A/N: One change. Not really important. 

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Chapter 8: Return to Edoras

Éowyn rode up with Aragorn, Théoden and Éomer to Meduseld where a warm welcome awaited them. Éowyn had succeeded in avoiding Gríma for the entirety of the trip, however, back in Edoras, it was harder to escape his ever-watchful eye.

She would not risk being in the situation that she had experienced before. She did not wish to remain in the Great Hall without a close friend to protect her, but they needn't know the reason. Her only sanctuary from this foul creature, though, was on the plains of Rohan, riding Windfola. When she had unpacked and was settled back in her room, she set off to the stables. As she made her way down the stone steps of Meduseld, she happened upon Aragorn.

"What brings you out here, my lady?" he questioned her, "are you not tired from your journey?"

"I am not," she replied, defiantly, "I simply wished to feel the wind through my hair again and ride through the plains of Rohan."

Aragorn looked pleasantly surprised and pressed her further.

"Would you care for some company? I too would like to see Rohan at its best," he asked.

"I would not be able to stop you, would I, my lord," she smiled, a cheeky glint in her eye.

Aragorn bowed a little and offered an arm, which she took, almost tentatively, but smiling still. They set off again to the stables.

            Éowyn conversed with Aragorn as they walked. He spoke of his travels through Middle Earth and all of the sights he had seen. He told also of the White City, of which he seldom spoke, Minas Tirith, last hope and fortress of Gondor.

He would sit as king there, one day, when he chose to show himself at its gates. He did not wish to think much about it. His mind was fixed on the hardships ahead.

When they reached the stables, Éowyn went immediately to Windfola. She stroked his muzzle and he playfully nipped her hand. Aragorn decided to ride Brego, the horse once owned by Théodred. He had not been ridden by any since Théodred's death and it was apparent that he had grown restless and wild.

Aragorn whispered words, both of Rohirric and of Elvish, into the horse's ear. They were unheard by Éowyn. Both came out of the stables, mounted, with their horses saddled and ready to go. They walked their horses through the city and out of the city walls.

As soon as they had left them, Windfola broke into a gallop, at Éowyn's command, and raced along the flat. Aragorn followed but struggled to catch her as she and Windfola galloped across the plains.

He was impressed with Éowyn's ability to control Windfola and remain calm at nearly dangerous speeds. She slowed now, to a canter and turned Windfola toward himself and Brego.

"That was impressive," exclaimed Aragorn, "where did you learn to ride like that?"

Éowyn's expression faded.

"My father taught me, when I was very young," she said, solemnly, "he died when I was seven, killed by orcs in battle. My mother was so upset, and she passed away shortly after. That was when I came here with Éomer."

"I am sorry," he said, quietly.

"It was a long time ago," replied Éowyn, "do not worry about it."

"Come, let's keep riding, see if you can catch me," she teased, her face lightening, as she and Windfola flew past Aragorn and Brego, startling them.

They galloped across the hills and through the plains until late into the day; they decided to return to Edoras.

Éowyn was silent for the journey, her mind was thinking of her father, and her mother, and she didn't have the distraction of riding to pull her away from it. Aragorn was worried that he had upset her.

"I am afraid that I have upset you, lady," he said quietly, trying to make eye contact with her.

"No, my lord," she replied, still looking down, "I am not affected by the mention of my parents, it was long ago."

She forced a bright smile, but it didn't fool Aragorn. His time with the Elves had given him the ability to see past that. They reached the gates of the city, shortly before evening fell, as the sun set in the west.

They returned to the stables to feed and water the horses after their long ride, and proceeded to the Golden Hall. Éowyn was tired and so went to lie down for a while. Aragorn sat at one of the tables set near the walls of the hall.

Théoden was seated on his throne, speaking in a low voice to Éomer and another of the Rohirrim captains. Legolas entered and immediately walked over to his friend and sat.

"Where is Gimli?" asked Aragorn.

"He seems to have gone off somewhere," said Legolas, "perhaps with one of the women here," he added with a sly smile.

Aragorn laughed, "I can just imagine," he said.

He glanced around the room quickly to see if Éowyn had joined them; but she hadn't. However, a messenger hurried through the doors and straight to the king, muttering something to him. Théoden stood swiftly and nodded.

"Aragorn," he called out, "a guest has arrived and he wishes to speak with both you and I on a very important issue."

"Who is this visitor?" asked Aragorn, looking puzzled.

"He does not with to reveal his name, however he has proved that he is a friend of these lands when he addressed the guard in Rohirric. I have allowed him entry, as any who know our native tongue are considered trustworthy."

Aragorn nodded his head in agreement.

"That has always been so, my lord."

Suddenly, a knock came at the doors of Meduseld. They echoed off the walls of the hall.

Slowly, they opened the doors…

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A/N: Ok, slight change. Éowyn's age when her father died. I looked it up in the Appendices.