The company bowed to Aragorn; Helen looked around her and made a clumsy attempt to do the same, but she was still mulling over what Éomer had told her. Clearly it would be a while before she could understand any of what was going on, but for now she decided not to worry about it. It didn't look like she'd be getting home any time soon, so she might as well enjoy it. With that thought, as she and the rest of the company sat down again, she drained her own cup, then shook her head vigorously as the taste hit the back of her throat. It wasn't that it tasted bad, but she'd been expecting it to – it was a yellowy colour and, not being a big fan of wine, she'd been preparing for a kick, but it really wasn't anything like that. It tasted quite sweet.

"Have you never had wine before, Lady Helen?" Éomer asked in an amused tone. Helen shot a glare at him as she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, then turned red – again – and muttered an apology. Éomer just smiled and refilled her cup, and Helen tried very hard not to glare again and simply sipped at her replenished cup in silence. As she did so she thought she could almost feel it running through her – it was a very odd sensation, but a nice one, and it relaxed her in a strange way. She felt suddenly at ease, which made her feel more uncomfortable in some ways, but she didn't seem to be able to do anything about it.

Platters of food were brought in then, all kinds of food; it certainly couldn't be called anything other than a banquet. Éomer took her plate, offering to serve her, but she shook her head again. She considered grabbing it forcefully, but decided maybe that wasn't the best way to make up for her behaviour.

"No, don't be silly," she said with an only slightly forced smile, "I can do it myself." She took the plate; Éomer shrugged and served himself. Helen, feeling suddenly very hungry, filled her plate with some of the nearest foods – some cold meat, bread and cheese. She could see hot food a bit further away, but she didn't really feel like asking for it; nor for the bowls of fruit – some kind she couldn't quite identify. Instead she made herself a sandwich and decided not to worry about whether that was quite what she was supposed to do with it. A general hush seemed to fall on the room as everyone set to eating – she could see the Hobbits piling their plates high with all kinds of food and generally giving the impression that they hadn't eaten for a week, while the Elves seemed much pickier, certainly not eating as much.

"So, um, question time again," she said, somehow not quite managing to stop herself, "What are the Valar?" Éomer laughed again – he seemed to be quite merry really – had he drunk a lot?

"That is a question which again, alas, I am not the most qualified to answer. But I shall attempt one: they are great spirits, beings; in early times they dwelt in Middle-Earth, it is said, but now they live far beyond the seas, outside the confines of this world. I am not quite sure what else one can say on the matter."

That, thought Helen, was one of the most unsatisfactory answers she'd ever had – after all, it had been fairly obvious that they must be some kind of gods, at least as far as these people believed. No doubt it was pure rubbish, but it was interesting anyhow – mythology always was. She was silent for a moment, but not for long.

"So you're a king, huh? That's pretty cool, what's it like?" At this Éomer sighed. Helen looked at him, surprised.

"Alas, Lady, that I should be king at all; I have been such for only a month, since the battle of the Pelennor, when Théoden, my King and also my uncle, fell to the Witch-King. Even then I should not be such, were it not for the death of my cousin Théodred, who fell only two months earlier in the fight with Saruman's armies. Such fortune that my sister should be spared! Indeed I thought her dead, for she lay cold and still; yet by the skill of the Lord – I mean King - Aragorn she was saved." He sighed again, and, not knowing what else to do, Helen laid her hand on his arm.

"I'm so sorry," she said softly, "I wouldn't have said anything."

"Nay, lady," he replied, shaking his head and forcing a smile. "Do not grieve overmuch. Both died with honour; I too would have been proud to die for such a cause." Despite his words, however, Helen noticed for the first time that there was a kind of sadness beneath his cheerful appearance. Suddenly feeling awkward, Helen moved her hand and went back to her food, and neither of them spoke for a while. She was very aware of Éowyn on her other side, talking quietly to Faramir, both of them occasionally laughing.

At last the meal seemed to end; at least, no more food was brought out. But nobody showed any signs of leaving, which irritated Helen just a little, having sat in silence for more than half an hour. She admitted to herself that in actual fact she didn't have a clue where she would end up afterwards anyway, but that didn't really seem very important. She squirmed in her seat, feeling stiff and uncomfortably full, and Éomer turned to her with a smile – which, she noticed, didn't seem to be entirely forced.

"Are you feeling restless, my lady?"

"Somewhat," she said, only just managing not to make it sound like a growl. The wine, it seemed, had most definitely worn off, and she was feeling rather fed up again.

"Perhaps you would like to take a walk?" he suggested.

"Well, yes, that would be nice… but it doesn't look like I'm allowed to leave," she said in a disgruntled voice, looking around the room. Éomer laughed at this.

"Of course you may leave if you so wish; the meal is ended and it is only desire for company that keeps us here. Would you like to be alone, or would you prefer a companion?"

"Erm… I… I don't really know where to go… but I'm sure… I'm sure I can manage…" She stumbled over her words, feeling very much like a little girl.

"Nay, you need not. I should be glad to accompany you, if you would find that acceptable?"

Gulping, Helen nodded. "Thanks," she muttered, knowing it sounded rather ungracious but not able to put it any other way. Smiling, Éomer rose and moved around her, touching his sister on the shoulder.

"Éowyn, I am going to accompany the Lady Helen outside; perhaps you could meet us in the courtyard later to show her to her chambers?"

"Certainly," replied Éowyn, smiling at Helen and looking slightly embarassed. "I fear I have neglected her this evening."

"No, no," protested Helen, much more embarrassed than Éowyn seemed to be. "I was fine."

Then, nodding to Faramir, who smiled back, and smiling at Éowyn, Éomer offered Helen his arm. She got to her feet quickly, feeling her face turn redder and redder, but although she wanted to refuse, she wasn't quite sure how, so instead she laid what was little more than a finger on his arm and let him lead the way from the hall.

I'm really sorry that a) this has taken so long, and b) that it's not very long! With any luck I ought to be able to get back into the swing of things now! Hope you liked this chapter.

Southern Gaelic: It's great to see that you keep reading this! Glad the last chapter was better, sorry this one's not… sheepish grin

Crecy: Glad you liked that bit about elves and hobbits! I have to admit that it was fun to write that!

Bob: Nice name ;-)

Ouch My Head: I'm sorry if it's too long! I have this thing about not skipping things though… I'm not sure whether it's a good thing or a bad thing, but it's kind of a habit!