Eomer sits up straighter on his horse, looking back down the path at the gate to Minas Tirith. "We can not wait much longer, Eowyn. Is he truly coming?" He looks at his sister, sighing when she tells him yes and to just wait a little longer. The man they were talking of was Faramir. He had yet to show and no one could tell them where exactly he was. He looks back at his sister, shaking his head. "Perhaps he had a relapse and is not allowed to come along." He saw the worry that instantly appears on his sister's face and winces. Idiot. He should not have said something like that. Looking back at the gate he watches it open and a man in rangers clothing ride out through it. He turns to look at his sister, noticing the look of relief and the smile as well. He sighs and shakes his head, then he turns his horse around and rides to the front of the line, taking up his position to lead the group. He would need to find some time to talk with Faramir. He wanted to know just what the man intentions were towards his sister. Calling out to everyone he gives the order to leave and then starts to lead the group, Gandalf riding along beside him.

Eowyn shifts in the saddle, straightening her back, her long golden tresses pulled back from her face in a thick braid that was woven down her back, ending in a leather tie. She found it the best way for riding, keeping her hair out of her face and giving her the freedom that her clothing also allowed her. She dressed like a man when she rode like this, though not entirely so. It was a special garb especially made for those of her standing, one that any Shieldmaiden would wear for a journey for she was not one to dress in dresses and skirts, laying in a carriage while the men rode the horses. No, if for nothing else she would do it from her pride. She rather sit tall in the saddle then lay back in a carriage any day. Some men may find that intimidating, she had been lucky Aragorn had not. Would Faramir? That thought brings her to the present, her horse shifting as if sensing her worry, her body moving to compensate, hearing her brother huff yet again under his breath. Then finally he vocalizes his question and once more she wonders the same thing. "Yes, he is truly coming, dear Eomer. Be patient, he will only be a few more minutes. You can wait a little longer, we are not on the wrong side of the sun yet." They needed to leave before noon and it was quickly approaching mid morning with noon just around the corner from that. She knew how her brother way with his travel time. He knew this route well and it was imperative they make it to certain parts at certain times of day, for there were still bad creatures out there that could rip them limb from limb.

When next he speaks of a relapse, voicing her own worries, she can't help but frown, a pained look now entering her face and eyes as she looks off to where he should be coming, her hands playing with the reins of her horse. She leans down and pats the mare's neck, remembering briefly how Eomer had voted her out of getting the stallion, saying no matter how good she was, she didn't know the horse and he wasn't going to chance her pretty neck.

Faramir puts the little flask of medicine into a saddle bag, then he makes sure the rest of his equipment and anything else he had needed, which wasn't much, was stowed safely before he climbs onto his horse and winces. His arm was bothering him again, though he had been told it would, so it had taken him longer to get his things together and his horse ready. It also didn't help that he had to have a full check up before the healers would clear him to go. Sighing deeply he leads his horse out of the stable and aims it towards the doors. He was sure he was late. He just hoped Eowyn wasn't thinking he was hurt or had changed him mind on coming. He stops his horse and waits for the guards to open the huge doors that lead out of Minas Tirith. He rests his hand on the hilt of his sword, not to intimidate but instead because it was a comfortable habit. When the doors are opened he rides out and towards the group that is waiting. Taking a deep breath he smiles. The air seemed so much better when he was out of the city. He stops by Eowyn, smiling at her. "My apologies. I was detained."

Suddenly she can see a man enter through the gate and her whole being relaxes, so much so it is almost a physical thing all among it's self. She smiles brightly, the sun could not compete to her smile as she watches Faramir ride up. Then she hears a sigh and instantly she tries to make herself seem a lot more non-chalaunt, not needing for Faramir to take too much into it, she already had enough to deal with with her brother. But didn't she want him to take too much into it? To read further then she intended? That thought makes her blush and she wishes dearly for the concealing tendrils of her hair at that moment. But alas, she has to make due with getting her horse in line, enabling her to look away for a moment till her features are under control. Finally she is sure that she is she looks back at him, shaking her head in a light reprimand. "You should be sorry, Lord Faramir," she used his title because they were out among others and were no longer just visiting in private. "You had the future King of Rohan and my brother a bit on the antsy side." She smiles at the back of her brother, though he couldn't hear her comment, watching his straight back as he leads their procession, her Uncle on one of the wagons behind her a bit, encircled with it's own guard as befitting a King, dead or otherwise. "Lord Eomer has a certain schedule he wants to keep, so expect some hard riding for the beginning of this trip to make up time." She then pulls her horse closer to his, lowering her voice as she looks at him sideways, smiling up at him through her lashes in a very come-hither look, keeping her voice so only he can hear it. "You had me worried, Faramir. I was afraid they had changed their mind and were not going to let you go. I half expected to see another figure come through those gates then the one that had." She flashes him another unintentionally seductive look before looking away, in front of them, moving her horse just a hair away from him suddenly.

She reaches out and pets the side of her horse's neck. "I hear that this mare was picked especially by you? So far she is very mellow. I hope that you have not given me one without spirit because you are afraid that I can not handle it. Because believe him, Lord Faramir, I can handle anything with spirit." She glances at him sideways, a devilish glint in her eyes, her manner much more calm now that he was here and looking at least to be in one piece.

He looks at her, smiling slightly as she reprimands him. He couldn't help thinking how beautiful she looked when she was upset. But still he didn't like her being upset with him so he nods. "I was detained for a good two hours by the healers. They were not going to allow me to go until I insisted. But still I must take that disgusting medicine. Tastes worse than Orc elixir." He shivers at that thought and then looks on ahead, noticing everyone in the group. After a moment he looks over at Eowyn again and smiles. "You must be looking forward to finally be on your way home, Eowyn. Will you show me around Rohan when everything is settled?"

She rode easily in the saddle, the movement of the horse setting a nice rhythm as she thinks about his question. "To be honest, Lord Faramir, yes, I can hardly wait to be home." A distant look enters her eyes as she looks ahead. It is obvious that she isn't seeing her brother up ahead, but rather her lovely Rohan. "It will be my pleasure to show you around Rohan when we arrive." She blinks coming back to here and now before glancing at him. "You will love it."

He smiles, watching her carefully as she looks ahead. When she looks back at him he nods. "I am sure that I will, Lady Eowyn. I have heard the rolling green hills of Rohan are quite breath taking. As is your Golden Hall as well." He smiles at her then remembers something. "Oh. My apologies again. Your mare, she is not as tame as she may appear. I chose her because she is the granddaughter of my mother's horse. She is still young and will test you if she can. Though she is thankfully behaving herself at the moment." He laughs as the horse Eowyn is riding turns its head and nips at Faramir's horse, as if to show her dislike in what he had said. "Ah, so I am wrong. Though again, she behaved longer than usual."

Her eyes light up at his revelation, a fresh spark in them as she nudges the mare on a little, bringing it into a trot, she then winks at him and motions with her head, mouthing, "Let us see what she has." She knew that her brother would kill her, but she had to find out. She nudges the mare on again, bringing her into a trot. She laughs, feeling the power between her legs waiting to be let loose. She was coming up on some of the men in front, nearing her brother. It is as she gets right up next to her brother that she prods the horse into a full out run, laughing as she easily passes her brother, loving the feel of the wind on her face, the sun kissing her cheeks as she laughs, enjoying herself. She knew her brother would get on her for starting this so soon into the ride, and she knew she couldn't keep it up long or the horse would tire too much, but she was having so much fun she can't help it. She laughs, her laughter easily falling back to those behind her, almost afraid to look back to see how was behind her and who might be riding with her, but she does, hoping not to see her brother frowning at her.

He watches her ride off and smiles. He follows along until she gets to the front and rides off at full speed on the horse. He stops his horse's trotting when he gets next to Gandalf's horse. He could hear Eomer's grumbles about his sister, and the hobbits laughing and chattering on the other side of Eomer. He winces as his leg is jarred, shaking his head at Gandalf's look. "It is fine. Just sore still." He hears Eomer say something about someone going after Eowyn and of course Faramir offers. And before Eomer can protest he is off, nudging his horse into a full gallop, chasing after Eowyn's horse and leaving the other behind, unaware of Gandalf's smile and Eomer's annoyed look.

She didn't see anyone the first time she looked behind her so she just keeps going, letting the horse stretch her legs, riding up the ridge and then along the hill top, down the other side and across the open field. It is then that she hears something other than her own laughter, another horse. She turns her head to the right then the left, and she spots him, her face lighting up. "I take it you are the one that was sent to stop me?" she yells at him over the wind. She decides she better be careful and slows her horse to a trot till finally she has her at a fast walk. "That was so fun!" she says excitedly, her whole face alight with laughter as she looks at him. "I couldn't help it. When you said that she had a spirit, I had to try her out." She has the horse at a slow pace now, letting the horse relax.

He catches up to her when she brings the horse to a full stop, smiling and nodding. "Actually, I think if given the choice, your brother would be here now. I did not give him the choice." He grins and then looks back, seeing they were quite a bit away from the group now, therefore he could talk freely with her. "Do you have a horse of your own, Eowyn?"

She slides off the horse as she brings it to a full stop, knowing that the horse could use a rest from the run, her eyes going back the way with had come and seeing no one there. "We can rest here." She pulls the reins over the top of the horses' head, leading her to a creak nearby under the trees. It was the perfect place to stop, she thinks as she rubs the mare's neck as it drinks from the creek. "No," she finally answers him, her eyes and face sad for her loss. "I was riding her when I went into battle with Master Merry. She did not make it back." She runs her hand over the mare's neck in a soothing motion.

He gets off his horse as well, then leads him over to the creek, smiling as the horse nudges him a little. "Yes yes. Have your drink." He rubs his hand along the horses' neck where there was a just closed wound on it, where an arrow had sliced him. He looks over at Eowyn as she pets her horse, smiling a little. "Will you be receiving a new horse when you arrive home." He stumbles forward as his horse nudges him again. "I said you could....ah sorry." He smiles sheepishly and lets go of the reigns, having been holding them too high and keeping his horse from being able to move his head down to the water.

She notices his manner and wonders if he is acting that way because of her. It didn't seem right that she could have that kind of effect on a person. But he was not just any person, he was of royal blood, and strong character. She walks away from him moving to a nearby tree and leaning against it. She slowly looks back over her shoulder and smiles at him. "Yes, I am sure that my brother will make sure I have another mount. He will not leave me without." She looks back into the forest, not realizing that she was doing it, looking for a sign of her brother. "I am sure we have still a little while before they catch up with us. I took off at quite a trot to begin with."

He smiles at her. "Yes you did. My horse had to run at top speed just to catch you." He moves over to where she is standing and smiles. "If it pleases you, you may have that mare." He watches her, waiting for her reaction. He wondered if she would accept or not. It was his horse to do as he saw fit with, as it was his family's horse, as was his own. Boromir's horse had been left in Rivendell, and his father never had much use for his horse.

She looks at him in shock. "Mine?" A hand goes to her chest as she looks at him with eyes that have misted over. "Do you mean that, Faramir? Really mean that?" She moves slower to him, pausing when she gets right in front of him and impulsively her hand goes out and takes his, holding it lightly, her other hand coming up to cover his till she held it clasped loosely in hers. She felt as if they were the only two on the whole planet at that moment in time.

He smiles at her, holding her hand when she takes his. He nods to her question. "If you would like her, she is yours. She is my horse to give and I give her to you, Eowyn." He watches her carefully, his eyes locking with hers and it is in that moment that he just can't help himself. Leaning down he kisses her gently, a testing kiss, just to see what she would do.

She feels herself rooted to the spot she was standing and she doesn't think that she could move if the whole of Gondor's equestrian army rode towards her at that moment, her eyes locked with his, her breath caught in her throat. She can see him leaning in to kiss her and still she can't move. Was that her heart she heard pounding in her ears or a storm of horse's hooves on the wet earth? She wasn't sure which, but it did not matter really as she lets him kiss her. She doesn't move, her own lips responding ever so slightly to his, just enough to encourage without seeming to be 'loose' in her actions.

He continues to kiss her, letting his lips linger a bit longer on hers before he pulls back and smiles at her. He then lifts her hand and kisses it before he straightens again. "May I ask a question, Eowyn?" He waits for her nod, then continues. "Why have you not married? I find it hard to believe that the men of Rohan could be blind to such a beauty as yours." It was his way of asking her if she was promised to another. After all, she could have been and he could have just died in a battle or something.

She licks her lips when he pulls back, blinking a few times as she gets her self together. She then pulls away from him slightly, glad that her brother wasn't around or had caught that kiss. She clears her throat, taking a step back so that they weren't too close. "Faramir," his name is barely a whisper and she blushes as she raises her voice so he can hear her. "Faramir, you make it seem as if all the men in the village should be banging at my door to wed me. That can't be the furthest from the truth. I am not a sought after 'catch' as the phrase may be. I am but the humble niece of a small King whose kingdom's population just went down to next to nothing from this past battle. I do not know what I will be able to show you, though the town was not attacked, it's villagers where, having to leave to help save the King, thus returning to even less." She motions around. "Those that are coming with us, those are close to all that remain. At least half of them." She gives him a lopsided smile. "Oh Faramir, I do not know what you see in me. And I do not know what it is that has drawn me to you as well."

He smiles and takes hold of her chin gently. "Dear Eowyn. I see much in you. I see a strong and confident woman, someone I would gladly have by my side in a battle. I see a beautiful maiden, who takes my breath away each time my eyes see her. I see many things." He lightly runs his finger over her jaw, smiling down at her. He saw a woman he loved, though he wasn't sure he should tell her that just yet. It was all still too fresh. "I see a woman who treats me as I have wanted to be treated for a long time. I also see..." He stops and turns his head as the horses suddenly snort and act like they caught whiff of something not to their liking. He stands there and listens for a moment. He looks down at Eowyn when she quietly asks him what. He touches his lips with his fingers and then turns slowly, watching the tree tops for a moment as he pulls an arrow from the quiver on his back. He takes his bow from where he had it slung over his shoulder and in a split second has an arrow drawn and fired into one of the trees, where it hits something that makes a scream of pain and lets loose the arrow it was aiming at them. He leans to the side as the arrow narrowly misses both of them. He then watches as the creature falls out of the tree and to the ground dead, Faramir's arrow stuff straight through its neck. "An orc." He looks around quickly as he walks over to the orc body and pushes it over onto it's back with his foot. "This is not a Mordor Orc." He jumps back as the orc suddenly moves and grabs his ankle. His sword is out in a second and the orc's arm and head are sliced off another second later. He kicks the twitching hand away and snorts, a disgusted look on his face. "I thought all the Orcs were destroyed....." He looks over at Eowyn. "We should get back to the others. We will need to inform Eomer and Gandalf of this."

She stands there and even though his hold on her chin was that of a feather, it might as well have been a vise clamped on there, fore she could not look away from him, her heart caught in her throat when he speaks. She unknowingly hides the love she is feeling, keeping it from pouring forth through her eyes as she gazes on him because of a sudden fear that should he find out about her love for him he would scoff at her and make her feelings to be not worthy. Granted it is a stupid fear, one that holds no merit, but it is still one that holds her, one that he would have to break through before finding her love completely and totally. A task that he seems ready for as he keeps talking to her, spilling out his thoughts, until he stops suddenly. Instantly she is on the alert too, unsure what was going on. When he takes the arrow from his quiver, she steps back and away from him and to the rear, wanting to be out of his line of fire, whatever it is he is looking at or for. When he draws his arrow back, she squints her eyes, trying to see what he sees, what slight coloration had alerted him. And she starts to see it just as he fires, the scream shocking her and making her jump back, tripping over her own two feet and blundering sideways. She catches herself in the neck of time, then follows him over to the body. "What is it doing here?" She looks around as if she expects him to have the answer. "I know of them, but if they are not from Mordor, then where are they from?" She knew of them, yet did not know from which hell they actually sprung. She reaches out and takes his arm when he grabs for his sword, frowning at him. "Should we not stay here? They should be coming along this path, it is the reason I chose it, I knew that my brother would be right behind me." But now she is worried there may be more and her frown deepens, her hand going to where her sword was kept on this trip. At least she was not unarmed.

He shakes his head, wiping the black orc blood off his sword and putting it back into its hilt. Then he pulls the arrow out of the orc and wipes the blood off it, using the same rag of clothing he took off the orc. Finally he drops the rag and puts the arrow back in its quiver. "We should get back. To warn them. I am not sure if there are more, as this orc could have just been alone, having survived the fight and hid in the woods. But to be safe, we should get back." He turns as he hears horse hooves. "Gandalf. Lord Eomer." He nods to the two of them, seeing they came to find them. "An orc. Not of Mordor." He looks at Gandalf. "A survivor?" The old wizard says he doesn't know but they should get back to the group and this time stay together, just to be safe. With a nod he walks over to his horse and climbs up onto it, looking at Eowyn and waiting for her before they follows Gandalf and Eomer back to the group.

She didn't like the mess that was at their feet, it caused her stomach to churn and she almost lost her breakfast. That is until she sees her brother coming up. She quickly rushes over to him. Hugging him briefly before motioning to the beasts. "Lord Faramir saved my life." She knew he wouldn't like that much, but her brother would have to chuck up about it. She looks at Faramir and then to Gandalf. "You are right, Sir, we should." She hurries over to her horse, jumping up and on it easily, looking lovingly at the mare that would soon be hers. "Lord Faramir," she says softly as they start to ride back.