"My life isn't of any consequence, I could go that way." she stared into her cup as she spoke. She could fight, she had done it before. Plus if anything did happen to her, she was merely an acquaintance to Markus and Siriel.

Sirel frowned. "No, this is your quest - we must get to Lorien to find out your past. I would only take that path if our circumstances were most dire. Besides, it is difficult enough for one person - that person being an experience traveller - to make it through - it would be exceedingly difficult for all three of us."She glanced downwards, and the light reflected off the ring into her eyes. She blinked and turned her hand slightly.

"This is not my quest, it is Markus's quest." she looked down as she saw the light from the ring reflect in Siriel's eyes. "I'm just along for the ride." she said quietly.

Markus had fell silent as the women spoke. He could sense from Luna that she imagined herself to be something less than who she was to Markus and Sirel. He frowned deeply, sadened by this thought. How could she not know how much she meant to him? Had he not shown her?

Sirel also meant alot to him. It was clear she was a more experienced traveller. He would need her to guide them through the mine-field that had become middle earth. It became clear that Markus needed Sirel and Luna in his life. Therefore any path that lead to danger and death was a path he would only take if it was their last option.

"Ladies," he said quietly. "There is no rush. Let us enjoy the beautiful sights that remain in this land while we can. There is no need to rush off into the dark corners of this world. I have respect for both of your lives and do not wish to lose either of you." A sudden flicker of light drew his attention. There was the ring he had bought for Luna, only it lay upon Sirel's finger. Had Luna not liked it? Was this a symbol of Luna's feelings for Markus? He looked away and began to clear away the food and the tent. "We need to leave soon." He stated.

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Luna did miss the ring, but Siriel deserved it more. She knew Markus had seen it. "You said it was for a beautiful woman," she paused, unsure of how to go on. "I love the ring, Markus, but I figured you would like Siriel to have it because she is truly beautiful."

"It is your ring and is yours to do with as you please." He stated as he threw his bag over his shoulder. "We should be going." His voice was low, seeming almost heavy with fatigue. Markus shrugged his shoulders and set off at a fast pace. He glanced back to ensure Luna and Sirel were managing to keep up.

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Luna watched him, and her shoulders slumped. So she had practically given the ring away for no reason, she gathered from his actions. She watched the ground as she walked, noting the heaviness in his voice. "You need sleep." she whispered behind him. "Your wounds are not healed fully yet."

"They will heal in time. They are nothing to worry about." He gave her a small smile. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a pipe. He lit it and fell into an easy stroll. "Tell me Luna, what was your plan?" He raised his brow at her.

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"Plan?" she was confused. "What do you mean." her gaze was still on the ground as she walked. Plan for what? When they reached Lothlorien?

"Your attempt at matchmaking I mean." He stole a glance at her before looking ahead with a blank expression. The sound of his footsteps became louder as they breached a gravel path. He peered up and down it carefully before continuing down it. His hand, instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword. Though there was no threat to be seen, it was wise to be cautious. Better safe than sorry he thought. "I do not deny that Sirel is a beautiful woman," he bowed his head to her. "However, no offence intended, that is not what awakens my heart. Besides love cannot be forced, it must be allowed to grow on it's own, if it so chooses." He glanced down at Luna again, smirking faintly.

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Luna nodded, feeling like a miserable child that had her hand cought in the cookie jar or bread box. She folded her hands into her torn dress, a nervous habit. Well, she had tried, and perhaps in time it might happen. She didn't know. She wouldn't press the matter though, or push for it to happen. He was right, she knew. Her mind pushed the thoughts and feelings away.

"It was a very sweet thought Luna. I know you had good intentions. However for as far as I can remember I have been pushed into things. Love is the one thing I refuse to be pushed into." He nudged her on the shoulder. "Chin up. You did nothing wrong." He grinned at her kindly. His eyes roamed to Sirel, he offered her an appologetic smile.

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She nodded again, her eyes still fixed on the road, but not because of that. It was because she was slowing remembering bits and pieces of things. It was as though ever since that first time she had tried to remember, the floodgates were starting to open.

After, what seemed to be months of travel the trio breached the Gap of Rohan. "What say you to visiting King Theoden? I do not know about you, but my back aches. I think a proper bed for a night would be nice." He glanced round at Luna and Sirel. In his mind he thought of the threats that surrounded them. There was Isengard. He had heard rumours, when he was in his masters home of Sauroman's betrayal, but he refused to believe it. There was also Fanghorn Forest, every dark creature you could imagine was bound to be hiding in that forest. Markus bit his lip tightly.

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Luna looked about. Perhaps a visit would be good. Her mind wandered over the tales she had heard of Rohan, land of the horse lords. She had always been intrigued by them. She felt herself quite partial to horses. "It couldn't hurt." she spoke of visiting.

They walked through blustering winds to Rohan's capital: Edoras. The large gates creaked as they opened to greet Markus and his company. Markus ushered Sirel and Luna inside. He had hoped they would have been sheltered from the strong winds, but alas they weren't. Their heads bowed as they made their way through the streets to the golden halls of Medesuld. Morohtar glanced about the streets at the Rohirrim. They looked back at him glumly. So strange. So much sorrow and misery in this land... Markus looked up to find a guard coming toward him and his companions. "What is your business here?" He grunted. "We are mere travellers, my lord. We long for a place to stay..." He trailed off as a woman in white emerged from Meduseld and descended the stairs and path towards him. "Come," she said softly. "We have plenty of room and food for you all." She patted the guard on the shoulder and motioned for Markus, Luna and Sirel to follow her. "Oh my..." Markus gasped. "Lady Eowyn. It has been long since I have seen you. You were just a child when last I saw you." He said as he fell into step beside her. "I remember you, Markus." She said with a smile. "It is nice to see you again...It is a shame it is not at a nicer time..." her voice trailed off solemnly as they entered the golden halls of Meduseld.

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