Chapter 3 'Ride to Ruin'

When Eomer came to see Eowyn and Willa he looked grim. It had been a short night and a long talk in the early morning with Prince Imrahil, the Lord Aragorn and Gandalf had followed. The result of the council troubled him more than he let on but he was determined to stand at Aragorn's side even if it meant death, which was very likely.

Only one thought troubled him even more as he entered the building which held the houses of healing: that he would never see Willa again.

He did not know where it came from nor had he really the time to think about it but it was there. Sighing he stepped in between the two beds and forced a smile.

Eowyn was already awake while Willa still slept. For a moment Eomer did not respond to Eowyns greeting. He stood and looked at Willa in her sleep and a real smile came to his lips.

"She looks so peaceful, Eowyn," he almost whispered and Eowyn smiled in return and nodded. Eomer then sat on the edge of his sister's bed and took her hand.

"Eowyn, I bring news and not comforting ones," he said and his expression became grim once more. He told her of the council and that as great a host as they could muster would be leaving shortly. Eowyn was silent after that and for a long time just looked of to somewhere unknown.

"I know I cannot come for I am not yet strong enough but even if I was I would not wish to come, for once. I somehow feel that my place is here but why and how I cannot answer." Eomer leaned forward and kissed his sisters' forehead.

"Aye, and if I should not return you will be Queen of Rohan."

"Do not speak thus, dearest brother," Eowyn said and embraced him as best as possible with her broken arm.

"Farewell, sister and please look after yourself and her," Eomer said motioning to Willa. Eowyn nodded.

"You care for her?"

"Yes, as strange as it is and irksome for I have enough on my mind I care for her. Very much so."

Eowyn smiled and remembered what Willa had said the night before after her and Maerid had told her about the war. She put a hand to Eomer's cheek.

"Be comforted then for I promise to look after her and be there for her. She is such a dear. Yesterday, after Maerid and I had told her of why we fought that battle she rode into, she said: 'Then I am glad I fought on the right side and could help a little.' Even though she had no reason to fight except to stay alive."

Eomer smiled at that and his gazed drifted once more over to Willa. 'Another shield maiden,' he thought, 'even if she is not from Rohan'.

He kissed Eowyns' forehead once more then approached Willas' bed. He leaned over her and kissed her forehead as well.

"Farewell, Lady Willa. Against all hope fate may grant it that we shall see each other again," he said very softly. And a smile came to Willas' still sleeping face and a sigh escaped her lips which sounded very much like 'Eomer'.

Eomer took his leave and only a short while later Willa opened her eyes. The smile was still on her lips but as she saw Eowyns stricken face it faded. Carefully she sat up.

"Has something happened, Eowyn?" she asked, her stomach fluttered and her heart seemed to skip a beat.

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers for making my day, gg I'll be away for the weekend so you'll have to wait until Sunday for another update. Andon a personal thought: I think with Mary Sue stories it as with every story. If it is well written (and may I add not 'overdone') all's good...if not...I leave it to you to decide if my stories a sue...I intended it not!

Have a nice weekend! Love, Chrissie