Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any of the characters, settings, or events I have taken from Tolkien's works.

Author's Note: I'm trying a new format for this chapter, so I'm re-posting it. I'd love feedback on how it works. I could go back and change the other chapters if it would make it easier. Thanks to the people who have reviewed (especially A - you are my most faithful reviewer!). For anyone else reading, *please* let me know what you think. Enough of my chattering, here's the chapter.

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Erin sat up and slowly opened her eyes, blinking groggily. I wonder what time it is? Then she saw the sky through the window. It was lightening from a velvety blue to a pale pink, promising dawn. Erin yawned, then quietly slipped out of bed. She dressed and crossed the room to the fireplace. I hope the embers did not go out this time. Her first few attempts at banking the fire at night had resulted in a cold hearth in the morning.

Fortunately for Erin, a few embers still glowed red under the ashes, and she was able to wake them into a merry fire without too much trouble. Crouched over the fire, Erin looked over at Eowyn.

Good, she's still asleep. She's been working so hard taking care of King Theoden, and she's got to be worn out. A few days had passed since Eomer had been imprisoned, and although Eowyn herself could not visit her brother, she had sent Erin with food to assure Eomer that he was not forgotten by his sister.

Erin had faithfully delivered the food, but could not work up the courage to speak to Eomer outside of repeating Eowyn's greetings and questions. Satisfied that the fire was burning steadily, Erin slipped out of the room.

She returned carrying a tray laden with bread, cheese, and milk. Eowyn was awake, sitting silently by the window.

The dawn is beautiful, is it not, Fara? Erin set the tray down and joined Eowyn at the window. She exhaled softly.

Oh yes, my lady. It's wonderful. The dawn had broken clear and pure, painting the sky with brilliant pinks, golds, and purples. All around, a bright blue day was beginning.

Oh, Eowyn, Erin breathed, It's so full of promise. What can go wrong in a day like this? Eowyn laughed, low and soft.

Maybe you are right. It is a sign of hope in these dark days. The pair stayed a few more moments at the window. Then, with a sigh that was barely audible, Eowyn turned from the sunrise and focused her attention on breakfast.

Erin waited a moment longer. She looked more at peace than she has for a while now. I hope the day will bring good to her. Then she too turned, joining her mistress in the meal.


With the sun high in the sky, Erin found herself again striding through the streets to the house where Eomer was imprisoned. Many people, men and women, called out to her as she passed, and she responded cheerily, unable to keep the joy of the beautiful day out of her voice.

Reaching the house she sought, Erin entered and set down the bundle Eowyn had sent. Then she glanced at Eomer, standing a few feet away at the window. On the previous days he had been a brooding presence, full of an unreleased energy and a simmering anger. With a tense face and hooded eyes, he had mutely received Eowyn's gifts, succinctly answering Eowyn's messages without volunteering any extra information.

Now, however, his eyes were clear. He seemed calm, though he still had the presence of a man who had been wronged. Now that he's calmer, he's not nearly so frightening. Despite Eowyn's descriptions, I really did wonder how she could like someone like him. He seems okay now, maybe even nice. She busied herself unpacking the food. A low voice, strong and clear, spoke quietly.

I thank you for the service you do my sister. You are a faithful friend. Erin looked up, startled. Eomer was gazing directly at her, his eyes thoughtful.

Thank you my lord. Lady Eowyn has been most generous to me, a stranger to Rohan.

Why do they call you Fara? I have been told that is not your original name. I didn't even know he realized that I was the same one to come each day, much less that he knew my name. Erin briefly told Eomer of her journey to the city, leaving out the unexplainable transfer from Maryland to Rohan.

Eomer nodded. Widfara is a good man. You are fortunate that Wormtongue was out of the city when you came. His jaw tightened involuntarily. He does not view matters as reasonably as my sister. Wormtongue? My goodness, the names here just get stranger and stranger. I wouldn't want to be saddled with that one. Who on earth is this Wormtongue, though?

Wormtongue is also known as Grima. Eomer said. I've got to learn to keep my thoughts from showing on my face. It would seem that both Eomer and Eowyn can read me like a book. Looking up at Eowyn's tall brother, she decided to ask Eomer a question that had been bothering her. She took a deep breath and blurted it out.

My lord, why is it that you are imprisoned? How did you disobey Lord Theoden? She bit her lip, hoping she hadn't gone too far in asking. Eomer smiled wryly.

I followed my instinct. I let a man, an elf, and a dwarf go free in Rohan and even gave them horses to pursue their quest instead of bringing them back to Edoras. Like I was brought in. Erin thought.

Then her eyes widened in the belated realization of what he had said. Oh gosh. He definitely just mentioned an elf. Maybe those fantasy stories are based on some truth after all. Or maybe I got bumped into an alternate universe like I read about in that science magazine...

Erin jerked out of her speculations. Eomer stood regarding her quizzically. Are you all right, Fara? He said, sounding concerned.

I'm fine. It's just... she hesitated. I've never met an elf before. I really didn't think they existed. Eomer laughed, a short, wry bark.

This was my first elf too. He grimaced. And I assure you, he was quite real. He would have loosed an arrow at me had not the man stopped him.

If I may ask, my lord, why did you let them go if they were so dangerous?

Eomer stood silent for a moment, then spoke slowly. Because, Fara, there was an air about the man, like one of the kings of old. I doubt not his words, though he seemed to have sprung out of a legend. I would trust him completely as my commander, and I do not back down from my choice. Eomer's voice rang with conviction, and his eyes blazed.

Erin quietly asked, Then are you angry at King Theoden for imprisoning you?

Eomer sighed and shook his head, his shoulders slumping tiredly as the light left his eyes. No, Fara. I still serve my lord Theoden wholeheartedly. He would never have acted such were it not for the poisonous council of Wormtongue. I cannot be angry with my King, but I will rid him of Wormtongue one I am free!

Erin did not question him further but stood silently as Eomer turned back to the window and leaned against it, staring at the sky. I've never seen such loyalty. After all that has been done to him, Eomer still serves the King without hesitation. He is a rare man. The King should let him go and take his advice instead of Wormtongue's.

A sudden noise at the door caused both to turn. Háma the doorwarden stood in the entranceway. Hail, Lord Eomer. His face was animated. Eomer looked at him sharply.

What new do you bring, Háma? Háma smiled as he answered.

My lord, you are to be set free, and come before the king. Eomer straightened, his voice strong and certain. Bring my sword, Háma. I will bring it to the King. Háma quickly left to fetch the blade.

Eomer turned to Erin. Perhaps, young maiden, this day will bring good tidings. I bid you return to my sister. Háma reentered offering a blade. Eomer grasped his sword strongly and strode rapidly from the room. Eowyn was right. Hope is returning. Then Erin dashed out of the room and into the street, eager to find Eowyn.