Author's Note: What if Eowyn was a member of the Fellowship? As Rohan dealt with orc raids, Saruman's and Wormtongue's treason,

and the poisoning of King Theoden's mind, out of desperation they might have looked to Elrond of Rivendell for aid. With Theodred

and Eomer needed to lead the defense of Rohan, Eowyn would be the natural choice to send to Rivendell. And from there, things are

set in motion...

Although most of this story will follow movie-verse, I will include a couple of scenes from the books that were not included in the movies.

CHAPTER 1 - THE GOLDEN HALL

Eowyn stood at the top of the steps leading to the Golden Hall, her long blonde hair blowing in the harsh wind. The howling, empty

sound of the wind seemed to match perfectly the despairing thoughts running through her mind. Her uncle, King Theoden, once a proud

man and a wise ruler, had fallen into weakness. Many said that it was the whisperings of Grima Wormtongue, the King's advisor, that

had caused him to become that way.

Her brother Eomer and her cousin Theodred talked often of the increase in strength and number of orc-raids when they were back in

Edoras from patrol. Her brother and cousin led the Riders of Rohan in bravely fighting the orcs off, and slew many of them, but almost

every time they returned they would bring back three or four fewer riders than they started with. The dead riders, in ever-growing

numbers, would be buried in their places of honor, as the citizens of Edoras wept for them.

The door to the Golden Hall opened and Eomer stormed out, followed by Theodred. Eomer shook his head angrily. "Theoden King will

not listen. He will not allow us to launch a massive offensive against the orcs. Patrols only, he says. And ever by his side stands that

foul Wormtongue. He has poisoned our king's mind."

"Orcs from Mordor attack us from the east," added Theodred. "And more attack from the west, from the direction of Isengard.

Saruman has betrayed us, but the king will not see it. And if that was not enough there are rumors that the Wild-men of the hills

are being stirred up, and will soon prepare a massed attack of their own, in conjunction with the orcs'." He shook his head, as angry

as Eomer, though his calmer voice showed his greater age and maturity. "We cannot go on like this."

"I will talk to him," said Eowyn. "Ever have I been very close to my uncle. Perhaps he will listen to me."

"He listens to no one now, but that traitor Wormtongue," growled Eomer. "The mind of our own king is slipping away from us. Where

can we look for aid now? Saruman has betrayed us. And Gondor has its hands full with its own problems right now."

Eowyn had closed her eyes, deep in thought. Now she opened them again. "Elrond of Rivendell," she said, causing the other two to

stare at her. "They say he's one of the most powerful elf-lords in Middle-earth. Perhaps his powers over mind and body could free

Theoden from the darkness's grasp." She paused as the others continued staring. "Never did I think I would be saying that. But when

no one near can help us, perhaps it is time for us to look farther away."

Eomer scowled. "Elves! I do not trust Elves, nor any other high and mighty outsiders. For we were fools to trust Saruman."

"I think Eowyn has a point," said Theodred. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. Who else can help us? And we cannot go

on alone."

Eomer frowned, deep in thought. "I still do not like the idea. But if the king's son and my sister see it as the right way, I will not stop

you. However, I have no wish to go to Rivendell."

"You will not have to," said Eowyn, "for I will go." Theodred and Eomer both opened their mouths to object, but she was still talking.

"The Riders need both of you here in Rohan. They need good military leadership most of all, in these troubled times. Neither of you

can be spared for the journey northward. Besides," she added with a mischievous smile (a smile from her was rare these days), "it

was I who came up with the idea."

"The journey would be treacherous even in more peaceful times, and now it will only be worse," said Theodred. "I should be the one to

go, for a journey like that is not fit for a wom..." He stopped when he saw that his female cousin's eyes were flashing.

"I may be a woman, but I am no damsel in distress," said Eowyn, her temper flaring up. "I can swing a sword more than well enough to

protect myself should the need arise. Anyway, this is not a mission of war, but one to seek counsel and aid. You and Eomer at least,

even in these dark times, can do something by making war on the Orcs that plunder our lands. I, meanwhile, must stay here, waiting

and worrying, unable to do anything for the country I love but mourn our dead. Let me, at last, do something for my country, my home,

my king."

Her brother and cousin still looked unconvinced. "I can take an escort of Riders up to the Gap of Rohan, where the orcs of the foul traitor

Saruman will make the journey the most dangerous. After the Gap is passed the lands will be empty and safer, and I will go forth alone,

for every spear will be needed to defend Rohan," she said.

Theodred at last nodded his consent. "So be it."

Eomer was not so quick to approve. "I do not wish my little sister to go out into the Wild, and face all its dangers. My heart is against

you leaving."

"Then it is with a sad heart that I will go," said Eowyn stubbornly. "For I do not wish to make you unhappy, but my desire to see this

through is stronger."

"Eomer." Theodred pulled his younger cousin aside and whispered into his ear. "Much as I distrust the Elves and fear for Eowyn's

safety, our kingdom needs this...and she needs this. To have to sit here and do nothing while the world slowly collapses around her

will destroy her spirit."

Eomer stood there in silent thought, finally nodding after a long while. "If that is the way things are, then I will reluctantly let the

journey be so."

"It is settled then," said Eowyn. "I will leave tomorrow in the morning."