I'm really really sorry for not writing for such a long time!

I would also like to say that I think the next chapter is going to be the last. If this goes on anymore I'd be talking about Elfwine's kids and I'd never ever get to the end. It'd become one of those draggy soap opera like stories that everyone hates. I'll be sorry to finish this story but also glad 'cos then I can start on something new! Planning to explore different types of fanfic instead of writing LotR ones all the time but I'm sure that I'll have plenty of LotR stuff to write still.

Chapter 45 : Éomer Helps

Éomer stared down at the nineteen-year-old boy looking up expectantly at him. Then he stared out of the window, looking at the dark, threatening clouds in the sky. What could he say to Elfwine? It was all Lothíriel's fault, trying to match make, and then leaving everything in his hands when things didn't go the way she expected! But then again, why did you agree to help? For the first time in his life, he truly wished that Erchirion and Amrothos were in Edoras. They would find some way to solve the problem, even if the solution was a little unorthodox.

However, this time he strongly doubted that a lock-up in a supply room would simply solve the problem. It really was a pity that he couldn't just order them to make things right themselves.

He sighed and took a seat. "Elfwine," he began carefully. "Your mother told me about your… your… ah… problem." Was it right to refer to Meren as a 'problem'? It seemed a little mean to him, but he didn't know how else to put it.

Elfwine sighed as well. "I know, Father," he said resignedly. "But I don't know what to do about it. Meren's avoiding me."

"But that doesn't mean that you should give up," Éomer persisted. "Giving up doesn't get you anywhere. I thought you'd have learnt that from all the councils you've attended with me. Perhaps there's something that's bothering her? Leaving her alone and withdrawing into yourself doesn't give you any answers; it just gives you more questions."

"I know, but I can't get her alone these days. It's as if she's hiding from me on purpose."

"Give it one more try, son. Sometimes one more try is all it takes."

Elfwine walked out of his father's study with Éomer's words still ringing in his ears. One more try… I could do that, he thought firmly. He could, and he would. Meren was that important, she was worth risking everything for.

He was walking towards the kitchens when he saw Meren coming out of it, seemingly lost in her own thoughts. She had not noticed him yet. This was his chance. He hurried up to her. "Meren!"

She jumped when she saw him, and he planted himself right in front of her, determined not to let her get away. One more try… He took a deep breath. "I haven't spoken to you for quite some time. I was wondering if you would like to meet me later, after this meeting I have to attend with my father."

Meren refused to meet his pleading eyes. "I have the afternoon off, but I was going to go riding."

"But it looks like a storm…"

"I'll be fine."

Elfwine sighed. "Could I join you after the meeting, then?"

"If you wish."

Elfwine watched as Meren brushed past him and hurried off. At least I can meet her later.

Meren entered the stables, not knowing what she was doing there. It had been a lie; she had had no intention of going riding. But it just came out of her, and she had no idea why she had found the necessity to lie. There had just been that feeling that she needed to get away from him as soon as possible, before she collapsed and cried.

She sat down on the nearest stool she saw and absently plaited her hair. Thoughts raced through her mind, thoughts that she couldn't push away. What if I told him? What would he say? Would he push me away, would he never speak to me again? What's the difference anyway, Meren, you already don't speak to him anymore. What does he think of it?

"Meren?"

When she saw who it was, Meren jumped to her feet. "My lord…"

Éomer waved away her curtsy. "Sit down, Meren, don't mind me." He looked around and found another stool. Sitting down right next to her, he cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair awkwardly. "Ah… so how are things going for you?"

"All right, my lord. I have no complaints."

"Wish I could say the same for Elfwine."

"Excuse me?"

"Elfwine is a capable young man, but he's lost when it comes to love."

Meren's heart was pounding so loudly she was wondering if the whole of Edoras could hear it. "I'm not sure I understand what you're saying, my lord."

"My wife has noticed our son's troubled state of mind. I'm afraid he has fallen in love but found no return." Éomer gave Meren a long look. "What do you think, Meren?"

With that look, Meren knew that she had been caught. There was no way she could lie. "A prince cannot marry a servant, my lord. He needs a dutiful wife with grace and wisdom, one he can be proud to call his queen when the time comes."

"And you think you cannot give him that?"

Meren shook her head. "I'm a simple girl, brought up a in little village. I know nothing of politics or such grand matters. I know not how royalty is expected to behave. I'm afraid that I would be found wild."

Éomer laughed. "Have you heard of my sister?"

"Of course, my lord. The story of the Lady Éowyn disguising herself to fight in the battle of Pelennor Fields can be heard anywhere. She is greatly respected."

"But I don't suppose you've heard that she couldn't cook without almost setting the whole kitchen on fire, or that her sewing is one of the greatest disasters Edoras has even witnessed! But still the Prince of Ithilien, Elboron's father, married her all the same. He loves her very much, and I can tell that he is most proud to call her his wife." Éomer smiled at Meren kindly. "Don't worry about being not good enough for Elfwine. You are more than just 'good enough', because he loves you for exactly who you are. I assure you that he would never settle for anything else."