A/N: I own nothing, J. R. R. Tolkien owns it all.

Chapter 1

Daughter of Maloden

My name is Melowyn, daughter of Maloden, who was once a great Marshall of the Riddermark. My father is no more. He was killed by wolves on a journey through Fangorn forest. I was just a girl then, barely 10. When they brought back the remains of my father's body my mother would not allow my twin brother Meloden and I to see it. Within a few days of the burial my mother fell ill and began to die. Right before she passed it was her wish to send my brother and I to Theoden King of the Riddermark. My brother wanted to go so that he could learn to be a soldier like our father but I could not stand the thought of being away from our mother. Alas her will was carried out when soldiers came and took us away from the only home we had ever known. Being from a small village in the west fold, arriving at Edoras was quite a shock. My brother loved it but I was scared. Theoden King took us in willingly. To repay my mother for the loss of my father, my brother was allowed to train to be soldier. As for me, I was granted a place in the servants chambers where I began life as maid. My mother died shortly there after.

While these years of my life became the hardest I had ever known, somehow I knew I would be ok as long as both my brother and I were alive. Working as a maid I heard many strange things: a growing darkness and more and more orphaned children. The other maids shunned me. I believe it was because my brother and I were the only orphans to be taken in by the King. All the others were placed in homes and into servitude. Really, I could not understand why they disliked me for this for I was in the same sort of place as many of those children. I suppose it was because my brother was treated as if he were a nobleman's son, with all the rights that were entitled. We were noblemen's children and I saw no reason why my brother should be disliked because of our station. I was working to pay off our debt to the King and that was all that mattered.

After two years as a maid a wonderful change came about. In the growing darkness I learned that the sister of the King and her husband had died. Well, the husband was killed by orcs while on patrol and his wife soon perished from grief. But their two children were coming to Edoras to live in the Golden Hall. My position as a maid had been changed. I was to be the lady in waiting for the young Lady Eowyn. While it was still very much so a maid like position it was a good deal better than having to scrub pots. Eowyn was a little younger than me and her brother Eomer about a year older than me. Eomer, I learned, was to become a soldier like his father. That would mean that he and my brother would know each other. Somehow I knew that this was when my life was going to change.

Eowyn was very sorrow filled when she arrived as was her brother, but naturally he refused to show weakness. Dispighte Eowyn trying very hard not to be open to anyone, she and I became friends. It took time and patients, but we were able to form a bond like none I had ever known of. We had both gone through the same pain of losing our parents, and that brought us together. Wherever Eowyn went, I went. Theoden King allowed this seeing as it was the only way to keep Eowyn happy. And so we grew up together and watched as our brothers became soldiers, and then for Eomer a Marshall of the Mark, until he earned the title of Third Marshall of the Riddermark. My brother served under Eomer as his trusted second in command as well as his best friend.

It was during the year leading up to my twentieth birthday that evil crept into the land and Sauraman grabbed a hold of the weakened Theoden King. Eomer and my brother fought as hard as the could against the evils pouring in from all sides. It is here when the future of Rohan was uncertain that my real story begins.

"Eowyn . . . Eowyn! Wake up" cried Melowyn lightly shaking Eowyn's shoulder.

"Mmm. . . must I get up?" said Eowyn groggily.

"Yes! Now hurry up! Eomer and Meloden are due back at any moment. I allowed you to sleep as long as I could but you must get up." said Melowyn as she walked around Eowyn's bed to the window in the far wall. Carefully she pulled back the wooden doors to allow light to flood into the room.

"All right, all right! What time is it?" said Eowyn throwing the covers back and sitting up to put her feet on the floor.

"About an hour past dawn. Really we must get you dressed and out to the courtyard. The watch tower called the first sign of the men about five minutes ago. They will be here within the hour. Come I have brought you some mash and tea. Sit and eat while I brush your hair out." said Melowyn taking Eowyn's hand and pulling her up and over to the table where she had laid out her breakfast.

"Really Melowyn you need to stop trying to take care of me all the time. I know it is your job, but we have long since established that you are first and foremost my closest friend." said Eowyn as she was forced into the chair.

"I know but someone has to make sure you get up and eat. Besides what else am I supposed to do, but brush your hair and get you ready? If I had nothing to do I would pace with anticipation of the men's arrival." said Melowyn as she started running a bone comb through Eowyn's long hair.

"I do not know. I just hate that you act like you are my servant. Does the men's arrival really cause you that much anxiety?" said Eowyn as she began to eat the sweetened bran mash in front of her.

"Yes. Every time they return from one of their missions I am filled with an anxiety that will not go away until I know that both Meloden and Eomer are safe. All I can think is that something has happened to one of them and that there is nothing I can do." said Melowyn. She really hated the idea that something could have happened to one of them.

"Oh. . . you know someday you really would make a good soldier's wife. You would sit there thinking the worst and then as soon as you saw them in one piece you would tackle them and ravish them right there. It is the kind of welcome home that every man wants." said Eowyn, laughing as she finished her mash. She loved teasing Melowyn about their old joke.

"That is the most un-lady like thing to say Eowyn. I could never do such a thing! It is quite enough that you would even suggest it." said Melowyn as she set the comb down and looked at Eowyn in mock shock. Laughing lightly she turned to get Eowyn's dress. Coming back out of the closet carrying Eowyn's dress for the day she smiled at her long time friend.

"You know, if I am to become some soldier's wife, one would think it would have already happened." said Melowyn as she handed Eowyn the soft brown dress. As Eowyn stood, Melowyn helped her pull it on over the under gown that Eowyn used as both an under gown, and a sleeping gown. Once Eowyn's head was through Melowyn began to lace the back up.

"You never know Mel.You are still quite young. Besides, it is the idea that really matters. Don't you make that tight in the least. You know I cannot stand the thought of being restricted." said Eowyn as the dress became tighter around her chest and stomach area. Just then the sound of a horn called through the walls of the Hall. It sounded the approach of the men within the next ten to fifteen minutes.

"Don't worry, I wont. You know Eowyn, if I have to marry then so will you." said Melowyn as she finished with the dress and went to clear away Eowyn's breakfast things, putting them where the maid who took care of the dishes would pick them up.

"No I most certainly will not! But come, let us not talk of these things. Those silly brothers of ours are almost here so hurry up." said Eowyn as Melowyn finished with the dishes and then followed Eowyn out of the room. She hated to leave the dishes for the maids to pick up, but she wanted to see her brother. They walked quickly through the hall, breaking into the courtyard next to the stables with a few minutes to spare. The men were just riding through the first gate with the climb to the top of the hill still ahead. Melowyn began ringing her hands in the skirts of her deep green colored dress. The men had left for the west almost six months before. They had had no news from them since. The thought that something had happened to one of her friends terrified her.

"Relax Mel, they will be fine. Meloden is a fine fighter, as is Eomer. They will have made it back in one piece." said Eowyn as she took Melowyn's hand in hers and squeezed it reassuringly.

"Oh. . .I know, but still it worries me. Here they come." said Melowyn looking down the road. The horses cantered powerfully towards them. At seeing both her brother's horse and Eomer's, she let out a sigh of relief. It was then that she remembered. Turning around she took off quickly for the barn.

"Melowyn where are you going? They are here!" yelled Eowyn but it was no use Melowyn had already disappeared into the barn.

Melowyn hurried through the barn. She loved the horses as well as the smell of horse. Many of the stalls stood empty awaiting their occupants who stood outside in the courtyard. Rushing past the stalls Melowyn quickly entered the storage room where the tack and grooming supplies for the horses were kept. Looking around she spotted the bag she was looking for. Reaching into the old looking sack she pulled forth a handful of dried apple chips. Clutching them in her hand she quickly ran back through the barn. Stopping before the door she took a deep breath.

Calm down, they have made it back in one piece.

Oh that's easy to say, but now we have the problem of your denial.

I am not denying anything!

No only all thoughts of the Third Marshall, who also happens to be your best friend's brother and next in line for the throne after Theodred!

The battle of Melowyn's mind and thoughts took place for a couple of minutes until she finally told both sides of her personality to Shut Up! She needed to go out there, she just could not find the courage. Taking a deep breath she pushed open the barn doors and quickly walked over to where Eowyn was greeting Eomer. Instantly her heart jumped into her throaght. Quickly she averted her eyes from the hugging brother and sister and looked for her own brother. Spotting him at once she rushed over to the image of herself, except that he was of course masculine.

"Meloden!" cried Melowyn as she came towards her brother.

"Sister!" cried Meloden as he quickly rushed forward and swung his sister around in a bone crushing hug. "It does a wearied soul good to see your face. Where did you run off to? You were next to Eowyn one minute and gone the next." said Meloden as he set his sister down.

"I was getting dried apples for Storm. I promised him that I would give him some if he brought you back to me safely." said Melowyn as she stepped towards Storm's head. The horse was a huge war charger. His coat was the blackest of blacks and shined with sweat and mud. Moving her hand towards his muzzle she gave him half of the handful of dried apples. He bobbed his head up and down eagerly as he ate the treat.

"You spoil that horse way too much. You will make him lazy and then what will I do when it comes to facing orcs." said Meloden with a laugh. Melowyn just smiled at him and then turned towards Eomer and Eowyn.

"My Lord Eomer it is good to see you back and all in one piece. I hope you did not have too hard of a journey." said Melowyn shyly as she moved towards Eowyn and Eomer."Melowyn, you hurt me with your formalities. A long time have you been friends with me. I forbid you to ever use such titles again." cried Eomer with a smile on his face.

"I am sorry. It will not be forgotten. May I give your horse a treat of dried apples?" asked Melowyn looking towards Eomer. The horse was not the same one he had ridden out on. This fine stallion was quite large and built thickly. He was a dark dapple grey with a wild eye that reflected his lack of years. Melowyn was instantly drawn to him. Eowyn quietly watched the exchange but moved on to greet Meloden.

"I suppose, but I must warn you, he is new and quite young with a wild streak in him." said Eomer as he stepped to his horse's head and gently stroked his neck. Melowyn stepped forward slowly with her hand held out to give the horse the treat. After he had taken it she allowed him to smell her hand and get her scent. He snorted into her palm and then dropped his head to allow her to scratch the small star on his brow.

"Yes he seems very wild indeed." said Melowyn laughing and looking at Eomer who was watching her intently.

"He has taken to no one that easily not even me. You must truly have a gift with horses. His name is Swiftsong. He is one of Shadowfax, the Maera's foals. But tell me do you have a horse of your own that you have learned such skills from?" said Eomer kindly. He had know her many years and had never seen her with a horse, so perhaps she had acquired one after he had left.

"No I have been too busy taking care of Eowyn and my brother these long years to think of getting a horse for myself." said Melowyn flustered by his question and his gaze.

"Well that is something we shall have to fix. It is high time you were treated as morea Lady of Rohan than my sister's maid. I shall talk to my uncle about this tomorrow. Now come, let us let the grooms do their job. Meloden, Eowyn, we are needed to report to the King." said Eomer powerfully as a groom came and carefully took Swiftsong. Meloden and Eowyn came forward and walked with Eomer into the Hall. Melowyn followed slowly. All she could think about was that she should have said she had a horse.

There had been a huge banquet that night for the return of the men. Dispight the good tidings that only two men had been lost there was still an air of darkness. Theoden King did not look well at all, but tried it seemed to be merry and gay with the men. Melowyn had been allowed to attend much to the displeasure of Grima Wormtounge the advisor to the King. He had given her evil looks all night.

After hearing all the new war stories Melowyn was quite tired. After getting Eowyn ready for bed she had gone to her room. Her room was about the size of a large closet and located within Eowyn's rooms. The door was on the same wall as Eowyn's bed so that if she needed anything Melowyn would hear her calls. Her small room consisted of a washing bowl,chest of clothes, small table with chair, and a bed. It wasn't much, but it was still better than the servant's corridors. The bed was quite comfortable. It was pushed up against the wall of Eomer's room, which was just next door to Eowyn's rooms.

As Melowyn prepared for bed she thought she heard something coming from Eomer's room, but dismissed the thought for she figured he was still out celebrating and entertaining one of the Lady's of Rohan. Climbing into bed she snuggled into her covers and then reached over to extinguish the candle. Closing her eyes she figured sleep would come quickly until she heard a bumping against the wall that separated her room from Eomer's. After a few minutes she realized that the bumping had almost a rhythm to it. Sitting up she pressed her ear to the wall. On the other side she could make out the sounds of a bed bumping against the wall. It was then that she caught the faint sound of moaning, and realized just what Eomer was doing.

Great. He has another one in his bed. You know I was really hoping he had grown out of that. Apparently not! Great, now I wont be able to get any sleep. Thought Melowyn as she sat up in bed and tried not to think about what was happening every time the bed hit the wall. Just then she heard Eowyn calling for her. Bolting out of bed she went to see what was wrong.

"Eowyn what is it?" said Melowyn as she went to Eowyn's side. Eowyn had lit a candle and was sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Nothing really I just thought we could have a night of talking together like we used to do when we were younger. I stole some scones from the kitchen a minute ago and I thought we could sit, eat them, and talk." said Eowyn quietly.

"Oh. . . all right. Well what do you want to talk about?" said Melowyn as she sat next to Eowyn with the plate of scones between them. She was glad for the escape from Eomer's activities.

"Well, I am really worried for my Uncle. I think something is seriously wrong. Especially with Grima Wormtounge around. My Uncle seems to get weaker and weaker everyday. I amjust glad that Eomer is home. Hopefully that will help." said Eowyn sadly.

"Oh Eowyn, I know you worry for your Uncle, but you must believe that he will be ok. And yes Eomer being home will help." said Melowyn as she tried not to think of Eomer.

"I suppose you are right. But come let us talk of something else. We always talk of my troubles and my life. It is time we talked of you and what your problems are. So,is there a man you have taken a fancy to?" said Eowyn trying to change the subject to something that would cheer them both up.

"Eowyn! That is the most random question you have ever asked me." said Melowyn shocked.

"I know, but go on, is there?" said Eowyn smiling.

"Oh. . . I don't know." said Melowyn slowly as she blushed.

"Oh! There is!" said Eowyn excitedly. "Well go on who is it?"

"It is nothing Eowyn." said Melowyn, as she looked down.

"It is! Well is it on of the soldiers? One of Eomer and Meloden's friends?" said Eowyn excitedly, already trying to figure out how she could find out who it was and then how she could set them up.

"You could say that." mumbled Melowyn as she took a bite of one of the blueberry scones.

"Well which one is it? Harofling . . . no, Medowset . . . no, um Naringfold . . . No! Um. . . Graming. . . no . . . Hama . . . no. . ." started Eowyn, who then went on to name all of the men in Eomer's company of whom Melowyn shook her head to. "Well Mel that is all the men we know. Wait. . . is he from Gondor? . . .No, is he an Elf. . . No. Melowy, that is all of the men I can think of unless. . . Mel. . . you-you do not fancy. . . Eomer?" finished Eowyn slowly and quietly as if she feared the answer. All Melowyn could do was look away quickly. The blush that spread all over her body and through the cream of her nightgown is what gave it away.

"Oh my. . . Melowyn do you really fancy my brother?" said Eowyn smiling at her friend.

"Oh Eowyn you cannot tell a soul! This was not supposed to happen. Do you hate me?" said Melowyn quickly.

"Hate you, are you kidding? I love you and if I did not I do now. Do you not see, Eomer and you would be . . . perfect." said Eowyn, smiling widely.

"Perfect! Perfect! This is horrible! This was not supposed to happen!" said Melowyn hysterically.

"Calm down Melowyn. If you are not ready to admit it I will not push you." said Eowyn calmly.

"Not ready to admit it! There is nothing to admit Eowyn. I cannot have these feelings!" said Melowyn.

"Ok, I understand. Well come on let us go to bed. I can see you are quite tired." said Eowyn as she moved the scones to the floor.

"All right." said Melowyn as she got up and headed for her room hoping Eomer was done.

"Where are you going? You can sleep in here." said Eowyn, who did not want to let on that she knew exactly what was going on in Eomer's room.

"I could not Eowyn. I will be fine in my room." said Melowyn.

"No, I want you to stay. Besides your room is well. . . cold. Yes it's cold." said Eowyn, trying to think up something quickly. Melowyn gave her a skeptical look, but quickly caved.

"It is always cold, but all right I will sleep in here." said Melowyn as she came back across the room and onto the other side of Eowyn's large bed. Crawling under the covers she was realeaved to not have to listen to Eomer. Once Eowyn extinguished the candle the girls settled in comfortably.

"Mel?" said Eowyn after a few minutes.

"Hmm?"

"I am sorry he is such a jerk." said Eowyn. She then promptly rolled over and said no more. Melowyn laid there staring up at the roofing. Eowyn had known all along that she liked Eomer, and that Eomer was in the next room with some woman in his bed. She had to wonder just how much her friend missed.

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