Author's Note: I am very thankful the song in the previous chapter was okay. I did write the whole thing myself, but I do not have a tune to it. Anyway, on with the final chapter.

Epilogue

Eowyn stands in the doorway, feeling just a little shy. Freda turns her head towards her; a bright smile lights her face.

"My Lady! Eowyn!" Freda's eyes twinkle. "Forgive me for being unable to curtsy."

She flicks her gaze to the three bundles that lie next to her on the bed. Eowyn mutely shakes her head and slowly enters the room. She tries not to stare. Never has she seen such young babes before.

Freda meets Eowyn's gaze. "Never had I experienced such pain. But when I saw them…they were worth it," she breathes.

Eowyn approaches the bed and gazes on the tiny faces, all which sleep in slumber, content and peaceful, not knowing of the fear and darkness that exist outside their mother's protective arms. Already at three weeks old, red and golden curls frame the babes' faces.

"They are beautiful," Eowyn says softly. "They are a miracle." A miracle that cannot be prevented by evil – a miracle of life.

"Would you like to hold one of them?" Freda asks, watching Eowyn's expression.

Eowyn looks up with large startled eyes, unaware of her thoughts being on her face. Uncertainty and shyness settle on her features – unnatural emotions for the Lady of Rohan to show.

Freda nods toward the babe on her lap. "You may hold her."

Eowyn slowly lifts the babe up and settles her into her arms. For a long while she stares at the tiny nose, mouth, ears, and fingers. Yes, this is a miracle. Gently she touches the curly hair, the rosy cheeks, and fist.

"What are their names?"

"They are named after three women who are very important to me," Freda says, pausing as Eowyn raises her head; she continues, "Neisa, Larewen, and Eowyn – that the story and memories of them may never completely die."

It then seems to Freda as though she beheld Eowyn as she would be free of all sorrow, fear, coldness, and dark memories. Her face glows; her eyes are clear and sparkling; the color in her cheeks match those of little Larewen's. She has left the darkness and has grasped onto hope.

The memory of that time seems like a dream now. She had indeed held onto hope during that time. She had fantasies of what her future might be – now dashed. She grieves for those who have left her, who have gone to their doom. She had been rejected – both her heart and freedom. And by the same man. She was denied the chance for valor and honor. Despair claimed her once more.

She rides tall and proud among the riders of Rohan. Her face is pale and cold like one who knows she shall stand her last, who welcomes death. She rides in silence. The hobbit, Merry, is thoughtful but has not spoken since they met. She is grateful. But they share a bond – both desire to follow their king.

Lady Eowyn. A daughter of kings. A shieldmaiden of the Mark. The White Lady of Rohan. A shieldmaiden of Helm's Deep. Ice blossom. A frozen lily. Many names has she been called. Many things has she been compared to. But she no longer knows those names. For that is not she. A new name she calls herself now. A name that suits her far better than any other she has ever had.

Dernhelm.

THE END

Author's Note: Yes, at long last this story is finished. *sniff* For real! Notice I finally said "the end." I first want to thank my mom who proofread this entire story and provided some of the chapter titles. Without her it would not have been possible for me to write and post this. I also want to give a big "thank you!" to everyone who has read and reviewed. When I started this four months ago I never dreamed I would have almost fifty reviews. I still am speechless by it. But I thank you all for your words of encouragement. I have really enjoyed writing and am sorry it is over. But all things must come to an end.

About inspiration and TTT EE: In early 2002 I found pictures of Eowyn, appearing to be in the Glittering Caves, sword in hand and blood on her, preparing to attack something. I found that these pictures were of a scene that had been shot which had orcs getting into the caves and Eowyn killing them. There was also a very short clip in the 10-minute preview for TTT on The Fellowship of the Ring DVD. This was what inspired me to write Shieldmaiden of Helm's Deep over a period of more than four months.

Now that I have seen TTT extended edition, I am quite disappointed that the scene was not included – and I had been hoping to see that scene for a long while. Miranda Otto, however, does mention about shooting the scene in the cast commentary. That plus all the neat extra scenes with Eowyn made up for my disappointment. So I will simply have to imagine what all happened in that scene.

Rosa Cotton