Ari spun quickly, shocked that anyone had come out after her. Eomer's eyes shimmered in the moonlight as he fastened the cloak at Ari's throat.

"Do all women in your world drink like you?"

"Hell no…but I'm a sucker for drinking games and boat races." Eomer's hand drifted along her collar bone and up over her shoulder. "I didn't embarrass you…did I?"

"No." Ari felt light headed and wondered if the ale was finally taking hold of her or if it was just because Eomer was standing so close to her. "I could never be embarrassed by you." He said as his hand strayed up to the back of her neck.

"Eomer…"His fingers traced lightly over her lips and she grew quiet. She had to close her eyes to keep from jumping him right then and there. She calmed herself slightly and opened her eyes to gaze into his, which she could hardly make out in the dark shadows crossing his handsome face. A wayward strand of sun bleached hair dropped into his face and Ari carefully reached up to push it away; her fingers lightly brushing against his cheek. The contact seemed to break Eomer's resolve and he suddenly grasped her arms and spun her so that she was pinned to the wall behind them. Eomer stepped closer to her and brought his mouth down to hers. She was surprised how gentle he was and how soft his lips were. She moaned as he pulled her closer to him, she draped her arms across his broad shoulders and pulled him closer. Ari could feel the sexual tension build, explode and release as his hands ran up her back. She wanted him…had wanted him since the day she had first seen him on escaping the prison.

They were still kissing when there was suddenly a cry from inside. They separated quickly and looked at the door of the hall. Ari and Eomer moved towards the door, sprinting up the halls to where there was a commotion outside one of the bed chambers.

Gandalf was towering over a very tiny and shocked Pippin. "How could you? He knows we're here now! You foolish Hobbit!"

"What's going on?" Someone asked.

"He looked into the Palantir." Ari went and sat beside Pip, who looked shaken.

"Are you OK?" Pip stared blankly at Ari for a moment and nodded slowly.

"I don't know what came over me…it was calling to me…."

Gandalf and Aragorn began discussing the occurrence and what needed to be done. Eventually it was decided that Gandalf would take Pippin to Gondor. It would be a week before they heard from Gandalf and Pippin again.

Eomer and Ari were separated throughout the week, but not by choice. Ari was busy tending wounded or helping Eowyn. Eomer was on Patrol. It was surprising to Ari one night when she was roused from her sleep. Shouts echoed through the hall and heavy footsteps pounded past. Ari was up and sprinting down the hall following the men who had just run past. When she got outside her gaze was instantly drawn to the mountain tops where fires blazed as signals. Eomer stood to one side in a light shirt, trousers and boots. He was always ready Ari noted with a sad smile. She was standing in a tank top and her shorts barefoot, her hair pulled out of her braid.

"Eomer, what's going on?" Ari asked as she drew close to him.

"Aren't your feet cold?"

"No; just answer my question smart ass." Eomer grinned but didn't really look at her.

"Signal Fires; Gondor is in need."

"How long does it take to light all those fires?"

"A little more than an hour." Eomer continued to stare at the fires glowing atop the mountains. "There will be a battle." Pandemonium ensued as the word went around the city and people saw the signal fires for themselves. A council was held, of which Ari and Eowyn were not privy to. Ari sat outside though and knew that the Rohirrim would soon be moving.

A camp was established from which a base of operation could be set up. Men and boys from all over Rohan congregated there for outfitting and mustering. Eomer ran himself ragged trying to deal with it all and though Ari tried to help, it was in vain.

"So when do we leave?" She asked one night as she came up to his fire and plopped down next to him.

"'We' don't. You and Eowyn are going back to Rohan."

"Like Hell I am…."

"Don't fight with me Ari. I haven't the strength for it." Eomer sighed. His eyes were closed and he shook his head slightly.

"Alright, so don't fight me. I'm going."

"You can't!" Eomer's face was drawn, but his eyes seemed to glow with a dull hatred. "Who will care for Eowyn?"

"'Wyn will do just dandy. She's a strong girl." Ari made a move to get up but Eomer stopped her.

"Ari….please. I need you to promise me you'll take her back…that you'll protect her."

"Eomer…"

"Promise me Arianna!" Eomer grasped her hands tightly and stared deeply into her eyes. He shook her slightly. "Promise!"

"I promise." The gaze in his eyes compelled her to say it, even though she really didn't want to. Eomer kissed her fiercely but broke it before it could go any farther.

"Go—you have to get ready to leave." Eomer rose and went into his tent leaving Ari sitting beside the fire.