*Chapter Eleven*

Eomer

We exchanged bitter words. I do not doubt that she will never visit here again. I am her perverse, wilful brother who seems too stupid to sense danger it seems. I even showed her parts of Grima's journal to show his intent but she would have none of it. I tried to explain, but our tempers were too hot to accept reason. And the sad thing of it is that I will not miss her. Her actions were too much to contend with. Her heirs are mine too, yet we will never meet again, at least not that I can foresee.

The morning arrived and I lay, having perused the diaries all night. The earliest were hard to understand and Grima reflected on this later on. He seemed to find them hard to follow and there are gaps where the pages are torn away. There are references to Orcs but the pages have been stained by water and it is hard to make out the words. Judging by the orc's actions, I am not sure that I want to.

But the later ones reflect his thoughts about us, a passion tempered by fear; of rejection by me, of being exposed and causing "disruption to the kingdom," as he puts it. He described the very real pleasure of "repairing" Rohan, his missing me when I went on a progress, the gossip in the Court and ...

Well. So I was right about the elf and the dwarf.

I will pay for no rest later in the day but my reading finally comes to an end. I go to Grima and sit on the end of his bed, waiting for him to awake. And wait. And wait. And start stroking his leg to get a response. He hardens and moans but does not wake. Finally I slide in next to him and playfully nibble at his ear, kiss his neck until he stirs. It is a while since we did this, our passions not as frequent as our younger days, but the desire is still there.

"Do you still want to?" I murmur and my reply is a deep kiss whilst his hands play through my hair and then struggle to remove my leggings. I lift my hips and they are gone; I clamber on him and lift up the robe. His skin ivory like in the pale morning and I kiss him, working my way down his body. He moans as I take him in my mouth, his hips shift as I carry on. I feel very squashed and adjust my position so that I lie alongside him, my feel sticking off the end of the bed near his head. My hips are pushed so I lie on my side and he lies on his and my member hardens in such warmth. His tongue swirls around me as I try and return the favour, moaning around him. He quickens his pace and I am so close he must be able to taste me. My hand clutches his hip as I near my pleasure and his mouth seems more insistent as I hit my peak. His lips are damp as he reclines back lazily, a slow smile on his face.

Steps in the corridor and he gets up, dressing quickly as I stagger back to my room and splash water on my face in a desperate attempt to awaken. A ride out will awaken me and I plan to ask Aragorn and Arwen to join me.

Some months pass, with Arwen and Aragorn taking their leave, reminding me of my promise to return their invitation and set off with them when they next pass this way.

We plan a visit their home instead of staying longer at mine. This time Grima will come with me instead of remaining behind and I give instructions to the Marshals of the Riddermark to govern in my absence. Eomund and Thengel will run the Hall well I feel; how long have they watched me and my methods?

We pack plenty and set out on our way, leaving behind the bad memories of the past few days. Grima does well considering he is not an experienced horseman. All goes well until we cross the river and he slips from his mount and falls in. Dried and clothes changed, we jest about this later on, but a few days later he develops a troublesome cough which seems to worry Arwen more than him. For someone in his later years, he is coping well with the journey and the elements.

We arrive at Elessar's palace, which I had not seen since the crowning - was it really twenty one years ago that I last glimpsed this place? I am filled with wonder. Grima is amazed and I am heartened by his reaction, he looks full of light here. He certainly does not look his age, being in his early eighties by now, only a fragility gives him away.

The New Year, 1440 begins and we celebrate with song and feasting. The sun rises on a new day as I embrace Grima and we stand looking down upon Rivendell in its beauty.

I leave him to rest and join my hosts. All is so peaceful here.

Grima

My old age makes me tremble. My chest seems bounds somehow; it pains me but I do not wish to trouble the King about it. All the signals of growing older I suppose; Rohan has had such a turbulent past that few men have reached this age, I have no point of comparison.

My comforts lie thus; my Eomer and here, Rivendell. Never had I dreamed of such a place! It gladdens me just to look at it. I sit and survey everywhere from the room Eomer and I share (the novelty of that still tickles me, we would never be able to do this back home). Truly it seems a paradise on earth.

Our nights together in the same bed; perhaps I will recover a little strength to be more active in it. As it is; I am content to lie against my king, knowing safety and peace in his arms.

Eomer

He lies so still next to me. He has rested more here it seems. He scarcely seems to move and I do not wish to disturb him, his face is so peaceful. His chest has none of the hitching that seems to pain him lately. It scarcely seems to move.

"Grima?"

Such a terrible feeling comes over me; how still he is! I shake his shoulder a little; it is warm but his awakening produces a fit of coughing that takes a while to subside and fear encloses my heart. We have been so happy; I could not bear to lose him now. He lies against me, panting for breath. I sit him up and stroke his hair to calm him. He leans against me and eventually falls back asleep. He is lighter against me. I will ask the Elves to look at him tomorrow.

Grima

Arwen sits with me as Eomer has gone out riding with Aragorn, or Elessar as he is known here.

"You are quiet today Grima."

"I am a little tired, my lady."

"Do you not sleep well here? Is there anything you need?"

"No, it is my chest, it is tighter at night-time."

We sit for a while, she is looking at me with such concern that I suggest a walk and she takes me around the palace, never straying too far from the rooms or steps where I can sit.

"Have you told Eomer of your illness?" she asks so gently.

"No, my lady, it would only worry him. I do not wish to cause him pain, I have caused enough already."

"How? Your presence is such a comfort to him. Anyone who can see you two together can see the love you bear each other."

"I caused his split with his kin."

"Eowyn's own actions caused that, Grima."

"Yet did I not hurt her when I was younger? Her memories of me are of a shadow haunting her steps. I was obsessed."

"Did you ever explain to her that you grieved for this?"

"I tried."

"Then what more can you do? A person can only tell so much if no-one will hear them. Let it go and let her be; you can do no more."

We walk back to the main balcony of Rivendell where long ago, Elrond held his council and the Fellowship was formed. We sit and I remark how I am enchanted by this place. Arwen smiles and takes my hand in hers.

"I am glad you find such peace and contentment here."

I look at her steadily.

"I will not see the Golden Hall again will I?"

"That is not for us to decide Grima. Know that I would not have you ride out again in such bad health as you have at present."

I start to form an argument to this but it is of no use to lie to her; she can see my state. I only hope that Eomer will stay with me a little longer.

She smiles. "He will stay."