Thanks for the support!
Ryuujin Shishou - I'm so glad you like it. I've got a lot of interesting ideas for post-war Enzi! I hope you like it.
silverhawk88 - Thanks! I always liked the idea of seeing some of the other peoples in Middle Earth. I guess that's how I started this in the first place! Keep reading!
Natski1970 - He's one of mine as well! Thanks for reading! (And the italics check! :D )
dd - Aww! Thanks so much!
BrightWatcher - You know, I think it's mine too! Thanks and keep reading! Thanks for italics-checking me as well! :D
AHealingRenaissance - I know! Believe me when I tell you I'd planned on it much sooner, but it didn't work out that way. Hope you like the next chapter!
iluvmycorgi22 - I really liked the ending too! One of my favs so far! Sorry for the delay but hopefully the quality of the chapter is worth it! Thanks for reading!
Guest – Thanks so much for reading!
LuCkY-StAr69 – Thanks for reading! Hope this next chapter doesn't disappoint!
Special thanks to Validated Diva and Mae! Thanks for being a listening ear!
The summer sun hung lowly in the sky as servants began lighting torches around the gardens. Musicians play softly as the cares of the day blew away with each cloud in the sky. Dingane sat down on the cushion in front of the zamma board, arranging the pieces quietly. Ghasaan and Asana came up, interrupting the silent beauty of the ending day with the sound of laughter and chatter. Ghasaan had been swinging his daughter up in the air, his habit after the evening meal. But the young princess had slipped away from his grip crashing into her brother and the board, then hiding behind his back as her father neared.
"Asana!" Dingane cried as he tried in vain to protect the pieces.
"Baba's (father's) coming! Baba's coming!" she cried, still jerking behind her brother for protection as her father grasped at her form. "Protect me!"
Dingane looked at his sister, then his father. In a flash he shoved his sister ahead of him to his father. "Sorry sister," he laughed. "I'm no hero!"
"Msalti! (traitor)" Asana cried even as her father tickled her, finally dissolving into laughter and tears. "You have turned against your Mfalme and will face death!"
"He certainly will," Ghadelyna said as she settled herself on the adjacent cushion, helping her brother reset the board. "I will avenge you, sister! He hasn't beaten me in the past and he certainly can't now."
"We will see, little sister," Dingane added with a smirk when they'd finally finished the board. Asana and Ghasaan grew quiet as the other two started their match, each strategically giving their pieces away to take the others. The garden was so quiet. Even the birds hovered over them in the trees, quietly waiting for the victor to be revealed.
"These two have a habit of ending their games too quickly," Ghasaan said, quietly. "No time to study the situation."
"That's why it's so fun to watch," Asana said as her father wrapped her up in an embrace, rocking back and forth.
"Move there Ghadelyna," Ghasaan whispered, only to be softly swatted Asana.
"No cheating, baba!" the girl cried! "No help from anyone else!"
"You sure you want to move there, sister," Dingane said after a while. There was a victorious glint in his eye and Ghadelyna paused to look at the board, reassessing her position.
"What's wrong with it," she said after a while. What was Din talking about? She studied the board carefully. Her next move would sacrifice one of her pieces but give her the opening she needed to claim the rest of his pieces. He would have to take the move, and would find himself helpless afterwards. She smirked. "Bluffing is not your strong suit, brother," she said finally, still holding the piece in her hands.
"I'm not," Dingane said again. "I'm just reminding you that you still have a choice. You can end this right here, right now, if you want."
"She cannot stop. She's come too far to just concede."
The group looked over to the corner of the garden to see servants carrying the royal litter then placing it on the ground before settling themselves behind it. She could see her mother, Sumayyaa, even though the veiled contraption. She wore a white gown with a colorful bead necklace, her hair intricately held back with a golden clips and a golden band. She smiled at her family but did not step out of the litter. "Continue, children."
Dingane faced his sister again. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
Ghadelyna smiled, placing her pawn down on the board to be taken by her brother. "Claim your victory, brother," she said with a smile, watching her brother frown a bit, then slide his hands across the board to claim her piece as he jumped over it. A giggle escaped her lips and she gleefully, slid her final piece over the board, hopping it over his last three pieces, until only her piece remained. "You lost, Din!"
An unnatural smile claimed his lips. "Worse. You won."
An abrupt cry drew her eyes to the direction of the litter. The servants were gone. Her mother had stepped out of the litter, revealing herself in her hood and armor. She swiftly delivered a killing blow to her father, as Asana screamed. Luckily the man ducked, sliding in the grass to get away from the woman's blade.
"Mother!" Ghadelyna said, standing up quickly. What are you doing?!"
No sooner had the old regent been killed, she turned her attention to her husband, claiming Ghasaan's life with another slash of the sword. Asana screamed again, scrambling away from her mother again.
"Dingane, do something!" Ghadelyna said as she searched for a weapon, grabbing her glove and spear from a near corner. But when she turned, she found that her brother was dead at his mother's feet. She turned on her heels quietly, swinging at the helpless Asana, and all that was hesitant in Ghadelyna died.
In a flash the princess ran at her mother, stopping the sword from reaching Asana and hitting the Mfalme hard in the abdomen with her glove. Sumayyaa turned to her daughter and began assaulting her with her blade, proving vastly superior in combat than the young woman. She knocked her down onto the grass and lifted her sword to end the battle when Asana ran up, stopping the blade with her own body!
"NO!" Enzi cried out as the little girl settled herself on the grass, shocked at the look of her own blood oozing from her chest. Enzi ran past her sister to her mother, aiming the spear at her mother's chest. The spear met its target and she held it in place, even as her voice broke. "Why?" Enzi cried. "Why would you do this?"
"I….did…. nothing…" the woman said, reaching for her hood and taking great effort to pull it off. But instead of Sumayyaa, Enzi stared directly into Ghadelyna's eyes. It was her! She was staring at herself!
She struggled to back away but Ghadelyna gripped her arms fiercely. Holding her close. "Time to wake up."
Enzi blinked quickly at the rising sun even while Ida patted her covered legs again. "Did you hear me, my lady?" she asked a bit louder. "It's time to wake up."
Enzi looked around the room, drinking in its features. Even with the roaring fire, the room caused her to be chilled to the bone. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, studying the fire, then the unfamiliar wooden walls. "Are you alright, my lady?" Ida said after a while, walking up to her and patting her knee. Enzi looked at her quickly, an unseen mask cloaking her face. She wiped the sweat off her brow casually, though she was shivering and gave Ida a pleasant smile. She was a slightly plump young woman, with bright hazel eyes and straight brownish-red hair. Éowyn had told Enzi that Ida had cared for her while she was confined and the two had since struck up a great friendship. "Oh, I'm fine Ida! Just tired I guess. I didn't expect yesterday to wear me out so." She took a moment to rub Ida's growing abdomen. "And how are you doing this morning?"
"Oh he's doing quite well today as well!" Ida cried patting her belly as well. "Been dancing the whole morning. Here!" The maid placed Enzi's hand over a different spot on her belly, to feel the baby kick. The two shared a laugh as the baby made its presence known. "Now, come, my lady," Ida insisted after a bit. "I know how you chill easily."
"Enzi stood and undressed quickly as Ida set herself to making the woman's bed. "I can take care of myself, you know, and you're in no condition to be a servant." Once naked, Enzi rushed to douse herself in the heated water, desperate for warmth. "I told you that you would still receive your wages if you stayed home to rest. You had no need to journey with us."
"Nonsense, Lady Enzi!" Ida said, still working as Enzi scrubbed her skin. "You have been my charge since you came to Edoras. You're practically family. Besides, the women of Aldburg can't anticipate your needs like I can. Besides, I have months before my confinement. I will be fine. I assure you I wouldn't just be sitting around at home."
Enzi poured a bit of water on her face and laughed. "And the fact that Hakon travelled with us to assist the king has no bearing on your decision?"
Ida laughed loudly at this, taking a moment to settle herself on the bed. "Can't a wife travel with her husband? We promised to never be apart after the war. I will do my part to honor that promise. "
Enzi shook her head and smiled. "Well, promise me that you'll rest for the remainder of the day. The council will meet for most of the day anyway and I assure you that if I need anything I can take care of myself. You can spend the day with Hakon. Think of it as a vacation before motherhood."
The mention of her husband brought another sugary smile to Ida's face. "If you insist, Enzi." She wrapped a large towel around Enzi as she stood up, and then assisted her in getting ready for the morning meal, pulling back her braided hair as Enzi rubbed scented oils in her skin. Enzi then walked towards the closet, reaching for a gown done in black and green, ruffled and full. It had been a gift from the governor's wife and she felt it was fitting to wear on such a day.
After Ida helped her into it she left the room and walked to the dining hall of the governor. She found a place near Éowyn, who was struggling against the ruffles of her own gown and stifling a giggle as she studied Enzi. The princess had also been gifted with a gown, but seemed to wear it better, if there were such a thing. The white and blue material seemed to emphasize her beauty, even with its lack of simplicity. The members of the council which traveled with them sat down as well, waiting patiently for their hosts to enter the room. A few moments later, the governor, his wife, and Éomer entered.
Heruthian's wife, Thora, held onto Éomer's arm as they walked in charmed to no end by the young king. The woman was petite with long brown hair, large blue eyes, and a thin rope mouth with a voice that seemed much too thunderous to belong to her. Heruthian was lean with an angular jaw and soft blue eyes which made him appear much older than Éomer. He seemed to have been old friends with the king, speaking in a more familial tone while his wife gushed, leading the young king to his seat near her husband. Only when the three were seated did the meal begin.
The breakfast presented was decadent to say the least. Thora seemed invigorated by planning feasts for guests. All sorts of meats and fruit were available for the morning meal, much to Enzi's chagrin. Her stomach had not quite adjusted to the Rohan palette and the thought of eating such heavy foods again after such a large feast the previous day unnerved her. But it was she that had suggested Éomer tour his country to insure the provinces of their new king's intentions and so she prepared herself to feed on the large feast before her. Her attention was so taken by the large amount of food placed before her that she did not notice that the governor was speaking to her.
Éowyn brushed against her arm, drawing her attention back to those seated at the table, to find everyone staring at her. Heruthian smiled kindly and repeated himself. "My apologies for disturbing you, Lady Enzi. I was asking how you found Aldburg. I trust you slept well?"
It was hard to avoid returning the smile, even while her mind drifted back to the dream. "You have a beautiful city, Lord Heruthian, and yes, I slept very well indeed."
"You and the princess look so lovely today," Thora said, seeming to inwardly congratulate her taste in gifts.
"They do indeed, Thora," Heruthian said, taking a drink of ale. "Doubtful the elves could challenge such beauty."
"Very doubtful," Éomer said, a smile ghosting over his face as he took a drink of ale as well.
Enzi dared to take a glance at the young king, shifting her eyes away when their eyes met. Heruthian continued. "I barely recognized you without your armor."
Enzi's attention was drawn back to the governor and she frowned a bit at the man. She had made a point to assimilate many aspects of the Rohan culture, including adopting their manner of dress rather than her armor. "Forgive me, sir. Have we met before our arrival in Aldburg?"
Heruthian smiled a bit. "Not exactly. I rode with you and the rest of the Rohirrim to Gondor, then to the Black Gate. I watched you take down a troll and its tower."
"Indeed!" Thora exclaimed, her voice ringing through the halls. "I was sure I'd misunderstood! You look nothing as you were described!"
Enzi studied the man's hardened features. She thought back on the soldiers she'd rode with, the men she'd shared meals and barked commands to. Try as she might, she could not place his face. Heruthian placed a hand in the air, bringing her back to the present. "Try not to think about it too heavily," he said. "Faces sometimes are jumbled in the chaos of war. But, perhaps this face is more memorable."
He pointed to a young man that had quietly been sitting at the table with them, staring at both Éowyn and herself and barely eating. How lucky he must be! His features were similar but a bit gentler than Heruthian's. "A pleasure to meet you again, my lady," he said quietly, barely being able to meet her eyes.
She studied his face carefully as Heruthian continued. "I cannot thank you enough for giving him strength when his heart failed during the battle."
She studied him until recognition hit her. The boy! The boy she'd screamed at as the Harad armies met them at Pelennor Fields. "That was you?" she asked to which the boy nodded. "What is your name?"
The young man nodded. "Beorin, my lady," there was innocent admiration in his eyes.
Heruthian interjected. "Well, Beorin has much to do to insure that Aldburg honors our king, his kin and his friends well. We will see you later, brother."
The young man nodded and rushed off quickly from the table, causing Heruthian to laugh a bit. "You'll have to forgive poor Beorin. The princess and yourself have become sort of portraits of courage among the young soldiers."
"We did nothing different than any other soldier did," Éowyn countered, smiling. "Nothing different than any Rohan."
"Begging your pardon, my lady," Heruthian said, "but that is not true. No man could kill the Witch King and no man I know could fight against his own people for the good of all." Enzi smiled a bit, her mouth pursing into a thin line. "Many in the city have planned a grand affair to show their appreciation today." Enzi inwardly grimaced while she plastered the smile on her face. More feasting! "We hope that you will enjoy it."
"I'm sure we will, friend," Éomer finally spoke, taking a long drink of his ale, "but not until after the council convenes. There is much to discuss."
Enzi was grateful for signal of the meal's end. Thora and several of her servants left the room, leaving Éowyn, Enzi, the governor and the rest to discuss the king's desires. This had been their practice as Éomer had toured the outer reaches of his country. Most leaders, though trusting of their new king, felt he was young and inexperienced in running a country. So meeting the king would hopefully fill them with confidence in their king's desire to do what was best for each province. But Éomer wanted something more. He wanted to network a sort of early warning system for Rohan to insure that what had happened with Sauruman and the wildmen would not happen again. This idea was not always accepted; his call for more secure borders was at best a bit overzealous in the eyes of some governors. Afterall, Sauron was defeated and most of the creatures of Mordor had been killed. Threats were few and far between in their eyes and they would have to be convinced of the necessity of Éomer's call for change.
Heruthian, unfortunately had proven their most difficult challenge, perhaps because he knew Éomer so well. He led a very prosperous city, one accustomed to trading with various people. Building a large city wall or moat would not only separate the city from possible traders, but turn the city into more of a military installation rather than a city of commerce.
This was usually where Enzi added her thoughts to the conversation, reminding the leaders about how easy it would be for one trained in covert maneuvers to do minor or major damage. Afterall, it had been part of her own training. In truth, the Dunlending wildmen were still at large, and would, no doubt, be even more fearful of loss of territory with Rohan's renewed alliance with Gondor, they were considered a greater threat.
The other great truth was that with Sauron's destruction, the need for resources could possibly draw other to Rohan as well. Easterlings, Corsairs, and many of the other tribes had learned of the defenses of the men of the north and west through the serving of their people in Sauron's army. If the Rohan did not change their strategies, they could find themselves wrapped into another war with little time to prepare. The council finally agreed to the building of towers along the borders of the city, satisfying the kingdom and city's need for advanced knowledge and Aldburg's need for trade. All parties satisfied (or at least placated), the council meeting was concluded, and everyone was whisked off to the celebration.
The sun hung had begun its descent to the western horizon as the Éomer took both her and Éowyn's arms, leading them to the sitting area. Children crowned Éowyn and Enzi with wreaths made of flowers. The Heruthian and Thora found seating behind them as the entertainment began. Watching the children singing, the musicians playing, and even the athletic competitions could not retain her interest. Enzi was more focused on the man who sat beside her as he took her hand in his.
She had not had a real conversation with Éomer since his confession. They'd shared greetings and she'd spoken up in council meetings, but never more than a few words. She'd tried time and time again but found her mouth went dry before words could form. She stole a glance at the young king as he laughed heartily with Heruthian. He was such a complex person, more complex than she felt he was when they'd first met. So then had been their relationship. Looking at him here, she was finally ready to admit that he was quite handsome. Any woman could see this. But there was more than this in him. He had befriended her despite their harsh meeting. He had aided her whether she'd wanted it or not, helping her even when she kicked against it. He had listened to her sorrows about her people and offered council to her, seeming to understand her feelings even when she'd struggled to keep them hidden. And when she thought no act of kindness and gentility would surprise her, he did something else – he made her laugh. Not a small laugh or a polite giggle, but guffaws that echoed in the hall despite her desire to quite herself. He had become more than a battle comrade. He had become her friend, just as Éowyn or even Aragorn was, and she could have been happy with that. Even now, she longed for his presence, the relationship they had cultivated before her return to Edoras. Oh why had he changed everything?
Her eyes moved from Éomer's face to her hand dwarfed in his, partly angry that he made her feel this way. In truth, one of the niceties she'd felt in being tribute was the forbidden attachments. Men were something she only seemed to handle when they were siblings in battle. All that mattered was her skill, not her attractiveness, and when it came to friendships, none were closer than her kin. Knowing that no man could pursue her or possess her due to her position was an extra wall of protection, a wall that Éomer had slipped under, despite her best intentions. She shrank in her chair as she finally admitted to herself a truth she'd known for a while now. She was afraid of him.
She had been trained to resist men in battle, to fight with and against them for the common good of her House, her tribe and Mordor. No one, however, taught her the subtle delicacies of being a woman. She had been so young when her mother died, and though she watched friends, male and female, give themselves to love and romance, she had the assurance of being tribute to push this from her life. Now that truth was gone, and she was vulnerable. How should she respond to Éomer's subtle advances? He had not pushed her, or said anything more direct than he had as they rode back to Edoras. There had been no grand displays or sonnets as she had seen many men do. She had almost believed that perhaps she had read the situation wrong. Almost. She looked back up at him and found he'd been watching her, his brow unfurrowing and his lips bearing the glimmer of a smile. His eyes seemed to melt into hers with simultaneous gentility and intensity and she then knew she had not imagined it. How should she respond? Did she want to respond?
She looked back in front of her as Heruthian led Thora to the platform in front of them. The woman smiled, giving the governor a chaste kiss on the cheek before he spoke. "And now," he announced the assemblage, "if it pleases the king and his court, my wife will honor us with the Ballad of Deorwyn." The people of Aldburg exclaimed at this and even Éowyn sat up, leaning her head on the railing ahead of them as the woman sang. Thora's voice was very beautiful, the timbre fluctuating melodiously as minstrels play around her. Enzi, however, never heard the song before and was still very unfamiliar with Rohirric. Not wanting to disturb Éowyn by peppering her with questions as the woman sang, she simply lay back in the seat, closing her eyes and reveling in the beauty of the melody.
Éomer leaned in, whiskers tickling her skin as he whispered. "Deorwyn was a woman, beloved of a man who went to war. His only comfort was the thought of being with her after the battle was over."
She opened her eyes to find their faces so close she could not focus on his eyes. "And when the battle was over?"
His voice seemed to blend harmoniously with Thora's as she continued to sing. "The young man died, killed by the enemy, having never confessed his true feelings to his love. He feared rejection because he did not believe she returned his feelings. And so Deorwyn mourned him, never knowing how much he truly loved her. That she had possession of his heart from their first meeting."
Thora finished the melody and the multitude cheered, the three of them standing to applaud the governor's wife as she bow before the assemblage. She smiled at the woman then turned back to Éomer to find his gaze still locked on her form. "It's a great tragedy," he said lowly, "on the sadness war brings to all. It is also a reminder to cherish what you hold dear, to savor those you love while they are yours to love. And a warning to not give into fear."
Enzi felt the old discomfort in her belly again. They were no longer talking about the sonnet. Éowyn exclaimed, breaking the seeming trance Enzi was in. "One of my favorite melodies! Absolutely beautiful, Thora!" she said, taking the hand of the governor's wife.
She dared to look back at Éomer. If they had been like the soldier and Deorwyn in the story, it would have been difficult enough. But Éomer was more than just a soldier. None of his conveyances could change the fact that he was a king now. A king of a country that had accepted her but wasn't her own. It would be wrong to lead him into believing …. But even Enzi knew that this would not be able to protect her forever. She had never taken Éomer to be simply a man of words. He would not be content to just allow his words to hang in the air, unanswered. That was not his way. Sooner or later, this issue would be revisited.
She had become so lost in her own thoughts that she had not noticed the sun creeping toward the horizon. Her only indication of nightfall was the chill she felt. Éowyn was dancing with Heruthian now as Thora sang another song to the townspeople, many echoing the governor's actions and finding a maid to dance with. More discomfort set in when she realized that through her concentration she'd left herself with the one person she didn't feel she could be around alone.
Éomer didn't seem to catch this discomfort on her part. He merely drank is ale and watched the governor swing his sister around the grounds. Another chill creeped over Enzi's skin and she fought to suppress it, gritting her teeth. She would rather Éomer go on not noticing her; he could not be able to if she could not stop this insufferable shivering! She hugged herself, the winds increasing. She wondered how no one but her felt the chill. It was growing colder and colder by the moment and only she seemed to be affected. She casually stood and rubbed her arms then hands together, bringing them to her lips to warm. They were still shaking and were now stiff with the cold. She reached for her cup, barely able to control their trembling, hoping that drinking something warm would still her hands.
The weight of the heavy cloak dropped over her almost made her drop the cup. She steadied it in her hands then placed it on the table. It was so warm she found it impossible to not revel in the thick velvety material, bringing it closer around her body, her face. Two arms hugged her form, wrapping her in more warmth. "I thought to wait and see how long you would endure but decided to intervene before you became an entire block of ice."
The two exchanged a laugh, Enzi thinking of how strange she looked shivering in the night as Éomer walked in front of her, now rubbing her hands. "You are the most stubborn woman I have met," he commented. "Will you force the heavens and earth to warm themselves for you as well?"
Things felt to so comfortable between them at that moment, Éomer commenting on her bullheadedness, the two of them laughing. "I missed you." he said quietly, drawing her gaze to his. And the feeling was back again.
"You know this is your fault," she said a bit angry at how he'd gotten through her defenses again.
It was one of the few times Éomer's face truly registered surprise. He stopped rubbing her hands, a smirk forming on his lips. "Really? Enlighten me," he challenged, resuming rubbing her hands.
"This," Enzi insisted, pulling her hands from his. "This tenseness between us….. if you had never said anything-"
"The feelings would have still been there whether I said anything or not," he said honestly, not breaking eye contact with her. "And I thought you felt the same."
The intensity was there again and Enzi felt herself shivering under it though the coldness was no longer there. "It takes more than recognition of a feeling to make matters better."
"Do you believe I am unsuited to the challenge of winning the great Enzi's heart?" Éomer asked, his smile growing broader.
"That's not what I meant," Enzi stammered a bit, standing and walking to a far corner. "You have been a great friend and I have been-"
"Polite answers don't suit you," Éomer chastised, following her.
"You asked me what I thought of you-" she said, stopped by Éomer as he stepped ahead of her.
"And you're avoiding the question." He was serious now, waiting quietly for her response.
Enzi could not seem to look at him and focused on her hands as she slowly spoke. "In truth I am not sure what to make of my contemplations." She found her courage and slowly glanced up at him, drinking in the warmth of his presence. "The fault does not lay within you, my lord, but myself. I am not sure if I am equipped for this."
"This?" He smiled. She was being sincere, conveying her fears to him, and he was smiling.
"This!" she gestured to the both of them, now irritated. He was mocking her! "What if we detest each other? What if we are ill-suited to each other's company?"
Éomer took her hands in his again, kissing the knuckles. "Has not happened so far, my lady."
"We were fellow warriors then. Comrades. Friends. Nothing will be the same ."
"No, it won't," Éomer agreed simply. "But just like the soldier, you have possession of my heart and I have no desire to reclaim it."
"And you are king, Éomer! An Mfalme. Your duties are first to your kingdom, then your people-"
"And my heart? What of that?"
She ignored his question. "And I am not the best suited consort. I'm stubborn and pigheaded-"
"Bull-headed, actually."
"Y-You need someone with refinement. Someone that can be cherished and can represent your kingdom with the sophistication of – of a"
"Of a royal princess?"
She ignored him again. "I have hurt everyone I've ever loved. I cannot promise the same won't happen again. No! This is complete folly and I cannot allow you to-"
Enzi's words died on Éomer's lips. He grasped her form, delicately enveloping her top lip with his. He continued, slowly trading her top lip for her bottom one as he drew her even closer to him. Enzi's arms fell, weighted down, at her sides and could only blink in surprise when he finally released her.
A small smile crept on Éomer's face. "If I knew this would quiet you woman, I'd have given into the temptation long ago." Enzi returned his smile and for a while they stood there, studying each other. "I cannot promise you that I will never do anything to make you cross with me – or that we will always agree. Heaven knows that we both seem to covet quarrelling. But I can solemnly vow that my will do my best to fill your days with as much joy and happiness as I am able."
Enzi felt him lock their hands together and looked at them, integrated into one mass. "And now?" Enzi asked quietly looking at him.
Éomer smirked at her again. "Truly, you have never been pursued, have you?" He laughed a bit, kissing her brow then nose, this time rewarded by a genuine smile from Enzi. "Then I look forward to educating you on its nuances."
"Come on, Enzi!" Éowyn cried in the distance! "You will miss Beorin's presentation if you don't hurry!"
Éomer released her as Enzi found herself a captive of his sister. Éowyn pulled her to the center of what had been the main grounds for dancing. Two seats were placed in the center of the circle and the two women sat there, waiting for the young man and his comrades to make their presentations. Enzi could see the governor and his wife being joined by Éomer and, when their eyes locked, felt her face heat.
"You two were certainly talking for a long while," Éowyn commented. "What exactly were-"
"Not now, Éowyn," Enzi said with a start. "Beorin is about to speak."
The young man stood before them, dressed in the armor he'd worn during the battle, confirming his identity. Two other young men stood behind him, holding items wrapped in heavy brown cloth. "My ladies," he started, "when we were first called to defend the honor of our country, we had not truly seen the horrors of war. We had never witnessed loss of life in such a manner, and many of us lost heart. But your bravery not only reinvigorated us through the battle but gave us a true example of what it means to be a warrior of Rohan – a defender of our people. We hope we can honor you with these small treasures."
One of the men walked up to Éowyn, kneeling at her feet and presenting her with one item. Upon removing the cloth, she discovered that the boys had given her a sword, engraved with in gold in Rohirric. Éowyn smiled graciously, standing to test the swords weight with a few swings. The assembly cheered with excitement as the princess excepted the gift, leaving the final young man to deliver his to Enzi in a similar manner as the first had done to Éowyn.
She pulled the fabric away to see a small pole with a long jagged blade at its head. The blade had been intricately carved. Her hands studied the blade, then wooden pole, standing to fully take in its features. She recognized names, and symbols and the very language scripted on the wooden pole. She read over phrases twice, then a third to confirm it. The language was Haradric. There was no way the people of Aldburg could have made it. For months she'd wondered and worried but now she was absolutely sure. The Haradrim had survived.
Well, after MANY rewrites, it's finally here! I hope you like the new chapter. Reviews are not only welcomed, they are appreciated!