So, yep, I am alive. You guys are probably sick of my disappearances but 2015 was a crazy year – weddings, babies, moving, tornados, deaths, doing the work of 5 people, orthopedic visits, physical therapy... I will do reader appreciation time in the next segment – I just REALLY wanted to get this up for yall. No promises on when the next update will be as apparently I suck at that.

New title as I have been wanting to change it since I began revising the story. 15-year-old me came up with a lame title, and this one will be more fitting in the future.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful 2016 so far and I will see you in the next chapter

Chapter 22: Among Wolves

February 30, 3019 – dawn

Eomer handed the girl the waterskin as he steadied her with a gentle, but firm hand on her back. She eagerly cradled it in her shaking hands and tipped her head back, pouring the liquid into her dry mouth and allowing it to slide soothingly down her throat. Small streams trickled from the corners of her mouth as she greedily lapped up everything she could. With a furrowed brow, he studied the grimy female as she sated her thirst.

"Slowly," he urged her as he titled the waterskin down at a slight angle. Trying to calm her frenetic mind, she attempted to listen to his instructions though they were muffled and distant. As she finished, he took the waterskin from her and let his eyes flick over her face. She had not said more than one word and she looked as if she was having trouble focusing on any particular thing. He doubted she fully understood what had just happened. He turned and caught Haleth's startled gaze, his large eyes taking in the girl they both knew was dead not long ago. His longtime friend approached them both, his stare lingering on the girl. Crouching down next to his leader, he began whispering though Eomer believed she would not be hearing what they said either way.

"The other men do not know – she was secluded enough and at the outskirts of the commotion. They have been too busy since the battle dealing with their wounded and dispatching the bodies of our enemies to even know that there was a woman in their midst, let alone that she was…" he trailed off, not wishing to speak of her former state while in her company.

Eomer nodded, thankful for that much. The men would be uneasy if they knew this stranger had just come back from the dead, and that he intended to take her back to Edoras –somewhere she would be safe and could heal properly. His eyes drifted down to the wound on her leg, it was no longer bleeding but it needed to be cleaned and closed. The same would need to be done with her arm, though it was not nearly as severe. She still stared straight ahead, her gaze glassy and unmoving. She was only focused on maintaining her breathing, hungry for oxygen as if she had been cut off from it. He realized, with a wince, that she had.

"Bring me the medical supplies – her injuries need tending to, even if it is only temporary," he spoke with authority, but no arrogance tinging his speech.

"Temporary?" Haleth questioned him, his eyes piercing him.

"Yes," he said, "she will be taken to Edoras where she can receive proper treatment and rest."

"But you have been banished," Haleth reminded him carefully after a tense silence.

"By a King whose mind is twisted by that filthy snake," he said in disgust, the volume of his voice raising slightly. His detest for Grima Wormtongue had been at its apex since he demanded that Eomer leave his home – leave his sister, Eowyn, and his uncle, the King Theoden. The man, if that is what you could call him, sat at his uncle's side, whispering poisonous words unto him and dictating the lives of their people. The man's greasy black hair hung limply in front of his pale face, his pale blue eyes dissecting every man and woman that crossed his path. It did not escape Eomer's notice that he held an infatuation, a weird obsession with his sister. He constantly watched Eowyn under his lids, and haunted her steps at all turns as he slithered around Edoras.

The King had been unwell for some time, and it was all due to the pale and toxic creature that sat at his side and whispered in his ear. It was difficult for Eomer to watch King Theoden's transformation – the man had taken him and his sister in at a young age after their parents' demise. He had treated them like his own, and his heart swelled over time with love for the man he now saw as his father. To see him become so bent and broken, his mind absent and his health waning, it shook Eomer to his core. His heart felt as if it was gripped in a vise, his stomach tied up in knots. Anger flooded through his veins – anger he attempted to quell as his hands begun to shake at the mere mention of his exile.

He worried for Theoden, but he worried most for Eowyn. He knew she could protect herself, but in times such as these he would much rather be at her side. He worried for his people – what would become of them? They had no real leader at this point – their King was, in essence, dead and gone. But if this girl could come back from the grave, did that mean there was hope for Theoden's own recovery?

His eyes ghosted back to the girl who had not moved or spoken. She was in shock, he knew.

"We will deliver her to the healers," he proclaimed, "even if I am imprisoned for it."

Earlier that morning – during the attack

The two hobbits stumbled to a stop in the dark forest. They leaned forward as they braced their hands on their knees, their ragged breathing the only sound that filled the towering and intimidating forest.

"Lehlina," Merry panted, "did you see her? Did she escape?"

Pippin only shook his head as he attempted to catch his breath.

"I do not know," he said regretfully, "before the riders showed up, I lost sight of her."

Merry sighed and debated for a short moment.

"We have to go back for her," he stated, his eyes sweeping over Pippin's tired form. "She would do the same for us."

Pippin knew he was right, but had no idea how they would set about finding her in the chaos that lay behind them outside of the woods. They could hear the faint sounds of battle cries and the clashing of metal.

"I am going to rip out your filthy little innards!"

Both hobbits stood up sharply and turned back to see the orc that had followed them to the edge of the forest had now caught up with them.

Lehlina temporarily forgotten, the hobbits took off in a hurry, not knowing that in a few moments they would be saved by a talking tree – one of the Ents who had long been asleep.

Lehlina stared ahead, not moving an inch as the man in front of her cleansed her wounds gently, but with a firm and steady touch. He had begun stitching her up as best as he could – starting with her leg first. She twitched occasionally in pain, but still she made no other moves or sounds.

A hateful and hungry gaze stared down at her as a blade ripped her riding pants from her waist to her knee.

She blinked her eyes once in a rapid manner.

An Uruk forced dark liquid into the mouth of Merry, a deep cut on his head and a tired expression on his face.

Her eyes drifted to the right as she remembered the two hobbits, their presence now absent.

Boromir, slumped forward on his knees, several arrows embedded in his chest.

Tears began to gather in her eyes at the flashes of memory that assaulted her senses.

Gandalf hanging over the precipice, his eyes wide and haunted as he urged them to flee.

Squeezing her eyes closed, she turned away from the man helping her. She did not know him – she may have saved him, but she was still embarrassed. Still distraught – still bewildered.

A hand roughly grasped a clump of her hair and yanked her backwards, pulling her across the earth on her back.

Her left hand twitched as she remembered reaching up with her tied hands, hoping to ease the pain pulling at her scalp.

She could feel the man's eyes on her as he finished her leg and moved to her arm. He was assessing her, not sure what to make of her.

A knife dug into her thigh and was roughly yanked down through her skin, blood following its jagged trail.

Lehlina jumped, her heart skipping a beat as her memories were dipping into real life, the sensations seeming almost too real.

"Are you alright?" a warm voice questioned lowly, "did I hurt you?"

Startled, her gaze jumped to the man tending to her. He had a rugged and dirty exterior – his dirty blonde hair a wavy mess thanks to the fight he partook in earlier. His dark brown eyes focused on her intently waiting for an answer that would never come. Her eyes roamed over his facial hair. It reminded her slightly of Aragorn and her heart tugged at the thought of the Ranger. Was he safe? What about Legolas and Gimli? Were they together? She imagined they had been spared the fate of Boromir. Though where they were now, she was unsure. They could have followed Frodo, but she assumed Sam had gone with him. Sam would never willingly leave his dear friend's side. What of Merry and Pippin? She had not seen them since the riders appeared, but she fervently hoped they had gone into the forest that stood still, its secrets being closely guarded.

The man continued working on her arm as her gaze left him and trailed over to the pile of carcasses. The men had been carelessly tossing the Uruk-Hais and Orcs into one area, and she assumed they meant to dispose of them.

"I am Eomer," the man interrupted her sporadic thoughts of death and longing for her friends. "I come from Edoras. Do you know the place?"

She did not.

He was quiet once more, and did not seem surprised by her lack of communication.

She was in physical pain and experiencing mental turmoil. Things only made partial sense to her. Her bones ached, her wounds pulsed, and her head was full of pressure. She was famished, not having eaten in several days. Her throat was dry and her lips parched. The water he had given her was not enough, but she was not about to beg him for more when it was clear they did not have much to begin with.

She jumped once more as his hands ghosted gently across her wrists and his frown deepened. She noticed that at some point he had taken the rope off of her other wrist. He began to clean them off as best as he could with the materials provided as she cut her eyes to the right and saw another man approach them once more. He briefly glanced in her direction, but turned his attention back to the Uruk-Hai that rested near them. She swallowed roughly as she realized with horror that it was the one she had savagely killed – murdered.

What have I become? The thought struck her at once and a lump began to develop in her throat. A monster, her mind easily provided. No one else in the fellowship has killed another in such a vicious manner.

With exertion, the nameless man grabbed the corpse and began dragging it off to the distance to join the other fallen foes.

Eomer turned to look over his shoulder following her line of sight.

"That is Haleth," he offered. "He is my second-in-command."

Haleth, she tested out the name in her mind.

"I trust him implicitly," he said meaningfully as he looked up into her eyes. She knew he was trying to convey something to her, but she was a bit slow on the uptake. "He will not tell the others of your.…"

He looked away from her and clenched his jaw. She moved her head to the side as if to follow him, to implore his gaze to return – to urge him to finish his sentence.

"Of my death," she finished in a whisper. He faced her fully again, his eyes understanding but wary. "I died," she added in astonishment.

"You were truly gone from this world," he muttered as he stared at her dirty visage. He noticed her hand reach shakily up to just below her neck.

Before her hand could grasp onto the necklace, she closed her fist and lowered it to her side. It worked – Galadriel had told her of its ability, but it was so difficult to believe at the time. It did what it was made to do, but she felt uneasy. She suddenly did not want anything to do with the piece of jewelry. Something this powerful should not be in existence, and she suddenly fully understood why it was very important to protect it. If it fell into the wrong hands, it would create an immortal enemy as long as they possessed it. Should it not too be destroyed along with the one ring?

"Why did you do it?" he questioned her. Confused, she tilted her head at him. "Why did you protect me? I am but a stranger to you."

Why did she save him? She had no allegiance towards him. And he was right, he was a stranger to her. But all she could think of was Boromir. That he, too, had been surprised by death. That an Uruk had taken him down without remorse. She could not save Boromir – but she could save this man. This man who led his men to slaughter her enemies. They could not be all that bad, could they?

"You were undeserving of death," she said simply, her eyes sweeping once again over the pile of deceased. Slowly, she attempted to push herself off of the ground, her limbs shaking. Eomer was quick to get on his feet and help pull her up before steadying her against his sturdy frame. Dots danced across her vision, and she felt sick to her stomach as the dizziness hit her full force. Eomer draped an arm around her waist and held onto her firmly as she attempted to let the faintness pass. Shaking her head, she pushed him away roughly before falling to her knees and emptying the contents of her stomach, though there was little. Her limbs trembled as she struggled to hold herself up. Eomer kneeled behind her, his large hand rubbing her back a little too firmly. He said nothing, giving her the time she needed to recover. After a few minutes passed, she raised her head and nodded to him as he gazed at her warily. Slowly, with his assistance, she was able to stand once more.

Lehlina pulled away after a moment, her eyes not finding Eomer's. They walked slowly, her body screaming in pain, angry at her for the movement. As they neared the others, she noticed their eyes found her. Most were curious, while a few offered no other glance but the first. They were too busy mounting their horses, ready to move along and linger no more. Eomer soon stopped her in front of a vacant horse whom she assumed belong to him.

"This is Firefoot," he stated, his hand running lovingly over his horse's mane. "You will ride with me."

To where? She wondered.

"We go to my home where you can be given what you need most," he supplied her as he ushered her forward and put his hands at her waist, helping hoist her up. He then swung himself up deftly and rested behind her. His eyes sought out Haleth who nodded his understanding.

Lehlina watched as Haleth walked back to the pile of corpses and watched as he and his men set fire to the monsters that lay dead. Her eyes hardened as she watched the flames lick over the creatures that held her and her friends for days – the same creatures that took Boromir from this world. She found she felt little sorrow for them.

Haleth turned back around and waved the remaining men on foot to take their leave.

Lehlina's eyes were glued to the fire that now roared across the bodies even as Eomer turned his horse away from the sight, his eyes looking down at her in worry as they sped away.

Shortly after, the Rohirrim stopped once more. Eomer had supplied the girl with more water though at first she vehemently denied it.

"You need it more than I – you must replenish your fluids," he assured her, pushing the waterskin towards her once more. Reluctantly, but with eager eyes, she drank. He had also noticed she had begun to shiver, though he was not sure if it was due to the blood loss, the shock, or if she was genuinely cold. Though she already adorned one cloak, he pulled it tighter about her and pulled the hood over far enough to cover her face. He slung another cloak over her to help and she nodded thankfully, her fingers gripping the sides tightly as she nestled into its warmth.

"You will ride with Haleth now," he told her as he ushered her towards his friend and brother-in-arms.

Passing the waterskin back to Eomer, her eyes widened slightly. Though she did not know any of them, she was finally getting used to Eomer and his quiet demeanor. To be given to someone else frightened her.

"Why?" she questioned hoarsely, a flash of fear flickering through her eyes.

Eomer lifted a dark eyebrow as he stared at the hooded girl. He was always surprised at the times she did choose to speak. He put a hand to her elbow and pulled her closer to him, his voice lowering in volume.

"He will take you back to Edoras. I am afraid I cannot go with you," his eyes flashed apologetically. "You will be safe with him. He can get you in relatively unseen and make sure that you are given safe refuge."

Not having the strength to argue, she merely nodded her understanding, her vision blurring slightly.

"Be careful what you say," he advised, "draw no attention to yourself while you are there. When you are healed, there are those who can help you leave the city and go where you need to go." He stared deeply into her eyes, impressing upon her the importance of her following his instructions. "Ask the healers for Eowyn – she is someone whom you can trust – just make sure you are discreet about it. You will already have enough people questioning your arrival."

She nodded once more as Haleth gently lifted her onto his horse, his hands large and rough.

"Thank you, Eomer," she spoke genuinely. He nodded at her.

"Do not thank me yet. You will be among a wolf soon – best not to let your guard down," he counseled once more a final time.

"Lehlina," she offered him with a smile before Haleth urged his horse forward. "My name is Lehlina."

He looked stunned as he realized she was finally offering a piece of her to him. Eowyn would like this girl, he knew. A small smile graced his face at the thought as the two humans took off back to Edoras – to his home.

"How do you feel?"

Lehlina jumped at the rumbling from behind her. The man had not spoken to her once, and she had almost forgotten that she was with him on his horse and not on her own. She would give anything to see Koto again – he had been loyal to her from their first meeting and she wondered if he was being treated well. At the end of it all, she would make sure to lavish him with attention and care. He had earned himself some treats, and he would accept them willingly, nudging her hand with nose as he was prone to doing. You are assuming you will survive this war, a dark thought entered her mind.

"Fine," she mumbled in response. As good as can be expected, she thought to herself.

"I know not what you are," he continued slowly, as if he was picking his words wisely. "But I will always be in your debt. You protected our leader when I could not." His voice carried regret and shame at the thought.

"What I am?" she questioned.

He was silent behind her for a moment as he slowed his horse so they could hear each other better.

"I have never seen any being come back from the clutches of death," he explained. "I have seen those that have gotten close to the other side, but never passed. Yet you were gone for several minutes. You had no pulse, no breath."

She stared ahead, her hand itching to clasp her necklace as if he knew her secret.

"Perhaps you have someone looking out for you. I cannot understand who or what would benefit from a human being raised from the dead, but it is not for me to comprehend."

"To be honest," she began carefully, "I do not fully understand it myself."

"Eomer has placed his trust in you – a commodity that is rare nowadays. I have never questioned his judgment, and I will not start now."

He did not want her to fear him, she could tell. The tenseness in her shoulders began seeping out slightly.

"Thank you," she offered in appreciation. She was no witch – no supernatural being. Just a girl who happened to be lucky enough to have a necklace that could restore life. There was nothing special about her, only what she adorned. "I trust you as well."

She turned enough to see him over her shoulder. His grey eyes drank her in curiously, and his full lips twitched into a charming smile. He had sharp features, his cheekbones prominent and his jaw strong. His hair was almost black, in sharp contrast to Eomer's. It rested just above his shoulders and had a slight wave to it. He had a slightly roguish air to him and Lehlina surmised that he must have a great many admirers anywhere he stepped foot. Yet he was kind, she could tell. He had a genuineness about him that she would not have expected when she first saw him. Eomer obviously held high opinion of this man, and she wondered about their history.

Smiling lightly in response, she noticed he had stopped his horse completely as he observed the land around them.

"Go on," he spoke smoothly, one eyebrow lifting in amusement. His serious tone was now gone, mirth pouring from him.

Knitting her eyebrows, she studied him intently and shrugged her shoulders in confusion.

"I know you want to ask me something," he told her, his eyes twinkling knowingly.

Lehlina laughed quietly. All solemnity had faded from Haleth moments ago and was now replaced with teasing and light conversation. How odd this man was – a kindred spirit almost.

"How long have you known Eomer?" she asked, surprised at how easy it was to question this stranger.

"Ah," he nodded as he breathed the cool air in deeply. "I have known him from a young age, almost our entire life, my lady."

Lehlina wrinkled her nose at the title, but he plunged ahead not giving her a chance to correct him.

"In fact, at first we were not on," he paused as laughter almost took hold of him, "the best of terms."

"Oh?" she asked, her eyebrows quirking as she longed to know more.

"It was rather trivial. We were very young and just beginning to take notice of girls," he wriggled his eyebrows and she suppressed a small smile, her previous dark thoughts beginning to recede.

"I had been particularly taken with one girl and Eomer, as it turned out, was also quite charmed by her. It sparked an intense rivalry – as intense as one can be at such a young age. We always tried to best one another in everything – studies, running, anything really to garner her attention."

He shook his head as he gently urged his horse forward at a comfortable pace.

"Then one day, my young mind had the bright idea of attempting to prove my courage to her. I was to tame a wild horse that had been brought into the stables the day before."

Lehlina's eyes widened at the thought of a young boy trying such a thing, though had she not herself done something similar?

"Of course at the time, I had relatively little knowledge of horses, domesticated or not. The idea was to sneak into the stable, tame it and gallantly show up at her doorstep with the beast beneath me, calm as can be thanks to my daring handling."

He spoke animatedly, his hands gesturing wildly behind her and his voice swooping. Her heart squeezed as she realized his storytelling reminded her of Gimli, and she could imagine the glint of pride in his eyes as he spoke of his people.

"I suppose there is a good reason that children were not allowed into his stall. If the elders had not yet calmed his spirit, a child should have no business being around him," he admitted. "But I was determined, and so incredibly unwise." A small laugh escaped her, to her surprise and his.

Quieting her mirth, she pushed her matted hair away from her face and glanced at him with a light smile.

"And how did your noble venture pan out?"

He sighed dramatically, "about as well as you could imagine. The horse was none too happy with me. Tame it, I certainly did not. But I did manage to mount it. I was small and agile and able to climb on top of the stall door and hop onto him. And then it all went horribly wrong."

Lehlina closed her eyes, trying to picture a young Haleth confidently sauntering into the stables, not fully understanding what he was getting himself into.

"We got outside, but the horse was wild. I held on to his mane so tightly, my legs squeezed around his body. We destroyed quite a few fruit stands, and wreaked havoc everywhere we went. I just wanted him to stop, but had no knowledge of how."

Lehlina could not begrudge him of that fear – she, too, would be frightened at such a predicament. How would you escape without harm from something like that?

"And then, I saw him," he said, his eyes staring far off. "Eomer had followed me on another stolen horse – a tamed one – and he kept on my heels the entire time. There was no rivalry at that moment. No one to compete for – nothing to gain. He had, selflessly, come to my aid."

He had a thoughtful smile on her face and Lehlina felt a stab of sadness at thinking of these two forming a brotherly relationship. Oh, how she missed her own brothers. Tears began to gather in her eyes and she turned back forward, blinking them away as best as she could. Haleth cleared his throat, missing her show of emotion and urged his horse forward.

"We have been close ever since, the girl long forgotten," he said quietly, his voice low and smooth. "I would do anything for him. It has been difficult these last few years."

Lehlina surreptitiously wiped her face and spoke up, "I got that impression. What is happening at your home? Why would you be pushed out?"

He was quiet for a long time, and Lehlina feared he either did not hear her or was distressed by the question.

"Things have become rather complicated. The king, through no fault of his own, has become," he faltered, trying to decide how best to say it, "sick."

"He is ill?" she questioned, wondering if it was merely physical.

"A leech sucks the very life out of him," he said, his words coming out in a biting sneer. "The King's advisor, Grima, has darkened our halls with his presence. He was to guide Theoden, yet he is falling to ruin." She could feel his hands tighten into fists behind her, slightly shaking. "Stay on your toes when we arrive. Keep your hood up, and be silent. If Grima finds out about you," he left his sentence unfinished and they lapsed into silence.

Lehlina fingered the edges of the cloak that Eomer had given her earlier. She would have to make sure that he got it back from her, somehow. Perhaps Eowyn could help her with that, whoever she was to him. Wife? Daughter? Sister? She could not be sure.

Her thoughts drifted back to the fellowship. Each face flashed in her mind and she wondered how they all fared. They started out as one, but now they were broken up – scattered across the lands. The thought made her gloomy and she wondered if she would see them all again someday. Had anyone else perished? Besides me, she wondered morbidly. That brought up another question in her mind. If she were to reunite with any of them, would she tell them of her passing?

Do they really need to know?

No, she answered herself. That knowledge was something they did not need at the time, or perhaps any. That darkness would be carried with her and the two men that were helping her. She did not wish to pass it along to anyone else. What would they think? Would they look at her differently? Would their trust in her falter? Would they be afraid of her? Or would they pity her? Would they never let her out of their sight again or would they send her back home – wherever home was?

She would lie – something she did not enjoy doing – but it would be to protect them. She would tell them anything they asked, but she would never allow them to know that she passed beyond this world for a brief time.

Through the flurry of thoughts, she had not realized that she was slowly slumping forward, her eyes drooping heavily.

She was so very tired. All she wanted to do was rest her weary bones.

She was vaguely aware of Haleth calling her name out loudly and shaking her from behind, urging her to stay awake.

Just for a few minutes, she thought to herself as she fell forward and darkness welcomed her.

"Was there anyone else?"

Eomer turned back to the elf that now stood in front of his two companions, his jaw clenched and his eyes wide.

"A woman? She would have been with them," he tried to keep the desperation out of his voice, but Eomer was able to catch it.

His eyes flitted to the elf who had, only moments ago, been aiming his arrow at them, his eyes fierce and his aim steady. Those same eyes now held both concern and hope. Eomer thought to himself on how to best respond to his sudden inquiry. He opened his mouth before hesitantly closing it once more, though he noticed the three strangers moved almost imperceptibly closer to him, eager for his answer.

"There was a woman with them, yes," he finally answered, his eyes swiftly taking note of their reactions. Gimli smiled hopefully, letting out a deep breath that he had been holding. The tension in Aragorn's jaw released slowly as he looked towards Legolas. The hope in the elf's eyes outshone the concern momentarily and he began to look around Eomer's men, seeking out the woman. He could see the hope dwindle and the concern rise up once more.

"She lives," he assured them, "though she is no longer with us."

The trio studied him, questions already arising all at once.

"What do you mean?" Gimli bellowed.

"Where is she now?" Aragorn questioned calmly.

"What has happened to her?" Legolas demanded, his eyes hardening.

Eomer held back his smile at the simultaneous questions. It was obvious these men cared for her, and he again wondered what her story was – how she came to be a part of this odd group.

"She was gravely injured and in poor condition. I sent her back to Edoras with my second-in-command so the healers could lend their aid."

He focused on Legolas as he saw the tumultuous emotions run through his eyes. This one, he could tell, held great affection for the girl. Interesting company you keep, Lehlina, he thought to himself, somewhat intrigued.

"His name is Haleth and he can be trusted – he will get her there safely and quickly before returning to us. I am afraid," he continued while looking around at his men, "that we are no longer welcome there. He is risking a great deal by going back alone."

He was shocked when Legolas suddenly stepped forward causing his men to prepare for an attack against their captain. Lifting his hand, he motioned for them to calm themselves and to make no move against the elf.

"Thank you," Legolas said quietly, but sincerely. He had reached his arm out to the horseman, and Eomer merely nodded before reaching out with his own. They clasped each other's forearms, a silent understanding coursing through both.

Legolas stepped back to his two friends and Eomer spoke once more, his voice raising.

"Hasufel! Arod!"

The men made way for two lone horses to come forward – one was chestnut while the other was white.

"May these horses bear you to better fortune than their former masters. Farewell."

He donned his helmet once more before mounting his own horse before looking down upon them.

"Look for your remaining friends. But do not trust to hope. It has forsaken these lands."

The three rode in silence with Aragorn on Hasufel and Gimli and Legolas seated upon Arod.

The elf's thoughts were a complete mess. They had no idea of the fate of Merry and Pippin, yet they knew Lehlina was alive though not well. His heart pleaded with him to turn towards Edoras, to ride as hard as Arod would allow in order to get to her. Everything in him ached to be by her side ever since she had been torn from him so viciously. Gravely injured, Eomer had said. That meant that more harm had come to her after her abduction. His blood began to boil as his mind began to conjure images of what might have occurred during her time with her captors. He truly hoped that Eomen and his men had accidentally left at least one of those monsters alive so he could tear it limb from limb. The rational side of him struggled to calm his anger as he knew full well that they first had to track the two hobbits, their breaths held for the hope that they may yet find them alive.

Gimli broke into his thoughts, and he almost jumped forgetting that he was sharing a horse with his dwarf friend.

"She will be alright, Legolas," he assured him jovially. "She is tougher than we give her credit for, and perhaps even more stubborn than you are."

Legolas smiled gratefully at his friend's jab that was meant more to relieve his mental turmoil than to tease him.

"Perhaps," he surmised, "she is too stubborn to die."

Gimli laughed raucously and Aragorn smiled lightly at the two as they rode side by side. They were all worried for their friends – too many had been lost through death or separation. Knowing that Lehlina was still alive had restored some of their faith and helped them push forward. His eyes turned to the smoke plume billowing towards the sky and he swallowed deeply. They could only hope that Merry and Pippin had fared just as well, if not better.

"Please, fetch Maiwen," he spoke lowly as he carefully lowered Lehlina's unconscious body onto a small bed. The healer that had watched him with wide eyes as he kicked the door open stood rooted in confusion. He unclasped the cloaks that adorned the woman he had carried, and the healer observed the two in rapt fascination. The man turned once more, his hood covering most of his face.

"Go!" he bellowed before the girl gathered her skirts and began to run for the master healer. "And send for Eowyn," he added as an afterthought.

He turned back to Lehlina as he heard the doors close behind the frightened healer. He did not mean to scare her and he almost winced at how loudly he had ordered for her to leave. But there is no time, he thought to himself.

He had to take his leave and return to Eomer before Grima caught wind of what was happening in the house of healing. Leaning down, he moved away some of her hair that was caked in dried blood.

"Forgive me, my lady, but I must not tarry."

The woman made no move and he wondered if she was on death's doorstep once more. Standing upright, he took one final look at the beaten and bloodied girl.

"I can only hope we meet again someday, for I have many more stories to tell you," he murmured thoughtfully. Nodding to himself, he pulled his cloak tighter around himself and strode away purposefully.

As he entered the hallway, he bumped into Eowyn who briskly apologized in her soft tone, her eyes wide as she struggled to catch a glimpse of his face. He lifted his chin ever so slightly and he saw the recognition dance through her eyes as well as so many questions. He tipped his head towards her before turning to leave, not missing the small smile that crossed her face.

I am afraid I will not be the one to answer your questions concerning your brother this time, my lady.

He imagined that Eowyn would want to know everything Lehlina did when she came to as she would be smart enough to piece together that the injured girl had crossed paths with Eomer.

As he exited the building, he turned away from Maiwen and the other healer bustling towards the healing chambers. Neither woman noticed him and he intermingled with the crowd outside, making his way towards his horse and eventually to the other riders.

What he failed to notice was a pale figure with icy blue eyes curiously observing his swift departure, before turning towards where Eowyn had disappeared to, the healers not too far behind her.