Okay I have set a new record with this.

5'973 words

anyway, I hope you have enjoyed the chapters so far.

Tomorrow I will start a schedueled life again so the updates will have to wait, sorry

Enjoy, like, favour and please leave a comment.

I would love to know what you think

Chapter 11 - A mustered Rohirrim and a nightly talk

Aragorn was running as fast as he could when he saw the light of the burning beacon. This was what he had been waiting for ever since Gandalf had left Edoras. He raced up the steps to the Golden Hall swiftly when he noticed that Lothriel was following him, as well as Eowyn. He could see that the women knew. The time had come. Would the King ride to war? With a big swing he opened the doors and ran inside. The King was bent over a map when his head snapped up to look at Aragorn.

"The beacon of Minas Tirith!" Aragorn shouted. "The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!"

The King gazed at him with surprise. This he certainly wasn't expecting. His nephew and niece looked at him, everyone looked at him, waiting for an answer. Theoden thought for a moment and then made his decision.

"And Rohan will answer." Theoden replied. "Muster the Rohirrim!"

With that announcement, everyone readied themselves. Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Lothriel shortly spoke about what was happening and how it was best to proceed. Lothriel was already in the stables when Eomer walked into the chaos, fully armoured, hair tied back and ready for battle. Lothriel had to admit that he did look magnificent in that armour. It was also a piece of work that the smith was proud of, and rightly so. The armour made Eomer look even bigger than he was his shoulders broad and his demeanour serious. One of the stable boys had already prepared Firefoot and before he could mount his stallion, Lothirel stepped up to him. For him, the world slowed down. The woman stood before him and shyly looked away before talking. This behaviour surprised him.

"I want to apologise for last night." she started. "I just left and didn't help you with your problem."

"You are not the only friend I have." he smiled softly but it send a horrible sting through her heart.

She looked away for a moment, feeling slightly uncomfortable from the way he was gazing at her. Those words hurt but she couldn't let her emotions get the better of her now.

"I just wanted to tell you that I am here for you, should you need me." she said, allowing herself to look into his eyes.

In the silence that followed, he searched her eyes. There was a hint of sadness in her green orbs that made his heart ache. It was already difficult to voluntarily stay away from her but ignoring her while she stood before him, that was impossible. The way she looked at him, so concerned and somewhat innocently. He couldn't help but love her, this stranger of a woman who still held so many secrets. Even if she didn't love him, she would still and always have a place in his heart, and even if he should find another, he would probably still love her. It didn't matter to him, that is what he decided in that moment. His Queen would never truly have his love, no matter her noble birth and beauty. Lothriel was the only one he would let rule his heart. He reached for her hand and squeezed it, lifting it to his lips.

"I am also there for you." he whispered and gave her knuckles a soft kiss. "For whatever you need." and he meant it.

"I shall get back to that." she smiled and gently pressed the back of her hand against his chestplate where his heart was hiding underneath. "Remember your kind heart."

And then she left to saddle her horse. It may have been a short moment but it was so tender that Lothriel couldn't help but blush, hiding her face. Now that she knew the truth from Eothain, she could clearly see the love in Eomer's gaze and actions. She cursed herself for having been so blind and not responding to him correctly, and in all honesty, she didn't know how. Just follow your heart. Now, she would try to give him her love and hoped that he would see it. Eomer also felt rejuvenated from that intimacy. He had been successful getting close to her and he wanted to keep it that way. She didn't reject when he kissed her hand and that was a great achievement for him and he wondered what his next step could be. He wanted to get as close to her as he could before he would never see her again. Having a long lost love couldn't be bad, even when he had to marry another. He rode out of the stables, his mind set on the task at hand. Outside, many of the rider's had gathered, the green flag with the white horse dancing proudly in the wind. Rohan had its strength returned. That realisation made him so proud as he gazed at his uncle.

"Now is the hour, Riders of Rohan! Oaths you have taken! Now, fulfill them all! To Lord and land!" Eomer shouted at the men.

Lothriel smiled to herself, staying by Eowyn's side as the horde of Rohirrim riders departed from Edoras. It was a long caravan of mounted soldiers, wagons with food and tents, the smith and his tools and some of the women. At the front she saw the King, by his side Aragorn, Legolas with Gimli and Eomer. Only now did Lothriel see the size of the army the Rohirrim possessed, and these were only from the capital of Rohan. The ride ahead was long but since everyone was on horseback they covered a great distance. The weather was on their side with only the sun shining. All throughout the ride she tried to distract herself from searching for Eomer in the crowd. She knew he was at the front but didn't always see him. It made her heart ache in a strange way and Eowyn was well aware of this, trying to talk about all sorts of things to keep her friend from the agony of separation. Eomer was having the same trouble, but he had no one by his side to ease the feeling. Eothain could see it though and it made him feel pity for his friend. When they arrived at the camp, Lothriel was surprised to see so many men and horses on one spot. The Rohirrim had been mustered but as she later heard from the men, not all had yet come. The tents were put up on the top of a steep cliff where a very windy and slim trail led from the bottom of the mountain up to the cliff. Eowyn was right behind Lothriel as she tried to steer her mare around the tight bends. If there was one thing she wasn't fond of, then it was great heights. She had her trouble in the Misty Mountains and in Moria with the endless drops. It was a miracle in her eyes that she even managed to pass the bridge of Kazad-dun. When they reached the top, Geswin become nervous. Lothriel steered the mare to a tent where Eomer had stopped and jumped out of the saddle. Geswin neighed in frustration.

"Geswin, be calm. There is no danger." she told her mare, gently patting her neck.

Lothriel frowned and sighed, trying to get her foot out of the stir-up when Eomer stood by her side. His one hand was resting on the cantel behind her and he gazed up to her.

"Come. I'll help you." he offered.

She nodded, twisted in the saddle so that she faced him and he placed his hands on her hips, guiding her out of the saddle while she held onto his shoulders. Their eyes locked as they stood very close to each other when Geswin stepped to the side, pushing Lothriel against Eomer's strong frame. Her attention didn't stay with him though, even when he grabbed her slim shoulders as a reflex to catch her. She walked around and to Geswin's head, gently stroking her snout.

"I am just as scared as you. But we both need our courage tomorrow." she whispered as she rested her forehead against the horse's.

Eomer watched her as she tried to calm down her horse.

"How would a horse-lord calm down a frightened horse?" she asked.

"That comes through time, and time alone." he told her. "I'm only worried that she will throw you off her back."

"I'm worried that she will get herself killed on the battlefield."

"All riders fear this." he said with a low voice and a sad smile.

"Oh Geswin." Lothriel sighed.

"Let her rest." he told her. "Let's find something eat."

"I will stay here with Geswin." she said.

Eomer nodded and left her with her horse. Instead, he turned his attention back to the war at hand. He helped Eothain with his horse who was also nervous in the shadow of the mountain where they had set up camp. As the day went by he did have a brief conversation with Legolas and Gimli about the mountain. By the time he had dinner it was already dark. He spend it with Hama, Eothain and Gamling around the fire, while his sister dressed Merry the Hobbit in armour in the tent behind him. She wasn't fond of him telling her that Merry was not suited for war since it was the province of men, not of small folk. But deep down knew that Merry had a good reason but he was a big as a child and children shouldn't fight in wars. What could the small Hobbit do? Possibly close to nothing.

"You do realise that Lothriel is riding to war with us." Eothain noted after Hama and Gamling had left to sleep.

"She is different." Eomer countered.

"She is still no man." Eothain noted with a raised eyebrow. It amused him how his friend was so keen on protecting that strange warrior woman, but then again he was in love with her.

Eomer threw him an annoyed glance and Eothain chuckled. The King's nephew joined his quiet laughter. Sure, she wasn't a man but with all certainty could she fight like one. They both knew this. Eowyn suddenly appeared and held a bowl of soup before Eomer's nose.

"Eomer, can you bring this to Lothriel? She hasn't come for dinner yet." Eowyn asked him.

He looked up to her and nodded stiffly before taking the bowl and walking away to search for her.

"Clever move. It is night and she is by herself." Eothain grinned to himself, remembering Eomer organizing such a situation with his wife before.

"How many kicks does he need?" she asked herself aloud for Eothain to hear.

They exchanged glances and smirked. Lothriel had told them not to interfere and in they eyes they weren't. They were only creating scenarios where the two could have some private moments. Lothriel was sitting on the grassy ground looking at the starry sky while Geswin gently nudged her shoulder. A sigh escaped her and she stroked the mare's snout.

"Hungry?" she heard a voice and turned to see Eomer. He was in his casual clothes, stripped of his armour and with a bowl of soup and a piece of bread in his hand.

"Thank you." she smiled.

He handed her the bowl and sat down next to her on the ground. She dipped the bread into the soup and and took a bite. It was a mystery to him why he sat next to her but he felt like he needed her presence and her words after such a long day of having barely any contact. He craved for a conversation.

"We will ride out tomorrow." he started.

"I see." she said, chewing a piece of bitten off bread. Eomer swallowed. That wasn't a good start, but she was eating eagerly so he waited. Sure enough, she continued. "Are you afraid?"

"I would be a fool if I wasn't." he admitted truthfully.

"I am afraid of death. But I am also afraid of Sauron winning and that gives me the courage to fight with you." she smiled to herself, looking into the distance.

"I am certain that you have fought enough battles to know what is to come." he encouraged her but she shook her head.

"Helm's Deep was my first battle." she confessed. "I did have confrontations with orcs, bandits and spiders before but only in small numbers. Helm's Deep, that was frightening."

"And yet you have fought bravely. I cannot guarantee that we will both survive and I can't protect you like you can't protect me, but we can only hope and pray," he told her before quietly adding. "Since I do want to see you again."

Lothriel was glad that it was already dark, otherwise he would have seen how red her face grew. She couldn't control her blushing since she had realised her feelings for him and she knew his. It annoyed her a little but also made her feel very warm inside.

"I want to see you again as well," she muttered. "Alive."

"I'm not going to die that easily. I can't leave my sister on her own." he said and look ahead. "And there is someone else I mean to return to." he muttered, shortly glancing at her but quickly looking ahead again.

"I am certain she will be happy to see you again." she smiled, knowing that he meant her and it warmed her heart. She must be very important to him and that made her endlessly happy.

"I don't know if she will." he sighed. She enjoyed this game of knowing but him not knowing.

"Oh, believe me. I know she will be." she said and leaned her elbow onto his shoulder, her face now very close to his. "This war will end soon. Then we are all free to choose our fates."

She hoped that those words would grow into his confidence. And its spark seemed to be present in his eyes when he looked at her. With evil gone, why would alliances be important? It was clear now that only united would they defeat the enemy. Why should that mentality change? She leaned back to lie down on the grass, gazing into the starry sky. No cloud obscured the view and all the stars were visible. Eomer copied her, lying down next to her, their heads almost touching. Every now and then he glanced at her, the stars reflected in her eyes, her freckles a perfect map of the sky. Her hair was as dark as the night sky and the white streak as white as the moon.

"How come your hair has lost its colour?" he asked after a while. Her white streak was one mystery he wanted to solve.

"Lord Elrond said it was because of an injury to the head. I had it since I remember." she told him.

"How did Aragorn find you?" he asked.

"He was scouring through the forest when he observed two men with a baby." she explained. "He followed them for a while and they were suddenly attacked and killed by a small pack of orcs. From the shadows, he killed the orcs before they could harm the child. That child, was me. He thinks that those two men were either my relatives or they had stolen me. But I think I will never know where I am from or who my family is."

"You can always start your own family." he suggested and Lothriel giggled, suppressing her laugh.

"I would be a terrible mother."

"Hama doesn't think so. He told me how the children admire you. Even his son thinks highly of you." Eomer noted.

"Someone to admire isn't someone to raise a child."

"That's something only women know." he laughed.

"I presume that a child does look up to its parents. You looked up to your father, didn't you?" she asked.

"I did. His death was great grief for me. I always wanted to be like him."

A pregnant silence followed.

"Let's not talk about death." she suggested. "What are you going to do after the war is won?"

"Return to Edoras. If my uncle doesn't get killed, I will have time to prepare for kingly duties." he shrugged.

"You think of marrying someone?" she asked and he looked at her. "That is a kingly duty, producing heirs."

He sighed and gazed back up into the sky.

"That it is. I do prefer having a nephew as an heir." he noted.

"You don't desire a son?" she wondered.

"I do." he muttered. "But I don't know if I can love my own son if I don't love my wife."

"Why wouldn't you love your wife?"

"I cannot marry for love." he admitted as painful as it was for him.

"Yes, you can. You will be King. You can love and marry whoever you desire." she protested.

The only problem was that honour came in between desire. His uncle would probably make sure that he married a woman of noble birth. Maybe he could speak with him about it, at least he could try. He gazed over to her again, her eyes fixed onto the sky, his onto her lips. Drawn in by her appearance he leaned over her, his face hovering over hers and she was frozen. She lay motionless beneath him, as his hair fell from his shoulders to form a curtain to shield their faces from the world. Her eyes burned into his as her chest started to heave increasingly more. He could feel her breath on his face and she could feel his. The way he looked down at her made her feel weak and fragile. She could see how his eyes switched between gazing into her eyes and at her lips and she did the same. They were so close, the tip of their noses almost touching.

"You shouldn't let a man so close to you. It could end badly." he spoke with a low voice, oozing with an emotion that she couldn't identify.

"I trust you." she said, almost a whisper.

Without saying another word, he stood up and left. Lothriel gasped when she was free of his gaze and searched the sky, as if an answer was hidden amongst the stars. Then she laughed to herself covering her eyes with her hands. It was unbelievable how her heart was racing from only his glance and she loved it. Was this what love felt like? Why hadn't she been in love before? No matter, she was glad that it was Eomer and nobody else. The trotting hooves of a horse caught her attention and she peeked over the edge of the cliff to see a hooded rider ride up to the camp. The rider came up and dismounted, talking with a soldier who soon left. When she saw the face of the figure as he looked at her, she wanted to jump with joy. It was none other than Lord Elrond. Before she could walk up to him, he locked eyes with her and placed a finger over his lips. She paused but smiled. When he followed the soldier she noticed a sword in his hand. Her eyes widened. She recognised the handle straight away. It was Narsil, the shattered sword she had seen in Rivendell while she grew up there. She had heard the stories of the sword that cut the One Ring out of Sauron's hands. It was the sword of the King. Excitement build inside her heart. If that sword had been remade, what would Aragorn's fate be? Was a King returning to Minas Tirith? The world of men finally had hope. She waited and waited. When Aragorn approached her she jumped to her feet.

"Seems like you are going on a journey." she noted when she saw him fully dressed and armed.

The corner of his mouth twitched up in a half-smile as she crossed his arms. He was already shaking his head.

"Lothriel, stay with the King. You have a strong influence over these men." Aragorn explained and Lothriel scoffed with a smile. "They need you."

"You have already convinced me. Go, and follow your path." she smiled and kissed Aragorn's cheek.

He returned a kiss to her forehead when Lothriel stepped back, giving Aragorn a small bow and the elvish farewell. Silence overwhelmed her as she watched her guardian leave her side once again. She remembered when he had left her in Mirkwood with Legolas and Tauriel, the pain she had felt. Before that, Aragorn had always been by her side with Lord Elrond, teaching her and guiding her through life.

"He will return. He always returns." she mumbled to herself. A reassurance she had to tell herself to believe it. She slapped her cheeks and turned around. "Time to sleep and regain strength."

When she reached her tent she found Eowyn sitting inside, her face pale and her expression sad.

"Eowyn?" Lothriel addressed her and the woman turned to her.

"Oh Lothriel." she whispered, almost crying. "Aragorn does not love me. Now I know. He told me himself, he cannot give me what I seek from him."

Tears streamed out of the blue eyes and Lothirel's heart sank. This was a broken heart. She wrapped her arms around the blonde who echoed the gesture, pressing her face into her shoulder. Eowyn cried quietly, like she had most likely done for so many years, alone in her room. After all those years, she had finally found a shoulder to cry on. Lothriel knew that Eowyn had a strong spirit like her brother but it could not stay strong forever. She lightly rubbed the blonde's shoulder, as if she was trying to brush the sorrow off her. The cloth on her shoulders was wet when they let go of each other.

"Who is this woman he loves?" Eowyn asked after a while.

She hesitated at first but then told her about the daughter of the elf who had taught her so much. Arwen had been like a sister to her, both loving to sing the songs of old by the ponds. She told Eowyn how gentle and kind Arwen was and how beautiful, not wanting to lie to her friend. Eowyn listened and when Lothriel finished, she sighed.

"I am sure love will come your way. There might be a lovely prince in Minas Tirith." Lothriel tried to cheer up Eowyn and when a small smile played on the blonde's lips, she was relieved.

"I just hope my brother will break his honour to the throne soon." Eowyn sighed.

"Even if he doesn't I will tell him and then hopefully be relieved of those feelings." Lothriel smiled with melancholy.

"Do not say such things." Eowyn stood and took Lothriel's hands into hers. "If his love for you is strong enough, then he will look aside his duty."

"I do believe I'm off to a good start."

"That is brilliant." Eowyn smiled and stepped back. "You will ride to war tomorrow. You should rest." she told her before adding. "And bathe. You smell more like a horse than a woman."

Lothriel laughed and wished Eowyn a peaceful sleep. Meanwhile, all marshal's have been called to the war council in Theoden's tent. The King knew why Aragorn had to leave and the ranger had told him that Lothriel would fight with them. The subject of a woman fighting in a war sparked a great discussion. Some didn't believe, some made comments on her incapability and others seemed very eager to meet her. Eomer cringed. He hated it, the way they talked about her as if she was an object to own. He knew what she could do and he had to do all he can not to shout out. Theoden took that away from him.

"Enough!" he had shouted. "Lothriel has already fought with us at Helm's Deep and showed more courage than most of the men. She will ride with us!"

Nobody dared to argue with the King and silence fell. Eomer watched and listened as Theoden explained the formation and order. He would ride with his eored behind the King's and Lothriel would stay by the King's side at all times. They didn't know what they would face but they were sure it would be more than at Helm's Deep. Eomer tightened his fists as the other men left, the subject of a female soldier passing between them again. One man stayed behind

"My lord, I have a daughter, a little younger than your nephew, but she is beautiful and has a kind heart. She has been swooning over him for a few years now."

"Has she? The last time I saw her she was still a girl." Theoden noted.

"She is a woman now and, Bema bless me, the men are always eager to see her." the man chuckled before he turned to Eomer. "You will like her. I could arrange a meeting with her once the war is over."

Eomer only nodded and Theoden showed his delight of a possible wife for his nephew. Lothriel's words still echoed through his mind. You can love and marry whoever you desire. The hopes for this were growing slim. When the man left, Theoden was still in a good mood of those news. A noble born woman in the right age. Maybe there were a few more in Gondor which could strengthen their bond with them. Eomer's silent throughout the conversation finally caught the King's attention.

"What is it, Eomer? You look troubled." Theoden noted but Eomer stayed quiet. He knew his nephew was a honourable man like all other men of Rohan, and marrying a promised woman wasn't on his mind. Many meetings would have to be arranged so he could get to know her. With a tender smile, Theoden placed a hand on his nephew's shoulder. "What is on your mind, son? Tell me."

Eomer stayed silent, biting his lip into a tight line. Now he had the chance to talk to his uncle about his trouble but he was growing unsure if he should.

"I love someone." he stated.

Theoden looked at him with that stern smile he had master over the years. This was what Eomer had feared but to his surprise, Theoden turned to him and gave him a small yet genuine smile.

"Tell me about her." he told him softly.

"She is kind, gentle, brave." he listed. "She loves nature and is a good rider."

"Lothriel." Theoden nodded.

"How…" he enquired with disbelief.

"I may be old but I am not blind, Eomer. I have seen the way you look at her. And the men see a lot as well."

Eomer grew quiet and a little red. Theoden turned away from him so he couldn't see his fond smile. He remembered being young and hopelessly in love, but for Eomer this wasn't a first. Theoden had witnessed his nephew drown in love once but it didn't last long. Since then his memory had been hazy from Saruman's influence but as far as he had heard, Eomer didn't bed anyone since that one. Now his nephew stood before him and confessed a love for a woman who wasn't ordinary. A woman who had caught the eye of many of the men but only Eomer had been able to approach her. Now his nephew was older than last time, wiser all the same and he believed that this love was genuine and to last in his heart. Theoden feared this a little.

"Lothriel is a capable fighter and wise in her decisions. She is loved amongst the men and as I was told, the children adore her as well." Theoden smiled but then it disappeared. "But not of noble birth."

Eomer swallowed and clenched his fists behind his back. Theoden stayed silent and in thought. When he looked at his nephew, Eomer stayed emotionless but inside he was feeling a storm. He looked at the King, trying to stay as calm and composed as he could, despite what the answer was going to be.

"Don't become distracted when we ride to war. You are one of my most capable fighters. I need you at your best." He said before adding. "And Lothriel, too. Inform her about the war council and stay away from her until the war is over. I want to hear no more of this."

Eomer bowed slightly and left the tent. He walked a few steps away from the King's tent and then stopped by a tree. The leaves shook when he punched it and Eothain already knew what could be bothering him.

"I heard that the Lord Berma's daughter likes to make straw dolls." he noted but Eomer stayed silent. "What did he say?"

"That I have to stay away from Lothriel, not to get distracted."

"I'll keep my eye on her." Eothain promised when he placed a hand on Eomer's shoulder.

Eomer nodded with a smile and Eothain departed to his tent. The marshal stood by himself for a moment. He prayed to Bema that his uncle could find it in his heart to let Lothriel be his choice. After all, she was raised in he noble house of lord Elrond. He wish he could tell Lothriel how he really felt towards her but the fear was so great that she would walk away from him that he couldn't muster any courage. But he had to tell her the details of the battle like his uncle instructed him, and that was what he was going to do.

"Lothriel?" Eomer stepped into her tent.

The first thing that hit him was the sweet yet subtle smell of lavender. She had been given a similar tent to Eowyn's, with a simple bed, a table with a chair and a room divider. He paused for a moment as he didn't see her anywhere, taking a deep breath and feeling himself relax. When he walked around it he saw her sit in a tub filled with foamy water. She looked at him as he simply stared at her. Her hair was glistening from the moisture and her slim shoulders disappeared under the opaque foam and water mixture. She shifted slightly in the water as Eomer was but frozen with his eyes on her. Strangely, she didn't feel in any way uncomfortable.

"Yes?" she asked, composed as if nothing was wrong.

He flinched slightly at the sound of her voice and straightened himself. Lothriel couldn't help but laugh as he awkwardly looked away.

"I-I'm sorry, I-I didn't mean to intrude." he stuttered and stepped back.

"It's alright, I don't mind." he heard her say. "What can I do for you?"

Eomer cleared his throat, still trying not to look at her.

"You have missed the war council. I wanted to forward you the information." he said, trying not to show his embarrassment.

"That's very kind of you."

She sat up and stood, stepping out of the tub, completely bare before him. He looked away quickly, embarrassed which was also reflected on his face. He walked behind the room divider to ease his eyes, but he could already feel the heat rushing to his head, and groin. Although she did usually wear tight clothing, it still surprised him how thin she actually was. It was only very brief that he saw her bare figure but what he saw was perfection in his eyes. Wide hips, slim waist, slender legs, fair skin covered in freckles. That was all that was stuck in his mind.

"Please, have a seat and tell me." she told him while she dried herself.

Rather reluctant, he sat down on the next available chair and told her all about what had been discussed, all while nervously playing with his fingers and looking around the tent. When he was finished, she stepped from behind the wall and walked over to the man. She was combing her hair while she wore a simple tunic which loosely clung to her frame. But that was all she wore and it made Eomer even more uncomfortable. He hasn't felt this nervous before a woman in years.

"It seems like a decent plan. The element of surprise is on our side. They will not expect a mounted army." she muttered to herself as she walked back and forth in thought.

Eomer stayed silent and watched her. The neckline of the tunic was loose and he could see more skin of her shoulders than her actual clothing's allowed. The freckles on her face migrated down her neck like he had always seen but moved over her shoulders too, losing their numbers. Her legs were slender and showed a few freckles as well. Now that she was so close he could see a scar on her thigh that tracked from her knee up and beyond the brim of her tunic. It left a lot of room for the imagination and when she paused before him, his body went rigid.

"Thank you for telling me. You should rest. Tomorrow we ride." she told him.

"I have rested long enough." he managed to say.

"Still you should. A rested and calm mind fights with more vigor."

He nodded in agreement and his eyes met with hers again. If only she was of noble birth, repeated in his mind over and over again, almost like a chant, like a prayer.

"There is something on your mind." she realised and placed a gently hand on his shoulder. "Tell me, before it poisons your thoughts."

Eomer stood when he felt her touch, gazing down at her. He didn't know what to say but then his mind was quicker than his heart.

"What is Lord Aragorn to you?" he blurted out.

"That is bothering you? My relationship with a man I have known all my life?" she raised an eyebrow.

"Somehow it is bothering me, yes." he said which was only half true. And the answer didn't surprise him.

"He is like a father to me. He took care of me when none did. He has taught me how to fight, how to survive. That is something that shouldn't bother you."

"Aye, you are right. Forgive me." he muttered, looking away.

"It is forgiven. It is difficult to make the right decisions when the heart takes over the mind."

Eomer looked down at her, understanding what she meant. He swallowed and his cheeks slightly flushed. She paused for a moment when she looked up to him.

"I have something for you." she said and briefly disappeared behind the wall.

She returned with one hand behind her back. The other she held out, gesturing for him to place his hand in hers. Then she placed a small object into his palm. It was a small piece of wood with carvings in it, attached to it was a braided band of grass.

"What is this?" he asked.

"It's a good-luck charm I made. The carving means 'safe return'." she explained with a proud smile.

"I shall carry it with me to battle." he promised and she laughed.

"I do hope so. That's why I made it."

Eomer dropped his head to apologise for that stupid comment. He examined the little object by twirling it between his fingers, occasionally locking eyes with her. She gave him a sad smile before stepping closer to him, moving one hand to his neck, going on her tiptoes and placing a soft kiss on his stubbled cheek. A small gasp escaped his lips as he gazed wide eyed into her eyes when she lowered herself onto her heels.

"Good night, Eomer." she whispered and turned around.

Next Chapter - A ride to war and closed eyes