**Authors Notes:
The chapter that a lot have been waiting for with baited breath....If you are enjoying this story, please write a review. I don't have a counter, have no clue if you can put one on a page, and so have no clue how many are reading it and enjoying it. There are the regulars like ME132, whom I like to think of as our personal pep club =D Then there are a few that post at least once at the end of however many chapters that they get to before running out of story and have to wait till the next one. So if you haven't let us know what you think, please leave a review. I would love to have an idea of just how many are reading it and liking it. =P **


***************Chapter 15***************


They were both doing so well that today they had decided to ride. Basically Faramir had simply gotten back on his horse and so she had followed, not arguing the fact. She would have loved to have ridden in the carriage today, holding him in her arms and just relaxing. Yet he had not wanted to. She could only suspect it was because he wanted to ride into Edoras, not be carried in. She only hoped that he was well enough. That the day's ride would not harm him more then do him good. She had finally been able to break free of the cold she had gotten thanks to Gandalf's medicine. She was only worried if he had been able to cure Faramir from the poison yet that still seemed to bother him.

She looks over at her love now, riding in silence for the moment, and smiles when he catches her looking at him. They had been riding now for some time and would be stopping for lunch soon. Then by afternoon before the sun last touched the ground, they would be entering Edoras. She could hardly wait, her heart soared at the thought of being able to lay her eyes on her home again. She glances sideways and sees that he was still looking at her. This time with a curious look on his face. "What is it, Faramir?" she speaks softly, her horse near his, both of them near the back so as to be able to speak privately, not having to use their formal titles as they did when closer to the group.

Faramir rides along, happy to be able to actually ride his horse again. His shoulder wasn't hurting him so much anymore, and he had noticed while changing his bandages this morning that his shoulder wound, which had yet to heal, was starting to. It had to be Gandalf's medicine. Or maybe it was Eowyn. Whatever it was it was working.

Speaking of Eowyn he looks over at his love and smiles when he catches her looking at him. He doesn't say anything just keeps watching her, smiling softly. When she finally asks him what he just smiles more. "I was just thinking, how lucky I am that I was able to meet you when I did. Oh and that you once again are looking quite beautiful." He reaches over, the gap between their two horses was not a very big one, and lightly caresses her cheek.

She reaches up, capturing his hand in hers and taking it from her cheek to lightly thread her fingers through his. "You are only saying that because you have to. Well okay, you do not have to." She brings his hand to her lips and kisses his palm before dropping their hands to dangle between them. She looks up ahead and lets out a slow breath. "It has been a nice day today, the weather is not a problem." She glances at him again. "And your coloring is good from the sun yesterday." It wasn't just that that kept her eyes going to his face. She had to admit, it was amazing, the timing of them meeting. "To think I had all but given up on love."

He smiles at her, shivering when her lips come in contact with his palm. When she drops his hand he nods to what she says, still smiling. "Hmmmm yes. I know the feeling. But at least we have found each other to bring us comfort." He rides along beside her in silence for a moment, then looks over at her again. "I am glad you asked me along on this trip, Eowyn."

"I do not wish to think what might have happened had you not come, Faramir," she whispers, a pained look on her face. Had he not come, they would not have had the chance to fully fall in love and right now she would be riding, all alone, once more. She would probably have been missing him though, especially after their last nights when she was at his home. She knows she would not be missing Aragorn. Once again it is clear to her just how much she loves him and why it is she loves him. He was something Aragorn was not. But mostly, he was HER something.

He smiles at her, then leans over carefully and kisses her softly, not caring who saw. He was in love with Eowyn and he intended to ask her to marry him. He just had to find the right time to actually ask her to be his wife. And he was hoping that time would be in Rohan. Leaning back in his saddle again he shifts around and then looks at Eowyn again. "Would you like to hear a story?"

She blushes, but she doesn't pull away from the kiss. Her eyes dart around, checking to see if they had been seen. She saw Pippin laughing up ahead with Frodo and the other Hobbits that were riding in one of the carts today and she had a sneaking suspicion that indeed he had seen the kiss. This causes her to redden even further. She would have to talk to Faramir about that. She was only glad her brother hadn't seen it. They must not push Eomer's buttons anymore then they already were.

She looks over at him again, love still in her eyes regardless of her embarrassment. "If you would like to tell me one, I would love to. Do you want to ride ahead a little? You could tell it to the hobbits as well. I am sure they are bored." She lets go of his hand finally, but not without a quick squeeze, fixing her skirts that the wind and blown awry.

He looks at her and smiles, nodding. "Come on then. I'll tell you all a story." He rides up to the cart and beside it, looking at the little hobbits inside. He smiles at them. "Hello little friends. I was going to tell Eowyn a story. I was wondering if you would like to hear it too?" He waits for their answer and laughs at the enthusiasm. He looks over at Eowyn as she comes up on the other side of the cart. When they are all ready he starts to tell a story Boromir had once told him when he was a boy. It was about the elves and the stars.

She rides up, easing Crystal near the other side of the cart, the Hobbit's excitement warming her heart as she knew it would encourage Faramir. Soon she is lost in his story, her mind wandering off to the times and places that he was talking about. His words painted such a vivid picture that she isn't surprised when she notices a few of the other men in the group drawing closer to their little band, trying to hear what Faramir was saying.

She notices Eomer look back at her from his point far ahead and she smiles at him. For all his hardness, for all his trying to keep Faramir from her, for all his thorns, he was her brother and he only acted from love. It honestly warmed her heart when she thought about how he was acting. Because it showed her how he didn't want to loose her. Though she would have to make sure he knew that he would never, she would rather have it this way then him being like Faramir's father. She knew that even though all she did have was her brother, it was all the family she would need.

Her eyes mist over at thoughts of her Uncle. She wondered when it was that they would not. She knew it was too early, it may even be years before she could think back on these days without crying. She was just happy that she would indeed look back and be able to see the one bright thing there. She looks over at that one thing, smiling lovingly at Faramir.

He continues to tell his story, not noticing when some of the riders move closer to him and the cart so they could hear him. When he finishes he looks over at Eowyn, noticing her look and smiles. He loved the way she would look at him with such an expression of love. It warmed his heart to know that someone as special as her loved him. He looks away and at Sam when he asks him if he had ever met any elves. "I have seen a few, when I was stationed in Ithilien. But that was a long time ago. I never actually talked to one until I met Legolas. Why do you ask, Sam?" He raises an eyebrow and smiles as Sam says it was because he seemed to have an air about him. And his bow looked somewhat like it was made by elves. "Ah the bow. That was given to my mother as a present when she was a child. It was passed on to me when I showed promise in the archery skill. As for my reminding you of elves in some way it could be that I do have elven blood. Very little but it is there. From my mother's side."

She could see it in his eyes and the way he walked. He could sneak into her tent unheard because of it, she was sure of that. It probably was just enough to give him those small talents, small to elves yet of a great asset to him.

She looks away and ahead, seeing Eomer looking back again. He no doubt had noticed the crowd they had gotten, so she spurs her horse on, quickening it's pace till she passes by a mass amount of the men between her and her brother. It hurt her heart that they were short another 15. They were still a hearty lot, but to her the 15 were something to be missed greatly. The other morning when she had spoken of the lost men she had been brought to tears for their loss. Now as she passes most of those that were left to reach her brother she can't help but wonder how many more they would loose before their world was once more on an even keel.

"Eomer," she says softly as she moves up to ride next to him. "It is almost noon. Should we not stop?" She looks up at the sky, the clouds barely covering the sun, leaving it bright out, yet a softness to the light. She doesn't notice one of the men staring at her, she hadn't been noticing him. He was one of Eomer's top sheildsmen and had the biggest crush on her. But she was oblivious to his looks or his feelings as she glances back at her brother. She had eyes for only one man, and could love only two. Her brother and protector, Eomer, and her love and soulmate, Faramir. "I am getting tired of sitting here and Lord Faramir's story almost had me asleep in the saddle. Not because it was boring but because of the way it was soothing to listen to. I think something to eat and a nice rest up might be time." She knew it was his choice, but she hoped that Gandalf, who was close by, would help support her request if need be.

But Eomer doesn't need Gandalf to convince him, just the rumbling of his stomach. With a smile to his sister he nods and then looks around. They were in the foothills of Rohan now. He could see far and wide from where they were. Seeing no danger, and in his heart feeling none, he calls a stop for lunch and rest and then looks over at Eowyn. "Are you sure it wasn't because he was boring?" He grins, a teasing light in his eyes as he leans towards his sister, but when he speaks it is in all seriousness. "Do tell him that he better not try to sneak into your room tonight when we reach Edoras."

She is about ready to reprimand him for calling him boring when he leans in and speaks seriously. The smile falters but with effort she is able to keep it in place. "Why, I do not know what you are talking about, dear brother. I am sure that Lord Faramir would never sneak into a lady's room at night. But I will mention it to him if you so desire." She had stopped her horse but hadn't moved away so that they were still speaking softly, so that only they could hear each other.

Faramir hears the call to stop and smiles, shrugging to Sam's question, this time ignoring the pain that flares through his shoulder. "I do not know who gave the blood. Just that it was an elf. I would like to ask but I do not know who to ask." He smiles and climbs down off his horse, looking over at Eowyn before he looks back at the hobbits who were climbing out of the cart. "Excuse me a moment." He nods and then walks up on of the many hills that surrounded them. He is amazed at the view. He could see why Eowyn loved Rohan. It was beautiful. Rolling green hills with some rock outcroppings, and all framed by mountains. He would have to take his horse and explore this land more when he had the time. He winces and reaches up, touching his shoulder and rubbing it.

Eomer looks at his sister and sighs. "Eowyn, do not think me a fool. After knowing he got past me once, do you really think I was going to not keep an eye on him? For my effort I am quite tired. But I have been there before so no need to worry." He smiles at his sister. "Now come and have something to eat. Then you can rest." He climbs off his horse and holds his hand up to her, smiling and waiting.

She can see the tiredness in his eyes and by there being the truth of the matter. He must have stayed awake most the night. She reaches out, taking his hand and letting him help her from her horse. "Eomer," she says as she stands before him, "do not worry, you will be able to get some sleep tonight. Here it was different. He will not try it at our home. There would be no way to even remotely make that seem proper." She leans up and kisses his cheek before looking around. "I am going to find him and then will help with the lunch. Are you going to send a messenger ahead?" She looks at him questioningly. "If you are, would you ask them to have something special for dinner? I can hardly wait to see our home again, and a favorite meal would make it all the better." She could hardly wait to get home, her excitement clear in her face. She was finally going to be able to lay in her own bed. She thought of teasing him momentarily about his saying that he had been in Faramir's spot, for she did not know of a single maiden's room he had snuck into. But she knew that would only lead to a closer look and more borders put up.

Eomer smiles and nods, yawning. "Already have I sent a messenger, Eowyn. And tonight we will have a good hot meal. Where as tomorrow, after Uncle is laid to rest, we will have a feast in his honor and for all those that have fallen defending our land." And he would be sworn in as King as well. He never thought he would be king. Not until Theodred died. Only then did he realize he would be the next in line for the throne of Rohan. But he had not expected his Uncle to fall. Even though he didn't show it, it hurt him deeply, losing his beloved Uncle. It was like losing his father and mother all over again. That was why he was fighting so hard to keep Eowyn with him. She was all he had left. He smiles at her before he walks over to his men, busying himself with giving them their orders.

Faramir winces as he keeps rubbing his shoulder. It had begun to get stiff again. He wondered if he had re-injured it somehow by using his bow or during the fight at the village. Or maybe his shoulder had just decided on it's own to annoy him. Whatever it was he would have to ignore it. As there was nothing he could do about it. With a sigh he drops his hand from his shoulder and just continues to look at the scenery, his eyes studying every detail of the surroundings.

She smiles, excited about the prospect. Edoras was so close she could almost smell the roses in the garden outside her window. She turns away from her brother and takes her horse in search of Faramir. She finds his horse grazing off to the side of where the hobbits where setting up an area to eat lunch at. Dropping the reins to the ground she looks back at the hobbits, asking and finally getting an answer as to where she might be able to find Faramir. Merry had seen him head up one of the hills to the south so she turns and heads that way herself, ignoring the comments coming from Pippin. She would have to ask Faramir what it was that fascinated the little hobbit with the bigger archer.

"I am afraid to say anything and break the peace you seem to have found," she says ever so softly when she comes across him, standing a bit back of him and smiling tenderly. "I actually did think about standing here and not saying a word, waiting to see if you would even notice me. But then I remembered something I was told about noises causing you to pull arrows on unsuspecting people and I didn't want a repeat of the reception my brother got that almost nicked his ear." She smiles to take any unintentional sting off her words, for she knew he would never do that to her on purpose.

Faramir turns and looks at her, a smile on his face. "And how do you know I did not almost shoot him fully knowing it was him?" He sees her slight frown and smiles. "If I wanted to harm him, Eowyn, that arrow would have taken off his ear. I do not wish to harm your brother, Beloved. I wanted to make sure he understood I would not tolerate his anger at me. But you must also realize, I am a Ranger through and through. It was the ranger in me that allowed me to see that Orc in the tree a few days ago, and to react with the speed I did." He turns back around, his hands now clasped behind him, standing much like Aragorn tended to when he himself was looking at something in the distance. He looks to the side and down when she comes to stand beside him, then he smiles and looks back at the view. "It truly is beautiful, Eowyn. I can see why your people love it so much."

She comes to stand next to him and look out over the land, though her stance was much more relaxed, her arms loosely crossed in front of her. "I am glad you can see that. Now you know why it is important for me to return, often. Though not for the land so much as what the land holds." She then goes silent thinking about how to tell him about Eomer knowing he had been in her bed last night. Finally she just decides to speak bluntly. "I do realize that you are a Ranger, Faramir. Though I think that your talent with the bow and arrow as well as your stealth comes not just from being a Ranger but from being part Elf, no matter how small a part. There is something that you will have to realize and that is that my brother loves me. He too does not want to see me hurt which is why he didn't finish pushing his sword through you." She now glances at him, the worry still there. "You have been wincing again with your shoulder, I noticed it on the ride. It worries me that you continue to cause yourself pain along with the fact that your bandage needs changed again. I do not want you to bleed more." She looks back at the land, still keeping her tone soft, light, yet serious. "The thing that is the most important that you need to realize is the same thing that he needs to realize. My heart belongs to two men. Each has their own unique claim on it, and their own special place. One will guard my virtue and the other my door. Or is it both seem to try?" She looks at him again. "What I am trying to say, Dear, is that you can not sneak into my sleeping quarters tonight. My brother caught you last night, though he did not make you leave and he did not embarrass me in any way, he did let me know just now that it was not to happen again." She sighs softly, then starts to chew on the inside of her cheek in a thoughtful way. "Since I wish him to sleep tonight, for tomorrow will be an important day, then I must grant his wish."

Faramir looks at her, his eyes darkening for a moment, but then he nods. It was not right to be upset at her request. It wasn't like they were married. For if they were married he would never leave her side if it was his choice. And her brother wouldn't be able to stop him if they were married. With a deep sigh he looks out over the land again, speaking softly. "I will abide by your wishes, but do not blame me if you hear walking during the night. I do not wish to make you upset, I merely speak the truth. I do not sleep well, unless with you. I noticed that while holding you last night. I slept better than I had in a long time. But it is your brother's wish and I will abide by it." With another deep sigh he speaks in almost a whisper. "But it shall be torture." He then tries to change the subject, hoping she doesn't press the issue of WHY he didn't sleep well. "And it may be the elf blood in me that allows me to move silently, but I think King Aragorn had something to do with that as well." He smiles slightly. Oh he knew exactly who Aragorn had been, the second his eyes had seen the man on Gondor. Aragorn was Thorongil. He had met him only a few times as a child but those few times had been enough to engrave the memory of Thorongil into his mind. He had been the one who had introduced him to Gandalf when he was just 3 years old. And he had been the one to bring him out of his shell, with Boromir's help, after the death of his mother. He tilts his head to the side slightly, wondering. He knew his father never liked Thorongil, detested him really. So was that why he treated Faramir so badly? Because he was jealous. No. No. Couldn't have been that.

She can no longer just stand there like they were and she steps in front of him, her arms ground around his middle, her body melting against his as she gazed up into his eyes. "Do not be upset with me, my Love. You will abide by my wishes, and for that I am grateful, but know this. They are not my wishes. Not in the way that you seem to think. Love, I have only asked this of you because I want to make my brother happy. For trust me, this is NOT making me happy. I would be so much happier to have you sneak into my bed after all have retired and sleep with me until the morning when everyone is about to wake. But it can't be. If it were to get out through the servants, you know what that would do to my name? To my family's? I could not do that to Eomer, Faramir." She searches his eyes desperately. "I would love nothing more then to fall asleep in your arms, fully clothed and everything, if only but for one sweet moment." She sighs deeply, smiling at him ever so tenderly. "Alas all we need is one chambermaid to see it and that is it." She remembers something he said and tilts her head to the side, curious as to his meaning. "You said that it would be torture not to sleep with me. I can not see how it would be such, just for sleeping with me. If you are having a hard time sleeping, I am sure Gandalf has something that you could possibly use." All this time her hands had been rubbing his back in slow lazy circles, her body molded to his every curve, they fit together perfectly, as if they had been made for each other.

He wraps his arms around her, smiling slightly. "No. Even Gandalf's potions can not help me here." He looks at her, then out over the view again. He then looks back down at her. "My dreams are full of fire. But also demons of the past, images that are more memory than anything. If not for the King telling me it is not so, I would think the Darkness still had a hold of me somehow. My dreams...for all my life my dreams have either been nightmares or visions of evil things to come." He then looks down at her. "Last night I dreamed of you. It was the only really good night of sleep I had gotten in a long time." He lets her go and moves back. But then he reaches down to take her hands. "I love you, Eowyn of Rohan. And I wish nothing more than for you to be my wife. If you will have but a humble Steward of Gondor as your husband that is." He smiles, knowing now was the best time to ask her. Not because they couldn't spend the night together, but because in his heart he felt it was the perfect moment to ask her. He just hoped she felt the same way.

She stares at him in shock, unable to say anything. She knew he loved her and that he knew she loved him. They had spoken soft words of a life together, as if things were just understood that their love would lead them to marriage. She did not know how it was that he would ask her, nor when he might. Standing here, with her beautiful Rohan all around them, the sun just peeking through the clouds to shine down on them, lighting them up for all to see. The birds were singing and she knew there was a brook nearby that was probably babbling along right then. Yet she didn't see the sun, nor hear the birds, and the brook could have dried up for all she could tell, because all she could hear and see was the man in front of her. She hears his question over again in her head as her mind tries to grasp the words. She feels the two tears roll slowly down her cheeks, but she ignores them, his face blurring slightly as she blinks a few times trying to get him to come into focus. Finally she speaks, though it is soft and thick with tears. "I have thought of nothing more, my dear Faramir, for days now. I love you, Faramir of Gondor. I love you more then life itself. I do not think of you as a humble Steward of Gondor but as a magnificent one, as a Captain of the Rangers of Gondor. Yes, my sweet loving Faramir. Oh yes, it would be an honor. If you really want the hand of a Shieldmaiden, then yes, I will marry you." She was gripping his hands tightly now, unable to help herself. Her heart was soaring higher then the hawk she suddenly hears screeching high above them. It was as if all the sounds at once were availing her senses. She knew that no matter what, she would never forget this moment. Not the way the light touched his face, or the breeze that lifted the curl that lay across his forehead. She leans forward, her lips connecting with his softly at first, tenderly. Sealing their vows gently. But she doesn't stop there, she keeps kissing him, unable to pull away.

His eyes brighten and fill with tears at her words. She would marry him! She would be his!! He returns her kiss with one of passion. And when he pulls away he kisses her again and again, giving her little kisses. Then he lifts her up and spins her around, a huge smile on his face, making him look younger. He was laughing as well, he was so happy. Setting her down finally he smiles and touches her cheek, again looking like he was awed by her. "My beautiful Eowyn. You will never regret this. I shall promise to make you as happy as you have made me. And I shall never trap you. You are free to come and go. As long as you tell me when you must go, as I will do the same with you." He leans down and kisses her again, smiling when he pulls back. "I should ask your brother for his permission."

She was laughing right along with him, her tears turning to laughter and freeing her heart. Only days ago she thought that it was the end of the world, short short days, though right now it seemed to have been more then days, rather eons. She could not believe how happy he looked, like a child given their favorite toy and told they would never have to give it up. She returns each kiss with ones of her own. When at last he mentions asking her brother she slowly nods. "Yes, my sweet Faramir, you should. He is all I have, and it would do my heart good if you would do that. Because he would know that you do respect him." She pulls an arm from around him to reach between them and lightly move one of his golden ringlets back behind his ear, her eyes looking at his face with awe. "What did I do right to deserve you?"

He smiles at her and takes her hands, kissing them gently as he holds them. "I was asking myself that very same question. Come. I wish to ask your brother if he'll allow me to marry you, and you are tired." He kisses her softly one last time, then, while holding her hand, he leads her back down the hill and over to where everyone was sitting and laughing, talking amongst themselves. The men seemed very happy to be finally returning home. He lets go of Eowyn's hand, letting her go and join the men, before he walks over towards her brother. He felt nervous all of a sudden. "Eomer?" He stands beside the man, suddenly aware that all eyes were on him and that there was a sudden silence. He ignores it as best he can though, waiting for Eomer to acknowledge him.

Eomer had finally gotten himself something to eat, after making sure everyone was well, and had sat down among his men and friends, laughing along with them. He had noticed the way things seemed to be calmer, happier. He knew the feeling. They were almost home. He had to admit, he couldn't wait to get to Edoras. Though for him, there was still much to do. He chuckles at one of the jokes, then stops as he hears his name. He slowly turns his head, glancing over his shoulder. "Yes, Lord Faramir?"

Faramir glances around, then looks at Eomer. "If it is not too much trouble, could I talk with you? Alone?" He could tell that wouldn't happen. As he knew Eomer would have noticed his nervousness by now. Unknown to him but Eomer had caught sight of them on the hill, he knew what was coming, being the smart man Eomer was.

Eomer smiles slightly as he hears Faramir's question. Oh he knew what was coming. After seeing that exchange between Faramir and Eowyn on the hillside, it could only mean one thing. So he was not going to make this easy on the man. "We are not strangers here. My men are like family, as are the hobbits and Gandalf. So....no. You will have to speak to me here."

He catches onto what Eomer was doing and straightening all nervousness leaves him. What could happen? Eomer could say no but then that would be a reason to hurt Eowyn and Eomer wouldn't do that. So with confidence he speaks, looking every bit like the Steward of Gondor should look. Strong and confident. "Well then, all may hear this. I, Faramir, Son of Denethor and Steward of Gondor, would ask that Eomer, King of Rohan, and beloved brother of Lady Eowyn, would allow me to marry his sister. For I love your sister, Eomer. I wish nothing more than to have her by my side always and forever. And I would like to have you as my brother-in-law.....if you allow it." He hoped that sounded formal enough for a King. He wasn't too sure so he glances at Gandalf who was all smiles and sees his nod. Good good. So his father had been right. He would need to learn political formality for his future.

Eomer keeps a passive look on his face, showing no surprise or happiness when Faramir finally makes his request. He doesn't even turn to look at him. Instead he stands and looks at his sister. "Is this your choice as well, Sister of mine? Do you give yourself to this man to be his wife?" It may sound like he was already marrying them, but if he was to be King, he would have to act like one, and he had no problem acting like one. He knew how to. He and Theodred had practiced ruling over imaginary people before. So he knew what to say to something like this, having learned all the customs of Rohan, as had everyone else.

She returns the last kiss tenderly, feeling as if she were lighter then air. Her heart soaring when he pulls away and they walk hand in hand back to the encampment.

She lets go of his hand and moves away from him, knowing that there was nothing more that she can do right then but take a seat and hope that her brother would remember his promise to her that should he ask, he would agree. That all he had to do was ask and he would agree. It then dawns on her that maybe her brother had thought that Faramir wouldn't have the guts to ask him after their fight, he had been so very quiet lately. So she beams as she sits down next to Gandalf. She knew he would be strong, he always was.

When Faramir asks to speak to her brother in private she finds herself holding her breath, but quickly releases it as she shoots a look at Gandalf, her hand going into his. He leans in and whispers for her to be strong, to trust in their love. So she does just that, she pours everything she had into trusting in her love. She grips Gandalf's hand momentarily then puts them in her lap, her eyes darting back to her brother and Faramir.

She could almost hear the audible gasp of the people watching when her brother tells him no, he could speak right there. Once more she finds her eyes on Gandalf, who merely smiles and pats her knee. Boy she wished she was as calm as Gandalf. But she was not and she was not sure why. Part was simple, she still feared that no matter his promise to her, he would still say no.

So it is with a slight shock that she realizes he wasn't going to answer Faramir, but instead was asking her opinion in the matter. She lets go of Gandalf's hand and jumps up, finding her own strength from the look in Faramir's eyes as he gazes on her.

She walks over to where Eomer was, reaching out to take his hand in her own, trying to remember any protocol she had learned so many years ago regarding marriage and how this was supposed to go. Eventually when she opens her mouth, what she ends up saying is simply from her heart. "Yes, my dear brother, it is. I have given my heart to Lord Faramir. I thought that I would not be able to love after all the pain that I have been through, the most recent being that of our Uncle. I had yet to heal from loosing our sweet Theodred when our Uncle was taken from us right in front of my eyes." If they were not in public she would mention Aragorn as well, but she knew that he remembered that one and the nights he held her while she wept. "I thought my heart dead but for the love I had for you." She shakes her head, looking at him in wonder, her love for Faramir so clear on her face even the men could see it. "I could never find a love like this again if I were to look for ten lifetimes. So yes, Eomer. From the bottom of my heart yes. I give myself to this man to be his wife, his companion, his love, and his friend. I have no choice. It is him or nothing. Can you not see that yourself?"

He watches his sister's face as she speaks, looking for any sign of doubt or fear. But he sees none. Actually what he sees warms his heart. She looked happy. Truly happy. She looked like she had when they were kids and their parents were still alive. Though he could still see that she was upset at Theoden's death. But then so was he. But he could see that Faramir had somehow brought his lonely sister out of her shell. With a smile he kisses her hand gently, then turns and looks at Faramir, who looked like he was about to freak if he didn't give the man an answer soon. So with a smile he walks over and places Eowyn's hand into Faramir's, nodding. "Then I will bless this joining." He then turns. "Remember this day. Because you have now seen the joining of not only Lady Eowyn and Lord Faramir, but also of Rohan and Gondor. May they never part." He then picks up his glass of wine and holds it up. "To the happy couple." He smiles as the men roar their approval, then start talking loudly among one another. He looks back at Eowyn and Faramir and smirks. "Now I did say I would say yes, didn't I? I just didn't say when." He laughs and hugs them both, then pulls back and looks at Faramir. "And remember, you promised not to cage her, Faramir. And she will have to return to Rohan. I would miss her far too much if you kept her away forever." He then steps back. "So....this does not mean you can sneak into her room yet, Faramir. If I remember, Gondor customs are somewhat like our own. Not until you are married can you sneak into her room again." He smirks at Faramir's embarrassed look. Then he laughs and claps him on the back before he moves to sit down again.

Faramir smiles at Eowyn when it is all finally over. He looked......drained. As it had taken all his self-control not to look nervous. He smiles at Eomer, shaking his head at him when he finally walks away. Then he looks back at Eowyn. "Well my Love, we have your brother's blessing. Now all that is left is to meet with the King of Gondor and get his blessing. I do not think King Elessar will deny us his blessing though. So last of all would be the wedding planning." He smiles and kisses her hands lightly, not noticing the eyes on them from across the fire. He does however pull away when they are congratulated by the hobbits. He smiles and shakes their hands. "And I shall hope you all can come for the wedding. It would not be the same without you all." Indeed it wouldn't, for they had all become dear friends to him. But none more than Pippin. He owed his life to that little hobbit. He would never forget that. When the hobbits agree to come and move away from them it is a string of Rohirrim that is next to congratulate them. Last of all was Gandalf, looking quite happy and amused. He hugs the old wizard, thanking him for everything before he pulls back and accepts his thanks. Then, when finally they are able to, he sits down, with Eowyn between himself and Eomer. He takes the offered plate of food, chuckling at some of the stories going around. And he couldn't be happier. He finally felt like he belonged.

By the time that she sits down with Faramir she is light headed from the giddy from all the well wishes of the men. She was so excited that they were all seeming to take it well. She had noticed one man storm off, but she thought maybe she had misread it, maybe natured had called suddenly and he could not remain. She looks around for him now and can't see him, wondering what it was about him. But almost instantly thoughts of him are gone to be replaced by her brother who was smiling at her as if to say 'I told you so'. "Do not look on me that way, my dear Eomer," she says as she leans in and whispers to him, one hand rubbing his arm. "You have been fighting this from the beginning and yet in the end you have done something more loving towards me by letting this union happen." She pauses, looking at him seriously. "I don't know what I would have done if you would not have said yes. I am strong enough that I could have walked away and married him anyway. But I am not strong enough to have walked away and left you here, mad at me. I needed this Eomer. And Faramir needed this. He is my salvation as much as I am his. Thank you." The last is said all choked up as she leans in and kisses him. Then throwing her arms around him she hugs him tight.

Finally letting her brother go, she threads her arm through Faramir's and lays her head on his shoulder. She was too tired to eat, though she did still have the plate of food that had been put into her lap upon sitting. She nibbled on that for a little while as she listens to the talk around the men, realizing that some of it was about her and Faramir's wedding and some of it was about the upcoming festivities for the home coming. Some even mention mingling the two. That gives her something to think about as she nibbles on her food. Finally though she gives up and puts the plate down, threading her arm through Faramir's and leaning her head on his shoulder. She sit there, her eyes dropping till finally they close, listening to everything, the excitement of the take taking over and knocking her out.

Faramir smiles and laughs, talking with some of the men as he eats his lunch. His appetite was returning, much to his surprise and Gandalf's happiness. Surprise to him because the food finally didn't taste like cardboard. He looks over at Eowyn when she lays her head on his shoulder, smiling as he sees her fall asleep. Yes. He had made the right decision. And she had accepted, much to his heart's joy. He notices some of the men take their leave until finally it is just a small group left around the fire. Himself, Eomer, a sleeping Eowyn, the hobbits and Gandalf. The talk that goes around then is more quiet and subdued. Finally though, the hobbits go off to smoke their pipe weed and Gandalf goes off to take a rest as well. This leaves himself, Eomer, and Eowyn now. He looks down at Eowyn, sleeping softly with her head on his shoulder still. "Well....I think I shall retire as well. You wouldn't mind if I slept on the ground with my betrothed would you?" He sees Eomer roll his eyes and smile, then nod his head. "Thank you. I just sleep better when I'm with her." He moves around then moves Eowyn onto his lap. Cradling her there a moment he then lifts her in his arms and stands up, taking her over to a clear spot on the ground. He gently lays Eowyn down, then he gets a couple blankets and returns to her. He spreads one out on the ground, then moves Eowyn onto the blanket carefully, he didn't want to wake her. When finally he is sure she is comfortable he pulls off his cloak and uses it as a pillow for both of them, then lays down beside her and pulls the other blanket over the two of them. He turns on his side towards her and smiles, once again wondering what he did to deserve her, and thanking the Valar that he did whatever it was. He leans over and kisses her gently, whispering to her. "Sleep well, my Love. I shall keep you safe." He smiles when a soft smile appears on her face in her sleep. He knows then she had heard him. He kisses her once again and then closes his eyes, sighing happily as he falls asleep.

Indeed she doesn't wake up fully when he lays her down on the makeshift bed, though she drifts in and out, her mind was too muddled and she feels like she is sloshing through a bog as she tries to wake up. Finally she just gives up when she feels his arms go around her and she realizes just what he had done. Ah yes, a nap in his arms was just what the doctor ordered. Especially since her brother had made it clear that they were not to be seen together alone in her room anymore. So she takes the opportunity her brother doesn't seem to be taking from Faramir and snuggles next to him even closer. She hears his voice soft in her ear and she smiles. Yes, she was safe. And she knew that no matter what, she would always be safe in his arms. He would keep his promise to her brother and protect her. She sighs when she feels his lips on hers one last time before he falls to sleep holding her. She follows right after him, slipping back into the peaceful sleep she had found sitting next to him on that log.