Part 58

The army of Rohan, led by King Theoden and Eomer, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli close behind him, approached Helm's Deep as the sun sank low in the sky. Eowyn was waiting for them just outside the doors,a pleasant smile on her fair face.

" Welcome, my lords, back home. It does me well to see you

in good spirits ", she said as they dismounted their horses and neared her.

Legolas stood back,holding Arod's reins, as Theoden and Eomer advanced to Eowyn. They king, brother, and sister exchanged murmurs and smiles briefly. Aragorn stood by Hasufel and Gimli waited on the other side of the horse. Once Theoden and Eomer moved away from Eowyn,she looked to the three hunters.

" It does me well also to see the three hunters together and well. Tell me, how do you fare? " she said almost sounding like Galadriel.

" Well, my lady ", said Gimli merrily.

" Yes, well, Lady Eowyn ", said Aragorn warmly.

But Legolas bowed his head and led Arod away without a word.

Eowyn tilted her head to one side in confusion. Was something wrong with the prince of Mirkwood. He always had been a quiet one ever since Eowyn had met him,but to simply not answer was a bit rude. She pushed the very meager annoyance at this back in her mind. Perhaps he was just battle weary,was completely understandable.

Aragorn wore a similar expression of confusion on his face. Why did Legolas behave in such a way. He was certain it was not because of disrespect toward Lady Eowyn or impoliteness. That was the complete opposite of Legolas. Then what was wrong? He had a strong inclination to follow him,but it would be impolite to leave Eowyn so hastily.

" Excuse the behavior of my elf friend,Lady ", said Gimli in a rather polite, un-Dwarf like manner. " He does not mean to be disrespectful toward you."


" No, Master Dwarf, not at all. Lord Legolas perhaps is simply tired. I understand ", Eowyn answered. "Perhaps

you should all go take rest. I've been most careless in
not thinking about your welfare. Please, go now and
rest. I will no longer keep you with idle talk."

" Thank you, my lady ", said Aragorn humbly as he bowed low to her.

Eowyn slightly blushed at this gesture,but smiled and said not a word. Aragorn rose and left swiftly, going in the direction Legolas had disappeared to.

Gimli also bowed and offered a smile to Lady Eowyn. She smiled back but the Dwarf made not to leave.

" Is there something you wish to say, Master Dwarf? " she asked.

" Well, nothing of great importance,my lady. Only that I was thinking ", Gimli said after a brief pause of hesitation.

Eowyn waited for him to continue patiently.

" I was thinking that you bear great resemblance to the Lady Galadriel. I daresay,Lady Eowyn,that your beauty even rivals her. Although, she will always be first in my own mind ", said Gimli,flushing deeply as he admitted his affection for the Lady of Lothlorien.

Eowyn only laughed as the color rose in her cheeks of being compared to the Elven Lady Galadriel.


" Farewell for now, Master Dwarf. Until we meet again your words shall bid me well ", she said finally.


Gimli nodded, grinning sheepishly, and left. Eowyn stood there for yet a few moments longer,smiling.