"Theodred, don't go!" Her plea was earnest as she quickened her step to follow the long strides of the man. His dusky blonde hair swayed gently behind him, as he turned to face her.
"Tis' only a border check, Eowyn." Theodred smiled, adjusting his belt. "I will be back before a fortnight."
He turned to go but Eowyn caught his arm.
"There have been reports of Orks on the borders, you know this."
"All the more reason to go." He awnswered softly, laying his hand over hers.
"You mustn't leave! You know the influence Wormtounge has over your father!"
His face sobered; smile waning.
"I must do my duty. My father has aged quickly, but his orders are still his own. I owe my allegiance to Rohan and to my King."
"At least take more men." Eowyn compromised, blue eyes searching the fair face of her cousin.
His smile returned and he tightened his gauntlets.
"I cannot take more men, others are riding south. Eomer and most are ordered to stay back."
"And who were they ordered by?" Eowyn asked.
Smile fading once again, Theodred looked down at the stone floor.
"Grimma informed me this morning…"
"You cannot trust him-"
"Hush Sister!" Theodore's smile lit his face once more, "do not fear for me, I have been in worse than this many a time before." He folded both his hands over hers.
"Be at peace." He commanded softly. She nodded quickly and then took a swift step to wrap her arms around his neck.
"May the stars carry you safely back home to me." She whispered the sister's farewell into his hair.
"And may our fathers guide the stars on my path back to you." He finished in the brother's response.
He kissed her forehead, then placing his helmet on his head, he strode from the hall.
She watched him ride from Edoras, a sick fear in her stomach.