The Fourth Age: Battle Plans & A Ranger's Birthday

The ranger managed to recover enough to stay awake but the chill never left her body. She laid by the fire, using each moment of rest that she was given before there would be a need of her once again. She closed her eyes only to open them with haste as she heard a group of people gathering nearby. She stood up, recognizing the others she joined before. Forngarmo quickly joined the group but did not behave like her usual self. There was much off about her since the return from the North. People kept greeting themselves and soon, they did greet her too. She wanted to talk to them but did not feel good enough to and just bowed her head slightly as a greeting to them. They seemed to notice the changes in her behaviour. 
- You have returned from the north? - Aelwynna then asked, spotting her among others. 
- You have returned, Forngarmo. I trust your journey was successful? - Thandanar then asked. She looked at them trying to avoid speaking but deep down she knew that she won't be able to hide the after effects of her journey for long. 
- N-not as successful as I hoped for... - She managed to say as normal as she could and it seemed to do the trick, for now. Even though she could feel everyone noticing signs about her state. Gladly, they focused on the internal matters of the group and Captain Belenir so she did not have to explain herself. Soon, Forngarmo's son - Faethuil has also joined the gathering. He seemed really worried and mentioned seeing her horse coming back without a rider. She was afraid that this might happen and scare everyone but since she was back in camp, she could personally ease his son's worries. However, she decided to just stay silent and soon excused the group to grab proper battle attire. When she came back, Faethuil was talking about her with the others and soon tried to embrace her. She knew that if she allows it, he would find out about the chill affecting her. Her sister in arms, Padrasul seemed to observe the scene with interest. 
- Seems I am now also your soldier, my saviour... - she said with an unusual tone as it seemed weaker, to diversify the attention from her state. 
- I'll do my best to take care of you, then. - Padrasul then answered, taking the responsibility not only for herself but also her other kinsmen. 
- Likewise... - The Forngarmo then answered. - I hope, you got my Apologies, Miss... - She then continued, turning her attention to Aelwynna. 
- None required. You have every right to be suspicious of me. - The woman then answered, giving the ranger a weak smile. 
- You deserve better than being judged. The Order trusts you and so will I. I will protect you even with my life if needed. - The ranger then said, struggling as she spoke. The two talked for a bit longer before focusing back on the group's affairs. That was until the chill has once again took over the ranger. She moved aside and leaned on the stone wall, waiting for it to pass. 
- Are you alright, miss? - Aelwynna then asked, noticing it. Faethuil also approached his mother with worry but didn't speak. 
- Hey...are you alright? Perhaps you should rest today... - Padrasul then added and the healer nodded in agreement with her. The ranger was not able to answer them, she couldn't even hide her shivering anymore. 
- You are shivering. Are you unwell? - Aelwynna seemed to notice and one could feel the worry in her voice. 
- This.. happened back in the North. Been grazed by a commander's blade. That is not serious but... - The Forngarmo then said, taking a break to take a breath - ...it causes an unnatural chill within my body... - The ranger finished her sentence, deciding to trust the others this time.  As much as her companions wanted her to stay, for her own good - The ranger refused to be left behind and soon left with the others to see the forward camp for the upcoming battle. There, they set the time for the attack itself and discussed the battle plan. After that, everyone but Faethuil returned back to Tinnudir. 


The next day, Forngarmo woke up while everyone was out of the camp. She seemed to think about something, most probably her own birthday and if anyone of those who knew about it still lived or was able to come. To her surprise, the first person to show up was someone she have not seen since she parted her ways with the Caranothrim - her cousin Saphell. She seemed very happy with that reunion and soon the two were drinking wine together, recalling old times and catching up on the events that happened before they met. She even managed to meet some of Forngarmo's friends from the order as they seemed to come to cheer with them as well. After Thandanar and Saphell departed, the remaining two seemed to talk about some serious and less serious matters. Aelwynna seemed to reveal more about herself, letting The Forngarmo understand more about her which seemed to improve the relationships between the two more. They mentioned the memories of the ranger from her expedition to Forochel and what really happened there. 
- I encountered an army. And someone I thought was long gone. The man that burnt down my village that fateful day.We fought for a long time, until he used some kind of power... similar to yours that brought me down. He tried to freeze me. I was not able to move, he tried to stab me but I used the moment to blind him and retreat... - The ranger was really ashamed of retreating from the fight - I feel that chill inside ever since... and it keeps growing... - She explained her strange behaviour and revealed what happened back there, which seemed to worry her companion more. She seemed also worried about the things of her past. Forngarmo seemed really determined about her duty and the bond that seemed to be forming between the two. 
- I can feel you are not like them. And I have seen much during this war. I will keep you from doing anything wrong, but I won't harm you. If anything happens... I will protect you from yourself... - She promised the woman and she meant it. She was ready to die for her if needed.  They stayed by the fire for a bit longer before heading off to rest.