Eomer tries to run from his troubles.

Eomer Chronicles 8. The total number will depend on how many ideas I get for new vignettes.

A/N: Guess the Chronicle I just posted recently brought this to mind also. Whoo hoo! Two in a row!

Flight

(Edoras, early May, 3003 III)

"You sure about this?" Eothain's eyes flicked nervously around, making certain they had not been noticed, then settled back on Eomer.

The other lad nodded. "Yes. I…I must go. I cannot stay here." There was a note of pleading for understanding in Eomer's voice, though he had not spoken an actual reason.

After a moment, Eothain nodded. "With my old clothes on, the guards will not take much notice of you, and I am allowed to go out riding on the barrowfields. We leave together just before the guard changes, and after a good long while I will return. If we are fortunate, the new guards will not know there should be two of us."

Eomer gathered the reins of the horse Eothain had managed to get for him, swallowing hard to quell the excitement – and panic – sending spasms through his stomach. Without a word, the boys mounted and departed once Eothain had determined there was no one near who might challenge them. Eomer carefully fell in on the side of his friend that would be farthest from the guards, though he was not sure they would recognize him anyway. Eothain's clothes were baggy on him and he had carefully mussed his hair and smudged his face with dirt to disguise his features.

As they drew near the gate, the guards looked at them with mild interest, but Eothain gave them a friendly wave and they were permitted to pass on through. "Do not go far," one of the guards cautioned, and Eothain waved again in acknowledgement.

They trotted along until they were safely out of view of the gate guards, and then drew to a halt. This is it, Eomer thought.

"Be…be careful," Eothain warned. "My father says the orcs are becoming bolder. So far they have stayed away from the bigger towns, but you might still meet some on the road, and it is a long way to Aldburg."

"Orcs do not like the daylight," Eomer replied, with false confidence. "And I will be there before nightfall. I should be safe enough." He fished at the back of his waist, under his shirt, and drew forth a sheathed dagger. "And I snuck this from Theodred's room, in case I need it."

Eothain chewed his lip in silence, then finally said, "Good luck, Eomer."

There seemed to be nothing more to say, and Eomer had no reason to delay longer. To do so would increase the chances of his being caught. "Thank you for your help. I will see that the horse gets back to you."

Eothain watched for a long time as Eomer slowly disappeared into the distance. He was probably going to get into a good deal of trouble for this, but no matter. His father had always stressed that you stood by your friends, even at difficult times. Eomer said he needed to do this, and that was good enough for Eothain.

He just hoped nothing would happen to his friend on the road. The possibility of orcs still worried him. He had heard enough of them from his father to know they were fearsome creatures. All the men hated them vehemently. But Eomer was on a good horse – probably he could outrun them if he did meet up with any. Yes, his friend would probably be safe. Probably.

At first, Eomer kept up a hard gallop, intent only on putting as much distance as possible between him and Edoras before he might be discovered missing. He couldn't be sure when exactly that would happen, though luckily only Eothain knew where he was going and so it would take pursuers time to figure it out.

After a league, though, he drew to a walk for a time. He was too much a horseman even at so young an age to misuse his mount. Now that he had slowed, he could enjoy the unexpected freedom and was more aware of the country around him. If he stayed on the road, it would be difficult for anyone to approach him without being seen. That ought to give him warning if there were any orcs around. Another reason not to overtax his horse – he wanted him fresh enough to outrun them if it became necessary.

For the next hour Eomer varied his pace, all his senses attuned to getting to Aldburg, getting home. It wasn't that he disliked Edoras, or that his uncle and cousin didn't care for him – it was not so. But ever since coming to Meduseld after his mother died, something had churned inside him, seeking release. He couldn't put words to it, so how could he explain it to others if not to himself? Theodred encouraged his confidences, but he could not seem to let down his guard. To do so meant you could be hurt, it meant pain, and he had already had more than enough of that.

He was grateful that Eothain had so willingly helped him, as he was not sure he could have done it on his own. There would have been no way to sneak a horse from his uncle's stables, and a guard would have been sent with him if anyone knew he was going outside the gates.

For all that he had bloodied Eothain and blacked his eye on their first encounter, he had become a true friend. Certainly his sticking his neck out to do this proved it. Whatever it took, Eomer would find some way to repay him. Such friends as that were rare. He just hoped Eothain wouldn't be in too much trouble when Eomer's absence was discovered.

xxx

"Where is Eomer?" Eowyn asked insistently, and the nurse shook her head in irritation.

"I have told you, child, I do not know where your brother is. Likely he is off playing with his friends. He will be home by supper, I am sure. Now, eat your dinner."

Theoden was entering the chamber and caught the conversation. "Eomer is not here?" he asked.

The nurse instantly became more formal. "No, my lord. I believe he went to play with his friends after breakfast. Likely he is taking his meal with one of them."

Theoden nodded as he sat down next to Eowyn, giving her a warm smile. "So, it is just the two of us? A rare treat! What have you been doing today, Eowyn?"

Distracted by the attention, Eowyn began telling of her morning activities as Theoden dished his plate with food. Even as he listened, though, a niggle of concern settled at the back of his mind. Eomer had kept his thoughts to himself ever since arriving here, and would not let them into his confidence, so it was difficult knowing what was going on in the boy's head. Yet, Theoden sensed his unrest, an anger and frustration bubbling below the surface and seeking an outlet. For all his reserve, though, Eomer had ever been polite and dutiful. If he was not to be here for a meal, Theoden would have expected him to send word of his whereabouts. It concerned him that such had not happened this time as it had in the past.

With the meal ending and her own tales told, Eowyn's thoughts turned again to her brother, and she voiced it once more. "But where is Eomer, Uncle? I want to see him!"

"I know, little one, but he is off playing. We will see him at supper. I suppose we must find other things to occupy our time until then. And I believe you have some lessons that will keep you busy this afternoon."

Eowyn's face reflected her annoyance at having to do lessons while Eomer played, but she managed to keep silent and do as she was told. She was not yet confident enough to challenge her uncle or cousin on anything they told her to do, and Mama had always told her she must be respectful of the King.

The nurse led Eowyn away, her frown expressing her displeasure even if she dared say nothing, but Theoden had already struck off for his study. Calling to his steward, he instructed, "Find Hama and send him to me."

Moments later, Hama stood in the doorway. "You sent for me, my lord?"

"Yes, Hama. Eomer did not join us for dinner. Probably there is no cause for alarm, but would you have someone look around and find out where the lad is, just in case?"

"Of course, my lord." He moved quickly away, back to the Hall and signaled to one of his men. "Garmund, does not the king's nephew sometimes spend time with your son?"

"He does, my lord," Garmund acknowledged.

"Would you go and see if they are together, and that all is well? The king is wondering why Eomer did not come for the noon meal, or send word that he would be absent."

"I will look into it," Garmund replied, with a short bow.

It did not take long for him to reach his home, but neither boy was there and his wife advised they had asked for some food to take on a picnic. A check of the stables showed that their two horses were missing. Although nothing seemed amiss in any of this, Garmund had an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach that all was not as it appeared. He set off for the gate, though surely the guards would not allow Eomer to leave without an escort.

The two men who greeted him acknowledged that his son had been riding on the barrowfields, and returned a short while ago, but he had been alone. After thanking them, Garmund started the trek back up the hill, but stopped to gaze around him, rubbing his jaw. Something was amiss. He felt sure of it. A thought struck him, and he headed for the guard hut, to learn who had been on duty when his son went outside the gates. Once he had the names, he headed for the nearest man's house.

If he was surprised at the visit from Garmund, he did not remark on it, merely inviting him inside. Garmund declined, but pursued his purpose, "My son went out on the barrowfields this morning while you were on watch. Was he alone?"

"No, sir. There was another boy with him, one I did not recognize." He shifted nervously, wondering if something were the matter and he was in trouble.

"Hmmm. Thank you," Garmund told him absentmindedly, turning away. He was not liking the look of this at all.

It took a while to locate Eothain within the town, but at length Garmund found him with Cadda and Aldfrid. He could not miss the guilty expression on his son's face when he saw his father coming to him in the middle of the day. He rose slowly from the game they had been playing, and the other boys eyed them questioningly from where they squatted on the ground.

Garmund gestured for his son to step away from the others, and they walked a few feet down the road for a little privacy. Coming to a stop, Garmund caught his son's shoulder, turning Eothain to face him and looking him squarely in the eye. "The king's nephew, Eomer, has gone missing, Eothain. Is he not a friend of yours?"

"Y…yes," Eothain admitted reluctantly, but unwilling to lie. He offered nothing more.

"Theoden is very worried about him, son. What do you know of Eomer's whereabouts?" Garmund persisted, intuitively certain his son was not innocent in this matter, even if the evidence hadn't already implicated him.

"I…he is gone to Aldburg," Eothain confessed on a sigh. "He is my friend," he added defiantly. "He said he must go, and so I helped him."

Garmund rubbed his face wearily. Of course. Some thought Eothain was a bully because of his size, but in truth the lad had a big heart. Still, the king would not be pleased. However, at least they knew where to look, and that was something. "I will talk with you more about this later," Garmund said, turning away. Chastisement could wait; they needed to find Eomer before anything could happen to him. The boys did not understand how dangerous this undertaking truly was.

xxx

Eomer had stopped to eat his meager provisions of bread and cheese when he heard them. At first he did not understand what the tramping sound indicated, but some inner voice told him to hide quickly, and he heeded it without conscious thought. Concealed in a thick clump of bushes, Eomer kept a hand over the horse's nose to keep him silent as he peered out. In only a few moments, a group of some dozen creatures jogged into view. They were scabby, foul things and he knew at once that these were the orcs his father so often spoke of, and had died fighting.

At the sight of them, Eomer's blood roared in his ears, filling him with a rage at all the pain and trouble they had cost him. He wanted nothing more than to charge forth from his hiding place and slay them all. But in the next moment, he calmed, knowing instinctively how foolish such an act would be. He had seen what they did to his father's body, Eomund who'd had a sword in his hand and an eored of men behind him. One boy with a knife would stand no chance at all. To act foolishly would only mean causing Eowyn more pain when she learned of his death. No, he must avoid them…for now. When he was ready, when he had trained and was prepared, then he would make them pay.

They took no notice of his hiding place, but trotted past in tight formation, intent on wherever they were going. As soon as they were gone from sight, and he could no longer hear their footfall, he remounted and hastened onward. It was late-afternoon when he reached the gates of Aldburg. The gate guards let him pass, eyeing him curiously that such a young lad would be traveling alone, but better that he was inside than out in these times.

Now that he was here, Eomer was a little uncertain how to proceed. His home was here, yes, but he suspected Betersel would send word to the king of his presence if he showed himself, and he did not wish that. He knew there was an empty barn on the far side of the town. The owner had died and none of his family presently lived in the house or used the barn. That would make a good place to put his mount for now.

There was still some old, dusty hay in the barn, and he shook it to knock the worst of the dust out before giving it to the horse, along with a bucket of fresh water from the well. He settled down on a forgotten crate to consider his situation.

When he decided to flee Edoras and come here, he had not really given much thought to what he would do when he arrived. He had only known that he wanted to go home. Now that he was here, he was a bit at a loss for his next move. Possibly by now they would know he was missing. He hadn't sent word about not joining them for dinner so that would raise questions. When he didn't turn up for supper, they would be sure to start looking for him. How long would it take before they thought to question Eothain? He couldn't expect his friend to lie for him, and get into worse trouble, so they would eventually know his destination.

What would happen then? Would guards be sent to drag him back? His jaw tightened with determination, rebelling at the very idea, but unsure what he could do to prevent it if it happened. He had no quarrel with his kin; they had shown him only kindness, but they were not his parents. Eomer was the one given the charge to care for Eowyn, not them, and he must find a way to do it, though he had no clue how to proceed.

His stomach grumbled, and he felt how little he had eaten today. When it was dark, he could go to his house and sneak in – he well knew where he could slip in or out unnoticed. Once the kitchen staff settled for the night he would be able to get some food there. The upper garret room was never used except for storage. He could hide up there for a while and likely no one would think to check.

He pushed aside the thought that he was only postponing the inevitable, that they would surely find him in the end and he would be made to go back. In all honesty, he knew he must go back. Eowyn was there, and was depending on him. He couldn't abandon her. With a heavy sigh, he leaned his head back against the wall and closed his eyes. Life was so very complicated, and he saw no solutions to…anything.

xxx

The king looked up as Hama entered with Garmund close behind him. "My lord, we have determined where Eomer is, but you will not like it," Hama said solemnly, gesturing for Garmund to explain.

"My lord, I am very sorry, but it appears Eomer wished to go to Aldburg, and my son helped him to get a horse and leave Edoras undetected. He has been gone since shortly after the breakfast hour," Garmund offered, looking worried as to the repercussions of his words.

The king rubbed fretfully at his forehead. "I should have known. I should have seen it coming. He has not been happy, and I think only the winter weather likely kept him from attempting this sooner."

"My lord," Garmund said, "I will take some men and go at once to bring him home."

"No," Theoden replied, looking up at him. "No, I must go. I will not have him dragged back like some prisoner guilty of a crime. I must speak with him and persuade him to return with me."

"I am so very sorry, my lord," Garmund said, regretfully. "My son will be sorely punished for his part in this."

"No, the blame is not his," Theoden argued, holding up a hand to forestall Garmund's protest. "I am grateful the boy gave him a horse, else he might have attempted this on foot. At least mounted, there is some chance he made it safely. There is not much we can do tonight, but I want to ride at first light. Garmund, you will bring an escort of six men, and your son. He has been friendly with Eomer and so he may be of use to us."

Garmund nodded his understanding of the orders as the king resumed his seat, and Hama signaled for Garmund to take his leave. "Have you further need of me, Sire?"

"Just make sure all is in readiness for tomorrow, Hama. And send Eowyn to me," the king sighed tiredly, unheeding when his doorward left the room. How had things gotten so far out of hand?

xxx

Eomer must have fallen asleep for he awoke some time later, stiff and sore from the awkward position he was in. The barn was in darkness, and it took a few moments for his eyes to adjust and be able to make out the shadowy form of his horse and the furnishings of the building. He carefully made his way to the door and saw that the moon was already rising, and the town was mostly silent. Likely families were settling down to their supper, a thought that made his stomach growl once more, partially disguising the twinge of loneliness and despair that the notion caused.

After he had waited what seemed an acceptable period, Eomer quietly exited the barn and slipped through the shadows toward the large manor house near the front of the town. There would probably still be a guard at the entrance, but more than once he had scrambled over a back wall, making use of a convenient tree. From there, the vines provided handholds to ease himself to the ground, where he landed lightly, looking around to make sure he was not discovered. Satisfied that nothing disturbed the stillness of the night, he scurried to the cellar door. It could be entered from inside the house or out, and the inside entrance was in the back part of the kitchen where it was out of the way. He grabbed a couple of wrinkly winter apples and shoved them in his pockets for later. Much as he was tempted to eat one now, he feared the smell might catch someone's attention.

A maid was still washing a few dishes in the kitchen, so he settled on the steps to wait for her to leave. It took more than a quarter hour by his estimate before she finished and doused the lanterns as she left the room. He waited a bit longer to make sure neither she nor anyone else returned, and then crept in. He had snuck into the kitchen often enough that he could readily make his way around in the semi-darkness. Luckily the rising moon coming through the window was mostly full tonight, making it easier for him to collect food and stuff it into a little-used hamper that had been stored in the cellar.

Once he had food, the next task was to get up to the uppermost floors without being seen. That was trickier, but not impossible. When his family had been in residence, there were more servants bustling about, but now only a minimal staff remained. He had overheard Theoden discussing whether to close the house entirely, but as yet no firm decision had been reached. His stomach clenched at the thought – closing the house would be as though even more of him had died.

With careful forays from floor to floor, ducking into empty rooms or behind curtains as needed, he reached the garret, breathing a sigh of relief. Somehow the moon seemed even brighter up here, and he stood for several long moments gazing out at it and feeling very alone. If nothing else, Eowyn would have missed him by now. He was sorry for the distress he was causing her, but he could never have managed this if he brought her along. Surely she would be fine until he was able to return, though even he did not know when that would be or under what circumstances.

He turned from the window and settled on a dusty chair, pulling the hamper closer and fishing out some cold meat to chew on. He would need to eat sparingly, as he didn't want to have to get more food too soon. Cook would likely notice if too much food went missing all at once. Cook. How he longed for one of her hot apple tarts, covered in cream! She had known how much he liked them and tried to make them at least a couple of times each month just to see his grin of pleasure. He had missed her, and Betersel, and several others these past few months. They had virtually been a part of his family, too, and going to live in Edoras meant being torn from them also.

Despite his earlier nap, he found he was still very tired after his day's efforts. At least an hour had passed while he ate and reminisced about life at Aldburg, so probably most would have retired to their rooms by now. If he was very quiet, he should be able to creep down and find a pillow and blankets to sleep on.

His excursion through the halls went without mishap, save one moment when Betersel had suddenly come upstairs for something and almost caught him out. She had paused, looking around at the head of the stairs and he thought she must have seen or heard him, but then she moved on, and returned downstairs soon after. He let out an unsteady breath, not having realized he was holding it. Part of him had almost wanted her to find him. Betersel was the head housekeeper, but she had cared for Eomer and his sister as if they were her own children, both before Theodwyn took ill, but especially after. It would have felt very good to have her enfold him in her arms and assure him all would be well.

But he could not risk it. She would feel obligated to notify his uncle, hastening his being returned to Edoras. No, he did not want to get her into trouble on his account. Bad enough that he'd had to involve Eothain in it.

His feet knew well the path to his old room. He had not seen it since that day Uncle Theoden had taken them to Meduseld. Inexplicably, he felt some hesitation as he stood at the door, but he squared his shoulders and slipped inside. He could make out the shape of a candle holder on the dresser, a candle stub still in it. Once his eyes adjusted to the shadows, he went to the bed and pulled the blanket out. He loaded his pillow and the candle holder into it, then went to the dresser. Most of his clothes had gone with him to Edoras, but there were some older shirts and pants that had been left behind. He collected them also, figuring he would eventually need a change of clothing.

Once he was finished, he sat down on the side of the bed and looked around. This room had been a haven for most of his life, but now it felt cold and unwelcoming. Maybe he didn't truly have a home anymore, if Edoras felt strange and Aldburg no longer claimed him. His mother used to say that home was where the heart was, but at the moment he did not know where precisely that was for him. Perhaps his heart had gone to the Halls of Waiting when his parents left, and now he would only find dwellings here, but not a home.

His morose thoughts were bringing tears to his eyes, and he refused to yield. Rising, he gathered his bundle and slipped out of the room, closing the door with finality. It did not take long to make his way back to the garret. After looking around for several minutes, he was able to locate an old cracked wash basin. He set a scrap of fabric in the bottom and pulled out the flint his father had given him so long ago. It was trickier doing in such darkness, but he finally managed to strike a spark that smoldered on the fabric, and from it he got the candle lit. The light made the room slightly cheerier as it drove back the shadows. He watched the friendly flame dancing in the drafts, a small smile tweaking his mouth.

After a while, he got the blankets and laid out a bed on the floor. He stretched out on his back, staring at the ceiling overhead, but not allowing himself to think. At length, he rolled over and blew out the candle. He would need to use it sparingly, and try to find more, or it would not last long. As he settled back, not thinking he would be able to sleep, his eyes drooped closed and he dropped off more quickly than he would have expected.

xxx

The sun was not yet clear of the mountains when Theoden descended the steps to meet the waiting party. Eothain stood nervously beside his father, shivering slightly in the cool morning air. Theoden eyed him thoughtfully. Eomer had never said what the argument was about, but the king had learned it was Eothain who had given his nephew the black eye and bloody nose soon after the children came to Edoras. He might have spoken to Garmund about it, except that from that point on, Eomer seemed to spend a great deal of his time in the other lad's company. Clearly, whatever their disagreement, they had thrashed it out and made peace. He had been glad to know the boy had made a friend, despite the circumstances, but apparently even that had not been enough to ease his adjustment to his new home.

The boy looked rather frightened by his perusal, so he gave a friendly smile. "Thank you for joining us, Eothain. I understand you have been a good friend to Eomer. Please know that I am not angry with you, though I am not pleased about what Eomer has undertaken. As difficult as it is for him, he must live here now."

Eothain chewed his lip, but nodded, looking somewhat relieved by the king's words.

"Mount up," Theoden instructed, as it appeared all were ready.

xxx

Eomer awoke slowly, wondering why his bed felt so hard. Then he scowled as he took in the unfamiliar walls around him. After a moment, his sleep-fogged mind cleared and he remembered where he was. He sat up with a groan; he hadn't realized how uncomfortable it was sleeping on the floor rather than a bed.

Only now did he realize that he had failed to get any water during his forays in the night. He could have used a good splash of it in his face to help wake up, and now that he had thought of it he suddenly felt very thirsty. There was nothing to be done, though. He couldn't worry about that until nightfall came again.

With nothing better to do, he changed into some of his old clothes, and then settled back in the chair to eat his meager breakfast. His hunger exceeded what he felt it was safe to eat, but he dared not press his rations too far. At least the apples he'd obtained helped a little with his thirst.

The morning passed at a snail's pace. He had a fix on where the sun was in the sky, and it seemed to barely move at all despite his constant checking. A little time was consumed exploring the garret, to see what it might hold that could be of use to him. Very little, as it turned out: some old furniture, his parents' clothing stored away, but nothing much for the here and now of his situation.

He thought about Eowyn as he looked at some old toys, and wondered how she was faring. They would surely know by now that he was gone. Was someone on their way here already to get him? It was possible they hadn't learned of Eothain's involvement, and if not, then they might not know where he had gone. Still, where else would he go? Aldburg and Edoras were really the only places in the small world of his youth. They lived here and they visited his uncle there. Those places and the road in between were the sum of his experience.

He stretched out on his makeshift bed once more, face down on his stomach, his chin resting on his crossed arms. All things considered, hiding in the garret of his old home was…boring. He was used to being outside most of the day, free to roam the town if not leave it entirely. At least at Edoras he could spend time doing things with Eothain and the others. He rubbed his grumbling stomach ruefully; meals were plentiful and consistent also. Neither of the two garret windows faced the town, so he could not observe what was taking place there either. Plus, if he moved around too much, he might be heard, and then someone would come to locate the source of the noise.

Being in Aldburg was not so pleasing as wanting to be in Aldburg. He dared not venture forth to find any of his friends; during the day, just leaving the house without being noticed would be a challenge. And if anyone saw him around town, there would surely be questions. If word got back to Betersel that he had been sighted, she would come looking for him, he was sure, and Theoden's men would not be far behind her. His beloved home had become a prison to him.

What would he do about the horse? The animal would need food and water eventually, and the stall must be cleaned. Eomer supposed he could wait until after dark and slip out then to do it. Only now was he realizing how little he had thought through this whole adventure.

Worse yet, he had not found the solace here he had been seeking. He had thought just coming home would bring him peace, but all the worries of being caught, and what he needed to do to conceal himself while still doing the essential things, were more an adding to his burden than an easing of it. A tear trickled from the corner of his eye before he could stop it, and the next moment he was sobbing uncontrollably.

xxx

"My lord!" Betersel exclaimed, as she recognized their visitor. "We were not expecting you! Do come in." She gestured toward the house after favoring the king with a quick curtsy.

With the other servants standing around, listening curiously, Theoden decided not to announce his purpose just then. "Garmund, have the horses seen to and then check with the cook. I am sure she can find something for the men to eat since breakfast was so hurried."

The soldier nodded, as Theoden strode toward the house, Betersel scurrying to keep up with him. Once inside the entrance hall, Theoden waved her to follow and led the way to Eomund's study. "Close the door, please, Betersel."

She did so and he motioned to a chair for her to be seated as he settled behind the desk. For a moment, he glanced around the room, filled with memories of its former occupant, before he rubbed wearily at his face. "I have come about Eomer. I have reason to believe he rode to Aldburg yesterday, and hopefully he is within the town somewhere. I would think he would come here eventually. I do not suppose you have seen him."

Betersel's eyebrows knit together and she shook her head. "No, my lord, but…"

"Yes?"

"Cook said she thought there was some food missing this morning. I paid little attention to it, thinking someone merely got hungry and had a late meal, but perhaps there is another explanation. And, last night, when I went upstairs to fetch something I left up there, I had a feeling…well, I cannot explain it, but I sensed that someone was there."

Theoden nodded. "Indeed." He looked upward, thoughtfully. "He could not stay in his own room without being noticed, though perhaps he was in there looking for something. The garret, maybe?"

"It is possible, my lord. Eomer knows this house well. If I had to guess, I would think he snuck in through the cellar. From there, he would know all the hallways and passages to sneak upstairs without being seen." She paused, then asked, "Shall I show you the way?"

Theoden sighed and shoved to his feet. "Thank you, but I know the way, and I think it best that I go alone. We will need to talk in private."

She rose also and nodded. "Is there anything you would like before you go? Food?"

At her question, he paused thoughtfully. "Perhaps fix food for me to take up with me. He cannot have had much to eat or drink since yesterday."

She curtsied again and went out the door to fill the request, and Theoden sat on the corner of the desk, wondering what to say to the boy when they were together. He supposed he would simply have to speak from the heart and hope that the proper words came to him in the moment.

A quarter of an hour later, hamper of food and drink in hand, Theoden climbed to the upper most floor. He did not purposely try to be quiet, but as he reached the garret door, he realized he had made little noise and so Eomer, if he was there, likely would not know he was coming.

The opening of the garret door instantly brought Theoden and Eomer face to face. Eomer was gazing out the window, lost in thought when it happened, and he was so startled that for a moment it almost seemed he was lost in a daydream, it was so unreal. Then with a rush came the recognition of who stood before him, and he knew it was no dream.

There was an unexpected mingling of pleasure and horror that the King had been the one to come fetch him back. He'd thought there was a slim possibility that Theodred would be the one sent to retrieve him, but he had never expected it to be the king himself. That momentary pleasure, though, was tempered with a sudden onset of fear, and guilt. The king's presence might mean he was in worse trouble than he had imagined, especially since he surely did not have the time to go chasing across the land after wayward nephews.

Neither spoke for several minutes, but then Theoden moved into the room, closing the door behind him. He noted the tear-streaked dirty face of his nephew, clearly indicating all was still not well with the boy. Spotting the chair Eomer had been using, he settled in it and held out the hamper. "I brought dinner, if you are hungry." He set it down and began extracting the food Betersel had packed. There was a bottle of wine, but also a couple of waterskins. He took one and held it out to the boy, "I would imagine you are thirsty."

Hesitantly, Eomer moved forward to claim it, his dry throat begging for the relief. "Thank you, Uncle," he said softly, before unstoppering it and eagerly drinking it down, spilling some down the front of him in his haste.

Refreshed, he also felt steadier, and sat down crosslegged next to the hamper. The two ate in silence for some time, but when it was clear both were finished, Theoden leaned back in the chair.

"I am not angry, Eomer, but it does sadden me that I have failed to make you feel at home at Meduseld. I realize this is difficult for you. Tell me what more I may do."

Eomer felt guiltier than ever at his words. "It…it is nothing you have done…or not done," he stammered. He fell silent, unable to explain.

When he said no more, Theoden seemed to understand that the boy did not have an answer for him. "Will you come back with me? Eowyn misses you, as do Theodred and I."

Eomer merely nodded submissively. A victory of sorts, Theoden supposed, though far short of what he desired. This matter was not settled, but perhaps now some discussion would come that would lead to happier days. He gestured to the waterskin. "You might want to wash your face before we go. It is quite dusty up here." He didn't want the lad further embarrassed by others knowing he had been crying. When Eomer finished the task, Theoden rose, and Eomer followed suit. With an arm about the boy's shoulders they moved to the door.

When they descended to the main floor, Betersel was waiting. She eyed each of them, but her gaze was mostly on Eomer. In the king's presence, she hesitated, but then followed her instincts. Moving quickly forward, she swept the lad into her embrace and simply held him. In an instant, he was clinging to her tightly and she knew she had judged rightly. Behind Eomer, the king smiled his approval at her.

After several minutes, Eomer drew away, biting his lip and looking embarrassed.

"Betersel, my apologies for the disruption to your day. I am afraid we must get back to Edoras, but I thank you for your hospitality. Perhaps…" – he looked appraisingly at Eomer – "perhaps we will visit again soon, when we may stay longer."

"My lord is always welcome here, of course," Betersel assured, with a quick stroke to Eomer's head to include him.

She walked outside with them, her arm around Eomer's shoulders. Garmund and his son were seated on the front steps and both looked up, rising quickly when they spotted the king. As Theoden began giving Garmund instructions, Eothain flashed Eomer an apologetic look for giving him away. Eomer gave a slight shake of his head in return, hoping to convey that he held Eothain blameless, and the two grinned ruefully at each other.

It was a quiet procession making its way toward Edoras. Under other circumstances, Eothain and Eomer would have thoroughly enjoyed the outing and talked the entire way, but instead they rode silently beside father and uncle, respectively.

Eomer could not resist a few sidelong glances at his uncle along the way. Why had the king come for him rather than sending someone? Was it possible that he mattered that much to his uncle? He could think of no other explanation, and it gave him a warm feeling.

Even so, surely there would be some punishment for all he had done. He saw now that Aldburg could not solve his problems, and he would not make that mistake again. He would accept whatever censure he faced for his actions, and maybe – maybe – he would one day find peace within himself.

THE END

6/1/12 – 6/4/12

Eomer is 12, Eothain is 11, Eowyn is 8

Definition of GARRET : a room or unfinished part of a house just under the roof (attic - garret is a synonym that seems to apply better in Middle-earth)