Chapter 3
"Thank you." She bowed her head and smiled weakly as she finished the cup of water. "You had a bit of a nasty encounter in those woods. Orcs I hear. It was a sure goods thing King-to-be, Lord Éomer was about hunting the same beasts else Valar knows what would have come of you."
"I daren't think of it."
"Don't you dare! Lies yourself back down." Morwen put her feet back under the quilt and lay down. I need to get back to the stable, Ceorl needs me. "Young Ceorl is doing just fine without you for now. But you, you need your rest." She opened her mouth to protest but closed it again when she realised it would be pointless. This woman would probably carry me back into bed. Taking a deep breath, she winced as a sharp pain stabbed across her stomach and she remembered the foot.
After a while a dark figure stood in the doorway, face hidden in shadow. The nurse looked over to the visitor and bowed politely before leaving just as the figure stepped in. Lord Éomer frowned with concern at the young stable girl lay in the bed in front of him. She must have been only nineteen, her long wavy red hair draped over her shoulders and those soft lips finally regaining their original rosy colour. Her face was pale underneath the dirt and her sharp grey eyes piercing the darkness. The dying fire casting gentle shadows across her face.
He made his way over to the fire, his muscles rippling underneath the rich dark green tunic. His wavy blonde hair falling in front of his face as he bent down to rekindle the lacking flames. She watched him as he stood back up and leant on the fireplace. His face illuminated light orange as he stared into the flames, deep in thought. After a long moment of silent contemplation she felt herself stiffen up as he looked to her. His face was unreadable as she prepared an explanation in her head to why she was out alone and unarmed. Morwen couldn't tell if he was going to be angry, upset, relieved or suspicious, if he was going to speak at all. "How are you feeling?" her mind went blank; not quite the question she was expecting. After remembering herself she looked down shyly. "All the better thanks to you, my Lord." He stepped away from the fire and looked straight at her, hands held behind his back. "Why were you riding in the woods alone?" his face seemed more concerned than angry at her reckless behaviour. "The filly was very restless, my Lord, and I thought it best to exercise her so she wouldn't become a danger to herself or her rider. Please forgive me, my Lord, I did not think." She looked away ashamed of herself, in putting the young horse's life in danger.
Leaning back, sat up in the strangely comfortable bed, Morwen stared into the fire. She could hear the muted pounding of boot beats outside the closed door, and chattering courtiers as they passed by. She felt awkward lying in one of the beds' of Meduseld that would normally be for honoured guests. I should not be here. Nellas would have looked after me, not that I need looking after anymore. Huffing, she threw the blanket off her and climbed out of bed. The wooden floor was cold under her feet and creaked as she shifted her weight. She made the bed tidy and cleaned away the things that had been used in healing her away from the table. Leaning against the window sill she looked out; the sun was out and there was only a gentle warm summer breeze. Ceorl as sweeping the stables and looking bored as ever, Éothain was helping Éomer break in a young stallion that had been brought in from one of the outer villages, and there was several groups of gossiping women. Gossiping about my foolishness most likely. Sighing, she held her arms around herself and looked down and away. A gust blew her red locks back and made her look back out into the courtyard below. Éothain was now standing alone in the pen and Ceorl was staring up at her with that rather common surprised expression. "I see you're feeling stronger." The deep gravely voice startled her and she turned to face the unexpected visitor. Éomer was standing in the doorway, arms folded and head tilted. "Very much so, my Lord." Bowing low she kept her eyes to the ground, feeling his powerful gaze on her. As she rose to standing her head kept low so that her eyes were not visible.
Stepping inside the room, he sighed inwardly as the young woman kept her eyes fixed on the ground. I hate formalities, feels more like fear than manners. Unfolding his arms he put one on her shoulder, lifting her chin gently with his other hand.
"I apologize for my foolish behaviour, my Lord. I…" her voice trailed off as his eyes fixed on hers'. I peasant could go mute with such an intense gaze such as his on them.
He placed his hand on her other shoulder once he got her to look at him. "You are safe, that is what matters now. No one was hurt." A flicker of a smile twitched and eventually grew from the corners of her lips and she bowed her head slightly, but keeping her eyes locked with his.