Why does it take so long for these Men to come to a decision? If this were my kingdom I'd have been in Gondor two days ago…this is taking far too long.
Resisting the urge to begin pacing, I instead settle for chewing absently at my thumbnail as Theoden and Eomer, as well as several others discuss. Across the room standing as tense and fidgety as I must look, is Eowyn. Her eyes are on me as usual, dissecting my mood with her stare. I look up, catch her eyes with mine and hold them, daring her to look away. It was a game we'd been playing for the past two days – who will speak first? Neither of us have yet.
My concentration was broken by shouting outside, followed by the doors of the Great Hall bursting open. Aragorn rushed in, shouting with all the enthusiasm I would expect of an Elfling.
"The beacons! The beacons of Amondine are lit!" He ran directly for the King, stopping barely a handbreadth away from the other man. "Gondor calls for aid!" The hall was silent – completely silent, for an exceedingly long time. I look up and scan the faces of the men around me. All were waiting with expectant hope…waiting for their sire to speak. Eowyn looked to him with almost a desperate plea in her eyes. 'Please,' I could hear her directing her thoughts to him, 'please help them…' I turn my gaze back to Theoden, looking on that stony face as he weighed the consequences of either course, then finally he met the eyes of Aragorn.
"And Rohan will answer!" he cried triumphantly. Everyone in the room sighed at the declaration, but I noticed belatedly, not all for the same reason. Most, I could tell, were pleased with the decision, but some I could see, Eomer among them, were not happy. I looked on him and understood – he still carried the bitterness of the men lost at Helm's Deep, when Gondor had refused to help. Now they ride to loose more of their own to defend those who did not give a second thought to their hour of need. He looked at me and caught me staring, and I gave him a sympathetic nod. It would not be easy to come to the aid of those you despise, but he will do as his uncle commands.
The King soon began to discuss plans with his people, trying to get a feel for how many men he had at his command. The number was small. Then, to the surprise of everyone in the room, Eowyn spoke.
"Sire," she said as she approached, "Many of the women have been trained with the sword and bow. We may also be of aid." Theoden was shaking his head before she even finished.
"Nay, sister-daughter. Your place is here. Who will lead our people once the King is away?" She looked about to answer when he held up a hand. "I will hear no more of this. I have a battle to prepare for." With that he and most of the others in the room departed to plan their strategy, leaving me more or less alone with her. Before I could think better of it I approached, and lost the two-day long game.
"He only looks out for your well-being," I say softly. She nods but does not turn. Her head hung low, and I could see she was trying to hide her angry tears from me. Unsure, I place a tentative hand on her shoulder. "This may not help," I say, "but in my kingdom lords and shield maidens fight side by side, for the darkness threatens all." Then, before she could turn I leave her alone, unable to resist any longer the intense need to pull her into a comforting embrace.