*Chapter Twelve*

Eomer

The last days at Rivendell are painful to me to relate, even after I have outlived him by 40 years now. I face the same shortness of breath, the same loss of weight and tightness of chest that he did.



He lived till his eight- third year, I have lived to my eighty fifth. I had had a long and content life, though never truly happy since I lost him. And there has been only Aragorn and Arwen to talk with about it. I have never been back to Rivendell, though I know he loved it there. He lies there still, I could not bring him back here and look down on his grave beyond our gates.

He died in my arms. The rasping finally stopped. No manly pride or reserve here; I cried freely and could not be comforted, save by the memory of his happiness there.

I know why Celeborn could not live without his Galadriel.

My dreams comfort me; they grow more vivid in my old age. We walk again, both young men with no stoop of our shoulders or catching of breath. The occasional more passionate dream is recalled with some pleasure when I awake. I remember the time when I laid him back on his bed, moved my fingers within him until he cried aloud and then panted within him until we reached our pleasures. I remember his sweet smell, his little gasps, his ivory skin and the memories taunt and please me. They are bittersweet, it seems.

Faramir and Eowyn have been informed of my condition and have returned to the Golden Hall. They help govern while I lie helpless. Thengel and Eomund sons are confused with their fathers when I call for them. I have happier memories of this room but they are of little comfort now. I sink and rise and the rising is more painful.

Arwen is here, at least I think she is. Shadows come and go, people pass through my room. Theodred comes and sits on my bed but I cannot speak. My uncle, my father?

Eowyn sits by me and wipes my face. Faramir stands by me; he helps me to sit.

There is a light in the darkness of the corridor. I watch as it fills the door.

Grima? Grima! He stands smiling in the doorway. He has come back for me.

I rise; I go to him as Faramir covers my face.

N.B All letters, dates and events referred to with the exception of Grima and Eomer's relationship and its effect on Eowyn are taken from the Appendices of Return of the King. All other parts of the story and the implied relationships are mine alone.

All characters are copyright J.R.R.Tolkien They are merely borrowed.