Lona dismounted and wordlessly began helping with the dead and the wounded. After such things had been taken care of, she stood still, looking around. Thins would never be the same here.

Caran approached Lona, her eyes searching for any injuries she could tend to. "It is good to see you my friend," she spoke softly. It was almost as if she feared showing any cheer. Who knew how long the peace would last? Sauroman would not take this defeat easily. His ego would be wounded and he would want retribution. What number would he send this time? Caran surveyed the charred remains of Helm's Deep. There was no amount of work that would cover up this mess. Then again, it shouldn't. It should be allowed to stand in it's state as a reminder of their victory.

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"As it is you. Good to see you are unharmed." Lona's voice was deep, drenched in exhaustion and sorrow for their losses. "We must be prepared for more." she said, as though hearing Caran's thoughts.

"We can prepare tomorrow my friend. Tonight we toast those that we have lost." Caran frowned deeply. "We are to return to Edoras tonight. The King plans to hold a big event in his halls. A celebration. A wake. Whichever way you want to look at it. I think it will be good for the men. Perhaps boost their morale. They are going to need it."

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Lona couldn't help it as her face fell. She didn't like big events. "Are we all required to attend?" she asked, hoping nobody else heard her. When she went to events like Caran had just mentioned she never felt comfortable.

"I assume so. I think it would be best if we show face anyway." Caran murmured quietly. From the corner of her eye she could see the men and women massing. They were eager to go home and force this nightmare to the back of their minds. The women had joyful smiles on their faces as they greeted their husbands once again. Little did they know that the battle had only just begun.

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Lona nodded, cringing a bit, yet decided she would go. At least for a little while. "I just hope that there will be hope after this fight." she said softly. "Sauron and Saurumon are a terrible force to be reckoned with."

Caran nodded silently. She took one last look around the battle ground before whistling into the air. Her horse came behind her, nudging her shoulder gently. "We should leave. It will take some time to get the villagers home." She murmured as she mounted her horse.

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Lona swiftly mounted and went around, making sure the villagers were rounded up and ready to go. She watched the reunions between soldiers and their wives, and a small twinge shot through her, but she looked away and ignored it. "Move out!" she called, nudging her horse into a canter as she rode beside the line of people.

Caran followed Lona's example. "Stay together. Get the wounded on horses. Aid will be waiting for them when we get home." Caran spoke to the bystanders. Some of their faces were filled with so much sorrow, she was sure she was about to cry. Her hand came to rest on each of their shoulders. It was the only comfort she could offer them. There was nothing that could take away their pain, but time.

Soon the congregation began to move. The journey was slow and filled with tedious chatter. Caran wrinkled her nose in disgust. They were surrounded by death and despair and yet some chose to chatter about who was in love with who. Soon the gates of Edoras loomed above them. Caran longed to be alone, but that would have to wait. One of the guards ordered her to help the aid in patching up the wounded soldier. "It's a woman's job afterall," the guard scoffed.

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Lona stepped in, her eyes aflame. "Stand down!" she snarled at the soldier. "Our rank is higher than yours as riders. You go help the wounded, since you have the attitude of a carry woman."

The soldier's eyes bulged. "Who are you to talk to me in such manner?" He growled. "I will not take orders from you!" His nose wrinkled in disgust.

"Enough!" Caran chastised. "Have we not fought enough? Can we not just get along? We have much still do ahead of us. I do not believe those were the last orcs we shall lay eyes upon. Lets just stop fighting with eachother. Lets respect one another. United we stand, divided we fall!" Caran stormed forward to the healing house.

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Lona glared the man down, sparks shooting in those fathomless blue eyes of hers. "You will respect her, Soldier." she snarled. "Or have me to answer to." it was a dark threat, laced with intent. She stalked off, her shoulders wide and stiff. She hated men.

The day drew on without much excitement. Families were reunited. Love was proclaimed by those who had kept it secret for far too long. Caran marvelled in the behaviour of men. To keep ones feelings secret until a time of great loss was upon them. Perhaps men were not as brave as Caran had hoped. It was a shame really. They were going to have to be brave soon. They had no choice. War was upon them.

In the evening, a bell rang throughout the land, signalling supper and the start of the celebratory meal. Victory was theirs and they were going to keep it. Ale flowed freely amongst the men. Women clasped glasses of dry wine as the floated around the man, basking in their glory. Caran stood against the wall, watching wearily.

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Lona stayed outside the building, just beside the doors. She knew war would be upon them again, and refused to celebrate with that just around the corner. Her knees were draw up to her chest, her golden head tucked into her knees. An untouched glass of ale sat beside her, yet she wasn't in the mood.

The loud voices carried to her, Aragorn, Legolas, even Gimli seemed to all be having a good time. King Theoden's voice tended to be mote quiet, and Caran's voice couldn't be heard at all.

Caran laid her untouched glass of wine on a nearby table before slipping out the door. She breathed in the fresh air with a sigh. "I've been thinking," she started, her voice low so as not to carry indoors to prying ears. "...a preemptive strike would be a smart move. Perhaps we should start scouting at the very least? The best defence is a good offence afterall." She glanced down at Lona, raising her brow.

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