Author's Note:

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Éomund

A shape passed over him, breaking the sunbeams of rising dawn.

"Water," he croaked, his voice dull even to his ears. He raised a gloved hand to the shape, trembling violently. Perhaps the shape belonged to a tall and forbidding enemy. He did not know, and he did not care. His sword was broken, and his wounds were mortal. "Please..."

He never begged. Béma knew that the sons of Riddermark were proud. But his throat was so dry...

The shape knelt before him and pressed something against his chapped lips. Water trickled down his throat. He nearly wept in relief.

"Thank you, stranger..."

The shape grew nearer and he made out fine features; the fair hair and beard, the sharp eyes, the grim setting of the mouth. He knew who it was.

"Éomer, my prince..."

"King," Éomer corrected gravely. It was then Éomund realised his face was not set in gravity but in grief. "And the last of my house, it seems, for both my uncle and sister have perished."

Water seeped into his mouth, and he swallowed. He wished the water was cold, but it was warm and tasted slightly of leather. The first few gulps washed down dirt and blood. The next few were much cleaner. He felt marginally better, and struggled to rise. Éomer pressed him down with a hand on the middle of his chest.

"Stay," Éomer commanded sharply. "You are in no condition."

A hysterical laugh bubbled in his throat. He was not in any condition, especially to live. His vision already begun to darken.

"A new Age..." Éomund breathed. "I will not live to see it." His chest strained and heaved to force the words from his lips. His breath came in shuddering gasps.

"Aye..."

"Forgive... My doubts."

"Forgiven," Éomer answered immediately. "I will not hold you at fault for few words, for I did not believe many things not so long ago."

His vision dimmed. Éomund managed a smile, but he did not speak.


Author's Note:

Yep. I called him. He, who, only had a single line in the entire three books plus Tolkien's Legendarium.

Yep.

*runs before Rohan lovers catch up to her*