Wow, so many reviews! Thank you so much! You all rock so much!

I'm so happy that everyone liked the chapter. And don't worry, we haven't seen the last of Endara yet!

While I'm writing this, my sister is watching G.I. Jane, with Viggo Mortenson. During the ads break, she switched over to another channel, and there was this movie called Dead Letters on, starring Miranda Otto. Freaky or what? Viggo looks SO different in G.I. Jane. I must say, I prefer him as Aragorn. Well, now that pointless little bit is done… on with the fic.

Reviewer responses at the end.

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Edoras, February 3019.

Éowyn stood on the battlements, gazing out across the plains. The wind whipped her hair and dress, but Éowyn barely noticed. It was early February, and though the sun shone brightly, there was no heat in its rays. The nearby Larada bush, much grown since she had planted it years ago, gave off a relaxing floral scent, and Éowyn was reminded of Faramir. She always thought of him when she saw it, and that was often. She wondered how he was faring, and if he still felt for her. She had long ago convinced herself that her infatuation for the son of the Steward was a mere childish display, but she still missed him as a friend.

On this day, her heart was heavy. It was seventeen years to the day since her father had been ambushed and murdered by orcs. Éowyn had few clear memories of him, as she was only seven when he died and she was twenty three now, but she remembered his voice, his strength and how safe she felt in his arms.

Today she would ride out to the spot where her parents had often brought herÉomer and Théodred when they were alive. It was a beautiful copse of trees three miles form Edoras, and they had often picnicked there. She always went there on either of her parent's anniversaries. It was a happy memory for her. Usually Éomer accompanied her, but he and Théodred were off patrolling the Mark, so she would go alone.

Not totally alone. Her common sense told her that these were dangerous times and she knew she had to have an escort. Hama would go with her, as would Gamling. They were two of her uncle's most trusted advisors and guards, but unfortunately there was little need for them now.

Her uncle had succumbed to an illness the year before, and had not recovered since. He had aged beyond his years, and barely moved from his throne now. And Grima… Éowyn winced at the thought of him, Grima was the only one he listened to now.

Éowyn turned and headed back inside, she would inform her uncle of her plan to ride out and ask Hama and Gamling to join her. She entered the hall and approached Théoden. She knelt before him, and took one of his gnarled, aged hands in her own.

"Uncle," she whispered. "Uncle, I plan to ride out. My father died seventeen years ago today, and I wish to go to our place. You know where I speak of."

But Théoden didn't speak. He barely moved, and made no sign that he heard her.

"Uncle, I wish Hama and Gamling to accompany me. That is, if they would not mind," she said, looking at the two guards. They nodded and bowed to the king, leaving to saddle their horses.

"Are you sure it is wise to venture forth my Lady? I'm sure your uncle wishes you to stay where it is safe," Grima's voice floated out from the small side entrance located behind the throne. "In fact, I know he does. He told me so himself."

"I am riding out Grima," Éowyn told him coldly, suppressing a shiver of disgust as he slid towards her. How time had changed him! "I can take care of myself and I have guards with me." Éowyn whirled around and left the hall in a swirl of skirts.

She strode silently to her room to get her gloves and riding cloak. Guards and sentries bowed as she passed. They were in awe of her. She was beautiful, and as brave as any man. She could outride most men in the city, and was an excellent swordswoman. She truly deserved the title of 'Shieldmaiden.'

Many considered her to be cold and aloof though. She rarely showed affection for people, and even then, is was for her brother, cousin and her uncle.

Éowyn walked swiftly to she stables and was greeted by her mare, Windfola. She smiled at the horse, and promised her a good ride today. She was attaching her sword to her saddle bag when Hama and Gamling found her there. Together the three rode out of the city.

Éowyn was silent for a time, but relished the feel of the wind in her hair. It felt like she had not been this free in so long. Soon, she relaxed and laughed aloud as she raced across the plains. Hama and Gamling were glad to see their Lady smile once more. It seemed a dark cloud had hung over the Golden Hall for to long, and that if was affecting Lady Éowyn the most.

Éowyn reigned in her horse as they reached the trees, and smiled at the sight. The copse was about a mile long and wide, too small to be considered a forest or wood, but it gave welcome shade to many a weary traveler in the land. Éowyn remembered long ago games played in the trees, and climbing races between her brother and cousin.

Windfola whinnied and began to move restlessly under her. Éowyn tried to calm down the beautiful grey horse. What was wrong with her? It was almost as if she had sensed something amiss. Éowyn stiffened as they reached the trees.

All was silent… too silent. No birds called in the trees, and no animals could be heard scurrying for a hiding place from the approaching humans. Gamling dismounted and helped Éowyn down.

"I do not like this, my lady," he confided to her in a whisper. "Hama and I feel that something is not right. Perhaps we should not stay long."

"I agree with you Gamling," Éowyn answered. "Much as it grieves me to say it, this place is…"

Éowyn never got to finish her sentence. Sudden shouts interrupted her, and echoed across the plains. In a sudden burst of activity, two dozen Uruk-Hai leapt from their hiding places in the trees, surrounding the three riders.

Éowyn tore her sword from its scabbard in her saddle bag. Hama dismounted and he and Gamling unsheathed their swords and moved in front of their lady to try to protect her. But it was no use, as they were completely surrounded.

"What do we have here?" their leader sneered as he came to a stop in front of Éowyn. She stood her ground when she faced him, surprising him. Gartec towered over her, but Éowyn stared back at him defiantly.

"What a pretty thing," he said, his foul breath making Éowyn nauseous. "Perhaps after we kill your men, we can find some use for you."

The host of Uruk-Hai behind him laughed, and Éowyn tightened her grip on her sword.

"I think not," she said and swung her sword. Gartec's head hit the grass before anyone could draw breath. With shouts of rage, the Uruk-Hai attacked.

Éowyn slew the first Uruk that came her way, but many soon followed. They were hopelessly outnumbered, but the three from Rohan fought bravely and with honour.

But, no matter how many they killed, more still came. Éowyn, Hama and Gamling were pushed into a smaller and smaller circle, and it seemed as if they would not survive this. Éowyn felt a stab of regret as she thought of her brother. He would be heartbroken to hear of her death in such a fashion, on such a day.

She silently asked the Valar to protect him as another Uruk advanced on her. This one was strongÉowyn fancied she heard bird calls above the din, but couldn't be sure. Her sword was knocked out of her hand, and the creature ran at her, his own sword held high to deliver the death blow. Éowyn closed her eyes braced herself for the pain that never came.

She opened her eyes and saw her attacker lying on the ground. An arrow protruded from his chest. She grabbed her sword again just as seven figures slipped from the trees. All were clad in dark green and their hoods obscured their faces.

Rangers! Thank the Valar!

Éowyn sighed in relief, even as she fought. The rangers from Gondor (for she knew their clothes) fought valiantly, and soon the tide of the fight was changed. As the last Uruk was killedÉowyn stuck her sword in the ground and rested heavily upon the hilt. It was one thing training, it was another thing actually fighting. She sent up a brief, silent prayer of thanks for their deliverance, and surveyed the scene.

Hama and Gamling were dusting themselves off. Both looked unhurt aside from the numerous cuts and scratches that Éowyn herself had also. Unfortunately, the rangers hadn't fared so well. Two were lying on the ground, obviously in pain. Another leaned against his friend, wincing at the pain from the gash in his leg. The others were milling around them checking them out.

"My thanks to you," Éowyn said, straightening up. "I am Lady Éowyn of Rohan. Please, accompany us to Edoras. Your wounds will be seen to there."

A very tall man, obviously the leader of the rangers stepped forward.

"You are not Lady Éowyn," he told her, his voice muffled from underneath his hood.

"Excuse me?" Éowyn asked, highly insulted.

"WellÉowyn is eight years old you see, with her long hair in plaits. Oh, and her name is Blossom," Faramir grinned as he pulled back his hood.

Éowyn gasped. Faramir! He looked so good. He was even more handsome than he had been before. His face was deeply tanned, and his eyes still held the same sparkle that Éowyn remembered.

"Faramir!" she cried, launching herself into his arms. Hama and Gamling along with Faramir's rangers gaped at the pair.

Hama and Gamling hadn't seen the White Lady so excited in years, and the Rangers had never seen Faramir smile so widely.

"I can't believe it's you!" Éowyn shouted as Faramir swung her around.

"Hello Blossom," Faramir smiled as he held her close.

His little Blossom was little no more. She was tall and slender, and even more beautiful that she had been when he had last seen her. He felt a brief pang as he remembered their last meeting, but he pushed it to one side. It did not matter now.

He finally set her down, and stepped back to get a proper look at her.

"Gods Éowyn!" he exclaimed. "You've grown up so much."

"Well, you haven't seen me in seven years," she reminded him.

"I know," Faramir grinned. "I'm feeling quite old all of a sudden."

Éowyn laughed, and hugged him. A groan of pain emanating from one of the Rangers caused the two friends to look up and realise that everyone was staring at them

"Mablung, hold steady man. We will get you help soon," Faramir said as knelt beside his friend. Mablung had been slashed by the filthy blade of an Uruk, and was in great pain. Another of the Rangers, Demeth, had been stabbed in the side, and was unconscious.

Éowyn came over beside them.

"Don't worry," she told Faramir. "We have fine healers in Edoras. They will be alright. Hama! Gamling!" she called.

"Yes my Lady?" they asked, joining the group.

"Ride ahead to Edoras. Bring these men with you. Inform the healers that we have more wounded on the way, though not seriously. Just a few cuts and scratches. Oh, and get yourselves seen to also."

"But my lady, we are to guard you…" Gamling began.

"Hush," she told them kindly, touched by their concern for her. "I am safe with Faramir. We shall walk back to the city."

They looked as if they would protest again, but Demeth stirred, and groaned in pain.

"Hurry, these men need you!" she urged them. The two guards exchanged looks, but obeyed. With help, they lifted the men up into the saddle, and got up behind them.

"We will send back a guard to escort you," Hama promised.

"Very well," Éowyn sighed and they galloped off. Faramir was hiding a smile as he examined a wound on Damrod's leg.

"And what are you laughing at my Lord?" Éowyn asked as she knelt down beside him.

"Nothing," Faramir answered, but continued to grin. Damrod laughed as Éowyn glared at his Captain. There was obviously much affection between the two.

"Come on," Éowyn told the injured Ranger. "You may ride my mare as we walk back to Edoras."

"But my lady..." Damrod began to protest, but Éowyn cut him off.

"I insist. You are injured, and I am not. It makes sense."

"Better do as she says Damrod," Faramir told him. "You don't want to incur the wrath of Éowyn."

Éowyn elbowed him in the side and went off to fetch Windfola, thereby missing Faramir's wince of pain.

As soon as they had Damrod seated on Windfola, they set off. Faramir and Éowyn led the horse with the other three rangers bring up the rear.

Anborn grinned widely as he saw the Captain and Lady Éowyn talking fervently. He remembered a night several years ago when he found the Captain standing outside her door, begging her to talk with him. It seemed like all that was in the past. What he wouldn't give to be Damrod right now, sitting on the horse and in a position to hear their conversation.

"So you were tracking the Uruk's for three weeks?" Éowyn asked Faramir.

"Yes. Three long weeks," Faramir told her. "They kept evading us, so I took six of my best men and we kept pursuit. But they always were ahead of us by about a day. It was just luck that we came upon you when you were being attacked."

"And thank the Valar you did. I thought it was over for a moment there."

"Ah, come on Blossom. You know I'd never let anything happen to you," Faramir grinned.

"You just said that it was pure luck that you came across us!" Éowyn reminded him. They heard a stifled laugh from behind them, and Faramir turned to glare at Damrod. Damrod suddenly decided that the scenery they passed was worth a second glance, and looked anywhere but at his captain.

"I am sorry your men got injured helping us," Éowyn told him.

'It was not your fault," Faramir assured her. "In truth, we have become too dependent on our bows. You were too close to the targets for us to shoot without hitting you, so we had to use our swords."

"Still…"

"Éowyn, it was not your fault," Faramir told her, and she squeezed his arm in gratitude.

They were just over a mile from Edoras when the sound of many horses reached their ears. Over the hill came a company of Riders, Hama at the lead, followed by five riders. They came to a halt before the small walking party.

"Hama, that was good time," Éowyn told him. "Did the healers look at your wounds?"

"They are mere scratches my lady but yes they did check me over," he told her. "Gamling had to get stitches for a cut in his arm, or he would be here with me. Lord Faramir," he said, addressing the Gondorian "The healers bade me tell you that your men will be fine. The wounds, though painful, are not life threatening. Even Demeth's injury was not as severe under inspection. His ribs turned the knife away from the heart. They will need a few day's bed rest, but they both will be fine."

"Excellent," Faramir smiled. He was very worried about his rangers. More importantly than being under his command, they were his friends.

"You must stay in the city until they have recovered," Éowyn said. "It is the least we can do for saving us."

Faramir was torn. On one hand, he knew that his men needed to rest and recuperate. On the other hand, the feelings that he had convinced himself he didn't have for Éowyn were coming back. They had faded with the distance of many years, but he knew that given half the chance, they would come rushing back even stronger than before.

He did the only thing he could do. For the good of his men, he told Éowyn they would stay. He was rewarded with a swift hug before she climbed up onto the horse behind Hama. The rangers did the same with the other riders, leaving Damrod on Windfola as he was injured.

"Come, we have excellent healers in Edoras," Éowyn told him. "It will not pain you for long."

Faramir smiled at her attempts to lighten the injured man's mood as the riders spurred their horses on, and towards the Golden Hall.

XXXX

That was just a little taster for the next chapter. I'll try to get it up sometime this week. Hope you liked it.

Grey Eyed Fighter: I totally think it is. I myself am in love with Jason from the Judith McNaught book Once and Always. (Well, I love Faramir a teensy bit more, so I'm not cheating on him!) And David Wenham… oh my god the man is goddamned beautiful! Glad you like the fic.

sidhe-ranme: Thanks! Endara will get a real 'slap' down in a few chapters.

Susan W: I had fun writing that bit with Boromir. I just imagined Sean bean in my head (My god that was fun) and saw him whistling as he sauntered down the hall. Hehehe. I'm addicted to historical romance novels, and the younger son is often left an inheritance from an aunt or something. So, I just changed it to his mother. Hmmm, it would be fun to have Endara dragged off during the siege, but then Éowyn wouldn't get to bitch slap her. Also, I may have a sequel involving her…. If I can work out the kinks in the story. Maybe…

LinNicole: Oh, fresh blood…. Seriously, thank you for reviewing. I really appreciate it. I'm glad you like it. I love nicknames. My boyfriend calls me…. well, I can't tell you. He would kill me if I did. But, I thought Blossom would be a good name for Faramir to call her. I couldn't let Endara ruin them. I'm too much of a shipper to let them part on such bad terms for years.

Vor Tirla Laime: I can imagine Éomer punching someone for hurting his baby sister. They strike me as really close siblings, and if one of them hurts, the other one does. Grima is himself in this chapter… The Grima we all know and loathe. Nice to know I can count on you if Endara gets out of hand again.

ForeverFaramir: Hear that Endara? Orcs, and Easterlings and Hobbits oh my!

Endara: Um… um… I'll be…. Somewhere away from here 'Endara runs off and hides in a pile of hay'

ForeverFaramir: Yeah, you'd better run!

Anyway, thanks for reviewing.

Lackwit: Nekkid Faramir…… 'two hours later' sorry. Got distracted by the imagery for a moment there. Let me just mop up this floor of drool here. Ok, it's gone. Grima is going to be in the next few chapters a bit. Hope you like how I've written him. Thank you so much for your kind words. I try!

Flowerbee1: Well, I can't promise that. I fact, I can promise you that she will definitely be in this later. (I had to let Éowyn at least slap her once) Boromir is a sweetie, isn't he?

Ribic-cube: Thanks for reviewing. I hope you like the update.

Elenhin: Thanks! I got Crocodile Hunter last night. I was ready to strangle Steve Irwin within five minutes, but David was gorgeous, and brilliant, and gorgeous, and talented, and gorgeous (you get the idea) The things I do for that man… Loved the 'Oh sugar' bits especially when he accidentally fired the shotgun. My favourite bit was when he swung the gate over to his truck. He so adventurous! Anyway, Thanks for your kind words. Boromir can definitely be menacing (Sean Bean is SUCH a good bad guy) Grima is back in this chapter! And as movie-evil as always. Hope you like the update.

Tasya: I'm not saying if she is going to fall for Aragorn yet. You'll have to read to find out. And I agree… LONG LIVE FARAMIR AND EOWYN!

Rebby: I know you said I could have a holiday, but I was just drawn back to the computer. Endara deserves everything she gets. I had to get Anborn to interrupt them. He didn't want to, but I threatened to tickle him with feathers if he didn't. Anborn is just a big girl really.

Anborn: Hey!

ForeverFaramir: What?

Anborn: I'm not a big girl. I'm a big tough ranger.

ForeverFaramir: Of course you are dear. Now, run along and play with your implements of death, like a good little ranger.

Anborn: Fine! 'mumbles' I'm not a baby!

ForeverFaramir: Stop whining! Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, he didn't want to do it, but I made him. I'm just evil that way. They will end up together, but I want to throw as many obstacles I their way as I can. Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot.

Fealaurin: Glad you liked the update. Grima has always intrigued me, so I wanted him to be in my fic. He has so much potential for evil!

Zirona: Thank you! You're such a sweetie. Hope you like the update.

The bad speller: Thank you. I'm so glad you like this. And thank you for reviewing. I know Éowyn is going to slap her, but I don't think Faramir will. He's too much of a gentleman to hit a woman, no matter how much she deserves it. Feel free to offer any suggestions on giving Endara what she deserves.

ClapToSaveTheFaries: Thanks for reviewing. I'm not telling what her reaction to Aragorn will be. You'll have to read to find out. And, she really, really does have good taste.

Reviews are my life's blood

Flames are my kryptonite.

Review please

ForeverFaramir