A/N: Thank you all again for the lovely reviews. They have been most
helpful. I hope you all enjoy the next chapter! I shall continue to
update if you all continue to review!
Finally, after a long journey, they company arrived at Edoras. Tinioniel was in awe of its location; the exquisiteness of the surrounded mountains that protected the city in mothering arms and the noble city that stood upon an isolated hill. They entered the city, all of them riding to the stables. The men handed their reigns over to the stable hands, all except for Eomer. He dismounted his horse and helped Tinioniel off it as well.
"Thank the gods. I don't know how much longer I could've tolerated that horse. He hates me! It's obvious." Eomer laughed as he finally handed his reigns to a stable boy and took Tinioniel by the arm, escorting her deeper into the stable. "Where are we going? Don't we go back that way?"
"Did I not tell you that when we got to Edoras I would get you a horse that you could ride, perhaps find one that actually is fond of you."
"Ha. Good luck. I have acknowledged the fact that animals just don't like me. Horses are vile little creatures and I just don't think I can stand them." Eomer walked over to one horse's stall and brought him forward. Tinioniel looked over at him apprehensively.
"Well?"
"Well what? You actually think that I am going to get closer to that creature than I already am? Forget it! I can not handle horses." Eomer stroked the horse's face and whispered in its ear.
"The horses can tell when you are afraid. It hasn't done anything to you just give this one a chance." Tinioniel paused and looked the horse over. She let out a deep sigh and started to slowly walk over to the place where Eomer was waiting.
"Now what?" Eomer grabbed her hand and pulled her closer.
"Stoke its face, talk to him, anything you want. Just be kind and it shall be kind to you." Tinioniel reluctantly stood beside its head and reached out hesitantly. Her fingers slightly touched the horse's coat as she felt its clean and coarse texture. Tinioniel got a little more comfortable and a little more bold, so she got closer to the horse, and continued to caress its soft fur.
"This one isn't as bad as yours." Tinioniel said, looking over and Eomer. He smiled at her, placing his hands on her shoulders. He bent down to her ear and brushed her hair away, sending chills down her spine.
"Look into its eyes." Eomer spoke softly, gazing into the horse's eyes as well. Tinioniel looked up and was met by affectionate brown orbs. She lost herself in them, seeing swirls of grace and elegance woven into its captivating chocolate eyes. "Do you still think of horses as vile little creatures?" Tinioniel vanished into the intense stare of the horse's knowing orbs.
"No. How could I?" She smiled and continued to pet the horse. "What name does it have?"
"Galeriand." Eomer responded, gently rubbing her shoulders before letting go. "And he is yours if you like. It is easier to ride than to walk, and you need to learn. You are a good rider already, a natural talent for most. My horse is fickle, but this horse has already bonded with you, I can tell. Hiladan!" Eomer called out for one of the stable boys. A small boy came rushing over.
"Yes m'lord?"
"Make sure that this horse has a good saddle on him tomorrow, for he now has an owner. Come Tinioniel. The hour is late and there shall be a feast tonight, in memory of those," his voice cracked at the thought of all the people he had lost on that fateful night. "Of those who died at Helm's Deep. They died for freedom, but the war is not won. Come, and we shall remember them in all their glory." Tinioniel gazed at the horse one last time before she left Galeriand and followed Eomer to the Golden Hall of Edoras.
- ~ *~ -
King Theoden's voice swarmed the hall with a mighty power, as the Rohirrim stood, hung on his words. He toasted those who gave their lives for the freedom and preservation of their land. The king lifted his glass high for all to see, as the people followed suit. Tinioniel stood next to Eomer, who had raised his glass as well. Tinioniel watched him for guidance and lifted her goblet. The people brought the glass to their lips and drank deeply the substance within. Tinioniel lowered her glass and looked at its contents. She was certain that the liquid was some strong beverage, and was hesitant to drink. Then a face flashed in front of her. The face of a dying aged woman reaching both her son and her beloved through death.
"Breiwia." Tinioniel uttered in a sorrowful tone. She glanced at the liquid briefly before drinking its contents in their entirety. It burned her mouth and throat as her inexperienced taste to the wine greedily in memory of the old lady. She released the goblet from her lips and started subtly coughing. The strong aroma lingered in her mouth as she swallowed hard. Her face contorted in response to the robust flavor, as Eomer stared at her, amused by her response to drinking a rather mild drink.
"Did the taste displease you in some way?" Tinioniel cleared her throat again, hoping that her voice would not betray her.
"Oh no." She strained to speak, but did it effectively and got by with a normal face. "I am just unfamiliar with alcohol. No worries though. There is a first time for everything."
"Aye. A first time for many things." Eomer grabbed her hand and started to lead her through the crowd. "A feast and celebration at Edoras is the finest in all of Rohan. The people are friendly, when they do not get too intoxicated, the food is so delicious not even the gods themselves could help but feel jealous for those who taste its delectable flavor, and" Eomer paused, looking over at a table. "It seems a few of our friends have taken it upon themselves to provide the amusement for all." Tinioniel watched the two hobbits dancing upon the table tops, kicking their feet and singing in great merriment. At the end of each song they would each throw back a bottle of ale, and continue by singing another song from their home. The night wore on with ecstasy and elation. Not a care hung in people's minds as they drank and danced the night away. Tinioniel laughed and clapped, not joining much in the different way of life. She was not used to drinking fervent ale, singing loudly and distastefully drunk, and dancing their awkward steps. She had secluded herself into a corner for most of the evening. She took pleasure in watching the people of Rohan in their customs, enjoying every moment of euphoria that lay like a smog in the Golden Hall. Tinioniel saw the little Hobbits, Merry and Pippin realizing they had had their fill of food, and gleefully satisfied made their way to go to sleep. She watched people as they flirted and people who ate beyond their fill of palatable cuisine. Tinioniel observed the people dancing to songs as they wove intricate and complicated patterns, switching partners, spinning wildly in control as their feet made soft clatterings on the flooring. She laughed as she watched Gimli try to fight against the cloud of dancers to an exit way. He sighed in defeat as he headed in the other direction for another goblet of ale.
"A lady such as you should not hide in the shadows of a great affair."
"And why is that, dear Legolas. I don't know how to dance, at least not the way they do, and I don't think I want to try any more Rohirric wine."
"Well," Legolas started, standing close to her side. "You have tasted the wine and it upsets you, for which I have no dilemma. However, it is my understanding that you have not once tried to dance."
"No, Legolas. Do not even start with me. Do not think in your little elven mind that I am going to even get up only to embarrass myself. No. No I am not sir so you can just walk away and find another dancer partner."
"I know not the dances either. We shall learn together. Please do this. I know you shall have fun." He extended his hand graciously and looked at her with pleading eyes. Tinioniel stared reprehensibly at Legolas before rolling her eyes and placing her hand in his.
"Just one dance and that is all you are getting elf." Tinioniel started scanning the crowd, trying to make sure Eomer was not in the area.
"Searching for your love, hum?" Legolas implored. Tinioniel gave him a scathing look as she playfully smacked the arm that escorted her. She stared at him with imploring eyes.
"He is not my love, Legolas. What makes you think I am searching for him anyways? Just because I have the slightest bit of an interest in someone does not mean that I always think about him."
"Um hum. Well, you will not embarrass yourself, and I know that is what you are worried about. Just relax and let him lead." Tinioniel eyebrows creased at his last statement as she was completely fixated on Legolas.
"What do you mean let him lead. I am dancing with you, right?" Legolas' mouth curved upwards slightly as he looked into her concerned face. He stretched his leg out faintly into Tinioniel's path. Her foot met his as a distressed breath escaped her mouth.
"Look out!" Legolas called out as he abandoned her arm, raising his own in a mock surprise. She started to fall to the ground when two arms caught. Her face looked down at the floor, seeing the marble less than a foot away, unmoving as if she were suspended in air. Robust arms encircled her and proceeded to turn her around to face upwards. Tinioniel's widened and frightened eyes met two orbs the color of a sea after a storm. The calm blue-green depths of the spheres were slightly buried beneath two eyebrows knit in surprise and concern. Tinioniel felt poised in the web of time as she stayed in his supporting arms, one on her back and the other wrapped protectively around her waist. She felt her heart flutter like a feather caught in a summer breeze and her lungs could not bring in air. Blood raced to her face, filling it with its warmth and turning her alabaster cheeks into vermillion petals of a lusty winter rose.
"Tinioniel, you must be careful. There are loose slabs of marble that your feet can easily catch on. Glad I am that you were there Eomer, for it seems your wines have impaired my reflexes." He let out a yawn and stretched his arms out to his side. Eomer slowly and tenderly raised Tinioniel to her feet. She could not tear her eyes away from his, entranced by their intense color and feeling being emitted from them. "Oh," Legolas sighed. "It seems that the festivities have ended for tonight. Sleep calls us all, and I shall swiftly answer it. I bid you two good night." Legolas left them and entered the deepening night. Tinioniel finally tore her gaze from his alluring eyes and looked bashfully at the floor.
"Legolas is right. I am tired. I would also like to go to sleep." Tinioniel eased her way reluctantly from his heartening and accidental embrace. She turned to leave as Eomer lunged out and seized her arm.
"I will walk with you, if it pleases you." Eomer looked slightly nervous, but kept up his stately presence.
"That would please me very much." She smiled as he offered his arm in escort. She laced her arm through his, her blood beginning to pound within her. Her heart raced and her temples throbbed. 'Why do I feel this way? What is this quiver of excitement? Don't do it Tinioniel. Don't you dare. Push the feelings you think you have for him aside. Don't go for his good looks, or his personality, or his charm, or the ease and secure way you feel about him.' Tinioniel began to lose herself in her thoughts, repeatedly telling herself things as Eomer watched in amusement.
"Do you always talk to yourself," Eomer ripped her from her reverie as she directed all her attention on him. "or is this just an accidental hobby?" She blushed fiercely as Eomer stared at her. "Do not misunderstand my words. I think its endearing." His voice shrunk to a whisper as he continued to lead her to her sleeping quarters. "You will be sleeping in the same room as Gandalf, which has its set backs. Gandalf is not the only one in the room. The two Halflings you met earlier will be resting their heads there too, along with some of the Rohirrim." Tinioniel was shocked at the thought of sharing a room with warriors and little Hobbits, and made this evident by the astonishment in her eyes. "Worry not, Tinioniel, for these are honorable men, they will bring no harm to you. Gandalf will be there and will be keeping. a watchful eye on you in his sleep, in a matter of speaking. If anyone does try anything, then they shall have hell to pay by whoever finds out their disgraceful deeds." He stopped in front of a door. The night air combed through her hair and caressed her face with gentle kisses carrying the sweet trace of a nearby garden with something resembling lavender and jasmine scents. Tinioniel closed her eyes and let the brisk glide of the wind flow through her, calming her mind.
"The night is beautiful." Tinioniel felt a smile curl on her lips as she opened her eyes and stared into the heavens. A gasp escaped her as her smile faded, only to return again. "Never have I seen so many stars! The sky itself almost doesn't exist! Only a blanket of gems that adorn the sky so it may not be seen! This is no night, but it surely must be day, for the light that I see is more radiant then any sun or moon." There was silence in words, but the night made natural melodies of its own.
"You have a great passion for all that is beautiful in the world, and a caring heart for things in sorrow. That is truly more amazing then any mantle of stars." Eomer tore his gaze form the stars and looked intently at Tinioniel. Tinioniel began to think to herself again. 'Can it be that I am falling in love with him? Or is it because he speaks kind words to me that appeal to my love for attention? I don't understand what all of it means. Maybe it is love. Is that so hard to grasp? And if so, why? He is a compassionate person and obviously very easy to fall for. Then why am I so scared? Why don't I just jump in with both feet? Am I able to take that risk?' Tinioniel realized that she was being carefully observed. She looked out of the farthest reaches of her vision and saw Eomer watching her intently.
"There I have gone again in my own little world. Sorry to be such a bother." Eomer jumped at his chance to say something.
"A bother? What do you mean? You are no source of inconvenience. Every moment more I spend with you I am more intrigued by you." He realized her discomfort and his mistake for saying anything. "my expressions were out of line. I should not have said anything so directly." He bowed his head in a courtesy apology, as Tinioniel stared keenly at him, fixated on his form. 'Just jump in with both feet. Take a risk! Just do something! Anything!' Her mind pleaded with her, wanting so much to do something about these ambiguous feelings she had for Eomer. His eyes retreated from the ground and sought shelter in her eyes. 'Just jump!' Tinioniel leaned over slowly, still staring deeply into his eyes. She swallowed hard and her pulse quickened. Eomer stared back at her, not sure what to expect. Perhaps a word good night, or a whisper of a kind word, anything would be better than the silence. Tinioniel was fixed on him, her mind wondering no where, but trapped in this frightening situation. Her mind pleaded with her one last time. 'Jump!' Her face was close to his, she could feel his warm breath upon her face. She sighed and leaned forward, closer towards him. Her hands gently touched his face, as she angled it down, closer to her. Her lips met his skin, as she placed a loving kiss upon his brow. Eomer was wide eyed, unsure of what was happening, as Tinioniel's lips lingered on his forehead before letting go. She leaned back and smiled at him. "Thank you for a lovely evening, and your kind words." She bowed slightly in appreciation, before resting a hand on the door knob. "I bid you goodnight, then." She turned and opened the door, keeping her eyes directly on the door as she entered, as she began to close it, leaning against the wooden entry way, she glanced up once more at his face, before a smile formed playfully upon her face, and she gingerly and silently closed the door.
A/N: ok. it doesn't take a genius to see what scene is going to happen next (hint: pippin and shinny orb thing!). I will update soon and I hope you all liked this chapter! I anticipate you all reading the next chapters and I hope you all enjoy them as much as I enjoy writing them! And remember: PLEASE REVIEW!! ^_~
Finally, after a long journey, they company arrived at Edoras. Tinioniel was in awe of its location; the exquisiteness of the surrounded mountains that protected the city in mothering arms and the noble city that stood upon an isolated hill. They entered the city, all of them riding to the stables. The men handed their reigns over to the stable hands, all except for Eomer. He dismounted his horse and helped Tinioniel off it as well.
"Thank the gods. I don't know how much longer I could've tolerated that horse. He hates me! It's obvious." Eomer laughed as he finally handed his reigns to a stable boy and took Tinioniel by the arm, escorting her deeper into the stable. "Where are we going? Don't we go back that way?"
"Did I not tell you that when we got to Edoras I would get you a horse that you could ride, perhaps find one that actually is fond of you."
"Ha. Good luck. I have acknowledged the fact that animals just don't like me. Horses are vile little creatures and I just don't think I can stand them." Eomer walked over to one horse's stall and brought him forward. Tinioniel looked over at him apprehensively.
"Well?"
"Well what? You actually think that I am going to get closer to that creature than I already am? Forget it! I can not handle horses." Eomer stroked the horse's face and whispered in its ear.
"The horses can tell when you are afraid. It hasn't done anything to you just give this one a chance." Tinioniel paused and looked the horse over. She let out a deep sigh and started to slowly walk over to the place where Eomer was waiting.
"Now what?" Eomer grabbed her hand and pulled her closer.
"Stoke its face, talk to him, anything you want. Just be kind and it shall be kind to you." Tinioniel reluctantly stood beside its head and reached out hesitantly. Her fingers slightly touched the horse's coat as she felt its clean and coarse texture. Tinioniel got a little more comfortable and a little more bold, so she got closer to the horse, and continued to caress its soft fur.
"This one isn't as bad as yours." Tinioniel said, looking over and Eomer. He smiled at her, placing his hands on her shoulders. He bent down to her ear and brushed her hair away, sending chills down her spine.
"Look into its eyes." Eomer spoke softly, gazing into the horse's eyes as well. Tinioniel looked up and was met by affectionate brown orbs. She lost herself in them, seeing swirls of grace and elegance woven into its captivating chocolate eyes. "Do you still think of horses as vile little creatures?" Tinioniel vanished into the intense stare of the horse's knowing orbs.
"No. How could I?" She smiled and continued to pet the horse. "What name does it have?"
"Galeriand." Eomer responded, gently rubbing her shoulders before letting go. "And he is yours if you like. It is easier to ride than to walk, and you need to learn. You are a good rider already, a natural talent for most. My horse is fickle, but this horse has already bonded with you, I can tell. Hiladan!" Eomer called out for one of the stable boys. A small boy came rushing over.
"Yes m'lord?"
"Make sure that this horse has a good saddle on him tomorrow, for he now has an owner. Come Tinioniel. The hour is late and there shall be a feast tonight, in memory of those," his voice cracked at the thought of all the people he had lost on that fateful night. "Of those who died at Helm's Deep. They died for freedom, but the war is not won. Come, and we shall remember them in all their glory." Tinioniel gazed at the horse one last time before she left Galeriand and followed Eomer to the Golden Hall of Edoras.
- ~ *~ -
King Theoden's voice swarmed the hall with a mighty power, as the Rohirrim stood, hung on his words. He toasted those who gave their lives for the freedom and preservation of their land. The king lifted his glass high for all to see, as the people followed suit. Tinioniel stood next to Eomer, who had raised his glass as well. Tinioniel watched him for guidance and lifted her goblet. The people brought the glass to their lips and drank deeply the substance within. Tinioniel lowered her glass and looked at its contents. She was certain that the liquid was some strong beverage, and was hesitant to drink. Then a face flashed in front of her. The face of a dying aged woman reaching both her son and her beloved through death.
"Breiwia." Tinioniel uttered in a sorrowful tone. She glanced at the liquid briefly before drinking its contents in their entirety. It burned her mouth and throat as her inexperienced taste to the wine greedily in memory of the old lady. She released the goblet from her lips and started subtly coughing. The strong aroma lingered in her mouth as she swallowed hard. Her face contorted in response to the robust flavor, as Eomer stared at her, amused by her response to drinking a rather mild drink.
"Did the taste displease you in some way?" Tinioniel cleared her throat again, hoping that her voice would not betray her.
"Oh no." She strained to speak, but did it effectively and got by with a normal face. "I am just unfamiliar with alcohol. No worries though. There is a first time for everything."
"Aye. A first time for many things." Eomer grabbed her hand and started to lead her through the crowd. "A feast and celebration at Edoras is the finest in all of Rohan. The people are friendly, when they do not get too intoxicated, the food is so delicious not even the gods themselves could help but feel jealous for those who taste its delectable flavor, and" Eomer paused, looking over at a table. "It seems a few of our friends have taken it upon themselves to provide the amusement for all." Tinioniel watched the two hobbits dancing upon the table tops, kicking their feet and singing in great merriment. At the end of each song they would each throw back a bottle of ale, and continue by singing another song from their home. The night wore on with ecstasy and elation. Not a care hung in people's minds as they drank and danced the night away. Tinioniel laughed and clapped, not joining much in the different way of life. She was not used to drinking fervent ale, singing loudly and distastefully drunk, and dancing their awkward steps. She had secluded herself into a corner for most of the evening. She took pleasure in watching the people of Rohan in their customs, enjoying every moment of euphoria that lay like a smog in the Golden Hall. Tinioniel saw the little Hobbits, Merry and Pippin realizing they had had their fill of food, and gleefully satisfied made their way to go to sleep. She watched people as they flirted and people who ate beyond their fill of palatable cuisine. Tinioniel observed the people dancing to songs as they wove intricate and complicated patterns, switching partners, spinning wildly in control as their feet made soft clatterings on the flooring. She laughed as she watched Gimli try to fight against the cloud of dancers to an exit way. He sighed in defeat as he headed in the other direction for another goblet of ale.
"A lady such as you should not hide in the shadows of a great affair."
"And why is that, dear Legolas. I don't know how to dance, at least not the way they do, and I don't think I want to try any more Rohirric wine."
"Well," Legolas started, standing close to her side. "You have tasted the wine and it upsets you, for which I have no dilemma. However, it is my understanding that you have not once tried to dance."
"No, Legolas. Do not even start with me. Do not think in your little elven mind that I am going to even get up only to embarrass myself. No. No I am not sir so you can just walk away and find another dancer partner."
"I know not the dances either. We shall learn together. Please do this. I know you shall have fun." He extended his hand graciously and looked at her with pleading eyes. Tinioniel stared reprehensibly at Legolas before rolling her eyes and placing her hand in his.
"Just one dance and that is all you are getting elf." Tinioniel started scanning the crowd, trying to make sure Eomer was not in the area.
"Searching for your love, hum?" Legolas implored. Tinioniel gave him a scathing look as she playfully smacked the arm that escorted her. She stared at him with imploring eyes.
"He is not my love, Legolas. What makes you think I am searching for him anyways? Just because I have the slightest bit of an interest in someone does not mean that I always think about him."
"Um hum. Well, you will not embarrass yourself, and I know that is what you are worried about. Just relax and let him lead." Tinioniel eyebrows creased at his last statement as she was completely fixated on Legolas.
"What do you mean let him lead. I am dancing with you, right?" Legolas' mouth curved upwards slightly as he looked into her concerned face. He stretched his leg out faintly into Tinioniel's path. Her foot met his as a distressed breath escaped her mouth.
"Look out!" Legolas called out as he abandoned her arm, raising his own in a mock surprise. She started to fall to the ground when two arms caught. Her face looked down at the floor, seeing the marble less than a foot away, unmoving as if she were suspended in air. Robust arms encircled her and proceeded to turn her around to face upwards. Tinioniel's widened and frightened eyes met two orbs the color of a sea after a storm. The calm blue-green depths of the spheres were slightly buried beneath two eyebrows knit in surprise and concern. Tinioniel felt poised in the web of time as she stayed in his supporting arms, one on her back and the other wrapped protectively around her waist. She felt her heart flutter like a feather caught in a summer breeze and her lungs could not bring in air. Blood raced to her face, filling it with its warmth and turning her alabaster cheeks into vermillion petals of a lusty winter rose.
"Tinioniel, you must be careful. There are loose slabs of marble that your feet can easily catch on. Glad I am that you were there Eomer, for it seems your wines have impaired my reflexes." He let out a yawn and stretched his arms out to his side. Eomer slowly and tenderly raised Tinioniel to her feet. She could not tear her eyes away from his, entranced by their intense color and feeling being emitted from them. "Oh," Legolas sighed. "It seems that the festivities have ended for tonight. Sleep calls us all, and I shall swiftly answer it. I bid you two good night." Legolas left them and entered the deepening night. Tinioniel finally tore her gaze from his alluring eyes and looked bashfully at the floor.
"Legolas is right. I am tired. I would also like to go to sleep." Tinioniel eased her way reluctantly from his heartening and accidental embrace. She turned to leave as Eomer lunged out and seized her arm.
"I will walk with you, if it pleases you." Eomer looked slightly nervous, but kept up his stately presence.
"That would please me very much." She smiled as he offered his arm in escort. She laced her arm through his, her blood beginning to pound within her. Her heart raced and her temples throbbed. 'Why do I feel this way? What is this quiver of excitement? Don't do it Tinioniel. Don't you dare. Push the feelings you think you have for him aside. Don't go for his good looks, or his personality, or his charm, or the ease and secure way you feel about him.' Tinioniel began to lose herself in her thoughts, repeatedly telling herself things as Eomer watched in amusement.
"Do you always talk to yourself," Eomer ripped her from her reverie as she directed all her attention on him. "or is this just an accidental hobby?" She blushed fiercely as Eomer stared at her. "Do not misunderstand my words. I think its endearing." His voice shrunk to a whisper as he continued to lead her to her sleeping quarters. "You will be sleeping in the same room as Gandalf, which has its set backs. Gandalf is not the only one in the room. The two Halflings you met earlier will be resting their heads there too, along with some of the Rohirrim." Tinioniel was shocked at the thought of sharing a room with warriors and little Hobbits, and made this evident by the astonishment in her eyes. "Worry not, Tinioniel, for these are honorable men, they will bring no harm to you. Gandalf will be there and will be keeping. a watchful eye on you in his sleep, in a matter of speaking. If anyone does try anything, then they shall have hell to pay by whoever finds out their disgraceful deeds." He stopped in front of a door. The night air combed through her hair and caressed her face with gentle kisses carrying the sweet trace of a nearby garden with something resembling lavender and jasmine scents. Tinioniel closed her eyes and let the brisk glide of the wind flow through her, calming her mind.
"The night is beautiful." Tinioniel felt a smile curl on her lips as she opened her eyes and stared into the heavens. A gasp escaped her as her smile faded, only to return again. "Never have I seen so many stars! The sky itself almost doesn't exist! Only a blanket of gems that adorn the sky so it may not be seen! This is no night, but it surely must be day, for the light that I see is more radiant then any sun or moon." There was silence in words, but the night made natural melodies of its own.
"You have a great passion for all that is beautiful in the world, and a caring heart for things in sorrow. That is truly more amazing then any mantle of stars." Eomer tore his gaze form the stars and looked intently at Tinioniel. Tinioniel began to think to herself again. 'Can it be that I am falling in love with him? Or is it because he speaks kind words to me that appeal to my love for attention? I don't understand what all of it means. Maybe it is love. Is that so hard to grasp? And if so, why? He is a compassionate person and obviously very easy to fall for. Then why am I so scared? Why don't I just jump in with both feet? Am I able to take that risk?' Tinioniel realized that she was being carefully observed. She looked out of the farthest reaches of her vision and saw Eomer watching her intently.
"There I have gone again in my own little world. Sorry to be such a bother." Eomer jumped at his chance to say something.
"A bother? What do you mean? You are no source of inconvenience. Every moment more I spend with you I am more intrigued by you." He realized her discomfort and his mistake for saying anything. "my expressions were out of line. I should not have said anything so directly." He bowed his head in a courtesy apology, as Tinioniel stared keenly at him, fixated on his form. 'Just jump in with both feet. Take a risk! Just do something! Anything!' Her mind pleaded with her, wanting so much to do something about these ambiguous feelings she had for Eomer. His eyes retreated from the ground and sought shelter in her eyes. 'Just jump!' Tinioniel leaned over slowly, still staring deeply into his eyes. She swallowed hard and her pulse quickened. Eomer stared back at her, not sure what to expect. Perhaps a word good night, or a whisper of a kind word, anything would be better than the silence. Tinioniel was fixed on him, her mind wondering no where, but trapped in this frightening situation. Her mind pleaded with her one last time. 'Jump!' Her face was close to his, she could feel his warm breath upon her face. She sighed and leaned forward, closer towards him. Her hands gently touched his face, as she angled it down, closer to her. Her lips met his skin, as she placed a loving kiss upon his brow. Eomer was wide eyed, unsure of what was happening, as Tinioniel's lips lingered on his forehead before letting go. She leaned back and smiled at him. "Thank you for a lovely evening, and your kind words." She bowed slightly in appreciation, before resting a hand on the door knob. "I bid you goodnight, then." She turned and opened the door, keeping her eyes directly on the door as she entered, as she began to close it, leaning against the wooden entry way, she glanced up once more at his face, before a smile formed playfully upon her face, and she gingerly and silently closed the door.
A/N: ok. it doesn't take a genius to see what scene is going to happen next (hint: pippin and shinny orb thing!). I will update soon and I hope you all liked this chapter! I anticipate you all reading the next chapters and I hope you all enjoy them as much as I enjoy writing them! And remember: PLEASE REVIEW!! ^_~