Disclaimer: I own nothing (sob) except for the character of Alowyn.
"A mighty pain to love it is,
And 'tis a pain that pain to miss;
But of all pains, the greatest pain
It is to love, but love in vain."
-Abraham Cowley
She had seen them arrive, their exhausted horses falling to a trot as they neared the gates. The old wooden doors creaked loudly against the rusted hinges as they opened slowly to allow the company to pass through. Only one rider caught her eye, and sitting in front of him was an unconscious prince, his golden head bobbing from side to side with the movement of the horse. Alowyn put down the saddle she was carrying and turned around.
"Clear the aisle!" She called down towards the barn hands, rushing to help. "Clear the aisle, Lord Eomer returns!"
Quickly they moved pitchforks and brooms out of the way and piled the bales of straw into one corner. No sooner had they finished when the company came in, fifteen horses now crowding the stables. Alowyn went straight for Eomer's steed, grasping its reins tightly, as well as another's, while the men dismounted. The horses panted heavily as they stood waiting, sweat foaming on their necks from the sheer intensity of the ride. They shook their heads impatiently, their hooves pawing at the ground as they urged to keep walking. Several men were gathered around Theodred as they lowered him from the horse, but she was unable to get a look. Before she could blink, he was carried out, and the stables were suddenly emptied.
Handing off the other horse she was holding on to, she took Eomer's and led him back outside to cool off. It would be impossible to do anything with the horse until it had calmed down, and they were lucky he stood still long enough for the prince to be lifted off his back. His wounds were serious, that much was obvious. She could tell by looking at the men's grim faces, not to mention Eomer's. When not a word is spoken in such a situation, it is likely not good news. The horse stumbled and it snapped her out of her thoughts, turning her attention back to him. Noting that he had calmed, she returned back to the stables and led him into his box stall. Removal of the bridle came first with the saddle following soon after. Steam rose from the beast's back, and it was glad to be free from the bindings.
She left him there with a full bucket of cool water and several well-deserved flakes of hay to munch on. Not caring about the dirt that now was smudged on her face and hands from handling the horse and tack, she picked up her skirt and took two steps at a time towards the great hall. Her first priority was to serve Eomer, personal needs always came second to that. Quick footsteps brought her to the door that she knew was Theodred's room, and yet she hesitated to knock. Perhaps it was the fear of facing the fact that the king's only son may already be dead, or that her silly intrusion would be improper in such a situation. Taking a deep breath and finding the courage, she raised her hand and knocked confidently on the large wooden door. She let her arm drop and her hands clasped together in front of her, squeezing nervously until her fingers went white. Footsteps were heard in the room, and soon the door opened and Alowyn saw the face of Eomer appear from behind it.
"I-I apologize, my lord, for my intrusion-" She began nervously, her voice breaking, but was cut off before she could continue.
"It's quite all right," said Eomer in a soft tone, a mixture of dirt and blood caked upon his face and in his golden hair. He stepped outside the room and closed the door behind him. "Is there something that you need?"
Alowyn breathed a small sigh of relief, mentally smacking herself upside the head for possibly thinking he would react so harshly. "No," she replied, keeping her voice low and more steady. "No, I was just inquiring if you needed anything else, my lord. Your horse has been taken care of, and I was about to go draw you a hot bath, but I thought it be best to check with you... to see... if..."
And with that she trailed off, her mouth still hanging open slightly. Eomer shook his head and rested a hand on her shoulder.
"Do not worry about me right now, Alowyn." He said, a somber tone in his voice. "I will be here for some time still. Go take care of yourself, and I will call upon you if I should need you."
She nodded silently, noting how weary and worn he looked just then. He let his hand fall down the side of her arm, his fingers grasping her elbow slightly before turning and walking back into the room.
She stood outside the door for a moment, her emerald eyes lingering on the spot where he had just stood. She had been in his service as a handmaiden for two years and still she was unable to find a length of time in his presence that was satisfying. She could be with him for hours on end, yet would yearn for him the moment he left her sight. And never did she let slip her true feelings. To be in love with the king's nephew? It was ridiculous and she had always thought so. He was royalty, and she was his servant. Only in the most romantic poems and songs did such a relationship exist. In reality, she was nothing.
Spinning on her heel, she retreated back down the hallway that she came from. There was nothing more left to do unless she was called upon, so now was the time for a moment's peace. Her footsteps carried her to her quarters and the first thing she did was fill a hot bath. Perhaps once her head had time to rest such silly thoughts would be erased.
She could only hope.
A/N: Reviews are my lifeblood! Constructive criticism is desired, but please, no flames. This chapter was pretty slow and short, but it was to get this off the ground. Tell me what you think!
