Disclaimer: Lord of the rings and all associated characters, locations e.t.c are the property of the Tolkien estate. I am only borrowing them so please don't sue! The lyrics are by Within Temptation and are called Hand of Sorrow. I don't own them either.

A/N: This story is in Eowyn's point of view and is set between the battle of Helm's Deep and the mustering of the Rohirrim. Now that's sorted we can get to the story, so enjoy!

Hand of sorrow

I bite back the tears that his simple words brought. Tilting my head back to stop them from falling I look at the cloudless sky and try to discreetly shake the terrible voice from my mind. Of all the people who once dwelt here how could he be the one who saw so clearly? The ice had twisted itself around my heart and there was nothing I could do to stop it. Then to my surprise I slowly began to realise I didn't want to.

The long years of watching my brother gain so easily what I had to fight for everyday had taken it's toll. While he was out slaying orcs and saving our country I was forced into the slavery of caring for uncle and waiting for him to return. My being was killed through those years, I know everyone sees it. He can't understand what has happened to me since he returned, the child he used to protect had died and this cold creature has taken her form. A creature incapable of hope.

The child without a name grew up to be the hand
To watch you, to shield you or kill on demand
The choice he'd made he could not comprehend
His blood a grim secret they had to command

All the people of Rohan seem to think a woman should be nothing more than a servant to keep a home and bear sons to the men. The mocking smiles as I practiced everyday with my sword infuriated me. How dare they assume that I should remain prone! If I had been born a man I should be a great warrior and they would not think I was unworthy to fight.

He's torn between his honour and the true love of his life
He prayed for both but was denied

So many dreams were broken and so much was sacrificed
Was it worth the ones we loved and had to leave behind?
So many years have past, who are the noble and the wise?
Will all our sins be justified?

I may not be a man, but I can be a shield maiden. I can fight. I will fight. It is as he said; I am a daughter of kings, a shield maiden of Rohan. I will not be caged. The ice creeps into my eyes and hardens my heart for what must be done. Gondor now lies in my destiny whether I would wish it or not. I will ride there and seek my fate. To gain glory, or honourable death, it no longer matters to me.

Please forgive me for the sorrow, for leaving you in fear
For the dreams we had to silence, that's all they'll ever be
Still I'll be the hand that serves you
Though you'll not see that it is me

I am a Shieldmaiden of Rohan.

I am the Snow white lady.

I am Eowyn.


So many dreams were broken and so much was sacrificed
Was it worth the ones we loved and had to leave behind?
So many years have past, who are the noble and the wise?
Will all our sins be justified?

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