Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Note: I was always struck by the image of Merry reaching up to hold Éowyn's arm when they waited to battle on Pelennor Fields. I hope I do it justice. PLEASE REVIEW!

The horse jolted under Merry as he clung desperately, trying to keep hold to Lady Éowyn's saddle. They had been riding for days. Éowyn was careful not to speak much, while Merry was careful to stay as hidden as Hobbitly possible.

Merry remembered how eager he was to join the fighting. How much he wanted to prove his worth. Now he wanted nothing more than to go back to the Shire with Pippin, Sam and Frodo. Tears came to Merry's eyes and shame seized him, making him feel horrible for wanting to avoid battle.

"They would want me to be brave," he thought to himself. Even so, tears streamed down Merry's face. They would reach his chin, then be whipped away by the wind. Éowyn leaned over and whispered in his ear, "We approach our destination. Have courage!"

Then, wracking sobs took Merry's body. He clutched to the saddle even harder, trying to stifle his outburst of emotion. He was weak. He did not belong here. This was a place for men who were strong of body and spirit. He was neither. He was a weak little nothing, and he knew it then.

Éowyn wrapped her arm around his waist, "Merry. To your friends you are the most important person in the world. You size does not matter, the number of Orcs you kill does not matter, how much fear you feel going into battle does not matter. What matters is that you're fighting for them, and that makes you the center of their universe. Dry your tears now, for the time to prove your worth draws near."

They crested a hill and looked down on the ravaged Pelennor Fields. Éowyn just gasped. No words spilled from the lips of any Rohirrim at that moment.

Éowyn moved her arm upwards, placing it around Merry's shoulders. Instinctively, Merry's hand shot to hold Éowyn's. "Courage Merry, courage for our friends."

Merry swallowed tears of fear. This was not the time. Still, he clasped Éowyn's arm. He nodded slowly, trying to still the tremors of fear quaking through his body. "This may be the last time I am with someone I love," Merry quickly shooed away the thought, shaken by how real that statement could be. It would have been impossible to separate him from Éowyn at that moment.

Merry could hear Théoden shouting directions to his officers, "Éomer! Take your éored down the left flank! Gamling, follow the King's banner down the center! Grimbold, take your company right, after you pass the wall!"

Merry shut his eyes tight, willing himself to be brave.

"Forth! And fear no darkness! Arise! Arise, Riders of Théoden! Spears shall be shaken, shields shall be splintered! A sword day...a red day...and the sun rises!"

Éowyn held Merry tighter, "Whatever happens, stay with me. I'll look after you."

Merry nodded, eyes still closed. Théoden rode down the line, hitting his men's spears with his sword as he went.

"Ride now...Ride now...Ride! Ride for ruin and the world's ending!"

Merry watched in awe and Théoden raised his sword to the air and shouted, "DEATH!"

The Rohirrim responded, "DEATH!"

Merry gave Éowyn's arm a final squeeze.

"DEATH!"

Éowyn took a deep breath.

"DEATH!"

Merry hefted his sword, "Courage for my friends..."

"DEATH!!!"

Merry and Éowyn finally respond, "DEATH!!!!"

"Forth Eorlingas!"