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The heir of Théodred
Chapter Eight
Maydir rode hard and fast ranting as he went. He had encountered the Lady Eowyn on the old North-South road and she had spent an hour interrogating him on his whereabouts. He tried to explain that he had left a letter explaining he had urgent business away in Gondor, but she would not believe him. Eventually she allowed him to continue on his way, calling after him that he would not be received so warmly this time. As Edoras came into view, the cretin smirked darkly.
"Ah, the jewel of Rohan," he sighed. "How glad I will be when you are mine!" He urged his tired steed on and within no time he had reached the Golden Hall, leaving his steed in the custody of the outraged stable- masters. He ignored their urgent questions on how this horse had come to be in such a condition and headed over to the great hall.
Lothiriel was discussing a civil dispute matter with two villagers when commotion sounded from beyond the great doors. Eventually they were flung open and a weary figure stalked in. She recognised the greasy looking man instantly and rose to her feet.
"Where is my niece?" Maydir demanded. Lothiriel looked to the disgruntled villagers and nodded quickly. Reluctantly they headed out, dragging their feet in protest as they went. The young queen gave their retreating backs an apologetic smile before turning coldly on the intruder.
"I will not have you disturbing my council Maydir of Archanion," she stated icily, addressing him by what they had learnt was the name of the lands they believed he had mastery over. Those in Rohan had not yet learnt of Maydir's disownment from the family, and were helpless to believe he really was the master of the river flats that made up the area of Archanion. "You are no longer welcome here as a guest of honour and must await the return of King Éomer ere you may leave again."
"I do not understand you people, I left a very detailed letter describing why I had to leave so unexpectedly. I received word that the farmers on my estate were staging a revolt in Archanion and I had to return as soon as I might," he spat, rewording the lie he had written about with great detail. "Now I demand to see my niece, you may have jurisdiction in this land my lady, but you have no right to keep me from her." Lothiriel narrowed her eyes at the man and walked over to him.
"She is not in Edoras. She is with her uncle," she said.
"She has only one uncle and that is I. The King of this land is merely her cousin, and has not the authority to impede on my custody of the child," he hissed venomously.
"Contain your anger Master Maydir or I will have you removed from these halls," Lothiriel ordered and she returned to the smaller throne beside the king's. "Mayda Théodwyn is the granddaughter of the late King of Rohan. She was offered rule of this land and as she refuse she is now a princess of the Mark..."
"I know all this," Maydir began, but he cowered slightly under Lothiriel's icy gaze. "My lady," he added bitterly. "That is still no reason for her being taken from me."
"She was not taken from you," Lothiriel muttered, finally letting her contempt for this creature show. " Instead she was taken from us, the people of Rohan. Her mother had not the right to keep the heir of this land away from her father and his people. She belongs here and if you wish to remain her uncle then I suggest you adapt to this fact very soon." Maydir scowled angrily. "She is not leaving us again."
"Very well," Maydir finally conceded with great difficulty, managing to contort his face into a somewhat pleasant expression. "Then I shall await their return."
X X X
"He..." The girl looked away and tears fell from her open eyes into the pool. Eventually her body crumpled in defeat and she looked up with that deathly cold stare once more. "He saved me from the orcs." Éomer returned her cold gaze unsure of what to believe. He had never met this Maydir fellow, and although something was amiss, if Mayda would not condemn him, he could not simply believe the man to be evil on Eowyn's suspicions alone.
"He saved you from the orcs," Éomer repeated brusquely. " Well then I should like to meet your uncle, and commend him for his bravery!" His tone was exaggerated and he noticed the girl wince with every single word he spoke concerning her uncle. Éomer's frustration washed away once he saw how wretched his niece looked. "Are you certain there is nothing you wish to tell me?" Mayda looked up desperately, but it seemed whatever fear was guiding her would not relinquish so easily and she shook her head resolutely.
"Nothing uncle." Another tear fell.
"Come girl, let us return to Edoras, the sun is waning and supper will be almost ready," he said and they returned to the horses. As they pulled on their discarded garments they spoke not a word. Even as they guided their horses back into the plains from the shade of the trees the silence remained. Éomer looked on his niece and saw pain etched into all of her features. Without a word he fell to his knees and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Please do not hate me uncle," Mayda cried into his shoulder, breathing in the musky smell of the tunic. It was a smell she loved as it reminded her of horses and the wild.
"Hate you?" Éomer uttered. "Never could I hate you! Should you burn Meduseld to the ground in an attempt to escape the lore master, still I would not hate you." Mayda giggled shakily and smiled a truly happy smile. They separated and it warmed Éomer's heart to see her beaming face. She looked hesitant for a moment, but then she uttered something quickly before mounting her horse.
Éomer mounted his own horse feeling both touched and happy. As they rode towards Edoras the setting sun basked the world in a pink glow and Éomer let his niece's words roll around in his mind. 'I love you uncle'.
X X X
Both uncle and niece were laughing as though the events at the swimming hole had not happened when they entered the great hall. It was a pleasant sight to see, and the courtiers who had gathered for supper smiled happily at the pair. Both Éomer and Mayda smiled back, but suddenly the young girl's face dropped in horror and she stared ahead.
"Mayda!" a man's voice cried from the head of the great hall and Éomer turned to see a very odd looking man come forward and embrace the shocked girl. He looked as though once he could have been handsome, but he had aged too quickly and he did not look as though he had bathed in many months. Deep creases in his face gave him the look of someone who is always angry and something about him was most untrustworthy. Eventually the man climbed back to his feet and faced the king. His dark eyes fixed on Éomer's grey ones with a glare. He bowed however, and Éomer was unsure of what to do. Had he imagined the look of hatred he had just received?
"My lord, I apologise for my sudden departure upon your arrival," he said in a lowly voice. "It appears the letter explaining the manner of my departure was misplaced." Here he looked on his niece with an accusing stare. She gulped guiltily and shuffled closer to Éomer, reaching up and taking his hand.
"I have been told you wished to make council with me," Éomer said a tone that was very intimidating for many, though it did not seem to affect the man that stood before him. "I must say I was surprised to find you leave upon my arrival." Maydir smiled glibly and bowed his head slightly in a manner that reminded Éomer dreadfully of that snake Grima.
"We cannot control these things," he uttered. Éomer bit the inside of his cheek and considered his growling stomach, but eventually he realised he would rather deal with this business before sitting down to eat.
"Should you wish to discuss the matter now, I will hear you," the King said.
"Your majesty is most kind," Maydir said. Éomer looked down at his niece who had, he was sorry to see, returned into the timid child he had first met.
"Go to your aunt," he ordered gently. Mayda nodded and casting Éomer one last desperate glance she rushed past Maydir to sit beside Lothiriel and her friends.
The queen had been watching her beloved closely, trying to hear what was being said. Now as the King walked out of the hall he turned briefly to catch his wife's gaze and he winked at her, reassuring her. She blushed slightly and turned back to the ladies of the court, wondering what Éomer had found out while out with their niece, and also whether he was going to send the cretin away.
X X X
"I must say Maydir of Archanion, you have shown me no reason to trust you," Éomer said at length once the greasy man had pleaded his case, demanding that he remain Mayda's guardian and be consulted in all matters that concern the girl.
"Nor have I given you reason to mistrust me my lord," Maydir uttered. Éomer nodded his head in agreement and leaned back in the leather chair behind his desk.
"As for the girl's guardianship, I do not understand how strength of blood offers you the right to be her sole custodian," Éomer continued. " Surely you would wish the best for young Mayda? I do not see how a dilapidated estate in an area prone to orc invasion is a more suitable home than the safety of Meduseld." Maydir growled under his breath.
"I have already accepted that she is to remain here in Rohan, all I ask is that I am granted permission to remain with her," he complained agitatedly.
"As her guardian."
"Yes as her guardian!" Maydir repeated. "You had no right to take her from me your majesty."
"I had no right to take her from you?" Éomer suddenly roared getting to his feet. "Master Maydir I did no such thing. When I found that child she was about to fall prey to a company of orcs. They would have killed her had I not saved her and brought her to safety. If I hadn't 'taken her from you' as you so eloquently put it, then you would no longer have a niece and I would be able to cast you from my sight. As for my rights...did you ever meet Théodred?" Maydir too climbed to his feet and nodded fervently.
"Many times," he snapped.
"I say you lie, as you are not mentioned at all in my cousin's journals," Éomer countered dangerously. Maydir scowled.
"I met him once," he hissed.
"Théodred was as a brother to me Master Maydir, and so I thought him to be," Éomer said taken a few steps towards the cretin that stood before him. "His child is as much a niece to me as she is to you. I do not like you Maydir of Archanion and I refuse you guardianship to the princess of the Mark."
"You cannot do that!" Maydir hissed.
"Well then we shall ask the child," Éomer hissed back. A small smile crossed Maydir's face.
"She shall ask for me to stay," he laughed confidently. " My niece loves me your majesty and she will not have me sent away."
"If anything she fears you," Éomer growled. "But as you are so confident of her feelings then we shall ask her. If she insists you remain then yes, you may become her sole custodian. Though if she refuses you, I will banish you from my Kingdom and you may never return, or the consequences will be grave!" Maydir laughed dangerously and nodded, accepting this deal.
X X X
Mayda looked up from her stew as the servant girl approached. She watched intently as she leant down and whispered something in Lothiriel's ear that made the young queen's eyes grow wide. She nodded quickly and excused the girl before turning on Mayda.
"Come my darling," she said kindly, though worry creased her lovely face. Mayda gulped nervously and taking her aunt's hand, she allowed herself to be guided in the direction of the King's personal study. Once Lothiriel had ushered her inside Mayda found both her uncles staring each other down murderously.
"Mayda," Éomer said upon seeing the girl and he walked over to her crouching down before her. "I don't want you to be afraid." Mayda nodded shuffling closer to the king to hide herself from Maydir's intensive stare. "There is a question we must ask of you." The girl nodded once more. Getting to his feet Éomer stepped back slightly. "I must ask whether you wish for your uncle to be sent away, or whether you wish for him to remain here in Edoras." Mayda looked nervous and took several steps back, seeking Lothiriel's comfort. She could not ignore the look on Maydir's face. As if guessing what the man behind him was doing Éomer added, "If you wish for him to be sent away, he will be banished from Rohan and you would never have to see him again."
Mayda looked hopefully to Lothiriel and then slowly onto Maydir, who as shaking his head slowly. His meaning was clear. The young girl knew she could never escape from him.
"I..." Éomer crouched down and took her hand.
"You would be safe here," he said passionately. Her eyes wavered from one man to the next, and slowly the skin on her back started to feel tight as she remembered her uncle's belt slicing her skin open.
"I..." She stopped once more and tears welled up in her eyes once more. Éomer saw he was losing the battle.
"I would protect you!" Mayda closed her eyes and a single tear fell from her face onto Éomer's hand. He looked at it sadly, knowing already what the girl was going to say...
X X X
A/N to Lady scribe of avandell about the britches (previous chapter) – Firstly thank you so much for all your incredibly helpful advice, I look forward to your reviews because they are detailed and help me improve my writing – also really nice to know someone is taking in all the little details :). Now on to the point, the whole revealing the scars scene was always going to be a tricky one. I was very aware as I was wiring it that it just didn't feel comfortable. I thought of introducing Lothiriel into the situation to ease the pressure of having to write carefully to avoid it seeming...well sleazy, but that would make the logistics for Mayda hiding her back even more difficult and also I felt it was an important step in he bonding between Éomer and his niece. I did think of having her wear something on top that went see-through so the scars showed through, or wear an under shirt that had a loose neckline, hanging down at the back, but then I thought that Éomer, after noticing the state of the top of her back (or the whole in the shirt going see-through situation) would wish to see the full extent of the damage and I couldn't for the life of me think of a way to make her taking her shirt off to show him her back sound anything other than dodgy. I felt this way was the lesser of the two evils and I also imagined that in those days, and especially as we're talking about the Rohan (who I always see as a much more down to nature and free people than the people of Gondor), I didn't think they would think twice about a child going swimming in britches alone. Then lastly I thought back to when I was seven and in the summer time I never wore a T-shirt. I realize that some for some people it is not going to feel right at all, but I would rather keep it this way than have the headache of trying to make this sound anything other than creepy – "he made her take her shirt off to show him the rest of the marks". Oh and also I just want to say that child molestation is NOT going to feature in my story. I find it too sordid and evil (child abuse is hard enough to get my head round) to write about. Okay long note, but keep the advice coming, it is SO appreciated!
The heir of Théodred
Chapter Eight
Maydir rode hard and fast ranting as he went. He had encountered the Lady Eowyn on the old North-South road and she had spent an hour interrogating him on his whereabouts. He tried to explain that he had left a letter explaining he had urgent business away in Gondor, but she would not believe him. Eventually she allowed him to continue on his way, calling after him that he would not be received so warmly this time. As Edoras came into view, the cretin smirked darkly.
"Ah, the jewel of Rohan," he sighed. "How glad I will be when you are mine!" He urged his tired steed on and within no time he had reached the Golden Hall, leaving his steed in the custody of the outraged stable- masters. He ignored their urgent questions on how this horse had come to be in such a condition and headed over to the great hall.
Lothiriel was discussing a civil dispute matter with two villagers when commotion sounded from beyond the great doors. Eventually they were flung open and a weary figure stalked in. She recognised the greasy looking man instantly and rose to her feet.
"Where is my niece?" Maydir demanded. Lothiriel looked to the disgruntled villagers and nodded quickly. Reluctantly they headed out, dragging their feet in protest as they went. The young queen gave their retreating backs an apologetic smile before turning coldly on the intruder.
"I will not have you disturbing my council Maydir of Archanion," she stated icily, addressing him by what they had learnt was the name of the lands they believed he had mastery over. Those in Rohan had not yet learnt of Maydir's disownment from the family, and were helpless to believe he really was the master of the river flats that made up the area of Archanion. "You are no longer welcome here as a guest of honour and must await the return of King Éomer ere you may leave again."
"I do not understand you people, I left a very detailed letter describing why I had to leave so unexpectedly. I received word that the farmers on my estate were staging a revolt in Archanion and I had to return as soon as I might," he spat, rewording the lie he had written about with great detail. "Now I demand to see my niece, you may have jurisdiction in this land my lady, but you have no right to keep me from her." Lothiriel narrowed her eyes at the man and walked over to him.
"She is not in Edoras. She is with her uncle," she said.
"She has only one uncle and that is I. The King of this land is merely her cousin, and has not the authority to impede on my custody of the child," he hissed venomously.
"Contain your anger Master Maydir or I will have you removed from these halls," Lothiriel ordered and she returned to the smaller throne beside the king's. "Mayda Théodwyn is the granddaughter of the late King of Rohan. She was offered rule of this land and as she refuse she is now a princess of the Mark..."
"I know all this," Maydir began, but he cowered slightly under Lothiriel's icy gaze. "My lady," he added bitterly. "That is still no reason for her being taken from me."
"She was not taken from you," Lothiriel muttered, finally letting her contempt for this creature show. " Instead she was taken from us, the people of Rohan. Her mother had not the right to keep the heir of this land away from her father and his people. She belongs here and if you wish to remain her uncle then I suggest you adapt to this fact very soon." Maydir scowled angrily. "She is not leaving us again."
"Very well," Maydir finally conceded with great difficulty, managing to contort his face into a somewhat pleasant expression. "Then I shall await their return."
X X X
"He..." The girl looked away and tears fell from her open eyes into the pool. Eventually her body crumpled in defeat and she looked up with that deathly cold stare once more. "He saved me from the orcs." Éomer returned her cold gaze unsure of what to believe. He had never met this Maydir fellow, and although something was amiss, if Mayda would not condemn him, he could not simply believe the man to be evil on Eowyn's suspicions alone.
"He saved you from the orcs," Éomer repeated brusquely. " Well then I should like to meet your uncle, and commend him for his bravery!" His tone was exaggerated and he noticed the girl wince with every single word he spoke concerning her uncle. Éomer's frustration washed away once he saw how wretched his niece looked. "Are you certain there is nothing you wish to tell me?" Mayda looked up desperately, but it seemed whatever fear was guiding her would not relinquish so easily and she shook her head resolutely.
"Nothing uncle." Another tear fell.
"Come girl, let us return to Edoras, the sun is waning and supper will be almost ready," he said and they returned to the horses. As they pulled on their discarded garments they spoke not a word. Even as they guided their horses back into the plains from the shade of the trees the silence remained. Éomer looked on his niece and saw pain etched into all of her features. Without a word he fell to his knees and pulled her into a tight embrace.
"Please do not hate me uncle," Mayda cried into his shoulder, breathing in the musky smell of the tunic. It was a smell she loved as it reminded her of horses and the wild.
"Hate you?" Éomer uttered. "Never could I hate you! Should you burn Meduseld to the ground in an attempt to escape the lore master, still I would not hate you." Mayda giggled shakily and smiled a truly happy smile. They separated and it warmed Éomer's heart to see her beaming face. She looked hesitant for a moment, but then she uttered something quickly before mounting her horse.
Éomer mounted his own horse feeling both touched and happy. As they rode towards Edoras the setting sun basked the world in a pink glow and Éomer let his niece's words roll around in his mind. 'I love you uncle'.
X X X
Both uncle and niece were laughing as though the events at the swimming hole had not happened when they entered the great hall. It was a pleasant sight to see, and the courtiers who had gathered for supper smiled happily at the pair. Both Éomer and Mayda smiled back, but suddenly the young girl's face dropped in horror and she stared ahead.
"Mayda!" a man's voice cried from the head of the great hall and Éomer turned to see a very odd looking man come forward and embrace the shocked girl. He looked as though once he could have been handsome, but he had aged too quickly and he did not look as though he had bathed in many months. Deep creases in his face gave him the look of someone who is always angry and something about him was most untrustworthy. Eventually the man climbed back to his feet and faced the king. His dark eyes fixed on Éomer's grey ones with a glare. He bowed however, and Éomer was unsure of what to do. Had he imagined the look of hatred he had just received?
"My lord, I apologise for my sudden departure upon your arrival," he said in a lowly voice. "It appears the letter explaining the manner of my departure was misplaced." Here he looked on his niece with an accusing stare. She gulped guiltily and shuffled closer to Éomer, reaching up and taking his hand.
"I have been told you wished to make council with me," Éomer said a tone that was very intimidating for many, though it did not seem to affect the man that stood before him. "I must say I was surprised to find you leave upon my arrival." Maydir smiled glibly and bowed his head slightly in a manner that reminded Éomer dreadfully of that snake Grima.
"We cannot control these things," he uttered. Éomer bit the inside of his cheek and considered his growling stomach, but eventually he realised he would rather deal with this business before sitting down to eat.
"Should you wish to discuss the matter now, I will hear you," the King said.
"Your majesty is most kind," Maydir said. Éomer looked down at his niece who had, he was sorry to see, returned into the timid child he had first met.
"Go to your aunt," he ordered gently. Mayda nodded and casting Éomer one last desperate glance she rushed past Maydir to sit beside Lothiriel and her friends.
The queen had been watching her beloved closely, trying to hear what was being said. Now as the King walked out of the hall he turned briefly to catch his wife's gaze and he winked at her, reassuring her. She blushed slightly and turned back to the ladies of the court, wondering what Éomer had found out while out with their niece, and also whether he was going to send the cretin away.
X X X
"I must say Maydir of Archanion, you have shown me no reason to trust you," Éomer said at length once the greasy man had pleaded his case, demanding that he remain Mayda's guardian and be consulted in all matters that concern the girl.
"Nor have I given you reason to mistrust me my lord," Maydir uttered. Éomer nodded his head in agreement and leaned back in the leather chair behind his desk.
"As for the girl's guardianship, I do not understand how strength of blood offers you the right to be her sole custodian," Éomer continued. " Surely you would wish the best for young Mayda? I do not see how a dilapidated estate in an area prone to orc invasion is a more suitable home than the safety of Meduseld." Maydir growled under his breath.
"I have already accepted that she is to remain here in Rohan, all I ask is that I am granted permission to remain with her," he complained agitatedly.
"As her guardian."
"Yes as her guardian!" Maydir repeated. "You had no right to take her from me your majesty."
"I had no right to take her from you?" Éomer suddenly roared getting to his feet. "Master Maydir I did no such thing. When I found that child she was about to fall prey to a company of orcs. They would have killed her had I not saved her and brought her to safety. If I hadn't 'taken her from you' as you so eloquently put it, then you would no longer have a niece and I would be able to cast you from my sight. As for my rights...did you ever meet Théodred?" Maydir too climbed to his feet and nodded fervently.
"Many times," he snapped.
"I say you lie, as you are not mentioned at all in my cousin's journals," Éomer countered dangerously. Maydir scowled.
"I met him once," he hissed.
"Théodred was as a brother to me Master Maydir, and so I thought him to be," Éomer said taken a few steps towards the cretin that stood before him. "His child is as much a niece to me as she is to you. I do not like you Maydir of Archanion and I refuse you guardianship to the princess of the Mark."
"You cannot do that!" Maydir hissed.
"Well then we shall ask the child," Éomer hissed back. A small smile crossed Maydir's face.
"She shall ask for me to stay," he laughed confidently. " My niece loves me your majesty and she will not have me sent away."
"If anything she fears you," Éomer growled. "But as you are so confident of her feelings then we shall ask her. If she insists you remain then yes, you may become her sole custodian. Though if she refuses you, I will banish you from my Kingdom and you may never return, or the consequences will be grave!" Maydir laughed dangerously and nodded, accepting this deal.
X X X
Mayda looked up from her stew as the servant girl approached. She watched intently as she leant down and whispered something in Lothiriel's ear that made the young queen's eyes grow wide. She nodded quickly and excused the girl before turning on Mayda.
"Come my darling," she said kindly, though worry creased her lovely face. Mayda gulped nervously and taking her aunt's hand, she allowed herself to be guided in the direction of the King's personal study. Once Lothiriel had ushered her inside Mayda found both her uncles staring each other down murderously.
"Mayda," Éomer said upon seeing the girl and he walked over to her crouching down before her. "I don't want you to be afraid." Mayda nodded shuffling closer to the king to hide herself from Maydir's intensive stare. "There is a question we must ask of you." The girl nodded once more. Getting to his feet Éomer stepped back slightly. "I must ask whether you wish for your uncle to be sent away, or whether you wish for him to remain here in Edoras." Mayda looked nervous and took several steps back, seeking Lothiriel's comfort. She could not ignore the look on Maydir's face. As if guessing what the man behind him was doing Éomer added, "If you wish for him to be sent away, he will be banished from Rohan and you would never have to see him again."
Mayda looked hopefully to Lothiriel and then slowly onto Maydir, who as shaking his head slowly. His meaning was clear. The young girl knew she could never escape from him.
"I..." Éomer crouched down and took her hand.
"You would be safe here," he said passionately. Her eyes wavered from one man to the next, and slowly the skin on her back started to feel tight as she remembered her uncle's belt slicing her skin open.
"I..." She stopped once more and tears welled up in her eyes once more. Éomer saw he was losing the battle.
"I would protect you!" Mayda closed her eyes and a single tear fell from her face onto Éomer's hand. He looked at it sadly, knowing already what the girl was going to say...
X X X
A/N to Lady scribe of avandell about the britches (previous chapter) – Firstly thank you so much for all your incredibly helpful advice, I look forward to your reviews because they are detailed and help me improve my writing – also really nice to know someone is taking in all the little details :). Now on to the point, the whole revealing the scars scene was always going to be a tricky one. I was very aware as I was wiring it that it just didn't feel comfortable. I thought of introducing Lothiriel into the situation to ease the pressure of having to write carefully to avoid it seeming...well sleazy, but that would make the logistics for Mayda hiding her back even more difficult and also I felt it was an important step in he bonding between Éomer and his niece. I did think of having her wear something on top that went see-through so the scars showed through, or wear an under shirt that had a loose neckline, hanging down at the back, but then I thought that Éomer, after noticing the state of the top of her back (or the whole in the shirt going see-through situation) would wish to see the full extent of the damage and I couldn't for the life of me think of a way to make her taking her shirt off to show him her back sound anything other than dodgy. I felt this way was the lesser of the two evils and I also imagined that in those days, and especially as we're talking about the Rohan (who I always see as a much more down to nature and free people than the people of Gondor), I didn't think they would think twice about a child going swimming in britches alone. Then lastly I thought back to when I was seven and in the summer time I never wore a T-shirt. I realize that some for some people it is not going to feel right at all, but I would rather keep it this way than have the headache of trying to make this sound anything other than creepy – "he made her take her shirt off to show him the rest of the marks". Oh and also I just want to say that child molestation is NOT going to feature in my story. I find it too sordid and evil (child abuse is hard enough to get my head round) to write about. Okay long note, but keep the advice coming, it is SO appreciated!