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Chapter 26

Avelina held onto her satchel tightly and followed Aragorn. Éomer remained behind, but not before he had stolen a kiss when Aragorn's back was turned. "Lord Aragorn, where are we going? The healing hall is the other way," she said as they walked. Aragorn slowed and she walked next to him.

"Your serum is not needed for those in the healing hall. It is need for a patient, whose is great need of it's infection fighting properties. I'm afraid the herbs we have applied are not completely fighting the infection," Aragorn said. Avelina looked at him with a furrowed brow before they stepped into a private chamber. She looked on the bed and saw a weary and injured form laying there. He was small.

"A hobbit?" she asked as she looked at Aragorn. He nodded.

"Not just any hobbit, but Frodo, the ring bearer. He is the reason the darkness is gone, and the long wars are finally over."

"A small hobbit? Such a small creature had such strength to end many years of suffering?" she asked quietly and Aragorn smiled before he put his hand on her shoulder.

"Even the smallest of beings and bring about the biggest changes." Avelina blushed slightly and gave him a small smile. "Now come, I need you help." She nodded and the pair set to work on the small hobbit.

Avelina sighed as she sat down on the small sofa that rested at the foot of her bed in her chamber. Aragorn and her had spent the entire morning tending to Frodo, and she as well as Aragorn thought that Frodo would pull through just fine. After she tended to him, she spent the afternoon with Éowyn, as Éomer once again took council with the others.

Dusk had finally come and she was very tired. She unbound her hair and looked out the window. She smiled a small smile as she watched the golden orange light float across the Earth. So far only Éowyn was the one to know of their pending union. Avelina had been to busy to tell anyone else, and she did not think Éomer would wish to bring that subject up during meetings. She would have given anything for a hot bath, but she did not want to trouble anyone for hot water. Suddenly the door to her bath chamber opened and Nathia stepped from the room.

"Good evening, Avelina," she said with a smile. Avelina stood quickly and noticed the pot she carried in her hands. "Your bath is ready." Avelina frowned.

"But I did not ask for-," she was interrupted and Nathia held up her hand.

"I know that, but I do know you my friend. You have worked hard, take rest in the tub. I'll ensure you have peace." Avelina smiled and walked over to Nathia. She embraced her and the woman hugged her back. When they pulled apart Nathia shoed her into the bath chamber. "Go on, your night dress and robe are already waiting for you." Avelina smiled and nodded her head before she went into the chamber.

Avelina sighed as the sent of lavender washed over her. Nathia knew just what scent she favored. She quickly removed her boots, then her dress and finally her shift. She climbed into the steaming water and sighed louder as the hot water unknotted her muscles. She dipped her head under the water and came back up quickly before she rested her head against the tub. She soaked for a long time before she washed her hair and since the water had cooled she decided it was time to get out.

Avelina climbed from the tub and dried her self before she slid into her cream colored nightdress and brushed her slightly damp hair before she slid on her robe. She gathered her soiled clothes and sat them in the small basket and carried her boots into the room. When she came out, the night sky was dark and a warm fire lit the room as well as several candles. As she sat her boots down, she smiled at the sleeping form that laid on sofa she had sat on not long ago.

His left forearm was resting across his eyes and his right arm rested across his stomach. Her smile only grew when she saw her laid there barefoot and his right arm rested over his stomach. She quietly made her way over and laughed quietly when she heard quiet snores escaping his lips. Avelina reached a tentative hand and gently shook his left arm.

"Éomer?" she said gently and the man jumped slightly and lowered his arm. He looked up at her and furrowed his brow. The firelight that shined on her damp hair made it seem as though she glowed an auburn light and he reached his hand out to her and held her cheek gently.

"You look as though you are a gift from the heavens," he said through a smile. Avelina raised her hand to rest over his and smiled.

"What are you doing here? You should be resting." Éomer smiled and lowered his hand and sat up keeping her hand in his. He pulled her down to sit next to him and she smiled at him.

"I was resting and I was waiting for you to come from your bath. You took forever." Avelina laughed quietly and squeezed his hand.

"I did not take forever." He tucked her damp hair behind her ears.

"You did," he whispered as he rested his forehead against hers. She laughed again before she turned her head slightly and kissed him gently. She pulled back and smiled at him.

"I did not." He smiled and nodded before he met her gaze.

"You did not." She laughed gently and he laughed as well. "Who knew that taking council would tire someone so greatly." She smiled and rubbed his cheek gently.

"Go to your chamber and rest. You are in need of it. We have time to spend together and it should be shared while we are awake and alert, not when we are both so weary we shall be luck to remain awake another ten minutes." Éomer smiled and nodded.

"You are right, once again," he added and she smiled.

"Rest, love," she whispered. "I know you are in need of it." He sighed and leaned into her. When his lips met hers, it was unlike any kiss she had ever shared with him. There was something in his kiss that she had never felt before. She pulled away after a moment and looked at him with wide eyes and short breaths. Éomer looked at her and was just as surprised as she was. "Éomer, did you . . .?" she trailed off hoping he knew what she meant and he nodded.

"Aye, I felt it. Perhaps I should go." She nodded as he stood. "I will see you tomorrow." He slid on his boots and she watched him. He looked at her when he finished and he smiled at her before he reached out his hand and cupped her cheek once again. She smiled at him. "At the mid-day meal, meet me at the stables. I have a surprise for you." He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"I will see you then," she said gently and he smiled before he left her alone for the night. Avelina sighed and removed her robe before she climbed into the bed all the while her stomach in knots and a warm feeling in her heart.