Disclaimer: All characters from Lord of the Rings books and lines from the Lord of the Rings script belong to the Tolkien family and the production companies. Please don't sue me. I only own the characters I created on my own.

Author's Note: I really hope you all enjoyed the story. It means a lot to me that you all read it, and I can't thank you enough. Also, to the reviewers, people who favorited, all of you... Thank you. This story meant a lot to me. I'm really glad you liked it! 3

Merry was laying in a bed, fast asleep, near the entrance, Pippin was sitting at his side, and was motioning for her to come over.

"Merry is going to be alright." He whispered.

"Good, I had every faith that he would be." She responded. "Have you heard anything about Eowyn?"

"Yes. She's going to be just fine, she needs to rest. Master Eomer is looking for you, desperately. I tried to tell him you were alright, but he left before I could talk to him."

"That's alright, I'll find him." Karri whispered with a kind smile. The hallways seemed deserted. It took what seemed like forever, but she turned a corner and there he was. Sitting in a window seat, his head in his hands, Eomer looked tired and worn. "Eomer." He was up quickly and his arms were around her.

"I couldn't find you. I thought the worst." He whispered urgently into her ear. Pulling back he stared down at her. "You shouldn't have been here."

"There was nothing you could have done to stop me." Karri replied. His arms were still around her.

"It gives me more joy then you could imagine seeing you unharmed."

"I'm just glad you and Eowyn are alright." Karri answered him. He rested his forehead against hers.

"There's something I need to say to you, incase there isn't another chance." His voice was strong. "I love you Karri. You're strong and independent and you drive me mad, but I couldn't imagine loving anyone more."

"I love you too Eomer." He smiled down at her before their lips touched. It was a feeling neither had ever experience. It was soft yet familiar. Karri knew she never wanted to kiss anyone else again.

"Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening." Gandalf said, his eyes closed in frustration.

"If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it." Aragorn countered.

"It's only a matter of time. He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping." Gandalf responded still troubled. Karri was standing between Eomer and Legolas.

"Let him stay there. Let him rot. Why should we care?" Gimli asked.

"Because ten thousand Ores now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom." Gandalf looked sullen. "I have sent him to his death."

"No." Aragorn was determined. "There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the Plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that."

"How?" Gandalf asked, voicing the question they all were thinking.

"Draw out Sauron' s armies - empty his lands." Aragorn explained. "Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate." Gimli choked on his pipe and Eomer stepped forward.

"We cannot achieve victory from strength of arms." He commented.

"Not for ourselves..." Aragorn continued. "But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves."

"A diversion." Legolas added. Grandalf drew a deep breath.

"Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait!" He warned.

"Certainty of death. Small chance of success. What are we waiting for?" Gimli asked, an amused expression on his face.

"We need to gather the men." Aragorn said before nodding toward Eomer. Karri and Eomer left quickly.

"Karri you can not come." Eomer said sternly.

"Do not think you're playing that game again Eomer." Karri kept pace with him but he stopped suddenly.

"We will probably not survive this. I don't want you to be there."

"If you're going to die, I'm going to be there with you." Karri said seriously. "This life, in this place, wouldn't feel right, for me, if you weren't in it."

"Karri-"

"Eomer... I wont stay behind, and you can't stop me." She smiled slightly. "I would have thought you'd realize that by now."

"I'm beginning to." He smiled by slightly. "Let's get ready."

The battlefield was tense and the gate to Mordor stood, daunting, in front of them. The sky above it was black, the air warmer than normal, and a group of riders (Eomer, Legolas, and Aragorn included) rode toward the gate. Karri watched them anxiously.

"Let the lord of the Black Land come forth; let justice be done upon him!" Aragorn called. At first nothing, then the sound of an army. Metal could be heard clanging and the doors swung open. An army of, well over, 200,000 orcs were waiting. "Pull back! Pull back!" The small group of riders rejoined the small army of men. The soldiers grew anxious and some started backing away. Eomer stood next to Karri, shoulder to shoulder. "Hold your ground - hold your ground! Sons of Gondor - of Rohan . . . my brothers!" Aragorn called gazing at his men. "I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. The day may come when the courage of Men fails; when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship; but it is not this day - an hour of wolves and shattered shields, when the Age of Man comes crashing down - but it is not this day!" Everyone stood taller and stronger. "This day we fight! By all that you hold dear on this good earth - I bid you stand! Men of the West!" They could see the Eye of Sauron on them. Aragorn walked forward a few steps before turning around, quiet resolve written on his face. "For Frodo..." He ran forward, sword drawn. Pippin and Merry followed quickly then the rest began charging. There was a crash of bodies as Orcs met the soldiers. The feeling of this battle was of power. Fighting for Middle Earth - and the battle raged. The group of soldiers began to lessen as orcs surrounded them. Men fell back and forth and Karri and Eomer kept each other as close as possible. An orc finally broke through, Karri didn't have time to turn to face him. A sharp pain exploded in her side and she immediately fell to her knees. She looked up to see Eomer killing the orc. A rumble shook the earth and the battle came to a halt. Orcs began fleeing and the last thing Karri saw was Eomer's worn face and she could feel his arms around her, then the world went black.

Vague talking filled her thoughts. Mumbles that she couldn't make out. Memories came in waves. Battles, sword wielding, elves. A familiar voice brought her back to reality.

"Karri..." Her voice was soft, loving as always. Eowyn's blonde hair was falling over her shoulders as she leaned over a bed at the house of healing. Upon recognition, Karri tried to sit up as quickly as she could, but the pain in her side made her fall back to the bed.

"Please don't try to rise just yet." Another melodic voice called soothingly. Legolas was standing next to her bed. Karri had wraps around her mid-section under a loose-fitting gown.

"What happened?" Was all she could manage.

"Orc blade." Eowyn replied. "Luckily, due do the armor, you didn't sustain mortal wounds. The healers were able to close your wounds and the salve the elves have given stopped any risk of infection."

"Thank you." Karri said, smiling at Eowyn. She softly touched Legolas's hand. "Both of you." She sat up slowly. "Eomer... is he..."

"He's fine." Eowyn said curtly.

"What's going on?" Karri recognized the fire in her friend's eyes.

"For another time."

"What happened in the battle?" Karri asked Legolas. "Where is Eaodon?"

"The orcs fell into the ground as it crumbled from under them. Frodo was successful. As soon as the ring was destroyed, Sauron fell." He paused for a moment. "Eaodon fought valiantly."

"No..." Karri started, her breath coming quicker.

"He was hurt pretty badly." Eowyn said carefully, grabbing Karri's hand. "They brought him here, but it was too late."

"That's not possible." Karri said unbelieving.

"I'm sorry, Karri." Eowyn tried to comfort her. She felt hot tears stinging her cheeks. Eaodon couldn't be gone. His smiling face was burned into her memory. The first person she saw in this world, the first friend, her teacher, her shoulder to lean on. Her heart felt heavy. Who else had been taken?

"Merry, Pippin?" She asked, desperately trying to stay calm.

"They're perfect." Eowyn said with a smile. "I will let them know you're alright. They've wanted to see you."

"When can I see Eomer? Where is he?" Karri asked. She saw Eowyn glance as Legolas, his face remained unchanged, but Eowyn gave a lot away, something wasn't right.

"Is he okay?" Karri asked worried.

"He was completely unharmed in battle." Legolas reassured her.

"Then what's going on?" Karri asked, her pulse raising.

"That is his burden to tell you." Legolas replied. Eowyn was looking more angry with every moment.

"I'll let him know you're awake." Eowyn stormed off.

"Tell me good things, my Elven Prince." Legolas smiled and sat on the edge of her bed.

"Aragorn has been crowned King of Gondor." He started. Karri sat against the bed and listened to him telling stories of winning the war: Frodo and Sam coming back alive, the great war ending, Aragorn's coronation ceremony, (she was sad to have missed it), and competitions between him and Gimli. She allowed herself a small laugh before she saw Eowyn coming back.

"He wishes to speak with you. I'll take you too him." She said softly, her eyes full of sorrow.

"She shouldn't leave the Houses of Healing." Legolas said, standing.

"He wishes it to be completely private." Was all Eowyn replied. Legolas helped Karri stand. The pain in her side was sharp. Leaning her weight on Eowyn they headed out through the corridors. Karri waved to Legolas as he stayed behind to tend to the others. More people were out in the city, children played and laughter could be heard. They stopped in front of a wooden door and Eowyn knocked.

"Enter." Karri heard Eomer call. When the doors opened he was standing at the other side of a large white marble room. Their was a table in between them and high windows on the eastern walls letting in warm light. Servants bustled around their new King and officers were discussing battles around maps of Middle Earth. Eomer looked up at the two of them and Karri suppressed an urge to run toward him. She needed to be in his arms.

"As you requested." Eowyn said curtly. She carefully helped Karri to a chair at the end of the table and turned on her heel, quickly leaving the room.

"Gentlemen, if you could please excuse us. I ask to be left alone for several minutes." His voice was commanding. Quickly, the soldiers and servants were gone. Karri tried to stand and Eomer was immediately next to her, helping her up. She put her arms around his neck, but he did not return the hug.

"Eomer, what is it?" She asked pulling away and carefully sitting back down.

"I have become King of Rohan."

"I know." Karri added.

"Please do not speak unless asked a question." His voice was cold, distant.

"Excuse me."

"I am your King you will speak to me as your King." He answered threateningly. She was too stunned to speak. "I have to consider the future of my kingdom and Middle Earth. The bonds of men have to be strengthened." He took a deep breath. "Prince Imrahil came to me. He was Denethor's brother, the one who ran Minas Tirith. He fought with us bravely. His soldiers of Dol Amroth helped greatly in battle. He and his family seek to accompany us back to Edoras to give my uncle a proper burial." He sat opposite of her. "Do you have any questions yet?"

"Where is this going? What does this have to do with us?" Karri asked. His face was still cold.

"Imrahil came to me with a proposition of uniting Gondor and Rohan for good. He has a daughter, Lothiriel. She is of marrying age."

"Are you saying what I think you are?" Karri's voice was dangerously angry.

"He proposed that our families join by myself marrying Lothiriel in due time. Uniting the Kingdoms very powerfully."

"And you said no, right?"

"My people come first." Eomer said, not able to look at her.

"You love me." Karri said loudly. "You told me that you love me."

"Love is a fool's dream for someone in power." He said carefully.

"You'll marry for power?" Karri asked shocked.

"I marry for my kingdom." He answered.

"Even though she is not who you love?"

"You are common!" His voice was raised and he was finally looking at her. "Maybe less than that, you're not even from this world - if your story is true. I need to marry nobility. In what way is that anything close to you?" His words seem to cut deeper than the blade that had pierced her side. She stood up and almost stumbled, he started to stand.

"Don't you dare come near me." Karri said, her hands on the table in front of her were supporting her weight.

"Karri..." His voice was hurt.

"You are giving up everything you want and you will live to only regret it." She said confidently. She started to walk toward the door.

"Where do you think you're going."

"Why do you think I'd tell you?" She asked.

"I am your King. I order you." He tried to have the commanding presence to his voice, but it was no longer there. She turned around.

"No, sire. I am not a citizen of Rohan. You are not my King. You know what just kills me, you know you love me. You know you don't want to marry that woman. You know you want to marry me, and through all of your conviction, all your worry about my fighting, it was for nothing."

"Karri, please don't go." He asked, his eyes sad.

"So I can stay and see you married, us with no hope. I am going to find a way home and if I can't I will make a place in this world, no where that you can find me." She turned and opened the large wooden door. Her side ached but she kept moving. She couldn't stay here anymore. When she got to the Houses of Healing, Legolas ran to her, helping her toward the bed.

"I have to leave." Karri said quickly.

"I know." He said sadly. "I can't claim to know what he said to you, but I know of the proposition by Imrahil."

"I am so sorry, Karri." Eowyn's voice was sad as she walked over to her friend.

"There is no reason for you to be sorry, Eowyn. I am going to miss you though."

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"I can't go back to Rohan. I have to go somewhere else. Anywhere else."

"You can't go alone." Eowyn said quickly. "The Orcs and Uruk-hai that escaped still haunt the lands. It's dangerous, and will be for some time." Karri thought for a moment.

"Legolas, remember the Rangers of the North you told me about." He nodded. "Think they could use more people?"

"Let me talk to Aragorn. I shall return very quickly and accompany you to your destination." He moved quickly.

"I don't want you to go." Eowyn commented.

"I can't watch him with someone else, Eowyn. It's too painful." A thought came to her. "Do you have Eaodon's bag?" Eowyn stood and left the room. Karri leaned against her bed, she knew that whatever journey was a head of her was going to be grueling, especially with her injury still healing. The minutes ticked by, and Karri was grateful for the rest. Her mind kept wandering to Eomer. Her heart-felt broken, and gaping holes seemed to be missing from her soul. Karri was beginning to think the bag had been lost when she saw Eowyn come back in the room. She spoke briefly to a healer before coming to her.

"Here is his bag." She commented before handing it over. Karri dug around for a few moments before she found was she was looking for. A small carved statue of a horse. He had finished it the night before they left to attack the black gate.

"You have to take this with you." She said handing it to Eowyn. "He's been making that for his brother. He would want him to have it, more than anything." Eowyn nodded, tears threatening her green eyes.

"I have saddled Eaodon's horse." She added. "He is yours now."

"I couldn't." Karri said sadly.

"You are wonderful with horses. He would want you to have him. He trusted you."

"Thank you." Karri said with a nod. "Eowyn, don't tell Eomer where I am going. Promise me that no matter what he asks, you will never reveal where I am." Eowyn nodded. Legolas came back into the room, he was carrying a pack and a letter in his hand. Following closely at his heels was Gimli.

"From the king, with his compliments." Legolas said, handing her the scroll. "It's a letter to the new leader of the Dunedain. Aragorn used to lead them. It tells of your bravery and your courage."

"I don't know how to possibly thank him."

"Aye, misses, you don't have to. You're fighting saved more than you probably realize." Gimli said with a grin.

"Gimli and I will go with you to northern Arnor, where we will leave you to get accustomed to the Rangers." Legolas said with a smile.

"You'll need a horse." Gimli added.

"I have one." Karri said with a smile. A healer came back with a bag and handed it to Eowyn.

"Here." She said handing it to Karri. "It's bandages, some salve for pain, everything you need for the journey."

"Thank you, Eowyn." They two women hugged.

"Come see me? Don't stay away forever." Eowyn asked.

"I won't." Karri agreed. Legolas helped her up to the stables with Gimli and Eowyn walking behind them. Karri walked up to Liwin, Eaodon's horse, named by his brother out of respect for the great wild stallions that became the horses of the Riders of Rohan.

"Remember me?" She asked him, her mind flashing back to her first morning in this world. Riding him to Edoras holding on to Eaodon, terrified."I'm so sorry boy." She said to him, touching his nose softly. "Eaodon loved you." Liwin was brown with a black mane, strong, powerful. "I loved Eaodon like a brother, I hope you will accept me too." Liwin nudged her shoulder and Karri smiled.

"You have a way with him." Eomer's voice cut through her.

"What are you doing here?" Karri asked. Legolas, Gimli, and Eowyn watched the exchange, all anxious.

"You shouldn't be riding with an injury."

"I have good people to help me." Karri brushed Liwin's mane.

"The king would not tell me where you are going. He said it was for you to announce."

"I appriciate his discretion." Karri commented. "Time to head out, she told the two traveling with her."

"Where are you going?" Eomer asked. He felt a pang of despair when he saw Karri climb on the horse and her face contorted in pain.

"Good-bye Eomer." Was her only reply. She turned her horse toward Eowyn. "My friend. Thank you." After a deep breath, her mind was screaming at her not to turn around, not to see him one more time, but her heart was stronger. She turned her head. His eyes were sparkling with tears and his face was contorted in pain. She turned back around and lightly clicked her heel, making the horse bound out of the stables. Legolas followed quickly, Gimli securely behind him on their own horse. This time she wasn't going to look back. She needed to keep going, not thinking about the fact that he was never going to be hers. Letting go of the fact that she wasn't sure what she was heading toward, but knowing it was where she needed to be.

Epilogue: One Year Later

Eomer and two of his men followed the trail that was headed toward Ithilien, a region of Gondor. His sister, Eowyn was getting married to Prince Faramir in a few days time and he was to give her away. The two of them had met in the Houses of Healing during the War for the Ring, when Eowyn was healing from her wounds. Faramir had also been wounded, riding a suicide mission into battle. At first sight they knew they were right for each other. Now the time had come. Eomer was leaving early to meet with Aragorn. The rest of the nobility from Edoras was leaving a day or two after him including Lothiriel and Imrahil. Eomer's own marriage was to be in another years time it felt so quick, despite the fact that it was really at a crawling pace. The evening was upon them, though the sun was still up it would be dark momentarily.

"Why don't we stop here for the night, men?" Eomer asked.

"Of course sir." The replied in unison. One went to find firewood, while another began to set up Eomer's tent. A few minutes passed and the men started a warming fire. Eomer began to hear rustling among the tree line.

"Silence." He called to the men. "Do you hear that." A cry rang out as a band of Orcs jumped from the shadows. Orcs hadn't been seen in months, these must have lived in the darkest parts of the forest. The Rohan men quickly tried to grab their swords, but their was only three of them, including Eomer, against nine orcs. Eomer's first blow was deadly, cutting the arm from the closest foe. The orcs surrounded them and knocked the swords out of Eomer and a riders hands. The moments seemed to move slowly as the Orcs laughed at the trapped men. However, their laughter was cut short. A hooded figured jumped into the circle, quickly dispatching three of the Orc's in one blow. As a fourth tried to bring his blade down on the King of Rohan the mysterious figure countered the sword, killing another. Eomer picked up his own blade and the two fought together quickly dispatching the last of the enemies. Eomer finally had a chance to look upon the warrior. He was hooded in a dark green cloak that was held together by a six pointed clasp. A bow was slung across his back and his sword was at his side. He had see the likes of these men before. The came from the North, a band of Rangers. They traveled throught Middle Earth sometimes, but it was strange to see one along these pathways.

"Ranger. Thank you." Eomer called. The ranger merely nodded.

"Are you hurt, sir?" One of the Rohirrim asked.

"I'm fine." Eomer replied. Both of his men started to carry the bodies yards away in preparation for burning them. "Ranger, I am Eomer, King of Rohan. I am on my way to Gondor. I would ask you accompany us so I can properly so you the respect you deserve." Still the Ranger was quiet. He seemed to be scanning the tree line, making sure that their were no more Orcs that could threaten their safety. Eomer let him be for a moment. Rangers were exceptionally skilled trackers and if their was anything out there, he would find it. "Anything more?" Eomer asked and the Ranger shook his head no.

"Sir, should we pack up the tent and continue to move?" A rider asked him.

"No, we will stay here for the night."

"Yes, sir."

"I must at least have your name." Eomer said to the Ranger.

"And you shall." A familiar voice answered and Eomer's voice seemed to fail him. He watched as a hand reached up and pulled down the green hood that had been covering their face. Her dark hair spilled out across her shoulders and she sheathed her sword. Eomer could only manage one word: "Karri..."