DISCLAIMER: The names, places, things are Tolkien's. I think we can all figure out what is WHOSE.

AN: This is chapter 20, and only now did I realize I used the wrong form of "whose/ who's" in my disclaimer. I thought that was funny =D. anyways, thanks again for the reviews guys, they really help to keep me going. hope you enjoy this one! =]

Chapter 20: Strange Occurrences

Eomer could feel his heart pounding. There were so many thoughts running through his head that he could not think to do the obvious, which was push away. However, he did miss the sensation of a woman's lips to his own, and though she was dirtied her fragrance was still a bit inviting. Eomer gradually began to succumb to her embrace, the kiss growing deeper and deeper, until finally it was she who ended it and pulled away. Immediately Eomer freed himself from what felt like a trance, and looked to the girl who was rubbing her forehead in confusion, her eyes closed tight as she moaned lightly.

"What is going on?" she asked puzzled, still rubbing her forehead as if to wake herself fully. Eomer stammered to find words. He felt like in that brief moment he took advantage of her, though it was she who managed to find his lips, and what was worse was that he felt as if he had betrayed Lothiriel. But in truth, what he had done was only a result of how much he missed her; the kiss proving he missed her physically just as much as emotionally.

"I am sorry, I did not mean any harm. It was just, well, I did not expect you to greet me so warmly," Eomer replied gently. The girl finally opened her eyes fully and set them on Eomer. When she realized who he was, she gasped in shock and bowed her head in utter reverence.

"My Lord, please forgive me, I must have gotten carried away in my dreams. Please forgive me, I did not mean to harass you so," she said quickly, her blond hair covering her face.

"No, no please it is I who owe you an apology. But if I may, what are you doing out here in the middle of a field, alone with nothing but a worn sack?" Eomer inquired, glancing at the wretched looking bag that lay at the girl's side. The girl quickly snatched the bag and held it protectively, a look of offense on her face.

"I came seeking work in Edoras," she declared, eyeing how Eomer held the hilt of his sword. The King realized what she was looking at, and quickly let go. He then proceeded to take his cloak and wrap it around her, the chill of a cold breeze passing through. After all, she had nothing with her, not even a horse, and no one had returned for her.

"You came to seek work in Edoras?" Eomer asked questioningly. Though he did not feel her as a threat, it did not mean he trusted her completely.

"Yes that is right. Is it such a crime my Lord?"

"Not in the least. Where are you from?"

"The village of Underharrow."

"You travel alone then?"

"As you see, my Lord."

Eomer looked at the girl puzzled. Why was she traveling alone? It seemed rather odd. Had she no family? She looked quite young to be married, though if she was, where was her husband? She had traveled quite far, and she was a maiden. There must have been some sort of protest from some kin.

"What is your name, if I may so boldly ask?"

"You may ask what you will, my Lord, you are King after all. My name is Beornwyn, child of Heahmund. It is a pleasure you meet you, my King," she said extending her hand. Eomer was surprised at her confidence, but warmly accepted her handshake all the same.

"Likewise," he replied then looked around him, noticing that it was getting darker by the minute. "I suggest that now would be a good a time as any to return to Edoras. Nightfall will arrive shortly, and though you being here alone has posed enough of a danger, there are more dangerous enemies that lurk in the night."

Beornwyn nodded politely. "Yes my Lord." Both stood, as Beornwyn held tight to the cloak, the warmth of the material easing her shivers.

"I will not have you walk to the city. Come, you will ride with me back..." Eomer began, but the girl quickly protested.

"Oh, no my Lord I could not."

"I insist..."

"No, please, I truly must not. It would seem highly improper." She had a point. Though Eomer wasn't one to pay close attention to social etiquette, he did not wish to create a scene.

"Then ride atop Firefoot alone, and I will walk alongside him and lead him. It would take a bit longer than riding back, but I suppose you are giving me no choice."

Beornwyn bowed meekly. "I do not mean to inconvenience you, my Lord."

"'Tis no matter, really. Quickly then, it should take but a half an hour," Eomer told her, lifting her to sit atop Firefoot. He then took the reins and began to walk leisurely in the direction of Edoras.

It did not take long for his thoughts to turn to Lothiriel. He wondered what she was doing at that very moment. Surely she would not be found embracing another man. 'Or would she?' No! Of course not, how could he think of such a thing! First to betray her then accuse her; the kiss however played no great effect to doubt his emotions for Lothiriel. Rather, it stirred his heart even more for her. He missed the feel of her soft skin under his fingertips, the scent of her dark hair captivating his senses, the warmth of her embraces. It did not take much for him to realize that he thought her the most beautiful of maidens.

At that moment he looked up at Beornwyn. She did not notice his glance, and only looked ahead of where she was going. Her expression was peaceful and calm, which made Eomer wonder as to why that was so. Surely locking lips with the King of one's country would put anyone on edge, would it not? He felt his curiosity get the better of him, and decided to make conversation.

"Why do you travel alone, Beornwyn? Do you leave family behind in Underharrow?"

"I leave the memory of family behind in Underharrow," she stated. Eomer soon regretted having asked the question, obviously touching on a personal subject for the girl.

"I am sorry, I did not mean to..."

"No, it is alright, I feel no shame in it."

"Then would it be too much to ask what happened?"

"My, you are rather curious, but I will humor you for you have been kind to me," she said in mock smug raising her chin as if she were a woman of nobility. Eomer chortled as she then continued. "I was orphaned when I was young. My mother's dear friend took me in after my parents had died."

"I am sorry to hear it, Beornwyn," Eomer said compassionately, being able to empathize with the girl.

"I am sorry to tell it, my Lord."

"Did the woman die? The one who took you in?" Once again Eomer regretted his words. He quickly realized that he was digging too deeply for just polite conversation. It did not seem to faze Beornwyn though, as she complied to answer the King's questions.

"She still lives, though in my heart I admit I wish it were not so." Eomer only gave her a puzzling look, and she continued. "Yes, I suppose it does sound cruel. But as quickly as she took me in when I was younger she has now driven me out."

Eomer stayed quiet this time, learning his lesson the two previous times. But to his surprise she carried on with the story. "Well, you bite your tongue now but I can see that you wonder why she would do such a thing. She discovered that her son and I fell in love. My long time childhood friend turned love of my life. For whatever reason, she disapproved of the union, but Aldfrid vowed to marry me. He never got the chance, he was called by duty to fight for his King, and in his absence his mother cast me away. I have yet to know if he has returned or not."

"Oh, so it is he you dreamt of?"

"Yes, I dream of him often. Usually I am searching for him amidst a battle, and when I find him I embrace him tenderly." There was now an awkward silence between the two, for obvious reasons. After a few moments, however, Eomer decided to break the silence.

"Why do you not go back to find out, if Aldfrid had lived or not?"

"I do not know. In truth his mother is a good woman, she is but afraid. Sometimes I think she only wishes to test me, to see if after all this, my love for her son will have been kept strong."

Eomer chuckled lightly. "Well, Beornwyn, child of Heahmund, it seems we have more in common than we might of imagined," he said, smiling to her. She smiled in return, looking up to see the city of Edoras slowly approaching.

wow, longer than I expected. but anyway, a bit of a filler. hoped it put the suspense at ease, hehe. thanks again for the reviews, and thanks for keeping them up!! =]