The following morning, I made a point to find Prince Imrahil before speaking with Faramir. Eomer had spoken highly of his wisdom and insight, and I desired his counsel to ease my mind of lingering doubts.

I found him standing on a corner of the wide porch before Meduseld, looking out eastward, watching the sunrise across the plains of tall grass that waved in the morning breezes. Few were about so early in the day, and we would have privacy without anyone thinking anything was amiss.

After hesitating for a moment just outside the great doors, I approached him.

"My lord Imrahil?"

He turned, and smiled warmly, "Ah, lady Eowyn, a fair morning to you."

I returned the smile, and made a very small courtesy, "And to you, sir. If you have a moment... I would speak to you, if I may."

He nodded at once. "Of course, my lady. I am at your service. Shall we speak here, or would you prefer to return inside?"

"Here would be fine, if it pleases you. My lord, I would ask your advice as a man of Gondor, one who knows her ways and her people. For my mind is troubled, and my brother has spoken highly of your wisdom."

He threw back his head and laughed, a laugh so similar to Faramir's that I had to smile. "I thank you for the flattery, my lady, and I am honored that Eomer thinks well of me, for I think very highly of him. And you. How can I be of service, lady?"

Now that the moment has come, I hesitated to speak further. My fears seemed so insignificant, and yet I would not be at peace if I did not express them.

"My lord..." I looked down at my hands, and then out over the plains once more to find comfort in the familiar motion of the grasses. "I know how highly the people of Gondor esteem their Steward, and so they should, for he is a good man that has always served them faithfully. I fear... I fear that he may be lessened in their eyes if he takes me for his wife. I have not the refinement or talents that the ladies of Gondor have. I do not embroider nor work tapestries. I do not sing, nor write poetry, though I can appreciate their beauty. And I certainly can not chatter endlessly about nothing, as I heard many times while in the houses of healing!" He chuckled lightly at this, but allowed me to continue. "Surely I will be seen as little more than a simple, rustic, untamed shieldmaiden from the north, and thus will be deemed an unsuitable wife for their beloved lord." I pause again, and look down at the stones beneath my feet before continuing more softly, "I would not have him lessened in their eyes, nor would I have him trapped, caged by a marriage that will harm his standing with his people..."

He was silent for a long moment, then replied softly, "My lady, I would start by thanking you for speaking with me. Hearing your concerns eases my own, for I know now that you truly love my nephew, and I am sure that he has chosen his wife very well. You are right, there are those who will think that he should have chosen one of the noble ladies of the court, but my lady, even if he had there would still be those who would say he had chosen poorly. Do not concern yourself with their opinions, for they are of no consequence." I looked up at him then, and smiled slightly. He returned the smile kindly and continued. "The people of Gondor know well your role in the war, White lady of Rohan, and they honor you for it. They see in you the same strength, loyalty and honor that they love in Faramir." He laughed shortly before continuing in a wry voice. "Indeed, there are many who already suspect that you will be wed, after they saw you together on the walls. And they are happy for him. You have nothing to fear, my lady. And do not forget that you will not be dwelling in Minas Tirith for long. You and he will form your own court in your own halls in Ithilian. It will be expected that things will be simpler there, and more to your liking, and his." He grinned, and lowered his voice to that of a conspirator. "I have it on very good authority that Faramir also cares little for listening to the idle gossip of the court, and greatly preferred living in the wilds with his rangers to sitting through a formal dinner in the White Hall."

I smiled fully then, then laughed gaily, my mind greatly eased by his kind words. "Thank you, my lord. You have eased my concerns greatly, and I am grateful for your counsel and praise. My brother is right in thinking you a wise man."

He laughed again, but then sobered, looking at me as piercingly as Faramir did at times. "I ask only that you make him happy, lady. He has been through much pain in his life, and I would see him content and at peace at last."

I nodded, serious once more myself. "I will do all that is in my power to honor your request, sir. Indeed, there is nothing I want more than to see him at ease."

A servant came through the doors then, and curtsied, "My lady, Eomer King requests that you join him in his counsel chambers." I nod once to show I will follow shortly, then turned to the Prince once more. "If you will excuse me, my lord?" He smiled once more, and nodded.

With one more glance across the city and the fields beyond, I turned to the doors and passed through them to join my brother. I was greatly relieved, and knew in my heart that when I spoke to Faramir later in the day the last of my fears would be assuaged and I would be content.