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Chapter 18

Éomer left the study he had been meeting with Aragorn and the others in. They would have a final meeting in the throne room the following morning. Then their next course of action will be decided. However, he was tired and all he truly wanted to do at that moment was visit his sister and then spend time with Avelina. He had not seen her for some time and he had come to miss her greatly.

He walked the corridor and made to enter the healing hall until he heard his sister's laughter. He paused and saw her sitting and talking happily with a man. His eyes widened and he took a step but a hand on his forearm stopped him.

"They have been keeping each other company," a familiar voice said. Éomer turned his head to the left and his gaze evenly met the blue eyed gaze of the woman who had led him to his sister a few days ago. Lothiriel, he remembered her name was. "He his Lord Faramir the steward's youngest son. He was gravely injured before the main battle in a smaller one." Éomer nodded and looked down at her hand that still rested on his forearm. The woman followed his gaze and quickly lowered her hand.

"Have you seen another woman? She has long copper hair, dark blue eyes and a cream complexion. She is no taller than 5'5" tall." Lothiriel nodded.

"Aye, I have seen such a maid. She left the hall not but an hour ago. She came across the same scene you did and thought it best to let them be." She paused and smiled up at him. "Would you like me to show you the garden? It will ease your troubled mind." Éomer looked at her and it was the first time he noticed that they held an infatuated gaze in them. Éomer cleared his throat and shook his head.

"I am afraid not, milady," he said. "The woman I questioned you of is my betrothed and I am afraid I must find her." With that he turned and left the woman who had a surprised and flustered look on her face before she slowly nodded and stepped into the hall feeling utterly foolish.

Éomer took a deep breath feeling slight guilty for lying to the woman and stating that Avelina was his betrothed, but if all he wished were to pass that lie would become a reality. He found his way down the winding corridors. There was only one other place he could think of where she would possibly be, the stables.

He stopped at the door of the stable and spotted her small form immediately. She was dressed in a dark brown dress and her long hair fell in slight curly waves down her back. Her skilled hands gently ran the brush through Sigeric's mane and she held a wistful smile on her face. One he found charming and innocent, only making him want to kiss her tenderly.

Avelina smiled as she ran the brush through Sigeric's mane. Her mind was still clouded from her discussion with Gandalf but she had come to an understanding. Natharus had wanted to protect her and gave her favorite steed a gift that would allow him to protect her in his place. That was all that mattered to her. What would have become of her no longer filled her mind. She was happier than she had ever been since she was six years old. She had the love of a great man whom she loved more than anything, and dear friends she knew she could rely on if she ever needed them.

"One would think you enjoyed tending to horses," a deep voice said from behind her causing her to jump slightly. She turned quickly and smiled at Éomer. She laughed before she dropped the brush and rushed over to him. Avelina threw her arms around his neck and he laughed as he picked her up, his mind completely forgetting the troubles of the day and of the days to come. She buried her face in his neck as he lowered her down to the ground and kissed the top of her head lovingly.

"I do enjoy tending horses," she said against his neck, and Éomer was thankful her face was hidden so she wouldn't see the effect her warm breath across his neck had on him. He sighed and held her tighter to him.

"Is there anything you enjoy more than tending horses little one?" Avelina lifted her head and lowered herself so she was not standing on her tip toes and smiled at him.

"Only one thing comes to mind and I'm doing it right now." Éomer raised an eyebrow.

"What is that?" Avelina laughed so quietly it barely reached his ears.

"Being held by the man I love." Éomer smiled and leaned down to her and kissed her lips just as tenderly as he had wanted to when he spotted her as he stood at the door. He pulled away from her and he heard her sigh. "However, there is something that could easily replace being held." He smiled at her when he saw a blush move its way up her neck and across her cheeks when she realized the words she had been thinking escaped her lips. Éomer chuckled and tucked some of copper hair behind her ear.

"That is something I rather enjoy as well Avelina," he whispered and her blush deepened. With a quiet groan she buried her face in his tunic clad chest and Éomer laughed. They stood like that for some time, just enjoying each other's embrace.

As they stood, Avelina debated whether or not to tell him what Gandalf had shared with her, but she soon came to the conclusion that could wait. She just wanted to enjoy being with him as long as she could.

"Avelina," he whispered as he ran his fingers through her hair. The stable had grown dark as the sun began to disappear beyond the horizon. She looked up at him and he smiled at her. "Come with me, there is something I must discuss with you." She nodded and he linked her arm with his as he led her from the stable. As they walked in silence Avelina wondered what it was that he could want to discuss with her. The sun set was surprisingly beautiful as he led her into a small garden, one she had failed to notice before.

"Éomer, is everything alright?" she asked and the man looked at her and nodded. The golden light that reflected off of him made her study him closely for she had never seen him more beautiful.

"Everything is fine, but we will reach our decision of our next steps in the morning. I do not know what path they will lead us down, but I know that if we go into battle and if I return-," Avelina shook her head and clasped his hands in hers.

"If you go into battle, you will return to me." Éomer sighed at the plea he saw deep within the depths of her eyes.

"I cannot make you that promise Avelina. This you know. You witnessed yourself the fall of great men at the hands of these creatures. However, if we do go into battle, and if I return there is something I want to ask of you." Avelina swallowed back the tears that threatened to fall. She realized that it seemed all she did was weep and she decided that she needed to be strong. Not just for herself, but for her friends and for Éomer.

"And what is it that you ask of me?" Éomer raised her hands and rested her palms against his chest. She could feel his heart beating rapidly against the palms of her hand and her eyes remained locked with his.

"If I return from this war, upon taking my proper role I wish to make you my wife." His voice was soft, unlike any other time she had heard his voice and there was hope laced in his voice and slight doubt. It occurred to her then that he though she would say no to his request.

"Éomer," she whispered and paused as she carefully watched his dark hazel eyes search hers. "When you return from this war, I will happily become your wife." Éomer smiled and pulled her close to him before he claimed her lips fiercely sharing every once of happiness and joy with her through his kiss.