Chapter Two:

((A note, due to a review Aliras name will now be changed))

Silence filled the darkened hall, even ones breath sounded like a thunderstorm at its peak. Eliska opened the door with a smile turning her head over her shoulder seeming to look at Eowyn. "I will be back in a few moments Lady Eowyn" she said, shutting the door behind herself. The frail older woman brushed a few straggly pieces of brown hair from her face as she walked down the hall, spotting Lord Grima at the other end. She curtsied "Good eve…My Lady is taking her bath, she will speak to no one" she said simply as if she knew why he was there.

Grima frowned; even her serving maid was trying to keep them apart! Spinning on a heel, without even a word to Eliska, he stalked through the halls, his hands held tightly behind his back, his face a mask of deep concentration. He had to get Eowyn alone! That was the only way... his only chance.

Eowyn's door was not closed completely, leaving a ray of sunshine to creep through the doors and into the dim hall. Eowyn's room was decorated with white silk and white roses (the lady's favorite flower) A large canopy bed stood in front of a lit fireplace, a stain was on her carpet from when she was young and spilled tea all over it. Beside the fireplace, was another door which was also slightly open. Eowyn was resting, relaxing in the marble bath tub and surrounded by warm water and bubbles. The curtains were drawn around the bath giving her privacy if the maid decided to walk in for something. As she shifted in the bath and rested her head back against one of the pillows which was gracefully placed behind her head for comfort, she began to hum a song that was common on celebration day, a cheerful tune but with compromising lyrics.

Grima eventually made his way back the throne room. It was nearing supper and his place was near the King, so he interprets events in the 'correct' light. With Eomer gone, it would only be Theodrid to contend with. It wouldn't be hard to make an excuse to get Eowyn to join him... something for her uncle perhaps, a special brew, or find bread from the kitchens... yes, yes. A small smile flashed across his lips, soon.. soon

Eowyn fell asleep in the warmth of the bath, only to be woken by her maid a few moments later. When supper began, she came into the throne room with Theodrid, dressed in a lovely sky blue gown with a powder blue sash. Her hair was done up in small ringlets, and the earrings that her brother had gave her for her last birthday sparkled. Theodrid took his spot beside his father, motioning for Eowyn to sit close.

Sitting on the other side of the king, Grima was busy speaking words of condemnation of Eomer, "... contempt your lordship, pure contempt in his eyes.." As Eowyn and Theodrid entered, he gave the King a knowing look and settled into his seat, folding his hands lightly in his lap. His eyes immediately going to Eowyn.

As the servants began bringing out food Theodrid spoke softly to Eowyn then turned his head leaning forwards somewhat to look at Grima. "Well what news has reached my uncles ear today Wormtongue" he asked, sipping the wine which was poured for him.

"All is well in the Mark, the herd fares well. The people are content." His voice was distracted, his eyes following the servant who brought the main dish of the meal, a large roast bird, likely caught on the hunt this afternoon. He could not see Eowyn, the King and Theodrid between them, but he could sense her, his nose picking up the soft smell of her rose soap, so attuned was he to her presence

"That is good…and what of the Orcs that have so frequently neared us?" the Prince asked with suspicion eyeing the man shrouded in black.One of the servant boys came in and gently tugged Eowyn's sleeve. She turned her head and smiled to him, taking his hand when he held it out for her. She stood and followed him into the kitchen "Where are we going?" she laughed, looking down at the boy, kneeling as he stopped. The boy smiled brightly and held up a white rose for her.

"I believe that is what Eomer left to see about.. is it not?" His tone was slightly mocking, a slight smile directed his way. Focusing on his plate, Grima resisted the urge to follow Eowyn with his eyes as she was led away, miraculously towards the kitchens, this may be easier than he thought. After a few moments, piling his plate with food, he turned to the King "Ahh, your Lordship, I have had a special entree ordered for you... if you will excuse me, I will check on it's progress." Standing, he bowed and hurried away, heading towards the kitchens, hiding from sight as Eowyn came into view, taking a moment to watch her, unobserved

Eowyn smiled kindly, leaning down and kissing the boys forehead "Why thank you.." she stood up and took the boys hand "lets find some water for it.." she said and walked to the cupboards. Searching through them and finding a small vase she set the flower in. Enjoying herself, she pet the boys hair as he filled the vase with water, she did not notice Grima's presence. "Can you go put it in my bedroom?" she asked the boy and smiled as he rushed off with the flower. It was then she smelled the light scent which only filled the air when Wormtongue was around. She turned her head her eyes narrowing as she spotted him.

Bowing quickly, he walked into the room, as if he had just arrived. "Hello M'lady, a pleasure.. as always." He offered her a slight, nervous, smile, his hands at his sides, his shoulders stiff. "I trust everything is well? I grew worried for you, when you did not return..."

"Yes, everything is fine.." she said turning her gaze from him to the returning boy. She smiled and kissed his forehead gently, whispering a soft thank you to him before motioning him to go back to his work. The smile danced still on her lips as she watched him, forgetting temporarily who else was in the room.

He reached forward, slowly, as if to stroke her hair, her smile softening her face in a way he had never seen directed at him, adding to her beauty. Distracted as she was, the malice that masked her face when she looked at him was gone, and the true softness of her features... his breath caught in his throat, drawing away the haze that had clouded his mind, his hand falling, "I am glad.. If anything were to happen to you..."

Her smiled faded as she turned her head to look upon him. "I do not think a servant boy leading me into the kitchens would cause any harm to me.." she said moving the strand of hair which always seemed to hang from her face away. Rumors from Theodrid echoed in her mind, the disgusting tales of Wormtongue playing endlessly. But she shook away the rumors, having never truly talked with him because of these words. She wondered for a moment, if they were actually true.

To Be Continued...