

"Skarjinir and Jorneff." Stated Tiphereth as he continued to slowly parry and thrust his spear as if battling some unseen opponent in slowed motion.

"Correct again, Fey." Noted Sighere with a puzzled expression, "D'ya have the sight as well then?"

Finishing his last movement, Tiphereth gracefully stepped out of his stance and sat upon the edge of the wall facing his two companions. He grinned and shook his head in answer to the Rohirrim's query.

"I just assumed." He explained.



Othargren moved to the wall of the bridge, placed his hands on his hips and cast his eyes northward.

"I long to see the Red mountains, my home. Roaring fires, roasted meat on the bone and the finest beer ye ever tasted awaits us! There will be great celebration when we set foot in my hall my friends!"

The Dwarf's voice boomed through the morning calm as he imagined his home coming. It had been a long trek indeed for Othargren. He had journeyed half across Middle Earth and now back again, but he had traveled through the mountainous north, avoiding much of the interior. The Dwarves preferred mountain trails to open ground and forest paths.



Sighere observed, Jalisa and the Fey and he like so many others had been fooled by their charade. The guise blinded the warrior to what Brianna suspected. This and the Fey's amiable demeanor put him at ease and made him consider all the more that Dunedain-Rohir indeed had her eye's blurred from the stress of battle.

"Come my friend. Let us spar." Sighere said excitedly.

His sword flashed from its sheath in the golden light and he playfully brandished it before the Fey.

Tiphereth's eyes flicked to Jalisa as he remembered what she had mentioned of their connection but disregarded them.

"Aye. Let us see what you are capable of Rohirrim." Tiphereth confidently replied.

The wooden scabbard that covered the long blade upon, Tiphereth's sword-staff remained so as not risk any serious injury. Nicks and scrapes, however, were apart of sparring but the Phaerie was not about to abandon the opportunity for fear of the Man's iron blade. It's touch would pain him more so and the injury would linger longer but the bard did not fear nor avoid pain.

Othargren leaned against the wall and folded his thick arms across his chest as he settled in to watch the match. His small, quick eyes flashed momentarily to, Jalisa then to Tiphereth and the wise old Dwarf knew then that something was amiss. He could not quite put his finger on it, but the black haired Elfin-like female, whose origin's he could not figure cast a darker shadow than most.

When the Dwarf and Rohirrim joined Jalisa and the Fey, the Dragoness slowly stepped away from Tiphereth. Hearing the conversation between the Dwarf and the bard, she regarded them both through hooded eyelids. The Dwarf was wise and she knew, just by listening to him, he’d been on many an adventure. She’d certainly have to keep him under watch.

When Sighere challenged Tiphereth to spar, the Dragoness shared a look with the bard but even before agreed to it, she knew what his decision would be. She didn’t begrudge him. She would have done the same thing had she been in his position as well. And why not? It would certainly keep him in fine shape (which she admired that shape) and keep his fighting abilities sharp.

Knowing he was going to exert himself again and bring her discomfort, she grumbled under her breath about the fact there really wasn’t much difference between men and boys, she sighed then glanced at the Dwarf as he crossed his arms and prepared to watch the sparring.

”Well, gentlemen, if you will please excuse me, I believe I have some more supplies to gather for us to make the trip.”

Giving Tiphereth a longing look and a slightly seductive smile, she nodded to him and lowered her voice as well.

”I’ll see you later then. Perhaps a repeat of last night will be in order.”

She turned on her heel then and headed back to the main part of the keep to check to make sure there wasn’t anything else she may need to request for the journey.

Brianna couldn't have asked for more as she listend to the king's words as they flowed over her. With witnesses who had heard Theoden's statement, it could no longer be disputed that she was Rohirrim. Maybe not in looks or blood, but in heart and right now her heart soared with Theoden's words. She looked up at the king, her dark green eyes dancing with happiness as she bowed her head a heartfelt 'thank you' falling from her lips before she turned and forced herself to walk out of the great hall when all she wanted to do was run to the hidden stables within the mountain to Raelayeg.

Once outside the great hall, she did indeed run and headed straight for the great black horse who whinnied to her as he caught her scent entering his domain. She rushed straight to his stall which he shared with a mild-mannered gelding of golden coat and she patted his nose as well before wrapping her arms around Raelayeg's neck and hugging him to her.

"Please carry me upon your back, my friend, for if you do then we will be a pair...horse and rider."

Standing back, Brianna looked into the dark eyes and saw that he would indeed carry her and her heart soared again. Admist all of the bloodshed, the losing of her adopted parents and her whole village, there was a ray of sunlight and it came in the form of this great black beast who accepted her as no other horse had.....as well as Augustine, which the thought caused her to blush when she thought about him making her favorite flowers appear in her hair. She wanted to find him and tell him the good news and share it with him.

Augustine walked to the stables and found Brianna with the great black horse. He was happy to see her smile so wide, there seemed to have been a black cloud hanging over the dark haired woman and now it was lifting.

"A moment to recall for all time to be sure Brianna..." Augustine said smiling himself.

The druid had been outside the great hall when Brianna spoke with the King and he had heard much of the exchange. The woman had served her king and her people well and it stood to reason that she should be rewarded.

"The others are preparing to leave my lady, soon we will head North to land of the half elf prince's people a journey that I look forward to. Can I help with your things or do you have everything you require?"

Augustine watched the smiling woman as she sat on the horse, she seemed to have all that she ever wanted.

"Take your time, I will join the others."
Augustine walked to where Jalisa was gathering supplies, he found the woman walking alone in thought.

"Jalisa, do you have everything you require for the journey? I am unsure of what to take we druids only own the cloaks on our backs and a few trinkets in the pockets of our robes."

Augustine smiled at jalisa caught up a bit in Brianna's good fortune.

"Have you ever been to the lands of Oron-D-Narr? I have never been." The druid said cheerfully.

Dawn broke through a grey sky, a light mist fell, as with hoods up and cloaks wrapped around them to ward off the morning's chill and dampness. Lac'nala, Ssinjin, Tiphereth, Jalisa, Sighere, Augustine, Briana, Othargen, Sajrimir, Joneff and the pack animals left the shattered gates and broken ramparts of Helms Deep. A foreboding stillness semed to spread its hand across the land. King Theoden and the Rohirians watched form the ramparts as they crossed the bridge and started northeast across the Westemnet towards The Wold and beyound.

"May the Gods be with them." King Theoden said as he turned to return to the Great Hall. The other Rohirians wemt back to their tasks. King Theoden sat down a a long table strewn with maps as Gamling and Hamma entered the hall. They along with Theoden, Lac and Ssinjin had been up most of the night in council and planning.

The day had come and gone in a matter of moments it seemed, and not before long a new dawn was on the horizon, beckoning the companions to race her to the other side. They were all up for the challenge, but none more than the ranger who was already checking his saddle straps when the earliest riser walked into the stable. Breakfast would be in the saddle as they had a lot of ground to make before the setting of the sun, but only the ranger knew for sure the road they would travel.

For Tiphereth the night had been an uneventful one. He and Jalisa had carried on with their charade but as both he and the solitary Dragoness required their space, magically parted ways, retiring to different corners of the keep. For some reason, Verin had been gracious that night and the bard could not recall a single intrusion by the sorcerer.

The bard guided his mount behind the Dwarf's powerful ram, a dark beast near the size of a horse with twice the muscle. Drawing his cloak tighter, he peered through the opening of the broad lilac coloured cowl, his eyes softly glowing in the dusty light as he focused on Othargren's back. Since the binding of the Drow, mornings had felt colder and he was 'heavier'. Sensations that were the trappings of the physical world, laws that he was usually exempt from, but Verin's binding was not unlike a string to a kite, holding it in place, preventing it from flying free on the winds.

Tiphereth was happy to be moving on. It was nice to be away from the smell of the ash that yet hung heavy in the air of the keep. Beyond the charred fortress the air was sweet with the scent of clover and fresh dew sparkled on the swaying grass. The mountains in which the Rohirrim fortress was nestled were soon small on the horizon, but the sun was still low. They covered much ground in a short time, as the ranger drove a hard pace, spurred on by something the others were unaware of.

"Perhaps we shall travel by the dark paths of Mirkwood." Mentioned Tiphereth to the druid as he matched his pace and road beside him. "I am sure you must long to walk beneath the green canopy once more my friend."

Augustine had removed his heavy robes in order to ride upon the horse that was provided for him, they were bundled behind the druid upon the saddle. Without his robes Augustine seemed younger, a bit more boyish. The druid was wearing a simple white tunic, tied about the waist with a simple bit of braided rope, beneath his tunic the druid wore deerskin leggings tucked into his knee high boots that were brick red in color. The druid kept his hair short, like other druids and some monks did, but it had grown out a little on this journey and a few shaggy bangs hung just below the druid's eyebrows. Augustine's hair was reddish brown as were his whiskers and the druid liked to keep a short, neat beard about his chin. Without his robes the druid could have been mistaken for a farm boy or a black smith's assistant he did not look at all the part of the learned druid without his recognizable maroon three layered robes.

Augustine smiled as the sun shined down upon the companions, the druid did not have a heavy heart about leaving Rohan, the warriors that called the gray mountains and hills home were free of the misery of the Gorrinvul and would find that their future was much brighter. The druid did not want to admit that he was glad to leave the hills and fields of flat, hard ground behind, he was looking forward to green fields and many trees.

"Yes, I hear that the floor of the wood in like green velvet and the boughs of the many trees all touch together as they reach for the skies above." Augustine said.

Sitting atop Raelayeg, Brianna had her hands full with the spirited horse. Raelayeg was prancing about, tossing his head, his long black mane flying up into her face. She laughed at his antics as did little bunny hops, showing his light mood. Finally, he calmed somewhat and the left the keep along with the others, her meager belongings tied behind her saddle. All she had to take were her washing cloth, thin towel, small bar of lilac soap, thin blanket and another change of clothing that one of the smaller Rohirrims was kind enough to give her as her other change had been burned due to the black blood of the Gorrinvul.

She found herself looking at Augustine, shocked at first to see him without his robes. He was quite handsome and boyish looking. She smiled, looking away whenever he'd glance over at her. Then she looked at Tiphereth and remembered her dream, her face paling ever so slightly. She was now very leery of the Deither as she wasn't sure if what she'd experienced was just a dream or some kind of warning from Tiphereth himself. She looked away from the Deither and nudged Raelayeg to distance herself further from him. She was still wondering if she should speak to Lac or wait. After a few minutes, she chose to wait until she could speak with Augustine alone and see what his thoughts on the matter were.

Again, Raelayeg started his mischief, sensing his rider's change of moods getting her to smile again. He threw his head and whinnied in delight although Brianna knew that he mourned the loss of Ceowulf, she also knew that he accepted her and this made both rider and mount light-hearted.

Looking around her, she saw the flat plains of Rohan and wondered about where they were traveling. She'd never been to Oron-D-Narr that she could remember and wondered as to what it would be like as she rode.

As Tiphereth and the druid spoke of the whispering paths and ancient groves of Mirkwood, the Deithir could not help but notice how the adopted Rohirrim woman stared at him. He dismissed the look as idle curiousity but when her eyes widened with fear the Phaerie became concerned, although he did not show it. His masque-like expression often betrayed little emotion and one would be hard pressed to notice the subtle change. The woman knew something! Tiphereth was sure of it and her interference in these matters would simply not do.

When he and Augustine had exhausted their knowledge of the fabled, Mirkwood and fell silent, the Deithir cast his eye to Brianna's mount. It was but a momentary glance but a moment was all he needed to instill fear in the beast.

Raelayeg, reared up and whinnied loudly. His hooves flailed about in defense against some unseen enemy, then the powerful beast, unheeding any of his riders commands took off across the plains as if Morgoth himself was chasing him.

Sorrelwind was already in motion. "I have her." he said as the Deithir's mount gave chase.

Brianna could not know what exactly got into her mount, but as she rounded a mound of rock and vanished from sight he began calm. It was then that, Tiphereth rode up along side her and lightly stroked the jaw and the great black stallion.

"There, there, big one." Consoled the Phaerie, "I wonder what could have spooked him?" He posed to Brianna, but the Phaerie already knew what had caused Raelayeg to bolt.

"Danger, always where one least expects it, eh?" Said Tiphereth in a lighthearted manner but Brianna could sense an undertone of seriousness to his voice, "But your horse is safe now and is it worth searching for the cause of his distress? Some stones are best left unturned. Wouldn't you say, Brianna?"

In the shadow of the rock hill that obscured them from view the Deithir's vibrant violet eyes bored into her and despite the slight smile on his face, Brianna felt a cold chill run down her spine.