A/N

Sorry it took me a while to update, just not had the time to write of late, but thank you again for the reviews! They really do help me get back on the horse so to speak.

I know a few of you perhaps felt that the last chapter was filler? I never write filler if I can help it hehe everything that happens has a purpose... but I will say no more it will hopefully become clear at a later point.

Enjoy!

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Aedre's body gave a violent shudder as she forced herself out of the torment of remembering. Her fingers curled around the ends of the arms of the chair she sat in, gripping the wood tightly and using the solid feel beneath her hands as an anchor to the present. Her stomach seemed to cringe with the memories, they were too many and too much to bear. She finally released her grip and rested her head in her hands a moment, willing herself to be calm and for the images to pass, for that boy's face to leave her. She knew she could have pleaded with him, perhaps even made him understand that danger lurked close by... perhaps he would have saved her. Instead she had condemned him to death because she had been too scared, too fearful of what the Orcs would do, that they would win anyway.

She shook her head, willing the thoughts away. She told herself the old saying she had taught herself, it had just been life, life was cruel and now that life was also the past. She slowly rose from the chair, realizing she must have been sat in deep thought for longer than she had warranted as her skin was mostly dry. She patted the remaining water droplets that still clung to her away with the cloth she still had wrapped around her. She reached for her clothes and quickly fastened her stays, lacing the front tightly with controlled tugs before pulling on the rest of her clothing. She braided her damp hair loosely at the nape of her neck and secured it in place with a thin piece of soft twine. Aedre walked over to the large the mirror that hung upon the wall and stared at her reflection, checking she had done a decent task in styling her hair. The mirror was old and the shining silver surface had become speckled with dark spots and tinged with rust. Aedre liked this old mirror, it was so marred that she could barely make out her own flaws within its glassy surface.

She smoothed her hair with her hand, the act calming her inner protests and fears and with one last glance at her reflection she made for the door and unlatched it. The cool night air rushed into her face after the relative humid surroundings of the bathing room and her eyes fixed upon a figure waiting outside in the dark corridor. Aedre opened the door wider as she stepped fully out of the room and the candles from within shed enough light for her to identify the person who awaited their turn. It was Guene and she seemed a little startled to see the young girl emerging from the room.

"Oh!" She gasped. "You gave me a start." Her tone was prickly and Aedre moved aside to allow her to go past, not wishing to be trapped into another conversation like the last time they had been alone. Guene gave a nod and took a step forward before halting her pace, hesitating and turning fully to Aedre. Her light blue eyes held a strange look of hardness that made Aedre want to take a step away but she had nowhere to go in the narrow passage other than pressed against the wall behind her and so, with some effort, she forced herself to stand her ground. "Pity," Guene said suddenly, making Aedre jump in surprise as the unexpected sound echoed around them both. "Is a powerful thing but it is never enough to just pity something." Her lips curled into a slight sneer. "He'll tire of you just as he tired of me and the others, to him you are just a new plaything."

Aedre furrowed her brow, trying to understand what Guene was talking about.

The blonde woman gave out a low sigh. "I cannot help but feel I wish to be harsh with you, but I too pity you, pity you for what you are and what you will be after he is done..." She reached out a hand and touched Aedre's cheek and in response Aedre flinched violently away. Guene drew back her hand, her action one of regret at acting almost motherly in fashion to this strange girl. "But for that I'll keep your secret, till someone else comes to learn of it." She paused, her mouth twitching with a look that was the beginnings of disgust. "I won't lie for you nor will I deny what I know. Be quiet as a little mouse, quiet and careful and perhaps no one shall see the king playing with his new amusement."

Aedre's brows rose in surprise. Why was Guene talking of Éomer as if she knew the secret they kept? As if she knew they met and he showed her kindness? Surely she couldn't know... and yet the facts laid themselves bare and were undisputable. Aedre returned her gaze to Guene's face, asking with an imploring expression how she had known this secret.

Guene gave a small chuckle. "Ears are all around the Golden Hall. Be glad it was me that heard and not one of the nobles, they dislike the king having any kind of pleasure as they think it distracts him from finding a queen to sit beside him... all they wish is for him to work, read scrolls and bring forth heirs. It is not the way of our people, our people are strong and at home upon horseback, upon the battlefield... but new ideals from Gondor have oft swayed our way of life, they think us lesser than them, less civilised." Guene gave a snort of laughter at the mere idea. "The people of this land have more reason to be proud than any grand loving Gondorian!" She gave another chuckle. "I have much to say on the matter, but my words would be wasted on you, you do not understand such things." She narrowed her eyes slightly. "But as I said, fear not, your secret shall not pass my lips, it is your own and I will not come between what is to be, for now."

Aedre gave a small nod in thanks knowing that Éomer would be displeased to know anyone knew, it was his desire to keep their meetings silent to all those around them.

"But do not tell Éomer King that we have spoken, it would anger him." She smiled as warmly as she could. "I would wish us to become friends; it seems you will need one soon."

Aedre again nodded and smiled in return, reluctantly accepting the offer. She turned away ending the conversation, wanting to be far from the gloomy hallway, this woman caused her unease although she could not explain why. She left the heavy air far behind and Guene watched, a small smirk forming upon her pretty rose lips. It was not exactly what she had wanted nor what she had planned, the king would not return to her bed that much was true... but perhaps she could gain the young girl's favours with this information and if she manipulated her just right who could tell what riches and happiness awaited her.

---

Aedre did not take the familiar route back towards her cosy little room, even though her mind cried out for sleep. Instead she headed towards the great hall, her thoughts urging her to be outside in the fresh, cool air.

All was relatively silent in the hall, a few men still sat at the tables eating a meal, the fire burning merrily in the centre of the room as they laughed, talked, ate and drank ale. Aedre walked through unnoticed, to them she was just another serving woman and their current conversation of making up a new drinking song for the next feast was much more important to them in that moment to pay attention to anything else. She reached the great carved wooden doors and slipped out through the smaller opening cut into a section of the wood, emerging outside on the great stone platform. A guard gave her a quick sideways glance but upon seeing that she was only a servant of the hall he resumed his alert watch. Aedre walked forward and took in a deep breath of the late summer air. Autumn would soon arrive in Rohan and the breeze carried a small hint of the harvest to come upon it.

She allowed her gaze to drift across the many buildings below and the vast plains that spread out beyond the city as far as the eye could see when the sun shone clearly. Darkness now shrouded any breathtaking view but she knew it was there and it calmed her mind to see the familiar small details the moonlight did pick out in silvery tones. She wondered for a moment what had brought her out here? In that small, dark corridor with Guene she had almost felt like the air was leaving the narrow place, that her lungs strained to gain any kind of fulfilling breath. She took in another gulp of air as if to prove this point to herself.

A stronger breeze ruffled her garments and whipped any loose hair that had escaped her braid about her cheeks and within that moment she knew only one thing could ease the disquieting feeling the evening's events had brought. Although she had promised Sunniva she would not go to Éomer's chambers on this night she knew she could not keep that vow. She turned upon her heel and headed back into the hall, her destination set and her heart lightened at the prospect of seeing him.

Her footfalls were muffled in the empty passageways that twisted and turned, finally leading her to the intricately carved door that was the entrance to Éomer's chambers. She glanced up at the delicate horse and leaf relief and her heartbeat seemed to quicken its pace with excitement. She paused, knowing she should announce herself, but the thought that Sunniva was still within and may reprimand her, made her hesitate. Finally she pushed her ear up to the door and closed her eyes, listening intently, the door did not always muffle the sounds of talking if the people inside were stood near enough to it. She stood in such a way for many beats of her heart until she felt sure that all was silent within the room. She backed up a step, her eyes flicking to the door and then to her hands as she again hesitated. Finally she stilled her worries and raised her fist, giving three sharp raps upon the door. She heard a distant scraping of a heavy chair and then footfalls across the stone floor as the person inside drew closer. The bolt clicked and the door opened revealing Éomer's face. He looked vexed, his brow set in a deep frown until his eyes settled upon his late calling guest. The look of frustration lessened and he gave a small smile causing Aedre to return it with one of her own.

He did not speak, instead he opened the door wide, welcoming her inside. Aedre happily accepted the offer and stepped over the threshold. Éomer closed the door behind her and fastened the bolt before turning to her.

"I did not think you would come to me tonight." He paused. "Sunniva..."

Éomer was not given the chance to finish as Aedre flung herself into his arms, pressing her body to his in a much needed and longed for embrace. Éomer held her tightly, more than glad that she had decided to come, the mere sight of her lifted his heavy spirit. They held each other for a lingering moment both needing the others comfort before Éomer pulled back a little and placed a palm on each of her cheeks, studying her face in the candlelight. His eyes grazed over each scar, comparing it to the smooth unmarred skin it lay so unfairly next to, seeing within that small, brief instant the face beneath the flaws. He gazed into her dark eyes noticing how the colour seemed to lighten to an amber hue as the light flittered across the irises.

"I am glad you came." Éomer said with a small huff.

Aedre gave a small nod to confirm she felt the same. He moved one of his hands gently to the nape of her neck, brushing his rough fingertips against the exposed skin he found there. Aedre closed her eyes at the sensation, enjoying the teasing caress as his lips found hers and he kissed her deeply. All the fears and regrets she felt were swept away in that one beautiful connection and she surrendered into it allowing her hands to meet at the back of his neck, pulling them closer together with the act.

When they parted Aedre felt a whimper of protest bubble within her throat but she quelled it back down, feeling greedy for wanting more. Éomer's eyes met hers and he smiled, but it was not fully warm it held a nervousness to it that made Aedre's brows knit together in question.

"Aedre." The sound of her name passing his lips made her shudder with a pleasant sensation. "I know your past has not been an easy one."

Aedre's eyes flew from his, she didn't want to discuss her past, not here and not with him. With him she could forget her repulsive memories for a little while, she could forget who she was. She needed him to forget that she was anyone but Aedre.

"Aedre, look at me."

His voice drew her gaze back.

He placed a hand once again to her cheek, his fingers running across the scars deliberately. Aedre placed her hand over his and tried to move him away, shaking her head and silently telling him he should not touch them, he did not have to. But he resisted, causing her to return her eyes to his once more.

"I care not for what your past was and I care not for the reminders you bear upon your face and body." He bent and pressed his lips gently against her cheek, the act a confirmation of his words. Aedre continued to stare at him, processing his words carefully. How could it be that he didn't care about her time with the Orcs? Had Anborn not tried to explain how important it was she never spoke of it? How men would hate her for it? She hadn't fully understood his attempts then but now living in a place of men she had learned what his words and actions meant.

Her gaze bore confused wonderment as she waited for him to continue.

"I care for you." He paused as if searching his thoughts. "The Orcs did you much wrong but you remained a good woman, a good child of men despite this. Your spirit is as strong as any warrior's."

Their eyes connected once again and his mouth opened as if he wished to say more but his will failed him and he gave a small clearing of his throat. He turned his eyes from hers as he gained his courage to him once again, he knew he could not stop what he had now begun. Aedre still looked upon him with that strange awed look that made him feel a welling of endearment bloom within his chest. Éomer made to turn from her and retreat further into the room, to avoid the task he had set himself for a few extra moments but she pulled him gently to her, not wishing to lose the closeness they seemed to share within this moment.

Without anything more passing between them she urged him towards her, until her back was softly pushed against the sturdy door and his body pressed close to hers once again. Her hand sought his, allowing their fingers to entwine and her eyes held his in an unwavering gaze that spoke to him of devotion, loyalty and trust. That sweet, open expression broke his normal resolve of restraint and his lips once against found hers but this time in a forceful kiss. He had not meant for his mouth to crash against hers in such a wanton, raw way but the emotion had swelled within him so suddenly that he had no choice but to act. Aedre did not pull away despite the tremor of violence lurking behind the kiss, she welcomed the contact with open arms and parted lips, matching him in intensity and craving. She felt a delicious tingle work its way through her body, it seemed to leave in its wake a feeling akin to soft pressure that longed to be caressed sweetly away.

Finally they pulled away from each other, both panting hard. Her hands playfully twisted a piece of his hair distractedly, the gesture peaceful and Éomer was struck by just how much of herself this young woman had given him willingly, something that she had never done before, something that he felt great privilege in receiving. He brushed a few stray hairs from her cheek and smiled.

"I love you." It was no whisper, but a deep a smooth declaration that bore no reluctance and no hesitation.

Aedre stared at him a long moment her eyes travelling across his face before she wrapped her arms about him once more and pulled him into a warm embrace. Those words had passed many a maid or man's lips while she had watched, longing for the connection they shared. She didn't understand them fully but she knew they meant a deep bond between two people. Those three words were never thrown about as a play thing, they represented warmth, comfort and protection.

Finally after standing wrapped in each other's arms for what could have been a blissful age they parted and regarded each other with a renewed light. It seemed the entire room was brighter, warmer and the sight heartened them both.

They gave each other a smile that spoke of the beginnings of a future and walked leisurely towards the window as Éomer began to tell her of the day's happenings and the light thoughts that were upon his mind. The peaceful moment left both content and neither heard or noticed the shadow that moved away from the crack beneath the door, nor the sound of receding footsteps.