*Chapter Six.*
We set off, after I have issued further instructions to nurses and guards, to cooks and stores for the care of Edoras whilst I am gone. We take enough provisions to conduct a good survey. I must care for all my people and be seen to do so. Despite everything that has gone on I have to leave. Aragorn understands this and he sees that I am troubled by something else but he stays silent on this point. Legolas and Gimli (how I envy their easy relationship) have long since left and I travel with Aragorn, Arwen, Faramir and her. We have barely spoken. I cannot stand to see that contemptuous look, that secretive little smile of hers. But we both have secrets and I know what she has done. The past Grima, that corrupted evil worm, would have deserved it, I suppose, but this one. No. No, Eowyn was wrong with her wrath.
The year turns to 1420, my twenty third year, and our travels continue. The months seem long away from Edoras.
"It is late, Eomer. Why do you sit late into the night? Your plans have well so far and your people love you for the pains you take to serve them. You have their respect and this bodes well for the future."
Aragorn looked at me intently.
"I am worried for the health of my counsellor." There. It is stated plainly. I stare into the night.
"He had been corrupted but he is different now, yet I can't get anyone else to see this."
"Perhaps now that they have seen the effect of Gandalf's spell..."
"I hope. Yet Eowyn could not see it when.." I bite my lip but he nods.
"Arwen told me of his wounds. It seems there are wounds of Eowyn's that will not heal with regard to him. Yet I think she regrets hers actions now, she seems troubled and confused. Her role keeps changing with regard to Rohan and Gondor. It is not pleasing to her; she is yet to find solid ground under her feet."
"I thought her happy with Faramir?"
"She is happier but still unsure of her fate, her role, as you are unsure of Grima's role in your life. I think he is more to you than a good counsel."
I look back at him, then nod. It is hopeless to deny what he knows.
"You cannot live half a life. But it will cause you great difficulty in your role if you choose him over a son and heir. People will question why you do not marry and they will guess the reason. He could be the source of great resentment in the court through no fault of his own. But I know you are already thinking of this."
He squeezed my shoulder as he got up.
"Take some rest, Eomer. There is a lot to do, still." He sighed harshly.
"It is weary work," I agree.
It takes some months to complete the tour, Eowyn and Faramir ride back to Ithilien whilst Aragorn and I carry on with the survey before Aragorn and Arwen continue to Gondor with their Company. We pledge to meet again in six months, when the worst of the winter is over, and I can head back to the Golden Hall, to see how things are there. I hope my instructions have been followed, I hope Edoras fares well. And Grima.
We approach the gates to see a small figure hand two things to the guards then stay at the top of the stairwell. We ride through the gates and I gallop towards the stairway as it starts to make its way down. I dismount and he is there. I stand by my horse and he dips his head as I approach, then glances up at me. I embrace him, feeling the new build of him through the thick woollen cloak he wears. Our cheeks touch for a brief moment, he feels warmer, then I let him go and we make our way back up the stones, he pointing out the new buildings constructed for goods and the guards hiding the warm drinks he brought out for them. I wink at one and he looks embarrassed but the time of strict attention and imminent attack is long gone.
I link his arm as we walk to the throne, he passing me letters that have been sent from Celeborn of East Lórien, Bard II of Dale Thorin III, last seen at the crowning of the King of Gondor in May of last year. Samwise Gamgee has written telling me of Frodo's illness, coming on at the first of this month. He has also married his Rose, who he mentioned on Mid Year's day last, at Arwen and Aragorn's wedding.
"So he went and did it then!" I chuckle and Grima looks up at me. "Sam married Rosie Cotton, he had spoken of her at the King's wedding."
"Perhaps there should be another," comments Thengel with a smile. "Now that things can settle after our times of troubles, you can find a bride."
His smile falters, as I do not immediately respond. I feign to be intensely interested in the letter and remember to merely glance up and smile at him. He was in the Rohirrim with me and knows of certain activities we got up to. I ask him to organise some food and drink for everyone to eat in the Great Hall and I sit and talk with Grima awhile. I tell him of the travels I have made and Eomund approaches, asking of the people of his village near the Mering stream. I can reassure him of their welfare; it is good to give good news of our lands and borders again.
We talk into the night; there are more serving woman around now and Thengel informs me that Grima has added more staff to our Court, which benefits Edoras and the court.
After a period of time in his room at rest, Grima had emerged with plans, which re-stored the stocks of Edoras and supplied the court. The new storeroom had been built at his request and seeds and acorns had been re-planted where they had taken the trees.
"He mentioned the Ents and how they would look after the forest," explained Thengel
"What other plans does he have?"
"A herb garden, to help treat ailments, but we have to wait for a few months for that."
I nod; I am weary, we drove the horses a little harder today to reach home and I need to rest. I climb to my door; Grima's is shut already. Apparently that is unusual; he had been instructing some of the maids in their letters and this brings a smile; I remember his teaching well...
"He still has times where he is unwell, my lord." Eomund states, looking uncomfortable.
"What do you mean?" I rub at my temples wearily.
"The guards have heard crying at night but the screaming has stopped," Thengel explains plainly and I wince. "The first few months you were away was the worst. He could not settle, he seemed to think that you would send him away and he sought you out to explain. It was hard to get him to rest. One of his maids suggested a book for him to write in and this seems to have worked."
"I would not like to read it though," muttered Eomund and I tended to agree. I retired to my room, my body weary but my mind chasing thoughts.
.
We set off, after I have issued further instructions to nurses and guards, to cooks and stores for the care of Edoras whilst I am gone. We take enough provisions to conduct a good survey. I must care for all my people and be seen to do so. Despite everything that has gone on I have to leave. Aragorn understands this and he sees that I am troubled by something else but he stays silent on this point. Legolas and Gimli (how I envy their easy relationship) have long since left and I travel with Aragorn, Arwen, Faramir and her. We have barely spoken. I cannot stand to see that contemptuous look, that secretive little smile of hers. But we both have secrets and I know what she has done. The past Grima, that corrupted evil worm, would have deserved it, I suppose, but this one. No. No, Eowyn was wrong with her wrath.
The year turns to 1420, my twenty third year, and our travels continue. The months seem long away from Edoras.
"It is late, Eomer. Why do you sit late into the night? Your plans have well so far and your people love you for the pains you take to serve them. You have their respect and this bodes well for the future."
Aragorn looked at me intently.
"I am worried for the health of my counsellor." There. It is stated plainly. I stare into the night.
"He had been corrupted but he is different now, yet I can't get anyone else to see this."
"Perhaps now that they have seen the effect of Gandalf's spell..."
"I hope. Yet Eowyn could not see it when.." I bite my lip but he nods.
"Arwen told me of his wounds. It seems there are wounds of Eowyn's that will not heal with regard to him. Yet I think she regrets hers actions now, she seems troubled and confused. Her role keeps changing with regard to Rohan and Gondor. It is not pleasing to her; she is yet to find solid ground under her feet."
"I thought her happy with Faramir?"
"She is happier but still unsure of her fate, her role, as you are unsure of Grima's role in your life. I think he is more to you than a good counsel."
I look back at him, then nod. It is hopeless to deny what he knows.
"You cannot live half a life. But it will cause you great difficulty in your role if you choose him over a son and heir. People will question why you do not marry and they will guess the reason. He could be the source of great resentment in the court through no fault of his own. But I know you are already thinking of this."
He squeezed my shoulder as he got up.
"Take some rest, Eomer. There is a lot to do, still." He sighed harshly.
"It is weary work," I agree.
It takes some months to complete the tour, Eowyn and Faramir ride back to Ithilien whilst Aragorn and I carry on with the survey before Aragorn and Arwen continue to Gondor with their Company. We pledge to meet again in six months, when the worst of the winter is over, and I can head back to the Golden Hall, to see how things are there. I hope my instructions have been followed, I hope Edoras fares well. And Grima.
We approach the gates to see a small figure hand two things to the guards then stay at the top of the stairwell. We ride through the gates and I gallop towards the stairway as it starts to make its way down. I dismount and he is there. I stand by my horse and he dips his head as I approach, then glances up at me. I embrace him, feeling the new build of him through the thick woollen cloak he wears. Our cheeks touch for a brief moment, he feels warmer, then I let him go and we make our way back up the stones, he pointing out the new buildings constructed for goods and the guards hiding the warm drinks he brought out for them. I wink at one and he looks embarrassed but the time of strict attention and imminent attack is long gone.
I link his arm as we walk to the throne, he passing me letters that have been sent from Celeborn of East Lórien, Bard II of Dale Thorin III, last seen at the crowning of the King of Gondor in May of last year. Samwise Gamgee has written telling me of Frodo's illness, coming on at the first of this month. He has also married his Rose, who he mentioned on Mid Year's day last, at Arwen and Aragorn's wedding.
"So he went and did it then!" I chuckle and Grima looks up at me. "Sam married Rosie Cotton, he had spoken of her at the King's wedding."
"Perhaps there should be another," comments Thengel with a smile. "Now that things can settle after our times of troubles, you can find a bride."
His smile falters, as I do not immediately respond. I feign to be intensely interested in the letter and remember to merely glance up and smile at him. He was in the Rohirrim with me and knows of certain activities we got up to. I ask him to organise some food and drink for everyone to eat in the Great Hall and I sit and talk with Grima awhile. I tell him of the travels I have made and Eomund approaches, asking of the people of his village near the Mering stream. I can reassure him of their welfare; it is good to give good news of our lands and borders again.
We talk into the night; there are more serving woman around now and Thengel informs me that Grima has added more staff to our Court, which benefits Edoras and the court.
After a period of time in his room at rest, Grima had emerged with plans, which re-stored the stocks of Edoras and supplied the court. The new storeroom had been built at his request and seeds and acorns had been re-planted where they had taken the trees.
"He mentioned the Ents and how they would look after the forest," explained Thengel
"What other plans does he have?"
"A herb garden, to help treat ailments, but we have to wait for a few months for that."
I nod; I am weary, we drove the horses a little harder today to reach home and I need to rest. I climb to my door; Grima's is shut already. Apparently that is unusual; he had been instructing some of the maids in their letters and this brings a smile; I remember his teaching well...
"He still has times where he is unwell, my lord." Eomund states, looking uncomfortable.
"What do you mean?" I rub at my temples wearily.
"The guards have heard crying at night but the screaming has stopped," Thengel explains plainly and I wince. "The first few months you were away was the worst. He could not settle, he seemed to think that you would send him away and he sought you out to explain. It was hard to get him to rest. One of his maids suggested a book for him to write in and this seems to have worked."
"I would not like to read it though," muttered Eomund and I tended to agree. I retired to my room, my body weary but my mind chasing thoughts.
.
