On the next day, Eowyn was to be formally presented to the court of Gondor. Faramir, knowing of his beloved's trepidation about the ceremonies, had written a detailed letter months before, explaining what would occur, so that she would be comfortable and know what was expected of her, and what to expect from others. Eomer had read the letter as well, as he would also be included in some aspects of the presentation. After hearing his sister's concern about the details of the formalities as they approached the city, he asked her to let him take the letter and read through it again, on the pretext of refreshing himself on his role. After Eowyn had retired for the evening he read each line closely and carefully, and when he finally fell asleep late in the night, he was confident that he could help ease Eowyn's nerves and guide her through the finer points of courtesy she would be expected to display.
As the third bell rang Eomer arrived at Eowyn's door to escort her to the ceremony. She smiled brightly at him when she opened the door, and took his arm, and together they started walking towards the great hall. She wondered aloud if a few Gondorian ladies she had met and liked when in Minas Tirith the year before would be there, but as they got closer to the hall she fell silent. Eomer decided she must be trying to remember what she was to do, and so began reviewing the details he had studied the night before, speaking softly, soothingly, and in Rohirric to ensure that no one they passed would be aware that he was talking of anything of more import than the weather. He didn't seem to notice that her smile, which had been so bright when she had opened her door, had become strained by the time they arrived, nor that her answers had become limited to "Yes, brother."
It was only when they reached the doors to the great hall, and saw Faramir waiting for them with King Elessar that her smile grew bright again, and she hurried the last few yards, holding out her hand to take his even before she reached him. Faramir's smile was wide as he brought her hands to his lips in a chaste greeting, the only one they were allowed under Gondorian properties. Tucking her hand into the crook of his arm, then covering it with his own he spoke softly. "Are you ready, my lady?"
She had just taken a breath to reply when her brother spoke a soft reminder in Rohirric that Faramir was, in fact, being a little too familiar for propriety, and that she was standing too close to him. Eowyn closed her eyes, and released her breath slowly, then turned to her brother with a forced smile. Her reply was also in Rohirric, and was spoken lightly, quickly and in the most pleasant of tones. "Eomer, you know I love you dearly, and that I hold you in the highest respect, both as my brother and as my king. But if you utter the word 'propriety' once more I swear by Eorl I will knock you to the floor, here and now, and I will care not who sees it!"
As she had hoped, Eomer was shocked into silence, but to her horror she heard a chuckle coming from behind Faramir. Eowyn blushed scarlet, and groaned softly as she turned her head to hide her face against Faramir's sleeve. She had forgotten that King Elessar was also waiting outside the great doors. And that he spoke Rohirric.
Aragorn only chuckled again when Eowyn had composed herself enough to look up again, and nodded his approval. "Well said, lady." Eomer snorted softly, but Eowyn laughed, and as she did the king gave the sign for the doors to be opened, and the ceremonial welcome was begun.
Faramir looked at her quizzically as they walked in, as she had spoken too quickly for his grasp of spoken Rohirric, but she merely gave a small shake of her head as she smiled ruefully, and whispered "Later..."
AN: Thank you to all who have taken the time to send a review, or to follow/favorite my story! There is a least one more chapter in the works, and then I may spin it off into a story about another couple. Let me know what you think!