Chapter One: Curiousity

Grima Wormtongue, advisor to the King, servant of Saruman the White.. Master of Rohan, sat this day at the base of the throne, listening to the silence of the empty Golden Hall. As it was everyday, and as it would be, there were no visitors for the King. Everything that had to be done, was brought to him, and so Grima enjoyed his free time, thoughts of the Shield maiden foremost in his thoughts. In all of Rohan, she was the only thing that eluded him, slipping from his grasp each day like sand. Her concern for her uncle, among other things, surely interfering with his attempts to win her heart. He needed something more.. a sure thing, for his words, did not sway her.

Soft foot steps could be heard echoing down the hall, followed by longer more metallic ones. Two golden haired Rohirrims walked through the halls leading towards the throne room. To the left was Eomer, nephew of Théoden; and to the right, his younger sister Eowyn. Eowyn was dressed in a hunter green gown, made of smooth velvet material. Golden designs etched the waist of the dress, the threads glittering in the dim light of the halls. Her long hair spilled over her shoulders, reaching down to the design at her waist. The man moved his sister closer to his side as they entered the throne room, he walked with her to their uncles throne, standing as Eowyn kneeled in front of the withered man.

Grima raised his head from his contemplations, his eyes focusing on the pair in the dark hall, hazy in the dust until they strode closer. Standing, he moved away from Eomer, putting the arm of the throne between him and the King's nephew, past encounters still fresh in his mind "Ahh, my King, your niece, and nephew have arrived..." Leaning in closer to the King's ear, he whispered "Be wary of what Eomer speaks, he is suspicious my lord...

Eowyn gave Grima no glance or no signal to show she knew he was there. She placed her hands over her Uncles and smiled up at him. A smile, something she never wore for Grima, the man who fancied her so. Eomer took a step forward standing between his sister and the man shrouded in black. He knew very well of the advisors lust for his sister, and he would do everything in his power to keep the worm away from her. He placed his hand on Eowyns head gently, stroking her hair as he watched her.

His shoulders hunched defensively, shying away from Eomer, at the same time, his eyes strayed to Eowyn, unable to resist looking upon her fair visage... he had loved her for so long now... a rejected love, a resisted love. He was a disgusted figure, and it was not Eomer alone who tried to keep him from Eowyn, poisoned her mind against him. In those few times that he had been able to speak to her, away from others, he had heard the lies she had spouted back at him, learned from others. He would change that, but first he must rid himself of Eomer, more of a shadow to Eowyn than himself it seemed at times.

Eowyn spoke softly with her Uncle, "Eomer is going to survey the west side of Rohan My Lord.." she whispered. "But Theodrid will remain with us…" she said. With a glare to Grima he looked back at Eowyn and added "And to watch over you…" It was apparent that Eowyn did not like that statement from her choice to not tell her uncle that specifically. Rising to her feet she kissed the mans wrinkled forehead and left the room with her brother without as much as a good day to Grima Wormtongue.

As they left, Grima returned to his place at the foot of the throne, looking up to speak with the King, "Do you see how Eomer speaks ill of me? I am advisor to your Lordship, and yet he acts as if he does not trust me. Was it not you who appointed me my Lord.. perhaps it is that he does not trust you my King, and that is treason." He trailed off, letting the thoughts take root in the King's mind, he would continue, until he had rid himself of Eomer...

It was midday before Eowyn bid farewell to her brother. She watched from the stable doors as his horse was followed by other mens. Though she was concerned for his safety, she was quite relieved that he was gone. Eomer had always been over protective of his sister, so Eowyn rarely had a moments peace. And now that he was gone, she could do as she pleased to an extent. Gently picking up the skirts of her gown she walked inside, passing the open door to the throne room, before retreating into her own bed chamber.

Grima's dark eyes followed Eowyn's form as it passed the hunger apparent in his eyes. He dared not approach her in her bed chamber, he had no fear the King would object, but even with Eomer gone... he licked his lips furtively, he had several days at least, he had time.. yes, time indeed. Rising, he made excuses to retrieve a midday meal, settling in a small room off of the Golden Hall, summoning a servant to send a message to Eowyn, requesting her presence on the matter of Eomer's leaving.

As Eowyn came to the door of the throne room, Theodrid followed close behind. She turned her head, saying something to her cousin which made him nod and continue on his way to the stables as well. She walked inside, her eyes narrowing as she viewed Grima "Yes?" she said coldly, standing beside her Uncles throne.

Grima stood, bowing gracefully to Eowyn, the image ruined slightly by the quality of his clothes, nothing compared to the nobles of the court, "Ahh, Eowyn, it is always a pleasure to see you. I thank you for arriving so promptly. Have you eaten? I could have something brought." His eyes studied her, taking in all he could while she was here, his fingers tapered before his chest, twiddling nervously.

Ignoring his question of her hunger she shifted her weight to rest on both feet instead of leaning on the throne. "Why have you summoned me?" she asked ,moving her hand down to gently hold her Uncles. She took notice of his nervous tapping, but paid no mind to it. Eomer and Theodrids words of Grima echoed in her mind, and it disgusted her. But for some reason, she was not complete in this disgust. She could still look into the mans eyes.

"I just wished to inquire on Eomer's safe departure. It would be a shame if anything were to happen to him. A blow to all of Rohan." He lowered his hands, clasping them behind his back. His eyes never left Eowyn, a smile trying to find it's way to his lips, but not quite succeeding.

"Eomer is well and shall return in a few days, if that is all I was called for I shall take my leave." She nodded to him, and turned quickly making her way to the door. She said something softly to a servant before making her way to her chambers. The servant rushed off, and within a few moments Alira, Eowyns personal maid, walked through the throne room carrying a few white towels.

Grima was curious about the towels, so much so that he could not resist following Alira, staying out of sight as he trailed her through the halls, using the skills he had honed, watching Eowyn without being noticed, to remain unseen to the maid, and thus, above suspicion.

To Be Continued....