Chapter Seven: Stigmata Diaboli

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The hall was great and long, but dark and musty. A fire burnt before them, smoke making its lazy way up towards the louvers in the roof. Meduseld reminded Sarah of a tomb. Dark, quiet.. smelt like old man…

She looked around, taking the hall in more detail. She realised that it was a fine hall fit for a king. Tall carved gilt pillars lined walls hung with rich tapestries and a high hammerbeam ceiling with golden bosses jutted proudly over her head. But though it seemed very fine, it seemed dark and old. Sarah could barely make out the far end where Théoden sat on his throne. He was an old and crooked man, his beard and hair long and white, his robes seemingly swallowing his frail form in their vastness.

Aragorn paused at the entrance and pointed out a lone tapestry which was lit by a beam of weak sunlight from the high windows. It showed a young golden-haired warrior on a huge white horse. "Behold, Eorl the young! Founder of the house of Eorl."

Sarah felt very out of place. 'What am I doing in a warrior kings hall?..' she sighed inwardly, 'what am I

doing here at all.."'

Ahead her companions had reached the king. Man, Elf and Dwarf stood back as Gandalf walked up towards the old man slumped in his golden throne. A pretty young woman with golden hair entered the hall from a side door and stood behind his throne.

"Hail Théoden King!"

The old man looked up slowly, his face was pale, his skin almost transparent with age. His eyes, once a proud blue Sarah was sure, were a bleached grey and his beard was lank and white. He wore a thin golden circlet set on his thinning hair. He looked on the verge of death.

He stared at Gandalf with apparent contempt. From the shadows came a thin man clad in black furs. He stared at the young woman, who ignored him, then quickly darted to the kings side. He shot a scathing look at the wizard then began whispering in rapidly in his ear, while the woman looked on with a sad expression.

The king continued to stare at Gandalf while the man whispered. After a minute he slowly stood. He seemed even more stooped and broken as he pulled himself upright, leaning heavily on a short cane. Sarah realised that in his youth he would have been a tall man, but now he was bent almost double. It saddened her that this old man, who had probably been as proud and strong as Éomer in his youth had been reduced to a pitiful wretch.

Eventually he spoke, in a weary voice, "I you Greet Gandalf the Grey. I do not welcome you though. I had hoped I had seen the last of you. What ill-news bring you? What curses and pain bring you upon the house of Eorl? … Once I would have greeted you as a friend, and asked what news you brought in good faith, but now I see you for what you truly are. A crow. Pain and misery follows you wherever you fly. Now you come before me, an old man in his last days, your companions beggars all dressed in grey, and you, the most pathetic of all! What is it you want Gandalf Stormcrow? More horses? Is my finest steed Shadowfax not enough for you? What is it you need? For I know you certainly bring me no aid, you come to bring the downfall of my line all the quicker."

The old king sat down. The thin man smiled grotesquely at Gandalf then resumed his incessant whisperings in the old man's ears. The golden-haired woman looked as sad as ever.

Sarah's eyes widened, she had not expected such treatment from Éomer's own uncle! They were invited guests! 'How dare he call me a begger! Even if he is a king he has no right to speak to me in such a fashion!'

Before she had a chance to think about what she was doing she had stepped forward to the dais. Instantly she felt the king's advisors gaze flick over her as the king slowly turned to face her. Legolas appeared at her side and whispered quietly to her in French " Sarah! Arrêt! Vous ne devez pas les insulter… rappel Gandalf's mots "

**( "Sarah! Stop! You should not insult them. Remember Gandalf's words.")**

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Sarah ignored him and turned back to the king and his advisor who were staring at her coldly. She spoke clearly and in her most refined voice, usually reserved for arguing with other nobles, "Excuse you sir! I have never been so insulted in my life! I am a Lady invited to your hall by your own nephew and you see fit to call me a beggar woman!" She flicked her hair over her shoulder in a very dramatic fashion and continued, "You are the one behaving like a beggar! Shut up in the dark listening to the no doubt unhealthy muttering of him!" She pointed a manicured finger at Grima Wormtongue. "Insulting guests who you know full well to be a great wizard, the rightful king of Gondor, an elven prince, and a dwarf-lord respectively. And myself, a lady accustomed to much more refined company then the King of Rohan can offer apparently!" she scoffed "Beggar indeed!"

The king looked at her shocked, his eyes widened as if seeing her and her companions for the first time, taking in her beauty and fine purple dress (worth a small fortune in middle earth), Gandalf's aura of strength and wisdom and Aragorn's height and noble features. Then Wormtongue whispered something in his ear and his face hardened again. "You must be Lady Sarah. No doubt your elven sorcery's worked on the weak mind of my treacherous nephew, but they will not on me!"

Gandalf spoke up in a firm voice, "Lady Sarah is not an elf, and she uses no sorcery on you Théoden king."

Finally Wormtongue spoke up, "Ah, but even if you speak the truth, that does not change the fact that you no doubt will try to bewitch the king! The king calls you Stormcrow and he is right, but I think you are worse than that. You are not content to simply bring misery and pain, you feed off it. Like a carrion bird you grow fat and merry on war and death."

Suddenly the wizard's calm visage was broken. He raised his staff. There was a loud sound akin to a clap of thunder and then Meduseld was plunged into utter darkness. Gandalf alone was visible. He stood shining and white, his very being radiating power and light. Wormtongue let out a shrill cry and cowered upon the stone steps before the king. "His staff! Háma has betrayed us! He let the wizard keep his staff!"

The wizard seemed to grow taller in stature, his voice rung out deep and loud in the golden hall, "Speak no more Grima Wormtongue! You're time poisoning the ear of Théoden King is past. Be silent now or face my wrath!" The man whimpered from the floor.

Théoden looked up at Gandalf seemingly uncaring, "What now Stormcrow? Have you come to slay me in my own hall? I care not. I am an old man and my days nearly up already. Would that I was already dead, so these dark days I did not have to bear witness."

"No Théoden. You're days are not yet ended. Too long have you stayed in your hall listening to the dark muttering of Grima Wormtongue. His words have taken their hold and you have aged 50 years in 5. Come out of the dark Théoden king and look over the Rohan and see if all is as dark as you say."

The king glanced at the posturing figure of Grima, then slowly stood, but more surely then minutes earlier.

The woman in white hastened to his side to help him. He stood and stepped down from his dais. He seemed taller and less stooped. Gandalf turned and led the way through the hall. He stopped at the doors and let his voice ring out "Open the doors! The Lord of the Mark comes forth!"

The bright morning sunlight poured into the hall as the great doors swung open. Outside Háma and the other guards stood dumbfounded as Théoden stepped into the light. He paused, looking out over the vibrant green of the surrounding valley, the sky was clear and bright, the air crisp and fresh. He inhaled deeply and let his cane fall and clatter down the great steps. It seemed to all watching that suddenly the old man was gone. Théoden stood tall and strong, his eyes bright once more, his skin ruddy and flushed, his hair and beard returning to the golden hue of his niece Éowyn's long locks. Once more he looked like Théoden, King of the Mark.

Tears were falling down Éowyn's smiling face as she stood beside her uncle. He smiled, "I feel myself again. Whatever sorcery this is i wish you had bewitched me sooner Gandalf."

The wizard nodded, "It is no sorcery Théoden, rather, you are free of sorcery after years in bondage."

The king felt his hip for his sword, "What? Has Grima taken my sword as well as my strength and will?!"

Gandalf placed a hand on his shoulder, "perhaps you should call for your nephew. I'm sure he will willingly offer you his."

"Éomer?" Théoden frowned, "he is not in Edoras."

Éowyn looked at him sharply, "My lord, you had my brother locked away as a traitor just last night. Surely you remember?"

Háma gasped, "The Marshal is in the guardhouse? What madness is this?! We were told he had not returned with his men." He looked over at his king, "This is Grima Wormtongue's doing my liege. Shall we fetch your nephew for you?"

The king nodded, "Yes… fetch Éomer.. and fetch Théodred as well."

Éowyn spoke softly, "My lord-uncle, do you not remember? Théodred died not five days past. Your son is dead."

Théoden pulled away from his niece and walked a little way from her, staring out over his lands, hands clasped behind his back. "Bring Éomer and bring Grima Wormtongue."

Sarah felt her heart jump unexpectedly at the mention of Éomer, she wondered if he was quite so tall and proud as she remembered, and if his eyes were quite so bright and piercing.

She unconsciously pulled at her dress, adjusting it slightly.

At length she spoke to Théoden, "Your Highness.." He turned to regard her. "I wished to apologise, Had I realised you were under an enchantment I would not have spoken so rudely to you."

The king smiled in amusement, "Lady, think nothing of it, you were right, I was extremely unrefined in my treatment of you and your friends.. ." He paused, "I do not mean to pry, but you looks, your eyes…are you really not an elf?"

Sarah smiled, "Nay my lord. I am Fae."

"Fae?"

Her brow furrowed and she looked to Gandalf, "I am something in between an elf and a human an I not Gandalf?" The wizard tilted his head, "It is not quite that simple my dear. But that is a good enough explanation as can be given."

Théoden nodded, "Where do your people dwell for I have not heard of your kind before. Do you live with the elves?"

Sarah shook her head, "No No.. I had not even met an elf till 4 days ago. I come from…" She paused, unsure how much to share with the king, "far away. I do not know how to return home. But where I live humans and fae live together. There are no elves…dwarves or orcs or anything else for that matter."

"Really? As equals?"

"More or less. There are few pureblood fae left, only a few families. Mostly the fae married into human royalty and nobility."

"Ah. If all fae are as lovely as you Lady Sarah, I can understand why princes and kings would seek your kind for a bride."

Sarah blushed.

Aragorn, who had been listen to the conversation had an epiphany, "Ah! Now I understand! The fae in your world share a similar place in society as the Númenóreans did in times past."

Sarah frowned, having no idea what Aragorn spoke of.

Théoden nodded, "Yes. That would make sense."

Sarah would have asked what the hell they were talking about but at that moment she happened to glance over Théoden's shoulder to see Éomer walking towards them, Háma dragging Grima behind him.

Her face broke into a smile and she darted around Aragorn and the king to where he stood. He was still wearing the same tunic as two days ago, but his mail and helm were missing. He looked tired, and he hadn't shaved, but his eyes were as bright and piercing as she remembered. Sarah felt her heart beat faster.

"Éomer!" He smiled brightly at her.

Sarah stopped before him and pulled him into a brief hug then kissed his cheek before pulling back. Éomer blushed, "I am glad to see you in such.. good spirits Lady Sarah."

Sarah smiled but her face slipped into a frown when she caught sight of Legolas glaring openly at Éomer.

Éomer didn't notice, his gaze was on his uncle. He stood silently, taking in his uncle's appearance.

"The Valar be praised! What magic is this?! Uncle?!"

Théoden smiled radiantly at his nephew then stepped forward and gathered him into a hug.

Sarah watched them fondly, avoiding Legolas's gaze, knowing he would demand an explaination for her friendliness to Éomer.

After a minute Théoden broke away and turned to his guests, "Come now friends! Let me show you the hospitality of the horse-lords!"

"Nay, there is precious little time Theoden. If you wish to save your lands and people you must send your riders west, to Saruman."

"Aye Gandalf, to long have I let that Dark wizard bide his time and gather his strength. We will ride this very day."

Éomer frowned, "We? Will you ride with us my lord?"

The king smiled, "Aye. I feel alive as I have not in years. I will lead the Rohirrim. For the last time if that be the will of the gods, but I will ride."

Gandalf frowned, "If that be your will so be it. But have your people make haste for the safe places you keep in the hills for such times of need. Leave none in Edoras for you can spare no mean to guard it…. Who will you appoint to lead them and be their lord should the worst befall the men of Rohan?"

The king looked to his men, as a great crowd had gathered before Melduseld at the news of their kings return to health. "Who would you have left to watch over your families? Who will you follow in my stead?"

Háma spoke up immediately, "We will follow the House of Eorl."

"But the house of Eorl goes West. None remain to lead."

Háma looked at Éowyn, "All will follow Lady Éowyn, for she is as wise as she is fair, and much loved by her people."

Théoden nodded, "It is settled then Éowyn will be Lord of the Mark in my place." Éowyn inclined her head, accepting his words. "But now most honored guests, we may have no time for rest, but we will eat well before we ride! Come!"

Gandalf smiled softy, "Perhaps you should deal with Wormtongue first."

Théoden turned to the cowering figure, "What say you Grima Wormtongue?"

Wormtongue licked his thin lips, eyes darting around as if looking for a means to escape, "My lord! I fear that the Wizard and that sorceress have bewitched you as well as your nephew! Do not waste your precious strength standing out in the morning chill my lord, return to your hall where you can conserve yourself."

"Would you have me never cross the threshold of my own hall Wormtongue? I see even know you try and convince me of my age and weakness, but Gandalf has opened my eyes. I will not return to the dark."

He paused, "you were once a decent man Grima. I know that, but now you are nothing but a traitor in Suraman's pay. I ride with my men, not cower in my Hall awaiting my death."

Gandalf nodded, leaning on his staff, "Yes, how long have you been in his pay? Bending the kingdom of Rohan to Saruman's will? What was in it for you? Gold I suppose.. but something else.. You meant to take his throne no doubt."

Grima continued in a simpering voice, "My leige! I am no traitor! I have always served you with love and loyalty I swear it!.. But if you are set in your plan to ride, appoint me as steward, I who know you best will maintain your house and protect your…" his eyes lingered on the figure of Éowyn. "..family."

Éomer glared at the thin man with pure hatred, "I know of your desires Grima! I would never leave my sister in your care! To long have you watched her from the shadows! I should have killed you when I had the chance!"

Grima shrunk down like a dog as Éomer advanced on him enraged, "My Lord I beseech you! Your nephew has lost his sanity!"

The king looked at his former advisor with distaste, "I see now what you have been planning all this time traitor! You wished for nothing save my throne and my niece! I should have you killed." He paused, "But I would not dishonor your father's name. Go now. Take a horse and leave the Rohan. Never return unless you wish to meet your death."

Grima stood, glared at Éomer then turned suddenly and ran.

Theoden turned to Háma, "Follow him, if he causes anyone harm, kill him. If not, let him take a horse and ride."

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Legolas caught Sarah's arm as they all followed the king to the dinning hall.

The fairy gulped nervously, "Legolas?"

The elf looked her in the eye, his vibrant blue gaze making her cringe. He opened his mouth to speak, but at that moment a horn was blown signaling lunch and Sarah was able to slip away from him and into the hall.

A servant led her to the high table with Théoden. The men of the Rohan were full of cheer at the King's new found strength and the dining hall was full of laughter and singing during the meal.

Sarah found herself seated between Gimli and Éomer, Legolas sat beside Gimli, staring at her. She ignored him, she did not feel like explaining herself to him. After all, all she had done was give Éomer an innocent kiss on the cheek. It was not as if she was dating Legolas or anything, he didn't own her just because they had made out a few times.

She sat in relative silence, all too aware of the two men staring at her. Half way through the meal Gimli patted her shoulder and spoke to her cheerfully in gaelic, which he knew neither Legolas or Éomer spoke, "Come Come Lassie! Don't be so blue! Shouldn't a gel like yourself be delighted to have the attentions of a prince and a lord?"

She smiled weakly, "Aye, I suppose.. but I did not intend for any of this to happen.."

The dwarf smiled, "Oh well! Don't fear, chances are one of 'em will die before the year is out.. or you yourself will, and that will be the end of your problem."

Sarah dropped her fork and spoke a little louder than she meant to in her shock, slipping into english, "I do not think anyone dying will solve any problems Gimli! Really!"

Pushing her chair away from the table she left the hall.

Legolas made to rise, but Gimli put a hand on his thigh (being unable to reach his shoulder) "Stay put laddie."

He turned to Éomer, "You to young lord."

Éomer ignored the dwarf and glanced over at his sister, she nodded and followed Sarah.

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Legolas sat back to his early lunch feeling less than hungry. He had managed to convince himself that Sarah had not had any sort of relationship with Éomer, but looking back he realised he had never asked her. Maybe she had feelings for the horse-lord. It was obvious that she liked him, but it was also very possible that she more than liked him. Turning away from the slender figure of Éowyn following her, he made himself eat a bite of his bread. "I will ask her before we leave. That is all there is to it. I am probably simply over-reacting…"

Nearby Éomer was entertaining similar thoughts, although his were not so concerned. He thought perhaps that the elf had taken a liking to Sarah, but he was certain that the girl liked him as he did her. 'Why else would a lady embrace me as she did this morning? Especially in public.'

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Sarah ran out of the hall and through several rooms and down a very long hallway. After ten minutes of so she found herself on a balcony facing over the valley. The sun was bright and hot. She took of her cloak and let it slide to the stone floor. After a few minutes she heard light footsteps behind her, praying it wasn't Legolas or Éomer she turned to the doorway. It was Éowyn.

The woman inclined her head and smiled at Sarah.

Sarah smiled weakly in return. "I was worried you were Legolas or your brother."

Éowyn chuckled, "well it is good that your dwarfish friend forbid them from following you then."

They stood looking over the balcony at the green hills that faced them and the snow-capped mountains beyond.

After some time Éowyn spoke again, "Do you wish to talk about what worries you?"

Sarah smiled, "Do really wish to hear?"

"Well, there is precious little else to do around this place, especially when you have the misfortune to be born a girl."

"That is undoubtedly true."

"Well? Will you gossip with me?"

Sarah sighed, "I suppose… what do you wish to know?"

"Everything."

"Well, would you like my life story or a brief recap of my time in Rohan?"

"Let's start with Rohan."

Sarah nodded, "very well. I woke up four days ago in a field in Legolas' lap. Quite a surprise when the last thing I remembered was being in a classroom with my tutor. Needless to say, I screamed and ran away, as one is wont to do upon waking in an elf's lap with a dwarf peering at you."

Éowyn raised an eyebrow, "certainly.."

"Well, I ran and ran.. ended up in .. Fangorn.. forest, met your delightful brother, who after satisfying himself I wasn't an elf gave me a horse and helped me. Then we ran into Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli again. They introduced themselves to Éomer, and he bade them take me to Edoras. Weeell off we all went on our merry way, looking for two of their friends, hobbits. We didn't find them, instead we found Gandalf and I found myself quite fond of Legolas. If you know what I mean.."

the other girl smirked, "The elven Prince is very handsome.."

Sarah nodded, "And an excellent kisser, but that is irrelevant. Now here i am, and I find myself quite fond of your brother…for he is a fine man.. and quite unlike the men I usually meet.." She sighed, "But I think it's best I tell Éomer that I like him only as a friend.. It wouldn't be proper.. or kind.. to let him believe that I am in love with him or something

Éowyn nodded, "Not to mention Legolas. It wouldn't be kind or proper to him either."

"True. Especially when I seek to return home soon. Not stay here…" She frowned for a moment then continued, " I will tell them both I am merely seeking my way home, not a husband."

"I believe that would be for the best… " Éowyn paused, "listen! I hear footsteps.. we are very near my brother's quarters, it could be him…" before she could finish her sentence he appeared in the doorway, bright eyes trained on Sarah.

Éowyn excused herself.

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Éomer stood silently staring at Sarah for a moment. She wore a fine riding dress in a rich purple cloth edged with gold that hugged her slender figure closely. Her intricately braided hair shone red in the bright sunlight, making her delicate face seem very pale. Her violet eyes seemed very bright as she looked at him. She was undoubtedly the loveliest woman he had ever seen.

She was smiling at him softly, "My Lord, should you not be preparing to ride out with your uncle?"

He walked over the balcony and stood beside her, "Aye. I wished to make sure you were not upset before I left."

"Oh, well I thank you then my lord."

"Please, call me Éomer."

"Very well."

They slipped into silence for a few moments before Sarah sighed and said what she had to. "I wish to apologise Éomer. My behavior earlier was.. inappropriate."

Éomer smiled shyly at her, "You do not need to apologise Sarah."

"yes I do. You see, where I come from people are much more… physical?"

Éomer gave her a confused look, "That is to say, I was only greeting you as a lady would greet a friend. Nothing more. I did not wish for you to get the wrong impression of me."

The man went silent, his smile gone. "oh. Yes. of course."

Sarah felt horrible, he looked so sad.

"That is to say Éomer, I do like you.. very much so… but I hardly know you! And I hope to return to my homeland, and I do not wish to become to attached to you."

Éomer turned to face her, "I understand my lady. But what if you cannot find your way home?"

Sarah frowned, she had not thought of that possibility, "Well then.. I'm not sure what I would do…"

She looked up, meeting Éomer's fierce gaze. He was standing very close to her, just a few centimeters between them. She could feel warmth radiating off him. She fell silent as he raised a callused hand and gently caressed her cheek. Those blue eyes burned into hers. "You are lovely beyond words Sarah."

A blush crept up the girl's cheeks. She knew that if she did not pull away from him or say something he would do something that she should not let him do. After all, just hours earlier she had been sleeping in Legolas's arms.

She raised a hand to cover his own, meaning to pull him away from her, but he took her actions the wrong way and before she could react his lips were on her own in a chaste kiss.

Sarah's eyes widened. Éomer kissed her softly, his stubble rubbing against her chin. Her hands flew up to his chest, meaning to push him away, but as her fingertips pressed into his flesh he pulled her further into his arms, and the hand which had cradled her face slipped back amongst her braids and brushed her ear.

Sarah gasped against Éomer's lips as a jolt of pleasure shot through her body. He quickly took the opportunity to deepen his kiss, his tongue caressing hers. Sarah forgot all about Legolas for a moment and let Éomer kiss her. Her fingers twisted up in his shirt as she pulled him closer to her, reveling in his warm touch. He smelt like straw and horses and he tasted like the stout ale he had drunk with his meal. Sarah had kissed lots of boys, but she had never kissed a full-blooded mortal man before. All the men she knew were at least part fae nobles. There was something very different about Éomer.

He was more real, more honest somehow. He did not taste of glamour's and beauty charms, he tasted like a man and he left her utterly breathless.

Éomer was equally intrigued by Sarah. She was so soft and warm against him, her lips full and demanding. She smelt sweet, like flowers, her scent utterly intoxicating to him. He had kissed maids before, but in his experience they stood still and passive, unresponsive to him. But Sarah kissed him just as he kissed her, her arms pulling him closer to her until their bodies were flush against one another. He felt himself reacting to her brazen behavior and knew he must end their little tryst before he scared her.

With regret he pulled away from her lips.

She stared up at him, a shocked expression on her face, her lips parted. Éomer looked at her for a moment, trying to get himself under control, he noticed the silver in her eyes seemed to be shining. Her tongue darted out and licked her bottom lip. It was his undoing. Éomer leant towards her and kissed her again. She melted into him yet again, and he groaned slightly as her tongue teased him. He pulled her roughly up against him, her feet dangling a few inches off the ground, delighting in the tiny moan that escaped her throat between kisses.

Her legs wrapped themselves around him pulling her closer and causing her hips to grind against his. His kisses became more fevered as he felt her pushed against his hardness. He turned and pressed her against the wall eliciting a gasp from her startled mouth. Her legs tightened around him and he groaned as she was pressed further against him. He wondered if she was torturing him intentionally. He ground himself against her and was rewarded by a low moan from the back of her throat. He repeated the action and this time she arched towards him and gasped his name.

Her hands pushed him back from her slightly and she looked him in the eyes "Éomer.. we should not be doing this.." He ignored her and kissed her harshly. She tensed for a moment then returned his attentions with equal vigour, almost biting at him. His hands slid down to her backside and he pulled her against him. She gasped at the sensation of him grinding against her.

Sarah knew that what she was doing was wrong, wrong, wrong… but what Éomer was doing to her felt so good. She was about to surrender herself completely to what she was feeling when he bit down softly on her neck. Instantly images and feelings of Legolas bombarded her. She pushed back against Éomer so she could face him, "Éomer! Stop this!"

His face appeared shocked, but he complied, letting her slide down his body until she stood.

Eventually she pulled herself away from him.

Her breath was coming in little gasps. She broke away from his gaze, looking out over the balcony, but did not pull herself out of his arms.

Éomer kissed her forehead fondly. "I am sorry Sarah, I did not mean to scare you. It's just you are so beautiful.. you make me forget what is proper."

She rested her head against his chest briefly, enjoying his embrace for a moment before her brain could begin berating her.

She glanced up at him guiltily, "Éomer. I am sorry. I should not have let that happen. It can only mean sadness for there is no future for us. I will return home, and I will not see you again."

Éomer frowned, "Well, I'm sure your family would not forbid you seeing me, I am not so bad a match for you am I?"

Sarah sighed and pulled out of his eyes, "It's not that Éomer.. You are a fine man indeed, and even if my father did not think you worthy, my mother would approve. But you see, once I go home, I doubt I will be able to come back. I could just stay here in Rohan and never return home, but I must go home. And you can not come with me." She looked back at him, "It is not as though I am just a girl from Gondor or some neighboring kingdom you know. I am from a place so far… you could search for it all your life and not even find a rumor of it. You would die looking."

Éomer caught her arm and pulled her to face him, his eyes boring into her own, his voice low and dangerous, "well what would you have me do?"

Sarah meet his gaze, "I would have you let me be. Find some other, more suitable girl to court."

"And if I do not want any other girls?"

His face was unerringly close to hers, his breath hot on her cheek.

"Then at the very least, you shall be my friend and nothing more. You will not try and court me unless it is decided that I may not return home."

Anger seeped into his tone "So… You would not even think of courting me until you are sure you are stuck here? Do you really think so low of me?"

Sarah glared, "Éomer! Think on this! What if we do court? We fall in love and all the rest, then I go home, never to see you again?! That is not fair on anyone. I will court no one in this land unless I know I am to stay here."

Éomer loosened his grip, his eyes softening. He rested his forehead against hers, "I'm sorry Sarah. You speak wisely. I will not pursue you lest you give me permission."

She sighed and smiled softly, "thank-you. Now, shouldn't you be riding off to kill something?"

He smiled, "Yes. You will remain here with my sister?"

Sarah thought for a moment, 'well, I have no where else to go..' "Yes. I will be here when you return."

Éomer grinned at her, his happiness making her smile in amusement, then he turned and was gone.

The full extent of what had just happened suddenly revealed itself to Sarah.

She leant on the rail, burying her face in her hands.

"Fuck."

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AN okies peeps! First I wanna say sorry.. its been a week now ey?

Well, I have a damn good excuse!

I just started a new job.. I now have THREE..

I'm a receptionist full time and I work at a call centre at night and at a tavern on the weekend…

So yes, I'm still way into this story n wat not, cause I haven't gotten to the bits I really wanna write yet..

So I'm gonna post every weekend from now on okay?

But I NEED YOUR HELP.

As u might of noticed, we have a dilemma..

Aka, the writer responsible for this shite-fest is a tad obsessed with TWO male characters..

So yes, I need a vote.

Legolas or Éomer?

I'l prob write another story about the one who lucks out but still..

This did originally start as a Legolas fic but Éomer is just so cool…

If no one votes I'll stick to my original plan involving Legolas thou k?

Anywhoes, REVIEW n let me know! Suggestions are cooollll..

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~satanat skips off into the sunset with the SINGING dancing cactus in a sombrero an nippy coat~

'I've got a lovely bunch of coconuts.. deedle dum…' (thank-you Mayrana)

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PS: isildur'sbane123 - I learnt French for six years at school.. this all I have to show for it.. *cries*

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PPS: the title is ripped of a random HIM song that was on my mp3 player at the moment I saved this..

Noooooo relevance what so ever..