The rain fell in cold, wavering sheets beneath a dreary gray sky, turning the plains of Rohan into a thick, clinging muck. Two figures, mud-splattered and drenched to the skin, trudged in stony silence towards Edoras. Each man was leading his horse behind him. One appeared to be limping slightly, the other winced periodically as if his head pained him, and both seemed to be keeping a distinct distance from each other.

Finally, as if the effort had cost him dearly, Eomer ground out between clenched teeth, "The fault was mine."

Faramir didn't turn to look at him. "Not at all," he replied rather coolly.

"No," Eomer insisted as they plodded on. "I am, after all, the more experienced rider."

Faramir's reply was studiously neutral. "Indeed."

"I should not have plotted so treacherous a course through the woods. Then that branch would not have hit your..."

"It's quite all right," Faramir interrupted, wincing slightly as his head throbbed at the reminder.

After a few moments, the silence broken only by the patter of the rain and the squelching of their footsteps, Faramir gave a sidelong glance. "And you would not have fallen and twisted your ankle, had your steed not taken that unfortunate stumble."

Eomer clenched his jaw. "True."

"I'm certain under most circumstances you would have been paying more attention."

"Yes." Eomer narrowed his eyes as if trying to send a mental message that the conversation should end now.

Faramir, however, seemed to be rather enjoying himself. "And of course, if I had not struck my head in the first place, you would not have been looking back over your shoulder and l-"

"All right!" Eomer snapped. After another prolonged silence, he grudgingly admitted, "I should not have laughed at your misfortune."

Faramir shrugged slightly. "Quite all right."

"I...apologize for my behavior."

Faramir gave a quiet smile, still looking straight ahead. "Think nothing of it."

"Eowyn would not be pleased to hear her brother and her husband had behaved so childishly."

"No, indeed." Edoras was growing ever closer, and the horses swished their tails impatiently. Finally, Faramir asked a bit hesitantly, "You will have the servants draw up some hot baths, will you not?"

Eomer grimaced. "Without delay."

"And some fresh garments."

"Most certainly."

"So Eowyn need not know of the incident with the polecat."

Eomer winced, wrinkling his nose, and paused before answering. Then he turned his head towards Faramir, and said in a slightly pleading voice, "I'll not tell her if you won't."

Faramir sighed, and returned Eomer's glance with a weary smile. "Have no fear of that."

At that, the brothers-in-law nodded assent, and continued their journey through the unceasing rain.