Chapter 6: Mediate

The journey to Helm's Deep was uneventful, despite her overhearing reports that skirmishes have occurrred as of late, the Dunlendings growing increasingly bold and breaching their borders, sneaking into villages at night and attacking them if they did not surrender their possessions. After the war, they had been given leave to return to their homes, but they were to retreat beyond the Isen and live in peace, bearing no arms against any. And yet ill-will still festered between the two peoples, much blood had been shed in bitter wars as songs from long ago tell.

Erkenbrand and his wife, Aedelfrae greeted them at their arrival. They were shown to their rooms, and given time to refresh before the evening meal was served. Aethelwyn left at Ithílwyn's request, for she was tired and needed rest. A maidservant came to fill the tub with hot water for their bath. She unpacked in silence, as Éomer added more wood to the fire and fanned the flames. "Helm's Deep was built long ago, and not for comfort," he began in a civil tone. "Unfortunately, that means it can get draughty and cold, especially with the spring rains." It was an attempt to make light conversation, but she was not quite sure how to respond, however much she wished to talk to him. Faced with no response, he turned back to tending the fire and Ithílwyn fixed her attention on unpacking.

But she knew she needed to say something, he had been trying earnestly to talk to her and she had only displayed an inept attitude in responding to his attempts at salvaging their relationship. "What will you wear this evening?" she asked, removing his things from a chest. He shrugged and went to look at his clothes. "How about this?" she asked, holding up an embroidered shirt of deep red with runes stitched at the hem.

"Yes, that will be perfect," he answered, smiling appreciatively at her. She reciprocated with a small smile, but grew shy and turned away.

"The bath has been filled, my lord and lady," one of the maids spoke, "but there is only one tub. Please send for us if you require more hot water."

"Thank you, that will be all," Éomer replied.

They bowed and left. "You should bathe first," he said, turning to her.

"I would take too long," she replied with a shy smile, and she thought of a way to reciprocate his efforts. "Let me wash you, I have not done so since our wedding night." Surprised at her suggestion, he stood with his mouth open for some time before nodding immediately, unable to think clearly. He undressed while Ithílwyn took out a large towel and some scented oils from her valise.

"It is too hot," Éomer explained, when she found him seated on a small stool, a basin of hot water by his side. She suppressed her laughter and took a clean washcloth off the shelf. After soaking it in the hot water, she wrung it and began wiping his face with the damp cloth. Once the water was slightly cooler, she poured it over his head. Then she poured some scented oils into his hair and massaged his scalp.

"Have I ever told you how fortunate it is that I should be your husband," he said light-heartedly, making contented noises as her ministrations eased the tension in his body.

"Yes, I thought you needed reminding," she replied in jest, pouring some water on the top of his head and letting the oils flow down his hair.

"Would you like to soak in the water?" He put his hand in and drew back almost immediately. "Still too hot?" she queried.

"You might have boiled Éomer for dinner," he replied and was delighted to see her laugh.

"Goodness, wife. One would think that you are anticipating me being served on a platter."

"No, I know what you taste like," she answered coyly, kneading the muscles in his shoulders, "and besides, your meat is tough and chewy, not at all good for eating."

"Perhaps, that is why you are massaging me," he said.

Her eyebrows rose. "Well, that would be most ineffective. It would be quicker to pound your flesh with a mallet than to massage you," she replied and splashed him with hot water.

"Saucy wench," he muttered under his breath, his sight blocked by a curtain of wet hair. Brushing aside his hair, he began splashing her as well, laughing when she shrieked in surprise.

"Éomer, stop!" she cried, but splashed water at him nonetheless. And he responded to the attack in similar fashion until Ithílwyn had to call for a ceasefire, as there was not much water left in the tub for her turn to bath.

"Now, I think it is my obligation to return your favour and wash you, now that you have cleaned me so well." It took two long strides for him to reach her and he pulled her close to him, feeling the warmth of her skin. "I love you," he whispered, staring into her eyes before tilting her chin to kiss her. "Now, tis not fair that I am naked as a newborn and you are standing fully clothed," he murmured against her neck. He looked up at his wife, who was now biting her lips in anticipation and unlaced her dress carefully. She opened her eyes and he could see how large her pupils were, full of desire.

"Oh Ithíl," he groaned, as he slipped her undergarments off and beheld her nakedness. He knelt before her, his hands on each cheek of her backside. He kissed the skin at the bottom of her navel and painted a trail with his tongue to her mound. She parted her legs for him, hands in his wet hair as she moaned his name. And when she let out a cry and trembled, he steadied her and stood up, fully satisfied with himself. "Fairest Ithíl," he purred, revelling in the sight of Ithíl panting but smiling as the waves of pleasure ebbed away. "Come, I think the tub is big enough to fit the both of us."

"Forgive our late arrival, Erkenbrand, but the queen had matters that needed attending to," he said, grinning at his wife who blushed at his remark.

The West Marshal responded with a knowing smile. "Do not apologise, my lord. I forget that you have not been married long, and must be eager to spend time with your wife at every opportunity. My heart is glad to see the both of you in good spirits, and it is evident that great love exists within your union."

His wife beamed at the king and queen. "It gives me hope that our daughter will have a successful marriage as well," she said. "I know it was difficult when we were first married," she said and smiled at her husband as they shared a memory together. "But we have learned a lot about each other since then, and we are happy," he added, squeezing his wife's hand. "May your marriage be as blissful and enduring in the days to come,"Aedelfrae wife of Lord Erkenbrand spoke, raising her cup.

Éomer and Ithílwyn smiled, raising their cups and drinking also to their hosts' good health before mingling with other guests. And there in Helm's Deep did Ithílwyn meet the acquaintance of Gimli son of Glóin, the first dwarf she had ever laid eyes on.

"Good evening Master Gimli," she greeted respectfully, intrigued by his appearance. He bowed his head and she returned the gesture, confused that he chose to honour her when he was one of the renowned members of the Fellowship of the Ring.

"Good evening, Lady Mildred. Forgive my dishevelled appearance, but we dwarves have been greatly inspired by the beauty of Aglarond. Long years have passed before we have seen such halls of great shimmering gems and crystals, and the music of the water bids us stay in a dwarvish haven. Yet, its true beauty remains hidden, and now we dwarves must now tend to the garden of gems, verily, that we must do before the fullness of its majesty blooms."

Her heart was stirred at his passionate speech and she longed to see with her own eyes the glorious vision he continued to describe in the work they were doing. Éomer found her later by the dwarves, listening as they talked about the lights they were making to illuminate the dark caves and the dwellings they have begun constructing. Her eyes shone with delight at their tales, and they were enchanted at her curiosity and eagerness to listen. "Perhaps we may be able to arrange a secret tour," Gimli suggested, laughing.

"Truly?" she replied, surprised at their generosity. "Oh thank you, it is a great honour, but Éomer..." she paused, turning to look at him, suddenly noticing that he had been standing next to her for she her attention had been wholly given to the dwarves. "If you will allow me leave, Master Gimli, for I request to accompany my wife. I wish also to know what you have been up to deep in Glaemscrafu, for I knew not what your intentions were," he said. The dwarves laughed, stroking their beards in good humour. "It is my pleasure to be your host in Aglarond, as you have been my host in Rohan," the dwarf replied, bowing graciously.

The dwarves led them to the cave, moving in a rather excited fashion as they began talking amongst themselves about the plans they had, not forgetting to marvel and display the work that they had already done. Éomer held hands with Ithílwyn as they walked, both amused at the dwarves' animated state. As they entered, Ithílwyn held her breath, halting as she stared at the visage. Even Éomer was rendered speechless as they glanced at gleaming cavern and the translucent walls of the caves, where gems and crystals of many colours lay asleep in their fair prison. Though it was dark, the gems sparkled brightly, reflecting light from the lamps the dwarves had made. They passed by columns of carefully polished quartz, and followed the dwarves as they pointed out the progress they have made.

"Look," Gimli said as they arrived at a lake. Ithílwyn marvelled at the reflection and stared above, filled with wonder as the water shone as if a sea of gems, brightly shining as iridescent stars in the night sky.

"Master Dwarf, gladly do I welcome such skill as you and your kin are renowned for. This is a great privilege, to have beheld such magnificence with mine own eyes."

"Glad we are to have your friendship, and greater is our joy to receive the privilege of establishing our homes in the splendour of Aglarond. Perhaps, when we are finished with our toil, then you may come again to see the fullness of its beauty. Come," he gestured to his kin with a naughty gleam in his eye, "the king and his wife should have some time alone. Let us rejoin the party, I heard there is more than enough ale for all us."

They were soon alone, and though they had shared an intimate moment before the feast, they stood beside each other awkwardly. He gulped, thinking of something to say. How had they grown so far apart? He wondered as he looked at Ithílwyn, still staring in wonder at the glimmering gems and the vivid colours beneath the water's surface.

"My cave pales in comparison to this," she remarks in attempt to jest and smiles at him, breaking the uncomfortable silence. She knelt by the water edge, sticking a finger in and watching the ripples transform the clear mirror of the lake into a vision of bright and colourful lights dancing in front of her. Éomer exclaimed in amazement and she smiled at him. "I have never known such beauty exists in this world. My heart is filled with delight, and now I cannot help but feel inquisitive, what other wonders lie in the world that I have yet to see?" He smiled fondly at how young and carefree she looked, and felt a pang of sadness for what she had lost. In this moment, it was clear that she had lost her childhood when her village burned at the hands of Saruman, and he had taken the last dregs of her innocence where the War had not already devastated her.

"We have life in us still, and we are young yet. There will be ample opportunity for us to visit Gondor, and Master Merry has made it known on several occasions that I would be welcome in the Shire."

"You do not have time to travel at your leisure," she remarked far too accurately for his liking, turning back to stare at the lake. Silence crept back in and surrounded them like a thick fog. He cleared his throat and went near her. "Forgive me, I should not have said that."

"It was true," he replied, feeling a weight settling in his chest. "I, should not have spoken too freely."

"You were only trying to make me happy." Again she spoke the truth.

"Yet I have failed," he said, in an attempt to jest, but instead he was filled with sadness. He was a man whose wife's unhappiness had only increased since their union.

"Not always," she replied, taking his hand. "I know you love me because you try very hard."

"But it is not enough," he stated, although it sounded like a question.

"No," she said and paused, "I do not know. I was being difficult, and unlike you, I have not attempted to show you as much affection as you deserve," He shook his head adamantly, surprised that she was wiping away tears.

"You have only failed out of retaliation to my ignorance, and even then, I know you still brew tea for me whenever we fight. You unpack my things and lay out my clothes despite my poor treatment of you. Ithíl, you have not failed me. I have failed to be patient with you and I did not mean to upset you," he said, swallowing the lump in his throat, and pulling her close to him. "Do not cry," he whispered, rubbing her back. "Come, it is late and we should be in bed," he said, reaching so that he could carry her in his arms.

"No, I can walk," she protested, wriggling out of his grip.

"I know, but this way I can hold you, and it seems as if you need to be held at the moment. You comforted me in my hour of need, and furthermore, I have to make penance for the grief I have caused you. Besides, you have not been eating as much, and are light as a feather. Let me hold you, I am strong enough for both of us." She nodded, and sank into his embrace, crying silent tears on his shoulder.

He carried her all the way to their room, and set her on the bed gently. "Thank you," she whispered. He kissed the top of her head.

"I need to brew your tea," she spoke suddenly, rising to her feet to rummage through her valise.

"Ithílwyn," he began, sighing as she carried out the familiar routine.

"Did you not say that you have become so accustomed to drinking tea that when you are at war it is difficult to sleep."

"One night without tea will not be the death of me," he replied.

"Oh, do you not want any tea then?" she asked, looking downcast.

"I want you to rest, and I want you to be happy."

She turned away from him and picked at the herbs mindlessly. "We should talk," she spoke softly.

"Yes, we should," he agreed, wondering if he should go to her.

She spoke first. "I love you, Éomer. I have loved you since you came to my cave, but lately my heart has felt so empty, and my thoughts are plagued with darkness, that I have become selfish. I have not been a capable queen, and though you have always encouraged me, I have failed to hope that I can someday live to your expectations of what a queen should be, what the people expect of their queen. Even with Mathilde's support and your affection, I do not sense any hope that could redeem me from my weaknesses. Your faith and trust in my capability only deepens my guilt for I am meant to support you in your trials, but I am being consumed by my own. And for this, I apologise, and seek your forgiveness."

"My debt is greater than any offence you can commit, my love. Let me assuage your guilt, for you have naught to be ashamed of. We are all weak, and you have had to endure much since you agreed to leave for Aldburg at my request."

"You saved my life by bringing me out of my cave," she interjected.

"As I could have saved your honour, and refrained from disrespecting you by making you my mistress and turned you away when you were with child."

"You wanted to marry me," she interrupted again.

"Yes, but out of duty. Not of love, and you were right to refuse me. Ithílwyn, you are my wife and I love you. Did you forget that you have saved my life also? You have shared my burdens, but you must also learn to share yours. I want to understand your suffering, and help you. That is my duty as your husband, and my privilege. You can tell me anything you want, even if it upsets me and I will endeavour to make myself near, for you are of greater importance than my kingship."

"Éomer," she chastised.

"I have already decided so, your words cannot change my mind. Now, let me offer my strength this time, you have already spent much of your own before the war," he murmured and held her close, soothing away her worries.

Erkenbrand's daughter was married the next day and there was much celebration. The promise of a new family and the beginnings of new life were a joyous occasion, much welcomed after the numerous funerals. Ithílwyn felt lighter too, and smiled lovingly at her husband, who held her hand tightly. They had talked, and she had shared all her pent up frustrations and he had been patient, loving her throughout the night even as she bared her insecurities. Then he kissed her, and professed his love for her through the night. He held her in his arms, wiping away the tears that fell, and comforting her with tender words. For the first night in a long time, she slept fitfully and Éomer found quiet joy in watching her dream peacefully.

But as the festivities wore on during the night, Éomer was alerted of the arrival of a messenger with an urgent errand as he was about to ask Ithílwyn if she would like to dance. He excused himself and received a Red Arrow from the messenger. He returned to the feast and drew Ithílwyn aside to a quiet corner, explaining that he had to ride away. She nodded understandingly, though she was loth to see him go and then he left to make preparations for his departure. The next morning, his éored rode for Gondor, and she informed Aedelflae of her desire to remain in Helm's Deep for a little while longer.

Not a week had passed when two Dunlending man were brought before the West Marshal while Ithílwyn was talking to Aedelflae in the hall. They had been caught stealing from a nearby village and had been brought before the West Marshal for judgment. They pleaded to their captors and to her surprise she understood some of what they said. Food was mentioned often, but she also heard words like 'baby', 'wife', 'people', 'hurt' and their gestures indicated that they were anxious about something but the guards paid no heed and beat them when in great anguish they gesticulated wildly as they tried to communicate in a language that no one understood save her.

"Those pitiful wildmen, they look starved to death," said Aedelflae with sympathy. Ithílwyn turned to her in surprise and saw for the first time how malnourished they appeared.

Erkenbrand stared discerningly at the trespassers before him as they continued pleading with loud, desperate voices. A resigned expression came to rest on his face, and then he spoke. "Return the stolen belongings to their rightful owners and put them in prison. They have violated the peace offered to them and trespassed our borders to commit crimes against our people. For this they shall be executed tomorrow morn for their crimes."

Ithílwyn gasped at the judgment but remained silent for Erkenbrand himself looked rueful at the decision. Next to her Aedelfrae patted her hand, "Let us speak to my husband and try to arrive at a merciful solution. You seem surprised that I would sympathise with them," she added thoughtfully, her eyes searching Ithíl's.

"They have ever been our enemies," she replied.

"And yet you seemed upset at the thought of their punishment," she said. "Come, let us speak elsewhere Lady Mildred, I think it is past time for cake," she smiled, linking arms and pulling her away.

When they were seated on comfortable cushions and supplied with cake, she smiled at the young queen. "Éomer King would be happy to see you eat," she commented. Ithílwyn stared at her, surprised at her words. "He made me promise that I would look after you while he was away. He expressed his concern at how little you were eating. Perhaps you do not see it, but he is very perceptive about all you do. Poor Aethelwyn, she bore the brunt of his incessant lecture." Ithílwyn now understood why her lady's maid had been offering her so much food as of late.

"And yet, here we sit with all the food one can eat while the wildmen starve," she commented. "One of the men said something about a baby, and he kept mimicking a rounded stomach. I wonder if his wife is having a baby."

"You speak their language?" she asked, her eyes large and curious.

"I read it in a book somewhere," she answered hastily, and decided it was not a lie. She was loth to trust anyone with her secrets without further deliberation. "But no, I only know a few words," she admitted, remembering her father's journals and felt grateful that he possessed the wisdom to have chronicled his life in Dunland. Though now she wished she had brought it with her.

The older woman sighed, wringing her hands in her lap. "We can speak to Erkenbrand, but I do not know if we can change his mind. He does not decide lightly, but with wisdom. This is a difficult situation, and though you are the queen, I do not know what good challenging his authority would bring."

"It would not bring any good, but I would hear Erkenbrand's reasoning, and then decide."

"I have a question, Lord Erkenbrand," she said, while the three of them were dining together. "I understand that the wildmen have committed great crimes, but why execute them?"

Erkenbrand sighed, and took a long sip of his ale. "It is not what I wished, but it was a necessary action. The people are upset, and feel vulnerable. They want reassurance that we care about their safety and that those who dare defy us will be punished justly. We have been lenient with them, for we have not yet taken action. But the people of the Mark will demand justice for the harm they have received."

"They were starving," his wife chimed in.

"So are our people, but we do not steal."

"Because others have helped," Ithílwyn muttered under her breath, but was not overheard by the West Marshal, although her expression did not go unnoticed.

"My lady, I understand that their punishment may seem unjust, but the food that they stole, the coins, the hurt they have inflicted, they must be stopped. Do you think that they will cease, for surely their desperation will grow, and soon they will do more than steal, and I cannot allow their suffering because of pity for these criminals," he answered authoritatively. In his eyes she discerned the same fear that Éomer faced, the fear of being able to rule with wisdom.

"I understand Lord Erkenbrand, and you should not feel guilty for your pity. It means you are a good man. Éomer will be pleased to know the Westmark lies in such capable hands. Forgive me, I was merely curious for the punishment seemed unjust, but you have enlightened me, and now I understand."

The both of them turned to stare at her, surprised. "I am not used to contemplating the issues of governance, and I value your wisdom Lord Erkenbrand, thank you. I know the people of the Mark will be safe because of your vigilance, and as his wife, I am also grateful that you have lessened Éomer's great burden of kingship."

"My lady, might I be mistaken to presume that you are trying to flatter me?" he asked, smiling.

"Nay Lord Erkenbrand, I am only acknowledging your diligence, compassion and fealty to your lord."

"Thank you, my lady. I am pleased that you understand the purpose of my harsh judgment," he spoke and felt relieved that he had indeed made the right decision.

"My dear husband, after all this years and yet you fret," Aedelflae sighed, taking his hand. "You are a good man, wise in your decision making, and compassionate in heart. It is why I married you, is it not?" Then Ithílwyn beheld the lines in his face, the love he had for his wife and she felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

"What are you planning Lady Mildred?" Aedelflae inquired in a hushed tone, closing the door behind her.

"I do not know what you are talking about," Ithílwyn replied, but she was busy stuffing herbs in a satchel.

"My lady, I wonder why you would think she was planning something," Aethelwyn commented sarcastically, as she helped her mistress pack. Ithílwyn rolled her eyes and glared at her lady's maid, but smiled and said nothing but continued checking over some vials.

"She has gone mad," Aethelwyn added behind her mistress's back. "You have to talk some sense into her."

"Aethelwyn!" Ithílwyn chided, and returned to packing with much haste.

"What are you planning?" Aedelfrae reiterated.

"She is leaving, and she will not tell me where. I am ready to receive punishment from Éomer King when he finds out that she is dead," the queen's lady-in-waiting spoke dramatically and Aedelfrae saw Queen Mildred roll her eyes.

"He will not, and I will return soon. It is just a frivolous errand, Éomer will not hurt you," she answered.

"Let me come with," Aedelfrae spoke out suddenly. Ithílwyn and Aethelwyn turned to her with their mouths agape.

"But Erkenbrand," Ithílwyn protested.

"I visit my mother from time to time. And besides, you need more supplies than this," she pointed to the lone sack that Aethelwyn was stuffing, "on your errand if I guess rightly the nature of your going."

She paused, but smiled at the older woman and to the surprise of both women, she hugged Aedelfrae. "Thank you, your help will be most appreciated."

Dear Éomer,

I have an urgent errand that needs my attention. A fool's errand, you might call it, but there are others who need my help and if I could buy peace for the Riddermark with my life, then it is a small price to pay. Do not blame Aethelwyn, she is innocent and did her best to dissuade me from leaving. You shall not punish her, for she did as you asked.

If you should not find me alive, well, I suppose that would also be good news. I love you, with all of my heart, but the thought of failing you has put a great strain on me, and I blamed you for convincing me that love would prevail over tribulation. I cursed you and wept when in memory I recalled that you pledged your love and gave your heart to me. You have taken all from me, in exchange for your heart and now I realise that it must now be returned.

If you receive this letter, then let it be known that I release custody of your heart back into your hands, and I shall retrieve my name, and my freedom. I am too broken to be loved, too scarred to love another, and if I should give anymore of myself, then I shall become a shell, devoid of life. Promise me you will open your heart to another, even though it will be difficult, and have many babies on my behalf.

All my love,

Ithíl

While she had planned to find the wildmen, she certainly did not expect that she would be found by them on their trek to raid for food and supplies. Nor did she expect they would surround her and poor Aedelfrae, casting threatening glares, their weapons at hand. Their food was taken from them without resistance and they stared at the two women, obviously curious as to why two women would have enough grain with them to feed a small village.

"Forgoil take men, no come back. Man say wife and baby, I help. Here, food," she spoke with as much Dunlending she knew, her heart thumping in her chest wildly, trying her hardest not to look at the crude daggers they were holding or imagine what might happen should they use them. They began conferring amongst each other in angry tones and Ithílwyn noticed women among them, one of them noticeably pregnant. They eyed the both of them suspiciously, looking over them with disdain.

One of the shadows coughed violently then fainted, she suspected, of starvation. Ithílwyn fished around in her pack, and produced a loaf of bread, offering it to the man who appeared to be the leader. She fished in her pack and produced another vial and stood up gingerly, approaching them carefully. Although they distrusted her, they were more desperate for help than to refuse her assistance. She knelt by the fallen boy, surprised that one as young as he had been with them and put the vial under his nose. He revived immediately and coughed again. Ithílwyn fed him the elixir and he exhaled with relief. "Sleep," she said to the men, pointing to the boy and hoping they would understand. Then the pregnant woman came forward and began speaking to her in rapid Dunlending but she managed to catch the words 'husband' and realised that this was the woman the executed prisoner was referring to.

She looked mournfully at the woman and touched her shoulder sympathetically. "Husband, die," she said, comforting the distraught woman. "Forgoil say no come to land and take from forgoil. This food and seed, grow food, eat and live. No harm forgoil, you safe." She spoke, hoping they would understand. The woman crumpled to the ground in tears, a few other women turning to comfort her. They turned to her and nodded respectfully at both women, expressing their gratitude before retreating into the darkness like shadows.

But then a loud cry came from the distance, a piercing shriek and Ithílwyn remembered the sound from her own nightmares. She ran forward in their direction with her satchel bumping against her hip as the wildmen led her to where the cry came from. Aedelfrae sighed and ran after her, regretting her decision and vowing to show less sympathy in future days. She was surprised that they were willing to take these strangers to their dwelling, but then she saw that many of them were sick and they lived in dire conditions.

And then she watched as the queen of Rohan knelt by the pregnant woman and wiped her brow, barking at the bewildered men to fetch some water and start a fire. And the wildmen trusted her, doing as she bid, questioning not when she brewed tonics and gave them to the woman. Perhaps they sensed something different, as she now perceived this young woman in a new light. Her queen stayed with the wildmen, assisting the woman in labour till a new life appeared, crying in protest at the harsh world he had been born into. Dawn appeared as the woman was cleaned and her baby swaddled. She watched as her queen tried to teach the wildmen what the vials of medicine were for, miming and gesturing to communicate with them. Aedelfrae followed as she brought them to look for suitable soil with which to begin tilling, and how to fashion a simple plow out of sticks and cords of rope, walk with the women and help identify what wild plants could be eaten. She helped clean several rabbits the queen had hunted and made bread with her out of the flour they had brought. The queen of Rohan knelt down, ladling bowls of rabbit stew and bread to wildmen, who smiled gratefully at her.

The next morning, she convinced Lady Mildred that they were to hasten to avoid suspicion and return to Helm's Deep. Unsurprisingly, the queen was reluctant to go, for there was much to do, but she acquiesced to her advice and bade goodbye to the wildmen, who appeared forlorn at her their departure. A little boy tugged at her arm, muttering what Aedelfrae suspected was a plea for her to remain. She smiled at the little boy and brought out a sweet from her pocket, who was quickly appeased and ruffled his hair. The lady who had been in labour two nights ago struggled to rise before Lady Mildred knelt down by her side to embrace her.

"At first I failed to understand why Éomer King would choose you out of all the women in the Mark to wed, so I wondered what had happened between you both before the war. But now I understand without needing knowledge of your past nor of whether you are of noble blood, and I am grateful that he has married you. It fills me with pride to know that you are my queen." Ithílwyn smiled, her eyes glistening with tears.

"Your words bring me joy, Lady Aedelfrae," she admitted, trying to wipe her tears but her arms were still bloody.

"You think yourself beneath him, but Queen Mildred, you realise that you have stolen food from Helm's Deep, offered it to the wildmen and assisted one of their women in labour. Your help could have saved all of them from death. All because you have a good heart, and in possession of wisdom that men often overlook. Be proud of who you are, the king is indeed blessed to have a wife as compassionate and wise as you. Come let us rid you of your soiled clothes, and return home." Ithílwyn nodded and took her hand, smiling brightly.