Perfect strangers
One more shot across the bow
One more bullet through the heart
You've got me bleeding on the ground
I got you wounded in the dark
Why do we always take this way too far?
"You left after you killed the Witch King. You left us to fight alone."
The words hit her like a thousand arrows to the chest as she sat silently atop of Warlord while he grazed contently. She wouldn't let Éomer break her, not now that she had come so far.
Blade contemplated leaving, going back to her old life, but there was nothing left of it.
She looked over the open fields that had once been yellow with drought but now gleamed with new life. Things had changed since the first time she'd come to Edoras.
A smirk crept on her face as she reminisced about her time in Rohan.
Exhaling deeply, the hunter dismounted her steed and walked slowly over to the grave of King Théoden that was covered with flowers and wreaths. He was buried next to his son in a simple grave with a stone headpiece .
Blade bent down next to his stone resting place and traced over the letters that spelt 'Here lies Théoden son of Thengel. Leader of people and Lord of the Mark'.
She smiled a frown of confusion at the amount of flowers and effort people put into gifts for a man who would never see them. They seemed to find comfort in providing the deceased with gifts, it seemed strange to her.
"You know the woman's curse can be broken...why do you hesitate to do so?", Arwen's voice spoke from her side, Blade's eyes met her blue orbs with hesitation.
"Her death should have released her grasp. It is in Éomer's hands now, whether he remembers or not", The hunter responded in a tone of softness, revealing to the elven Queen her trepidation.
"Do you mean to stay?", Arwen's silky voice asked while her eyebrows pointed into a frown.
"No", Blade glanced away from the elf with guilt, knowing that leaving would be cruel.
"You are many things Hunter, but faithless is far from the truth", The elf folded her hands in her arms, creasing the silver material of her coat.
"Faithless...is my only choice. I saw what holding on did to Leanthar...to Leon, what it will do to me", The Hunter met the woman's softened eyes with a clenched jaw. The elf hadn't heard Blade talk freely of her father. She knew of him, like his daughter he was legend in the east: The seeker of the Ghost Blade, A weapon that could trap the essence of it's barer, granting them eternal life through the lives of their victims. His name had faded in the thirty five years since she had heard it.
"Leanthar spent his life searching for that cursed blade, only never to find it. It killed him long before I did.", Blade spoke quietly, knowing that Arwen had knowledge of him. She had told Blade many years ago of her father's infamy in the east.
"You are the daughter of Leanthar, but it doesn't seal your fate, Blade. Leon returned your life to you, it is time you live", Arwen's eyes flickered from the gravestone to Blade, the girl Aragorn had found bleeding out in the rain.
"In your heart you know...there is no going back", The elf continued, watching The Hunter breathe out a long puff of air while the cogs turned in her mind. There was no going back, she had felt what it was to love and be loved in return, letting it go would destroy her.
"Aragorn and I leave at the first light if you decide there is no place for you here. You will always be welcome in our company",
Blade glanced to the woman who could smile politely at her enemy before destroying them, admiring her trait of kindness. The Hunter had never adopted Arwen's ladylike stature among her own skill. Her offer was generous but Gondor was not Blade's place to be, it held many memories she had wished to forget. To live there again would be the death of hope.
"Thank you, Arwen", The Hunter spoke in elvish, glancing back the Meduseld. Her friends waited to see her.
"He loves you, Blade, remind him of why",
"We fell in love at the worst of times, I cannot replicate the malice that came from my words", Blade reasoned softly, feeling the woman's light hand on the side of her cheek, swaying her to glance into the elf's blue eyes.
"Then fight until he sees the reason behind it",
"Éomer", Éowyn spoke sharply while he shouted commands among the chaos that came from the hall. People wanted to know what happened, who the woman was. Where the Hunter was. She knew he was in no mindset to answer their questions, she asked Ren to shoo away the townspeople and he did so without hestitation.
"Éomer!", She hissed, catching his attention. He stared back at her with an expression of expectation that questioned her tone. Immersing himself in work gave him some feeling of calm over the chaos that reigned upon him.
"Éowyn", He replied in a calmer tone than hers, watching her red gown sway through the crowd of Rohirrim soldiers.
"A moment please", Éowyn demanded in a venomous tone that told him he didn't want to hear what she had to say.
"Ren", Éomer motioned his hand and the man lead his Rohirrim out of the hall to fulfill his commands. Éowyn crossed her arms over themselves and met his dumbfound eyes. How could she tell him that his memories were a lie? That Blade meant so much more to him than an acquaintance?
"That Hunter is like a plague, our people seemed to think she will protect them". He spat with malice, resenting the admiration had for the woman. He walked back and forth cleaning the scattered pieces on the floor.
"That Hunter saved your life", Éowyn replied with the same tone, shaking the anger that boiled in her veins. She was angry that he didn't remember, that after Blade had cut down his walls he had built them up again with steel. Éowyn feared that Blade would leave, not by her own choice but by his and he would be left to remain alone in the Meduseld, comforted by his own ignorance.
"Why was it needed?", The King hissed, blaming the black clad woman for his ordeal.
"You don't remember", The blonde haired woman breathed out in frustration, running her hand through her waved hair. He looked at her with a clenched jaw, giving her his attention as he threw a broken chair onto the pile.
"You thought Blade was dead Éomer...and it almost destroyed you. That sorceress came for you when you were at your worst.", Éowyn spoke with tears growing in her eyes at the blank expression that painted his face.
"She left months ago how-?"
"She didn't leave, not after the Witch King, not after Aragorn was crowned king. She was with you...with us until the end", The Shield maiden spoke over his booming voice while the afternoon sun shined against her face. He seemed defiant toward the claim, like he would rather not know.
"Our people think she will protect them because she can and she has",
"A Hunter with loyalty", He spat with disgust, stepping over the destroyed aisle that had been buried in a wreath of scattered pink flowers.
"You threw away your resentment of her kind when you realised she wasn't like the rest"
"So she does not lurk in the shadows with the other evil creatures of Middle Earth? She doesn't kill like the rest? Our people could detest that statement after the show of violence she put on in my hall". Éomer snapped irritably, motioning to the state of the Meduseld.
"Éomer, you owe her your gratitude, it cost her more than you know to return to you", Éowyn shot back.
"Unless it cost her the destruction of her Halls and the venom of that sorceress, she does not deserve my thanks", He spat back with anger as he looked around the room that seemed to be struck by a hurricane. He didn't care for Éowyn's words, his mind would not sway from the opinion of Blade. Éowyn watched him toss aside a snapped piece of wood from the alter, wincing at the crashing sound on its landing. She strode toward him, nudging his shoulder so he would face her once more. She saw the fear beneath his calm, he feared he could be so easily corrupted like their Uncle, it scared him more than she knew. The woman enveloped him in a soft hug, reaching for the pendent that had come loose from underneath his shirt. He breathed out and returned her embrace, kissing the top of her head.
"Ask yourself why", Éowyn spoke softly, making his eyebrow raise at the object she held in her hand. The Hunter's amulet. He met her eyes once more before she left. He didn't want to know why...
The Hunter climbed the steps of the Meduseld, she was almost at the first landing before she was halted by her group of friends, They assaulted her with embraces and kind words. Aragorn was the first to approach her, smothering her in a tight embrace that comforted her greatly. He commended her on her entrance to the wedding and the swiftness of her quest. He knew how personal the attack on The king of Rohan was to Blade, it took all of her restraint.
"We thought you'd died" Legolas spoke softly as they parted from her, allowing her space .
"That's a story for another time" She smiled softly and looked into his worried blue eyes.
"I'm well" She put on a convincing smile and placed a hand on his shoulder.
The elf sighed and looked at the bruising around her neck and fresh scarring around her wrists then back to her.
"Nothing life threatening" She reiterated and shifted her arms, turning her attention to the ginger haired dwarf.
"It's good to see you're still breathing lass" Gimli said awkwardly, trying to stifle a tear.
"You too, master dwarf" She bent down and lightly kissed his cheek.
The dwarf blushed wildly and she continued to climb the stairs, she reached the far edge of the landing where Éowyn and Faramir stood and smiled.
"Welcome back Blade" Faramir smirked and brought her into a hug.
Blade chuckled and hugged him with one arm before they parted.
"We did not believe you were dead" Éowyn spoke lightly and smiled at Blade.
"Good" The hunter smiled and embraced her old friend.
A strong wind blew above them and the once blue clouds turned a dark grey. A small drop of water splashed on the Meduseld stair next to the hunter. She looked down at the clear droplet and to the swelling sky. Suddenly pelting drops of water assaulted her and a crack of thunder echoed off the building.
"Blade". A ghostly voice echoed in the wind.
Blade snapped her head to the grave yard that was blurred with rain and could've sworn she saw something move. The hunter squinted her eyes in the harsh rain that soaked her hair, a figure ghostly figure stood next to Théoden's grave. Leanthar.
She blinked through the strong gust of wind that stung her eyes. The apparition flickered then appeared closer, this time she could just see the figure's mouth open as if to say something then closed again. Who are you?
Blade raised her eyebrows in confusion and she took a step to the edge of the stair case.
"Blade!" Aragorn pulled her from the edge of the stair case and snapped her out of the trance.
The hunter glanced at him in question and he returned her confused look.
"Get inside, you'll freeze to death standing in this pouring rain"
Blade looked around and everyone had disappeared inside the Meduseld, she snapped her head to the graveyard and the figure was gone.
The hunter nodded and limped the last five steps toward the entrance and out of the pouring rain with the king of Gondor walking beside her.
Suddenly she felt herself being lifted into the air and glared at the offender.
Legolas
The elf smiled down at her as he carried her bridal style into the hall.
"Are you quite well?!" The hunter looked at him if he were crazed.
"You are injured. You cannot walk" He said simply and pushed open the Meduseld door with his foot.
"If you do not put me down you'll never walk again" She spoke in her most venomous voice.
The elf smirked and placed her down softly, but the pressure on her wound caused her legs to crumble beneath her and she almost slipped before Legolas caught her waist, groaning softly in pain. Blade glanced into the Meduseld, meeting Éomer's eyes as the elf aided her,they reflected something she did not recognise. The King was sitting with the council that had gathered to discuss important business.
"Are you well enough to walk?", Legolas asked firmly, She felt uncomfortable by his closeness and his hand on her waist.
"Yes, Thank you", She responded with a nod, untangling herself from his grip, almost jumping out of her skin as the Meduseld door slammed shut.
"What is this racket?" A council man asked angrily, his eyes landing on her.
"The door?" She spoke, trying to stifle her smirk and shook out the strap of leather that once held her hair in a high fashion. Her eyes darted quickly toward the Hall that still held the remnants of the wedding earlier that day.
"We men of the council have matters to discuss that you wouldn't understand , woman. So I suggest you keep your mouth shut" He snapped as she brushed her soaking wet hair over her shoulders.
"And what matters would those be?" Blade hissed and removed her fingers from her hair to approach the rude man.
"Nothing a woman would know about" He arrogantly chuckled. The company waited in suspense for Blade to react, but hoped she wouldn't.
"Nothing a woman would know about?" She asked with a raised brow, towering over the short man and glared into his mousey brown eyes.
"You haven't a clue who I am. Do you?", The opened his mouth to answer her question but shut it shortly after. He watched her hand reach for the sword in her sheath, gritting his teeth with fear. He knew who she was, she was the one who had charge into the hall on her black horse. The one who spared their king from his doom. The Hunter. He realised much too late.
"Tell me, what were you doing while your King was poisoned by that woman?", She asked him sharply, watching his eyes flickered to the Rohirrim men who approached her with their weapons raised. Éomer motioned his hand, halting the men. He had learned that attacking her was foolish. Her words interested him, his sister had told him what had happened but not why The Hunter was the one to save him. She told him, that he needed to remember on his own.
"Do not look to them for aid, they will not save you", Blade hissed making the man flinch. His weakness brought a smile to her lips, watching his eyes flicker to her sword with every movement. Éomer stepped forward from the Rohirrim, knowing she would not dare hurt the man, nor him. It made him question how he knew. He remembered her being murderous, someone to fear.
"You look awfully fearful for someone all knowing", The Hunter teased, noting the presence by her side. She snapped her head over her shoulder, meeting familiar hazel eyes.
"Enough", Éomer spoke calmly, finding humour in her ability to outwit the man who had spoken mindlessly toward her.
"Next time think before you speak because you know nothing." She spat and walked away from the man.
"Woman?!" The man called after her and she sharply turned around.
"What?!" she hissed.
"What is your name?" He asked curiously.
"Blade" She said bitterly.
"How would you like a spot on the council?" He offered with a smirk.
"A…what?" Blade stammered, losing the words that came to her.
"She'd love too" Éowyn appeared at her side and intervened.
"What? n.."
Blade went to refuse and Éowyn elbowed her in the ribs.
"You hear that, she'd love too", Another spoke before she could interject.
"Great, you can join us now" Her motioned to the table at the far end of the hall.
"Éowyn-"
"You cannot avoid him any longer", Éowyn intervened her plea.
Blade frowned softly and walked toward the table of elders and members of Rohirrim.
"Here" Ren patted the seat between him and the king.
The hunter nodded with thanks and sat down on the hard chair.
"Looks like you returned just in time", Ren whispered softly to Blade, catching the attention of the King. He knew Ren had been intrigued by The Hunter on their first meet but he didn't know them to be friends.
"Not soon enough", She responded softly, leaning toward him while gripping the sore bruises around her wrists that burned at her skin.
"You returned Blade, faster than any 'dead' person has, do not demean your efforts", Ren comforted over the chattering of the men at the table, placing his hand on her shoulder. He knew what the evil sorceress Isadora did to their King, he knew that enduring Éomer's loss of memory was killing her. The hunter smiled weakly at the blue eyed Rohirrim and sat back to a comfortable position in her chair. His words of kindness did not comfort her guilt.
"Now the next issue is how we explain to the people the incident with..." A greying man with a bushy beard motioned to the destroyed decorations that were strewn and singed over the hall. Blade's eyes glanced around the once beautifully decorated hall with a sombre expression on her lips. Éomer watched her, confused by her expression. It made him question what Éowyn had tried to tell him.
"Say she was a witch!" One man shouted.
"A shape shifter!"
"A banshee!"
"Tell them the truth" Blade interrupted in a sharp tone.
"What do you suppose we tell them?" Éomer spoke and looked to her for an answer.
"That evil once again found its way back into Edoras seeking power but this time it was ended before it took hold" Blade suggested flatly.
"Very well, next topic" A blonde haired man continued.
The hunter listened intently to the next issue of the increased number of stray orcs seen wondering the borders of Rohan and Gondor.
She was having no luck in trying to keep up with the rambling men as she sat back in her seat and stared at the tapestries on the wall until she felt a harsh nudge on her foot.
The hunter glared to her left where Éomer sat subtly trying to get her attention.
"What?" She whispered and looked up into his hazel eyes.
"I didn't thank you" He leaned in hesitantly and whispered back.
"For what?" She questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"Saving my life, once more" He added bitterly and her eyes shifted to her pendant that had come untucked from his shirt.
"It was a debt repaid" She spoke quietly and tore her eyes away from him, noting the misplaced expression on his face.
"Blade, any suggestions?" Ren asked.
"The will be easily defeated" She said sharply.
"How do you know this?" Éomer questioned with a strong tone.
"Because I will make sure of it" She mimicked his tone and put her sword in front of her on the table.
"You mean to go after these orcs alone?" The blonde man who had been called Brennard asked in surprise.
"You sound surprised" She spoke firmly.
"You are one woman against many orc" He clarified, averting her deadly gaze.
"She is a Hunter, her odds are better than ours" Ren interrupted. The Hunter breathed in sharply and wiped away the drop of water that ran down her jaw line.
"She is one against many", An older man reiterated.
"It was one against many that defeated our Rohirrim upon our first meeting", Ren shot back with a harshness in his tone that surprised Blade. Éomer clenched his jaw with anger, remembering his first meeting with the woman. Something within him despised the way Ren defended Blade, he didn't know why. It made a fire build in his chest.
"No he's right, I'll gather some Rohirrim to aid you" Éomer joined the conversation and looked at the hunter, it had been a long time since he'd seen her with her hair out. Blade clenched her jaw in annoyance, he knew how capable she was at what she did and he knew she wouldn't need any help. He did it to spite her. She knew it and so did he.
"I go alone" She pushed her seat back, the chair slid back and knocked against the wall behind her as she stood calmly. She hope that her leaving would end their argument.
"Not on this quest!" He quickly stood from his seat and stared back at her with anger, trapping her between him, Ren and the wall. Ren rose from his seat beside her, using his arm to push her behind him. The anger he saw in the King's eyes was something he hadn't witnessed before. Ren knew if Éomer allowed himself to hurt Blade that there would be no going back, he would never forgive himself. The Hunter breathed out at the sudden interference, admiring the fact that Ren had pushed her aside in case Éomer tried to harm her.
"Éomer, enough", Ren spoke softly with saddened eyes.
"Allow her to go alone, it will do you no harm", He continued, meeting his friend's hazel eyes that seemed to square with annoyance.
"You do not speak for the Hunter and you do not speak for me, Ren. The next you speak out of line you'll find yourself in the dungeons, I suggest you sit down", The King taunted the man, matching his height. Blade squeezed between the two, growing tired of their bickering, she faced Ren with her back toward the King.
"It is not your fight, Ren, but thank you friend", She spoke in a soft tone. Ren met Éomer's eyes with a clenched jaw before stepping back, motioning for the meeting to adjourn. Blade turned to Éomer and used a harsher tone than she had with Ren.
"Since when do you condemn your soldiers who offer you council?" She asked with venom in her voice.
"When do you leave?", He asked rudely, making her expression drop at the viciousness of his comment.
"...When you learn what it is to be king", Her reply struck him deeply. He clenched his jaw, gripping his hand in a closed fist.
"You are not welcome in my Meduseld", Éomer spoke cruelly. She searched his eyes for weakness, wondering how such cruelty was hidden in the man she had known. She hoped it was the effects of the curse.
"Then I will leave with my friends and you will realise that you banished the one person who could help you", Blade replied in a sharper tone, placing her arms by her side.
"I do not need your help. You are unwanted here.", The golden haired man hissed watching the fire burn out in her eyes. His voice was laced with a malice he had never used toward her, striking her deeper than she dare to show him.
"Your ignorance will not aid you", She replied sharply with taunting words, walking past him through the tight space between them. He grasped her arm with anger, preventing her from having the last word, from making him look like a fool. She came chest to chest with the man and stared back with daggers in her eyes.
"When is it you will see that I do not care for your lesser opinion. That your words mean nothing?", He spat while leaning close to her face, She stepped closer, glancing into his eyes. Her closeness made him uncomfortable but he would not allow her to best him, he stayed still, feeling her breath on his cheek.
"...When you believe it", Blade spoke with a silky voice that sent a chill down his spine with it's allure.
"You think much too highly of yourself", He retorted breathing in her scent of sweetness that begged him to meet her lips with his own.
"Yet you are still here", She spoke with a smirk taking a step back from their closeness.
"Enough", Éomer tightened his grip on her wrist.
"I will not allow your games while I am King", He hissed harshly.
"All I see is a Third Marshall with a crown" Blade spoke firmly and glared at his hold on her but he tightened his grip.
"Blade, I won't stand for your disrespect" He replied angrily and glared into her eyes..
"Likewise" She smirked, earning a few stifled giggles from the council who were that last to clear the table.
"Blade, do not test me" Éomer said firmly, strengthening his voice.
"Do your worst" She pulled her arm with the king still attached and came face to face with him.
"Do not make me your enemy, Blade" He glared into her green eyes and she violently jerked her arm from his hand..
"Don't act like one" She replied firmly and walked away.
"Do your worst" She hissed and yanked her arm back, out of pure instinct he pulled her back and she almost ran into his chest.
"Do not make me your enemy, Blade" Éomer looked sternly into her beautiful eyes as she flickered a glare up at him. He was so close to her he could hear her unsteady breathing.
"Don't act like one" She replied with a certain sadness in her tone and a storm of emotion brewing in her eyes.
Something was different about the hunter, this was usually the moment she would hit him not surrender. She looked tired, but not the kind of tired that sleep can cure. What happened to her?
He watched with a stone cold expression as she walked over to their company of friends with her usual tough façade and a slight limp. Why was she limping?
"I like her, she's feisty" the brown haired Gregor commented.
"I know, I hate that in a woman" Éomer replied and a feeling of déjà vu washed over him.
Éomer watched in amusement with a smirk on his face as the hunter kicked the unfamiliar blonde elf off his horse.
"She is a free spirit that woman'' Gandalf said proudly while riding quietly next to him.
"Indeed, I hate that in a woman" Éomer replied bitterly and wiped the smirk off his face.
He shook off the distant memory and parted from the council to retreat to his chamber.
"How did it go?" Éowyn asked hopefully.
"It is wise if you don't ask" Blade spoke with frustration and sat down on the wooden bench next to Legolas.
"He'll come around" She said as if she were trying to convince herself more than anyone.
"What matters did the council of men and one woman discuss?" Legolas asked politely.
"The council wants a couple of Rohirrim and I to go out at first light tomorrow and hunt some stray orc" Blade replied flatly and wiped a lock of hair from her face.
"Does he need the boys to hold yer knives?" Gimli asked with humour, trying to make light of her situation.
"They know of your legend, why did Éomer allow such a decision?", Éowyn asked with a frown on her face.
"He ordered it" She confirmed softly and leaned back on the bench.
"He's just trying to get under your skin like he used to" Éowyn replied from across the table.
"I know" Blade sighed and looked across to Aragorn who remained quiet next to his wife.
"Just ignore him and he'll go away" Éowyn said tiredly and placed her head on Faramir's shoulder.
"He will see right through me if I allow him the last word", Blade replied.
"You are soon to be 25 , don't you think it's time you act your age?" Faramir commented mindlessly.
The daggers in her eyes stabbed him a thousand times as the words fell from his mouth, clenching her jaw she awaited everyone's comments.
"You are only 25 years of age?!" Éowyn asked in surprise.
"Who is only 25 years of age?" Éomer asked and took a seat on the other side of Legolas with a calmness he didn't have around Blade.
"Blade", Éowyn replied with a smirk, meeting the Hunter's eyes that burned holes into Faramir.
"Yet, she replies with the wisdom of an elder", Éomer replied sarcastically, referring to her childishness in the hall.
"Éomer", Aragorn shook his head disapprovingly with a harsh tone from the other side of the table.
"Do you have something to say, Rohan?", Blade moved so she could meet his eyes on the other side of Legolas.
"Blade, not now", Aragorn intervened, like a parent trying to control his bickering children.
"Since it is your final night in Edoras, it would be wise to celebrate" Éomer intervened, attempting to divert the conversation. He knew The Hunter had saved him but he didn't know why she had done so.
"I second that" Gimli pipped up from the end of the table.
"We can't have a celebration without wine" Éowyn stood from her seat and looked at Blade with a smirk.
"Legolas, I could use some help" She motioned to the elf.
Blade slid from her spot and allowed the blonde elf to get past her.
"Very subtle" The hunter commented and slid back into her spot that was now next to Éomer.
"I don't know what you mean" Éowyn spoke innocently and walked to the cellars with Legolas behind her.
"Of course not" Blade furrowed her brow toward the king who held her same expression.
"Blade, tell us about this orc hunt tomorrow" Aragorn said hesitantly.
"Track, hunt and Kill, there is no more", Her voice was calm as she met the ranger's eyes.
"We do not know how many have been sighted", Éomer corrected with venom.
"Would it ease your mind if I accompany Blade?", Aragorn offered, trying to keep the peace between them.
"You have a kingdom to rule, as do I. Blade will learn to live with my decisions if she wishes to stay in Edoras", Éomer replied harshly, ignoring her presence beside him.
The hunter smirked in disbelief at his ignorance that silenced the company.
"I do not wish to stay in Edoras, if those are the terms", She replied with a monotonic voice.
"Blade, you are not going alone and that's final!" He spoke forcefully and watched as a sinister grin formed on her face.
"No, it's not" She raised her eyebrow and gave him a challenging look.
"Yes it is" He replied calmly.
"Never have you been so wrong" She hissed and sat back in her seat.
Silence filled the Meduseld, the company looked anywhere but at the bickering two except Gimli who was quite enjoying himself.
"Blade…What happened to you while you were gone lass?" Gimli asked to break the silence.
"Something unexpected" She spoke, not wanting to elaborate any further.
The company looked at her expectantly and she let out a deep breath.
"Blade you don't have too…"
"No it's fine" She cut Aragorn off before he could finish.
"I was riding through Belfäläs when I ran into an old acquaintance, a friend of Isadora's, he shot Warlord with and arrow on our escape and captured me with some sort of spell".
"On your escape?", Aragorn questioned with a raised brow, she was usually running toward danger not from it.
"Tyras is a necromancer, much more powerful than I...I killed his sister", The Hunter explained bluntly.
"And why would you do such a thing?", Éomer asked bitterly, it seemed as though he wanted her to be evil.
"She attacked me, I killed her", Blade responded harshly.
"I imagine he is no longer living either", The King of Rohan added while placing his arms on the wooden table.
"He was not mine to kill", Her response surprised him. The company remained silent in her revelation, Faramir picked at the splintered table while Aragorn and Arwen watched the argument with keen eyes, each with the same expression.
"Tell me why a seductress had a vendetta against a woman of all things?", Éomer asked ignorantly. Blade hesitated in answering the man, it wasn't his business to know. She stayed silent, meeting his eyes that told her he would not give up so easily.
"Did you slaughter her kin also?", He pressed on, forcing a smirk on her lips that hid the anger in her veins. Her facade hid the fact that she was ready to meet his face with her fist.
She opened her mouth to speak but was cut off by Faramir's words.
"Blade is simply preserving her brother's memory, much like yourself he didn't act honourably under that woman's grasp", Faramir spoke sharply, his answer made her smirk genuine under the harsh tone the light spoke man used. Blade held her hand to silence him, bowing her head in thanks.
"We found the woman wandering the forest, running from the evils that followed her. When she escaped our grasp we tracked her finding her again two days later on the verge of death. With her last breath she infected Leon, compelling him to take the life of another hunter, a friend...She told him to kill me next, I asked her why and without hesitation she replied 'Because I want you to die knowing it was by the one person you loved'. I hadn't harmed the woman nor struck her wrath, she wanted me dead because she liked killing, because she was evil.", Blade spoke defensively with a frown on her face at the memory.
"Yet you are not dead?" Éomer's statement silenced the table with it's viciousness. He folded his arms over his chest, awaiting her answer.
"It was not for lack of trying. Leon's blade cut through my back just below my shoulder, between bone and flesh. It was not enough to seal my fate, it allowed me to disarm him and I went back for Isadora. I slashed her face so that no one would ever love her again, that she would live a life knowing so.", Blade concluded, silencing the table with her strong voice that defended her action that day.
"How long ago?", Éomer asked in a softer tone from beside her, avoiding her eye contact.
"It was ten years to the day when she came for you...", She replicated his tone, watching his expression harden with anger. She moved from his side, walking around the table.
"It seems your weaponry has lessened in quality as of late", Blade motioned to the barrel of wooden swords and sticks that sat to the side of the hall. Éomer watched in silence as she rose from her seat to inspect the strange children's toys. Gimli followed after Legolas and Eowyn, growing impatient.
"You speak like you have never seen one", Éomer spoke mindlessly. The hunter glanced back to him with a wooden sword in her hand. She hadn't seen one before, not where she was raised, nor anywhere else. She fought for her life and she had always done so.
"Hunters are forged of steel not whittled from tree bark", Faramir interfered with a tone of annoyance. His statement caused the King to raise an eyebrow in confusion toward the man who would wed his sister. Faramir unclenched his fist he kept by his side, feeling the emotion of being abandoned by the woman crawl into a lump in his throat. He couldn't ignore the fact that her and Leon saved him and his brother from the malice of his father, even if it had only been a short while.
"Our people do not conform to the cruelty of using sharpened blades to train children", The King reasoned, aware that he had struck a nerve. Blade watched the two men she had cared for at a moment in her life bicker between each other, knowing that she was the reason. One had cared for her and her family to no end, who would have given her the world and the other who had given his life.
"You cannot understand the way of her people if you see them as cruel"
A breath caught in her throat as her mind spun with damning turmoil that ceased the air from entering her body. The tapered walls grew tighter and tigher, closing in.
"Blade", Arwen's voice echoed in her mind. Her head snapped toward the woman who sat at the table alone. Where was Aragorn? Faramir?
"Blade, end this before they kill each other", Aragorn called. The hunter blinked in confusion and suddenly the two men were being pulled apart by the Ranger who struggled with his hands against each chest. Blade dropped the toy sword and hurried to Aragorn, staring at the two men that towered toward each other. The hunter nudged her friend out of the way, resuming his position as a barrier between them. She met Faramir's blue eyes with a fierce glare.
"What is it that you are trying to prove?", Her question left him dumbfounded. What did she mean? He was defending her race, her family. Éomer smirked, thinking she had taken his side.
"He is not worthy of you", Faramir breathed out in anger and stormed from the hall. His words made her expression soften for a moment, she knew he still cared but it was not for him to decide her fate.
"And you?", She turned back to Éomer who grinned like he had won. Blade knew that Éomer had never warmed to Faramir because of her, that this quarrel would give him an excuse for his dislike.
"You just want to fight", The hunter pushed his chest with the anger she had reserved for him. He stumbled, almost falling from the force. The guards stormed toward her but he motioned them to stay. Her action made his anger flare with the force of her intimidation.
"Blade", Aragorn interfered softly, knowing if she went any further she would be locked away.
"Then fight", She pushed him once more, wanting him to release his anger on her rather than her friends.
"Forged from steel he said?", Éomer spoke with a smirk, motioning for a guard to hand him his sword. His hand gripped the leather band of the sharpened weapon.
"You'll see how", She hissed, declining her own sword as it was offered to her.
"Attack", Blade ordered bluntly. He struck at her side ways with the anger that pulse through his veins searing at her quick action to dodge the hit. He struck harder and faster, growing furious that he could not hit the woman who moved faster than he could swing.
Blade moved breathlessly, without breaking her eye contact with him. Éomer backed off, shifting the sword in his grasp. He watched her move in front of him, noting the limp that caused her right leg to move slower than her left. Her weakness. He couldn't touch her with that impenetrable jacket on.
"You wish to prove yourself? Remove the jacket", His request made her eyebrows furrow and her jaw to clench, the draping coat disguised her bruised and beaten body.
"Enough!", Aragorn hissed in fury, slamming his fist on the table, making Arwen startle. Blade held her hand up to silence him, she wouldn't give into his plan to rattle her.
"Blade", Arwen's soft voice entered her mind.
"Be sure this is worth your pain", The elf smiled toward her, she nodded toward the woman with thanks. It felt like she had all eyes on her as she carefully slipped the coat off the ends of her arms. Éomer's eyes widened in surprise at the dark bruising around her neck and wrists, her bare arms were coloured in shapes of purple hues.
"Attack", The Hunter spoke sharply, approaching him with caution. They sparred with much the same outcome, Blade dodged his hits with ease as he struck at her faster. Her heart beat faster at the flash of silver that aimed low, toward her injured leg. She leaped out of the way, rolling back to her feet. He aimed again, knowing she couldn't block the hit. Blade groaned at the protest of her aching limb that refused to allow her to stand. She grunted in anger as her back met the cold pavement with the swift movement to avoid his blade. He towered over her, aiming his sword in downward blow. He was sure she would find a way to escape. She watched the blade swing toward her, catching the flat steel in the palm of her hand. She waited for the familiar stinging pain while her fingers curled around the sharpened edge to secure her grip.
Éomer widened his eyes in disbelief, his sword had been stopped by the hand of the Hunter. Blade released the weapon, Her heart beat furiously in her chest as her foot raised with speed, meeting the hilt of the sword. The King watched his weapon fly from his grasp with a smirk on his lips, cringing at the loud smack of metal against his floors. She would be perfect for a job he had in mind, she need only accept it.
"What is this?!", Eowyn shouted with panic in her voice after dodging the flying sword upon her entrance. Blade breathed heavily against the cold floor that gripped her bare in it's chill, she laid against it. Her aching body begged her to stay on the floor, to say down. She had won. The Hunter sat up with a groan of pain, holding her wrist that ached for no real reason. The King observed her bruised and battered body, unsure of how she had acquired such hurt.
Éomer met Blade's green eyes, kneeling next to her exhausted body. He motioned for her hand that had managed to catch his blade, inspecting the damage he had inflicted. The hunter showed him her palm, it didn't ooze with blood or puss like he had expected, it hadn't been cut at all. His thumb traced the line his sword should have made against her skin and returned her hand to her.
"Tougher than steel", His hushed confession made her victory all the sweeter as he held out a hand to help her up and she took it.
The hunter felt a lump form in her throat with each step she took away from her friends, she knew where he would go. She found him leaning against the railing of the balcony at the rear of the Meduseld. His eyes looked distantly toward her before snapping back to the green paddocks.
"It was a dream", Blade spoke softly, knowing what had caused his outburst.
"It was our dream", Faramir responded in a harsh tone, meeting her eyes with anger. They had planned to be married, they were happy.
"I cannot ask you not to dwell on the past but you cannot change the events that took place.", The hunter responded in a harsher tone than before.
"You could have",
Blade furrowed her brows with disbelief, wondering how he had come to such a conclusion.
"You never came back", Faramir accused, feeling the resentment he had built in his chest. That Éomer would experience her returning to him but he would not, that she had fought through life and limb to do so.
"I chose not to return, because there was nothing to return to. My family was dead, I could not be your wife.", Blade turned her back to walk away from the painful conversation but his voice pierced the silence.
"Did you ever love me?", His tone was accusing but held emotion.
"...No", Her answer made his heart drop in his chest. He saw then the difference between himself and Éomer, why she had fought so hard to return. She loved one of them and it was not him...
"I'm sorry...", Blade spoke softly at the sadness in his eyes.
"Do not be sorry, hunter. It was not meant to be", He sent her a half-hearted smirk, patting her shoulder.
"I know now why you fight so hard for Éomer", He spoke softly and stepped away from her.
"I will not allow his cruelty, Blade. Neither should you", Faramir silenced her and walked back to their company.
Éomer watched her from the corner of his eye while conversing with his sister, something had rattled the hunter. She wasn't quite the same after she had fetched Faramir.
The man who was to marry his sister returned to the hall shortly before Blade, making him curious as to what their conversation had pertained to. The Hunter felt so familiar yet he didn't know her at all.
"I'll get the mugs" The hunter volunteered suddenly and quickly slid from her seat and strode toward the kitchen quarters.
"I'll help" Éomer spoke flatly and followed after her.
"What is troubling you?" Éomer appeared in the empty cooking quarters seconds after Blade and she snapped her head toward his sudden presence, gathering her composure.
"Nothing of your concern" She spoke as kindly as she could with a raging head ache forming. She turned to the cupboards where she assumed some mugs would be, holding her cool hand against her forehead.
"I know you Blade, I'm not fond of you but I know you." He walked toward her as she searched the cupboards for mugs, removing her hand from her head.
"Be careful what you say next, King. One might think you give a damn" She responded monotonically, pretending to focus on finding cups or chalices to drink from. She was frustrated, angry and had every right to be.
"You're right, It couldn't mean less to me if something is bothering you but if it gets my men killed, that is my concern" He stated firmly leaned against the cupboard next to her.
"Your compassion is overwhelming" She sighed with sarcasm and knelt to search the bottom cupboards, her chest filled with a pounding pain that seemed only to worsen.
"I have no compassion for you" He said calmly and put emphasis on the 'You' as if it offended him.
"After all we've been through-... Just let your resentment go" She paused for a moment, concerning him with the emotion in her tone.
"Blade, you got my uncle killed and you almost took my sister with you. You're lucky I haven't thrown you in the dungeons for your language alone." He spoke with venom. He watched the growing frustration that showed on her face with confusion. What the hell kind of memories did he have?
"Saved your life" She murmured and slammed the cupboard door closed. The colour had drained from her face and her legs threatened to buckle underneath her weight in her crouching position. Blade blinked quickly before slowly letting the handle of the cupboard go and unsteadily standing.
Blade saw him try to reach for her arm but moved her shoulder back before he could touch her.
Éomer backed off in frustration, couldn't she see he was trying to help her?
"Just find the damn mugs" She hissed and breathed out heavily.
The King stepped to the side and opened the cupboard he was leaning against.
Blade clenched her jaw in annoyance when she spotted at least two dozen mugs stacked neatly in next to each other.
He smirked at her deathly stare and glared back at her in amusement but she was not amused, she was far from it.
"A Hunter with no sense of direction", He saw something break within her at his words that taunted her, her eyes began to fill with a purple mist. She clenched her fist tightly at her side, gritting her teeth with the restraint she used to keep her power at bay.
"Leave before you cannot", She spoke with a monotonic voice that burned through her lungs but he didn't budge from his position.
"Why would I leave this is my land?", He taunted, stepping closer to her. He was playing a dangerous game. Blade breathed in, ignoring with cruel words. Her mind ached with a feverish severity that felt like her skull could fracture at any moment. He dared her to use her power so he could put her in a cage.
"It is your kind that is not welcome here, especially not You. I will tolerate your friends admiration of the great 'Shadow hunter of the East', but you hold no reign in Edoras, not to me, not to my people.", Éomer spoke sharply close to her ear, making his words unmistakable.
The Hunter opened her eyes, feeling the fire retract from her veins, she glanced at him with an expression of disbelief. He knew that allowing her emotions to take hold would destroy her...he knew it. He didn't care.
"There was a time when you weren't like the rest but I see that crown has skewed your judgement, Third Marshal", She replied with fire in her words that sparked his own anger. Her fury forced him to take a step back before she had gotten too close for comfort.
"Don't speak to me of betrayal when it was you that left, It was you that allowed that seductress into my land. You didn't return. You let that woman poison my halls, to poison me. Do not claim to be a friend when your sword is lodged in my back. You are nothing but a bitch that has strayed too far from the filth you were bred from", His words caused a confused expression to grow on her face with the venom in his tone. She needed to get away, he wasn't doing her any favours. Her eyes clashed with his hazel orbs that harbored so much resentment toward her. His jaw was clenched in anger, his arms crossed in front of his dark shirt.
"You think I am evil? Take a look at your own cruelty then tell me which one of us is truly evil.", Blade spoke in a soft tone, needing to leave the chamber before the tears she held at bay slipped from her eyes.
"Blade...", Éomer attempted to apologize but she disappeared before him.
"My Lord", Ren voiced from behind him, holding an unsavory expression on his face. Éomer breathed out and acknowledged the man.
"There is no sign of Isadora's company in Edoras. They've fled", Ren spoke sharply, turning to walk away from the man who he had once confided in.
"Ren, speak freely", Éomer's soft tone echoed through the chamber, summoning Ren back.
"Had it been me taunting the Hunter as you just did, I would be bleeding on the floor.", Éomer smirked at the blue eyed man's honesty.
"There are plenty of Kings but you will never find another Blade", The lighter blonde haired man spoke with anger toward his friend.
"...I owe her an apology" Éomer breathed out, running his hands through his hair.
"You owe her your Kingdom..." Ren shot back, surprising the King of Rohan.
Two hours into the celebration Gimli had already passed out, Éowyn laid slouched on Faramir Laughing at nothing in particular, Legolas, Arwen, Éomer and Aragorn were having a drinking competition, while Blade sat quietly watching the drinking game and occasional taking a sip from her wine though she hadn't acquired a taste for it.
Éomer and Aragorn looked as though they would drop at any second whereas Legolas and Arwen seemed unaffected. The hunter smirked as they sculled another round and still the elves remained perfectly okay. The King held himself well but had started to show his drunken state in his speech and demeanor. He stared at the Hunter intently, squinting his eyes. He hadn't found an opportune moment to apologize to her.
"What?" She turned in curiosity and almost head butted the man. He wondered why she had left their company for the first hour of the celebration, after their argument. He saw her disappear, she didn't return for a while.
"How did you acquire this?" He raised his hand and traced the scar across her cheek.
"A Knife" She lied and pushed his hand away, meeting Faramir's stare that judged her greatly. She hadn't forgiven him for his ignorant words.
There was no possibility she would reveal to her friends that it was from the edge of a ring her father had hit her with.
"It's too thin to be a knife" He slurred drunkenly and continued to glare at her.
"It was" She clenched her jaw and grasped the chalice in front of her taking a long sip, draining it.
"Don't lie to me, Blade!" He slammed his mug down on the table and glared at her. The company stared at him in surprise, then back to Blade who tapped her fist on the table in frustration.
"I think you've had enough" She said calmly, snatching away his half full cup and handing it to Legolas at the end of the table. The hunter stood and turned to Éomer for him to move so she could get past.
"Who cut you?" He challenged and blocked her way with his arm while her friends stumbled to their beds from the hall.
"Move it before I break it" She replied calmly and pointed to his arm.
"Not until you tell me" He smirked a foolish grin that brought a smirk to her lips.
"Why does it matter?", She asked with wit to the drunk man.
"It doesn't", He replied, furrowing his brow with confusion.
"Then do not ask", She hissed with venom, entertaining him.
Blade smirked, turning her back to him she slid out from the table.
"I'm going to head off" She announced following after Aragorn, Gimli and Arwen who retreated to their sleeping quarters with a drunken disorientation.
"I Hope to see you all soon" She smiled while hugging Éowyn in a bid to allow her to leave.
"And we you" Legolas replied politely.
"Travel safe" She commented to all of them and walked away, peeling the shield-maiden of of her.
"Blade!" The hunter stopped and turned to see Éowyn smirking at her.
"I expect to see you soon…at your wedding" She half giggled half shouted.
Blade smiled at the intoxicated woman who grinned like a small child at her statement. In her heart she knew there would be no wedding, not after what she was to do later that morning.
"I'll see you at your wedding Mrs Faramir" She replied calmly and walked toward her temporary chamber.
Éomer waited until the hunter had rounded the corner and looked to his sister.
"Who is she marrying?" He asked with curiosity.
"The King of Rohan" Éowyn smirked and walked to her chamber with Faramir in tow.
"King of…no…never" His eyes widened in realisation and he stuttered in his drunken state.
Blade lay on her bed staring at the ceiling in contemplation when a light knock fell on her door. Arwen? she spoke in her mind, receiving no reply.
The hunter grasped the hilt of her small dagger and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She cautiously walked toward the wooden door and turned the handle. She was surprised to see a very drunk Éomer leaning against the door frame. She attempted to close the door but he didn't allow it.
"What?" She sighed and placed her dagger on the dresser next to her. He was the person she loved the most but the one she hadn't wished to see at her door.
"Why..why do they think we are getting married?" He stuttered and walked into her dimly lit chamber. The question made her chest flutter with anxiety, marriage wasn't something they had discussed in detail, they never had the chance...
"You would have to ask them" She lied and closed the door behind her.
"I hate you, you're...you" He sat down on the end of the bed and looked at her expectantly. Her mind took her back to the time when he had found her in the forest, begging her to stay, telling her that he loved her.
"Then get out, leave, I will not beg you to stay", Blade hissed, motioning to the door. He held up his hands in surrender, regretting his choice of words.
"I'm sorry...I didn't come to fight you", He spoke softly, running his hand through his golden hair.
"Then why are you here?" She replied softly and leaned against the door, shaking away the memories that played in her mind.
"That woman took my memory but it feels like I remember you leaving so well...I'm sorry Blade. I know I have acted cruelly toward you but you do no know how it feels to be told the life you had led for the last few months was a lie. To be held accountable for something I don't recall, to be resented", Éomer confessed sharply, looking away from her piercing glare.
"You have held me accountable and resented me for my father's actions...For the actions of other Hunters from the moment you met me, Éomer", Blade replied with a softer tone than he had used.
"...You're different...different than I remember. I should have been bleeding on the floor after what I said to you...but you left instead, why?" Éomer spoke with furrowed brows.
"...You know why", She placed her hand on her head with frustration.
"That", He motioned toward her with softness in his tone, unsure of why his words hurt her with such fire.
"You don't do...that" He continued
"It's…strange…I have your pendant but I have no memory of you giving it to me?" He glanced toward her with a clenched jaw.
"It was a gift..." Blade pushed herself off the door and grabbed the dagger that sat on the dresser.
Éomer studied her expression, even in the dark he could tell she was holding back words that could help him understand. She retrieved the dagger that she'd been previously holding and walked to the side of the bed. The hunter crouched down and placed the dagger into its sheath that lay next to her pile of weapons.
She rose to her feet and quickly turned around almost running into the King's chest. She looked up questioningly into his eyes and took a step back.
"Why can't I remember that Blade?" He asked desperately but with venom."Why do I have your pendant?"
"You know the answer, you just need to look harder" She responded and held her ground against the towering king.
"You didn't leave after the battle...that killed Theoden did you?", His question was unexpected. The hunter spaced herself from him by pushing back his chest with her hand.
"...No",
"What happen?", He asked in a sharp tone, prying against her will to keep him at bay.
"We fought Sauron and we won, we then watched Aragorn be crowned. While in Gondor you took an Arrow that was meant for me, I saved you. Afterwards I left to hunt the creature that tried to take my life.", Blade recited to him in vague detail.
"Why?", He slurred distantly. Why? Why what?
"Why w-"
"Why did I save you?", Éomer spoke over her with an annoyed tone of frustration, turning the the fire that illuminated her chambers.
"You saw the arrow before I did", Blade answered, knowing it wasn't what he had meant. She watched his eyes flicker from the fire to her with a vulnerable glare. He breathed out a puff of air, feeling the dizziness of the alcohol affecting his movements. He felt different toward her than what he could remember from before she had returned. It was a strange feeling that made his chest tighten at the sight of her.
"You never…never answered my question" He slurred, turning back to her.
"Enquiring?" She asked in confusion and shifted back a bit.
"This" He raised his hand and traced the scar on her face.
"Maybe I'll tell you one day" She said smirked and looked into his eyes.
They didn't have the same reflection they used to when he looked at her, they were the eyes of someone who despised her.
Blade hesitantly pushed his hand away and moved back once again but he grabbed her arm.
"Why do you…do that?" He asked in confusion.
"Do what?" She sighed in annoyance and glared at him.
"Back away from me" He clarified and stepped closer to her, he was waiting for her to fight back.
"I will not fight a drunk man" The hunter said calmly and walked back until she felt her shoulder hit the wall.
"I wasn't drunk in that kitchen nor when you disappeared after our argument", His words tested her patience. She pushed him back with restraint but he caught her by the waist, lowering her arms. He didn't approach her to fight.
"You have one chance to tell me why I have this", He spoke with vulnerability in his voice and weakness in his eyes while he motioned toward the pendent on his necklace.
"It is not for me to tell you how you feel", Blade responded, replicating his tone, confirming his suspicion.
"I know why you gave me this, Blade" He spoke softly, motioning to her pendant that hung from his neck. The Hunter clenched her jaw and glanced back to him, she tried to look away but her captured her chin in his hand. Her heart raced wildly as she stared into his eyes that held uncertainty, She was paralysed by her own desire as he captured her lips in a longing kiss, pulling her closer with his arms around her waist. Her hand reached for the side of his face as she returned his kiss, comforted by his warmth. Blade hesitantly parted from the embrace with a deep sigh.
"Éomer, this is not how you feel", Blade glanced into his eyes that seemed disorientated.
"I'm sorry Blade, I didn't…", his arm retracted from her waist, taking his warmth with him.
"I don't need your apology," She cut him off.
"Blade were we?…-" He started to talk but seemed to have a hard time getting the words out. Blade noticed his slight swaying and eyed him suspiciously.
Suddenly a massive Rohirrim was falling on her and she quickly caught him in her arms. She looked down at Éomer with his head on her shoulder and a smile formed on her face.
Serves you right.
The hunter slowly pushed him off her and he flopped onto the bed,..
Blade sighed and shifted his legs so they were on the mattress and placed a thin blanket over him. He shifted to his side and began to stir, the hunter shook her head and placed a thicker blanket over his shoulders.
"What are you doing?" He asked drowsily and snaked an arm around her waist.
"Go to sleep, king of Rohan" She smirked and took the crown off his head, placing it on the bedside table.
"I'm not tired" Éomer said softly and pulled her toward him.
"Then open your eyes" She said softly and planted a soft kiss on his cheek before untangling his arm from her waist.
"Blade?" He caught her hand just as she had begun to walk away.
"Yes?" She replied and looked over her shoulder to his drunk and tired form.
"Were we?-" He asked quietly before his grip loosened from her hand and he drifted off into a light sleep.
"Yes we were..." She whispered to herself.
The hunter sighed and sat down on the chair next to the bed. There was no way she would let him assist her in the hours to come, she'd just have to figure out how she could leave without anyone noticing.
Blade smirked as a devious plan popped into her mind and stood from her seat. Scooping up her weapons she crept out of the chamber and quietly shut the door behind her.
The King of Rohan awoke to a pounding headache and a feeling of uncertainty. His eyes fluttered open and he found himself staring at a ceiling that didn't belong to his chamber.
Éomer hesitantly turned his head to the left and let out a sigh of relief, the other side of the bed was empty.
Wait…
He sat up in the messy bed and looked around the chamber.
"Blade" He hissed as memories from the previous night came flooding back. He remembered the softness of her lips against his, the warmth that radiated from her kiss, her hand against his cheek. Éomer shook of the memory in disbelief.
The King unravelled himself from the tangle of sheets and leaped to his feet. Swiping his crown he ran out of the chamber and stopped in the hall, hoping to see her saying goodbye to the company. He cursed her as he searched the hall but saw no black coat.
"Lord Éomer?" Ren tried to get his attention.
"Yes?" He turned his attention to the blue eyed soldier.
"We have received word of a highly dangerous group is also hunting the orc pack and to proceed with caution" Ren informed him.
"We leave in five minutes" Éomer said firmly and walked past him.
"Éomer?" Ren called after him.
The king turned in annoyance and looked at him questioningly.
"Why the urgency?" The soldier asked his old friend.
"The hunter is gone" He hinted to his fellow horse lord.
Ren looked at him understandingly and cleared his throat.
"I'll gather the men" The soldier bowed and briskly walked out of the Meduseld.