TA:3005

The years passed slowly on. Threats from the East grew ever steadily. Many men had not returned from battles across the Folde. Orcs and Wags plagued their lands but Theoden King held steadfast. Despite the threats coming from their Eastern borders, the people of Rohan maintained their lives.

Crops needed harvesting, horses needed breeding, and soldiers needed training. Perhaps it was their pride or just their stubbornness, but the Rohirrim refused to fall victim to the beasts and wolves.

Life at Edoras was no different. Theoden led his people with grace and strength. With the help of his Marshal's and councilmen, he made sure that his people flourished. Aldric was named Third Marshal of the Mark shortly after Eomund's death. With Theoden as First Marshal and Theodred, Second Marshal, the three men cared for Rohan like no other.

Even Annalynn held her own duties at the urge of her king. Not long after Eomund's death had Theodwyn succumbed to grief and followed her husband. With Eomer off at the Hornburg, Annalynn was given the task of caring for Eowyn. It was not long before the young child saw Annalynn as a sister, and vice versa. However, soon the two would be considered actual family. Theodred had asked for Guwenifers hand, which she gladly accepted.

Theoden rejoiced in the continuation of his house and tonight there would be a feast held in their honor. Which led to Annalynn being shoved into the kitchens by Cersei and marched throughout the Golden Hall by Freyga. Both finding something useful for the young woman to do, for which Annalynn was grateful. After three years, Eomer would be returning to Edoras. Theoden was well satisfied with all that he had learned in Helm's Deep and decided that it was time for him to come home. The thought of seeing him again had set her nerves on fire.

The two had kept in close contact throughout the years, much as they had before. Those within Meduseld could range her emotions by the frequency of the Lords letters. It was no secret that they held each other in high regard, Annalynn even found out from Hama that Elfhelm and Erkenbrand held a wager to see how long the two would hold out before they themselves were wed.

She had just finished placing a strand of garland high up on the pillars in the grand hall when Eowyn came racing in. "Annie! They're here!" She jumped excitedly. It was late in the afternoon and the feast would begin just after sundown, those traveling from Helm's Deep were said to arrive just before then. "Already?" Annalynn crawled down from the ladder. "They were not due 'til just before dusk." She wiped her hands on a small rag as she chased after the child. They walked towards the terrace and looked past the gates. A large horde was slowly filing into the gates at the base of Edoras.

"Which one is brother?" Eowyn asked, jumping to see over the stone wall. Annalynn shook her head, lifting the young girl up and sat her atop of the wall. "I'm not sure. It has been some time since we last saw him. He could have changed considerably." She scanned the crowds, but in the sea of armor and blonde, she could not make out Eomer.

Then at last, the painted stallion that was Firefoot made his way towards steps of Meduseld. "Annie look!" She could barely make out the rider, but knowing full well the only person Firefoot allowed to ride him was the son of Eomund.

"Come on. Let's go greet your brother."

Pulling her down from the wall, Eowyn grabbed Annalynn's hand and together they walked, well tried to walk but Eowyn started running for her brother, to the front steps.

Theoden and the others had assembled in the front hall to welcome home the riders. Annalynn shooed Eowyn to her Uncle, and she took her place beside her mother. The small band of riders climbed the steps to the Hall, and Annalynn took in his appearance.

Long gone was the boy she said goodbye too all those years ago. He stood tall, muscles hidden beneath his armor, and looking all that a soldier should with his sword at his side. "I dare say little sister, I am jealous. He has become more handsome than my husband, and at half the age." Guwenifer whispered to her sister. Annalynn could only nod as she stared at Eomer. His eyes caught hers causing her heart stop.

"Eomer!" Eowyn shouted as she ran towards her brother. His gaze was torn from her as he picked up his little sister. She threw her arms around his neck and held tightly. "You're back!" Releasing her brother, she grabbed his hand and led him towards the others.

Eomer hugged his cousin and uncle. "It is good to see you." Theoden told his adoptive second son. Once he released him, Eomer greeted the others. After a few words with her father, he walked towards her, a smile on his face. Without word, he took her in his arms and held tight. She could hear the giggles from her mother and sister, but ignored them as she wrapped her arms around him. "You got taller." She murmured into his chest. Before, she was only a few inches short than he, but now, he almost held a half foot over her. The top of her head barely reaching his collarbone.

"Nay, you have just gotten shorter." He teased. Annalynn pushed back from his grasp and shoved his shoulder.

"I am sorry to pull you away my dear, but there is still much to be done." Cyndol grabbed her daughter's arm, "I am sure Lord Eomer would like to rest before tonight's festivities." She all but winked at the young man.

Annalynn begrudgingly followed after her mother. She was still needed in the kitchens, not to mention she needed to bathe and dress for tonight. "Come on dear sister." Guwenifer teased as she tugged her baby sister towards the kitchens.

Eomer just gave her a small smile as she was dragged away by the two.

The Grand Hall of Edoras was abuzz with excitement. Many were congratulating the new couple and many were already feverish with drink. Never in her life had Annalynn see so many drunken men of Rohan in one place. Children ran across the hall, chasing after one another. It was truly a remarkable sight.

Annalynn sat next to Eomer at the end of the high table. Theodred and Guwenifer worked their way through the throngs of people offering their congratulations. With a nudge from Eomer, she looked up and saw Theoden standing from his seat trying to calm his people.

"Today, we celebrate the coming of two houses. Today, we celebrate the birth of a new age. Today, we swear by peace and love, to stand heart to heart and hand to hand, may the Spirit of the Mark hear us now confirming this their sacred vow." Theoden raised his goblet and toasted to the would be married couple.

"Here!" All shouted and drank with their King.

With another wave of his hand, the small band started playing. Theodred lead Guwenifer out to an opening in the floor and with others, they began dancing.

A tall figured made its way towards the high table, one that Annalynn recognized right away. "Uncle Bain!" She stood from her chair and raced towards the old man. With open arms, he enveloped the young girl.

"My dear child, how you've grown." He chuckled.

"When did you get here? Did Grandmamma come with you?" She looked around the room for her mothers mother, but unable to see her.

"She did, I believe she is currently trying to finagle a seat closer to your sister."

A hand touched her shoulder and Annalynn turned to see Eomer with a quizzical look on his face. "Oh, I am terribly sorry. Where are my manners?" Bain laughed at his niece. "Uncle Bain, this is Eomer, son of Eomund, nephew to Theoden King. Eomer, this is my uncle Bain, son of Bard, King of Dale."

Eomer looked as if he had just been slapped in the face. He knew that her mothers family had come from Dale, he did not not know she was apart of a royal line. "My Lord." Eomer bowed deeply before the visiting King.

"Does all of Theoden's house have my nieces enthralled?" A deep blush crept up her neck at her Uncle's words. "I had hoped you and your sister would marry Men of Dale. We lost your mother to the Rohirrim, we had hoped to keep at least one of you." He jested.

"We are not formally engaged yet sir." Eomer blurted out, causing Annalynn's blush to deepen.

Bain let out a deep laugh, "I should hope not my boy, after all she is of only thirteen years. Hardly an appropriate age for courtship."

"Though I doubt there would be any other that could tempt her into courtship." Cyndol added as she came towards them, her mother on her arm. "Hello Uncle." She greeted him with a hug and a kiss on his cheek.

"Grandmamma." Annalynn smiled as her brought her grandmother in for a hug.

"Let me look at you my child." Standing back, Tilda, daughter of Bard, surveyed her granddaughter. It had been long since she had seen either of grandchildren. Annalynn was just of eight years old. Here she stood now, practically a woman. "You look just like my mother." Her eyes crinkled in there corners. "And who might this strapping young man be?" Her eyes darted towards Eomer.

"Grandmamma, this is Eomer, Theoden King's nephew." Eomer bowed again "My lady."

"And he has manners." Tilda clapped her hands together. "Does he have enough manners to ask an old woman to dance?"

Annalynn stifled back a laugh, covering her mouth with her hand as her grandmother led Eomer out onto the dance floor. He looked back at her with a terrified looked in his eyes. "I think she liked him." Cyndol winked at her.

She laughed aloud as Tilda wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her head on his chest. "I think so too mother."

The night grew on; many had abandoned the party in favor of their beds. Some were dragged from the hall by their family and friends after they had consumed too much ale.

A soldier clad in the colors of Dale made their way towards the high table where the House of Eorl and the House of Bard sat. "My King." He bowed deeply. "A messenger came bearing information on Prince Brand and company."

Holding out his hand, he took the rolled parchment from the young soldier. "It seems that King Thranduil needed his presence on some trade matters."

"The Elven king?" Theodred looked up at his soon to be uncle.

"Yes, long has Dale been in business with the elven kingdom, since before the city was rebuilt." Bain clarified.

"My King," the soldier pulled another rolled parchment from his armor, "King Thranduil also offers a gift to you and your family on behalf of the engagement."

"He did?" Guwenifer looked shocked.

"And what did his majesty have to send?" Bain smirked; Thranduil always did have a knack for dramatic flair.

"Four barrels of his finest wine sire. They will be delivered when Prince Brand and company take their leave."

"Thank you, if that is all." With a wave, he sent the soldier on his way, but he did not move. He shifted nervously on his feet, eyes darting from the King to Annalynn. "Is there something else?"

"N-n-no sire." With a bow, he turned and almost ran of the hall. Cyndol chuckled from her seat as she watched the poor man leave.

Bain looked at his niece with an amused grin, "Is something the matter my dear?" She stared at her uncle, a large smile on her face. "No Uncle there is not. Though, I am surprised Arryn did not say hello to his dearest friend."

Annalynn almost dropped her cup at her mothers' words. "Arryn?" Then it all dawned on her who the guard was. "That was Arryn?" Guwenifer laughed from her seat as she remembered the little boy.

"I remember him, he held such conviction that he was going to marry the fair Lady Annalynn." She teased her baby sister.

She stared wide eyed at her sister, her head making slight nods to Eomer, whom also held a surprised and confused expression. "You needn't worry Eomer; Annie never held any interest in him. In fact, she never held any interest in men."

"Unless it was in battle!" Aldric joked along with his eldest.

Her face fully enflamed, Annalynn stood from the table. "If I may be excused. It is time for Eowyn to be in bed." The young girl slumped down in her seat. "But Uncle, I am old enough to stay awake." She pleaded, grabbing her uncles' hand and staring up at him with tearful eyes.

"No, Lady Annalynn is right. It is long past your bedtime. Go on now." He kissed her forehead and sent her on her way. Annalynn grabbed her hand and the two left the hall.

"All tucked in?" After much fighting, Annalynn managed to get Eowyn in her nightgown and into bed. The little girl nodded her head and shimmied down in her blankets. "Good night little one." She kissed her brow and turned to put out a few of the candles.

"Annie?" She hummed a response as she squashed the flames. "Do you love my brother?" Annalynn stopped and turned to Eowyn. "I'm not sure what you mean."

"Do you love my brother, like Theodred loves Guwen?"

Annalynn grabbed an overdress that was hanging off her bed. 'Do I love him?'

"Unlike Theodred and my sister, we have not had much time together, to get to know one another." She could see the frown settling in on her face. Annalynn quickly changed her response. "I do care deeply for him."

"Do you think you'll marry him?" Eowyn asked with hopefully eyes.

"I am not sure little one." She placed the overdress inside a chest at the trunk of her bed. "Perhaps. One day, should he ask me."

With a happy nod, Eowyn turned onto her side and closed her eyes. Annalynn finished turning out the lights, leaving only a window light and her fireplace burning. With quiet twist, she opened the door and left the room.

Making her way down towards her own room, she saw a tall figure standing in the hallway. "Eomer?"

With a small smile on his face, he turned towards her. "I was hoping to walk you to your room?" He held his arm out for her.

"That is a generous request; however my room is just right here." She pointed to the door opposite him. "After the King put Eowyn under my charge, I moved by room closer to hers."

"I don't think I've thanked you for looking after her while I was away." He turned his head from her with a look of shame across his face.

She knew being away for so long was hard for him. Eowyn was all he had left in the world. He cared for his Uncle and cousin, but Eowyn was his little sister and he had sworn to protect her at all costs. "You did what you thought was best, there is no shame or fault in that." She smiled at him as she made her for her bedroom door.

"Annalynn." He grabbed her by her arm and pulled her close. "I want to thank you."

"There is no need." Their closeness made her stomach turn in knots. Never had she seen his eyes clearly, as she did now. From a distance, they looked brown, but this close, she saw a shade of green she never thought possibly. "I am glad too."

Her words felt heavy on her tongue, why was it that this man made her feel so weak. "Please…" No more words were needed when his lips touched hers.

The world seemed to stop and spin all at once. Her heart raced beneath her chest and the flutter in her stomach felt as though a thousand birds raged war inside her. With closed eyes, she pressed her lips to meet his. His grip on her arm lessened, and soon this thumb traced its way towards her hand. In what felt like after an eternity, Eomer pulled back, resting his forehead against hers.

Annalynn could have laughed but instead a wide smile broke across her face as she stared at the man who had all but claimed her heart. "Goodnight." His breath whispered against her skin.

"Goodnight Eomer." He kissed her brow and released her. With trembling hands, she reached for her door. Once in the doorway, she turned and stared at him one last time before shutting it completely.

She willed her heart stillness as she leaned against the door, but it just pounded under her bosom like war drums. With a high squeal, she dove to her bed. Sleep would not come easily, but despite the giddiness that forged inside her, she knew that tomorrow would bring forth a numerous workload. As she changed into her nightgown, she could not keep a smile from her face. "What has this boy done to me?" With a giggle, she felt the warmth of her comforter enshroud her, thinking of the man that invaded her dreams night after night. However, now, she could dream and know exactly what it was like to have him kiss her.