Chapter Fifteen

The night was one of the most beautiful she had seen in a very long time. Not a cloud in the sky to hide the sparkling stars that were scattered across the endless dark sky. Inhaling deeply, she relished the feel of the fresh sea air that had just begun to blow gently and pulling her shawl tighter around her body, Lothíriel made her way to the balcony facing the ocean. It was well into the night and by right, she should be exhausted after their morning sail, but in truth she did not feel weary at all. Her body was still rushing with the euphoria of the day, as well as the good night kiss Éomer had eagerly given her just a few hours ago. A pleasant thrill rushed through her, and she couldn't help grin broadly at the memory of his wine sweetened lips pressed intimately against hers.

She suddenly stopped short when she realized that someone else had exactly the same idea as she had and was already on the balcony. And by the straight shoulder, stiff back posture she knew it could be only one person.

"Eli?" she called out and the figure turned to her, his face hidden by the dark, but she recognized the silhouette of his smile and walked on till she was standing beside him.

"Why are you still up?" he asked, now leaning slightly so he could look at her.

"I couldn't sleep," she said, shrugging her shoulders slightly. Elphir rolled his eyes at that and Lothíriel playfully hit him.

"How about you? What weighs on your mind tonight, dear brother?" she asked. Elphir turned back to the sea before him and sighed.

"No one," was his distracted reply. Lothíriel smirked at that. She wondered if Elphir even knew of his slip up.

"Lady Helena looked particularly lovely today don't you think?" she said after a while of silence. From the corner of her eyes she could see him suddenly tense up again.

"I didn't notice," he said but he had turned away from her.

"And that dress she wore, the yellow color complimented her skin…"

"Her dress was beige."

Lothíriel turned to him trying not to grin harder than she already was.

"What was that, Eli?" she asked in a surprise tone.

"Her dress was beige, not yellow," he replied and finally turned to look at her wearing a sheepish smile on his face. He knew when he was caught.

"Didn't notice eh?" she couldn't see it in the dark but she knew his ears were bright red. Sighing loudly, he slumped against the railing, his back resting against it. She sat beside him, and took time in arranging her skirts properly around her as Elphir tried to collect his thoughts.

"I don't know what is happening, Riel, I don't understand this feeling in my heart," he said after a few more seconds of silent contemplation. Lothíriel took his hand in hers and gently stroked his knuckles.

"Tell me what to do," he asked her softly.

"Eli, I can't do that. You must decide what you have to do… or want to do. Eli, what do you want?" she asked. As much as she wanted to help him, only he can calm the storm within him.

"That is the problem! I don't know what I want! I know what I have to do, I must learn as much as I can from father, I must learn to one day take over the running of this city, I must look after my family and people…" he trailed off and shook his head. There was so much going inside him, he didn't know where to even start sorting them out.

"When did my life spiral out of control?" he asked her, a wry half smile on his lips.

"Probably the day you fell in love with her," was the reply. Immediately Elphir was on his feet, a look of sheer terror on his face.

"No! It is not love. This isn't love… infatuation… curiosity maybe, but not love! It can't be!" he cried out, his voice unusually loud in the quietness of the night. Lothíriel too was on her feet by then, and held out a calming hand to him.

"Eli, calm down. Breathe, in… out…" her soothing words did calm him down and once again he was slumped against the railing, his eyes shut tight.

"It can't be love," he murmured. Lothíriel took hold of his hand again, making comforting circles on his palm.

"How do you know that?" she asked gently.

"Because loving someone hurts, and I will never let it happen to me that's why!" he half cried. That stumped Lothíriel nicely.

"Eli… love isn't painful," she began but was cut off when he stood back up and began pacing.

"Yes, it is! It wrenches at your heartstrings, it tears your guts apart, it fills your mind with horrid thoughts, Will she leave me alone… why couldn't she love me enough to stay? Love is fear and I don't want it!" he was screaming at this point. Lothíriel looked around, expecting half the palace to awaken but miraculously, they were still alone and the palace still silent.

"Eli, what are you talking about? Who are you talking about?" she was scared for him; she was scared of the fear in his eyes that gave it a wild look. Never in her entire life had she watched her brother lose it like this. Elphir had never lost his composure, not even the stress of war and death fazed him.

"Mother, of course! Mother, I loved her and she left me!" he half sobbed. Oh Eli! Of course she should have known. Eli was probably the only one old enough to remember her, to have real memories of her before sickness took over her frail body, of experiencing the pain that haunted their father when she had died… so of course he would be scared. Their mother was the first woman he truly loved with all his heart and she left him. It was all he knew, all he could associate love with. A fourteen year old boy, hanging on the fine thread of puberty and not really understanding why she was gone but old enough to understand the pain and ache she left behind. And the war didn't help either, with him having to constantly be parted from his brothers and father, with only a few letters scant in between to reassure him they were still alive. Now, he had transferred his love to her and she… would leave too. Suddenly, Lothíriel truly understood her brother, how unconditionally and intense he loved and how much parting hurt him. And she also began to understand her brother's apprehension concerning her feelings for Éomer. In his mind, this would only bring pain to her. Just as he thought loving Helena would.

But Lothíriel knew that love wasn't pain. And it was about time Elphir knew that too.

"No, Eli… it isn't like that. Of course, sometimes love hurts, but it isn't a bad sort of pain. It… it shows that we are alive, that we can feel. But it is also beauty, and when you have that feeling in you… when you truly love someone, Eli, there's no more darkness, no more ugliness… only happiness," her face became dreamy as she spoke, and it was that, the look of peace and contentment on her face rather than her words that caused him to have a very slight, very small shift of heart and calm his fretfulness.

"But it's such a risk…"

"That is worth everything that comes its way."

"But what if it is not reciprocated…"

"Then find the joy in waking up every morning knowing that somewhere she is happy. If you can't be happy with her, then be happy for her. But, you won't know what she is feeling unless you ask her, am I right?" Lothíriel asked, feeling relieved to see the fear had been replaced by a thoughtful look. She didn't think for one minute that Elphir had had a complete change of heart, but at least she knew he was thinking about it, and that was half the battle won. He nodded, deep in thought. He had never thought of it that way. His life had evolved to such a point that he could only remember pain. When he thought of his father and brothers fighting in Valar know where, his chest would constrict painfully. When he thought of his sister, alone and possible scared witless, his heart would break a little, when he thought about his people suffering and his friends dying, well, a little of his soul would die too. And when he thought of his mother… no, he would not go there, that wound was still fresh, even this many years later.

Lothíriel silently watched the conflicting emotions wash over him before gently moving closer to wrap her arms around his waist. She smiled a little at feeling the action returned.

"This is all so sudden. I don't think I can accept it so open heartedly…" he whispered and she nodded. Yes, she understood.

"And I don't even know if love IS what I feel for Lady Helena… but I am willing to find out," he continued.

"You won't regret it, Eli," Lothíriel said, looking up at him, smiling widely. He dropped a kiss on her head.

"I hope not. Thank you, Riel, thank you," he said and she tightened her hold.

"I am always here for you big brother, all you have to do is ask," was her reply. He only nodded in response.

"Come, it is well late into the night, I shall walk you to your room," he said after a while. She nodded and the two returned back to the main section of the palace, lost in their thoughts, enveloped in a comfortable silence. But just as he was about to leave her at her door, Elphir broke the silence.

"Is it worth it, Riel? To move so far away from home for love?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, I love you all very much, but Éomer holds my heart now, and wherever he is, that is home to me. And I know he feels the same as well," she replied sincerely. He nodded.

"Very well. If you are truly happy… then I shall be too, for you," he sighed. Lothíriel took his hands in hers.

"Thank you, Eli. That means so much to me," she said, blinking away her tears. He smiled at that and with a final kiss on her cheeks he left her for his own room and solitude.

Lothíriel woke up with a start. Disoriented and confused, she blinked blindly at the open window before realizing she had woken before the sun and it was still dark outside. She couldn't understand what had made her wake up so suddenly and why her heart was pounding heavily against her chest. She tried to resume sleeping but the apprehension grew to a point that she had to rise from her bed and walk around her room to ease the pain. After a while the pain showed no intentions of easing, so she draped her cloak across her body and decided to make haste to the healing rooms. She couldn't say for sure that the pain was not a residue of her stab wound and felt it imperative that she be absolutely sure. But just as she exited her room, she was distracted by a commotion that seemed to be coming from the main wing of the palace. Completely forgetting her original destination, Lothíriel headed towards the said area and when she finally turned the last bend, she was greeted with an unexpected surprise. Congregated at the steps of the palace was her father, brothers, King Éomer, Helena and Éowyn. Also there was Captains Talahin and Helfast, and seeing them in their full battle regalia did nothing to soothe her abdomen. Quickening her steps, she made her way to them.

"Father, what is the matter?" she asked when she drew beside him. At the sound of her voice, all present turned to look at her and Captain Talahin bowed in respect.

"Riel, why are you awake. Go back to bed, child, it is nothing," said Imrahil quickly, and tried to send her back from where she came from, but she resisted him and moved closer to the edge of the pergola where she could see her father's men as well as Éomer's men waiting patiently by their horses. They too were dressed in their armor.

"Father, what is the meaning of this?" she whispered, fear gripping her body that she could just about squeeze a whisper through her choked throat. Why was this happening? The evil had been defeated! There was no reason for battle… so, why all this?

"Father?" her tone became high pitched in her anxiety. Immediately Imrahil was by her side, holding her.

"Riel, banish whatever ill thoughts you have, for none of it is true. There is just a simple security matter that needs to be settled," he said, tightening her frozen body against him, rubbing her arm and back, hoping to ease the rigidity.

"Then why all that?" she asked again, her father's words did nothing to alleviate the chill in her heart. She had seen so many deaths and horrors at the hands of soldiers in her short life that she was hard press to believe anything else when associated with chain mails and spears.

"Riel, it is alright. Really. Our scouts have spotted a band of wild men crossing our lands and this is just to ensure that they do not terrorize our people as they pass through the villagers. Nothing more," Elphir added, also moving closer to her. He too was wearing his body armor, his sword hanging neatly by his side, his stance once again cool, calm and collected and any trace of last night's emotional confusion completely gone. Lothíriel paled a little at hearing his words. She knew what the wild men of Linhir were capable of and the villagers in Dol Amroth were in constant state of fear and alert to any signs of attacks from the savages.

"You will go as well?" she asked Elphir. He nodded and gestured to Éomer.

"Aye, and King Éomer as well. We will take the seaside route, it is a good chance for our guest to experience the beauty of our city from a different perspective, don't you think?" Elphir continued and smiled at her. But Lothíriel was not to be soothed. She did not care what they said, the pain in her stomach told her otherwise. She knew now that this was not just the normal ache of a dagger wound but her instincts telling her something. She remembered Faramir having experienced something like this, he called it his Elvish moments where an ominous occurrence could be foretold by the throbbing of his knees. She remembered he had told her that when Boromir had fallen, he could not walk for a day for the pain was too unbearable.

"Father, nay, I do not think this is wise. Just let them be," she said, now turning to him, nearly on her knees pleading. She was well and truly afraid, but her father only took it as an aged fear that had been born in the dark days.

"We can not do that, Riel. There are people still living on the outskirts on the city walls and they must be protected should the need arise," sighed Imrahil.

"Then take more men, this is too few," she said looking at the handful of men gathered. Mentally she counted only ten, five from Rohan and another five from Dol Amroth.

"It is enough, we are not planning to attack them, just to make sure they do not cause trouble," Imrahil replied. Lothíriel was not convinced. She looked at Éomer to see what he thought but he seemed satisfied with the situation. Of course he would, the last time he had led his men, it had led to disaster. She knew he would not repeat the same mistake of leaving any city without sufficient reinforcements again. So he would not be of any help. As if sensing her thoughts, Éomer slowly moved closer to her.

"My love, there is no need to worry, nothing shall happen," Éomer said and gently ran a hand through her hair. He did not like to see her so fearful like this and had her father not been present and holding her, he would have pulled her into his embrace. However Lothíriel adamantly shook her head but her father had tired of the delay and prevented her from speaking anymore.

"Eli, the sun will rise soon and perhaps its best you head out now," he said to his firstborn. Elphir nodded.

"Yes, father. King Éomer, are you ready?" addressed the king. Éomer glanced briefly at Lothíriel before nodding.

"Aye, we ride," he said and in a heartbeat had mounted his steed, with Elphir following suit. Amrothos and Erchirion, who were slightly unnerved by their sister's reaction, stood at his feet, Amrothos absently checking Eli's saddle buckles.

"Be careful, Eli. I do not think Riel's feeling is completely baseless," Erchirion said softly looking up at his eldest brother. Elphir looked down at them in amusement.

"Do not worry, brother, I will be fine, there is no need to bring out the body bag just yet," he joked, but his two brother's paled at his words.

"Elphir, do not say that, not even in jest," Amrothos said, his eyes wide. Elphir laughed. What evil wind had blown into his siblings' mind that would cause them to react in such a way? They are acting like he had never ridden to battle before. And he wasn't even going to do so. In truth, what he was about to do qualified as border patrol and he has done that since he was sixteen. With a final reassuring pat on their shoulders, he guided his horse to the front of the garrison beside Éomer, and turned one last time to look at his family and to those who were beginning to feel like family to him. His gaze lingered a little longer on Helena. He wished he could have had time to ponder the raging feelings going within him concerning the fair maiden but he figured there would be plenty of time later when they returned safely, which he knew they would despite whatever ill omen feeling Lothíriel was having.

"Shall we, your majesty?" he turned to the king beside him. Éomer nodded his agreement and as the sun gradually took its place in the sun, Elphir led the combined forces of Rohan and Dol Amroth out of the city walls.

Their ride was most of the time silent, and for the first time since Elphir's first visit to Rohan, the two were alone without Éomer or Elphir's sister to buffer the situation. In the background, as if sensing the awkwardness between the royals, the men were quiet as well, only with Captain Talahin occasionally pointing and explaining something significant. Elphir had purposely taken the coastal road, a long dirt path that stretched along the cliff, where on one side was the sea crashing violently against the base of the cliff and on the other side was a gentle slope that led down to where the settlements were. Already, Elphir could hear the sounds of people going about their everyday life in the villages below. The path that the wild men had taken would take them into Dol Amroth territory and may involve crossing through several villagers that were under the protection of Prince Imrahil.

Elphir was simply there to monitor their movements into the boundaries of Dol Amroth and that the foreigners do not become a source of problem to the settlers living in the nearby areas. He did not think that anything would go awry; it was just a small band of men. Nothing his men and Éomer's couldn't handle. It was as the small groups reached the observation point that the silence become so thick that Elphir felt he would choke on it. Clearing his throat he racked his brain for something to say. It didn't take much as there was only one thing that the two had in common.

"So, how fare things with you and my sister? All is well?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the road before them. From where they had stopped, the men were able to see far into the horizon and the activities of the villagers below were easily monitored.

"Aye, all is well. I am teaching her of the way of the Mark. She is a fast learner, and will fit in nicely with my people," he replied, a small smile gracing his lips as he thought of her dedication to learning about her soon to be home. Elphir nodded, but his expression showed nothing. They were silent for a while longer before Éomer risked a glance at his direction, and though his face was placid, Éomer did not miss the sadness lurking in it.

"I understand what you are feeling, Elphir. I too am about to give my sister away," he said softly. Elphir was startled but then he smiled ruefully at Éomer. This caused Éomer to be startled but he quickly returned the gesture.

"Aye, I suppose you do know what I am feeling. Tell me something, will it ever go away?" he asked.

"No, I do not think it will, for I know I will continue to miss Éowyn every minute she is away from me for as long as I live," he said. Elphir nodded again.

"But," the young king continued, "I do not see this parting as a loss of a sister, instead I'd rather think that I am gaining a brother in Faramir. And I realize you have two other fine gentlemen to call brothers, but it would be an honor for me to call you my brother too."

Elphir nearly fell off his horse hearing the Rohirrim's words. He had not expected such a gesture from Éomer that without much thought his inhibitions against the king faded into nothingness. Éomer was not looking at him, but Elphir saw the hope in his eyes.

"Aye, I would like that too… brother," he replied and truly for the first time, the two men shared a smile that did not hide any hidden wariness. Suddenly Elphir laughed aloud, his baritone voice echoed through the rider's ears, a most pleasant sound against the roaring waves that were crashing into the cliffs below. Éomer just looked at him in a bemused manner and glancing back, he saw the other men wearing the same expression, except a few junior soldiers who in their short lives never seen the crown prince smile much less laugh.

"You are scaring your men, your highness," teased Éomer as Elphir's laughed subsided. This evoked another round from the dark haired man and even Éomer chuckled lightly. Eventually, Elphir calmed down enough and settled back properly onto his horse.

"Tis been a long time since I had a true reason to laugh," he sighed, still smiling. Éomer cocked an eyebrow at this.

"Should I be offended or flattered at that statement?" he asked wryly, and Elphir sniggered at him.

"Nay, I do not laugh at you, I truly am privileged to be called brother by you. I was simply thinking that now we are family I am obliged to inform you that you are marrying a hellion cleverly disguised as a demure princess," he said and this time even Éomer laughed out loud.

"I thank you for the warning, though I can not say it has changed my mind about marrying her," Éomer said.

"You are a brave man then King Éomer," replied Elphir, trying for a serious look but the presence of a smile on his lips did well to ruin the effect.

"Aye yes. By love a king is made slave," Éomer sighed with mock resignation.

"Indeed," Elphir chuckled. There was no more words exchanged between the two, but the previous tension was gone, replaced by a comfortable silence.

Just behind them,

"I am glad those two have sorted out their problems, it would make for a relaxed family reunion in the future," whispered Helfast to Talahin. The other man nodded.

"I agree with you, Captain. But despite all his stern appearance, Prince Elphir is a good man, as is King Éomer I am sure," said Talahin.

"That I have no doubt, dear friend," Helfast reassured Talahin.

"He is indeed a fine man," this time, loud enough for only his own ears.

The sun was high in the sky now, as the men waited, their horses skittering restlessly along the path. Conversation halted for a while and Elphir took the opportunity to look away from the villagers and instead fixed his gaze to the sea. Just a little away from where they stood waiting, the rocky shore below had given way to a small bay that was outlined with soft white sand and the sea was gentler here. Along the bay, Elphir saw that the fishermen had returned for the day, fathers and their older sons were pulling in their fish laden boats with wide smiles upon their sun-darkened faces, for Ulmo had been generous on their time out to sea while the children were laughing as they playfully dodged the foamy waves that washed against the shore.

"Elphir, why are you still unmarried, if you do not mind me asking," Éomer asked suddenly, breaking the tranquil silence. If Elphir was shocked at the question, he hid it well.

"Married? I don't know. I suppose I haven't found the right woman yet," he replied, his tone impersonal. Éomer nodded.

"And what would be the 'right' woman?" he asked again. Elphir fidgeted a little before replying.

"A lady who would love my people as much as I do," was the answer.

"And you as well?"

"Pardon?"

"She would love you as well,"

"That is not a requirement." Éomer shook his head at the answer. He knew this game well.

"Don't, Elphir."

"Excuse me? Don't what?"

"Don't repeat my mistakes. Yes, our people are important, I know that, and it is out duty to provide for them, but I also know now that it shouldn't be at the cost of our own happiness. A king or prince can't rule well and make the right decisions if his heart is weighed down with sorrow. Take your chances, find out more about her and perhaps she will prove to be the end of your searching."

"I don't know what or who you are speaking of."

"Yes, you do. I tell you this because, to quote you, we are family and it's my brotherly duty to tell you to stop being so bloody stubborn."

"I don't know what my sister has said…"

"She's said nothing. I have eyes, Elphir I see the look in your eyes, the expression on you face when you look at her, when she enters a room and you are there."

"I…"

"You what?" Éomer received no answer and once again there was silence and the walls back in place.

It was midday by the time the first wild men, wearing the gruesome after effects of war on their weakened frame, were spotted making their way at the base of the slope and entering the borders of the first small settlement. The small group barely glanced up at the soldiers above them who had fixed a steady glare on the suspicious figures. Like before, Elphir maintained his belief that the strangers would not be stupid enough to terrorize the villagers where they were passing through, yet, he involuntarily held his breath as he watched them march by, heads down, ignoring the hostile hisses of the villagers, or the show of animosity of the men who held various forms of uncivilized armaments, rudely pointed at the weary stragglers. And when the front most man, most probably the leader of the pack looked up at him standing guard above their heads, Elphir could feel, rather than see the hatred he bore for them. The man held Elphir's stare for a moment longer before turning away. It angered him that they could still be so defiant, so damn proud even when defeated.

"Where do you think they are headed?" Éomer asked, breaking the silent tension. Elphir shrugged his shoulders.

"I do not know, and truthfully I can not bring myself to care, as long as they move far away from here," was his cold reply.

"Perhaps this war will prove to be a lesson for them and they will settle peacefully somewhere," said Éomer again. Elphir shrugged watching the last of the outsiders disappear into the horizon.

"Captain Talahin, send four men down to the village for extra security. They may report back in seven days," said Elphir, not taking his eyes of where the last man had disappeared. Talahin nodded and immediately issued out the order.

"Come, Éomer, let us return, there is nothing left for us to do now," said Elphir and with a click of his tongue steered his steed into a trot, Éomer and the remaining men following behind. By then news of the prince and his men had reached the ears of nearby settlers and as the small procession made their way back to the city, they were greeted with cheers and clapping of the people who had gathered by the roadside to see the men pass. Boys of all ages were eagerly standing by the dirt road, nearly trembling in their excitement of hopefully being able to have a glimpse of their hero, which wasn't hard as he rode in the front alongside the Rohan king. Elphir bestowed them with generous smiles and waves, it was clear to see his good humor had been restored and at intervals he would even reach down to receive tokens from his people. Éomer tried to follow his example and although his friendly smile was received with respect, there was a lingering suspicion and hostility in the eyes that dared to look straight at him.

"They look as if they would turn me over a spit fire," Éomer whispered to the man next to him. Elphir looked startled at first before snorting with laughter.

"Word has traveled of the foreign king who would take the city's swan princess away from her people. Do not mind them, Lothíriel has become an important part of their lives, she will be sorely missed," he said and the laughing tone was replaced with a subdued one.

"It shall be sometime yet before I take her away. Rohan has been sorely wounded by the war, there is much healing that needs to be done before it is fit to receive its queen," said Éomer. Once again Elphir fixed him with a startled look but this time he did not say anything. Somehow he did not think Lothíriel would be happy with that idea but he also thought it was not his place to meddle in his sister's affair. Not when his was in a state of confusion. Eventually, the crowds of adoring people thinned out and as the tips of the city walls began to emerge, it was only them again.

Just as before, they rode in silence though now without the heavy weight of wariness among the men, instead there was a sense of awe amongst Éomer's men especially as they beheld the beauty of the sea under the sun's rays. A beautiful memory of a far away land that would be preserved in the backs of their mind, to be brought out in the darkness of nights when hope was at its thinnest. As for Elphir and Éomer, they were lost in their own thoughts, for each had their own hurdles to cross within the walls of the City by the Sea. It was due to those deep thoughts that they missed the sudden rustling of the nearby bushes, or the boy who suddenly jumped out from inside the bush and only when their horses reared and a terrified shriek was heard from under their horses did they realize what had happened. But by the time they had calmed their steeds, the boy lay crumpled on the ground.

Elphir was the first to jump off his horse and rush to the boy. He knelt by the boy and gently cradled the boy's head in his arms. The boy was still breathing though he appeared to be unconscious.

"Is he alright?" asked Éomer, who was now hovering worriedly over his shoulders.

"He's still alive and I see no injuries, but we should get him back to the city and have a proper healer look at him," said Elphir.

"Aye, the men have already begun preparing a stretcher to carry him, I will assist them," said Éomer already heading back to the horses, leaving Elphir with the boy. In his worry, Elphir had unwisely let his guard down so when he turned back to the boy, he did not expect to see the boy looking straight back at him with hatred glinting in the black eyes, and therefore did not react fast enough to avoid the dagger as the boy plunged it deep into his side. The sudden pain shocked him that he was momentarily paralyzed, slacking his grip and therefore allowing the boy to twist free.

By then the paralysis had passed and pain began to spread across his body, so much that he could not think and could only feel it throbbing against every fiber in his body. He didn't see when Éomer and several other's ran after the boy, he didn't see Helfast's face as the other man cradled his head with one hand and twist the dagger free with the other, and he didn't notice Talahin's vain attempt to stop the bleeding using his tunic. All he felt was pain and irony that his defeat would be in the hands of a boy. Then just before the darkness engulfed him, he thought of Helena, and sadness mingled in with the pain. Now he'll never know if she would be the one to heal his soul.

Within the city itself, Lothíriel's painful bloodcurdling scream ripped through the walls of the palace and those who heard it prayed for mercy on their own souls. Imrahil was by her side in an instant.

"What is it, daughter? Riel? Talk to me," he crooned trying to stifle the panicked note that threatened to escape his throat. The only reply he received was a strangled cry as Lothíriel doubled up in pain, dropping heavily to her knees.

"Eli!" her wail bounced off the walls and curled the blood of the inhabitants. Swallowing thickly, Imrahil pushed back down another panicked attack, willing himself not to wail alongside his daughter. He turned to Amrothos and Erchirion, but for once the brother's were stunned on their feet, their minds blank and rendered immobile. Only Éowyn was of sound mind to quickly find a servant to call a healer. The other Rohirrim lady had receded to a corner, complexion pale and eyes glazed with fear.

"Imrahil, we need to get her seated and breathing," Éowyn's soothing voice breaking into the cloud that hung around the prince's head and with a small nod, they managed to seat the crying princess. It was obvious by the racking of her shoulders; Lothíriel would not be speaking coherently any time soon. He did not realize when or how a cup of sweetened wine was placed in his hand and he could not recollect drinking it, but he did feel the calming effects it had on his wracked nerves, and slowly the haze cleared form his head and rational and logical thoughts returned. And what the two were telling him was that he had to find his eldest son.

"I will ride out, re-trace Elphir's route," his voice was no louder than a whisper, but the conviction in it snapped the other two gentlemen out of their stupor. Immediately they were on their feet.

"Aye, we shall ride with you," Erchirion said, his voice shaky, but the determined look in his face could not be doubted. Beside him Amrothos was nodding as well. Imrahil looked at them, looked into their unwavering eyes, and for a minute they were so like Elphir's, he was hit with a wave of fear. He had no idea what had happened out there, and truthfully, he was not hoping for the best.

"Amer, you may come, Chirion, you stay," his tone was still soft and when Erchirion opened his mouth to protest, Imrahil just shot him a look that effectively shut the younger prince.

"Stay here and hold fort, just in case we miss your brother's return," he would not believe otherwise. Turning to Amrothos, "prepare my horse and get as many men possible, we ride with speed and stealth." Amrothos nodded and ran out the room. Then he turned to his daughter who was sobbing into Éowyn's shoulder.

"Riel, it will be alright," he whispered reaching out to stroke her hair.

"I told you! I told you to let it be! Why did you not listen to me?" she suddenly cried, whipping around to flash him with angry watery eyes. Imrahil's eyes were downcast and his heart felt wretched. Why hadn't he listened?

"I am sorry, my daughter… I … do not have…" his words were cut off when Lothíriel flung herself into his arms.

"Nay, nay, I am sorry, I should not have reacted so. It is only that I am so scared, tis not only Eli, father… but Éomer is with him," the last bit was said in a hush, as if saying it any louder would confirm her worst fears. From her other side, Éowyn was gently rubbing her arm, she was worried too, but thought best to keep it at bay, for now. Their moment was broken when Amrothos re-entered and announced that they were ready to leave. With a last hug to his daughter and a firm grip on his second born's shoulder, Imrahil was gone, Amrothos two steps behind him.

"All will be alright, have faith," Éowyn's words were the last to be heard as the room delved into silence and Helena, trembling and pallid in the corner had successfully gone unnoticed.

Éomer's lips were pressed into a thin line, his eyes nearly dark in his anger. His back was rigid and his knuckles white as he tightly clutched the reigns of his horses. Behind him, his men and the Dol Amroth captain were of similar stance, only once in a while breaking the rigidity of their stance to cast a glance at the unconscious prince, who was firmly seated in front of Captain Talahin and held secured by the captain's strong arms. And all of them were trying very hard to ignore the crass words thrown at them from their prisoners.

Éomer's lips tightened even more as he recollected back how after the boy had masterfully slip the dagger into Elphir's side, he and a few men had chased after the boy and though the boy had a good start on them, his obvious lack of nourishment did much to inhibit his speed and was caught only a short time later. What was unexpected, however was the woman he was caught with. A woman of middle age, dirty blonde hair and a dirtier face, with a scar that ran from the base of her ear down the length of her neck. While the boy had given in willingly, the woman had scratched and clawed in her resistance to capture, and right now one of his men was hosting a cut that would no doubt scar just as bad as hers. The two hostages were on foot and their hands were tied to Elphir's horse, which was being steered by one of Éomer's men. And it was that woman who was now threatening to kill, murder and slay every living creature within Dol Amroth.

He ignored for the fifth time her threat on the 'lovely swan princess' but like the other's, anger swelled within him and his grip tightened even more. But anger was not the only thing that overwhelmed him. There was also fear. He did not think the crazy woman would be given much a chance to carry out her threat on his beloved, but images of her being held captive, her lying in her own blood… he quickly shook his head to clear out the morbid thoughts and focused instead on the situation around him. Their pace was slow, as to not jolt the wounded prince too much as well as there were the two prisoners on foot, and so therefore they were easy preys on who ever else wished them harm. He wished he could send out a rider back to the city for reinforcements, but with such sparse soldiers at his disposal already, and a wounded man, he could not afford such a risk.

Suddenly Lothíriel's words returned to him, and in his eyes he saw her begging her father to send out more men. She had foreshadowed this event and for a moment, a ray of hope eased the burden of his heart, and that maybe, just maybe, help had already been sent out. But it was short lived as thinking of her brought back the fears he had tucked deep in his heart. He had failed once to keep her safe within his city, was he placing her into more danger when he finally took her back for good? He did want to marry her, by Eorl, how he was in love with her, and how much he wanted to spend everyday of his life with her but…

The thundering of hooves brought him out of his reverie, and instantly his sword was drawn. A brief glance back and he saw the other doing the same, and by some unspoken agreement, they had formed a protective circle around Talahin and Elphir, Helfast and Éomer making up the front line. For the first time, the two prisoners were silent, also within the circle.

"Talahin, at the first sign of battle, take for the beach and ride hard back to the city, is that understood," Éomer's said, not looking at the man, his eyes fixed firmly on the sound before him.

"Aye, my lord," was the satisfactory reply. In battle mode, the men waited silently, not knowing what to expect and suddenly… Helfast, who was front most, let out a whoop of delight and burst into joyous laughter. Moments later, he was joined in by the others when Imrahil, Amrothos and more than a handful of soldiers came into full view.

"Éomer!" Imrahil cried out and spurred his horse harder. Under normal circumstances, Éomer would have been irritated at such treatment of a horse, but this was an exception.

"Imrahil, you took your time," he replied, his relief showing clearly and he even managed to smile… a little. Amrothos responded to the grin with one of his own, but Imrahil's eyes were busy searching for his heir. And when it landed on the limp and bleeding form in Talahin's arms, it took sheer will power to not fall of his horse and remain crumpled on the ground.

"Elphir," he whispered as he steered his horse near Talahin's and reached out a finger to touch his son's face.

"He is still alive, my lord, we must get him to a healer," said Talahin gently, his liege was in such a fragile mode and this episode, this mission that nearly costed him his son, weighed more heavily on Imrahil than any war could and it was like age had finally caught up with the man, as every line and wrinkle on his weathered face was suddenly visible.

"Aye, aye, you are right. Gilden! Mordred!" he cried to two of the men accompanying him. They approached with lengths of cloth and ropes.

"We shall bind him to you, and both of you to the horse, that way there will the minimum of movement on him," Amrothos explained and the men set out to work.

"How did you know about this, or had you ridden out by chance?" Éomer asked after a moment of watching.

"Nay, it was Lothíriel who warned us. The pain she was in intensified and she…." Amrothos was cut short when Éomer grabbed his shoulder.

"She is in pain! How much pain? Who is taking care of her?" he cried out his blue eyes wide with fear. Amrothos placed a calming hand on those that gripped his shoulders. Secretly, he was glad that Éomer was reacting in this manner, for it showed that he cared for the beautiful princess.

"At peace, Éomer. She is fine, and tended to. Your sister tends to her personally and Erchirion will not let her suffer unnecessarily. Be calm, all is well," he said and inhaling deeply Éomer did calm down, but his need to return intensified. He had to see himself she was well. He decided to preoccupy himself with tending to Imrahil who had not moved from his position by his son.

"Imrahil…"

"Who did this?" Imrahil interrupted, his eyes watching the men prepare the harness, taking care to not jostle the crown prince too much. Éomer who was beside him cleared his throat and chanced a glance back at the prisoners who had gone momentarily mute. His hesitance wasn't from any sympathy he may have held for the captives but of whether he or any of them could hold back Imrahil should he fly into a fit of anger.

"Who did this Éomer!" he snapped startling the young king. A few other men were startled as well, and as for the two captives, they visibly shrank against the horse they were tied to. Their movement caught the older prince's eyes and he glared down at them, his fury evident in his eyes. There were no more exclamation of death and destruction from the lips of the woman and there was naked fear on her face and as for the boy he had burst into tears. In one movement, Imrahil was on his feet, making his way steadily before them, his eyes fixed on their quaking body. He did not notice or care that Éomer too had dismounted and was keeping a close watch on him, his stance ready just in case the prince would do something drastic and foolish. Progressively he walked to them until he right before them.

He watched them calmly, for Imrahil was a calm man, despite it all. He wasn't easily perturbed, his wrath not easily inflamed. Never a man to hit below the belt or to strike those weaker than him that was his up-bringing. But when he was challenged… when he was pushed pass all boundaries of rationality and humanity, when his family was so rudely threatened and hurt, honor meant nothing to him. Only retribution fuelled his soul. Destruction upon those who worked to destroy his family. It was the sound of sheer terror and pain that filled the ears of those present as Imrahil in one fell swoop backhanded the woman and drove his fist into the boy, the sound of flesh meeting flesh resonating like a thunderclap in their ears. Éomer was shell shocked. He had never seen this side of Imrahil and for a second was glad that he was not at the receiving end of it.

"Father, enough! Don't! They will be treated accordingly," Amrothos was the first to find his voice and his feet as he jumped off his horse and pulled his father back.

"Talahin, go. Gilden, take your company and follow closely. Be wary of anything suspicious," he shouted out the order and with a nod, the men rode out, leaving Éomer, Amrothos, a panting and fuming Imrahil, Helfast, Éomer's eored and of course the two captives who were now sobbing quietly against each other, a bright red mark across the woman's face and bright red blood streaks across the boy's. His eyes had begun to swell as well. With Éomer's help, Amrothos managed to get his seething father back onto his horse and with a signal from Éomer, the men began their journey back to the City by the Sea.

A few days later…

Lothíriel found her beloved in the palace garden's staring pensively at the sky above. The sun was setting, and the sky was filled with streaks of bright orange, yellow, pink and red with faint hints of black on the sides, a sure sign night was coming. In the areas where the sun's rays had already left it, small sparkling dots of stars had begun to appear. He was laying on the cool grass, his hands tucked neatly behind his head and his legs crossed. She watched him for a moment, glad to see the look of peace on his face. It had been three days since their eventful return and although Elphir had awakened, and was healing beautifully, Éomer still had a haunted look about his face.

And until now, Lothíriel did not have time to talk to him as she had been busy tending to her brother and occasionally her father. The poor man was still a little shaken and often forgot to do even the simplest things like eating, so Lothíriel had to make sure he did not end up in the healer's bed beside his son. But Imrahil was well now as was his eldest son, and Lothíriel had left the two in the healer's room to find her love. Slowly she made her way to him and saw his head tilt slightly to watch her walk closer and sit down by his side. Lovingly, she reached out and stroked his jaw, the stubbles of his beard prickling her finger, but she relished that feeling. He caught her hand and gently began kissing each digit before lacing it with his, placing both entwined fingers on his chest.

"Your sister is worried about you, which is quite unfair of you as you know very well her wedding day looms nearer and she shouldn't have to worry over you as well," she broke the silence. Éomer snorted but didn't say anything.

"I hope you still remember that we leave for Minas Tirinth in seven days time. Eli will be able to ride by then, his wound should be completely closed up by then and he would be fit to ride," she continued not at all troubled by his silence.

"How is he?" Éomer asked, moving to sit up properly next to her, all the while maintaining hold of her hand.

"He is fine, his recovery rate is satisfactory. You can stop worrying now," she replied, teasing him a little.

"I can not help it. I feel like a curse to your family. Now I fear to be anywhere near your other two brothers for fear of what may happen to them," he said, sighing deeply.

"Éomer, you are speaking nonsense. This has nothing to do with you. It was coincidental. Both times." She stressed the last sentence when he tried to argue back. Éomer shook his head.

"How can it be? When you were under my care, you were kidnapped, beaten and nearly died, and then I ride out with your brother and he gets stabbed and nearly dies as well," cried Éomer, letting go of her and standing up. He walked away, his back to her and stopped to lean on a nearby tree, his shoulders drooping. Lothíriel followed suit and went to him before wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his back. He placed his hands on hers and leaned back so their heads were touching.

"My love, this is highly improper behavior of a princess, we could get into trouble," he said but made no show of moving or pushing her away.

"I have no worries, father is with Eli, Eli is bedridden, we are safe," she replied. He chuckled at that and Lothíriel savored the vibrations she felt resonate from his back.

"That is true, but may I remind you of the small thing that is your other two elder brothers who are neither with Elphir nor bedridden and are very much capable of swinging a sword over my head… or through it," was his wry reply and this time Lothíriel laughed and released her hold of him. Walking around him, she went to stand infront of him, half her body against the tree bark and the other nestled against his chest.

"Somehow I do not think this is appropriate either," he said with a grin but wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to rest completely against him. Sighing deeply, they stood in silence watching the last of the sun rays disappear and enjoying the peaceful moment and the beauty that was their love.

"Éomer, it really wasn't your fault. Do not blame yourself anymore, please," Lothíriel broke the silence and turned so she could look at him. He looked down into her pleading eyes then looked away. It was dark but the light from the castle behind them provided enough light.

"I know that and I tell myself that every time, but I can not help the feeling of guilt that has made its home in my heart. I try to forget, but then the images come back and sometime, sometime images of you in your blood fill my head and… I'm scared, Riel. What if I fail to protect and you… I can't live without you, and I swear I won't try," he said and buried his head in her hair, his arms tightening and holding to her for dear life. She returned the pressure and soothingly rubbed his back.

"You won't. Nothing will happen to me, I shall fill all of Rohan with your children and we will grow old together," she said. He lifted his head and for a while the sadness lurking in his eyes were replaced with mischief.

"All of Rohan? I hope I will last the nights required of me," he teased and Lothíriel blushed deeply and playfully hit his shoulder.

"Do not tease me my lord," she scolded and to her joy she heard him laugh. A real laugh, a sound she had missed hearing since his return.

"I am sorry, but that idea warms my heart and when Rohan is safe, I shall claim you as my bride and we will fill Rohan together, as promised," he smiled but was confused when she pulled back and out of his arms. Her eyes in narrowed slits.

"What do you mean when Rohan is safe? Are you saying you will make me wait … for how long?" she asked. Éomer blinked a little puzzled at the sudden change of tone.

"Of course, you do not think I will take you home to a land that is scarred and war torn, do you? There are so many things that need to be fixed, to heal, it is hardly a home as yet," he replied and didn't like the way her eyes narrowed even more.

"And do you think I am some frail selfish princess who spends her day lounging and hiding from the reality of war?" she hissed.

"No, of course not!" Éomer was bewildered. He did not think that, she knew he didn't. After all she had done, she was one of the bravest, selfless people he ever had the fortune to meet.

"You are right, I am not. And neither am I going to wait for you to decide that Rohan is finally 'safe' for me to live there. I will be queen of your lands, Éomer and as queen I will be responsible for the well being of my… our people and not to appear when all is well and disappear when things are bad. NO! I will marry you by the end of this year and I will return with you to Rohan and whatever healing, fixing or mending that needs to be done, I will be there by your side and together, TOGETHER, we will bring peace, honor and justice back to the people of the Mark," she ended her tirade, her chest heaving with unspent emotions and watched his surprised look slowly melt into amusement.

"Lothíriel, are you proposing marriage to me?" he asked with a laugh and after a moment of shock, she gave his chest a shove before turning to run, but he was much quicker and caught her by her waist, pulling her back to him, turning her so she would look at him. She tried to push away but he held fast.

"Riel, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Don't be angry, please," he pleaded but there was still laughter in his voice. She stopped pushing but would not look at him.

"Please, I had to laugh or I would have cried, and honestly that is the last I want to do in front of the lady I love," he whispered, his lips against her ear, and gently kissed it. He felt a shiver run through her body and she had soften considerably against him.

"Why would you cry?" she asked.

"Why? Because I'm the happiest man in Middle Earth? Because the most wonderful woman in Middle Earth wants to marry me, have my children? Because you love me and all that is me and makes me? I don't know, really," he answered and she laughed. Pulling away slightly, she brought her hands to both sides of his face.

"I meant every word I said. I love you Éomer of Rohan, and I want to spend the rest of my life by your side, if you'll have me," she whispered her eyes beginning to water and her jaw wobbled. Éomer looked deep into her eyes and in it he saw forever. Tears pricked his eyes but this time he didn't hide it.

"I love you too, Lothíriel of Dol Amroth, and there is nothing I want more than to wake up every morning and see you beside me and you are the only one I want to rule alongside. I will have you and all the joy and beauty that is you. Oh Riel, I love you so much," and he sealed his words with a passionate kiss to her lips. They only pulled away when the need for air was too great.

"I can not believe it," he whispered, panting a little. Lothíriel rested her head against his chest.

"What can't you believe?" she asked a happy smile on her swollen lips.

"It'll most definitely be something to tell our children, don't you agree?" he replied with his own question. Lothíriel raised her head and looked at him, puzzled.

"What is it Éomer? What can we tell our children that you can not believe?" she asked. He looked down at her and smirked.

"That is was their mother who proposed," he said and then burst into laughter as she tried to hit him, her laughter mingling melodiously with his.

"For all that good and pure, I am FINE! Stop fussing!" it was the sound of an irate crown prince that greeted the day that morning.

"Eli, stop being a pain. You are not fine, you aren't even all right, you're wound is still weeping so will you please allow the healer to do her job!" came the annoyed reply in the form of Imrahil's admiral, one of Elphir's closest friend and comrade. Aearon had just returned from a two week voyage and had gone straight to the Healing Wing of the castle. Right now, he and Elphir were in a glaring match as a disgruntled healer changed the bandage around Elphir's waist with a clean one. In the three days he had been awake and a patient of the Wing, he had been nothing but a pain. He refused treatment like a duck's feather refused water.

He would insist that he was "fine" and he was quite capable of going to the bathroom himself and then falling into a heap on the floor because his legs weren't strong enough to support him yet. And when his brother's would help him back to his feet or eventually to the bathroom he would sulk and brood like a child for the remaining of the day. Even Éomer had stopped feeling guilty and instead reverted to feeling annoyed at the exasperating prince. Éowyn had completely immersed herself into the preparations of her wedding so her visits were at a minimum. Erchirion and Amrothos both agreed that a pack of orcs were more pleasant company than their bedridden brother and would resume talking to him when he was well again and Imrahil and Lothíriel were the only two people who still greeted him with cheer and goodwill. Oh, and Helena of course.

When Talahin and his men had arrived back to the city six days ago, Helena was the only one who had not rushed forward to see the prince. Instead, she hung back and watched with red rimmed eyes as they transferred him to a bed and began cleaning his wounds. She was the only one who did not cry or flinch at seeing the clean slice right through the princes' torso, and slivers of flesh hanging out of the wound. Not a word she said, not a sound she made and she did not offer her service. Did not try to console the grieved family as they waited those crucial 48 hours that would determine everything.

She only looked and watched and observed. And only when Elphir finally woke up and was announced to be in the clear did she finally retire to her assigned chamber and cried. She cried for all the words she couldn't say, she cried for all the times she wanted to scream in her fear and she cried till she could not cry anymore. And once she had spent every tear in her body and her body had stopped shaking, she slept for only then was she sure that her dreams would be nightmare free. But that had been five days ago. Now she spent her days tending to him whenever she could. She knew she did not have to, and by right shouldn't as she was a lady and he unmarried but she wouldn't hear otherwise. And Lothíriel was grateful for that, for that meant she had time to handle both Éomer and Éowyn's demand of her time.

She walked into the room just as the healer had finished tending to the prince and by her rushed movements, Helena could see that she was grateful to go. And why shouldn't she as Aearon and Elphir had broken into a heated argument.

"It is preposterous that I should be treated like a frail flower! I am a warrior, I can handle a little cut!" she heard Elphir's voice fill the room.

"A little cut! Elphir, the dagger went through and through! I am surprised that your innards had not fallen out and ravished by the crows!" came the equally loud reply. Ah, so it was Aearon's turn today to do battle with Elphir, Helena thought with a small laugh. She looked down at the tray she held, making one last check that she had all Elphir needed to heal and entered fully into the room. Immediately Elphir went silent, his eyes downcast. That was another thing that puzzled his family. Helena was the only one Elphir would not pick a fight with, and instead allowed her to do her work with the least amount of ranting and raving.

"Good morning, Prince Elphir, Lord Aearon," she greeted the two men with a smile. Aearon bowed to her and returned the smile.

"Good morning, Lady Helena," he replied while Elphir just mumbled a reply. She walked to stand by his bed and placed the tray on a small make shift table with raised legs that fitted nicely across Elphir's legs, so he did not have to balance the tray on his lap. Elphir eyed the steaming goblet warily.

"Why must they insist I consume that atrocious excuse of a healing draught? It is that appalling concoction that is making me sick, not this stupid wound," he hissed.

"Nay, it is your bad attitude that is keeping you here. Perhaps if you were more cheerful," she began and held the cup to his lips. He took a sip and grimaced.

"Nay, it is definitely the drink. It is foul!" he cried and resisted Helena's attempt to make him drink.

"Do not test me, your highness, if I must I will call in your brothers and trust me they would take on the duty of making you drink this with great pleasure," she threatened him and while glaring at her he took the cup rim between his lips and drained the contents in one tilt of the head.

"Argh! Disgusting! I wouldn't feed an orc that!" he cried and banged the goblet onto the tray, causing it to shake. But Helena was not even slightly ruffled. She still remained calm and composed, dipping a spoon into the hot broth. He opened his mouth to protest but found a spoonful of steaming soup in his mouth instead, and left with no other alternative, other than to spit it out and thoroughly humiliate himself, he swallowed it. From the other side, Aearon burst into laughter.

"My lady, you are indeed a brave woman to take on Eli so, it is about time he met his match. I will take leave now, Eli, behave!" he laughed, getting up to leave but not before ruffling Elphir's hair and Helena couldn't help laughing as well as she held up another spoonful of soup. Elphir grumbled.

"I can feed myself," he snapped and nodding Helena placed the spoon back into the bowl. It was just the two of them now and both were very much aware of it.

"Alright. Eat," she commanded. He glared at her and grabbed the spoon. But the injury had been treacherous enough to leave Elphir thoroughly weakened and when he gripped the spoon, his hand shook spilling the broth. In a moment of frustration, he threw down the spoon and sank dejectedly into the pillows. Helena sighed and looked at his miserable face.

"Elphir," she said quietly, somehow feeling that titles should be left out for now. He turned to her.

"Do not be like this. Feeling sorry for yourself will not achieve anything," she said. He sighed and turned away.

"I hate this feeling of helplessness. I can't even feed myself, for goodness sake," he spat and glared angrily at the bowl of soup as if it was the reason he was stuck in bed.

"Of course, you are a warrior and being confined to a bed must be driving you crazy," she said and he snorted at that.

"To say the least. But it just isn't that. There are so many things that need to be done. There is the trip to Minas Tirinth, and the upcoming Market Day, I must see that all stalls are set up accordingly, there are the issues of settlements that need to be discussed, and boundaries and land ownership…" he was stopped by a finger to his lips.

"And it is all being handled wonderfully by your father and brothers. You should put more faith into your brothers, they are good and dedicated men, just like their elder brother," she said with a wink that he just scoffed at.

"It's not that I do not trust them, and I am sure they are handling the responsibility well, I just wish I was there to make sure that all is well," he groused. Helena rolled her eyes, her father was the same, he felt that all of Rohan's defenses would crumble to nothing if he wasn't there constantly inspecting it and making sure everything was alright.

"I hate to break it you but in the six days you've been here, the ocean hasn't overflowed and drown the city, the sturdy walls haven't crumbled to the ground, the sun still rises and sets, people still breath, and Sauron has not been reincarnated," she said wryly.

"Are you saying that I am not needed?"

"Oh no, far from it. I am just saying that worrying is a useless activity and if you want to heal you must stop worrying. And snapping at people. And preventing the healers from treating you. And stop trying to throw your healing potion out the window and …."

"All right, all right. I get your point, you can stop now," Elphir said and Helena smiled at him. Their eyes locked for longer than necessary but Elphir pulled back.

"Why are you being so nice and patient with me? Even my family have given up on me and seek the company of other's," he whispered.

"You are wrong. If they could they would be by your side constantly. But it hurts them to see you like this, Elphir. That is why you must fight your despair and start to heal," she said and gently ran a finger down his stubbled cheek.

"I guess I have been a pain," he said grudgingly after a while and Helena suppressed the snort that threatened to escape. She tucked a lock of hair behind his ears and caressed his cheek again.

"There is still time to change. And you may start by letting me feed you some food," she said and pulled back to once again offer him a spoonful of soup. He willingly accepted it this time and was rewarded with a smile by the lady. Éomer's words came back to him; that he should find a lady that would care for him as well as his city. He opened his mouth for another spoonful and thought back to the feelings that had been brewing on his heart concerning the beautiful Helena. He had suppressed those feelings when he woke up wounded, his pride and side hurting. But it was all coming back now. And her words by the beach that day, had she not implied that she would be more than willing to explore her feeling with him. His people's needs were important but so were his. And the Rohirrim lady before him was slowly becoming one of his needs. And the bright smile she gave him when he ate the last of his broth made him realize that he wanted to return the favor and spend the rest of his life taking care of her.

End of Chapter 15

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