Sorry for the delay - finals week and writer's block. No other excuse. Not mine, and I hope you enjoy! I really do...
-The Author
"If I may say so, you look very lovely this evening."
"You may say so."
"You look very lovely this evening."
"Thank you."
"Your maid did an excellent job."
"So I would look hideous otherwise?"
He frowned a bit at this. Push him away, push him away. Perhaps if he thought her shrewish he would drop the whole suit and this conversation wouldn't be entirely wasted. Eomer simply twiddled his thumbs as he went.
"I mean," said the man, "To make you look loveli-er than before."
A question suddenly occurred to Eowyn. "When have you ever seen me before?" she asked. "I've asked around; as far as I know, you were but lightly injured in the Battle of Pelennor Fields, and you rode with your father to the Black Gates. I've been only to the Fields and Houses of Healing until now."
"Oh, you've asked about me?"
"And aren't you a bit young?"
"I'm a year older than you."
"That's still young, especially for one of the Numenorean race," said Eowyn.
"Are you a student of lore, Lady?" He smiled. It bent his face horribly. He was enjoying her company. Eowyn changed strategies and didn't respond. Maybe now he would be bored by her. "I am," he said. "Although not as great as my cousin Faramir. Wizard's pupil they call him. You're a woman," he turned to her.
"Really? I hadn't noticed."
"Well, I've asked my sister Lothiriel – you'll like her, she's a very pleasant girl – I've asked her to check all the rumor-holes and see who my cousin Faramir is courting."
"Oh?" Eowyn couldn't say anymore.
"Yes," he said, "And women are good at such things."
"All women?"
"Yes," he said. "It is well-known that all women are hopeless gossipers; you can't say a word in front of them without them spreading it around. I say this to you, even though it's rude, because I feel I can trust you. We are going to be married, after all."
Eowyn bit her tongue to keep from speaking, and drove her fist into her hand.
"What was that noise?" Eomer suddenly asked.
"Nothing," said Eowyn brightly. "Nothing at all."