If it was one thing she learned about herself. It was that she was 'different' and no, this didn't mean, she thought she was above anyone else. In, fact, it was her differences that made her feel like such a burden and an outcast. There is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Aellwenn knew that, she always knew that, but lately it felt like that confidence was slipping away.  When she looked into the mirror she felt like a stranger.

Lominzil admired the glowing brand, continuing to speak. "When you sold me to the Master....it took me some time to understand just what had happened....thankfully Carn Dum took me in and....instructed me. Sister Drasia taught me well...and learned much from my weak carcass....but she was kind to me...far kinder then to my brother Neluben.....pray to what gods to have that Neluben does not come.”

I was a fool to not see this coming; I should have demanded talking to her when I heard the spy came. Her father knows she is alive or will know. Why did I think she would know we needed to stick together. Unless he sends an army, which he won’t, there is safety in numbers. And then there is Willy. Maybe it is time I share my life with her. She still worries I will not be prepared for what he may do. He has a replacement now. He may ignore the news if, as she says, he really loves her mother.

She panted heavily, the sword trembling in her hands as sweat and blood dripped off her. The nine year old had never been in so much pain in her life. She looked up, her father shook his head in that calm cold disappointment. "Most of the blood on your body is your own. Child, you need to learn to be ruthless."

The Rohirrim brave the threat that rises from Isengard and sing as they charge into battle, spears and shields bright, iron and steel, hair like flaxen gold. They ride through danger, under the threat of shadow looming from the East. Now a young woman of the Mark watches as the beauty of land and ancient forests darken and decay, and her people grow wary and scared in their fear of the world’s ending.

It had been another long night for the physician. As the season warmed and the flowers bloomed, hayfever had begun to be the common ailment that many sought relief from and so it was rare that he saw no visitors to the infirmary as the day passed.