Theoden struggles in developing a relationship with his nephew.
Eomer Chronicles 7. The total number will depend on how many ideas I get for new vignettes.
A/N: As you probably know by now, I've been struggling with writing lately, but Turwaithien read these Chronicles recently and remarked that she'd like to see something on the relationship between Eomer and Theoden. Guess that idea stuck in my head, and this finally appeared.
Bridges
(Edoras, late May, 3003 III)
"My lord?"
Theoden roused from his reverie. He had been watching his nephew depart through the large doors at the other end of the Great Hall, and became inattentive to his steward.
"I am sorry. My mind was elsewhere. We are finished, unless you have something more to discuss."
The man gave a respectful bow and moved away, but already Theoden's thoughts had turned again to his musings.
What to do about Eomer, that was the question. Theoden sighed heavily. Eowyn was beginning to settle, though she still clung to Eomer and always wanted to be with him. But she was speaking more, and the king sensed a resiliance in the child that would see her through this.
Eomer was another matter. The lad carried a heavy weight on his young shoulders, put there entirely by himself. He accepted some help from his kin, but seemed to believe he must be a man now, and take full responsibility for his and Eowyn's well-being. Theoden also sensed a deep anger in the boy, and he could readily understand it. His life had been torn apart and there was frustratingly little that he could do about it. He was not old enough to seek his revenge on the orcs who killed his father, or even work off his turmoil in intense battle training. His lessons did not fully engage his mind, or provide an outlet for the unrest inside him. That flight to Aldburg had been a desperate cry for normalcy in his life, and Theoden did not know how to give it to him.
He had tried talking to him, making time to be with him, but there was always a restraint in Eomer. He was holding back his emotions and thoughts, perhaps fearful of being wounded further if he trusted…or loved again.
Well, the very least he could do for Theodwyn was to care for her son as if he were his own. He would not allow the difficulty of the situation to make him give up. Perhaps it would merely take time for the boy to become confident in their affections for him, and believe that he could return them without fear.
"Father?"
He blinked in surprise, glancing up. "Oh, Theodred. I did not know you had returned. All is well in the Westfold?"
"Yes," Theodred answered slowly, eyeing his father with curiosity. "Are you well?"
The king smiled at his son. "I am." He rose to lay a hand on the young man's shoulder. "I am merely trying to determine how to help Eomer…adjust. He has been through so much, yet I feel he distances himself from us. I would have him feel at home here, and at ease with us."
Theodred nodded, his expression solemn. "I have noticed. I try to encourage his speaking of his concerns, but he will not be drawn out."
They stood in silence for several minutes, until Theodred announced, "Perhaps he would like to learn to carve wood. I know that has been a restful pastime for me. Maybe it would help settle his fretful thoughts if he is able to concentrate on something outside himself."
Theoden nodded his approval. "A good idea. As for me…" A sudden inspiration came to him. "Eomund said the boy was good with horses. Perhaps it is time that he has his own to train. That, too, would give him an occupation for his time and energy."
"A better use of it than trips to Aldburg?" Theodred asked pointedly.
"Indeed!" Theoden chuckled, then sobered. "I tried not to have him think I was angry with him about that, but I am not sure that I succeeded. He seems even more wary of me now than before. I must find some way to gain his trust."
"You will, Father, I have no doubt. Eomer is much like his father was, and Eomund did not trust easily either. In many ways, Eomer has even greater reason not to do so, but between us we will make him see that he can and should."
They walked to Theoden's study, their talk turning to matters in the Westfold, but Theoden kept his decision in the back of his mind. Early the next morning, he arranged for certain horses to be placed in the small paddock just outside the royal stables. Satisfied, he joined the family for the morning meal. It was a fairly quiet affair. Theodred talked cheerfully, as was his wont, but Eomer remained mostly silent save for when he was directly spoken to or asked a question. Occasionally Eowyn would chime in, but Theoden could not say that the meal was without strain.
When it was clear that everyone was finished, Theoden signaled their dismissal, but then as he rose, asked, "Eomer, will you walk with me?"
The boy looked uncertainly at him, surprised by the request, and Eowyn clearly was about to ask to join them. However, Theodred had discerned his father's purpose and interceded. "Eowyn, shall we go for an early ride before I must be about my day?"
The girl's eyes lit up at the offer and she readily consented, allowing Theodred to lead her from the room, though she cast a worried look back at her brother. Eomer tried to reassure her with a smile, even though he did not feel very assured at the moment. But the king's question hung in the air, and he must answer. "Of…of course, Uncle. If you wish it."
Theoden kept his expression impassive and gestured to the boy, laying an arm about his shoulders as they exited the chamber to the Hall. They walked in silence the length of it, Theoden waving off his steward who would have joined them. Eomer continued to steal worried glances at his uncle, though he dared not speak or ask the reason for this audience.
They had exited onto the front terrace and started down the steps before Theoden spoke. "I fear sometimes my duty as king does not allow me so much time with my family as I would wish. I would not have you or Eowyn feel neglected by me."
This declaration seemed to call for some response on his part, and Eomer respectfully replied, "We do not feel neglected, Uncle. We know you are busy."
Careful, polite remarks, and not what Theoden was seeking. They strode to the small paddock that contained several horses, and Theoden came to a stop, leaning on the fence to pensively watch the animals mill about the enclosure.
Eomer mimicked his posture and tried not to worry about the reason his uncle might have singled him out for conversation. He still was not sure that the king wasn't angry with him. He knew he shouldn't have ridden to Aldburg on his own, but he was jumping out of his own skin lately, and simply had to run…somewhere. Aldburg was the only place he could think to go. And, yet, when he got there, he had not found solace. He had worried the entire time about what Theoden would say and do when he was discovered missing, he had worried about leaving Eowyn, and in the end he was almost glad when the king came to retrieve him. He could have hoped it was Theodred instead of his uncle, as Theodred seemed more easygoing and understanding, but that had not been the case. The king said he was not angry, but Eomer did not feel assured that was so.
Finally, Theoden seemed ready to explain why they had come here. Turning to look at the boy, he said simply, "Eomer, I cannot promise you that those you love will never die. Already you know that is not true. But you cannot let that knowledge make you afraid to care about others, fearful of losing them as you have lost your parents. Whatever else you know, or even just believe, know this – I love both you and your sister as if you were my own children. I will continue to love you so long as I draw conscious breath, and Theodred feels just the same. The loss of his mother at his birth meant he had no opportunity for brothers or sisters, and though he is quite a bit older, he does desire to have you and Eowyn consider him a brother."
Eomer's jaw tightened and he looked away, to follow the movements of the horses rather than meet his uncle's gaze. It was difficult to contain his emotions, but Eowyn was counting on him to care for them now. He must be a man, and men did not show weakness with tears.
Theoden's arm came around his shoulder again, noting the slight tremor as he did, and then said quietly, "I do not ask to replace your parents; you loved them dearly, as did I. But neither would I have you believe that you are alone in the world save for Eowyn. We are here for you; we will care for you for as long as we are able. You may hold to that when the world seems an uncertain place. And if anything were to happen to you, we would be there for Eowyn, just as we would for you, if she were taken from us." He sighed heavily and added, "I would not see you struggle so with the burdens you have taken on yourself. I am sure my sister asked you to look after Eowyn, but I know she did not mean for you to do it all on your own. She laid that same charge on me, to look after both of you. And I do not regret having agreed to it."
Eomer swallowed hard, his eyes swimming with the tears he would not let fall, but Theoden looked away, giving him time to recover. After several minutes had passed in silence, Theoden gestured into the paddock. "The dark gray colt there, over by that post. He is a son of my own Snowmane, and I have named him Tungol. Your father often spoke proudly of how accomplished you are with horses, and he fully intended to find a good mount for you. I think perhaps Tungol might suit you, if you would be interested in taking on his training."
The boy's head jerked around to stare at Theoden, and then quickly turned back to the horse. It was overwhelming to think he was being given his own horse, and one he could train all on his own. After a moment, though, he honestly admitted, "I…I am not sure I know enough to train him on my own."
"Perhaps not," Theoden replied with a shrug, detecting the reluctance in the lad's voice at confessing he might not be equal to the task, "but Theodred will help whenever he is at Edoras, and there are plenty of men in the stables with much experience. They will help you when you need it."
Eomer brightened at the renewed hope, his mind already forming ideas on how to proceed. After a moment, he climbed the fence and dropped into the paddock, moving slowly over to the colt to take a closer look, and Theoden smiled as he watched the boy's eagerness.
Yes, this had been a very inspired idea. There were still likely to be difficult patches ahead in their relationship, but he had the feeling this one act alone might build a bridge more quickly than any other. He chuckled to himself; his hope had been renewed as well.
THE END
5/15/12 – 5/31/12
Tungol – "star"
