Soon after Éomer had arrived in Minas Tirith, it came time for King Théoden's escort to depart for Edoras. Several hours before the group was to depart, King Éomer requested an audience with King Aragorn. When he entered, he found Aragorn sitting not upon his throne, but instead at a smaller table to the side and he stood up and motioned Éomer to sit with him. "King Éomer, I am truly glad to see you looking well, though I will have to ask you not to 'request' an audience again, for I always have time for friends. Besides, it does not look good to have another King waiting in line outside.

"I am sorry I had not replied earlier to your request, but I preferred to speak with you in person. I am afraid that food is a paltry thanks to give for saving Gondor, my friend. Had it not been for the courage and sacrifice of you and your countrymen, Minas Tirith would surely have fallen and hope for me and my people would have faded."

"My liege," replied Éomer, relieved though still uncomfortable with the idea of asking another man for help. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am afraid that Rohan was hit very hard by this war, for we lost both our crops and the men to harvest them. I do not know how we can ever repay such a debt."

"Nonsense, I will not hear more on the subject," Aragorn smiled. "You need only tell us how much you need and it will be done. Shall we prepare to depart, then?"

"King Aragorn," the younger man said, "I am afraid I must request something from you in addition to food for my people." Aragorn looked at Éomer inquisitively. "It concerns Prince Faramir and my sister."