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

AN: thanks so much for the reviews guys!! I see some reviewers are already predicting what's coming next. hehe, I hope I can put a spin on it somehow. anyways, hope you enjoy =]

Chapter 22: I Miss You

Eomer sat silently in his room, face buried in his hands. He had had a dream that relived the kiss he and Beornwyn shared. Why was he dreaming of this? Did it mean more than he thought? Suddenly a flow of thoughts entered his mind, and they were all of Lothiriel. Again, betrayal was his first and foremost thought. But he soon found himself reminiscing of times they shared when he'd spend time in Dol Amroth. His fondest memory being the first time Lothiriel took him out to watch the sun set upon the ocean. He didn't think he'd seen anything so beautiful.

'I miss her horribly' he thought to himself. 'I miss her laugh, and how she seemed to be interested in everything I had to tell her. I miss how she'd push me to do things I would not normally do. Her spirit, I miss it most…'

Just then there was a knock at the door. Eomer grabbed his robe and called "Who is it?" as he put it on.

"The maid, my Lord," the voice called from behind the door. Eomer turned the knob and opened the door to reveal the young maid who curtseyed at first sight.

"Yes?"

"I beg your pardon, my Lord, but the Lady Guest wishes to speak with you."

Eomer nodded, and proceeded to step out of his room, but the maid humbly held up her hand to stop him. He halted, puzzled, but at that moment Beornwyn came into sight, dressed for the day and her worn knapsack hanging off her shoulder.

"Beornwyn," Eomer began, as the maid silently curtseyed once more and took her leave. "Are you off then?" Eomer asked, motioning to her knapsack. Beornwyn nodded.

"I want to thank you greatly for your hospitality. You were not obligated to take me in for the night, yet you did and I thank you, though I know that a thank you is not much of a repayment."

"'Tis nothing, really. Why such an early start in the day? It is but dawn, and you are welcome to stay for breakfast at the least."

"No, really my Lord I must be going. I want to find work as quickly as possible. Hopefully find one by the end of the day."

"Oh." There was a pause between them, and finally Beornwyn took her leave and turned to make her way to the exit of the structure, when Eomer called out to her.

"Yes my Lord?" she asked, as she turned to face him once again.

"What if I told you that you need not look for work this day. You speak of repayment for my kindness, what of the idea of working in the hall of Meduseld, as a maid?"

Beornwyn gave him a puzzled look. "You offer me a position so freely? You've but known me for a day."

"Well, I do not offer it freely. I am sure Hild will want to meet you and question you beforehand, but I'll put in a good word for you."

"Hild??"

"The head of servants of the Golden Hall. She's quite the taskmaster," Eomer said laughing lightly and continued, "but I am sure that you would be able to keep up with…" but before he could finish, Beornwyn interrupted.

"Why are you doing this for me?"

Eomer paused for a moment then said, "I suppose your story compels me to do these things."

"I do not seek your pity," she responded quickly and defensively.

"No, no of course not, I do not pity you, and if I did I do not mean for you to take offense. I empathize rather than pity." Beornwyn noticed the distant look on Eomer's face, and guessed as to what he meant.

"She must not be of Rohan then."

Eomer shook his head lightly, and returned his gaze to her. "I beg your pardon?"

"The woman. There is a woman, is there not?"

"Aye, yes there is."

"She sent you away as well?"

"No, her Father did."

"Well, my Lord King, I am not one to take pity, but I believe your story and intentions valid. I accept your offer, with wholehearted thanks."

"I am happy to hear it. I will speak with Hild once I am prepared for the day. You should probably return to your room and rest a bit more before rising for the day. I am sure Hild will speak with you during the course of the day."

"Thank you again, my Lord. I owe you much."

"Speak nothing of it, truly." Beornwyn smiled, and again turned to take her leave, as Eomer was beginning to shut his door, when Beornwyn called to him. Eomer reopened his door and turned to her.

"My Lord, if I may give you some advice."

Eomer raised an eyebrow at her, but nodded for her to proceed.

"This woman, if you truly care for her, do not let the opinion of another chase you away. I know I do not know the whole of your story, and in truth have no real place to say anything on the matter, but it seems to me you still think of her, and if that be the case, then no journey is too grand, or too small to see her once again." Beornwyn smiled warmly, then bowed her head slightly and took her leave one last time.

Eomer pondered her words as he shut his door. 'No journey is too grand…', the words echoed. 'Should I go to see her?' he asked himself, wondering if enough was finally enough. The question weighed heavily on his mind. Again his thoughts were disrupted however, as he sighed deeply and opened the door, not bothering to ask whom it was.

"Yes?" Eomer asked, annoyance lining his tone.

"A letter, my Lord," the young boy said, obviously new on the job, for the boy stuttered a bit and wasn't sure what to do, so he bowed and took his leave hastily.

Eomer opened the letter, and read it quickly. His eyes widened, and he could feel his heart race. "Maid!" he called out, and the young woman from earlier hurriedly ran to see what was amiss.

"My Lord??" she asked frantic, wondering why the King had called so loudly and urgently.

"Gather my things, tell Cook to pack food, and send callings to ready some men. I make leave this day."

"This day my Lord???"

"Yes, this day. As soon as possible I leave Edoras." The maid nodded and speedily took leave to fulfill her orders, as Eomer shut his door to prepare for the journey.

TBC…

hehe, hope you liked! =]