Author's Note:

I be on fire. :3


Elfhelm

He met frighteningly familiar eyes reinforced with steel. The rest of the face was obscured by a helm.

But those eyes did not belong to any men.

"Béma, preserve us." Elfhelm uttered the prayer. He gripped the arm of the disguised soldier in a grip of iron, as if 'he' were an apparition that would disappear if he blinked. "Have you sunk in madness? Did Gríma whisper in your ear too, as he did with your uncle?"

The eyes that met his did not waver. He cursed her then, when he realised she was the image of kings born in the form of a woman.

"My reasons are entirely my own." She answered quietly, her voice as dark and sharp as a man's. "Do not question the soundness of my mind solely because I am a woman."

Elfhelm released her with a hiss through his clenched teeth. Éowyn remained where she was, poised as if she were a cat in danger.

"What now?" Éowyn asked. "Will you unmask me in front of my brother and my uncle?"

"Why?" Elfhelm asked in return. "It is madness that we have set for. There were better things for you. Why did you follow?"

"What did you expect of me?" She challenged. "If victory was to be had, would I wait until all men returned from battle to warm beds and food? Would I fade into nothing while the men are celebrated in songs? And what if the Enemy defeated you? Should I have waited for the Enemy to arrive and burn my hall upon me? I would rather I died on the battlefield!" Elfhelm sighed and looked away. The steel in her eyes was too strong.

"That, I understand," Elfhelm muttered. "But heed me. Songs and praises do not exist on the battlefield. There is only fear, ruin and death. And if you perish and your brother survives, then your death will be his undoing. I know how much he loves you. So pray for victory or none at all."


Author's Note:

Thanks to Certh for such a different suggestion. Do not hesitate to drop a few!