Horror

I sat watching from the side of the court. An emissary from a neighboring lord was speaking with uncle Théoden. Wormtongue was standing close, nodding his head and looking upset. Several times he looked at me in that way he has that makes me feel sick. Somehow, it was different than usual. It was almost a look of disappointment. Still, I had that jump in my stomach when his eyes raked across my body. After a while, uncle looked right at me, and motioned me to come to him. Then he shooed Wormtongue away.

As I approached, the emissary was looking me over as if he was buying a horse. "Good day Lady Éowyn," he said in a most courtly manner, when we were close.

Uncle said, "Wonderful news Sister Daughter, you are to be wed to a great lord."

I had to fight to avoid fainting. I spoke to keep my mind working, "I am most honored," I said, wondering where the words were coming from. Riders of the Mark do not lie, yet I was doing it as smoothly as Wormtongue. I have been around that rat too long and am starting to become like him.

I do not know how I got here, but I am on the steps of a great hall, in a white gown of many layers. I feel ridiculous wearing it and would gladly trade it for the mail and helm the many soldiers in attendance are wearing. An old man in fancy dress is holding my hand and we are listening to another old man chant something in a tongue I do not understand. He presents us both with rings and motions me to put mine on. When I do, the crowd cheers. For reasons I do not understand, I waive and they cheer all the louder.

Now, I am in a bedchamber. I do not know how I got here. The old man who was holding my hand on the steps is with me. He speaks to me in my own tongue, but the words sound strange from his lips. "We best get started tonight. I need to produce a heir as soon as possible. My first wife is long dead and my only son died in the war." He begins to undress in front of me. He is very fat and without his wig, is mostly bald.

I feel sick to my stomach. There is an open window. I had looked out it when we entered the room. It is far up in the air. I think about it for a few moments, run to the window and leap straight through it. I am falling at a great pace to the courtyard below. I start to scream, but the sound will not form in my throat.

"Lady, lady, are you alright?" A voice calls to me. I am being shaken. I open my eyes and it is my maid.

"I had a bad dream. I shall be right in a moment. Allow me to settle myself." I say in a weak and shaking voice.

I sit up, and see I am still in my tent at Dunharrow. My breaths are short and fast.

After a moment, I know what I must do. I look at my maid. "Fetch me my mail and gear of war. I am riding to Gondor."

Fëadan