Eomer Eadig: Before the War

by Anarwyn

Professor Tolkien gives very little detail about Eomer's life before LOTR, so I decided to make up my own version of what his early life might have been like: pre-birth through to the beginning of the War of the Ring. There are lots of familiar names, plus a few original characters, but it is as close to canon as I can make it. Rated T for violence and mild suggestive themes.

6. Chapter 6

This is so far the longest chapter, and it covers about a year of Eomer's life. It's somewhat fluffy, since (teen) romance is heavily involved, but I think you'll enjoy it nonetheless.

.

Chapter VI: First Love

.

Eomer strained his ears for the four o'clock bell. He knew it must be coming soon, and he could not bear another minute of listening to old Rimbald drone on about Folcwine's preferred method of taxation. He wanted, nay, he needed to see her.

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Finally!

'Ah, well I suppose we will finish tomorrow. Same time and place as today, Eomer Pupil.'

'Aye- I mean, yes, Master Rimbald,' Eomer said hurriedly, rolling up his scroll.

Finally, fresh air and the smell of wet earth. He had heard the long-awaited rain drumming on the steps outside the Hall just a few minutes earlier. Now, he raced to his chambers to put on his riding boots and re-plait his hair. He stopped in front of the mirror to inspect his chin. No more hairs than this morning. What a disappointment.

He walked quickly through the Hall and out towards the stables. Nightstar was waiting for him and neighed when she saw his face. He pulled a carrot out of his pack and offered it to her. She chomped on it as he prepared her for a ride. Once horse and rider were ready, they set off for the base of the White Mountains. Eomer tried not to hurry her too much, but he could not help his excitement. He only hoped that she had been able to get away like she promised. His thoughts flickered to Eowyn and how little time he had recently spent with her. After a twinge of guilt, he pushed the thought away. He would find time for his sister but not today.

He heard the whinnying of another horse ahead and knew that she had come. He spurred Nightstar on and soon came upon the girl. She was sitting on a patch of dirt underneath the shade of a tall oak tree. Her nearly-brown hair was pulled back from her face by several small braids. The rest fell gracefully down her back. He could only imagine how magnificent she must have looked while galloping to the mountain on the back of her chestnut-colored steed. On the ground next to her was a blanket full of bread, cheeses, and grapes. She must have been waiting for several minutes. Her head raised at the sound of Nightstar's hoofs and he marveled at her round, pale face inset with sky-blue eyes.

'Hild,' Eomer breathed as he dismounted.

'Greetings, Eomer,' the fourteen-year-old replied, standing to meet him.

'I hope you have had a pleasant day,' the elder one said.

'Yes, except when I remembered our intent to meet,' she said, almost gloomily.

'Why should you despond, fair lady?'

She smiled, 'My heart ached with longing for you, my lord.'

He returned her expression and said, 'Yours could not have ached more than my own. I have longed for you for many months, beautiful Hild.' He brushed her cheek and wished to kiss her.

'And I you,' she whispered.

'Is this true?' he asked, surprised by her previous omission. 'Here I thought that our first meeting was only seven weeks ago.'

'Meeting, yes,' she said, blushing.

Trying not to sound annoyed, he pressed on, 'What is it, Hild?'

'I first took notice of you last year, when you fought for your right to join the Muster,' she said with a gleam in her eye.

Eomer was slammed by the rush of feelings that he associated with that day: sorrow, regret, frustration, anger. Most definitely anger. The last emotion must have shown in his face, for Hild withdrew slightly and looked worried.

'I am sorry, I did not wish for you to relive a difficult experience,' she said, nearly trembling. He must have been quite terrifying to her.

'No, make no mention of it. I have moved past that time,' he said convincingly, but untruthfully.

The girl simply nodded, clearly still unnerved.

'I was unaware you were in the crowd that day,' he began, trying to ease the tension. 'What brought you to the practice field?'

'The brother of my good friend was also set to compete that day. She had asked me to go because-,' she continued, but Eomer was hardly listening. He had begun to realize what she had meant. What kind of woman- young girl, really- would have seen such an uncouth display and then agreed to court him?

'-best to wait till the next morrow,' she finished, seemingly back to her usual self.

'I see,' he responded distractedly. 'Did he prove his ability?'

'Well, yes, though he was ten-and-eight,' she said feebly.

Still not completely listening, he nodded as he stared at the ground. After a few moments, Hild spoke again, 'would you like to try the cheese from our goat?'

'Yes, thank you,' he said, taking the offer and immediately filling his mouth.

'I really ought not to have said a thing,' the girl whined softly.

Eomer tried to answer but had to wait to swallow the delicious cheese.

'No- no, all is well, dear Hild. Only, may I ask you a personal question?'

She hesitated, but relented.

'What would a sweet maiden like yourself want to do with a man who behaved in such a way?' He had to ask. He could see no reason for her to show interest in him.

'I think you have a bit more to learn about "sweet maidens" sir,' she giggled at him.

He was confused, and it must have been plain to her. She breathed out forcefully from her nostrils.

'Eomer, I am a daughter of Eorl, not some Elvish princess. If I wanted my man to shy away from a challenge, I would be at the court of Minas Tirith rather than Edoras,' she explained.

'But I was shamed, dishonored for a year,' he countered.

'Not so, you were simply postponed from the competition. And what does "honor" mean anyway? You defended yourself and your family from whatever awful things that boy said to you. Is that not honorable?' she retorted.

He had no answer for her. At the time it had been obvious, but now he wondered what had been so wrong.

You almost killed him, Eomer. His cousin's words came back to him. He repeated them to the girl.

'He should not have provoked you. He should have known the consequences. You are Eomer, son of Eomund, Chief Marshal of the Riddermark! You are nephew to Theoden King and cousin to the Royal Heir! You come from a long line of remarkable men, a direct descendant of Eorl himself. How dare he presume to attack your honor,' she said passionately. A fire had awoken in her eyes as she spoke.

The young man swelled with pride for his house and allowed her words to ring in his ears. His heart leapt, for this was a woman he could stand beside. She would care for him and always remind him of who he was born to be. A great noblewoman she would become, as his wife. He took her hand, elated, and kissed it fervently.

'Oh woman! Noble of heart are you! Would that I could have you at my side for all times and in all things,' he cried.

'And I would take my place beside you, my lord,' she returned, drawing near to him. In a rush of emotion, he pulled her closer and held her face in his hands. A reckless thought entered his mind.

'Come, let us be wed, and I shall have you forever,' he pleaded.

'I am yours to have,' the maiden answered, and the two embraced in a kiss.

.

'Aye, I asked her and she acquiesced.'

'A larger vocabulary does not entitle you to wisdom,' Theodred grumbled back.

'You yourself said that life is more than weapons and killing. I should have thought you would approve, cousin,' Eomer replied coldly.

Theodred stopped pacing and closed his eyes, sighing.

'Eomer, you cannot propose marriage to the first girl with whom you become infatuated.'

'Why not?'

'You have known this maiden for less than two moons! Do you know her family? Have you disagreed with her? Have you seen how she behaves when frustrated?' Theodred demanded.

'What do these things mean in comparison to who she is?' the young man countered incredulously.

'Everything! You cannot know her character so soon. She could be manipulating you.'

'You know not the first thing about her. If you would listen to me, I could tell you the measure of her character,' he tried to explain, but his cousin held up a hand.

'I cannot allow you to continue this betrothal,' he said. At Eomer's reaction, he continued, 'I am not forbidding you from seeing her, nor am I judging against her. I am requiring two things from you: do not tell others of this proposal and wait at least a year before you ask her again.'

'This is not justice,' Eomer replied, crossing his arms.

'I do this for your good, dear cousin. Please, do not make me order you,' Theodred said calmly.

The adolescent rolled his eyes and stormed to his chambers. What did Theodred know of love? He had never been in love, not that Eomer knew. At least Eomer had the example of his parents. His mother would have defended the actions of his father under any circumstance. And his father would have defended the family honor. Eomer was sure of it.

A knock at the door pulled Eomer out of his brooding. He answered, prepared to tell the person to leave him, but the words caught in his throat as the door opened. It was the king.

'May I sit with you awhile, Eomer?'

'Certainly, Your Highness,' Eomer said at once.

Theoden regarded his nephew, bemused by his formality. 'You need not stand on ceremony in private, sweostorsunu,' he informed him.

'Sorry, Uncle. I expected you to reprimand me,' Eomer replied stiffly.

'Reprimand you? For what?' The creases between the king's eyebrows deepened.

'For asking Hild to marry me,' he said without hesitation.

'Is that why Theodred wanted me to speak with you?' Theoden asked rhetorically. 'My, my, I had no inclination of your intentions with this young woman. Have you asked her father for permission?'

Eomer jerked in surprise and alarm.

'Her father?'

'Yes, my lad, every good husband is in good standing with his wife's family. A betrothal is more than a promise to wed. It is a promise to cherish, provide, and obey- aye, obey- your spouse. A wife will obey her husband and a husband, his wife.; else, the marriage is merely a passing thing. And too often is that true,' he muttered to himself more than to Eomer.

'I never considered obedience in a marriage,' the young man replied.

'We must be obedient in every area of our lives: to our vocations, to our families, and to ourselves. Royalty must be obedient even further- to our people, our country, and our forebears. We must always honor them and ourselves.'

Eomer's emotions rushed suddenly again in a flame of anger.

'Yet I was punished for doing so,' he growled.

Theoden considered carefully, and a long pause developed between them. Eomer began to wonder if he had pushed his uncle's patience too far.

'I knew I would one day be pressed to answer for your punishment. Know that I did not give it lightly. Men of keen ears reported what was spoken on that field: some nasty accusations, some taunts to be expected between youths. Yet I could not ignore the violence of your response.' Eomer lowered his chin in embarrassment.

'I know I did not behave as a soldier should,' he conceded.

'Then why did you do it?' The king responded calmly.

He wanted to scream out that he could not help it, that he had had no control over his body or his mind or his spirit. However, something in his king's light eyes told him to hold his temper and his tongue. Eomer relaxed his shoulders and tried to think before he retaliated.

'Good,' Theoden said. His nephew looked at him in confusion. 'You have already learned much these past seasons. It is normal for a man of your age to wish to leap before he looks. And yet, it is those of us who look that learn when to leap,' he finished.

'I am not certain I understand you, Uncle.'

'You have also learned that words may mean more than you intend. You are beginning to gain wisdom, my lad.'

'I feel rather like more of a fool,' Eomer said with a soft grin.

'The wise often do. Now, explain to me how you could have handled the fight differently,' the king commanded.

The young man considered his words carefully and slowly began to formulate a response. Theoden asked questions here and there, attempting to foil his nephew's logic. After several minutes of discussion, he seemed satisfied.

'So tell me, sweostorsunu, about this girl you called "Hild".'

'She is beautiful, Uncle- and a good rider. She always seems to smell of daffodils, as if a spell lies upon her,' he finished, a slight color rising in his cheeks.

With a smile, Theoden asked, 'How did you meet?'

'I first saw her in the spring. She was buying buttons at the market. I don't usually go down to market road in the week, but Master Rimbald was too ill that day to instruct me, so I decided to look for a gift for 'Wyn,' he stopped suddenly. 'I'm sure you have more important matters to attend to, Uncle.'

'On the contrary, I must confess that I have recently been overlooking my most important duty. I promised your mother that I would care for you as my own son, and lo, I have been blind to your blossoming romance! I do not wish to continue my error. Please, continue.'

'Aye. Well, I did not immediately approach her. The next day, I rushed to the market after my lessons, but did not find her. For three more weeks I searched and did not succeed. In the fourth week, I saw her riding across the fields on a chestnut brown. She looked so lovely, but she was riding away from me, free to the wind. I knew that I must meet her, so I began to ask questions. The butcher told me her name and when she generally came to see him. Therefore I feigned- well, I- I met her there the following week. By the summer months, we were seeing each other every Thursday by the foothills. And yesterday, I realized that she was the woman I wanted,' Eomer explained, trying to sound as mature as possible.

'What is it that brought you to such a realization?'

Eomer lowered his eyes. He hadn't changed his mind, but he thought his uncle would not approve of what he was about to tell him.

'She was there- at the competition. She said she approved of what I did.'

'Did she now? So because she disagreed with my decision, you fell in love with her?' Theoden asked, his eyebrow cocked.

'No! She did not directly say- that is, she merely supported me. As my mother would have supported my father,' he explained.

The king chuckled. 'You think so?'

'Yes. She was a good wife,' Eomer pressed.

'A good wife she may have been, but she would not have agreed with your actions- even if your father had committed them,' he added fervently.

'How can you say that?' the young man questioned.

'If you'll pardon my presumption, I believe I knew your mother better than you, or at least much longer. She could be a fierce woman, but she was always just. That boy who taunted you did not deserve death, which is what you would have given him had Theodred not pulled you away.'

'You did not hear his insults,' Eomer grumbled.

'As I said, I have heard tell from others; although, perhaps I did not receive the whole story. Tell me, then, what truly transpired.'

'You do not want to hear,' he responded stiffly.

'Theodred did not want to hear them. I am not my son.'

'Must I?' Eomer asked, nearly begging to not have to say the words aloud.

Theoden thought for a moment before answering, 'Aye.'

'Well, he said that you would have to come fight the battle for me, since I could not be saved by my father.'

Theoden nodded, apparently expecting this. Eomer continued, 'Then he said that Eowyn would give him more of a challenge. I told him to leave her out of it, so he switched to Mother,' the orphan could not help his eyes from burning. 'He said he could understand Father being disappointed. But she- but she-,' he could not stop the tears. His shoulders shook and he ceased speaking. The king pulled his nephew into his arms and held him until the sobs subsided.

'Go on, sweostorsunu. We all must endure difficult trials.'

Eomer breathed deeply and wiped his face clean. 'He said that she could not keep herself alive- that she was not strong enough.'

His uncle's eyes closed and his face tensed. He looked as though he were attempting to hold back the entirety of the Snowbourn river with his mind. After several moments, he breathed again. Eomer expected his voice to shake, but it did not.

'Broca son of Brec cannot comprehend what your mother experienced. He likely did not even anticipate how painful those words would be to you. Your skill must have frightened him if he was so willing to hurt you.'

Eomer's pride reared its head.

'Nevertheless, I want you to understand that words are not to be used as weapons. A bit of taunting between soldiers is to be expected, but to do as this boy did is a disgrace and a cowardly option. There is a time for words and a time for swords. Do not mistake them,' Theoden commanded.

'Yes, sire. And I understand now that my fists are last resorts. I will not use them except in great need. I wanted you to know that,' the young man replied.

'I am glad to hear it. You have grown much this year, Eomer. Your mind is beginning to catch up to your body's strength. Your parents would be proud of the man you are becoming.'

'Thank you, Uncle. Will I be permitted to compete this year?' he asked hopefully.

'As long as I hear of no more violence or rebellions, you have my word,' the king responded cheerily. Eomer grinned, but he remembered his foolish deed of the night before.

'Then I am not to see Hild again?'

'I think it would be best if you focused on your studies, but I will not forbid you to court her. However, the betrothal-,' Theoden began, but he was interrupted.

'Yes, I know. I will explain it to her as soon as I can,' Eomer resolved.

'I do not envy you,' Theoden chuckled. His nephew smiled softly.

'Thank you for your advice. I am lucky to have you for a father-figure,' Eomer said genuinely. Theoden ruffled the adolescent's hair and stood to leave.

'You have my love, sweostorsunu.'

'I love you, too, Uncle.'

After he was alone again, Eomer replayed the conversation in his mind's eye. He had grown from a boy to a man, he thought. He must leave a bit of himself behind now. Rash thoughts must be replaced by wise ones. He must do his best to be fit for command.

.

.

'Hild,' he began, dreading the conversation to follow.

'Yes, Eomer?' she said in a light, happy tone.

'I must speak with you about what I said two nights ago.'

'Which part?' she asked. He sensed hesitation in her voice.

'I should never have suggested we marry without asking your father,' he said, the words tumbling out of his mouth.

'My father does not speak for me,' she replied icily.

Eomer was taken aback. Of course he did, she lived under his roof and was unwed.

'What do you mean?' he asked tentatively, trying to remember to think before he spoke.

'I am my own person, why should my father have any say in whom I choose to wed,' she retorted, folding her delicate arms.

'Because your father wants what is best for you,' he said. She made a noise of annoyance and rolled her eyes.

'Should I not know what is best for myself?'

Eomer had no answer that did not sound accusatory. He switched tactics instead.

'Well, I cannot ask for your hand without being in good standing with your family. That would be unbecoming of a future husband.'

'Perhaps that is true,' was all she said. He decided to press further.

'Hild, do you not think that we are very young?'

The girl thought for several moments. Eventually, she shook her head, but answered, 'Yes, I know. I have been thinking along the same lines.'

'Have you?' he asked incredulously.

'Indeed, I knew that we were making a rash decision when I could not bring myself to tell my mother what we promised,' she said, slightly abashed.

'That is well, Hild. I am relieved to not have to explain myself to your parents,' he sighed.

'As am I,' she giggled. 'Well, son of Eomund: what are we to do now?'

'My uncle says that I should focus on my studies,' Eomer said quietly. Hild snorted in derision.

'And what do you say?' she challenged. He felt himself bristle.

'I say that you are too beautiful to let go,' he answered. She grinned in response.

'I know. Then I will see you by the mountains again?'

'Yes, my lady,' he said, bowing his head.

'"Lady?" No, not yet,' she laughed as she turned away back down the street.

He gazed as her short, slim figure bounced away. He had never been more in love.

.

.

With each day, the wind grew colder and the rains grew heavier. Meduseld was now full of golden light most of the day from the large fire roaring in the throne room. Eomer loved the smell of it wafting through the air when he woke in the mornings. Autumn was his favorite season. Excitement coursed through him as he faced the herefeld once more. Today was the day- he would finally get his chance to join the eorlingas. He could not fail, for that would mean another year of waiting. He would not let himself be distracted again. Nothing would stand in his way today.

Hild was watching him from the fence. She stood next to Eowyn, who had a curious look on her face. He thought it might be disdain, but he wasn't sure. He gave them both a wave. Eowyn returned it, but Hild only smiled wider. He felt his heart lift. No, nothing would stand in his way today.

'Eomer, son of Eomund,' the older man called out.

'Aye, sire!' Eomer replied, coming to a salute.

'Step forward and prove yourself to be worthy of joining the Muster of Rohan.'

Eomer did as he was bid and entered the arena. Many voices cheered as he did so. He used all of his willpower not to look at the fence. He could not be distracted by her presence, for nothing would stand in his way today.

The king's voice echoed above the crowd.

'Begin.'

.

After perfectly hitting all of his marks, with spear and bow, the final challenge presented itself. Another man who proved himself the year before was picking up his practice sword. Eomer recognized him to be Geldwine, son of Harwine, who was bigger than Broca had been. Luckily for Eomer, however, he was also less intelligent. The large man beat his breast and yelled at his opponent. Eomer roared back, accepting his challenge. The crowd cheered again.

'Think you're ready this time around, small one?' Geldwine jeered.

Eomer said nothing. He was determined to ignore every word the man said.

'I could crush you in a minute,' the brute continued. Eomer held his tongue and decided to let his sword do the talking for him.

Crash! The two weapons banged together over their heads. Geldwine was very strong indeed and Eomer retreated quickly. Before he could formulate another attack, the man was upon him, hacking fiercely. Eomer fended off most of the blows, but many struck him in the head and shoulders. He ducked down and rolled away. Geldwine smirked and rushed after him again. Eomer moved his feet, keeping just out of reach.

'Running away, are you?' the soldier yelled out, already winded.

Aye, until your limbs ache or your lungs explode, Eomer thought. He had learned long ago how to fight someone larger than him. Footwork was ever important and generally dismissed by larger warriors who preferred to intimidate and overpower their opponents. He was glad he had learned the sword from a young age.

Eventually, Geldwine wised up and decided to let Eomer come to him. Ever the young man tried to strike, and too often he did not succeed. How was he going to get this man to the ground?

Eomer continued his barrage, swiping left and right. He moved to his right slowly as he did so. There was a large rock near Geldwine's feet. If he could get the man to either trip on it or look down at it, he could take an advantage. Eomer hoped this was not considered cheating. After a moment, Geldwine's heel brushed against it and he made his fatal mistake. Eomer rushed at him while his eyes were trained on the rock and raised his sword as high as he could. The man looked into his eyes, confused and slow, as Eomer slapped his blade against the soldier's skull. The man doubled over in pain and Eomer hit the back of his head with the pummel of the sword. Geldwine, son of Harwine, was defeated.

The crowd roared in approval and applauded their newest member of the Muster. Eomer breathed heavily, but lifted his hands above him in celebration. He felt as if every pain and suffering he had endured over the past year was worth it, just to be here in this moment.

'Eomer, son of Eomund, has passed his trial!' the older man from before announced.

Eomer looked around for his family and his maiden. The two girls were beaming at him and leaning upon the fence. He nodded at them, but continued his search. He found them standing at the gate, one shaking his fist in triumph, the other merely smiling at his nephew. Eomer raised his sword to his king, stabbed it into the ground, and knelt before him. The crowd noise died down as he proclaimed his oath.

'I, Eomer son of Eomund and of Theodwyn, hereby swear my allegiance to Theoden King of the Riddermark. I will abide by your rule, and the rule of those you deem worthy, until my lord refuse my service or death take me.'

'I, Theoden King of the Riddermark, hereby swear to call upon you when the need arises and to not gamble your life needlessly. Arise, Rider of Rohan, and fear no more.'

Eomer stood tall, taller it seemed than he had ever stood before. A warm breeze whipped through his hair and clothes and seemed to breathe a new life into him.

This was a day to be remembered.

.

.

The Feast of Winter, or Winterfest, was the grandest festival held at Meduseld. It began as an attempt to liven the people's spirits while they were fighting through the harsh winters, and it mostly kept that reason. The Golden Hall fit as many people as possible, and other noble families tended to open their doors to the less fortunate as well. The feasting lasted for a week and always proved to be one of the largest expenses of the crown. Eomer looked forward to it all year.

'Brother! What think you of my Winterfest dress?' Eowyn asked, bouncing down the hallway that connected their chambers.

'You look stunning, dear sweostor,' he beamed, taking in her crimson and gold visage.

'I still think you are too young for such vibrant colors,' Eowyn's grey-haired handmaid said disapprovingly.

'Uncle Theoden said I was a vision in it,' Eowyn retorted, hardly bothered by the woman.

'Hmph,' she responded, but did not further protest. Eomer thought he heard her mumble something about "these times" and "motherless daughters" as she stalked away. He scowled at her back, but did not say anything.

'Come now, Eowyn. Let us join Uncle and Theodred,' he said.

'But you are not ready!' she gasped.

'Of course I am. Do I not look ready?' He gestured at his clean clothes and shoes.

'You want Hild to see you like that?' she pressed.

'Like what?' he asked loudly.

Eowyn simply rolled her eyes, took his hand, and marched him back into his chamber. She sat him in front of his hardly-used mirror and picked up his less-used comb.

'Oh no,' he groaned.

'Oh aye,' she replied without mercy. After several minutes and two watery eyes, Eomer had to admit that he did look better.

'Thank you,' he sighed, but she only smirked.

'I am not finished.' She separated a lock of his hair and split it into three strands. Her fingers worked quickly and soon she had pulled his shoulder-length hair back from his face. The girl spent a few more minutes on the back and then held up a hand mirror for him to see. He didn't know where she had gotten said mirror, but he liked her finished product. He caught a glimpse of her nervous face and grinned broadly.

'Thanks, 'Wyn. It's perfect.'

She smiled back, a slight flush in her cheeks, and clapped him on the shoulders.

'Now we can see your maiden,' she giggled, emphasizing the last word in mockery.

'Hold your tongue, viper,' he whipped, tickling her rib before she could run away.

The siblings met their cousin at the door and entered the feast together. The king was already seated at the head of a long table, flanked by several more rectangular tables. Eomer glanced around the room while his sister milled about, wondering if she was already seated. He recognized her mother and younger sister sitting near the edge of the room. While most of the guests at the Hall were nobles, Theoden had sent a few special invitations to wealthy but common families. Eomer thought he had purposefully sent one to Hild's, but he couldn't be sure, and he was not going to ask. Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

'Guess who,' he heard whispered behind him. He spun around to find Hild on her toes, trying to reach his ear. He was about a foot taller than her, so she had difficulty.

'Good evening,' he said, bowing his head. She curtsied in turn and moved to take his arm. He had not considered that she would sit at the king's table with him, but he supposed there was no harm. He led her to his uncle and introduced them.

'A pleasure it is to meet you, Maid Hild,' Theoden said as if he had done a million times.

'The pleasure is surely mine, Your Majesty,' she replied with a low curtsy. Eomer was pleased that she did not hold her disagreement of the previous year against his uncle.

They found seats together a few chairs down, facing the crowd. Eomer had never seen her shining so brightly. He told her she looked beautiful.

'Thank you,' she murmured quickly. He followed her gaze and saw that Theodred was rejoining the table from making his rounds. His tall, muscular cousin was dressed in a pale gold tunic, lined with emerald green. He looked both regal and approachable. Eomer could tell that he was in his element.

'Greetings, young lovers,' the man winked as he sat across from them.

Eomer's face flushed slightly, but Hild graciously replied, 'Greetings, Prince Theodred. I speak for my family when I tell you that the Hall looks marvelous, and give you thanks for inviting us.'

'I appreciate your sentiments and shall pass them on to my father,' he said, bowing his head slightly. Eomer turned in time to see Hild's eyes flash in what he thought must be admiration. Theodred's eyes flicked to his young cousin in concern.

'I cannot wait for the scrumptious pork pie,' Eomer interjected.

'Nor the roast chicken,' Theodred nodded.

'Nor the fine wine,' Hild followed.

'I care not for wine,' Eowyn countered, sitting next to Theodred as she did so.

'Perhaps you are too young,' Hild responded kindly. Eomer flinched slightly in anticipation.

'Am I? For your knowledge, I have already ten-and-three years. Am I mistaken in thinking that you have but ten-and-four?' Eowyn's words cut like knives through the previously pleasant air.

'Only for another week,' Hild said softly.

'Make no mistake that our lady here is not to be tested, Maid Hild,' the older man said smoothly. Others might have chastised Eowyn for her rude tongue, but Theodred never scolded his youngest cousin. Eomer had a feeling she could do no wrong in his eyes. And truly, Hild should have been more aware of his sister's brash personality by now.

The fourteen-year-old bowed her head in acknowledgement. Eomer tried not to notice the flaming look she gave Eowyn. He was nervous that this encounter was not going as well as he had hoped.

'Have you always lived here in Edoras?' Theodred asked, striking up a new conversation.

'Yes, my family has been here for several generations. My forefather had a career as a jeweler and so we gained our wealth. It is said that his wife always yearned to become a noblewoman, though of course she never did,' Hild answered, chuckling. 'I suppose I come from a line of ambitious forebears.'

'And you? What is your ambition?' Theodred questioned.

'Mine? No, I have none,' she smiled, glancing sideways at Eomer.

Eowyn rolled her eyes, but Theodred tilted his head.

'Why not? I think all young women ought to have an aim in life, else they become bitter or sorrowful,' he said seriously. Hild smiled and gazed again in admiration of the man. This time, Eomer was uncomfortable.

'Perhaps I do have an objective,' Hild countered, 'but choose not to share it with you.'

'Dear girl, you are among friends here,' Theodred laughed, gesturing to the rest of the company. Eomer was about to insist that this was true and that she could share anything she wished, but his uncle stood and the Hall fell silent.

'Good People of Edoras, I welcome you all. Let us feast tonight in celebration and remembrance of those who cannot be here with us,' he bowed his head for a moment and then continued, 'Tonight is the Eve of Memory. Enjoy yourselves and our excellent meal. Feast!' He shouted at the last and dozens of servants burst through the doors behind him, ladened with trays of food. The male servants were adorned with garlands around their heads and the females had ribbons through their flowing locks. Eomer was caught looking at the nearest woman by his sister. He bit the inside of his lip, but she merely winked at him.

'It all looks mighty tasty, does it not, brother?' she said cheerily.

'Aye,' he responded in kind, flashing a roguish grin.

'Certainly,' Hild breathed in awe. Eowyn chuckled and Eomer threw her a warning glare. He should not have looked. He was as good as promised to Hild.

Unfortunately, the very same woman was now serving them all wine.

'Thank you, Roland,' Theodred told her. She blushed and tried to hide her giggle. Eomer was beginning to think that his cousin must be very handsome to women. The thought amused him and helped him forget all about the woman called "Roland". As she moved to Eowyn's goblet, the girl held her hand over the top.

'What else is to be served this evening?' Eowyn asked politely.

'Ale I believe, your highness,' Roland responded.

'Good, then I shall have some of that,' Eowyn nodded. Eomer perceived a slight rise of the woman's brows, but she did not hesitate to move on to his own goblet.

'Wine, sire?'

'Oh, yes- thank you,' he said, slightly flustered. She smiled widely and obliged, then moved on to Hild. He was sure she wondered who this new girl was, but she did not inquire. He supposed it was against her training to pry.

Hild raised her full cup and swirled the contents several times before taking a tiny sip. The three cousins widened their eyes in surprise.

'Em, what are you doing?' Eomer asked tentatively.

'I am airing the wine. It needs to breathe a bit more before one drinks it,' she said knowingly. Eomer and his sister exchanged confused looks.

'Is that so?' Theodred inquired, seemingly interested.

'Yes. My mother's family are known for their grapes, grown in the north, so that they freeze and the wine is then sweeter than the southern grapes that have been ordered here,' she answered with confidence.

'Intriguing,' Theodred replied. Eomer did not see how, but he played along with a nod. Hild beamed and seemed to finally feel at ease.

They dug into their meals and kept conversation light. Theodred asked after Hild's family and she in turn wondered about royal living. Her parents kept servants, but not so many as the king. Eomer inquired after the eored stationed at the Hornburg. Eowyn kept mostly to herself, but that was not unusual. By dessert, Eomer found himself wishing for time alone with Hild. She and Theodred had recently dominated the conversation and Eomer felt the stirrings of jealousy.

'Will you walk with me?' he asked while her mouth was full of blueberries.

She nodded and pardoned herself. Theodred nodded and Eowyn tossed her head, barely listening.

'It has been a pleasure to meet you, fair Hild,' the man offered.

'The pleasure has been all mine, Prince Theodred,' she returned, curtsying. Eomer stiffened, thinking that she had rather been too pleased to chat with his cousin. He grasped her arm and steered her out the front doors. He had not realized how many eyes would watch them move through the Hall. He tried to hold his chin up and pretend that he did not notice. Contrarily, Hild waved and beamed the whole way out. Why was she behaving so?

'I apologize, I did not know I was doing anything wrong,' she responded coolly when he posed the question to her.

'Yes, you were,' he retorted, finally releasing the anger that had been steadily rising in his chest. They were clear of the Hall now, walking aimlessly nearer the village.

'How?' she demanded, fire returning to her eyes. He did not find it as endearing this time.

'Waving and talking of wine and exchanging those words with Theodred,' he said animatedly, swinging his hands about.

'Did I speak inappropriately with him?' she asked, her voice raised in volume.

'It was not what you said, but how you said it- and how often the two of you spoke,' he replied as they retreated behind some thatched building, halting in its shadow.

'"How often?" So you are envious of the fact that I spoke more with him than with you?' she challenged.

'No, I mean- yes. Yes, your attention should have been directed to me. To ignore me was rude,' he reprimanded her.

'Rude?' she nearly screeched. 'What of your sister and her rudeness? She had no right to address me thus.'

Eomer laughed in her face, '"No right?" She is niece to the king, who else could have such a right?'

Hild's face turned red and her jaw tightened. He realized he had struck a nerve.

'You royals are all alike! My father said it was a mistake to get involved with you and he was right. You will never treat me as an equal. And after all we peasants do for you! You and your whole family disgust me,' she spat in retaliation.

Now Eomer puffed up in rage. The nerve to say such things!

'I should have you locked up, you traitor!' he shouted before another thought entered his mind. 'Besides, you didn't seem to mind getting involved with Theodred. I saw the looks you gave him and the color on your cheeks.'

Said cheeks now drained of color, but she did not reply. Her bottom lip trembled.

'Why do you profess to want me if you would rather a man twice your age?' he asked genuinely, forgetting his anger for a moment of self pity.

Her eyes grew glassy, but instead of allowing the tears to fall, Hild drew herself up and looked him dead in the eye.

'I never cared for you. I only wanted better for my family, for my little sister, and for myself. I did not wish to marry you but your title. But now I see that I was wrong. We don't need your arrogance or your self righteousness. Indeed, I never wish to see you again.'

Her words stung him like a bitter wind, biting through to his bones. His heart broke into a million pieces and subsequently sank into his stomach, burning like fire as it did so. The girl he had once loved stalked back into the Hall with a brutal finality.

He did not follow her. He leaned back against the side of the hut, trying to catch his breath. His lungs refused their work. His body slid to the ground, still shocked by the night's events. A rapid beating filled his mind as he heard her words repeated in the dark.

I never cared for you...only your title...you disgust me.

He held his head in his palms, begging for relief from the throbbing words. This was a pain unlike any other. He screwed up his face in anguish and struck the ground beneath him. The physical sting was so small, he barely noticed. He thrashed again and again, battering the dirt mercilessly. The howling of wolves rang in his ears and he longed to join them in reckless abandon, wailing at the moon and her cold, unfeeling light. This world of night held no love for him anymore and no relief from the heat of the day: for the dark only suffocated him, wrapping him in a stifling blanket of agony. What could he do but lie in her barren arms and wait for the aching fever to pass.

.

His sister appeared to be in a chipper mood the next morning. Eomer had not mentioned the evening's fiasco to her, and she had not asked about his sudden disappearance. However much Eomer told himself he did not care about what happened, he still could not bring himself to break his nightly fast. The king did not seem to notice, happily carrying on with his beloved niece. Theodred was also not in particularly good spirits, mostly holding his head in one hand to block out the light and picking at his plate of sausages. No one mentioned anything out of the ordinary, so Eomer kept to himself. He did not wish to burden his uncle with boyish problems, nor did he wish to appear weak. He had handled worse situations all by himself. Besides, he was not that hurt after all. At the chiming of the bells, he shuffled off to his chambers and dreaded the lessons he would have to learn that day.

.

After the longest astrology session in his life, Eomer stretched and yawned. He had not slept well the night before and was looking forward to an early sleep. He rounded a corner and heard low voices coming from behind a door to his right.

'Yes, my lord, I have heard such rumblings in the streets,' an unctuous voice insisted.

'We cannot believe all that we hear,' his uncle's voice responded. Eomer almost jumped in surprise. Why was the king talking behind closed doors?

'Of course, sire. I only intended to warn you. I meant no harm,' the oily voice responded.

'And no harm has yet to be done. Thank you for your advice, Grima,' Theoden said a little louder. Eomer heard a scraping of chairs and hurried away as silently as he could. Once he was a good ten yards away, he breathed again. "Grima" his uncle had called him. He did not like the sound of this man, but he might have had some valuable information, if the king spoke with him in private. Eomer put the thought out of his head. Meddling was not his place.

He started walking again, confident that he had not been seen eavesdropping. His footsteps padded down the hall, carrying him without thought. Suddenly, a door banged open in front of him and Theodred came wheeling out of it, looking disheveled.

'I really did-' he pleaded, but the door slammed in his face. He shook his head and noticed Eomer staring at him. He grimaced and sauntered down the hall. 'Today has not been my day, cousin.'

Eomer sighed, 'I know what you mean.'

The man's face showed concern. 'What happened last night?'

'A long story,' Eomer sighed again. He did not wish to recount it all. Theodred seemed to guess where his mind was.

'Is it over?' he asked tenderly.

'Aye,' Eomer responded dully. His cousin nodded, contemplating.

'What would you say to a long ride?'

'Nay, I am sure you have duties to attend to,' Eomer said, trying to cover his excitement.

Theodred waved his hand in dismissal, 'I will postpone them. You and I both need some wind on our faces.'

And with that, the two men spent the rest of the evening on horseback, talking, hunting, and riding until the sun was low and night was nigh.

'I had hoped that you would be spared such attentions, being not the direct heir,' Theodred admitted as they left the stable.

'Is that why you have not yet wed?' Eomer inquired. He had never thought to ask before.

'Among other things,' the man answered evasively.

'Sometimes,' Eomer started, but stopped quickly. Theodred nudged his shoulder, spurring him on.

'Sometimes I wish I was not a son of kings,' he confessed.

Theodred smiled, saying, 'so do I. This is a real burden. Everyone experiences hard times, Eomer: from kings to lords to smiths to goats. We all must keep our heads and soldier on, for that is our duty. But whenever you need to talk, you should. Masking your feelings will only make you more miserable,' he warned.

'Aye, sire,' Eomer responded automatically. Theodred tousled his hair.

'Smile, Eomer. You are young and have much to live for. And you are my cousin- if you cannot catch the eye of some pretty lass, no one can,' the man teased.

Eomer's face grew warm, but he grinned nonetheless.

'If only I could keep one, aye?' he joked back.

His cousin simply winked in response.

.

.

.

"sweostorsunu" - sister-son

I wrote this relationship after having written my other fic, "Shieldmaiden and Swan". I wanted to explore Eomer's reaction to Lothiriel's talk of duty, and why he assumed she was after his wealth. If you haven't read it yet, it could be a fun follow-up to this story. (Fair warning, though, I think "Eomer Eadig" is better written!)

I'm very curious about whether you despise Hild as Eowyn does, or if you sort of relate to her, or indeed if you agree with her wholeheartedly! Please, let me know!

Thank you for reading, as always.