Prologue
A realization passed through Éowyn as Faramir leaned in to claim a kiss from her lips. This could be her destiny; this could be her repayment, a final duty to fulfill for her King. Yes, she had left against the counsel of her uncle, seeking her own glorious death to justify her choice, but as this path was denied her, a new path was revealed. Rohan would need to be rebuilt, and they would need aid from Gondor to succeed, and she had the means to form a bond between the two kingdoms.
Yes, she could do her duty for her people.
And he took her in his arms and kissed her under the sunlit sky. **
She broke the kiss and cast her eyes down as she moved from his embrace. "My Lord…"
He reached out and caressed her cheek, "Will you be mine?"
Taking a shaky breath, she raised her eyes. "I will, My Lord."
His gaze was soft as he smiled upon her, and she almost felt the stirrings of remorse for her words, but pushed the sensation aside. This was his decision. She was honest and did not claim to love him in return, and so made peace with herself.
"Come," he smiled at her, "let us return to the healer." He grasped her hand in his and led her round, back to the House of Healing, and as they approached, she saw the Warden gazing at them with raised brow and Éowyn, to her embarrassment, was suddenly aware that they were in plane sight, and, no doubt viewed by many, including the Warden by his expression, but Faramir seemingly took little care in this as he did not bat a lash at the Wardens silent rebuke, so his gaze seemed to her. 'Then, why should it,' she thought to herself, 'he is the Lord of the City.'
Faramir stood before the Warden and presented her forth saying, "Here is the Lady Éowyn of Rohan, and she is now healed. **"
Happy that this diagnosis was finally being made about her, she did not contradict his edict.
The Warden studied her for a moment and was satisfied, and answered, "Then I release her from my charge and bid her farewell, and may she suffer never hurt nor sickness again. I commend her to the care of the Steward of the City, until her brother returns. **"
A slight panic welled up inside her at his pronouncement. Yes, she would give herself over to Faramir, but not yet, not so soon. She did not fear harm from him, but was not ready to be placed in a cage of his making, however well intended. She released his hand and stepped away slightly, keeping her gaze fixed on the Warden. "Yet now that I leave to depart, I would remain. For this House has become to me of all dwellings the most blessed. **"
He gave his nod of approval, and so it was that Éowyn remained in the House of Healing until King Éomer returned.
**Direct quote, pg 945, The Stewart and the King