Darker Days RPG

[piosenniel]

Mayonette stood upon the porch of her home, arms clutching either side. Tears shone in her maple brown eyes as the memories of her father flooded through her small frame. Each and every breath felt like a weighted eternity, gathering even worse strength than before. She watched as the gentle breeze stirred the trees around their house.

She pondered on why her father had to die. He was so young, so full of life! Couldn't there have been a way to save him? Or her sister?

Her body shuddered to think what they may be doing to her. After seeing just what they did to her father, she was terrified to find her sister's body. She shook away the thought. No, she said to herself, it wouldn't end like that. She prayed that her sister would be okay.

Her sister had far more to live for than she did. Sandrina had a husband, a new life, and a barely blossoming child within her. Why had she said she would stay behind when Alexander had come to ask her if she wanted to come and find Sandrina with him? She knew these hills, knew these paths! What selfish thing had she done? Could she have sent Alexander to his death?

She took a deep breath and swallowed hard. Her stance strengthened as new thoughts filled her head. No, she wouldn't stand here waiting for her sister's return or for the capture of her father's murderer. She was going to go and do something!

She ran inside, changed quickly, and then went out to the barn. Her father's chestnut mare neighed softly as she approached.

"Be still Maple. We are going to The White Horse," she instructed the mare. It neighed softly as she saddled her. As soon as Mayonette was done she jumped up and headed for the inn.

--- Crystal Heart

[piosenniel]

Hama of the Riddermark’s post


Hama looked up towards Edoras, the sunset was beautiful. He sat on his horse and watched the orb sink below the hill, the last beams catching the roof of the Meduseld in a glorious display of reflected light. A cool night-wind blew against his face, and he breathed deep, savoring the fresh taste of the cool air. Running a hand through his hair he gazed into the dark sky, sighting the stars and simply watching them sparkle. It had been a long while since he had last done this, and he regretted immensely that he had not been able to do it again sooner. The night was the one place where he could be at peace, alone. It was all very well for him to be the great hero, savior of the borderlands, in public, but he needed time away from all of that.

He didn’t think that Eomer would grant his request, but the outlands of Rohan had been quiet for many weeks, mainly thanks to Hama, and so the King had been unusually charitable in dealing with Hama’s petition for a few weeks’ leave. The first thing he had done was to saddle his horse and ride into the wilderness, settling down and camping under the stars by a small fire, cooking his own food for the first few days. He smiled wryly; it had almost tasted better than the fancy meals that his cook prepared for him. He had never much cared what he ate, as long as it kept him alive, and the over-indulgence practiced in the court had placed a few extra pounds on Hama’s waistline that he was eager to lose, and fast. It was no use being a Hero General if you were too fat to mount a horse or use a sword, and though Hama was at the peak of physical health, even at the age of forty two, he could feel the fat dragging him down like so much lead. After a week alone, he had lost most of his extra poundage, and began to ride around the Riddermark, visiting the people under the protection of the Hawkshead Company. Many of them were gracious, but some were uncivilized to the point of barbarism. It was a sobering experience for Hama, rich and handsome General of the Mark, to see a deformed beggar eating dirty meat cast out of the butcher’s shop and intended for the dogs. Hama gave the man a small pouch of silver coins, telling him to buy himself new clothes, a bath and a decent meal. The beggar threw himself at Hama’s feet, kissing his boots, and the General realized that his was likely the only act of kindness that this poor man had ever received.

Hama felt more at peace than he ever had done before, sitting under the black blanket of night on his noble stallion, Valuk. It was two weeks since his encounter with the beggar, and Hama had revisited the town and found the same man sitting in the street, looking certainly less disheveled, and with a bowl of hot stew next to him. The warmth of his embrace when he rushed at Hama, throwing his arms around the General’s chest, was a startling experience. After a second or two Hama returned the embrace, patting the man gently on the back. He still found it incredible what a difference a single bag of silver could make to a man’s life.

In any case, he was headed back to Edoras now, his leave over and his duty about to begin again. He was using his last night to lie with the world and enjoy it before he returned to his usual bed. Thirst struck his throat like an axe after about an hour, and he nursed his horse into a slow canter towards Edoras, the gates opening slowly at his command. He tugged Valuk’s reigns to ease the horse up the path that led to the White Horse Inn, ale was starting to sound like a joyful prospect to a man bereft of his luxury, albeit voluntarily, for a month…

[piosenniel]

Dimturiel's post

Edhener was standing in front of the White Horse inn, watching the setting sun. Evening was his favourite time. It was pleasant to watch the sinking sun, as it carressed the geen fields of Rohan, making them blush scarlet. Evening brought memories into his mind, memories which he cherished as if they were some wonderful things crafted with great devotion by his own hands. But even the memories could not make him forget the happenings from the last few days. And whenever he thought of them, his eyes flashed with anger.

Where had he gone wrong to recieve such cold treatment? Was there anything he could do, in order to bring a twinkle of delight in the eyes that lately flashed with distaste at the sight of him?

The thought of brave deeds sprung to his mind. He saw himself riding to meet a large army of enemies, or battling with all the fiends ever spawned in the world, untill he fell, worn out and wounded. Then he pictured himself being brought home in the arms of one of his companions, and he saw the proud disdainful eyes filled with tears of regret and concern...

Edhener tried to still his fantasies. The war was long over. Gone were the beasts that brought terror and ruin into people's hearts, gone with them the chance of young men winning renown by fighting them.

Unless the rumours were true, and then he might have a chance of proving his worth. But who would take him? True, he had friends that could reccomend him for his valour and his fighting skills, but too many people considered him odd and unfriendly, an unsuitable companion for any expedition.

"I would prove them wrong, were they to give me a chance."he thought. "I would prove everyone wrong, including her"

His head bowed with the burden of so many thoughts, Edhener turned his back to the darkening world and entered the inn.

[piosenniel]

Glirdan's post

Léoflic looked out of the window across the wide plains of Rohan, thinking back on his past. His father had died in war when he was young. He doesn't even remember what he looked like. He was raised by his mother, the only family he had. She was caring and stern. He had a good life. Then that fateful day came when his mother fell deathly ill. He was only thirteen when it happened. He was standing by her bedside when she said "Léoflic. It is said that on the deathbed's of men, that they can see into the future and it is the case this time, yet I will not reveal to you what it is. Take my bow. You will need it and remember that I will always be with you." and with those final words, she passed out of Arda.

As he looked on at the flowing plains, he remembered what happened after. He had no family left after his mother's death and was left to fend for himself. He remebered wandering the plains of Rohan when he met him, his best friend. They grew up together and did everything together. He put his hand to his Short Sword and thought back to the first gift he recieved from his best friend. He thought back to their parting. His friend wanted to become a Healer, like his father whereas Léoflic wanted to be a mercenary. It was silent farewell and as he thought back to it, a lonely tear slowly developped in his eye and slid down the side of his cheek.

"It's time I stopped dwelling on the past and continued with my life," he thought to himself. "This is for you mother," and he turned his head away from the slowly sinking sun.

[piosenniel]

Witch_Queen's post

Thomas was shocked when he heard the news. He looked at his brother, "You mean the Mayonette that we grew up with. How could this happen?" Thomas' brother shrugged his shoulders. He only knew what he was told. "Maybe I can catch her over at her house." His brother looked at Thomas suspiciously. "Tommy I doubt you'll catch her there. I've been told she's going to the White Horse Inn. If you leave now you might be able to see how she is doing." Thomas stood up from his kitchen table. Mayonette had always been a good friend of his when they were little.

Thomas went to his room to grab his sword and spear. He some how had a feeling that the spear may come in handy...eventually. "Joe I'm taking Chianna and going to the Inn. Maybe I can find out some more information there." Thomas went out the side door of his little home only to walk straight into the stables. When he decided to build his home he wanted his horse as close to him as possible. So having the stables right out the side door was his best idea at the time. He walked over to his horse, slowly stroking her mane. "Chianna, its time for a nice walk. You can't stay shut-up in this old stable all day can you..." He placed his fathers old leather saddle on the giant animal. Chianna was a beautiful creature, her coat shined in the sun. She was a nutmeg brown and Chianna was Thomas' best friend besides his brother.

Thomas mounted his horse and proceeded to the White Horse Inn. All he cared about was making sure his friend was alright. If help was needed he knew he would gladly offer his services.

[piosenniel]

Mithalwen's post

"Well they have gone, Leif" Elfride murmured turning her face into the grey horse's mane as those she loved most in the world, her son and her brother. Elwin, and his family, finally disappeared from view. Elfthain had looked so happy, the excitement of the adventure for now overriding distress at parting temporarily with his mother. He had wanted to ride Leif himself, disdaining his old pony but this his mother had refused. It was one thing to let him ride his father's warhorse in the paddock at home, another across the open plains of Rohan. As a compromise she had offered him her own horse. The smaller and sweet tempered palfrey would take care of his rider and give her one less thing to worry about but would give her beloved boy the dignity of riding a proper horse.

'Thain had tried to take his father's sword too but Elwin, seeing the distress in his sister's eyes had told him he must earn it first. For Elwin the scene was too close to the one that had taken place but a few yards from this spot three years before when he had led Leif back to Edoras and placed Theomund's sword in his sister's hands. The empty saddle had brutally broken the news of her widowhood before word could be spoken.

He wished she would join them on his new assignment. It was not healthy for a young woman to live surrounded by ghosts. He had thought that she would not allow herself to be parted from the boy and trusting to this he had been forceful in his arguements. He had been astounded when she had permitted her son to go without her and refused to explain beyond saying that her affairs at the farm and in the village could not be arranged so quickly. He knew she had promised her son that they would not be long separated and hoped that she would join them ere long.

If Elfride was not ready to leave the ghosts of her past, neither was she ready to face them in her otherwise empty house. She would go to the inn and take a meal she felt no hunger for in order to delay her return and avoid the forlorn task of cooking for herself alone later.

She entrusted her horse to the ostler and brushing down her blue riding habit she entered the inn. This was rather finer garb than she would have worn had the journey not involved an encounter with her sister in law, of whose refined Gondorian manners Elfride still was somewhat in awe. Many in Edoras thought Elwin, Captain of the Mark, quite good enough a match for a lady's maid. The fact was that Gilwen had been a handmaid of Queen Lothiriel and spoke the elf tongue as easily as the Westron. The sisters in law had grown fond of each other but Elfride still had moments of feeling like a peasant in comparison.

The inn was quite busy and she drew little attention in her quiet corner, eating little, absorbed with her own thoughts it was a while before she realised that she was not the only person from the village in the inn. She knew the girls of course, but not especially well. They were not so far apart in age but Elfride felt much older. They were still children when she had arrived as a young bride and her swift progression to motherhood had placed her more often in the the circles of older matrons than younger maids. They were nice girls but she was not sure she wanted company just now and it seemed as if they had concerns of their own.

[piosenniel]

Cordelia Harrison's post

She had gone to Mayonette's estate, but couldn't find her there. Now she was standing in front of the White Horse Inn, just contemplating on whether or not she should go in. She sighed deeply and decided to go in. Whether or not Mayonette was in there she was going in. She hadn't had a good drink in a while.

Cordelia walked in and saw Mayonette sitting at the bar. She walked over to her and sat next to her without a word.

"Why aren't you home protecting the homestead?" She asked her, knowing that she was going to get a look that stated simply: Back off Cordelia.

[piosenniel]

The Sixth Wizard's post

"Ah, an Inn ahead," said Garnae as he rode deftly upon the horse, Creon. He had finally finished his training as a Rider, perhaps now he could earn enough money for his family. Anyway, this was a time for celebration. Although he had passed the training through unorthodox methods, defeating opponents with wit and smarts instead of brute force, it was over and he could relax for the first time in a long while. The constant urging of Sandrina Hitherford's greedy Uncle Sam had reminded him that his farm was going broke, and that there were no other buyers. There was really nothing for it; sell the land to him (much of which had already been sold), or join the Riders.

Garnae was sure Sandrina's uncle was assisting in the mysterious demise of his farmland. Cattle went missing, the stream was dirty and crops grew poorly. One day as he ploughed the fields he found a handful of salt, perhaps dropped by a treacherous hand as it fallowed the earth. As much as he tried though, Garnae couldn't ever find Sam or an accomplice at this game, so he could never get him put to justice. It was a hard life on his farm.

But all that might change now that he was a Rider of the Riddermark. Crops could be resown. Watches could be placed on his land, and the nasty character caught. Hopefully life would be good.

Garnae brushed his hand through his blonde hair sighing. The White Horse Inn . Time to put his spirit at ease with a good dose of ale. Garnae didn't drink much, not having many friends. As he entered the wooden door, tying up Creon at the door who whistled annoyedly, he spied a young woman at a table alone. As if driven by fate, he sat next to her...

[Glirdan]

As Léoflic turned from the sinking sun, he noticed that more people had walked into the Inn. He looked around and noticed someone sitting in a corner alone. As he looked harder, he realised that it was a woman and she looked rather distraught. He looked, checking to see if she was there with anyone before he made his way slowly over to her.

"Hello miss. It's rather odd to see you sitting there alone and so distraught. May I be of service to you somehow? For I would very much like to help in anyway possible. I can't stand to see someone as beautiful as you in distress," he said with a sly grin on his face. "What ails you?"

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette sighed and looked at Cordelia. She was her best friend, but sometimes Cordelia got the idea that she was her sister or mother instead.

"The homestead is not mine to control. If Uncle wants to come and destroy it out of some queer insanity then me being there will only put me in danger. What more can I do? Alexander has left to find his wife. He shan't be back. That I know very well. Sandrina has been kidnapped, father killed... I can't stay there Cordelia. There is too much that has happened... It is too quiet. Unearthly quiet. The homestead is fine. Don't tell me what to do, Cordelia," she answered her.

[Cordelia Harrison]

She sighed and shook her head as she looked down at her hands. She understood that Mayonette was in pain. That she knew, but her abandonment of her home wasn't going to help.

"You have to defend your home and Alexander will bring your sister back. I know it. Have father in your brother-in-law. He was taught swordsmanship by your father and he was by far one of the best. He taught you all the knoweldge that you know. Alexander is a strong man. Yes he is driven by a wild panic for his wife, but that panic will serve him well. You giving up the homestead because of your need to be away from there is selfish, Mayonette," Cordelia advised.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride looked up at the young man, startled to be spoken to and a little flustered by the words. In latter years every time she caught sight of her reflection she merely thought how old she looked and before she had only cared that Theo had thought her fair. So the compliment washed over her and she answered that which more concerned her thoughts.

"I thank you, sir, but there is nothing that anyone could do that would help. I have parted from my boy so you must make allowance for a mother's sorrow", Elfride swallowed hard trying to muster the control she habitually exercised in public. But there was kindness as well as mischief in the youth's eyes and she continued, "he has gone with his uncle to learn to be a soldier - I know it is what he wants..." she paused thinking of Elfthain's rapt face listening to tales of war told by his father and uncle and remembered her brother's harsh words to her, the ones that had made her yield "Do you want him to grow up to be a man or a milk-sop tied to his mother's apron strings .... he might stay through love to begin with but in time he would resent you.. soldiering is in his blood he will be never content to be just a farmer.." . Her reserve cracking she finished "It is just that his father and mine both went to war and did not return .... I could not bear it if the same happened to my son". She bit her lip quelling the tears that threatened and adding "but I am being silly, he is only in his tenth year, it will be long ere he could ride to war" . She forced herself to smile and this did give a momentary beauty to her grave face.

The young man was strange to her and she knew most of the people of Edoras by sight at least having lived in the town for most of her childhood and nearby since her marriage. She was sure she would have remembered him since his colouring was darker than usual for the Rohirrim and had he not addressed her in their own tongue she would have thought him perhaps of the folk of Gondor who dwellt the far side of the White Mountains.

"You are not from these parts, I deem, what brings you to Edoras? And may I ask your name? I am Elfride"

[Dimturiel]

Edhener was now inside the inn, looking for a place to sit. He saw at a table two women sitting deep in conversation. He knew them both by sight, being sure that he had seen them at his eldest sister's wedding. But it was not from a desire to be remembered and to start a conversation-for he had never felt a smaller urge for company than now- that he went to sit at the table that was nearest to theirs. Their faces were grave and concern was writen on the features of both. What if they had intresting things to tell, things that could bring an answer to his present plight?

As soon as he sat down and turned his attention to their conversation, Edhener thanked his fortune. Why, here was a chance for him to actually do something! Not much, it was true, compared to driving away an army of orcs, and maybe it would not matter at all to some. But at least he had a chance of taking his mind off his grief, at least he had a chance of doing something else than begging for pitty and attention. And maybe, thought Edhener, a triumphant smile on his lips, maybe she would appreciate his contribution to the safety of Rohan. Maybe she would admire him for even such a small deed.

Too deep in thoughts and wild dreams to care if anyone had seen what he was doing or not, he now turned all his attention to the conversation that was held at the next table.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette's dark eyes flashed in annoyance. How could she sit there and tell her to be an obedient woman?! Cordelia had been anything but obedient in their lives. It was her turn to become something, her turn to fight. She had watched so many men go off to war, so many young boys that had once been her friend, that she wanted to as well. Granted this wasn't a war, it was a quest for vengence. Yet, it was same in her mind.

"Sit here. That is what you suggest. You, the most reckless woman in all of Rohan! You must think me mad. I am not going to sit idely by and wait until I get news that my sister and her husband are dead! I will not tell their infant son stories of his brave parents! I have changed much since my father's death. I do not want to be the obedient servant. I will not sit and wait for a man to take my life as well! No, Cordelia. You can guard my homestead. You can do what you deem is right, but I will not follow you," she retorted.

She shook her head and noticed a man watching them. Thoughts arose in her mind of a quest. One that would take them on a valiant journey that would save her family and her home. Perhaps he would be the first to join her.

"You there, man that is listening to us speak. Do you want in on a quest? Do you want to join me in battle and avenge my father's death? Do you want to hold your head up high, carry your sword, and bring the wicked to justice? For if you do I say to you join me. I shall reward you handsomely after we have found my sister and brought my father's murderer to justice. What say you?"

[Glirdan]

As Léoflic listened to her story, he noticed eyes starting to well in her grey eyes and it brought memories back to when he was a child. He could share in her pain. Both had a father who went to war...and never returned. He snapped out of his reverie to answer.

"I am Léoflic and you are right in a sense. My family is not originated from these parts. We're originally from Gondor. However, my grandparents moved here during the war with Sauron to escape the war that was to come. But upon arriving here, they realised that they couldn't escape the evil." he said as he sat down opposite her. He looked into her eyes and saw the sorrow in them and it made him think back on the stories his mother told him when he was young. "My grandfather and grandmother passed away shortly after they moved here. My father, who was the only child, was left to fend for himself." he said. Just like me... He thought sadly. He came to and noticed that Elride was looking at him intently. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to be bothersome. You have enough troubles of your own. I really don't mean to bog you down with all of my sorrows."

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas rode for what seemed like hours before finally reaching the White Horse Inn. After finding an empty stable for Chianna he proceeded to go inside the Inn. The door opened and all Thomas could hear was laughter and conversations. Private as they maybe he could still hear them from the door. Thomas' blue eyes scanned the room looking for any sign of Mayonette.

Thomas thought he saw her at a table that appeared to be surrounded by people. He took a closer look only to see that his eyes were playing tricks on him. Thomas started walking backwards and carelessly walked into a table. He turned around, "I am so sorry about..." His jaw dropped, the person he was searching for he found by bumping into the table. Thomas ran his right hand through his hair brushing it out of his eyes.

"So is the stories true Mayonette?" Thomas figured Mayonette may not recognize him, since the two of them hadn't seen each other in what seemed like 5 years or more.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae listened as the girl, who he now knew as Mayonette, talked to Cordelia, the other young woman.
Suddenly Mayonette turned to him. "You there, man that is listening to us speak. I shall reward you handsomely after we have found my sister and brought my father's murderer to justice. What say you?"

Garnae was thrown off balance by her exclamation.

"What, I - er, I didn't really mean to..." stuttered Garnae.
"Oh come now, out with it," said Cordelia.
Garnae took control of himself. Too many conversations had he ruined with this stuttering and hesitating.
"Well, my good women, I was just happening to overhear your conversation just now, and was fascinated by some circumstances. You see, I am in a rather desperate financial situation at the moment, mainly by the movements of a man called Samuel Starnson, whom I think may be your uncle?"

"Yes, that's correct," said Mayonette.

"And, it seems that I can now hit two orcs with one arrow, if you see what I mean, get rid of Samuel and repay my debts. I must say, I thank you for asking me first, as it has saved me the trouble."

[Mithalwen]

"You have enough troubles of your own. I really don't mean to bog you down with all of my sorrows."...

Elfride smiled again, "it is not bothersome as you put it - it is a good reminder that others suffer . And have perhaps suffered more misfortune. At least my son is not left alone in the world - that seems a grievous fate. All have their problems...." . Elfride's gaze was drawn to the two girls who had now been joined by two men. Although she could not hear their words there was clearly something going on.

She realised that she was being rude, " Léoflic, I am sorry ot be distracted - it is just that those girls are from my village and something seems to be wrong. Perhaps I should go over..."

[Crystal Heart]

"Welcome to the quest. My uncle. . . what you do to him is your own accord. I do not care what happens to him and his treachery any more. He has not looked for my sister or my father's murderer. He advised all to stay put. Just as you do, Cordelia," she spat out. She smiled at the man. Her first questman. Yes, this is what she needed to do.

She heard someone talk to her and turned to look at the man. Her heart stopped. Could it really be? Is it. . . her mind could barely think.

"Thomas? Is that really you. Well my land! Look how much you've sprout up. Good gosh! The last I saw you. . . it was better time then. Oh Thomas. What you have heard is probably true," she said, embracing him in a large hug. They had been such good friends.

"I have missed you very much, Thomas. I need your help. Desperately. They have taken Sandrina. Alexander is trying to find her. Father is murdered and I can't hold the homestead much longer. I am running out of time and options. Join my quest to find my sister and avenge father. Please Thomas. Please," she asked him after pulling away from their hug.

[Cordelia Harrison]

"A quest?! You are starting a quest?! What are you insane! Your father would never. . . " she started, but stopped when Mayonette shot her a look.

"You will leave my father out of this," Mayonette hissed.

"You know that your father would never approve of you going off into a battle with people you don't even know!" She argued fiercely, her eyes blazing.

"You know not what my father would have approved of. You did not live in our home!" Mayonette said in a clipped tone.

Cordelia shook her head and looked down at her hands. They used to be so close. They never fought so fiercely before. The rage built up in her, causing her body to shake with the consumption.

"I lived their often enough during my youth. Do you forget the beatings I endured and that I would run to you and your family for help! Obviously. Well Mayonette. . . You want a quest. Fine. I'm coming with you," she told her in a matter of fact way that suggested that there would be no aruging on the topic.

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

Hama dismounted in the stableyard, running a hand over Valuk’s mane and patting the horse on its neck several times. “Stay here, old friend. I’m going to get a drink,” he whispered in Rohirric. Striding up to the path to the inn, several Rohirrim saluted him and he returned the gesture accordingly. His long cloak billowing in the breeze, he reached the door of the tavern and opened it. Walking in he took his helmet off, resting it on the bar and ordering some ale which came soon. He took a deep gulp, savouring the bitter taste of the brew as is sloshed around his mouth and down his throat. Letting out an involuntary sigh as he put the glass down, he ran a hand through his long golden hair, scratching his scalp lightly. “Barman, is there any of the salt-pork left?” he asked across the counter, to which the innkeeper shook his head. Hama cursed under his breath, not violently, but adequately to satisfy himself. “I’ll have some bread then,” he said.

When his bread came it was fresh-hot from the oven with butter, which was already starting to melt, amply spread onto its surface. Hama took a bite and smiled. Simple but delicious, that was the way he liked food. His eyes were drawn to a gathered party on one of the tables. One woman he knew, Sandrina Hitherford, daughter of a minor landowner. Her father had died recently, under somewhat suspicious circumstances. Mumbling he finished his bread and ale and flipped a couple of silver coins to the barkeep, who nodded and thanked him.

Getting down from his stool at the bar, he walked over to the table Sandrina was sitting at. “Greetings, miss Hitherford. I’m sorry about your father…I am Hama Haukrsonn, General of Rohan…”

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette saw the general and smiled at him sadly. Did she look so much like her sister that it wasn't clear which woman she was? No. She that that wasn't the case. He probably just assumed she was the oldest.

"Hello General. I'm sorry to have to correct you, but I am Mayonette Starnson. Not Miss Sandrina Hitherford. That is my sister. She is wed to Alexander Hitherford, who is currently searching for her. Sandrina has been kidnapped, general. I know this is imposing, but would it be all right if you join me and a group of others in a search for my sister?" She asked, hoping that the general would come along.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic looked up to the assembling crowd. Now not only were the two girls and two men there, a General of some sorts had entered and was talking to them as well. He thought that it was rather odd that such a group would be gathered at an Inn at this time of the day.

When Léoflic looked back at Elfride, he noticed that she was looking at the assembled group. "Well, why don't we go over and see what they're up to? Maybe you'll reconize them up close?

[Witch_Queen]

General Hama? Thomas couldn't believe he was standing only a few feet from the great General Hama. Seeing Mayonette had brightened Thomas' day but he now had a chance to help her when she needed him the most. Thomas turned to Mayonette, "Mayonette I have been there when you needed me while we were children. I see no reason to abandon you now. I will gladly accompany you on your quest and if I must lay my life down on the line to save your sister I will." Thomas figured Mayonette still remembered him as the little Tommy she use to chase around the yard between her house and the house his parents once occupied.

Thomas was shocked that Sandrina had been kidnapped. He had always seen Sandrina as the stronger of the two girls. But evidently he was wrong. Thomas looked at the General just wondering if he would take Mayonette up on her quest to save her sister's life. Thomas was only a few inches from Mayonette but he could feel some tension building up inside her. What was going to happen to Sandrina?

Thomas turned to the man Mayonette had caught spying on her and Cordelia. Thomas at first didn't know what to think of the man that called himself Garnea. What type of man was he? Could he be trusted? "Good evening. Your Garnea right?" The man nodded his head. "Thats what I thought but wasn't too sure." Thomas extended his hand. "Nice to meet you I'm Thomas." They shook hands. About that time a stranger ran into the inn and comfronted Garnea. Thomas was already suspicious but now he was worried. Garnea turned to Thomas. "Do me a favor tell Mayonette I had to go for a few moments. I have some issues to take care of back at the homestead. But I shall return later." Thomas nodded his head as Garnea made a quick dash for the door. I wonder what is so important that he had to leave imediately. Thomas was more suspicious now than he ever was. He didn't know much about Garnea but he knew that was one man he was going to have to keep an eye out for.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette smiled at Thomas, a true genuine smile. Yes he had changed from their youth. He wasn't the same boy that she use to chase around. Now he was a man. She took his hand and gave it a quick squeeze.

"Thank you Thomas. I will need your comforting presence on this journey," she whispered to him. She hoped that afterwards life for them would be highly different then they found it now. She hoped that when this was all over that Thomas would stay around the homestead, at least for a little while.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener started when Mayonette had first adressed him, and his amazement grew when he realised what she was telling him. He had expected angry reproaches for his behaviour, and yet there she was, offering him the thing he so dearly desired. To hold his head high, she had said, to carry his sword. Visions of triumph sprang in his mind, visions that filled him with an immense pleasure.

Several people had now come to Mayonette's table, and he was left in a corner, completely forgotten. He was inspecting the newcomers curiously. So, these were to be his companions, were he to join the quest. Were he! Why, there was no question that he would go.

He went towards Mayonette, a smile of reckless joy on his face, and bowed to her, saying:

"My lady, I will gladly go. And I thank you. I am called Edhener, and you must have heard of me. As for the reward, you are very generous, but this will be decided when the quest is finished, if you are satisfied with my service. Once again, I thank you."

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette smiled and bowed her head to the man that called himself Edhener. He seemed so eager. He would be a great asset to her group.

"Thank you for joining. Edhener this is my good friend Thomas and this sulking woman beside me is my other good friend Cordelia. And this is the great General Hama, general of all of Rohan," she introduced, pointing out each person in turn. If they were all to be in the quest they should at least know who was who in the group.

"General, where you not friends at one time with my dear father? I remember him speaking about you and an adventure you two were both on in your youths?" She questioned Hama, unsure if she was remembering the story correctly.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia rolled her eyes at the way that Mayonette had introduced her to the newcomer Edhener. She wasn't sulking. If she was then she would be sitting at the bar facing away from the others. She would look down at a drink she would have been nursing and her other hand would be holding up her head. She would also be sighing loudly.

She was protesting against what Mayonette was doing. She had always felt older than Mayonette, even though she wasn't really. All their lives Mayonette had asked for her advice about things, but now she had changed. Perhaps it was the death of her father and kidnapping of her sister. Perhaps the change had occured during the small little time she had been away from Mayonette's happy home for the ordeal. Whenever the change had occured was irrelevant. It had happened and something had changed between their friendship.

She nodded her head to Edhener and smiled brightly. She wanted to prove that she wasn't sulking.

"Welcome to the quest Edhener, sir," she said respectfully.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas had no idea who Edhener was. "It seems like I won't be the only person going on this quest. Welcome to the group Edhener." Thomas was still a bit suspicious. He knew nothing about Edhener, and had never seen the man before. But Thomas had been away from Rohan for the past 5 years so no wonder he didn't know the guy.

Thomas could still feel Mayonette's hand in his. When he was a child he fancied Mayonette. Now the both of them were grown, Thomas figured that in the 5 years he had been gone that Mayonette would have found a man to take care of her. Yet if she had a man now in her life wouldn't he of been there. Offering his aid in saving Sandrina. Thomas' thoughts swirled around inside his head. He knew deep down inside the true meaning for this uneasiness......

5 years later and he still fancied Mayonette

[Hama Of The Riddermark]

"My apologies, miss Starnson. The family resemblance is striking, however." Hama chuckled, even generals made mistakes. "I'm sorry to hear about your sister, Mayonette. I know what it is like to lose family, and I know how distressing it is. I will help you find your sister, the King will let me take a few days extra leave to help you." He smiled kindly and warmly, a genuine care radiating from his eyes into Mayonette's.

He drew up a chair and sat down with his ale, taking a long gulp as he looked around and took in all the people sitting round the table. He could tell that just about all of them recognised him, and he was sad that he could not say the same. He knew Elfride, but didn't say anything. He remember the little girl that she had been he had joined the eored for the first time, and the memory brought a smile to his face. "When and where did she go missing, Mayonette?" he asked...

[Mithalwen]

" I know a few now - the girls are Mayonette and her friend Cordelia - though they seen to be in disagreement, the sandy haired b..young man" Elfride corrected herself guessing that Leoflic might be the junior " I think is named Thomas, but I haven't seen him for quite while. The older man is General Haukrsonn. The others - I cannot place - at least not yet. We should go over I think. "

Elfride rose and in her bearing now were few signs of her own sorrow. She stood tall and straight and walked with a purpose that perhaps prevented her movements from appearing graceful. Nevertheless the young widow cut a quietly elegant figure as she made her way across the busy Mead Hall with Leoflic following.

" General Haukrsson, this is an unexpected pleasure" , Elfride curtsied, but a trace of a smile played about her lips for General Hama might have outranked her husband and be her brother's senior, but 20 years ago he had been a rider in her father's eored. Though his promise was already evident and he had soon gained promotion, the memory of the cadet meant that she was not as awestruck of the general as she might have been when their paths crossed from time to time. She wondered if he still saw the harum scarum, seven year old tomboy, striving in all things to keep up with her elder brother, not the prosperous and dignified widow.

"Mayonnette, Cordelia - I came over to check that you were alright but ..... " Elfride stopped herself from saying that with Hama present there was surely little assistance she could offer, but she saw from the girls' faces that something was clearly very wrong. Her voice took a more serious tone - "what has happened?".

Elfride, had been away from the village for a couple of days, staying at her brother's house and so absorbed with her son that the news had not reached her. Now on hearing it, her face grew even paler as the implication of murder and kidnap so close to home sank in. She was too shocked to speak for the moment let alone introduce her new acquaintance.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic listened intently to Mayonnette's tragic story with horror and dismay. What kind of person could be so cruel and heartless? Why would anyone want to do something like this? He thought silently. He looked around at the faces on the people surrounding him: the look of horror, sorrow and shock on that of Elfride's, the look of grief on that of Mayonnette's, the look of concern and greif on everyone else's. Even he, who knew none of these folk, felt pain, pity and sorrow for the loss of Mayonnette. Before he started talking to Elfride, he only felt pain and self-pity. But as he listened to her story, he realised that he wasn't the only one who had problems and as Mayonnette told her tragic tale, he realised just how many people have problems like he does, and perhaps even worse.

But as he listened to the story, he looked around at those who were there. What stories do they have? he wondered. Who else has suffered pain and sorrow such as Mayonnette, Elfride or myself have suffered? Who else has suffered such a tragedy as this?

As the others continued to converse, he stood silently by, rather liking the change. It's true that he was used to being shunned like this, but this time he thought it would be better if he stayed out. After all, he didn't even know any of these people. It would be awkward if he suddenly jumped into a conversation as important and as heart-breaking as this.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener listened attentively to Mayonette's tale. He felt pity for her, and he thought that such a tale should be his only reason to join this quest, and that he should forget his selfish desire of melting a frozen heart. But he was young-rekless and young. He knew that such thoughts would only last as long as the tale lasted, that they would vanish before the night was ended, and his own plight-how insignificant he found it now!-would again take hold of him. Such are the young always. Selfish both in sorrow and joy, until time and fate consent to change them.

Edhener was acostumed to tales of grief. He had been in one himself. For him, the Great War was anything but a dim and uncertain memory. He had not been young enough to escape the arms then, not the horror of witnessing his brother's death, nor the pain of having to bring the news to his parents. Edhener's eyes flashed. There, far away beneath the walls of Mundburg, his brother had fought and died so that peace could reign over the plains of his homeland. And now, one had come to break that peace, defiling his brother's memory and the memory of so many others. Could such deed go unpunished? Never!

Edhener looked at those that surrounded him. He sensed suspicion, or maybe it was only his mind playing triks on him. And, after all, did it matter?What cared he what the others thought of him? It was no business of his. He would do his duty anyway.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette smiled at the woman sadly. She had missed so much. How long had she been away?

"My father has been murdered. Someone has kidnapped Sandrina, Elfride. Alexander has gone to find her. He is desperate. She. . . she is with child. If she dies then her child will die as well. Uncle is trying to capture the estate, since I am not the first born and Sandrina is missing to claim her right to the estate. I have to find her. I can not lose another family member. Would you join us? We are going to find her and seeing as she is carrying a child she may need help. Would come with us Elfride?" She asked her, knowing that Elfride was the only person that could really help in the situation.

She only hoped and prayed that her sister and her sister's child were thriving. At least someone what anyway. So many emotions were bringing down her heart and mind. The grief from the death of her father, her sister's kidnapping, her brother-in-laws maniac like driven fear, and a thought. . . no more of a deeper feeling for the man that she hadn't seen in five years.

Her heart begged for her to take his hand, to look for comfort in him. Her dark eyes began to well up with tears as the reality of it all set in. She blinked back the tears and took a deep breath as she reached out for Thomas. She needed his strength. They had been through so much and now she needed him more than ever.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride gave the only answer she could: "Of course, I will come, my son is safe with his uncle and the farm will survive without me a while longer". Her steward Bredon was old and lacked any imagination but as far as the day to day management of stock and land went noone was more trustworthy. "I have not been in the village for some days but I am surprised that news as ill as this has not reached me sooner - try not to worry too much... you seem to have acquired many helpers - between us, I am sure we can get your sister back safe and well".

Elfride looked around - it was an interesting group.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia smiled at Elfride. She had been such an intricate part of her past. She had heard that she had been out of the city helping a family, it was the way she was. She was just that kind of kindhearted soul.

"Welcome to the quest Elfride. I tried to talk Mayonette out of it, but she wouldn't hear it. You know how stubborn the woman can get when her mind is so dead set on risking life and limb for vegenance. You remember the time that she was set on repaying a certain little lad for stealing her precious doll?" She asked Elfride, watching Thomas with particular interest in his reaction. He had been that boy and he hadn't stollen her doll. He had found it after they had been playing by the river. Mayonette had hit him, leaving a very nasty looking bruise upon his arm.

Cordelia laughed inwardly at the memory. Even then Mayonette's stubborness was not to be triffled with. She had tried to talk Mayonette out of hurting the lad, but she had been unsuccessful. They had only been five at the time, but the memory burned brightly in her mind.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas looked at Cordelia and then at Mayonette. Thomas rubbed his arm remembering the bruise Mayonette had given him when they were little. Mayonette might have only been 5 when she hit Thomas but Thomas remembered quite well the feeling she had given him. It seemed like from that day on Mayonette had Thomas' heart. Thomas hoped he would get a chance to talk to Mayonette alone but knew the chance was slim to none.

Thomas released a little chuckle and looked back at Cordelia. "I remember that day quite well. Mayonette was furious, she thought I had stolen her dear precious Molly. When I went home my brother didn't believe me when I said that Mayonette had left the bruise. My arm was sore for days." Thomas could remember how stubborn Mayonette was. It seemed like time never changed that much of her.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette shook her head at the memory. She hadn't meant to hit him so hard. She just loved her doll so much! She smiled at Thomas and shook her head.

"I remember your brother asking me if I had actually hit you. He gave you such a time when I confirmed the story. I never meant to hurt you," she said to Thomas. She sighed inwardly as she studied the man beside her. Just his presence eased all of her pain.

She turned to the rest of the group, swallowing hard. Now was the time to start talking about the quest.

"Bring all the weapons you own. You will need them. There is enough horses at my homestead for all of us. It shall make the journey shorter. Hopefully. We can decide which direction to head into tomorrow morn. I think now we should become aquainted with one another. It may be a long journey. We don't want fights to break out due to clashes of personalities. Please talk amongst yourself, I need to speak with Thomas alone for a moment," she said as she took Thomas' hand and lead him away from the group.

She lead him away from the group's sight, knowing that Cordelia would try to read their lips to figure out what they were saying. "I've missed you Thomas. Where have you been the last five years?" She asked him softly as she tried to calm her racing heart.

[Witch_Queen]

"I've missed you Thomas. Where have you been the last five years?" Thomas looked at Mayonette. How was he going to answer her question? "Mayonette I've been in Gondor, hoping to train with the men of Gondor. I had hoped to come back to Rohan sooner and perhaps serve General Hama but I was delayed in my leaving. I have missed you. I didn't want to stay gone for five years. I was worried that I would come back and you would be gone. But I see that I have come home at the right time. As for the offering of your horses I would rather take Chianna. She has been there for me when no one else was." Thomas couldn't help but smile.

His heart racing and Thomas looked in Mayonette's eyes. "So you tell me Miss Mayonette, what have you been up to the five years I have been away." He feared what she might say. He was scared that Mayonette would tell him of a new love in her life. He had spent all of his life trying to make something of himself when the one thing he really needed was back at home. He was truly happy now that he was at home. For once in his life nothing else seemed to matter, not the wars of men or the greed of dwarves. This was one feeling he wished would never end.

[Crystal Heart]

Gondor! He had been in Gondor! No wonder her father wouldn't tell her where he was. She knew that her father knew. If she had known she would have followed him. Perhaps that is the reason her father didn't allow her to know.

She smiled as he spoke of Chianna. Yes, that horse did love him something fierce. They always did have this unspoken bond with one another. She nodded and told him that she understood.

"Gondor? I wish I would have known. You would make a fine General of any army. You always were very bright and inventive," she told him softly as her heart slightly died. Did he want to become a soldier so bad that it would take him away from her once more? She swallowed back the emotions, thoughts, and questions that had bubbled up inside as he asked what she had been doing the last five years. What she had been doing was nothing compared to what he had done.

"Last five years? I've just been working at the homestead. Sandrina got married and had a little child. A boy. He is such a wonderful little nephew. I've been taking care of him. Father too really. I just. . .was around. Doing my chores and wondering about you," she started. She stopped as she remembered what she had needed to talk to Thomas about. A very large, pressing matter that would consume both their lives forever. She knew what was in her father's will. She knew that she had to tell him, but she was afraid of his reaction. She cleared her throat and took his hand for support as her world began to spin around her.

"Thomas. . . Father has given you a portion of the estate. Nothing much. Just a couple of acres. He has given you all his weapons. The estate. . . however. . . it. . ." she trailed off, her breathing quickened. How could she tell him what the condition was?! She decided not to tell him.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride answered "I think you were beginning to get a little old for dolls by the time I came to the village". She remembered how attached her daughter had been to her dolls but Tilly had never got a chance to outgrow them.... she tried to stop herself thinking about her lost daughter but something someone had said was bothering her and she knew not what. She forced herself, as she had done so often in the past few years to concentrate on the practical to prevent herself being overwhelmed by sad painful memories.

Elfride intoduced Leoflic as best she could after such a short aquaintanceship and then she started to plan.She was going on a quest it seemed but was ill prepared
even for what little she knew of it. She had a sword and a horse but the other possessions she had taken to stay in her brother's comfortable apartments were not ideal for the venture. If they were not starting til tomorrow she should have time to get home and equip herself properly. In fact a change of location would not be such a bad idea for them all - the group was now becoming much to conspicuous and mention of murder and money might attract undesirable attention. The war had not removed all evil from the world else their quest would nt be necessary - and an Inn in Edoras was hardly private.

She wondered if she should offer her home as a place for them to plan - the farm was more secluded than the Starnson homestead, further from the village and their activity less likely to be observed. Bredon and his wife were utterly loyal to her and not inclined to gossip. The other farmworkers lived in cottages further from the main house and like enough would not notice. But did she want strangers in her house? Those of the group she knew would provide some security from those she didn't. She continued to ponder as Mayonette spoke to Thomas - that at least brought back happy memories of herself and Theomund when they were younger even than these twain.

[Witch_Queen]

Mayonette must hate me for what I have done to her. The only reason I ever left to go to Gondor was so that I could come back and support Mayonette. I wish she would have gone with me to Gondor. Then the years I spent away from her wouldn't have seen like forever. Thomas was afraid to tell Mayonette his true feelings. When his father was at home he had always told Thomas to hide his feelings. Never let anyone see you cry and when it came to love to always protect your heart.

Thomas knew Mayonette real well. He could sense that something he had said had hurt her. "Mayonette I never meant to hurt you. Your the only reason I went to Gondor." There I go, exposing my heart to Mayonette.. But I know she will not strike me while I'm down. Thomas couldn't help but pause. He figured he had made a mistake when he told her that he had gone to Gondor for her. He took Mayonette's hand in his own. "I cared for you too much. My brother told me that the only way to prove to your father that I was worthy of such a fine woman was to become a soldier. I believed him, I wish I would have stayed at home. Perhaps I would have been happier. Perhaps I wouldn't have lost so much."

Thomas looked at Mayonette. "Please forgive me. I left Rohan because I loved you then and I still love you now. Mayonette, forgive a foolish man."

[Crystal Heart]

He loved her! She had always wished for him to say those words. It was the reason why she had rejected every courter that came to call. The only man she had ever wanted to be with was Thomas. She would have to give his brother a piece of her mind once they were done with the journey. How little did Thomas' brother know.

She stepped closer to him and placed her hand upon his cheek. She studied his eyes, knowing that hers were welling up with tears. How could he think that she was mad at him? She had never been mad at him. Just worried sick about where he was and how he was, but never mad.

"Oh Thomas. I am so sorry for what you have seen and lost during your time as a soldier. Your brother was very wrong. You didn't need to go off to Gondor in order to win my hand. Yet, you did and for the reasons that you went. . . they touch my heart and soul. You never hurt me by going. You just had me worried sick. I didn't know where you had gone and I just. . . I couldn't bare the thought of losing the one man that I have ever loved. I love you too Thomas. So very much and you always have my forgiveness. And don't say you are foolish. You did the most beautiful thing. You wanted to prove you were good to my father. That is honorable Thomas," she whispered to him.

Memories swirled in her mind of their childhood together. Yes, she always knew that he was the one for her. Now and forever. Now he was here with her and that forever was starting right now. That she knew. Her heart raced as she reached up and kissed him softly upon his lips. A blast of pure happiness and love shot through her small frame. She smiled as she returned to where she was standing.

"I love you so much Thomas. And now you know my father respected you highly," she stopped and giggled as she thought of the condition and the words in her father's will, "Thomas, father's will came with a condition for you. The condition was that if you wanted the land you had to marry me in order to get it. Father wrote in the will that he felt that you need a push to ask me before I became an old maid."

She moved a tad bit closer. She whispered softly, "I would have waited my whole life for you." She smiled as her heart burst with joy. He loved her and she loved him! Perhaps the world was changing for the best after all.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia smiled at Elfride. She had known the woman for a very long time. They never had a chance to get together all that much, under circumstances that didn't require some medical attention.

"Elfride, I highly doubt that we should stay here to discuss our problems and thought processes of a certain journey we are about to embark on. Any shady character can wander into this place and learn of what we plan to do and tell the correct people, making our job even more dangerous. What say you to perhaps heading to the homestead?" She asked her, curious on the woman's opinion.

[Mithalwen]

"Cordelia, you read my mind," answered Elfride. "I was thinking just the same thing - we should certainly go somewhere more private - this group is conspicuous enough without talk of money and murder and" ..whatever is going on over there with those two she thought able to see what Cordelia couldn't .

"Anyway I need to pass by my own home and collect supplies in case .... " again Elfride's voice faltered ,knowing that voicing concerns over Sandrina's health could not make them a reality, but not wanting to add to the tension, "well just in case - and really I would prefer not to adventure in the wild in my best riding habit". The masculine garb worn by the younger women was much more appropriate. She flashed a quick smile at Cordelia.

" I wonder if Samuel may have the Starnson propery watched . Doing our planning and preparation at my farm might be more discreet but it is Mayonette's choice. I will suggest it when she returns. She may still prefer we go to her own home in which case I will join you there. It will not take me long to be ready. Wherever we go we should perhaps not go in one large group? " Elfride wondered if any of the military men had any suggestions on that score.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia nodded solemnly. If Samuel was behind any of this, then he most certainly would have the homestead bugged. It was just like him to do that. If they wanted to get around him then they needed to go and plan what they were to do in a safe place.

"Mayonette will probably want to head to your house. She isn't foolish enough to trust her uncle. I suggest that we do not speak anyones name here. I fear that there are eyes and ears in this place that we do not wish knowing of whom we speak," she advised.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas bent down to whisper in Mayonette's ear. "But my dear you won't have to wait. I'm home now and I don't plan on leaving you any time soon." Thomas wrapped his arms around Mayonette pulling her closer to him. From all his work in Gondor Thomas had built up muscle, and he knew Mayonette was much smaller than he was. Mayonette was like breakable doll to him. He wanted to hold her and ease her pain, but was afraid that he might break the fragile Mayonette. "Perhaps when we have rescued your sister and gotten back home we can make your father proud." He knew this wasn't the best time but he had to get his thoughts off of his chest.

He released Mayonette before he dropped down on one knee. Looking up at the woman that had his heart he began the biggest speech of his life. "Mayonette Starnson, I have loved you since the day you handed me the beating of my life. I was only a little boy then but you stole my heart the day you gave me that bruise. I lived five years without you in my life and that was five years too long. I don't want to live another day without you. Miss Starnson would you do me the pleasure and be my wife?" Thomas waited on Mayonette for an answer wondering what she might say to him.

[Crystal Heart]

Tears of joys glistened in her eyes. She caressed his cheek softly and nodded. Her lower lip quivered slightly. Her heart screamed a joyous hallejuah within her soul. She had always known that she was meant to be with Thomas.

"Oh Thomas. Yes. A thousand times yes. I loved you from that same moment and I would be so honored to be your wife. After five years I know I can't live without you and I don't want to try. Thomas you are the most wonderful thing that has ever come into my life," she whispered. She placed both her hands upon his cheek and kissed him softly.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener was listening to Elfride and Cordelia's discussion. He did not feel like talking himself, however. He thought of what Mayonette had said, about not wanting any fights to start between them, and he admited to himself that he should start talking to someone, but he could not bring himself to do it. He felt much too ill at ease. He always did, when he was among those he did not know. "And anyway," he said to himself, "Why would any of them have something against me, when they do not even know me? They should not.Not as long as I do my part on this quest as best I can."

Edhener looked arround him. From those that sat there, only General Hama he knew well. But their aquaintance had been made before the Great War, when he was still a lad, so he had no hope of being recognised. He did not feel quite sure that he wanted that, anyway. There were parts of his past about which he never talked about, that he kept locked inside his mind as one may hide something unpleasant and incriminating.

Edhener began to grow impatient. He wondered what had Mayonette and Thomas to say to each other that took so long. He turned to Elfride and Cordelia and asked:

"Should we not set off? Time may be shorter than we think, and we know not what ill fortune every hour lost might bring."

[Glirdan]

Léoflic stood by wondering what the heck he was doing there. I mean, I don't even know these people and I'm about to embark on a quest with them! He stood by patiently, listening to Elfride and Cordelia's conversation, not wanting to interupt.

Finally, Edhener, interuppted and asked "Should we not set off? Time may be shorter than we think, and we know not what ill fortune every hour lost might bring."

"I am in agreement," Léoflic added. "I may be an outcast in this group, yet I'd still like to help out in anyway possible. Let's get going!"

[Mithalwen]

Elfride, smiled inwardly as she managed to take a surreptitious glance or two at Mayonette and Thomas, she thought that she could guess what was going on but she would not draw attention to it yet.

"Leoflic, call yourself not so - you are most welcome. However we do need a decision on where we are going - since I have to return to my property anyway I am tempted to leave immediately perhaps with a companion or two. Then I can either be ready to join you elswhere the sooner or prepare for you arrival. These three- " Elfride indicated Cordelia, Mayonette and Thomas " know the back way - we need not all arrive by the main road. I suggest we plan tonight and start out at dawn tomorrow. I begrudge the delay as much as anyone but we will waste more time by being ill prepared." She looked around for her suggestion to be gainsaid and hoped that Mayonette would turn her attention back to her ad hoc fellowship soon.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas was so glad that Mayonette had accepted his proposal. "Mayonette, I think we should go back and join the others. We can celebrate later, right now we have to put "us" to the side and concentrate on bringing your sister back home safe and sound." Thomas knew Cordelia would be very happy for the two of them.

Thomas leaned down making his face only a few inches from Mayonette's face. He turned his head to whisper in her ear. "I'm glad you return my feelings. More than anything I'm glad I came back to Rohan for you." Thomas moved a little bit, his heart pounding he kissed Mayonette. "Now shall we join the others and see what they have come up with." He held Mayonette's hand and no matter what he didn't want to let her go, not now and not ever.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette nodded in agreement to what Thomas had said. Her heart felt lighter than it had in days. She was thankful that he was there with her. The journey would be easier with him around.

She lead him back to the group. She smiled softly at the members of the quest. They had gotten to know one another as she had asked. Now, the planning was to begin. Yet, there was an uneasy feeling here. She knew that they could not stay here and plan out the details of this quest.

"We should leave. Immediately. There is planning that we need to do before morn breaks. Let us get out of here and start traveling. Anywhere. It does not matter. The only thing that matters is that we do not discuss where we are leaving to here. There are too many ears and eyes that we shouldn't trust," she advised them. The group nodded in agreement and headed for the door.

Mayonette touched Cordelia's arm gently and gave her a smile. Cordelia gave her a confounded look as she cocked her head to the side. Mayonette leaned in and whispered her big news to her. Cordelia smiled and clasped her friend's arm.

"Congratulations you two," she said before heading off to find the others.


They group went outside where the fading light of day had turned into the crisp darkness of night. They clamored onto the their horses and headed away from the Inn slowly. Mayonette rode at Thomas' side, looking around to see if anyone was following. As soon as they were far away enough for her satisfaction she cleared her throat.

"I think we shouldn't head to the homestead. I just don't trust that place. We need to go somewhere safe. Elfride can we stay at your home?" She asked, wanting a place that she was familiar with.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Bound on personal business, Garnae leaves the questors for a short while . . .

Garnae was troubled as he rode. What could be so important that the Riders themselves would send a messenger? He didn't have a very high standing in the Rohirrim either. There would have to be a very good reason for his going.

"Crean, noble horse, are you the only one I can understand?" he whispered.
Perhaps not. The man Thomas seemed trustworthy, and Mayonette and Cordelia. A quest seemed a just idea. He still wondered if it was the right decision to accompany them.

"Why do we return to my homestead?" he asked as they drew to the last hill. The entire journey the messenger had said nothing to him, and Garnae, being not very skilled with words, had refrained from starting a conversation. But now he was worried.

The messenger answered slowly, "Look, Garnae is it? I - I don't know how to tell you this..."
But he had already seen it himself. As they passed over the final hill, a thin wisp of smoke drifted into the air, and slow as a stalking wolf, his home was revealed. Or, what had been his home. Where the grand table had been, now there was just a pile of ash. Where the proud pillar that held up the roof had stood, now was a deformed lump upon the scorched and shivered rock of the foundation.

His home, the house and all its valuable treasures, family heirlooms, claims for land, all was burned to the ground.

"Fellow Rider," said the messenger. "I truly am sorry."
Garnae knelt next to the ruins of the stone fireplace and cried bitterly. After a minute of this, he seemed to strengthen. He stood up.
"I swear, you demon who have commited this atrocity, that I Garnae of the Riders of Rohan, shall hunt you and thus avenge the evils loosed upon the world by your hand. So is fate revealed."

"Very moving," said the messenger.

[Mithalwen]

"Of course! Cordelia and I discussed it whilst you were otherwise engaged" she continued managing to keep her face innocent as she watched for in the rapidly fading light a sign that her words had an added significance. I will ride ahead to warn my steward and be ready to receive you. You know the way well enough, don't you?".

Elfride took Mayonettte's hand and squeezed it. Then she shortened her reins and touched her heels to her horse's sides. Leif needed little encouragement and sprang forward soon taking her out of sight of the other riders.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia's eyes scanned the horizon, looking for Garnae. He had just disappeared and she was starting to worry about him. Could they just leave without him? She didn't want to think about it.

There was something in his eyes that had captured her attention. She only hoped that everything was okay. He had left so quickly with the Rohan messanger. What had been the message that had taken him so swiftly from the rest of the group.

She looked down at her hands and sighed. Even being in this group she felt so very alone. Her best friend was now engaged. She knew that every moment that wasn't devoted to finding her sister would be spent with Thomas. It was how it was suppose to be. She was really very happy for Mayonette. The girl had been pinning for Thomas since he had disappeared from Rohan. She just didn't want their friendship to change. Yet, she knew it had to. They were no longer innocent girls. They were women that had responsibilities and loved ones.

Well, Mayonette had a loved one. It seemed to her that everyone that she had ever encountered didn't really want to come to call for very long. Courters always told her father that she was far too much to handle for their tastes. Her father had countered that she was a woman of Rohan and that as such she was strong enough for the trials that resided here.

She looked over her shoulder and saw a very defeated Garnae riding back towards the Inn. She spun her small mare around and raced over to him. Something shouted to her that he needed someone desperately. She only hoped he would be okay with her presence.

"Garnae, it is I. Cordelia Harrison. The group is over yonder. I do believe that they will be heading for Elfride's house, a place I know very well. Thus, you have no need to hurry your horse. What has happened? Why does it seem like all life has been struck from you?"

[The Sixth Wizard]

"What has happened? Why does it seem like all life has been struck from you?" asked the blue-eyed woman called Cordelia. She spoke kindly, and filled Garnae with hope. But his tragedy had almost broken him, and he didn't answer. Still, he was moved.

When Garnae didn't answer, she continued to inform him on all of the goings on while he was away that night. He listened silently as she described the new members of their group, suddenly exclaiming as she mentioned General Hama.

"Hama? The Hama?!" Amazing that a leader of his stature should assist in a venture such as this. Perhaps that betrayed something of his personality, simple yet great. As much as Garnae was annoyed that he might have to act bravely or disciplined while Hama was present, he admitted that it would help the group to have an older adult on hand. They were all so young, too full of passions and life and rash decisions, and an experienced warrior would be needed.

As for the other members, none really attracted his attention as much as the General, but they all had fascinating histories. Elfride, the woman on the other table, had a tragic past, but her strength encouraged Garnae to stand up to fear once again. Léoflic, the boy other than Thomas, also made him feel this. Edhener struck no thoughts, other than hope at having such talent on board.

He almost laughed when she spoke of Mayonette and Thomas kissing on the first night they met, after not seeing each other for so long! How their hearts must have burned for all those years, until their world was filled with the lust, or it was crushed under the weight of circumstance and duty.

Then the strength came over him again. Time to stop living in stories, he thought. Change is at hand, a darker day, but a bright morning.

Without warning he spurred Crean ahead. He felt himself laughing with Cordelia, as they galloped, cantering back to the others.

A bright morning.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener rode together with the rest of the group. He had left a message at the inn, informing his parents that he had left to spend some time alone in the wilderness. Nothing of the quest was mentioned, not only because the company thought it best to remain a secret, but also for reasons of his own. He did not want his parents to worry needlessly. They had already lost one son, they had been through enough. And also, he knew who they would blame for his actions and, true as it was, he would not have it so.

Edhener felt restless. He had been glad to leave, glad to finally be on the road. He looked arround him. He knew these parts, for he and his brother had often rode through them,and, during their mad gallop, they would soon forget the troubles and sorrows that their land was then facing. But that was long ago. Things had changed since then. There was a large stump where an old tree once stood, or a house where once there had been only an empty field. But not everything was different, and Edhener fancied that he could hear the gleeful shouts of young voices, and see mounted shadows pass him by. Once or twice he nearly called out, yet he checked himself, for fear of breaking the spell that seemed to surround him.

Escaping from his memories, Edhener realised he had remained behind. He would soon lose the group, if he was not careful. Urging his horse to ride faster, he rejoined the group trying to ignore the tempting visions of his lost past.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride's homestead lay a couple of miles nearer to Edoras than the village but not directly on the main road. She trusted that the girls knew the way well enough not to miss the turning in the dark but for herself and her horse there could be no mistaking the lane that would take her to the back way on to her property, The Grange. There was a broader track that joined the main road further down, closer to the village but as well as being a longer route, most of her farm workers' cottages were along that road and their party would be large enough to attract their attention.

She turned Leif who made his way, sure footed despite his size, through a copse and then the woodland opened and she was back on her own demesne. Skirting the orchard she could see lights in the windows of the steward's house but not her own. She wished it was light enough to see the house more clearly. She loved her home and the bittersweet memories it contained .

The traditional rohan homestead had been extended and largely rebuilt with the money from her dowry using a style Theomund had seen in Gondor. The old thatched great hall remained but the new house adjoining it was stone built and had a tiled roof. It's building had been a great local curiosity - many thought it folly but it was comfortable and commodious.

The old farmhouse a long, low building, had not been demolished but was largely disused. Theomund, remembering the discord in the early days between his mother and his wife had decided that it should remain against the day when his son brought his own bride home and wished for a degree of independence. The new part of the house had been designed at a time when they hoped for more children and expected to entertain many guests and was far too large for a widow living in retirement from society.

Elfride rounded the walled gardens and entered the courtyard in front of her house through the side gate. As she did so Bredon her steward emerged from his house bearing a light.

"Ah lass, I'm glad to see you safe home - such terrible things have happened here since you left - but from your face perhaps you have heard? ". Elfride did not expect formality from her Steward. Her mother in law might have been "Milady" to him but Elfride had been addressed as Lass since the day she had arrived and it was a mark of affection not disrespect. He too had served under he father in his youth and he and his wife Maudie had been quiet support to the new bride, who had felt so alone on the farm when Theomund had been away with his Eored. He was now over sixty but still hale and Elfride knew she would have struggled to manage the past few years without him.

"If you mean about the Starnsons' I have. In fact Mayonette is on her way here now with her friend Cordelia and four or five soldiers ... they are making up a search party. We will leave at dawn tomorrow but they will stay here tonight - so if you could possibly take Leif and prepare for the arrival of another half dozen horses I would be grateful... and if Maudie could give me a hand in the house I would be even more grateful."

"Soldiers in the house - are you sure that is wise ..... and why do you have to go Lass... if they need another person one of my boys...". Bredon's sons were all approaching forty but as she herself was still 'lass' so they were still his boys.

"I need to go because Sandrina Hitherford is with child... but keep that to yourself - and keep this venture as quiet as possible please. I hope we can get away unnoticed. If anyone wants to know where I am I will be visiting Theo's sister near Helm's Deep. The soldiers are under the command of General Haukrsson so I expect no insubordination, but even so it will be well for the girls to have a chaperone.... but please we have so little time.."

Bredon took Leif and Elfride let herself into the house, where she was delighted to find that fires had been laid and lamps filled ready for her return. All she had to do was light them. She had scarce put down her bags before Maudie arrived with fresh bread and by the time more hoofbeats were heard in the yard fires were beginning to glow in the kitchen and great hall. At short notice she could offer her guests plain fare only but this was not a time for feasting and so the home produced ham and cheese would suffice. They decided all could be accomodated without opening the old wing and Elfride thanked Maudie as the older woman went to make up beds... and apologised for the extra work... "it will be good for the house to be full ..especially with Master Elfthain away... " had been the response

Elfthain! Elfride realised with a mixture of surprise and horror that she had managed to get through an hour without brooding over her boy but she had no time to think more of him now... the others would soon arrive.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette rode through the darkness, turning at the correct place. Her eyes spied the house that she had known so well in her younger years. She smiled softly as they came upon it. It held so many dear memories.

She turned her horse around to look to see who was still with them. She noticed that her friend Cordelia was not with them. Neither was Garnae. She figured that Cordelia had gone back for him.

"We shouldn't waste time dawdling outside. There is much to plan before the night is through," she instructed as she turned her mare around.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic rode steadily behind Crystal on the way to Elfride's homestead, still feeling outcsted. Well, I can't say that I blame them. I don't even know them? He thought to himself. Why am I even going on this "mission"? What do I have to gain from this? A way to forget my past?

It was then that he noticed Mayonnette was looking around. Perhaps she was looking for her friend. Cordelia was it?

"We shouldn't waste time dawdling outside. There is much to plan before the night is through,"

Léoflic rode to catch up to Mayonnette. "I don't think we were ever formally introduced. I am Léoflic, an aquiantance of Elfride's."

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia pushed her mare to ride faster than his. She rode low as she and her mare galloped in front of his horse. She laughed brightly, allowing it to echo through the darkness of night.

They raced each other, laughing brightly. The life that she had seen in him when he had first arrived had returned. She raced in front of him, dancing her mare in zig zags.

"Try to catch me!" She called as she whistled to her mare to go faster. The mare neighed playfully, understanding the game immediately. It was one of reasons why Mitta was her favorite horse.


As she raced ahead a thought flitted into her mind. The thought of getting lost scared her and she stopped her mare in front of his, causing him to come to a halt. She gave him an apologetic look.

"Sorry. I just know that there is this one turn that if you miss it in the dark you'll end up in the middle of nowhere and . . .well. . ." she trailed off and looked down at her hands. She hated admitting her fears to anyone. "I'm really afraid of the dark."

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette smiled and bowed her head to him in acknowledgement. So that is how he knew Elfride. She had been curious, but then again who didn't know Elfride? She had helped birth so many children in Rohan.

"It is lovely to meet you. Any friend of Elfride is a friend of mine. I am glad that you came upon this journey with us. The more people the more eyes and the faster we will find my sister. Where are you from Leoflic?" She asked him as they slowed down their pace as they got closer to Elfride's estate.

[Glirdan]

"My family is originally Gondorian. However, during the War, my grandparents decided to move here, to Rohan, to escape the Danger from the East. I was about four years of age then. When we moved, my father joined the Rohirrim. He died in battle..." Léofic said with a solemn expression upon his face.

He thought back to when he and his mother received the news. He remembered crying for weeks on end. His mother was always there to comfort him. It was just then that it struck him: who was there to comfort her? He always wondered how is mother was coping with the loss of her husband. She didn't have any one to turn to. Maybe that's why she fell ill? he thought to himself.

It was then that he realised that he had been silent for quite some time. He looked over at Mayonette and realised that she had been watching him intently. "I'm sorry. I was just thinking back..."

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette gave him a sad smile. Too many bad things had happened in everyone's life. Too many to count. She understood that sad expression. It was one that she had seen many times in her life.

"It's all right. Memories tend to suck you into a different world don't they? Oh how I understand that. Well. Welcome to Rohan. It's very delayed, but welcome all the same. After this, you need not hesitate if you should need anything. That is the Stranson way," she told him with a gentle smile.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas looked around for Mayonette. She must have fallen back a bit. Thomas had been silent most of the ride. He couldnt' help but remember how long it had been since he had rode along side Mayonette. Oh there she is. If Thomas' memory served him right that was Elfride's friend, Leoflic.

He slowed his horse to almost a walk, hoping that Mayonette and Leoflic would catch up soon. Instead of waiting Thomas decided to turn Chianna around riding towards Mayonette. He coud tell the two of them were in some sort of conversation. He looked around knowing that Cordelia had to be around somewhere. "Mayonette you seemed troubled. Do tell what be the problem?"

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette heard Thomas at her side. She turned and gave him a loving smile. She reached out and grasped his hand. She could barely believe that he would one day be her husband. The thought was an amazing one for her.

"Just dwelling on darker days, Thomas. But now that you are here all those bad memories just float away," she told him softly.

[The Sixth Wizard]

"I'm really afraid of the dark." said Cordelia.

Garnae smiled. "My dear girl, if you wrote what I was afraid of in a list it would fill the Chamber of Mazarbul in Moria. Here, take my lamp, let's keep going and fear no darkness." This was rather crafty speaking for the stuttering Garnae, he wondered what had come over him. He shook himself briskly. Why couldn't he stop looking in her eyes?

He suddenly realised all of this had only happened over the course of one night. Incredible that in such a short time he had met this group, embarked on an epic quest and had his spirit somewhat broken and rearranged clumsily. He also realised he hadn't told anyone of himself. But perhaps it would be better when they were all in a group.

"You have a beautiful horse," said Cordelia, breaking the silence. "What's his name?"

"Crean, after my father," he answered. "My entire family was murdered by Uruks on the way to Helm's Deep, apart from Crean my father and Conwé, my grandfather, who had joined the Riders. Every single one of my forefathers joined the Rohirrim, that's one of the reasons I decided to. They were all hardened, bulky men. I was an odd one out, and an only child, a lanky, useless kid. No hope at farmwork, no use for fighting, no eye for archery." His eyes darkened with memory.

"The only thing that ever pleased my father was my cooking, a gift I seemed to possess. I could have been a cook in the Halls of Meduseld. But the world was cruel, and I never got a break from my debts in the farm. Especially with Mayonette's uncle buying off my land. And just imagine what father will say with it burnt to the ground."

Cordelia looked shocked. Garnae sighed. He'd let it slip.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia blinked in surprised. A man that could cook?! That was something that she had never heard of. It was rather different, but then again she admired it.

"Cook? Really? That is so amazing! My father hates it when I cook. I am so horrid at it. I burn everything. I try following the my mother's receipes, but alas. . . they always fail. If only my mother had the patience to show me when she was alive. Then again, I was far too rowdy. Mayonette, Thomas, and I would always try to go and catch frogs and things of that nature. I was just far too busy learning then to sit still and watch dough rise," she said with a small laugh.

She saw how his eyes darkened at the memories. At what she was told. She placed her hand over his and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Parents love us. They just have very different ways of showing it. I am sure your father was proud of you, no matter what you did. He just couldn't show it to you because their generation just has that problem of showing their affection for their children," Cordelia pointed out.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas smiled at Mayonette. "Your around friends so cheer up. Your beautiful no matter what, but you look so much better when you smile." As much as Thomas wished not to remember the darker days, he couldn't help but think about his life before Mayonette. His life before he returned to Rohan. Thomas looked at Mayonette.

Oh Mayonette, if only I could tell you everything I had to go through in Gondor. The pain, the suffering, the consistant hurting......... I love you too much to place my troubles on you. I fear that perhaps my past in Gondor may come back to haunt me.

Thomas tried not to allow his thoughts to interfer with his real duty in life. He was there for one reason and one reason alone, Mayonette... the love of his life. "Mayonette fear not, I am here. There will always be darker days. Its like I said, fear not I am here and nothing will harm you; for I am here to protect you."

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette smiled at Thomas. Yes, he was here and that meant that there was something right with the world. "Thank you Thomas. You merely being here has eased my pain," she told him softly. She reached out and grasped his hand gently for a moment before returning her hand to clasp her horse's reigns.

They rode towards the house and finally reached the stable. She couldn't remember the stable boy's man, but she remembered his face. She smiled. The place hadn't changed since she had been there last. There was some comfort in that fact.

As soon as she and her horse were safely inside the stable she dismounted and handed the reigns over. The mare neighed softly. She smiled and stroked the horse's face. Then she turned to wait for the others.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener was now riding alone. He had left his companions behind, exept for Mayonette and Thomas who were in front of him. He prefered being alone for the moment, with his past as his sole companion. Edhener smiled to himself. His preference for solitude made him too much alike to the old folk, weary of life and kin. The young usually sickened for company.

Edhener sniffed the night air. A cool breeze was blowing- the first herald of the morning that was to come. But the stars were still bright on the night sky, and shadows lay upon the sleeping land. Edhener remembered a song that a friend of his from Dol Amroth had taught him, and, almost without realising, he began to hum to himself:

Come, let us tread the moonlit night,
Where snow the trees with blooms of gold,
Where silver stars sing of delight,
Where tales of other times are told.

A house appeared in front of him, but so deep in thought he was, that he was not aware of it until he had entered the yard. Edhener went to the stables where he found Mayonette and Thomas. He nodded to them. He dismounted, and let the slable boy take his horse, while he turned to wait the arival of his companions

[Glirdan]

Léoflic had fallen behind Erdenher when Thomas had rode up. He felt he ought to give the two a little privacy.

He rode around the corner of the estate just as Erdenher was dismounting his own horse. He rode up to the stable and dismounted himself. He handed the reigns over to the stable boy. "Wait!" he cried as the stable boy went to take Aldor away. "Make sure he gets plenty of food. He's still young and eats a lot. If he doesn't have enough food, he's not going to have energy. Oh! And..." he noticed the expressions on his companions face and blushed deeply. "I'm sorry. It's just that Aldor has been the only companion I have had for quite some time and..." he trailed off, not knowing what to say.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride went to the door as soon as she heard the first muffled hoof beats on grass, by the time the horses' feet were making a sharper sound on the yard's hard surface she was standing on the threshold her tall figure shrouded by a grey mantle against the night's chill.

Only four so far, Cordelia, Thomas, and the two of he young men she had first
met that evening - Leoflic and Edhener. Where were Cordelia and the blondone?.. Garnae ... yes that was his name. And where was Hama...this venture would be a rather different prospect if he had changed his mind. Elfride was anxious suddenly feeling more responsibility settle on her shoulders and disquiet at theospect of having armed men she hardly knew in her house. Bredon her steward, aided by one of his grandsons, a lad a little older than Elfthain were coping with the horses so shemoved to guide her guests inside.


Hearing Leoflic's instructions she said "Your horses shall want for nothing, indeed the hospitality they shall receive may exceed that which you will, since the barn is well supplied with the best hay, straw and fodder yet to my human guests, with short notice I can offer little more than bread and cheese". She ushered the quartet through into the Great Hall.

"Your rooms are not yet ready but if you would like to warm yourselves by the fire and make yourselves comfortable while we wait for the others."

A sideboard was already laden with platters, goblets, a cured ham and a truckle of dark yellow cheese, creamy butter and a bowl of fruit. Elfride brought bread from the kitchen and jugs of wine and ale from the cellar and once she was sure that all was ready she turned her focus to their mission "So do you have a plan - or any idea where Samuel has taken Sandrina?"

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette shook her head and sighed wearily. She had absolutely no idea if her Uncle was even behind all of this. Deep down she believed he was, but he hadn't been acting suspiciously at the time of Sandrina's kidnapping.

"I have no plan. Nor any idea of where she might be. The only thought that I have is that she is close to Rohan. In her condition it would be dangerous and if they are looking for a randsom then they would want her alive. To top it off I have no idea if Uncle Samuel is really behind all of this. It's just. . . he always wanted my father's land. He was very angry when it was passed to my father. He is the only suspect that I can rely on at this point," Mayonette discussed with Elfride.

[Mithalwen]

"Very well, we will have to try and think about what is most likely. We will get the maps out and see whether that helps us decide a course", Elfride's practical nature was over riding her inner anxiety and diffidence but she wished that the General would arrive, knowing herself to be more suited to the role of Adjutant rather than commander.

She went to the campaign chest that sat under a shuttered window, and taking a key from her chatelaine opened it taking out several maps. Setting a lantern on the main refectory table she opened them.

"Bring that other lamp over - we will need all the light we can get! This is the village.." Her own estates wer outlined but the Hitherford property was also shown. "This is the area around Edoras - as you can see showing parts of the Eastfold and West Emnet and the passes of the mountains. This I think will be most useful perhaps - I am sorry it is not more recent - it dates back to the war - and this one is all Rohan."

Those who had arrived gathered around the table. Elfride stood back for a moment and thought.

"Mayonette, does Samuel have any properties his own - where he mihgt be holding Sandrina? And can you tell us all you know of her dissappearance - when exactly did she go? And where Alexander was planning to search?"

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette shrugged her shoulders. Properties? That she wasn't entirely sure of. But she had heard a rumor about a property that he did own.

"I do not know for certain the exact whereabouts of his property. I also do not know for certain if he even has a property. He probably does seeing as grandfather didn't give him any property. From the rumors that I have heard his property is here, in the deep thicket of forest. It is rumored that he just took it from the elderly man that had been living there. If Alexander knew about this property then he surely would have headed that way in order to find Sandrina," Mayonette started, pointing west of her property.

She had heard stories of the spooky hut that held the ancient spirits of the murdered. As a child that she had been far too afraid to venture even remotely close to the hut. It would be fitting for her creepy uncle to take up residence there.

"Sandrina was found missing three morns ago. Alexander waited until noon. Sometimes Sandrina will go for a small morning walk, but she had never been gone that long before. He went out on her usual route and found no trace of her. At evening light he took off in a north west direction."

[Dimturiel]

"Then should we not head for that property?" suggested Edhener. "It is the only one we know of, the only place where we can search. We need somewhere to start, and this seems the only alternative, unless you count searching blindly through the entire Rohan, North, South, West and East."

But they were too few for that, Edhener thought, and time was too short. He thought that making for the property in the woods would be the right plan, if such a property existed. He had never heard of a house in the deep thickets of the woods; unless he paid heed to the rumours of dark and perilous cottages, which he had long stopped believing in, and which he took to be only a tale to scare children off from going too far into the forest, and encountering dangers far greater and more real than restless spirits and monsters.

"Can you tell me more about this place?" he asked turning to Mayonette. "Have you ever seen it? Do you know how far it lies from here?"

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette shook her head. It was in the forest and she had never dared travel in there. Not even when she had gotten older. There was an unspoken danger about the forest.

"Unfortunately, no. I have only heard about it from childhood stories. I know it does exist for Father said it did. He had seen it at one time or another. But not I. I have never laid eyes upon it. I haven't even ventured into the wood. I was always too afraid of it. I think that it may be at least three miles. If not more. It's in the thick of the forest. I am sorry that I do not know more," she told Edhener.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Garnae nodded, not saying a word. She noticed the turn and pointed at it.

"There. That is where we need to turn," she said. They turned their horses which they had slowed down to a soft walk. She was grateful that he had a lantern. The darkness of the night really did scare her.

Something caught her eye, a shadow dodging in front of her. She pushed her horse away and hit Garnae. She gasped and righted her horse once more.

"I am so sorry. I did not mean to do that," she apologized. She saw the house in front of them like a beacon of hope and light. She sighed inwardly at the sight of it. There she could hide away from the darkness.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas sat in the corner where he felt more peaceful. He watched as Mayonette and the others talked. Just by looking at Mayonette Thomas could tell that she was troubled. He stood up only to let his legs stretch for a minute. As much as he like the peacefulness of the corner he still didn't feel right. He knew Mayonette needed some time to decide on a plan of action. Thomas walked over to Mayonette and the others only catching a little bit of the conversation.

"I haven't even ventured into the wood. I was always too afraid of it. I think that it may be at least three miles. If not more. It's in the thick of the forest. I am sorry that I do not know more."The wood? What would be going on in the forest? He placed his hand on Mayonette's shoulder.

"The forest isn't as bad as your father had said it was. Perhaps it only seems scarey becasue we mearly do not understand the trees that dwell within. But still we wish not to go into the woods blind to what lives there." Despite how much Thomas tried to sound serious he couldn't help but smile. Everytime he looked at Mayonette he smiled.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette smiled at him. He always seemed to know just when she needed someone to lean on the most. She placed her hand upon his where it rested at her shoulder.

"Does anyone understand the kind of trees that dwell there. We will need to understand this in order to get to Uncle Samuel's cottage. I agree Thomas. We shouldn't head into that wood blind. I fear that if we do once we get in we will never return," Mayonette replied. She shivered at the thought.

She looked up at Thomas and smiled to herself. She loved him so and was so incredibly thrilled to have him back in her life. Even though she was incredibly troubled her mind was slightly eased by looking at him.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae and Cordelia rode silently under a moonlit glade of trees. His fatherish side thought, C'mon, you've got a really pretty girl by your side in the wilderness, and we're almost there, say something!

"I like your hair," blurted Garnae. Argh!, thought the father-side.

Cordelia looked at him puzzledly.

"Er - I mean, I just noticed it as that leaf fell from the tree. The way the women in my village tie theirs is so tight and boring, yours reflects the wild of the land and the trees. It's a nice change."

"Thanks," said Cordelia. At least she didn't look annoyed or laugh at him. His father-side sighed inwardly. Quiet you, thought Garnae.

They drew up to the darkness of the estate at last. Garnae first headed toward the stable, quickly tying up Crean, he had a feeling they were late. As he helped Cordelia from her horse he hung his lantern on the hook near the door, and tried to hurry inside...

[Glirdan]

Léoflic stood up and spoke for the first time since they arrived. "Well, what are we supposed to do? Do we send in a scout and wait for him to possibly never return?" Léoflic asked sarcastically. Everybody looked at him in surprise. "Well, what I'm saying is that we're probably going to have to risk whatever danger is in there."

He looked quickly around, noting the shocked expressions on everyone's face and said, "I've never been one to sit around waiting for something to happen. If you want something, you have to make it happen. Think on that for a bit," he said as he went back to his seat.

[Dimturiel]

"I am not one that sits with his arms folded either," Edhener told Leoflic. "And my spirit grows impatient, and longs for fell deeds that would earn it a place among the heroes of old."

Edhener fell silent, thinking that he had probably said too much about himself, and too little about what concerned them. Maybe Thomas and Mayonette were right, when they asked for caution, but caution was something that he had never understood, and always dismissed. He prefered riding recklessly into the midst of the enemy's camp, waving his sword and singing the songs of old warriors, and shouting the name of his country and of his beloved. Even the mere thought of this made his eyes blaze the brighter.

However, he did not voice those thoughts aloud. For one thing, he knew that such thoughts were far from convincing for those who favoured caution. "And yet," he said to himself, "am I not a Rohirrim? And does not recklessness go with that name? The desire for fell deeds has been set in my heart since before I was born, being an heirloom from anscestors whose name I have not heard. All that dwell in this land have this desire, even those that love caution so much, although now they little realise it." He gazed at his companions thoughtfully. Was this not true about them, also? At lenght he said:

"I know my words sound full of foly, but such is my nature, and surely in your hearts you all had felt as I do, if only once and for a short while. Of course, I am not the leader of this company, and only she has the right to choose what course to take. Yet I do hope she will pay heed to my words, also. Time is our greatest foe, lady Mayonette. You talk about fearing death in the forest, but here is what I fear. I fear not being too late, and with every hour that passes, this thought torments me and pierces my heart."

Edhener stopped to catch his breath. He turned now to face Mayonette.

"Do not think that I am trying to rebel against your orders." he said "I am not. I am only telling what my fears say to me.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette nodded. Yes, time was too precious for her silly fears of the forest to arise. She took a deep breath and looked at the group that stood around her. Perhaps Sandrina would survive this if they hurried. She had always been the one that plotted and planned each move. Yet, her sister and the child she carried were all in danger.

"You are both not out of line. As youngest I was always fearful of many things. We need to ride out towards the cottage. Without fear of any woods. It is probably only just talk anyway. Rumors from childhood are getting the best of me. Tomorrow at first light we need to head out," Mayonette replied.

She swallowed back her fear. The things she had heard were probably just what she figured, rumors from childhood. Sandrina was in desperate trouble. She couldn't be the one that caused her death.

[Mithalwen]

"Nightmares fade in the light of day and ....." Elfride paused and smiled, "sometimes ....well it is better for a child to be afraid of a deep wood so that he will not be tempted to adventure there alone. They do not realise the peril of hunger and cold, or a hundred other natural perils so we let them believe in monsters to keep them safe ..... and since we do not plan to enter the Entwood ... I do not see we should be overly afraid, such a party as we are ...or should be - where are Cordelia and Garnae - I did not think they were so far behind you? "

Elfride moved away from the table towards the shuttered window, hoping for the sound of hooves to reach the yard ... and Hama too she thought, his business in Edoras should not have so long delayed him. At last it seemed that she heard something, faint at first then more definite, then the unmistakeable sound as the horses reached the yard, voices too. She opened the shutters a crack - Cordelia and Garnae only. She closed the shutter and taking a lantern started to make her way to the door.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia was thankful for the darkness for the first time in her life. It concealed her blush from Garnae. She smiled and thanked him, but couldn't come up with anything. Her heart pounded wildly in her chest. Before she knew it he was helping her down off her horse and trying to rush into the house. She grabbed his arm to stop him. She turned him around and gave him a sweet smile.

"I like your eyes. I mean. . they're so much like Rohan. So wild and free and adventureous. You are far different the stiffy men that have come to call. It's rather refreshing," she said. She blushed, knowing he could see it now that they were in they were in the light.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas was glad now that everything was moving on. Soon the group would be leaving to venture into the woods in search of Mayonette's sister. He reached down with his right hand to hold Mayonette's hand in his. He felt that this might help her feel a little more courage.

I will help her in any way I can. Perhaps if I show more strength she will know not to worry about a thing. Thomas smiled. They would be leaving after all.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae's heart beat fast when he saw Cordelia was blushing. She stopped to say something back, and stopped him from going into the house. They stood underneath the light of the Evenstar, and then...

"I really like you, Cordelia."

Garnae wasn't sure how it happened. It seemed she slipped on a stone, but the ground appeared smooth when he visited out later. The next thing he knew she had fallen into his arms and he was looking into those blue, blue eyes... He couldn't help himself, he kissed her. He thought it was probably the time of the night, the fact he had been drinking, maybe even that scent on the wind blending with her hair. He would normally have been a lot more cautious. Perhaps it was fate. Well, I've done it now, can't go back, thought Garnae.

But he opened one eye and saw a bottle of wine standing nearby. Good for cooking, he thought, and closed it.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Before she knew what was happening she was in Garnae's arms, kissing him softly. Her heart raced wildly like the heart of Rohan. She sighed as her arms instinctively wrapped around his neck.

She had had kisses before in her life. Some of her courters had been that brave, but never had she felt like this. It was so amazing that it was indescribable. As they broke the soft embrace slowly she kept her eyes closed, not wanting to break the magic that she felt at that moment. She opened her eyes and smiled.

"I really like you too, Garnae," she whispered, unable to get her voice back. Perhaps her wild spirit would be tamed after all. Or maybe with Garnae it would flourish and thrive the way Rohan had. Only time could tell, but she knew that there was something about him that held all of her for the first time in her life.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette looked up at Thomas and smiled as he held her hand. She rested her cheek upon the side of his arm. She was already so weary and yet there was so much still yet to do.

"Anyone else have any objections to just riding out and meeting what is out there?" Mayonette questioned.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride paused at Mayonette's words " It might be as well to wait for the General to arrive before we make any final decisions - he knows this land better than any of us I am sure and has been a soldier ...... " she stifled the longer than most of you have been alive .... " in many difficult situations. I am sure his counsel will be worth a little wait. We will not leave til first light now. Please eat and drink - Cordelia and Garnae are here and I am sure Hama will not be far behind"

She resumed her progress to the entrance hall and the main door. Those beyond were too engrossed to hear her soft footfalls on the flagstones, her hand opening the latch. The doors hinges were too new to squeak. Cordelia and Garnae only became aware of her presence when they were bathed in the light from her lantern. They stared at her wide eyed and Cordelia seemed to suppress a giggle.

"I wondered what was keeping you" said Elfride drily. "I don't suppose you noticed if General Hama was behind you? " she enquired, very much doubting they would have noticed if the hosts or Mordor were behind them. "No? Well you had better take your horses to the stables and join us inside directly. Plans are afoot" . Elfride turned masking a giggle of her own with her sternest expression, the one she used for telling off her son for some minor disdemeanour. Really it seemed that half of them had drunk some love potion rather than mead at the White Horse. Or maybe she was just getting old.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic looked from face to face, noting each expression upon it. He then arose, walked over to where Mayonnette and Thomas were standing before turning and adressing everyone.

"Well, I'm sure you already know my thoughts, but I'll make them plain and clear: let's go out and take on the challenges as they arise. Let us not dawdle here while Sandrina is in danger. The more time we spend here trying to think of the different obsticales that could arise, the less time Sandrina has to survive. So, I say let us go."

[The Sixth Wizard]

Elfride unexpectedly opened the door with Cordelia and Garnae right outside. Reluctantly, Garnae broke off, and looked rather sheepish. The new arrival said something, but he was too embarrassed to hear it.

"Er, Cordelia, I think we may as well join the group now," he stated, going almost exactly the same hue as the redberries he used to pick at home. She nodded, and actually looked like she was going to laugh. He put his hand in hers, and finally walked inside.

[Mithalwen]

How long had it been since she had been kissed like that? wondered Elfride as she turned her back on the pair. The memory hit her hard enough to turn her giggle into a quiet cry of distress.

Three long years ago and in that very spot, Theomund had kissed her goodbye in the darkness before dawn. Their last kiss as passionate as their first but more tender and less tentative. A final embrace for her and their sleepy and sorrowful children, then to horse. Then a quick squeeze of her hand, a whispered word and a last glimpse of his lean handsome face in the lantern light as he had turned Leif and ridden away never to return.

Elfride became aware of hot tears starting to stream down her face. She could not face the company like this - neither those in the first hours of love or the soldiers in the first hours of a campaign. Until Hama arrived she was the eldest, they would look to her for leadership she could not give. Why was she crying now, so long after? A soldier's wife lives with the prospect of widowhood, accepts it as part of the price of loving a valiant rider of Rohan. It was the life she was born to; raised to be brave, be strong for those who depended on you to keep things going at home until they returned. And now she had filled her house with strangers so she wouldn't be alone and ...it hadn't worked. Her isolation crushed her.

Turning not to the great hall but to the kitchen she quietly unlocked the door that led to the walled garden and slipping the big heavy key to the garden gate into her pocket, passed through into the garden. The moon had risen and illuminated the path quite clearly, Elfride chose however to walk on the grass alongside, not that anyone would hear the crunch of her boots on gravel, those in the Great Hall were too far and too self absorbed.

She opened the gate as quietly as she could and was on the path she had ridden barely an hour before. Before on one side her lay the woods that led to the track and the main road, to the other lay the orchard and the little paddock they used to turn out horses that would be needed at short notice, it was also where they had taught their children to ride.

Chiding herself for wallowing in memory she went and stood leaning against the fence. She remembered standing here, her arms protectively around her three-year old daughter lest she fall from her perch on the fence, as Elfthain demonstrated his skill to his parents - his father especially - by riding over a series of little fences he had built there.

"Daddy - you aren't watching!" Elfthain realised that only Tilly, whose absolute hero he was, was giving him full attention. His father was nuzzling his mother's neck, making her promises Elfthain could not hear, of returning soon to raise horses and as many children as his lady wished for. Later they had all ridden round the estate returning as the sun set on their last day as a family, then a brief night and those last goodbyes.

Elfride let her tears fall freely. She would get it out of her system and tidy herself up in the kitchen before she rejoined the group. In the event she was missed she would say she had things to prepare for the journey - which was true though not the truth. So absorbed in memory was she that the hoofbeats she heard she thought were remembrance, the tall blonde soldier suddenly at her side could have been Theomund - but it wasn't, it was someone she had known even longer and his voice recalled her to the present.

"Elfride, what is the matter, what are you doing out here?" , Hama's voice was softer than usual. As she turned he saw her face clearly in the moonlight and understood.

Elfride raised her hand to her face in a gesture that refused comfort. Mastering her emotion she said "I think it will do me good to be away from here a while. I take it the King allowed your petition? " she added changing the subject.

Hama nodded "He has agreed to extend my leave of absence - that is the official line, this is not quite the usual method of dealing with wrongdoing - but these are not usual circumstances and will allow for greater discretion. I think your presence on the expedition sealed the matter". he added.

"Mine?" said Elfride mystified.... "Why should that make any difference?"

"Because Theomund died in his defence, he feels a special responsibility for you I think ... I may be wrong .. it was just an impression I got." answered Hama.

"So he sent you to look after me .... I don't need looking after" Elfride bristled slightly though she was aware that her tearstained face belied her words.

"I know, you told me that when you were six" replied Hama drily.

Elfride laughed and this memory drove out the others for a while. "I am glad you are coming with us - take your horse round to the yard. I will cut back to the house through the garden and meet you there - then we can really start to get ready". She smiled and they parted. A splash of water to cool her face from the pump at the kitchen door and noone need be any the wiser.

[Cordelia Harrison]

She felt him pull away. She looked up at him reluctantly, but then noticed Elfride. Her cheeks blushed deeply and she tried hard not to laugh nervously.

"Er, Cordelia, I think we may as well join the group now," Garnae said as he went red. She stroked his cheek softly and nodded. She sighed happily as he took her hand and they walked into the house.

Within, the group was deep in conversation. Mayonette was being supported by Thomas. The men were sitting around, looking iritable. She watched Mayonette as she looked up at her, then down at her hand. She flashed her a quick smile, before returning to her serious look.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride felt as if she had been away for hours so far into memory had she delved but in fact only perhaps twenty minutes had passed between her intrusion on Garnae and Cordelia and her return, composed to the same doorway. Hama had reacehd the yard and was entrusting his horse to Bredon's care. It was clear the old soldier was delighted to meet the General. She would have to rescue him. She was glad to have him at her side as she reentered the great hall. His presence avoided any need for his absence. Of the group the young soldiers, Leoflic and Edhener seemed most impatient but then they did not have the distractions of the others. They were leaning over the map strewn table and looked up as they came in. Hama was the focus of most attention but Elfride was aware that Leoflic's gaze rested on her a little longer. Certain her face betrayed her she turned away, ostensibly to pour a dring for the general.

Now he was here, her mind focussed less on the route they should take and more on the other practicalities - supplies of food, bedrolls and so forth - she would have to check all the party were properly equipped befor they left. She must think carefully of all the supplies she should take for her craft, both in case Sandrine needed treatment and for more general mishap or malady that might befall an expedition. She wondered if it were her mother instinct coming to the fore or a legacy of her father's insistance that good preparation was essential to a successful campaign.

She listened though to Hama speak, he had thought to ask at Edoras where Samuel held land. His closest property was near Underharrow - a village a few miles closer to the mountains where the Harrowdale narrowed alongside the Snowbourn. It was the closest village to the long stetch of woodland that ended up right at the foot of Dwimorberg the haunted mountain underwhich passed the Paths of the Dead. Though the dead had been allowed to find peace after the King Elessar had led them to battle in fulfilment of their oath, the woods were still somewhere where few of the Rohirrim, brave though they were would chose to venture without need, even if their conscious minds rejected the dark stories told of them. It would be an ideal place to hide a captive. It seemed the likeliest place to start looking.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette looked up as Hama and Elfride came into the room. She gave the General a nod and listened to what he said. Yes, that is where they had to go. Who knew what they were doing to her sister. They had to find her as soon as possible.

"Well then we head out that way. We leave at dawn. I suggest that all of us get some sleep so that way we can be fresh for the journey tomorrow," she suggested. The group nodded in agreement and headed off to the rooms that Elfride had shown them.


Before the animals of the earth rose the company stirred. They gathered supplies and packed the horses. The soft yellow of daylight graced the horizon as they mounted their laden horses and started out on the journey. General Hama was at the start, followed closely behind by Mayonette and Thomas.

Mayonette sighed as she watched the sunset. They were going to find her sister. That she knew. She only hoped that when they found Sandrina that she would be alive and not dead. That was her only prayer now.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia reigned up her horse and pulled it up beside Garnae. She smiled at him. The morning had been so fast that they had barely been able to say anything to one another. The memory of their kiss still lingered upon her lips.

"How did you sleep last night?" She asked him softly as they fell to the back of the group. She hoped that he had slept well. She had had wonderful dreams for the first time in a long time.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener had spent most of the night awake, lying on his back and gazing at the cealing. Only in the early hours did he manage to get some sleep, and that was soon enterupted, as they had to start their journey.

Edhener looked arround him searchingly, as he rode. His horse seemed restless, as if he could somehow remember another morning, many years ago, when he had taken this road. He had carried another rider then, a rider to which he was more atatched, but with which he would be soon fated to part. Edhener sighed. It was strange, he thought, that he had lost his horse in the battle of Pelennor, and survived, while his brother had died even if his mount had escaped.

He patted his horse. "You know these places, don't you, old boy?" he asked. "You remember them. How eager you were in that day! You ran so fast, your master could hardly restrain you. Well, you were young then. And so were we."

[The Sixth Wizard]

Last night. Garnae suddenly felt very spent.

He hardened. I can't let her think I'm a weakling. he thought. "Not very well. Well, not at all. You see, I spent most of the night before riding over rough country, toward the homestead, at the call of another Rider."

He felt cold, and grabbed her hand, then went on. "And at the house, there was no house. Uncle Sam's cronies have been ruining my profits for months, and it seems they have lost patience. They razed the house to the ground. It was over. Just as I had graduated."

The darkness threatened to consume Garnae, and he looked downwards in despair, but saw only a small white hand in his own. He looked up and saw its owner. I can make it., he thought.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia listened to his story and shook her head. How could people so cruel and cold? Yes, Rohan was a difficult place to live, but it was made harder when people like Samuel got greedy and jealous.

He was being so strong as they all had been taught. She slowed down their horses, leaned over, and kissed him softly.

"Your house and land may be destroyed, but your spirit is not Garnae. We are from Rohan and as such we have to rebuild. It is what our ancestors have done and it was we are to do. As long as I live you shall have your revenge against Samuel," she replied.

She looked down at their hands. He had nothing and she everything. A conversation she had had with her father once made its way into her mind. She smiled to herself.

"Just remember you are not alone. As long as you want me, I will by your side. I will help you rebuild, to start over. I've done it before after a storm that nearly wiped out my home. Just remember you are never alone," she whispered softly.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride was content to stay towards the rear of the party. Leif, usually restive and eager to lead had seemingly picked up on his rider's mood and was content to go along quietly allowing his mistress time for reflection. She had discarded her riding habit in favour of the more masculine garb as worn by the younger women - shirt and breeches, topped with a fine, high necked jersey against the cool of dawn, and a loose tunic held in at the waist by a sword belt. All were in muted shades of grey and blue but this was currently concealed by her grey cloak as was her face shaded by her hood.

The outfit actually made her look younger but she was betrayed by the weariness of her eyes and she was not ready to meet anyone's gaze now they might have time to speak of anything other than preparations for the journey- especially not Hama's. Their departure had been mercifully busy, she had made sure everyone was well supplied and breakfasted and that her steward Bredon had all necessary instructions for her absence.

She had not slept well. Not because she had given up her own chamber; preferring that she rather than another slept in the little room that had been her daughter's - she was jealous of whatever might remain of Tilly in that little chamber and felt closer to her there even than by the mound, pathetically small, where the simbelmyne already grew. Sleep easier to find there than in the emptiness of her own bed but this night had been too eventful, too full of loss, tension and fear and she had not the comfort of knowing Elfthain slept in the next room. The plans for the journey might occupy her mind but most of her heart was with the small boy travelling to Gondor with his uncle.

What remained was with Sandrina, abducted, separated from her own much younger son and no doubt terrified for his safety as well as that of the unborn child. Elfride's mind had raced, wondering if she had packed all preparations necessary then unable to reassure herself with the knowledge that all was ready. Knowing she needed sleep to be in a good state to help Sandrina, she had got up, slipped her dressing gown over her nightdress and gone downstairs. She had placed the kettle on the range and was holding up a lantern to the herb cupboard to find for the right jar when Hama's voice disturbed her ..

"So you can't sleep either ?"

Elfride without seeming to change her hand's course selected chamomile rather than the more potent sophorific herbs she had intended.

"No ... my mind is too occupied .. so I came to make tea"

"What is it? "Hama asked with simple curiousity but Elfride's guilty conscience made her answer "Just Chamomile.. I'm not drugging myself!"

Hama's eyes narrowed but he kept his voice and gaze steady.

"I never said that you were - why would I? Will you make some for me too? "....

"Of course" She answered taking down a second cup and adding the now hot water to the pot. "Well everyone one seems to think I will not be able to cope. Being on my own, raising my son alone". Elfride rolled her eyes and pushed a steaming mug across the table to her old friend. As she did so, Hama caught her slender wrist in his hand and turned it so a silvery scar was visible in the lantern light.

"Do you remember the day you got this" he asked. She nodded. "So do I" he continued " and I know you are brave .. but I also know that things happen that are hard to cope with.."

Guilt had struck Elfride again. She had let him see her cry once tonight. It would be so easy to cry again, bewail her losses and her failure - but how could she to Hama who had lost everything? He would understand but could he forgive her self pity when her son at least remained to her? So she had taken the cowards route... excused her self on the grounds that she was sure she would now sleep and returned to her bed. She would avoid Hama's too perceptive gaze until the day was a little older.

The sight of the early morning light glistening on the lone tall peak of the Starkhorn started to lift her spirits a little. Even though she had been born at Edoras and lived most of her life in the Harrowdale, this was a sight she never tired of. The gurgling of the Snowbourne whose course they followed as they rode toward the mountains soothed her nerves and she threw back her hood and let the still weak sun reach her face. It was not strong enough to lighten the shadows under her eyes but it eased those over her heart a little.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic tossed and turned in his sleep. Whether it was eagerness for the day to commence, or the horrible reccuring nightmares he's been having, he couldn't tell. He eventually got up and crept quielty out of the house to get a breath of fresh air, hoping it would allow him to relax and fall asleep. He walked around to the stable's to go see Aldor before the day's journey. He walked up to the horse who looked up as his owner approached. "You can't sleep either boy?" Léoflic asked Aldor softly, treading his way slowly over to him.

Léoflic stood for awhile, stoking Aldor's muzzle softly. He sighed deeply and looked at Aldor in the eyes before saying "We've had a rough time, hey boy? What with father going off to war, and then mother..." at the thought of his mother, Léoflic's heart skipped a beat. His mother, the one person who he ever knew, the one person he loved the most. Tears sprang unbidden to his dark eyes. "I know I shouldn't be upset boy. After all, she's in a better place now..." he said quietly. "But I miss her so much. Everyday I think about her. I miss her..."

He stood there, crying silently into the night, leaning on Aldor's neck. It took Léoflic awhile to calm down. He wiped his eyes to remove all the traces of his emotions. He then thought back to when he met his first friend and his benefactor. He took him in when no one else would. "What was his name?" Léoflic wondered out loud. "There I go with the memory lapse again. Well, wherever you are friend, thank you for your generosity." Then he looked back at Aldor, remebering when he first got him. There was an immediate bond between them. "You're my best friend in this god forsaken world," Léoflic whispered gently into Aldor's ear. "You've always been there for me. And we still have many more adventures my friend. I suggest you get some sleep whilst you can. Tomorrow, we start on a new adventure, with new friends. Maybe, this will be the adventure we need to forget our troubles, hey boy?" He gave Aldor a hug and patted his muzzle one last time before retiring to the house.

Léoflic awoke the next morning feeling quite refreshed and ready to start on an adventure. As they rode, the sun rose above Starkhorn, lifting his normally gloomy and despondant spirit high. As he rode, he noticed that Elfride looked rather gloomy. He rode up beside her. "Elfride, what's wrong my friend?"

[Mithalwen]

Elfride managed a wan smile. "Oh I didn't sleep well, worryng that I might have forgotten something, worried about poor Sandrina, wondering and trying not to worry how my son is managing without me. You know Leoflic, when I was a little girl I dreamed of going on an adventure like the knights in all the stories I heard and jealous that the girls never got to go anywhere but had to stay at home and wait. Now I am going on an adventure and all I wish is that we were all safely back at home.... " She paused realising that she might be tactless...the young man might no have a home to go back to... the sound of steady hoofbeats filled the void.

"You got more than you bargained when you decided to speak to me in the inn - strange are the workings of fate. Bringing strangers and old acquaintances together. I thought today would bring me house work and perhaps a walk in the meadow to gather certain plants that are now in bloom. Instead I am riding out on a expedition led by one of the highest ranking officers in the Mark. What were your plans before you took up with us?"

[Glirdan]

"I was actually just going to go around questing. Looking for adventure. Maybe travel back to my home country of Gondor. Maybe go questing North and visit Bree. Truly, I had no plan. I'm just a lone Ranger you may say, although I do not have the bloodline the Rangers of the North have," he said, smiling weakly thinking deeply.

Fate, he thought silently. What is fate? Is it fate that brought me here amongst all these people? Is there more for me on this quest? Why am I here? He looked over at Elfride who still looked rather glum. The sight of someone as pretty as her was unbearable for Léoflic. He wished there was something more he could do for her. Maybe I am here to protect these people, my new friends.

He looked back at Elfride and smiled. "Cheer up my friend. It's a beautiful day and even though it may not be what you want now, but you're childhood dream has just been achieved. Who knows! This adventure may turn out to be something positive for all of us here."

[The Sixth Wizard]

"Remember you are not alone."

Garnae sighed happily and kissed her again. it felt so good to have someone to understand for once, to listen. He leaned over Crean and picked a flower, standing alone. No-one should ever be alone, he mused. Ever. He brought it up and planted it inside a knot of Cordelia's hair.

"A beautiful token for a -" he started but broke off. A rabbit had leapt underneath Crean, startling the stallion.

"Ha-hey m'lady! A black foe to ruin our day. Forth Eorlingas! Strike down the shadow!" Cordelia laughed as he rode in hot pursuit of the small creature. The rabbit dove back and forth over the road and into the plain beside. Crean was faster, but could not turn and dive, or hide in holes and gullies. The horse was happy again though, he had not been allowed to roam free for a while, always having to stick close to the road. He spurred the horse faster and faster until it ran at full speed over the next hill. Unfortunately, this led back to the road, almost straight into the back of one General Hama Haukrsson, a Rider obviously Garnae's superior.

He swerved Crean just in time, managing to come to a stop a few metres away. The General appeared furious, apparently in converse with Elfride. "Wha- Foolish Rider! Just what do you think you are doing, rushing up like that?! Take control of your horse, man, and show some self-control!" Unfortunately the rabbit had run away.

"Hama!" exclaimed Garnae. "I mean, sorry sir, I er..."

Cordelia conveniently chose this moment to come dashing over the hill herself. Hama grumbled something about him being different when he was twenty and turned away. Elfride winked at him. I've never felt so alive in years! thought Garnae. What's come over me? Cordelia was grinning.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia raced her horse over the hill and stopped right before running into Garnae. She giggled as Hama gave them both a stern look and mumbled something about never having acted the way they did. She smiled over at Garnae who was squirming in his saddle. She giggled inwardly at the expression upon his face. His face was deeply flushed and his eyes were wide. She just wanted to save him from the fate that they had gotten themselves into by being so playful. She took a deep breath and pushed her horse in between Garnae and Hama.

"Sorry Hama. It was my fault. I was chasing a butterfly and Garnae was just trying to keep me safe. It shan't happen again," she replied in mock seriousness as she pulled Garnae and their horses away from the front. She waited until they were at the back of the group once more before giggling at Garnae's expression. She leaned over and kissed him gently.

"Don't worry about Hama. I would gladly make it all my fault once again to see you squirm once more," she giggled brightly. Her heart fluttered wildly in her chest. She had never been so bold in front of any one before, expect for Mayonette and Thomas. Yet there was something about Garnae that would make her die for him. It was a feeling that she had never encountered before and one that she wasn't about to lose either.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette giggled as they continued on. What had gotten into Cordelia that she would chase after a butterfly? She had never been that kind of person before. Perhaps it was due to Garnae. She could certainly see them together at the end of this.

She looked over at Thomas who looked weary. She patted his hand and gave it a squeeze. His eyes found hers and they instantly danced with a love that she had been wishing to see for quite some time.

"You did not sleep well did you?" Mayonette asked him softly. He nodded slowly. He took her hand and guided his horse closer to her.

"I just couldn't sleep. What about you?" He asked her. She sighed softly as she looked down the road that they were travelling.

"It was a hard night's sleep. I fear for my sister, Thomas," she whispered. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and smiled at her softly. She rested her cheek against his shoulder for a moment, basking in the strength that he was giving her.

"She will be fine. I know it. Have faith in Sandrina. She's a tough woman," he replied. Mayonette nodded and sat up straighter in her saddle. Yes, her sister would be fine. They only needed to get there to find out just how fine she truly was.

[Mithalwen]

Maybe travel back to my home country of Gondor. Maybe go....North and visit Bree. ...

Leoflic's words struck chords in Elfride's mind. "Bree, the town where men and holbytlan dwell side by side? I remember Master Holdwine and his companions at the burial of Theoden-king. And my brother saw Ents. I thought such folk lived only in tales - and you would go so far? And I am here making such fuss about journeying a few miles! I have been to Gondor a few times but other than that, I don't think I have been out of sight of these mountains my whole life. And there is so much more to the world than I ever knew... so much more than I will ever see" Her grey eyes opened wide at the thought.

"You are right Leoflic, this journey may bring more than we imagine. But above all I hope it brings us to Sandrina and that she is safe...which is something those children should remember!" She added with mock seriousness as she winked at Garnae.

Then flashed one of those rare bright smiles at Leoflic " Perhaps we should put ourselves between them and Hama before he decides this isn't a sufficiently serious expedition for a General of the Mark to participate in? " Sure that he would follow she urged the great, grey horse forward and his long agile stride soon took them to the head of the group.

[Glirdan]

Elfride smiled the first smile he had seen from her and said, "erhaps we should put ourselves between them and Hama before he decides this isn't a sufficiently serious expedition for a General of the Mark to participate in? " Then she spurred her horse and gallopped to the front.

Léoflic looked at her in stunned silence but with a wide grin on his face. He was glad to see Elfride in such high spirits, something he had been longing to see from her for a long time. He spurred Aldor on and gallopped after Elfride, his pain and loneliness left behind. Never will he be alone again, not with such great people around, people that he could call friends.

He caught up to Elfride and smiled at her fondly. Then something stirred within him and he looked quickly away. What is this feeling? he asked himself silently, looking over the plains beside him. Why is it that whenever I look at her I feel happiness and joy? Could I be....in love? he looked back over at the smiling Elfride and smiled again. Whatever this feeling is,he thought, it's wonderful.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener smiled amused as Cordelia and Garnae rode giggling and nearly ran into Hama. The morning was bright, and the sun was shining and hope was in everything they saw. How different it all was, from that day of darkness and of fear, when they rode forth into the dreadful gloom, their hearts heavy and desperate. Now talk and laughter rang about him, while then there was only silence, and even the sound of hoofbeats seemed unreal.

In that darkness, Edhener remembered now, he had vowed that he would give anything and anyone in exchange for the smallest ray of light. He had now light enough to please him, but the price had been paid. If he had known clearly what this would mean, maybe he would not have been so eager to make the exchange.

"What exchange?" he asked himself."There has been none, you know it. Your brother would have died anyway, that was his fate. Fate cannot be changed, nor can you parley with it." But then, alll the dreams from before the batttle, alll the signs, what had they meant? Edhener had beeen so sure that it was he who was going to die at Pelennor, and yet...

Edhener shook his head vehemently. There was no point in thinking about this. What had happpened had happpened. His time would come too, and maybe sooner than he thought. He stirred his horse until he was close behind Leoflic and Elfride. Wanting to appologize for having disturbeed them, he told Leoflic:

"I am sorry if my presence is in any way intruding. But there are thoughts that trouble me, and I need company to chase them away."

[The Sixth Wizard]

Children! thought Garnae indignantly. She looked but a few years older than he was! To say that to a Rider of Rohan! Perhaps he should be more mature about this after all. But there was something in Elfride's eyes that said that she had experienced much more than simple Garnae had. A sad life maybe, full of darkness.

Garnae hated to admit it, but there wasn't much room for error in this quest. A mistake of judgement could see two lives lost, Sandrina and the baby, let alone the rest of the group. Who knows what was waiting within that property of Sam's? There were dark tales of that region, not stifled by the return of Elessar. There would be no room for his average mistakes.

Looking back at Cordelia, Garnae smiled. The girl had helped him so much! How his fragile mind-set could have survived for so long without her he didn't know. But somehow, he would have to carry on by himself. Garnae decided to put off being distracted by Cordelia. If they were both still alive by the end of this, they could celebrate it then. Not that I won't defend her with my life! he thought.

Riding next to Cordelia, he held her hand, and wondered upon the future. Fate lay ahead.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia set her mind at the task at hand. She knew that anything could happen at any moment. She couldn't allow her heart to run her life. Then again she had never allowed her heart to control what she did and said. It seemed to be doing that a lot since she had met Garnae.

She gave his hand a soft squeeze and a gentle smile. She watched her surroundings and hoped that they would find Sam's cottage soon. She wanted to destroy him so she could get on with her life.

[Crystal Heart]

A single arrow flew through the air, narrowly missing everyone's head. The group stopped immediately at attention. Swords and bow and arrows were raised, ready to destroy anything that came their way.

Three men on dark brown stallions speeded towards them, burning the grass around them. Mayonette shot one in the arm with her arrow. He let out a bloody scream.

"YOU'LL RUE THE DAY THAT YOU DID THAT!" He yelled as the three men sped away. She looked over frantically at Hama, hoping for guidance as the flames licked around them.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride

"Why should you be intruding?" Elfride had said puzzled but the attack had come too swiftly for any answer even if it had been heard. She had not expected this ...a confrontation perhaps when they came to the kidnapper's hideout but not not an ambush in broad daylight so soon into the journey. There had been some skirmishes with orcs when she had travelled with her father and his eored but such encounters had been one sided and Elfride had never felt in danger.

This was her first experience of an attack on men by men and she didn't care for it much . Nevertheless as a soldier's daughter she mastered her feeling and drew her sword, wheeling her horse around in a manoeuvre she had only practised with her brother as a child, but which the old warhorse had performed for real often.
The violence shocked her. As a child she had dreamt of great deads and as a teenager envied the role of the Lady Eowyn at Pelennor but since then Elfride had become a healer and a mother, helped to bring lives into the world and fought to prevent others leaving it too soon. She drew her sword but had no desire to use it and though the irony was not lost on her she was glad that she was surrounded by these brave, strong men whose vocation was other than hers. But the fire was something she could fight.

Hama

The general had never been on an expedition quite like this and was seriously wondering why he had got involved. Was anyone focused on the job in hand? If it wasn't enough to have two pairs of young lovebirds forming the majority of the party he had just caught young Leoflic looking at Elfride in a way he understood even if she was oblivious - or maybe she just had the sense not to notice.

He wondered if she felt it kinder not to notice an attraction if she could not reciprocate but as he thought back it was possible she had not noticed. He was sure she never realised how many sorrows had been drowned in the White Horse the night her betrothal had been announced. She had only had eyes for Theodmund, her brother's best friend, and had never noticed that other eyes had been on her since she had metamorphosed from a gawky girl into a graceful young woman. Not his eyes of course, he was married himself by then and she regarded him as an extra big brother.

Nevertheless he expected her to be more worldly wise now - with the experience of the years both sweet and bitter. They had left their mark on her, that was sure - the spririt had been tempered by grief but her smile was still beguiling... and of course she was rich by the standards of many - but to give the lad his due his regard did seem focused on the woman - "You aim high my boy..." he thought and then the assault came and he chided himself for letting his mind drift as badly as the lovers from the task in hand.

It took second for panic to set in such an undisciplined company and already an arow had been fired. They had reached northernmost end of the fateful woods. THe village of underharrow was a little further south on the eastern side of the Snowbourn. The attackers had come from the western slopes skirting the denser woodland and setting fire to the scrub around them.

"Hold hard" he shouted " this attack proves we are on the right track to follow them may lead us away from Sandrina and into peril". Even his voice, pitched for the battlefield was not clear above the screaming whinnies of the frightened young horses.

Elfride heard him and responded " They flee - the fire we must fight - whatever peril it holds it is also the livelihood of many" . The dry grass and shrubs burnt as swift as tinder and though her horse was ready to charge she had sheathed her sword and started to beat the flames with the cloak she had thrown off when the sun's increased warmth had rendered it unnecessary.

[The Sixth Wizard]

An arrow flew over their heads, and three black horses cantered down a wide slope toward them. Sam's cronies? The riders charged, but seeing the size of the company they started running back in terror. The sun shined off Hama's sword as he drew it, but strangely Mayonette was the first to draw weapon and fire one of the riders in the arm. They were off as soon as they had arrived. The encounter was a chilling reminder that defeating Sam was never going to be easy. Quick attacks could kill them while sleeping. Garnae shivered at the thought.

But the thrill of the chase was on him. Someone had dared to try hurt Cordelia (and the rest of he group) and as the arrow sped toward the rider's arm, he thought he caught a black streak on the sleeve. A burn mark? he thought automatically. The swine! Garnae was willing to bet it wasn't from boiling a kettle on a fire.

"Come!" he shouted. "We can cut them off at the hills!" But he didn't rush forward yet, Hama was still his superior, even though he was technically off duty.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic looked back at Edhener. "Not at all my friend. Please, is there anyway that we can help you dispatch your worries?"

Just then, an arrow soared overhead and thudded into the ground somewhere near the end of the group. Then he saw them, three men rushing forward on horses...with torches lit. The men circled the group and lit the grass around them on fire. Aldor turned quickly around to escape the fire, nearly throwing Léoflic off.

Just then, another arrow zoomed overhead and he saw it hit one of the men in the arm. He looked around and saw Mayonnette had been the one who fired it off. "At least I'm not the only one here with a bow," he thought grimly. He saw her look quickly back at Hama.

"Come! We can cut them off at the hills!" he heard Garnae shout.

"No!! We cannot! Have you forgotten our present plight? There is fire surrounding us and our horses could be harmed if we tried to run through it or jump over it! We need another plan." He too looked over at the General. "Well, any ideas?"

It was then that he noticed Elfride beating at the flames with her cloak. "I say, what a brilliant idea!! Even if it does harm to our cloaks, at least we shall be safe from the fire!" And with that, he removed his own cloak and joined her at beating the flames.

[Dimturiel]

An arrow suddenly flew over the company's heads, awaking Edhener from his dark broodings. He drew his sword, clutching it in a tight grip, so tight that his hand hurt, although he was only dimly aware of the pain. His heart began to race faster, at the thought of immediate battle. He felt full of restlessness, and he could also feel the agitation of his horse. "Have patience," he thought, "It will come soon, very soon." He looked arround him, waiting for the attackers to appear, a wild and almost fey smile playing on his lips, his eyes burning with the madness that was gathering within him.

He saw three men on dark horses heading towards them, but he saw something else also, something that alarmed and sobbered him. They were setting fire to the grass arround them! Very soon, they would be surounded by flames.

A bow sang as Mayonette shot an arrow at one of the riders. He departed with his two companions, shouting threats at her. Yet the peril of the fire had remained, and was drawing ever nearer.

Edhener's horse neighed with terrible panic, and, in his frantic movements, he nearly made his rider fall. Edhener caught hold of the reins with one hand, to steady himself, while in the other he was still clutching his sword, its hard steel bringing him comfort.

" Steady, lad," he spoke to his horse. " Steady. Let us not be daunted by this small fire, we who came out alive from the pyre of the Great War. Let us not forget our dignity."

Yet even as he spoke, he felt fear overwhelming him, a fear greater than he had ever known. He had battled with the armies of Mordor, and he had attacked the great beasts of the Haradrim, but never had such dread and dark despair take hold of him as it did now, while he stood helpless watching the flames drawing ever closer to him.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia rushed her horse forward next to Mayonette. She swiftly grabbed one of Mayonette's arrows and notched it quickly. It soar through the air and hit the man that Mayonette had hit in the back. He fell off his horse with a blood curdling scream. She pulled out her sword and turned to the group.

"Time is of the essence General Hama. Someone should tend to the prisioner while we chase the other two down. Their existance threatens our lives," she said, her eyes wild with the spirit of Rohan. She turned and saw that they were getting away. She looked at Mayonette for guidance.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette nodded and grabbed the water that had been packed. She knew that the cantine did not hold enough to get rid of all of the fire.

"Move back! We can not fight the flame so close to it!" Mayonette exclaimed. She urged her frightened horse backwards. She saw Thomas by her side, shelding her from the heat of the fire.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride saw Mayonette go for the water bottles and inspired cried " Pour it on the cloaks not the flames, as soon as we make a gap get the horses away to the river bank - we will have to get help from the village if we can't put this out alone!"

The wet cloaks proved much more effective but she had no time for more than a couple of swipes at the flames before Hama alerted her to the man felled by Cordelia's arrow - being already dismounted she could not see and had not heard. Whatever this man had done his punishment had been summary and severe and she wondered what inquest might follow if the man died for though they had been endangered the flaming arrows had not been fired directly at them.

"What have you done?" She cried, wrapping her steaming soot filled cloak about her self as she braved the fire to reach the stricken man. Somehow she mastered her fear enough and reached him on unsteady limbs hoping the others would conquer the flames.

[Glirdan]

The soak and wet cloaks were enough to get through part of the ring of fire, but not to put the entire inferno out. "Someone will have to get to the nearest village and alert the authorities!" He cried out to Hama.

Hama, however, was preoccupied with something else. While Elfride and he had been attempting to put the fire out with their cloaks, Cordelia had fired an arrow at the back of the man whom Mayonnette had already injured. "Wow!! These two have great aim!" he thought silently.

It was then that he saw what was troubling the General. It was then that he saw Elfride stuggling through the fire to get to the man before he escaped or perished. He had put all his concentration on putting out the fire that he didn't notice that Elfride had slipped off and left him to put it out.

He watched her progress with batted breath, hoping against hope that she would make it safetly to the other side. He breathed out heavily as she reached the man unsteadily.

He turned back to Hama and repeated himself, "General! Someone has to get to the nearest village and get help! This fire could spread!! We don't have enough people to put it out!!" With that, he sprang up on Aldor, grabbed Leif's reins and rode over to Elfride to make sure she was alright and to make sure that the man didn't try something sneaky in a last attempt to harm them.

"Elfride!" he cried. "Elfride! Are you okay? You're not hurt are you. And don't turn your back on him when you anwswer me. He might try and pull something."

[Mithalwen]

Hama

The General thought quickly. Leoflic was right this fire was too much for them to put out but they might be able to control it until help arrived. Only one thing made him hesitate - they had a body (though dead or alive was as yet uncertain) and he was uncertain whether shooting a man in the back could be claimed as self-defence even in the light of the fire-raising. Cordelia's sharp shooting might have just bought her a lot of touble. But there was no help for it - the fire had made subtle progress impossible.

"Thomas, ride to Underharrow, it is less than a mile now to the north though you will have to cross the river - there is a ford a little further on - but you are local so I guess you will know the way. Tell them of the fire but as little of the circumstances as possible - do you understand? " He looked meaningfully at the young man.

"Cordelia - get the horses away from the flames through the gap... Elfride must tend the man and the rest of us must fight the fire". He sighed for he would wish to interrogate the man himself but his strength was needed as was Leoflic's.

"Mayonette, go help Elfride and ask Leoflic to rejoin us here!" he ordered, and seeing her protest, thinking he thought her too weak for the task in hand.... "it is not because you are not doing a good job here but that man surely knows where Sandrina is ... you may be able to persuade him to tell us.. and your friend, Elfride deserves some protection does she not.. he may have enough strength to do her harm" and that is another task it feels strange to delegate - even though her new puppy is in devoted attendance he thought wryly...


Elfride

"I am fine" , she said smiling grimly but not turning away from the man at whose side she knelt. "I don't think there is anything you can do here - I am not sure there is anything I can do here...but I will try - if you want to be useful - there is a celan shirt in my nearside saddlebag - give it me and then see what Hama wants - unless you have experience of treating arrow wounds". It was not her area of expertise. She debated with herself as to whether she should attempt to draw forth the dart or if it would hasten death - Hama might know she thought. The man's breathing was laboured but she suspected that the arrow was of the kind used for hunting and the head might well remain in the body even if she removed the shaft.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette heeded General Hama's words. She steered her horse through the gap in the flames and headed towards Elfride quickly. Her horse neighed softly underneath her. She patted him as she got off her horse.

She noticed the man was still breathing and was on his side. She looked up at Elfride nervously, before turning back to the man.

"Do you know who I am?" She asked the man. His eyes opened, fear gleamed in his light blue eyes.

"Yes I know who you are," he replied tightly, pain evident in his face. Mayonette took out her sword slowly, allowing him to see just how sharp it truly was.

"Are you working for Samuel?" She asked him as she looked vaguely at her sword. He looked at her sword and then back up at her. His eyes narrowed.

"Why should I tell you that?" He hissed. Mayonette lowered her weapon and held it over his neck, pressing the tip against him lightly. Her eyes narrowed and darkened dangerously.

"Because I won't allow you to die. I'll allow everyone to torture you and then I'll have my friend here nurse you back to health so we can torture you some more," Mayonette threatened. She watched as his eyes widened.

"You wouldn't," he stated softly. Mayonette's small lips pursed together dangerously.

"I would. My father taught me what he knew from his time in the army. I will most certainly use it." The man looked up at Elfride as if looking for help before returning his gaze upon her.

"Yes I'm working for your uncle," he stated tensely. Mayonette took a deep breath, trying to make sure that her anger didn't become dangerous. There was a dire need inside her to kill him, but she wasn't going to do it.

"Where is Sandrina?" Mayonette asked him. He looked over at his pack that had fallen with him when he had fallen off his own horse. It wasn't within his reach. Mayonette motioned for Elfride to kick it further away from him.

"She's in the forest. . . at Samuel's cottage. I can show it to you on a map," he answered, looking back over at the pack. Mayonette pressed the tip a little harder against him.

"Make no sudden movements. We'll decide if you are lying and if you deserve to live," she warned. She looked at Elfride and silently prayed that the men were on their way.


Thomas

Thomas ran his horse heavily towards the village. He found the Inn that he had once known a long time ago. He raced over and hurried inside.

"Help! There is a fire in the valley!" Thomas called. All the men inside stopped their drinking and laughing and stood up.

"A fire? Lead us to it and we shall follow you to it!" An elderly man said. He motioned for them to follow.

"Bring buckets and the like. We can't let it spread to the homes!" Thomas called as he led the men to their horses and back to the fire.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic listened to Elfride. "Well, unfortunately, I don't know anything about healing. Wait, here comes Mayonnette, probably to question him. I'll wait here until she arrives. That way this guy," he nodded at the man on the ground, "won't be able to try anything funny."

He waited beside Elfride, watching her look at the arrow shaft and the wound. Just then Mayonnette rode up. He got up, nodded briefly to her and jumped back up on to Aldor.

He rode quickly over to where the General stood. He noticed that Thomas had ridden off. "Probably to get help," he thought to himself. "Otherwise, he wouldn't have left Mayonnette's side."

He rode up to the General. "So, what's the plan of action General? Keep beating at the flames with our cloaks until Thomas gets back?"

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas rode back towards Mayonette. He hated leaving her behind the way he did. He feared the others might have thought he ran in fright instead of love. Don't let anything happen to Mayonette. I couldn't bear to live without her. Chianna was running as fast as her horse legs would allow her. Thomas knew his horse wasn't going to let him down. He would return and the others would still be there alive and safe. But how safe could they be when they were fighting a fire with cloaks.

Thomas topped a hill and could see the fire was still trying to spread. "Quickly everyone we can't let this fire get out of control." Thomas was surprised that so many men had answered his plea. "Spread out, we don't need to waste any time." Thomas looked around. Where was Mayonette? Thomas looked deeper into the flames to only make out three figures. As much as he was worried about Mayonette he needed to concentrate on killing the fire before the fire killed one of his companions.

He didn't know where the energy was coming from but all he knews was that the fire was going to be exstinguished even if no one else was there. Mayonette was going to live and his new made friends would survive also. His brain didn't know what his heart knew. The one thing fueling him was his love for Mayonette. He looked around again but couldn't see the figures. Had the flames engulfed them. Had the fire taken away from Thomas the one true meaning for living. He dropped to his knees. "MAYONETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" He feared the worse had occured. He feared he had lost his heart, his soul, his Mayonette.

[Dimturiel]

After some moments-yet to him it seemed much more-Edhener could master his fear enough to look arround him. He saw that Elfride at least had not lost her head and that she was hiting the flames with her cloak. He took of his cloak and tried to do the same, but he had trouble keeping his horse calm, and he was not making much progress. His horse seemed to be overwhelmed by terror and madness, and his desperate movements nearly flung Edhener to the ground. Edhener got hold of the reins to steady himself and the cloak that he had used as a weapon against the fire was dropped and engulfed by the devouring flames.

Edhener bit his lips. There seemed little that he could do without some help from outside. He had not enough water to put out the fire arround him. He searched for his companions, but he could see nothing but dim shadows in the thick smoke that was blinding him. He percieved that something must be happening, he could hear voices, but he could not discern no words over the roaring flames. He thought he could see a shadow ride away towards where he knew was a small village. But was it really so, or was it only his mind that clung even to the faintest illusion of hope?

Time was passing, or was it really? To him it seemed that time had stood still in that dreadful moment when the red tongues were drawing ever near him, and the thick smoke was blinding and choking him, and the only thing that he could hear was the roaring of flames and the terrified whining of his horse.

Suddenly he thought he could hear voices arround him. He looked up and percieved shadows amid the flames, and he also realised that the fire was dying down. Seeing a path amid the red tongues that had filled him with horror, his horse ran towards it, without waiting for any command from his master. And Edhener let his horse bear him wherever he wanted to, his hope returned but his senses being too weary to care much what would happen to him.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette's heart stopped as she heard her name screamed in anguish. She knew that it was Thomas' voice. Her face when cold and white as the implications of what may have happened to him engulfed her. Yet she was in such a tight situation. She could get on her horse and find him, but that would leave Elfride with the monster that they had captured. Or she could stay here and hope that Thomas would live through whatever had happened to him.

She turned to Elfride, her eyes filling with tears that she was trying to make sure the man didn't see. She blinked hard and swallowed.

"What do I do?" She whispered for advice. She had never been in this situation before and it was unnerving. She didn't want to lose Thomas again. Not so soon after finally finding him.

[Glirdan]

Just then, he hear a blood curdling yell. It was Thomas. "What could he be yelling about?" he said out loud. Then he heard the yell clearer. "MAYONETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!". He looked around wildly, fear rising in him. "What's wrong!?" he thought.

He looked over at where Mayonnette and Elfride were, the fear draining for him. "He musn't see her. That's why he's crying for her." He then whooped for joy as he saw more men running up the hill behind him. "THOMAS!!" he yelled. He swung Aldor around to face him and rode up to him. "Thomas!" he cried again. "She's fine. She's with Elfride, questioning the man whom Cordelia shot. Go see her if you must. But once you're sure she's okay, come back to the fire. We may need your help." He then turned to the men standing around with the pails of water. He rode over to one, dunked his already soaking wet and sooty cloak into it. "Follow me, and hurry!" he cried as he turned Aldor around and galloped back to the fire to Edhener and the others in their attempt to douse the fire.

[The Sixth Wizard]

"Cordelia, no!" yelled Garnae as she shot the man cleanly. What in the world does she think she's doing?! You can't shoot a man in the back! Is she so naive? He wondered if this would detract from his attraction to her. But there were more pressing matters at present. Like the fire that threatened to grow. More of the group held it off by thrashing it with damp cloaks. Thomas had gone to get help, but the village was a fair way away. Garnae decided to help the fallen man, be he enemy or no.

Mayonette was interrogating the fallen man harshly. The man was still breathing and on his side. She stood up. “Herbs,” coughed Garnae to Elfride. “In my pack, for treating arrow wounds. I have them, if you have none.” Elfride quickly relieved him of the pack. The scene played itself out, until a blood-curdling yell was heard from Thomas, returning with men.

Garnae sprang up, blade in hand. But this startled Crean, who was nearby. The horse sprang up, and ran, whinnying, toward the flames. Garnae leapt to grab his reins, but missed by an inch. Crean screamed shrilly as he was surrounded by the fire, and disappeared in the smoke. Garnae turned away in horror, falling, beating the ground madly.

"No, no, no, no, NO!" he screamed. Crean was like a brother to him, he had owned him throughout the training of the Riders, he had ridden through countless fields, driven herds of cattle, slept side by side with him in the fields. Crean was the closest thing he had to a true friend. The pain was unbearable. But Garnae knew that he would meet a similar fate if he stayed where he was. The men had to get to the river. There was only one chance to put out the fire, and the river held the key.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia stayed where she was after she had hit the man with her arrow. What had she done?! The only thought in her mind was to capture him. He was the one that had started the fire.

She heared Garnae screaming at his horse as it ran towards the flames. She laid low against her own horse's back and urged her into a run. They raced the frightened horse. She urged her own a far enough to grab the reigns. It neighed and tried to pull away from her.

"Mystic, stay with me. I'm jumping," she exclaimed in her horse's ear. She then jumped into the saddle and reigned him hard to the left. She slowed him down, patting the horses' neck.

"There there boy. We are all frightened. But there is a man that needs you right now," she whispered. She pulled the two horses back to Garnae. She could see he was watching her intently, that there was a deep connection to this horse. She only hoped that he wouldn't mind that she saved his horse. And that he still liked her. What she had done was wrong.

As soon as she was close enough she dropped off of Garnae's horse and lead the two of them over. She handed the reigns over to him shakily. Her lower lip quivered and her whole body shook. This journey was already taking a large toll upon her.

"I . . . I found . . .your horse Garnae. He's okay. Just shaken . . . and scared. . . and . . . ." she trailed off. She could feel the tears welling in her eyes. Her horse nudged her face softly and she held onto Mystic tightly, sobbing hard.

"What have I done?" She whispered. She could feel her legs going weak underneath her as her head screamed her transgressions.

[Mithalwen]

On closer examination the man's injuries were not as desperate as Elfride had first feared. The arrow had not gone straight but at an angle and had grazed rather than penetrated the ribcage and had lodged in the flesh of his side. Had he been a leaner man, Elfride reflected, the dart might well have missed him completely - or just snagged his clothes. the arow would have to come out but if the wound were properly cleaned and dressed he would most likely survive to fight another day. The wheezing breath that had scared her seemed more the result of a heavy man's fall at speed onto hard ground. Probably he was just winded - which meant he would be dangerous as soon as his breath came back to him.

Efride decided to distract his attention from mischief for a moment or two at least and started to probe the site of the injury while trying to ease the arrow head free. The man yelped in pain. "Oh did that hurt?," enquired Elfride with little trace of sympathy - nothing to what your poor mother suffered bringing such a wretch as you in to the world I'll wager she thought. She hoped the help Thomas had sought would arrive soon - if she was going to get this arrow head out she would need a couple of the men to restrain this villain while she did so. She realised that Mayonette who had conducted a surprisingly efficient interrogation (this was a skill it had not occured to her own father to pass on) was distracted and hoped the wounded man would not attempt to profit from it ... she half regretted sending Leoflic away but he was needed where he was.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette heard her name being screamed, but she dare not turn around. What could she do! She was standing above a dangerous man that had started a fire around them and it was only her and Elfride to stop him from escaping. Her heart beat wildly in her chest at the thought that someone was hurt.


She swallowed her fear and looked down at the man, whose eyes seemed to gleam with the knowledge that someone was fearing for her safety. She pressed her sword a little harder into his neck.

"Don't you dare make any sudden moves or you'll regret it for the few seconds that will remain of your life," Mayonette hissed. She hoped that he would believe her threat. She was a woman of Rohan and could kill someone if she needed to, but deep down she didn't want to.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas looked deeper into the flames. Mayonette was still alive and it looked as if she had her sword drawn. Something inside him told him to tend to Mayonette that she was in trouble. Thomas rushed over to where his love was. He noticed Mayonette had some strange man held at sword-point. He cared not who the man was at the moment, right now he knew he had to aid her in any way possible.

"Mayonette, I was worried that the flames might have got you. But I see you are still just as strong as you was when I left." Thomas had his sword out and was cautious around the man laying on the ground. Thomas had heard Mayonette threatening the man but didn't know what the threats were about.

Mayonette had yet to look up from the ruffian and Thomas had his guesses. "Mayonette who is this man?" The words slipped out of his mouth before he had a chance to even think.

"Thomas this is the man that started the fire. He's working for my uncle and he knows where Sandrina is." Thomas took a closer looked at the man. Something about the look of the ruffian reminded Thomas of a man he worked for in Gondor.

Thomas gasped for air and knew his gasp was heard by Mayonette. If he recognizes me then Mayonette will never trust me. She will never be able to look at me again. How would he tell Mayonette that he had worked for this ruffian back in Gondor. How would he let her know that the work he did just to survive was not the most honest of work........ The secrets of his past was about to creep up and get him at the worst time possible. "Mayonette I know this man..."

The fire was almost exstinguished, but still Thomas knew the heat was about to rise if Zach told Mayonette about his past with Thomas.

[Dimturiel]

The fire had been extingiushed almost completely. Edhener looked around him, in search for his companions. Yet, so far he could not find them. The only men that he could see were strangers, probably villagers come to put out the fire. But the air was still thick with smoke, and he could not see far. Edhener dismounted. He felt exhausted, as if many sleepless nights had passed since the fire had been set.

As the air became clearer, and his fear gradually diminished to become only a memory at the edge of nightmarers, Edhener's mind began to fill with questions. Where was Hama? If the villagers had indeed been called by them and not by thier enemies-which seemed highly unlikely-then should not the general be with them? And what happened to the rest of his companions? Had they all come out unharmed from the destructive red tongues?

Suddenly he saw Leoflic galloping towards him. At least one of his companions seemed to have come out alive. He waved to him.

"Leoflic, what happened?" he asked "And where are the others? Are they all alright?"

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette heard Thomas gasp beside her. She watched him out the corner of his eye and could see that he was uneasy about this man. She finally turned her gaze over at Thomas quickly. She felt the man move underneath her sword and she pressed it harder against his neck.

"Don't you dare move. I will not be ashamed to kill you," she hissed. The man chuckled as he looked over at Thomas. A queer smile crept upon his lips.

"Ah Thomas, how have you been? What? No special hello?" The man asked him. Mayonette's eyes widened. She looked over at Thomas quizzically. She pressed her foot down upon his hip, pushing the embedded arrow uncomfortably against him.

"How do you know Thomas?" Mayonette inquired. Pain etched into his face. She eased up on him a little. She only wanted answers, not his death. She watched as he looked up at Thomas.

"Haven't told your fair Mayonette of what you did in Gondor? I thought you hated being dishonest. Thomas worked for me. He killed many innocent men for Samuel," he replied, sneering up at Thomas. Mayonette's heart stopped. She looked over at Elfride.

"You lie. Why would I believe a liar like you?" She spat back at the man. Her heart pounded wildly at the accusation. The sword quivered slightly in her hand and now, more than ever, she was far more than willing to kill another human being.

[Glirdan]

The fire was almost doused now. Léoflic galloped towards Edhener. "Leoflic, what happened?" he asked "And where are the others? Are they all alright?"

"Don't worry, my friend. Everybody is fine. Elfride and Mayonnette are over there questioning the man whom Cordelia shot in the back and I do believe Thomas has joined him. Cordelia and Garnae are over there, on the ground. But I cannot see the General. It is him whom we need to speak to about this mess. What was Cordelia thinking!?" he looked slightly annoyed as he said this. But really he was filled with admiration for the girl. "Not many women could shoot an arrow like that. And the same goes for Mayonnette," he thought to himself.

He turned back to Edhener. "Have you seen the General. I can't see a dog gone thing with all this smoke billowing about."

[Mithalwen]

He is definitely feeling better , thought Elfride drily, that means he will be dangerous as soon as I get this out. She may have not have been tutored in interrogation techniques but she knew that as long as the arrow remained in situ Samuel's henchman was at her mercy. She didn't like the way the conversation was going and she needed calm assistants.

Overcoming her scruples as a healer she was less gentle than she might be in probing the wound site. The pain silenced the injured man momentarily. She had decided that given the arrow's trajectory and the fact she suspected it might be of a hunting type, designed to leave the head in the wound, she had decided the best course of action would be to push the dart straight through the skin rather than try to pull it out. It would be painful but better than leaving the arrowhead behind. The wound would drain better too she thought and be less likely to get infected.

She would need two strong assistants to hold him and at the moment she would prefer them not to be Thomas and Mayonette. She looked around. The fire seemed to have been put out but a thick haze of smoke remained. She saw Cordelia and Garnae together...no not them... .not the villagers who were busy checking all sparks were extinguished or talking with Hama who seemed to have drawn the village leaders to the river side of the fire - no doubt to delay expalnation of the wounded man. Then she saw Edhener and Leoflic. Perfect..
She called them over and suggested to Mayonette and Thomas that maybe the General would need their help in explaining the situation to the village elders since they knew most about it and that it would be better if those less involved helped her with the extraction of the arrow. Before she did so she made sure the man was bound hand and foot and that her assistants were ready.

"This is going to hurt a lot" she warned as she grasped the arrow firmly and with as much force as she could combine with precision she pushed the arrow through his flesh so it pierced the skin a few inches away from the entry wound. It wqas then an easy matter to remove the arrowhead and withdraw the shaft leaving a relatively clean wound. "All done - I think you'll live", she commented but the man showed little sign of gratitude to herself and her assistants who continued to stand guard as she dressed the wound. She smiled her thanks at them and then glanced across to where the others were and wondered how Hama had explained the situation to them. Hopefully they were not in Samuel's pay and the wounded man could be left in their care and custody until Sandrina was recovered - and then if necessary they could answer for their actions before the King at Edoras in the meantime, though he were off duty, Hama's status and would surely be surety enough to leave them free to proceed. Samuel clearly had locals in his pay but the Reeve of Underharrow would surely be true to the king. The village was too close to Edoras for such corruption.

[The Sixth Wizard]

"Crean!" yelled Garnae as Cordelia led the stallion towards him. "I thought I'd lost you! You're safe! That was amazing Cordelia!" Cordelia nodded but started to sob and cough in the ash, as she whispered, "What have I done?!" She fell on to the ground, staring at it.

Garnae smiled grimly. "You did what you did, it was nevertheless brave." He lifted her chin. "Don't feel bad, we all make mistakes. You just need to weather them with those that love you. Come, our friends need our attention." He hugged her swiftly, then leapt to the back of Crean.

Mayonette and Thomas were crouching over the man who had been shot. He looked not badly hurt and was talking to them. But Garnae couldn't believe what he was hearing. A murderer? Thomas? If he really did, we can't afford to keep him. Will this mean the end of our company? Can Mayonette go on if we have to get rid of him? These were dark thoughts.

As were Cordelia's omens. Just what would happen to her, even if Zach survived? He hugged the girl and stared at the smoulders. What a mess. She didn't know what she was doing. I have a bad feeling we'll be running from this on our horses. Fast.

[Cordelia Harrison]

She hugged Garnae back tightly, sobbing into his shoulder. She knew that she wouldn't be without punishment. She had judged too quickly. She only hoped that his actions of starting the fire would explain her actions. He had been the man to start the fire. Perhaps that would redeem her, but she hardly doubted it would be that simple.

"Oh Garnae. I'm afraid. I may have to leave Rohan for all the rest of my life and I don't think I could bare leaving the home of my birth," she whispered, clinging to him. And what would happen to him? If she was banished from Rohan for her actions would he come with her? Did he care enough to abandon his own home to start a new life somewhere else with her? And would Mayonette, once she was married to Thomas, ever come and visit her? Mayonette was her only friend in this world and the only person that had ever tried so hard to make her feel like family.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette looked up at Elfride and nodded, sheathing her sword slowly. She grasped Thomas' hand and they walked away from the man named Zach. She looked up at Thomas and could see the turmoil in his eyes.

"Don't let that liar get to you. I know you and I know your heart. I know that you would never have killed someone, even for a job," she said softly, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. Yet her insides were shaking. What had Thomas done in the time that he had been away in Gondor? Had he killed innocent people in order to prove his worth?

She shook away her thoughts. No matter what he had done, she didn't care. That was in the past and he was here with her now. That was all that truly mattered. Yet it still nagged at her conscious.

"You didn't kill people. . . did you, Thomas?" She asked, her voice shaking. She stared at the burnt ground around her, unsure if she really wanted to know the answer.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener thought he would need time to allow everything that Leoflic was telling him in such an urgent tone sink in. It seemed that, even if they had made it unharmed from the fire, they were still in a great plight. They had a wounded man with them, hit by one of their arrows. There was no way of hiding him from the villagers. Would they be allowed to continue their quest? Now more tham ever did he want to know where Hama was, whether he would be able to explain their situation to the villagers,so that they would let them continue their journey or not.

Suddenly, Elfride called to them, requesting their assistance to hold the wounded man while she removed the arrow. Edhener inspected the prisonier with a searching gaze. There was something in the man's face that worried him. He seemed to have a mooking look in his eyes. What could that mean? What other mischief had he in store for them, that they could not yet forsee?

Edhener looked away from the man. He did not feel cmfortable when their eyes met. He glanced towards where Cordelia and Garnae were sitting. The girl looked dejected. Edhener shook his head concerned. He wondered what were the chances of them being alowed to continue their quest and how safe would it be to leave their prisonier in the care of the villagers. What if they were sending him actually back to his friends, who wolud free him and then begin pursuing them?Of course it was highly unlikely for the whole village to be working for Samuel, yet how many things had he once thought unlikely only to be proven that it was not at all so? He looked at his two companions questioningly.


"What do you think?" he asked them. "Will we be able to go on after all this? This man frightens me. I cannot say why, but something tells me that he is still capable of doing much harm to our quest.

[Glirdan]

Just then, Elfride called them over to her to help guard the ruffian. He nodded at Mayonnette and Thomas as they walked past each other. He drew his blade as they got nearer to the ruffian. "Don't want him to make any sudden movements," he thougth grimly as Elfride removed the arrow and dressed his wound.

He looked over the scene at hand. Cordelia and Garnae on the ground, Mayonnette and Thomas on their way to where the villagers gathered, the scorched ground which was all that remained of the fire and then Elfride and the wounded man on the ground.

"What do you think?" Edhener asked them. "Will we be able to go on after all this? This man frightens me. I cannot say why, but something tells me that he is still capable of doing much harm to our quest."

"I do agree that this man could do a lot of harm to our quest, but he doesn't frighten me. If anything, he invites sypmathy from me. Wreaking havoc amongst the innocent for pay. Shows he had a very poor childhood. But he could have changed all that. But I don't know if we'll be able to move on right away. Eventually yes. But perhaps our General will be able to find a way to postpone the judgements. Just perhaps..." he trailed off, thinking of what could happen if they were delayed. Images flashed in his mind of his father's body, and his mother on her death bed. "I will not allow this to happen to Sandrina! I will go on myself if I have to!"

"Elfride, what did he tell you and Mayonnette while I was away? Who is this man?"

[Mithalwen]

"I don't know him, but he claims to know Thomas from his time in Gondor." Elfride elided the man's accusations as she finished strapping the wound and finally rose to her feet brushing the dust from the knees of her trousers, forgetting that they were coated with the man's blood. I think there is a map or something in his pack that may guide us to Sandrina - I hope that may compensate from any delay this incident will cause us. She pointed at the bag and in doing so saw her hands and realised what a state she was in, smoke, heat and blood had all left their mark and her cloak was a singed rag.

She looked across to the where the horses were cropping grass peacefully by the river and then at her patient still bound with strips of cloth. "Can you guard him a while longer - take a look at his pack before Hama and the villagers come over ...I need to clean up a bit. Give him something to drink but watch him carefully. I won't be long".

She walked a little unsteadily to the water, picking up a leather bucket, discarded by a villager on the way. It was far too public to change clothes but at least she could wash. She scrubbed the blood from her hands feeling slightly sick. She was no stranger to the sight of blood but this was the first time she had tended a deliberate wound and the thought made her queasy. Suddenly she felt tired. She had not slept the previous night or much on previous nights and though her guests had been well provided for she had eaten little herself. She filled the bucket and loosed her hair hoping the icy mountain water would revive her even if it could not quite cleanse the smell of smoke. Leaning forward she poured the water over her head wincing as the cold water reached her scalp. Then as she sat on the bank and wrung out her hair, the horror of the still young day hit her as well as the magnitude of their task. Unbidden tears mingled with droplets from her still wet hair Samuel would clearly stop at nothing to achieve his ends. What else might he do? What else might he already have done? . "Sandrina will not be helped by your sobbing", Elfride told herself sternly, "you need to go back, to go on". she wiped her face with a grimy sleeve and returned to the others.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas wasn't sure how to break the truth to Mayonette. In a way he felt guilty for the lives he unknowingly caused to end. "Mayonette, my sword never pierced the skin of an innocent person. In a way I could be blamed for the death of many fathers and sons. Back in Gondor I was under the command of Zach, Zach is not the most honest of people. Zach had ordered me to follow an army that supposibly was going to kill the king. My orders were to follow them and alert Zach of where the army was camping. What I didn't know was that the so called army was actually a family of farmers. I had a feeling something wasn't right but Zach told me the "farmer" look was just a disguise."

Thomas regretted the decisions he made while he was in Gondor. Thomas still had more to tell Mayonette but wasn't sure how to explain it to her. "Mayonette, you know I would never lie to you. Everything I do in life is for you. I had no choice but to return to Rohan. Rumors had it that Zach was going to blame the death of 20 innocent men on me. Of course the king didn't believe him and instead banished Zach from the realm of Gondor. If he returned it would be his life." He felt an easiness inside his heart. He held no more secrets from Mayonette. She now knew everything about Thomas.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette stopped him and hugged him gently. She knew Thomas and she knew his heart. She felt so guilty for wondering, but she had no idea what he had done in Gondor.

"I am sorry for what you thought you had to do for me. You are the love of my life and I do not care what you have done. If innocents fell because you were following what you believed to be were orders from the King, then that is just an unfortunate accident. I am sorry for wondering if you had killed innocents. I should have believed in what my heart told me and it told me that you would never hurt someone willingly. That is why I love you so," she whispered softly.

[The Sixth Wizard]

"No!" said Garnae roughly. "Begging your pardon, Mayonette, but I don't trust him. Then again I don't trust Zach either. How do we go on? There is still a possibility that Thomas is working for Samuel right now. Imagine if he came back from Gondor on Sam's orders just to spy on you. I for one want proof that he won't stab us in our sleep." He looked at Thomas. The man looked trustworthy, but looks could be decieving.

Meanwhile the townspeople were approaching them. Harsh words and harsh actions, he thought. Not good. How can I protect Cordelia? She was unaware of the damage that shot caused, alas. So often doom is decided in the spur of the moment. A wild spirit can be a dangerous thing.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia gasped at what he said. How could he just believe someone that had tried to set them on fire?

"Garnae, I know Thomas. He would never do anything willingly. Why are you believing the words of man that tried to kill us all?" She asked him, clutching desperately to his arm. She wasn't sure she could stand on her own.

Her eyes looked up at the villagers that were finishing puting out the fire. She hoped that they would allow her to live her life in peace. She hadn't killed the man. She had only been trying to defend her friends.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette's eyes flashed at Garnae. He knew nothing of her Thomas! How could he sit there and believe that man?! The thought enraged her soul.

"I believe him and that is all that matters," she spat out, glaring at him. She turned to Thomas and gave his had a squeeze.

The villagers came closer to where Zach lay upon the ground. A man of about thirty five years of age came forward, eyeing the wounded man wearily. He looked up at them all.

"We have put out the fire. Now tell us what is that man doing on the ground?" He asked them, his eyes narrowing. Mayonette came forward, not waiting for the General to even make a move.

"That man caused this fire. I took him down with my arrow. He tried to kill us," Mayonette informed. The man eyed her carefully.

"So that is his crime? He started this fire?" He asked her, suspicion lined his voice. Mayonette nodded. The man came forward to inspect Zach's face. He snorted.

"You finally caught this bastard? You are a fine with a bow and arrow, milady. He's been destroying homes all through our village, but none could shoot him down!" The man chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. Mayonette smiled.

"It wasn't only my arrow. It was my dear friend Cordelia's arrow that caused him to fall," Mayonette informed him. She pointed over at Cordelia, who nodded weakly. The man turned to her and smiled.

"Then we are in your debt Miss Cordelia. He is wanted for many things in our village. We will take him off your hands for you," he replied. He motioned for a couple of men to bind him and they hoisted him over a horse. The villages left them slowly.

"Thank you. We must be going. Our journey is long," Mayonette told the man. He nodded his head.

"I understand. If any of you ever need anything just come back to my house at any time. My name is Andrew and I would be honored," he offered before leaving with the rest of the villagers.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic was shocked. "I really didn't expect things to go that smoothly!" he whipsered to Elfride and Edhener. "But that was one of the many obstacles that we're going to be forced to cross on this journey. I have a feeling that there's more to this than is being let on."

Then he fell silent, thinking about Zach. "That man... he looks so familiar. Where have I seen him?" he pondered this ever since the men had first attacked them. "They were all familiar. But where have I seen them? I know I've seen them. But where?"

[Dimturiel]

Edhener knew Leoflic was more than right. They had managed to get away from the villagers, but that was not something to be too relieved about. It was quite likely that what awaited them further on their journey would be ten times much worse.

"Worse than being trapped amid the flames with little hope of escaping?" a voice inside his head asked, but Edhener dismissed the question. He could not help feeling ashamed for his moments of petrifying panic back in the burning field. The others had kept their presence of mind, more or less, and that seemed harder for him to bear. No one had lost their heads as he had done. Why had it had to happen exactly to him?

Edhener shook his head vehemently. He should not think that way. And anyway, he had other things to worry about than one fleeting moment of panic, especially one which had been witnessed by no one. He turned to Mayonette and Hama, a questioning look on his face.

"It seems that we have passed our first test." he said."But what now? Should we not be moving on?"

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas was furious that Garnae would doubt his loyalty. "I would never work for Samuel." He turned to Mayonette, he knew the group now question weither he was working for Samuel or not. "The only proof I have to show you is the scar I bear. Once I found out the truth behind Zach's lies I decided to track the liar down. I was lucky when I discovered the man's hideout. While his lackies were gone for the day I waited for Zach to exit the cave. My first thought was strike him while he wasn't expecting it. But I knew that would not be right. I wanted my face to be the last one he saw before he slipped into death. I pulled out my bow only to land an arrow a few feet in front of him. He knew I was there. He called out to me, telling me to be a man and face him. I stepped out from amongst the rocks where I was hiding. Before I knew it we both were badly injured. I bear a scar now on the right side of my upper back and one across my stomach. I was lucky to survive. If you noticed Zach's left arm was unfunctional, that would be due to our quarrel." Thomas lifted his shirt to show the group the proof he had.

He didn't know if they would believe him. Yet the only thing his heart really cared about was that Mayonette believed him and that Cordelia still trusted him.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette gasped and placed her hand upon the scar that he had shown. Tears filled her eyes as she looked up at his. What in the world had he gone through? The thought scared her more than the task at hand. She placed a hand to her throat and swallowed hard.

"Oh Thomas. I should have killed him when I had the chance. I am so sorry," she whispered, unable to say more. What hurt her the most was that he had gone to Gondor and had experienced all of this just to make himself worthy of her to her father. He had been injured because of her. He had horrid memories because of her. She had never wished that for him.

[Mithalwen]

Hama

"Indeed we should - we have been very fortunate here. That villain will have to answer to the king for his wrongdoings but his companions are still around. They may well still be near or they may have gone to report to Samuel. " The General answered Edhener looked sternly across to where Cordelia, Mayonette and Thomas and Garnae seemed to have moved from loves young dream to some kind of disagreement., " We are going to have to be a lot more careful from now on. If you hadn't realised it before you must now see how dangerous this may get. We must focus on the mission and not let ourselves get distracted" He looked around them. It was a grim sight, the scorched trees and blackened earth would remain for some time as a legacy of their quest but it could have been so much worse. The fire could still be raging and they could have a corpse on their hands. He was grateful that Zach had been a known criminal, giving Cordelia's rash instinct legitimacy.

The group were not exactly in the same array as they had left the Grange that morning - had really only a few hours passed? All grimy, even Elfride despite her efforts. Time to regroup. He instructed that horses and baggage be retrieved, that any injury be reported to Elfride for treatment. He noticed the bag taken from their attacker neglected on the ground and picked it up. "Whose is this he asked?"

[The Sixth Wizard]

Are the scars genuine? Garnae mused, as Thomas revealed them. Or are they from a different source, perhaps, a Gondorian soldier working for justice?

But the group seemed to lack any shadow of doubt, and Garnae knew he would need to choose his words carefully. Trouble was, he was never much of a word-bender. "I do not trust Zach either. I am merely being - cautious. Perhaps if I had known you for longer I would trust you more Thomas. As I said, there is too much deception not to be careful. I will continue with the quest, uneasy though I may be," he stated. "Think not that I have taken the side of this outlaw. Zach has destroyed many homes in the village and in the employ of Samuel.

"Think! He is most likely to be the swine who torched my home. I am merely trying to serve us for the greater good, and protect Cordelia." But does she agree with me? his other side thought.

"As I said, I will go on, but I fear there is a chance, small but present, that we will be stabbed in our beds." He realised that those last words brought off the wrong impression on Thomas, but there was no retracting them, they were said.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia looked up at Garnae, her heart flipping. His small distrust of Thomas was all based on what had happened to him and he wanted to protect her. No one in her entire life had ever wanted to protect her.

She grabbed his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She nodded slightly to Mayonette and guided Garnae away from the group slowly. She led him far enough away in order to speak with him privately.

Cordelia turned to him and took his other hand in hers. She looked up into his eyes, the only eyes that could ever melt her heart.

"I know that you want to protect me and I know that none of us know what Thomas has been up to. Neither Mayonette or myself know what he's been up to the last five years. However, I do know Thomas and I know his heart. He is like the brother that I was never granted to have. He adores Mayonette and he would never ever hurt her. Nor me. My father took him in when his father was called off to war. For that Thomas feels he is always in our debt. He even said so to my father," Cordelia explained.

She moved closer to him, not wanting him to think that she didn't care for him. She touched his cheek gently.

"With that said I want to thank you. No one has ever wanted to protect me the way that you want to. For that, I understand your worry. I only ask for you to trust me. . . as much as I trust you, Garnae," she said softly. She got on her tip toes and kissed him softly.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette nodded over to Cordelia, allowing her to handle Garnae. He was a good man, he was just too over cautious. She knew Thomas and she knew that he never would do anything to hurt her or anyone else.

"We need to be moving along. Gather your things and your horses. We need to continue on. This has taken too much time away from Sandrina. We need to head deeper into the forest," Mayonette commanded. She took Thomas' hand and led him away to help her with her horse.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride smiled momentarily as she heard Hama and Mayonette give just about the same instructions to their immediate companions more or less similtaneously... if the situation weren't so serious she might have found it amusing to watch the two vie for the leadership of the expedition the claims of rank vying with thouse of blood kin. But the situation was serious and she wondered if they would have avoided some of the strife if the chain of command had been clearer. Her musings were interrupted by Hama's question about the pack.

"That .... belonged to the man Zach... in the circumstances I don't think we need return it to him" She grinned at Hama. " but ... I think, I think he said something about a map ... he might have been bluffing but Mayonette had a blade at his throat so I doubt it".

Hama opened the pack cautiously but he had no need to investigate too far. a folded piece of parchment was near the top. Opened out it was a map of the Harrowdale, cruder than those they had studied at Elfride's house, but it was fairly clear. Ther was the Snowbourne running the length of the valley, the long stretch of woodland to its west that reached up the lower slopes. The villages were marked and more significantly the property near Upbourne whence Sandrina had been taken. This had been drawn on later.

Through the wood were traced paths; Hama guessed that it was a map devised by a forester and adapted by samuel and his henchmen for their purpose. There were some further additions at the southern end of the wood, more remote from the village and closer to the entrance to the paths of the dead. There were some extra tracks and a symbol that might well be meant to represent a building.

"It seems our friend may have been telling the truth... Mayonette, what do you think, you interrogated him I believe?"

[Glirdan]

Léoflic grinned as Mayonnette and Hama told them all to pack up simutaneously. "This is actually quite funny," he thought happily. "A comic relief moment in fact."

He gathered up his belongings and went over to Aldor. "Well, now that that moment has passed, time to think of more pressing matter..." misery etching on his face. "There is so much to think about, but so little time..."

He kept searching his past, attempting to remember who Zach is. "I know I've seen him, I just know it!! But how?"

Then it hit him. "The man who took care of me! The one who took me in when my mother passed away! That's where! Zach came over a few times. But why?"

He dropped his belongings and ran over to Mayonnette and the General. "Mayonnette, could I have a word with you. It's quite important."

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette looked at the map and noticed it wasn't your typical map. She looked up at Hama solemnly. What did she think of the map?

"I think the map is genuine and can help lead us to Sandrina. I do believe that this map is truthful and for that we need to be careful. Who knows who else has a map like this," Mayonette responded.

Leoflic came to her side, requesting a moment. She nodded and indicated to the group that she would be back in a moment. She allowed Leoflic to lead her away from the group.

"What is it Leoflic? You seem ill at ease. Speak, what is troubling you?" Mayonette asked softly. There was a worry etched into her features. What could he know within his heart that was troubling him so?

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas was too busy readying the horses so that Mayonette and himself could be ready to ride with the rest of the group. He could sense some uneasiness in Chianna. "My dearest Chi, whats wrong? You don't want to go on do you. You can sense the danger ahead of us. I feel it too. Fear not for I will be here with you and you here with me. Nothing will happen to you or Mayonette for as long as I live.

Thomas was worried about the rest of the journey ahead. He had over heard about a map in Zach's bag. Everything was seeming so easily.

[Glirdan]

"What is it Leoflic? You seem ill at ease. Speak, what is troubling you?" Mayonnette asked as soon as they were apart from the group.

He looked around, trying to find how to say this properly. "Okay, well, I don't really know where to begin, so I guess from the beginning would be the best place."

Once again, he fell silent, pondering how best to say this. Finally he collected his thoughts and started on his tale. "Well, as I told you when we first met, my father went off to war and died in battle. After that, it was my mother and me, left alone to fend for ourselves. Well, a few years after that, my mother fell ill. She eventually died of the illness and I was left alone."

At teh memory of his parents, a single tear escaped his dark eye and slid slowly down his cheek. He wiped it away and continued with his story.

"Well, after that, I went off alone. Eventually, this old man. He became my friend and my benefactor. He took me in when no one else would. Well, this man - I don't remember his name so don't ask - well this man had visitors. Now when I saw Zach, he jogged something in the back of my mind and I couldn't remember."

Here he paused, thinking back, and he clearly pictured Zach's face from before. "Well, I remember now. I've seen Zach at that man's place!! And now that I really think back, the man never told me what he did but he did make a fair bit of money to keep both of us alive and comfortable. Mayonnette, what if this man is the kidnapper!?"

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette listened to his story and at the end of it she placed her hand over his heart. Could it be that the man that had kidnapped her sister was the one that had been right underneath her sword?! The thought scared and sickened her.

"He may have been the kidnapper. I know not of what his past is. The only thing I know is that Sandrina is still out there. Whether Zach is her kidnapper isn't for us to decide at this moment. We must find her," Mayonette replied softly.

[The Sixth Wizard]

I am really too tall for my own good, thought Garnae as Cordelia kissed him. But he said, "I'll always protect those I love, and fight for justice. Pray that I do not deviate from the path." He smiled. "And good thing those townspeople aren't on your back. Nice shooting."

Finally, we move to the forest. "I am quite skilled at tracking in woodland. We should be well with so many good trackers and a map. This task should be over soon. Especially with a map." We will strike hard and swift.

"Perhaps when this is all over Cordelia, we could... er," Garnae wasn't sure how to ask. "You know, once Mayonette pays us ... I still have some good farmland, would you like to ... you know ... stay over for a while?" He flushed red.

[Glirdan]

"He may have been the kidnapper. I know not of what his past is. The only thing I know is that Sandrina is still out there. Whether Zach is her kidnapper isn't for us to decide at this moment. We must find her," Mayonette replied softly.

"I wasn't thinking of Zach. I was thinking of my old friend. But who knows, Zach could have had a hand in it. Oh, why didn't I see this before!" he cried out. "I could have stopped this madness early on. But I didn't stick my nose in because I was glad just to have a place to stay." Another tear formed in his eye and slid slowly down his cheek, wishing that he could have done something more to hep.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette clasped his shoulder and gave it a friendly squeeze. How could he blame himself for what another man may have done.

"Listen to me and heed my words well. You are not to blame here. How could you have known? Things happen in our lives and in retrospect, yes we could have done something. Or nothing at all! Do not blame yourself for the wickedness of others. You are a good man. Remember that," Mayonette replied strongly.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Love? Had he really said love? Was she a part of that sentiment or something else? Her heart flipped wildly in her chest. She only hoped that it was, for something deep inside her told her that she loved Garnae.

"Love? Does that. . . possibly I mean. . . that is to say. . ." she trailed off, looking down at her hand that rested softly against his chest. She shook her head and looked back up.

"Yes it was very lucky that I got off with what I did. I learned how to shoot like that from my father," she replied quickly. She hoped that she hadn't stumbled into a topic that Garnae didn't want to have. Thus, her reasoning for changing the subject quickly.

However, his stammered question caused her heart to race faster and her breath quickened. Was this . . . a marriage proposal? She couldn't be sure. She had never ever had managed to get a man to ask her such a wonderful question.

"You want me. . . to stay with you? Oh Garnae. Unmarried I can't. Are you suggesting . . ." she trailed off, vaguely noticing how she was clutching his hand. Could it be that he would be the one that was strong enough to keep her around?

[Dimturiel]

Edhener was listening closely to Mayonette and Leoflic's conversation. He had made himself ready to set off again as soon as Hama and Mayonette had given their orders. Yet now it seemed that something else was delaying them. He had been very intrested in the finding of the map and also in Leoflic's story. Yet he prefered not to voice his thoughts aloud. They were much too gloomy, and he did not want to poison the whole group with his fears.

He felt sory for Leoflic of the way he was needlessly blaiming himself. Why were people always doing that? There was no question of one's guilt when one had no choice. As far as he could see, Leoflic had had no choice. There was no way he could have confronted the man that gave him food and shelter without endangering himself. No, sometimes it was best to leave the noble spirit aside and take care of your own skin.

He opened his mouth to tell Leoflic this, but then he changed his mind. Did he really believe in this? No, of course he did not. Then why say it? To give comfort? What was the use of comfort if he did not believe what he was saying? "Yet sometimes,"he mused, "it is best to say untrue words if they bring solace to others. Or so say some. " But he was not among them. He could not lie, he thought it would be an unfair thing to tell Leoflic something in which he did not believe. Therefore, he changed his words:

"Do not dwell on such things, Leoflic." he said. "The past cannot be changed. It is tomorrow that we are entrusted to better. There is nothing that we can do about yesterday."

He tried to hide the bitterness in his voice, lest it should be misinterpreted. Yet he could not help smiling grimly to himself as he spoke these words. Those were other things in which he did not believe, or that he chose not to. They seemed reasonable enough, yet not to him. But why? He could not tell. Maybe that was the punishment for those that felt guilty about something.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic looked up and smiled at Mayonnette. "Thank you. You are a true friend and I am glad to be here with you. I will do all in my power to help you find your sister. I promise."

Just then, a voice spoke behind them, startling him. "Do not dwell on such things, Léoflic. The past cannot be changed. It is tomorrow that we are entrusted to better. There is nothing that we can do about yesterday."

Léoflic turned quickly around and saw that it was Edhener who had spoken. His face taughtened in anger. "I cannot believe you! I said that I wanted to talk to Mayonnette alone!! Why did you eavesdrop!?" he hissed quietly.

He then saw the look of hurt on Edhener and realised what he had done. "I am sorry Edhener. It's just that this was supposed to be a private conversation. I truly am sorry. And you're right. I should not dwell on what has passed, but what lies in the future."

He looked at both Mayonnette and Edhener. He decided to tell him what was in his heart. "I must tell you now, however, that I feel something ill to come of this quest. I have a feeling that there will be bloodshed on both sides. But I also feel it in me that I shall have to face whoever it is who kidnapped Sandrina. So this is what I ask of you both. When we come face to face with the kidnapper, let me confront him. For if it is my old friend, I have more than one ailment to deal with." He looked at both of them, hoping that they would allow this.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette nodded. She understood what he felt that we needed to do.

"Do what you need to do, but we won't be able to get the people that kidnapped Sandrina if we are just sitting here. We need to ride," she replied. She walked over to the map. There was a distinct cottage outlined and she knew in her heart that that was where she needed to go.

"We need to go there. We've daddled long enough. Let's go!" Mayonette said as took the map. She swung her leg up and over and landing gracefully into the saddle. She pulled out her sword.

"Whomever wants to stay and talk and kiss and whatever. Fine, do what you will. But I'm going ahead and I'm saving my sister. Time is precious and we've wasted too much already," she said to the group. She kicked her horse hard and away she flew in the direction of the cottage.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener bit his lips as Leoflic rebucked him. He knew that the lad was right. He should stop eavesdroping on others' conversation. Yet he could not help feeling bitterness inside himself. People called him unfriendly, much too reluctant to be around company and too suspicious. Well, they could not blame him. Look what he got from trying to comfort someone.

Yet he said nothing of that to Leoflic. They could not afford a fight, and also he knew Leoflic had enough troubles without having an unfriendly companion raging at him. He smiled at him and nodded, to show him that he was not offended. And he could not help feeling alarmed and uneasy. He too had a feeling that something might go wrong. Yet maybe that was natural. Wasn't it normal to feel a little worried? And also, such feelings did not always come true. He knew that from experience.

He was more than glad when Mayonette ordered them to leave. Indeed, they had tarried much too long. He stood for some moments, watching Mayonette ride away, without waiting to see whether her orders were being followed or not, then he too sprang on his horse with a shout, and rode after her. All worries, all fears were forgotten. He was riding again, no longer wasting his time with pointless talking, and his heart beat fast at the thought of great deeds ahead of him.

[Glirdan]

As soon as Mayonnette ordered everyone on the move, Léoflic gathered himself up quickly, grabbed his belongings and jumped on the back of Aldor. "Are you ready my friend?" he whispered. "It's time to go...and seek vengence!"

He spurred Aldor on after Mayonnette. He looked ahead and noticed that Edhener was ahead of him. He spurred Aldor on to catch up to him.

"Listen my friend," Léoflic said as he caught up to him. "There is no need for you to be beating yourself up. I lost my temper. And when I call you my friend, I mean it. I know you will have my back in any fight, and know that I have yours in mine." He reached over and pat his back cheerfully. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to wait for Elfride for I would like to have a few words with her."

[Dimturiel]

Edhener was woken from his thoughts of battles and glory by Leoflic's voice. He turned and saw that Leoflic was now riding beside him. He listened to his companion's words, glad to know that there was no more enmity between them. And he knew that what he was saying was true. Indeed, in a battle, they could rely on each other. He grinned, and said in a cheerful voice:

"No matter. What has been, has been, and it would be better if we forgot it. And yes, you were right. You can count on my sword in battle. And something tells me that soon enough I will give you proof of this."

He nodded to Leoflic, and then he rode on. He could not understand why he suddenly felt so cheerful, and whence came his unexpected desire to sing, yet not the songs of battle that he knew best, but new ones, of light, and friendship, and happiness. He thought he could see things differenetly, as if a dark veil that had stood over his eyes was suddenly lifted. Yet this lasted only a few moments. He suddenly remembered who he was, and where he was heading, and for what reason.

And also, he recalled the happenings of last evening- had it really been so short a whlie ago? It semed as if months had passed since then- and his heart beat faster with anger. There had been her cold words, her disdainful looks, he had not once since morning thought about them, yet how could he had forgotten them? She was the reason that brought him here, the desire to show her that he was capable of great deeds, to impress her, to make her admire him. And he would do that, even if that meant that he had to die in order to achieve this.

"Yet this would do no good to you and only ill to her."Edhener found himself thinking. Indeed, that was so. But as he looked at the forest that loomed ahead of him, and as he thought of what he might meet there, the thought of battle again entered his being, and a fey smile was again playing on his lips.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae turned away in embarassment. Why did I have to go so far? It's so typical of me. He was conveniently distracted (and annoyed) however, by Mayonette leaping on to a horse and making a bold gesture. Curses! Why can't these women learn patience? But he was glad for the interruption.

Leaping to Crean, Garnae made sure he had everything on him. A bow, a sword. These will be needed before the end, no doubt. Once again, there is time for relaxation when this is done. He wondered if they would make a song about their band. Hear now the deeds of Mayonette's adventurers eight-counted! Righted a man of treachery, saved a child in jeopardy, renowned in battle and bravery! Garnae reminded himself that there was nothing that special about this mission. But it was his mission. Their mission.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia saw him look away, his face flushing. She let go of his hand and turned away. How could she have believed so strongly in him wanting her to be his for all thime? She shoved the disappointment back into the depths of her mind. She scolded herself for falling, for believing that someone actually wanted her. Garnae was only human after all and he probably was realizing that she was more trouble than she was worth.

Then again, if that was true then why had he even mention coming to stay with him? Did he think that she would give herself to him without being in the confines of marriage? If he thought that then he didn't know her.

Yet, she couldn't really see Garnae believing that. He was a noble man and deep down she knew that he didn't want to hurt her.

Perhaps she should have just said yes and dealt with it later. Now was certainly not the time to be dealing with love, or the lack that might have occured because of her words.

She watched as Mayonette flew off on her horse. She jumped up onto her mount and raced to catch her.

It wasn't too hard. They had raced many times in their childhood. She pulled the horse level with Mayonette's.

"Where are we going?" She asked her, keeping her eye out for danger. Mayonette handed her the map. Cordelia looked down at it and noticed the trails that led directly to the cottage. Was it a trap? It seemed all too easy.

[Crystal Heart]

"Where are we going?" Cordelia asked her. She handed her the map and pointed at the cottage.

"Where that cottage is. We follow the trail. My uncle is a very arrogant and stupid man. He figured that we wouldn't venture here for my fear of this forest. Well I'm no longer afraid and it is time that he understands that," Mayonette replied.

Out of the corner of her eye she could see her friend glance at her. She gave her a determined look.

"It's time to bring Samuel down and to bring Sandrina home," she said, her voice was clipped and cold. Samuel was going to regret ever crossing her.

[Mithalwen]

Hama had had a change of heart. The events of the day he realised had taken this beyond a matter that could be dealt with entirely privately. The fire raising and assault by the ruffians had taken this beyind anything that could be handled as a domestic matter. The man Zach would have to go before the King and if Samuel had more of his type at his command they could easily be overwhelmed. The women were brave but they were not trained soldiers and the soldiers were young and he knew that at least two of them had formed specific attachments that might impair their judgement.

They needed reinforcements and quickly he decided. Of the group he knew that only he, Elfride and perhaps Mayonette would be able ot get teh swift access to the king that the situation required. Mayonette would not go he guessed in any direction that took her further from her sister; Elfride he would prefer to send but she too had come for Sandrina's sake and might refuse. Holding back from the the others he spoke to her swiftly, old friendship allowing formality to be dispensed with.

Elfride weighed her thoughts swiftly and answered " I hope we will not need such force but I fear that Sandrina may need me. Even if I am captured too, I deem I will be able to help her. I doubt Samuel will do me harm - especially if he is informed that an eored is on it's way direct to his hiding place. So Hama, I think you should go at once and return swiftly. I will tell the others".

Hama seeing from her eyes that she spoke in earnest, bowed, and wheeled his great horse round and headed north along the course of the Snowbourne back towards Edoras.

Elfride watched him for a moment then set her heels against her own horses sides and with an uneasy heart sought to catch up with the others. She had some expalining to do.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic waited for Elfride to catch up. He had seen her talking to Hama and watched as Hama gallopped away swiftly. "What on earth is going on?" he thought desperately. "Of all the people that had to leave, it had to be the General."

He stayed in place until Elfride caught up. They then started walking a little slower than the others.

"Elfride, what is going on? Why is Hama leaving us?" Elfride than launched into the explanation of why he had to leave. "I see. Who knows, we may not need that backup. But it never hurts to be on the safe side." he said quietly.

He looked at Elfride and smiled. "Should I tell her?" he thought to himself. "Shold I tell her what's going through my mind?"

He looked back over at her and saw that she was looking at him. "Okay, I will. It's now or never," he thought, gathering up his courage.

"Elfride, there's something I have to tell you."

[Crystal Heart]

Something was nagging Mayonette's heart. Could it be that she had wasted so much time that she would never see her sister again? Would her husband abandon their child in anguish and she would have to raise her nephew? Would her beloved Thomas stay with her if that came to be?

Her mind swirled as she slowed her horse to a trot, turning to see if anyone else had decided to come. It was only Cordelia and herself. Garnae was taking up the rear.

"Well? Are they coming?" She asked the two of them, her heart dropping at the prospect that she would have to go this alone. She then saw Hama. She caught his eye. He gave her a curt nod and then rode off in another direction.

"Oh no. Hama is leaving us! Sandrina's doomed to her fate," Mayonette whispered, her face went completely white at the realization. She pressed her palm to her eyes, trying to keep back the tears. Hot rage filled within her. She took away her hand and grabbed her sword.

"I'm going to kill Samuel," she hissed. She twirled her sword once.

"Are you two with me?" She asked. She didn't want to head into this battle without knowing just who was with her and who wasn't.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia caught Mayonette's wrist and stopped her from twirling the sword once more. She recognized that glint in her eye. She knew that the words she had spoken were true. Samuel had no chance now. That was for certain.

"We are with you. But you raced your horse away! And with the map too! Allow us to go back. They are with you too. They have been from the beginning. Reign in your feelings and your fears and your hate, Mayonette. Be a true woman of Rohan. Save the rage for the battle. Now is not the time to go flying off the handle," Cordelia reprimanded.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette lowered her eyes and sighed. It was true that she had allowed her desperation to get the better of her.

"We took the path and we're only mere feet from the camp. We'll wait until the rest arrive," Mayonette replied. She sheathed her sword once more and sighed. What else was going to happen? Would the rest come after them? She only wished she knew for certain. Nothing was certain and it seemed that the more time they stopped and talked the further away Sandrina was slipping from rescue. She had already been gone for far too long. She didn't want to have to tell Sandrina's child that Sandrina was never coming home.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener was still riding alone, taking delight in the sense of speed, waitnig for his mind to rid itself of all thoughts and emotions, save only of that feeling of mad joy that he had come to associate with battles. He saw Cordelia ride past him. For one wild moment, he thought of overtaking her, but instead he slowed down. She probably wanted to talk to Mayonette without anyone intruding. And also, he prefered being alone with his thoughts.

So many things had happened in so short a time! He was beginning to understand the world more clearly, to see things that had been incomprehensible until then. Yet he found little comfort in his sudden wisdom. His young spirit felt startled of the things it was learning, things that those older took for granted and knew to be true.

Edhener pulled the reins, making his horse stop abruptly. He looked around him, expecting to see everything changed, frantically searching for something familiar that would comfort him. Yet the world had become strange, and the trees about him seemed to be whispering among themselves words in a language that he did not know, and also that he feared to understand. For the first time since he could remember, he hated being alone, and he longed for a human presence beside him, be it even that of one of his enemies. The entire Middle-earth seemed to be descending upon him, and he found all the things that he had done and wished to do bereft of their former glory and importance.

Edhener shook his head, trying to drive such thoughts out of his mind. He looked up at the trees that loomed, tall and ancient, above him.

"It is not true, is it?" he whispered, and his own voice startled him. "The things that are now in my mind, they cannot be true."

Yet he recieved no answer. The trees still stood there, dignified and immovable, as they had stood all those long ages that they had spent on that land. What cared they of one stray young soldier? What cared they of his desires and of all his brave deeds that he had boasted to have done? And why should they care of his despair and of his sudden terror? Why should they answer and comfort him?

Edhener lowered his head and drew a deep breath. He urged his horse to go forward, and he rode on, until he saw Mayonette and Cordelia in front of him. He stopped beside them, his eyes lowered, wishing to hide the gladness that he felt on seeing them, and knowing that he was no longer alone with his dark thoughts and the ancient trees of the forest.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride, there's something I have to tell you., Leoflic's words reached Elfride's ears but her mind made no connection as to what their significance might be.

"You do? " She answered barely pausing to add... " Surely it can wait a while ... the others are getting too far ahead - and they have the map and we don't! I must catch up with Mayonette and explain about Hama - she won't understand if she sees him leave - tell me later ". The woman gave him no chance to answer as she rode Leif forward along the woodland path after the others. The great grey's long and surefooted stride began to eat up the gap and Elfride turned her golden head to make sure that Leoflic followed.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia could see the worry within her friend's eyes. Yet, she knew Sandrina was in danger and that they needed to save her.

"COME OOOOON! WE NEED TO SAVE SANDRINA!" She bellowed in the direction where the rest of the company was staying. She hoped that they would be able to hear her.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae spoke. "Indeed, we shall show swift justice, and yet mercy upon the wrong-doer. For nothing was evil in the beginning. It is said even the Haradrim cruel, the Rhûn-men broad and Orcs themselves were not so. We must make sure that as few lives are lost as possible. We shall not slay him." Yet Garnae doubted his words. How could they possibly achieve this goal? Was bloodshed inevitable?

The trees were cold and dark. They seemed to whisper as the wind sighed past their boughs. Had they known the tree people? The ones that had destroyed Isengard? The ones that had known, as it was rumoured, the Ents?

As if in answer to his question, Thomas, who had been keeping quiet, said, "I think that these trees have known no Shepherds. They seem wild and free, and dangerous. We shall be careful."

Garnae suddenly remembered Cordelia was afraid of the dark. He rode closer to her, putting his arm around her. But is it for her fear, or for mine?

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia was trying to keep herself from being afraid of the dark. Yet, it wasn't working. She sighed in relief when Garnae wrapped his arm around her waist. She clung to his arm, wishing vainly that all of this was over.

She turned and looked at him. What would happen at the end of this journey? Would she ever see him again? The thought scared her. She had fallen so very hard for him. If something were to happen to him she wasn't sure that her Rohan like resolve would be able to be maintained.

"I'm scared, Garnae. Please promise me you won't get hurt," she whispered to him softly. She shivered as a small wind moved through the trees.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette nodded. She would grant him mercy, but if he raised his sword to her or anyone else in their small band then she wouldn't take that lightly. She looked over at Thomas. He gave her a determined smile and reached over to take her hand. She smiled softly.

She turned to see the rest of their group come up behind them. Mayonette looked down at the map and nodded.

"Let's go," she said determinedly. They pushed their horses onward, past the darkness and the creaky trees. The group was silent as they made their way to the cottage. The darkness started to become more oppressive as they made their way. Thomas lit a lamp that had been hanging unused at his side. He held it up, allowing Mayonette to take the lead.

She looked up and could see the lights of the cottage only a half mile from where they were. She stopped the group and blew out the candle.

"Mayonette, what are you doing?" Thomas asked. She grabbed his hand to make sure that he wouldn't relight it.

"Do you see those lights? Those are the lights of the cottage. That's where Sandrina is. If they can see us coming then all hope of saving Sandrina is lost. We go in the dark. Keep close everyone," she commanded.

They inched their horses slowly through the darkness. Thomas led them off the main path, allowing them to come in from behind. As soon as they got to the edge of the trees they stopped. Mayonette motioned for them to be silent. She slid wordlessly down from her horse. She placed the reigns upon a tree branch and motioned for everyone to follow her.

They inched into the place, crawling on their hands and knees. They inched that way until they got to the wall of the cottage. Mayonette rested against it. Thomas gave her shoulder a squeeze and he looked over the window sill.

"She's in the main room. She doesn't look good. Elfride, she's going to need some help," Thomas whispered. Mayonette's rage filled her. She motioned for them to follow her. They crawled around the house until they were at the front.

"We're going to crash in. Swords drawn and everything. Let's go!" Mayonette whispered. She drew her sword and stood up. Thomas kicked in the door. Together as a group they flew in with their swords raised.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic drew his blade, the light of battle alight in his eyes. As Mayonnette gave the word to rush into th cottage, he rushed in right after her, anger pumping through his veins.

As he stepped over the threshold, he was bowled to the ground. He shoved his assailant off with a mighty heave and rose quickly to his feet, his anger continualy rising.

He looked at his assailant in shock and in recognition. "You" he cried. "What are you doing here, Nikolai!?"

"Ah, so you do reconize me Léoflic. Good, good. This way, you'll know the person who killed you and your new friends, if that's what you want to call them," he said, sneering evily at Léoflic.

"You kill me, we'll see about that! NOw, answer me, what are you doing here!?" Léoflic shouted, his anger always steadily rising.

"Come Léoflic, use your brain. I work for Samuel and I always have. Even when you were living with me. I had hoped that when I took you in, you would have been able to aid us, but I soon realised that that couldn't hapen and sent you on your merry way. Now, enough chit chat. Prepare to battle!"

Léoflic took his fighting stance, unaware of everything going on behind him. They rushed at each other, dust from years long gone by rising at their feet and creating a giant cloud of dust. There was a loud clang. The battle had begun.

They circled around each other, thrusting here, jabbing there. They ducked, weaved, jumped, parried...

Finally, they backed off, ready to collapse of exhaustion. Léoflic's anger had diminished and his quick-thinking started to kick in. He looked around and spotted his bow and arrows and an idea had popped into his head.

"So, why did you kidnap Sandrina?" he asked Nikolai. "Why did you kidnap her?"

"Because there was major money involoved, you foolish child. I did it for no other reason than personal gain."

"But why Sandrina? There must have been a resaon as to why you kidnapped her,"

"Whatever it may be, I do not know and nor do I care. Samuel payed me to kidnap her, not ask questions,"

"Well, there's a shame. You won't be able to enjoy that money you get,"

"And why's that? Are you going to kill me!?" Nikolai asked, laughing hysterically.

"In fact, you are!" Léoflic cried and an arrow flew through the air. For while he had been talking to Nikolai, he had inched his way slowly to his bow and arrows. He had quickly notched an arrow to his bow while Nikolai had been laughing and had let it fly.

Nikolai looked on in horror as death whispered in his ear. The arrow pierced his heart and he fell, dead.

"That's for Sandrina," Léoflic said, smiling weekly. And he fell to the floor, unconcious from exhaustion.

[Dimturiel]

When they were together again, they started making their way towards the cottage. No one spoke. Silence seemed to have descended upon the world, and Edhener thought that he would never again hear any familiar sound. The only thing that was still in his ears was the wind blowing through the leaves, if indeed it was that, and not the trees whispering to each other of the company that had now entered their realm.

Edhener glanced behind him uneasily. He had not forgotten the thoughts that had entered his mind when he had stepped into the forest. Nor did he feel comfortable among the trees, and whenever a branch thouched him, he thought it a response to his desperate question, a response that was little to his liking.

Edhener shook his head anoyed, wanting to rid himself of such troubled thoughts, thoughts that, he felt, had no place in the minds of brave warriors. And that was what Edhener wanted to be. He was actually one, but he did not yet realise it. All he knew was that whenever battle was at hand, the rest of the troubles flew from his mind, leaving only a sense of wild exhilaration.

Battle would probably be at hand soon enough. He felt that. He had felt it since morning, even in the light of the pleasant sun, when all were so cheerful. What if he had looked at the sun for the last time? What if he would never see his parents again, never see her again? What if...? But did that matter? Not in the least. All that mattered was for him to do his job well,and to fight as bravely as posible. And he would. Aye, the Valar knew that he would.

Deep in thoughts as he was, Edhener bearly realised when they reached the cottage. And now here they were, in front of it, at the last stage of their journey. Mayonette was ordering them to crash in. And then, all the worries vanished. So what if things would turn bad for him? He did not care. A battle would soon be at hand, and he-the young son of the bravest and most reckless people of Middle-earth-would do deeds to make his anscestors proud. And even if he were to die, he knew his death would not be unpraised, unsung. No, he would not let it be like this. Clutching his sword in his hand, firmly, but also lovingly, as if he was not holding only a weapon, yet in the same time a dear friend, he went after the others, his eyes now shining, as bright stars on a twilight sky.

[Crystal Heart]

Thomas flung himself into the room right next to Mayonette. He didn't have a chance to glance over at her. He prayed silently that she would be okay during this battle.

He slashed a man that came towards Mayonette with his sword held high. The man crumpled to the floor, screaming in pain. His eyes glanced around the room and saw Sandrina tied up in the corner. A rag was wrapped around her mouth. Her eyes were wide with fear.

A man stepped in his way of seeing her. He held his sword out. Thomas clanged his sword against the man. He pushed him back, knowing that this would be one of those fights that would end up in death. He took him swiftly, his old battle skills coming back to his body.

He knelt beside Sandrina and took the rag off her. He carefully cut her bindings. She sighed in relief when she was free. Her hand caressed her swollen stomach gently.

"Thank you, Thomas. You are my hero," she replied. He watched as her eyes looked over his shoulder. He looked and saw Mayonette locked in a dangerous fight with Samuel.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia crashed into the room next to Garnae. She swung her sword wildly, cutting the men near her. She kept Garnae by her side. She wanted to be with him in this battle and she didn't want him to get hurt.

She took down the first man that she came across with ease. Done with her task she noticed Thomas heading over to Mayonette's side. She then turned, but didn't find Garnae. She looked around wildly.

[Mithalwen]

Elfride was not a coward but she had no bloodlust eitherand did not attempt to be foremost as the group burst in to the cottage. She had not expected the onslaught to be so sudden, thinking that they might have scouted the area out and waited for Hama's reinforcements to arrive. forced Samuel men to negotiate. But that thought she realised was unrealistic. Zach's companions would have warned the others and they could not risk the effect further delay might have on Sandrina. The sooner they were all out of this dismal place. Though day had not yet ended in the open world, the fastness of the forest and the shadow of the haunted mountain meant night came early.

While Elfride feared that Samuel's men might take a dreadful toll in blood on the party she knew that such a small building could contain no great garrison and hoped their small number would be enought to contain them, and that they would be able to return Sandrina to her son. Only that justified the risk she was taking. She thought of her own son. She knew her brother loved Elfthain scarce less than his own children but the realisation that her son still needed her struck her as heavy blow. As she entered the room, sword drawn, she thought If I survive this, I will go to him - why did it take the risk of death to make me realise I should not be separated form him by choice, not yet, while he is so young?.

She her way over to the far corner where Thomas knelt by Sandrina, "Thomas - why don't you go and help Mayonette and I will take care of Sandrina?"

[The Sixth Wizard]

This is it. thought Garnae. The final step is at hand. The last gasp. The group prepared to knock down the door, and he drew his sword.

Smash! The door was kicked down. A table stood near the door in the room, a fireplace on the left-hand side. At the other end of the wide hall was a woman on the floor, tied and gagged, looking amazed. "There be our goal!" he yelled.

But Garnae was stopped mid-yell. Two men advanced upon him, one had a knife the other a sword. The large part of the group were upon the other side of the table, or halfway up the room. Garnae parried the first man's sword, but the other took advantage of this loss in momentum and tackled him to the ground, though the knife-stroke went wide and sliced his side, not his chest.

Pain rushed through Garnae, and he roared in agony, yet, with a burst of strength quite unlike his style, shoved him off. Before the man with the sword could finish the job, another figure had leapt over the table and confronted him. Edhener? Leoflic?

Staggering upward, the side-wound ripping, Garnae stepped upon the dagger-wielder's hand. He pressed the sword to his neck.

A voice said commandingly, from behind him, "Stop!" Garnae slowly turned to face his nemesis. The third one wore a chain tunic, a Rider's helm and bore a shortbow, which was notched and aimed upon him. He was gaunt and thin, a leer upon his face.

"I don't know who you are," said Garnae. "But if you take a further step I - I shall slice this man's throat."

"An empty threat from one so weak as you, Garnae," jeered the opposer. "But I care for that coward no more than I care for the worthless brat and her unborn. Put down your blade, Rider."

I remember your face! raced Garnae's mind. You were training with me! You would laugh at me the hardest when the others did, you jeered me for my lack of strength and confidence in battle. A Rider had you expelled for stealing, I remember! He realised that was where the ex-Rider obtained his helm.

"Put down your blade!" yelled the brute. "Or I shall rid you of your suffering forever. It must be so hard to deal with your wonderful homestead gone. Do you wish to be rid of the pain?"

Madness welled up in Garnae, but another had got there first. A scream, a blade potruding from the ex-Rider's chest, and Cordelia stood there herself, looking fierce and desperate. The arrow went aside. Garnae welled with amazement and respect. But now there an innocent to save.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia took down the man and stood there, killing for the first time. She looked over at Garnae who was bleeding profusely from his side. She came over to him and shook as she clutched his hand to his wound.

"Hold it there and try to stop the bleeding. You take care of it and I'll take care of you. Just . . . please don't die. I love you," she said quickly. She turned, her sword glistened with blood, and made sure that no one came near them. The only man left was Samuel and Mayonette was taking care of him.

[Dimturiel]

Looking back, Edhener could rememeber little of what followed after they had entered the cottage. He only had blurred visions, and he could not tell if the order in which he recalled them was the true one. He remember bursting into the cottage with the others, with his heart beating loudly in his chest... He remembered being attacked, and then a powerful wrath took hold of him, and he felt his body burning with excitement... He rememered moving with a speed that he had never felt himself capable of...He remembered singing and shouting, yet his voice had become unrecognisable, harsh and wrathful.

And then, it was over, just as suddenly as it started. He was leaning on the wall, with his sword hanging limply from his hand, breathing hard. He looked at his arm, and saw that it was bleeding; and, as his head became clearer and the sense of exhilaration was starting to melt, he felt the pain stab through his wound.

"So it is over,"he said looking around him,"or at least it is for me."

He looked at the two dead men that lay at his feet, trying not to think that maybe he had once talked to them, or that they might have fought by his side in a time when powers too dark for their comprehending made good and evil unite in the common goal of defending their country. He had slain many orcs at Pelennor, and not once had he felt guilty about it, but now, after killing his own kin, his own countrymen, he found the thought too hard to bear.

"No matter how this battle ends,"he mused,"for me it is over. I know that, whatever happens next, I can never turn back to being young Edhener, skilled warrior of the Mark. In a way, he has died in this battle."

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette locked her sword with Samuel's and glared at him. She couldn't believe what he had decided to do to her and her family.

"Why? Why did you kidnap Sandrina?" She asked him. Samuel snorted and shook his head at her question.

"Don't you not know by now you stupid girl? That is MY estate. Getting rid of Sandrina would have ensured it. But now that you are here I'll just kill you both and win the house regardless," he spat. Samuel pushed her sword away and tried to slice her side.

Mayonette moved to the side, seeing her opportunity. She plunged her sword into his side. She pushed it in as far as it could go. She watched as the evil light in his eyes extinguished.

"That's for my father and for my sister. May you rot in hell," she spat over his corpse. She pulled her sword out of him and dropped it on the floor. She looked around the room and fell to her knees in exhaustion.

[Crystal Heart]

Thomas watched as Mayonette fell to her knees. The battle was over and it had been bloody. All the men that had been within the cottage before they entered were dead on the floor. Cordelia's hand was bright red with blood that he assumed came from Garnae's side. Sandrina was being helped by Elfride.

He walked over, the click of his boots the only thing that could be hear through the eerie silence. He reached Mayonette and picked her up. He clutched her to his chest, allowing her to hear his heart beat.

"What's done is done. Samuel and his followers chose their fate. And we chose ours. We have won. And for that I am thankful," he said, not just to Mayonette, but everyone.

He turned his face to the trembling woman in his arms. He kissed her forehead gently.

"I think you could use with a lovely cup of tea and a fire. Come, my fair Mayonette. Let's go home," he whispered. He hoped his words would fire up her soul and give her the strength to get home.

[Mithalwen]

"Yes, let's go home" , echoed Elfride. I think Sandrina is well enough in body to travel, the sight of her son will heal her spirits" . Elfride hoped that Sandrina's husband would be waiting for her and no harm had befallen him on his own search. This matter will have to be reported to the King and these corpses must be disposed of .... but we are sure to meet Hama and his men on the way and they can deal with that...and the king will not begrudge us getting Sandrina safe home before making our account to him I deem."

Home, she thought of her comfortable house and wished she were there already. It had been a very long day and some hours ride yet awaited them before they would get back - for Sandrina's sake they would return at a gentler pace. Elfride knew she would not remain at home long .. and part of her wished she need not return but could carry on through the Mountains towards Gondor and her son. She imagined her elegant sister-in-law's reaction if she could see her now, clad in male garb and dishevelled, and supressed and inappropriate giggle.

She helped Sandrina, freed now from her bonds, to her feet . "Ready to go?" she asked.

"I am" answered Sandrina, "but others are not... you have people who need you more than I do for the moment".

Elfride turned with horror to realise that the rest of the group were not as unscathed as she had assumed.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae staggered against a wall. He was dimly aware of Cordelia speaking to him and the battle being won around him, and no others being wounded, but the colours began to fade and crumple. The blood continued to flow as he held on to conciousness but he wondered how long he could last. No! I can't die now! What have I fought for? What have I gained? He sagged to the ground and closed his eyes.

It seemed that he opened them again and was looking at a shadow that threatened to engulf him. The shadow grew, but another side was kindled, a fire that would not be stifled, but the shadow was winning. It suddenly surged in power and malice against the other and Garnae started to lose control.

But then a hand gripped his and he woke. Cordelia was next to him and was leading his horse to him. She mouthed something, but he couldn't ... hear ... With a last burst of strength he strained for conciousness and heard the words "...don't die. I love you." The woman I know I love and the horse that bore me thus far. The Darker Days are over. It is time for rest and peace.

And with that he fell into unconciousness. But it wasn't a bad kind. It was peace.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia watched as Garnae fell to the ground. She caught him, but ended up falling with him too. He had lost too much blood to remain conscious.

"Elfride! He's hurt! And may be dying!" She called. She managed to get him upon his back. She tapped his face lightly.

"Garnae please live. Don't leave me. Oh please. Please live. I love you. Oh please," she cried frantically. He was the one person that she had ever loved and he was seemingly on the brink of death.

[Dimturiel]

The battle was over. As far as Edhener could see, they had reached their goal, and that without as much sacrifice as he had first thought would be necessarry. At least most of his companions he could see alive and standing, he himself being among them. Even if he was hurt, he was still able to think clearly and to recognise the things around him. But he did not care much for his situation. There would be no dark oblivion for him, no sleep which would take him, at least only for a litttle while, away from the pain and sorrow of his world.

Edhener moved away from the wall on which he had been leaning, desperate to hear a human voice talking to him again, and wanting to be rid of the dreadful weight that had descended upon him due to the slaying of two of his kin. He tried to tell himself that he had had no choice, yet how could he know that for certain. He knew the madness that had possesed him during the battle. What if his opponents had actually asked for mercy, and he, instead of offering it to them, had killed them?

Suddenly, Edhener stumbled over something. Bending to see what it was, he caught sight of Leoflic, lying on the ground with his eyes closed. At first Edhener felt a shudder pass through him, thinking that, after all, there had been a great price to pay for their quest, but, when he bent closer, he saw that his companion was alive and did not seem much hurt.

Edhener's first thought was to call Elfride to help him, but he saw that she was more needed in other places. Therefore, he had no chioce but to try and revive his companion himself. He still had some water with him, not much, and not as cool as he wanted it to be, but he had to make do with it. He poured his water over Leoflic's face, and gave a sigh of relief when he saw his companion's eyelids flicker open. He smiled to him.

"The battle is over,"he said,"and soon we will be returning to our homes. Are you much hurt? Can you walk?"

And saying this, he extended his healthy hand to Leoflic in order to help him up.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette hurried over to Cordelia's side where Garnae lay wounded and unconscious. She pulled out the smelling salts that she had packed in case Sandrina was unconscious. She waved it under neath his nose. His eyes flickered opened.

"He's alive, but we have to stop the bleeding. He's just faint from all the loss of blood. He'll be fine," she said, examing his side. It was only a small cut that ran the length of his side. It wasn't deep enough to have done any real damage.

She ripped Garnae's sleeves and pressed them to his side. She handed one to Cordelia, who looked up at her like she had no idea what was going on.

"Come on Cordelia! Get with it! You want him to live? Then hold this against his side tightly. If we can get the bleeding to stop then he has a chance," she ordered. What had come over the woman she had no idea. Cordelia had never been the type of girl that lost her head at the site of blood.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia nodded and took the sleeve that Mayonette was handing her. She held against the rest of Garnae's wound tightly. She then started to pray.

Please spirits. Please anybody. Save this man. I love him. Does that mean nothing? She continued to press the wound with Mayonette's help. She only hoped that this attempt would be enough.

After several moments Mayonette motioned for her to check her side of the wound. She did and saw that it was no longer bleeding. She waited a little bit to ensure that it wasn't just slowing down, but indeed it was done bleeding. Mayonette checked her side of the wound and found the same thing.

She leaned over and kissed Garnae softly. She stroked his cheek gently.

"Hang on Garnae. I shall take of you. I promise. Just don't leave. Hear my words and come back to me. I love you," she whispered. She hoped that her words of love would save him.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic had been wandering aimlessly in his dreams, troublsome dreams at that. He had seen his mother and father, lying there dead along with all of his new found friends.

Suddenly, something cold splashed his face. He opened his eyes and saw Edhener leaning over him.

"The battle is over," he said,"and soon we will be returning to our homes. Are you much hurt? Can you walk?"

He extended his hands to aid Léoflic in rising. Léoflic grasped it firmly and smiled weakly. "I knew I could count on you having my back my friend."

He rose slowly to his feet, looking around as he did. He saw Nikolai lying dead some few feet away and other men lying around. Then he saw Elfride and breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of her and another woman who he assumed to be Sandrina. Then he saw Thomas standing near Mayonnette and Cordelia leaning over a figure that looked horribly like Garnae.

"What happened? Will he be alright?" he asked slowly, still breathing heavily.

[The Sixth Wizard]

The shadow passed and Garnae slept. But he was alive. He had not passed yet to the beyond, where the final veil of darkness lifts forever and Men wait until the world is renewed. He had too much to be, too much to do. There was more to do yet.

Garnae opened his eyes. It was later in the day now, he was lying upon a makeshift bed. He tried moving his arms, they resisted a little in the blanket folds around him. I feel pain, he thought suddenly as his side twinged. The sky was bright above him. He tried shouting. Not enough strength for that yet. He tried humming. A dry, cracked noise came out.

Suddenly Garnae noticed the frying pan among his other belongings. Crean nudged his side. "Anyone for fried coney?" he yelled with a burst of strength, wondering who to. He smiled.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia couldn't stay still. Garnae hadn't woken. He had slid in and out of consciousness, but had never acknowledged anything. They had made him a makeshift bed. Elfride had said that they shouldn't move him. Not until he had woken up fully and felt like he could make it to Mayonette's estate.

She had offered to cook everyone a nice meal, since she needed to do something. She then had set to work making a very large meal while Elfride tended to Garnae and Leoflic. Sandrina was resting peacefully. She couldn't blame her for that. She had been through such a horrid ordeal.

And now her heart was going through a terrible ordeal. Garnae seemed to hang in a tender balance. As much as Elfride had reassured her that things would be fine she couldn't convince herself that she was right. So she just went on cooking, trying to soothe her fears.

"Anyone for fried coney?" A familiar male voice yelled. She spun around and saw that Garnae was fully awake and smiling. She dropped what she was doing and ran over to him. She knelt down, her heart racing so much that she had to catch her breath.

"Garnae. Oh Garnae you made it," she breathed, tears gathered in her eyes. She didn't dare hug him for the gash in his side. Instead she settled for a tender, loving kiss.

"How are you feeling?" She asked, stroking his hair away from his face. She studied his now awake face. She had never believed she would see his handsome eyes again. Tears fell quickly down her face in relief.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette was dozing lightly against Thomas. The hours had flew by, she could bearly remember. After the fighting and assessing all of the wounds they had decided to create camp outside. They didn't want to stay inside with all the blood and the bodies and they couldn't move Garnae just yet.

She opened one of her eyes and saw that Cordelia was just running around doing everything and anything that her stressed mind could come up with. She felt so sad for her friend.

As long as Mayonette had known her Cordelia had never been the kind of woman that worried. She had been strong and logical. She was a rock. It was a fact that had scared many suitors away. Until Garnae.

She had been watching and she could see that he really did care deeply for her friend. Perhaps even loved Cordelia, but she couldn't be very sure on that. Yet there was some spark there. She could see it in their eyes.

She hoped, for Cordelia's sake, that he would pull through. Elfride had said that he should be fine, but she could tell that there was some uncertainty about that. He had lost a lot of blood.

"Anyone for fried coney?" She heard Garnae exclaim. It caused the entire camp to perk up. Mayonette smiled as Cordelia raced over to check on him. She looked up at Thomas and he smiled, giving her shoulder's a squeeze.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic rolled over and saw Cordelia rushing over to Garnae's bed. He had awoken at last.

He smiled and sat up slowly. Even though he hadn't been seriously injured, Elfride had forced him to rest and relaxation. He had over exerted himself in his fight against Nikolai and had been sleeping for quite sometime.

He looked around and saw that everyone was up and about. "So, when can we get going?" he asked out loud to the room.

[Mithalwen]

"Soon now Garnae is awake - if he feels up to it riding - I do not particularly wish to spend another night here if we can help it" . It was ironic that Sandrina had been fit to ride and Garnae and Leoflic hadn't but they were lucky to all be alive."I am sure that Hama will be here ere long". She guessed that he had reached Meduseld too late to set out last night and would have left at first light. Though the sun had not yet reached it's highest point and she knew that Hama would have wasted no more time. " If he is not able to ride then the soldiers can form a stretcher party to get him out of the forest and we can send for a wain from the village." However she did not think that would be necessary. Garnae seemed so much stronger.

Elfride had dressed wounds with myrtle leaves and made an infusion of nettles to treat blood loss . For the others she had made a tisane of valerian and other soothing herbs. With no immediate threat she sat down and sipped the brew, watching the horses graze peacefully. She knew that they would sense riders approaching long before their owners did.

[Dimturiel]

Edhener lay on his back staring at the cealing. His hand had been taken care of, and, due to drink that Elfride had made for them all, he felt calmer. He had been worried about Garnae and Leoflic, but now he was glad to see that they were as well as they could have been under the circumstances.

Strange, but that was not how he had imagined the end of his adventure. He had expected himself to feel exhilarated and proud of what he had done. Instead, there was nothing inside him save emptiness and a strange calm. He had longed to go home to see his beloved's reaction at his quest. He had imagined what she would say, how she would smile, how her eyes would shine when hearing him and knowing that it had all been for her. But now all this was gone. He still loved her, but he no longer wanted to impress her, no longer wanted to tame her pride. It had not been all for her, what he had done. There had been other reasons, hidden deep inside his soul where he had not yet learned to search.

Edhener got up and went to look outside. Everything was so quiet, so still. It was as if they were the only live beings in a deserted world.

[Crystal Heart]

Thomas smiled as he heard Garnae speak. He was glad, mostly for Cordelia. He was sure that if Garnae hadn't pulled through then they would lose Cordelia. It was an odd sight to see. Cordelia had never been the kind of woman that cried. Yet, he had seen her cry several times on this journey. I've been gone far too long, he thought to himself.

He turned to look at Mayonette. The words she had spoken to him felt like eons ago instead of only a couple of days. She loved him and they were to be married. The thought thrilled his heart.

"Mayonette. I want to marry you as soon as we get back and everyone is settled. Would that suite you my fair lady?" He asked her. Mayonette looked over at him, smiling brightly.

"Oh Thomas. Yes, that would suite me. I don't want to live without you any more," she replied breathlessly. He stroked her cheek gently.

"You'll never have to," he vowed. He kissed her gently, finally content with his life.

[The Sixth Wizard]

"I can ride. It's not far after all," said Garnae. "I will not burden you any longer. And Mayonette, what was all that about a money reward? Is the task over yet? Or do we need to escort your sister further?"

We should go back to the Inn where this started. I can decide what to do there. Settle down? Or can I live off the land, just travel? We could go on forever...

"I made it. But who cares. Let's go."

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia was taken aback. He hadn't even registered her kiss, nor her love for him. He seemed so angry to be alive. What in the world had changed? She got up slowly, helped him up - which he shrugged off, and went over to pack things up.

Tears continued to fall down her cheeks, but at a much faster speed. Her heart felt like it was ripping out of chest. She tried to push back her hurt and helped Mayonette and the rest pack up.

"Are you alright Cordelia?" Mayonette asked her softly. She stopped and looked at the woman that she had come to know as a sister more than a friend.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I've realized that no one in the world will ever care for me. Every man I met I cause them to run away. I'm just that kind of woman. One that's ment to be alone and unloved. Be thankful, Mayonette, that you have Thomas. I wish I had someone as wonderful as he in my life," she replied to her friend.

As soon as the company was set she got onto her horse and looked at Garnae. He had helped sullenly. Yes, she knew that this was the end. This was the end of the road for them. It was clear by the way he was completely ignoring her.

Anger bubbled up inside of her. He had kissed her! He had told her that he had cared for her. He had led her on! She slid off her horse and stalked over to him. She stood in front of him, shaking.

"You are a horrid person Garnae! Do you not realize how worried sick I was for you? I begged Elfride to save your life out fear that you would die! Could you even comprehend why?! Ooh! I want to thank you Garnae. You've taught my heart an excellent lesson to never ever trust a man. I thank you for that. I hope the money you earned will give you the life you want," she spat, tears once again flowing down her cheeks. She pushed them away hastily. She turned away and called over to Mayonette.

"I shall not be joining you at your estate, Mayonette. I have more pressing matters to attend to." She started to head over to her horse.

[Crystal Heart]

She was surprised by the way that Garnae was acting. He seemed so angry, so unsure. What in the world had changed in him? She noticed that Cordelia was sobbing. She was taken back. Her friend had been such a strong woman!

"Are you alright Cordelia?" She asked her softly, placing her hand upon her shoulder. She watched as her eyes turned to her, nearly dead. There was no unique spark of life that they usually held.

"Yeah. I'm fine. I've realized that no one in the world will ever care for me. Every man I met I cause them to run away. I'm just that kind of woman. One that's ment to be alone and unloved. Be thankful, Mayonette, that you have Thomas. I wish I had someone as wonderful as he in my life," Cordelia replied. Mayonette blinked and went to try to say something of comfort, but she moved away quickly. She watched as her friend started packing as if her life depended on it.

She heard Garnae ask about money. She had forgotten about it and was surprised that he, out of the entire company, would ask about it. She spun around and looked at him cooly.

"Yes Garnae. You will get your reward. I haven't got it on me. You'll have to come back to my estate if you want it," she replied. She turned and shook her head. She had believed that he was different. He had presented himself different. Now he had hurt her best friend and was demanding to know where his reward was. She sighed and packed her things.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic looked at Garnae in surprise. He had not expected this from Garnae at all. "What has gotten into the man?" he asked himself slowly. "Can't he see what he is doing to Cordelia!?"

He turned away from the scene playing out before him and saw Elfride. His mind raced. "Perhaps this is the time to tell her?" he thought to himself. He walked over to her slowly and tapped her shoulder. "Could I speak with you before we leave?"

[Mithalwen]

"Yes, of course, I remember there was something before wasn't there", Elfride replied, distracted by what she discerned was going with Garnae - maybe he wasn't as recovered aas he thought .. her certainly seemed changed. As she spoke she had continued to gather her things - the medicinal herbs and dressings she had used to treat the injured, as well as her personal possessions - and pack them into her saddlebags.

"I need to get Leif ready and the others seem set to leave soon... do you want to give me a hand ?". She gestured towards where the great grey horse was tethered in the shade of the trees, idly flicking flies away with his tail. His saddle was propped against a trunk under a cloth. She stood with a weary elegance , picked up her saddlebags and let Léoflic fall into step beside her as she walked over to her horse.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae realised he had messed up with the first woman he had really liked. Oh no, I am so bad at this... it seems like there is one last blow for the shadow to strike, lest I ruin my one chance at happiness.

Garnae summoned up his courage, and walked over. He bowed and felt himself shaking. "Cordelia, please - please accept a humble man's apology. I am not perfect, I have no real experience in these matters. No woman has ever showed me the kindness you have, none cared when I was hurt and poor and scared. Yes scared! I was a fool, I have - wronged, I was dazed, but that is no excuse. Nothing have I to offer you but my heart, my spirit and my few and scattered possessions which are of no value in my position.

"If I am denied at this, the last gasp, the final challenge of my journey, I will leave a broken man, a shadowy wreck knowing I have destroyed two hopes in a shrill moment of folly and pride, and shall no doubt never know true happiness again. Oh, and keep Sandrina's reward. I am not worthy." Garnae finished. He rose. He turned away.

[Witch_Queen]

Thomas was glad the fight hadn't cost him Mayonette. Deep down inside he had dreaded what would happen if he would have lost her to the tip of Samuel's sword. He had figured that should wouldn't object to a wedding as soon as possible. He had seen too many times that life was short and that you can't always say "I'll do it tomorrow". After all the past few years had showed him so much. One moment he would be laughing with his friends in Gondor and the next day he would wake to find that his friends he had been with the night before was dead, murdered in their sleep. He loved Mayonette with all his heart and would die to protect her.

Thomas was surprised that Garnae had told them not to worry about the reward. The journey had tested the very wits of even the bravest of men. "Mayonette, worry not. If any one asks about the reward, I will take care of it. You gave me your heart and I gave you mine. Now it's time for me to repay your trust and your love. Don't be stubborn either, for you know when I say I'm going to do something I will do it. Never before have I let you down and I don't plan on beginning that anytime soon." Chianna was ready to get back to Rohan, ready to get back to the easy life. A nice warm stable, fresh hay and evening rides. Plus her sweetheart was waiting on her back at home.

For love Thomas would do anything for Mayonette. I have known Mayonette all my life and I know she will not hurt Thomas. Same goes for Thomas. He would lay down his sword if she asked him. Thomas would jump into the highest and hottest flames if to spare Mayonette. Chianna knew the adventure was almost over but truly life was fixing to begin, for her, for Mayonette, but more than anything life was giving Thomas another chance of not messing up.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic started helping Elfride with her stuff. "Yes, there was something I needed to tell you," he said carefully, not knowing how to say this properly.

"Elfride, I'm going to tell you that I am not good at what I am about to tell you. Over the past few days, I've opened up to you like I've opened up to no one. And you listened. For me, this was amazing. And you actually had enough trust in me to open up as well."

He hesitated, not quite sure how to go on. Finally, he decided to say it. "Elfride, I l-love you. Everytime I see you, you make me smile and make me forget about my worries and everything that's happened. You brighten my day with your smile."

Here he stopped, waiting patiently. He knew this would take her by surprise. Before she could answer, he went on to say, "If you do not have the same feelings, do not worry. I'll move on. I just need to know."

[Mithalwen]

Elfride stood stock still. Thoughts and emotions swept over her as waves crashing onto a beach. First astonishment, then amusement which had to be surpressed for the brown eyes that searched her face were earnest . Earnest enough to dispel her next thought that the only interest the young man could have in a woman seven years his senior was her property. Earnest enough to demand kindness and honesty, she thought as she examined what she could recall of her behaviour to see if there was anything she had done to encourage him. Heavy of heart she began to speak:

"Léoflic, I believe youare sincere in what you say but I also believe that you are mistaken" , she quelled his protest with a gesture, "listen to me, you have lost much and so have I but shared experience is the basis of friendship not love. While I glady offer you my friendship I can give you nothing more. I cannot replace those who you have lost ...and for myself, I have not thought to ... perhaps some day I shall .... but now all I know is that I must go to my son, to Gondor - that is the only desire of my heart - look not so downcast, you told me that you were an adventurer, a wanderer - and I am by nature a stay at home. I am sure that you will find someone who can give you their whole heart, which is what you deserve, but that someone cannot be me for part of my heart lies forever buried in a far land. I am sorry". She turned sadly and led her horse back towards the group.

[Crystal Heart]

Mayonette wrapped her arms around Thomas and kissed him gently, sighing softly. She loved him more than anything in the world and he was the one that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. She was so thankful that they had made the journey together and that they were still together in order to fulfill the dreams that they had been dreaming for some time.

"I shall not be stubborn my love. I know that you would never let me down. You never have before. Let's go home. I just want to go home and be with you," she whispered.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia slid off her horse and stood there, watching his retreating form. He had had a hard life too. She ran after him, spun him around, and kissed him passionately.

"I love you Garnae. I love you with all my heart. I accept your apology. I know you have had a hard life. As have I. But don't shut me out or push me away. I need you. Can't you tell that?" She asked. She rested her forehead against his.

Her heart seemed to be beating faster than her horse could travel. She closed her eyes and tried to slow it to a normal speed. She held onto his arms lightly. She opened her eyes slowly and looked up at him.

[The Sixth Wizard]

Garnae was at peace. He had fulfilled his mission, he was whole, without shame or passion. He held on to Cordela tightly, and said, "It is over. The Dark Days have ended, for us. It is time for a new life."

The clearing they were in was suddenly beautiful in its twilight. He thought it would be perfect if it all ended right then, in the midst of bliss, before the woes of Men caught up with them. He kissed her again.

I wonder if I should ask it, he thought. Shall I go that far? "Er, Cordelia, can I ask you something?" he said. She nodded and looked up, eyes gleaming. "Yes?!"

"It would be great if my story ended right now. Will you ride into the sunset with me?" he asked.

[Glirdan]

Léoflic felt no pain as Elfride rejected him. Yes, rejected, he thought sadly. But that does not mean I can still not be her friend, as she has done with me. Perhaps she is right. Maybe I was trying to forget my sorrow...

No more shall I do so! He said to himself, suddenly fierce. I shall go on, being an adventurer lending help where needed.

He looked over at Edhener who seemed slightly outcasted. A sudden thought appeared in his head. Hmmm, I wonder...

Léoflic walked over to him slowly. "Edhener, I would like to ask you something. We have gained a great friendship in this journey and I trust you like I have trusted no man before. Could I come and stay with you for awhile? Until I get restless once again and need to go wandering that is. And maybe you would be interested in joining me on those journeys? For I could use a friend on my lonely travels and I can see any use in the money that Mayonnette is offering us. I am an adventuerer and will forever remain that way." He said this last part partially to himself, for he had finally discovered who he truly is.

He came out of his reverie and remembered what he had just asked of his new found friend. He looked at Edhener waiting for his reply.

[Cordelia Harrison]

Cordelia smiled and giggled. She nodded joyfully and kissed him gently.

"Yes. I would be honored to ride into the sunset with you in a new beginning. Not an ending. This not an ending. Just merely a beautiful beginning," she replied softly. She looked over at Mayonette and her sister Sandrina. They had come and done their job. Now their lives would take them on new adventures and she was all to happy to begin it.

[Crystal Heart]

Sandrina came over and gave Mayonette a hug. She smiled and patted her face. She then turned to Thomas and gave him a hug.

"Thank you for coming and looking for me. Let's go back home," Sandrina said softly. Mayonette nodded. Indeed it was time to go back home. She looked over at Thomas and took his hand gently, a bigger smile formed upon her face. It thrilled her to know that she wasn't going back home alone. That she would never be alone ever again.

The company jumped onto their horses and looked at one another. She had come to know these people as her friends and she knew that she would miss them all dearly. She smiled. Leoflic and Edhener were now the best of friends and seemed to be very settled in their new lives. Cordelia and Garnae were smiling like school children and holding hands. Elfride was smiling at her softly.

"You are all welcome to follow us home and get your reward that I had promised. You have all deserved the money for the time and effort that you put into saving my sister. Please know that my home is open to any of you at any time. If you need me, or Thomas, you can find us at my father's estate. Thank you. I shall miss the ones that go on adventure and I know I'll see the rest that stay here in Rohan. Come, let us go and have our celebration of life and a new beginning. The dark days are over!" Mayonette exclaimed.

She spun her horse around and they rode off together towards her estate to celebrate, talk, and just bask in the new friendship that they had found. Mayonette smiled. Yes, the dark days were over and new light ones were up ahead.


Darker Days

[piosenniel]

~*~ Finis ~*~

[piosenniel]

~*~ To Elvenhome ~*~