A/N: This chapter is entitled "Some Harmless Fluff and Not so Harmless Fluffy Animals".
Wow, this story is really fun to write on. And no, Theodred doesn't like her in that way. He's about... -counts on fingers- fifteen years older then her. Anyhow, they just met. That day. A few hours previous.
Disclaimer
Elven Bunny: We don't own the Lord of the Rings, sadly enough. But when it goes on sale I have dibs on Gil-galad!
Butterfly Lion: In that case, I'm getting dibs on Finrod.

Chapter eight

"So, Anlaf, why do you like Eowyn so much? Do you have a crush on her or something?"

Anlaf stopped short and almost fell down. "No," he said as he started running again, "of course not. She's just really cool!"

Ainsley grinned and jumped over a frisky lamb. "I know what you mean. I wish I could do sword-fighting!"

"Why don't you learn?" asked Anlaf

"Too uncoordinated," Ainsley sighed. "I've been trying, but I totally stink at it."

Eowyn and Theodred were catching up to them.

"They're catching up! Come on!" urged Anlaf. Ainsley strained her legs and sped up slightly. She was surprised at how fast Anlaf was- after all, he was only nine!

Eomer stared at his mug, then stared back out the window. "They're racing," he said flatly. "The demon-girl and Anlaf are racing Eowyn and Theodred."

"Who do you think'll win?" Beornhelm asked Aldwulf.

"I'm betting that girl and Anlaf," Aldwulf replied.

"I think Theodred and Eowyn will win."

"I'll keep you to that. I'll bet you a slice of hot peach pie."

"Done!"

Eomer sighed and ignored them. What did Eowyn see in that girl anyway? He supposed she was just being nice.

But sheep jumping?

They were nearing the end of the race. Theodred and Eowyn had the lead by about two sheeps-length. A.k.a. seven feet or so.

Ainsley and Anlaf were coming up on a huge mud-stained ewe. Anlaf let go of Ainsley's hand and wriggled under the sheep while Ainsley leap-frogged over it. She almost landed on his head.

"Be careful!" protested Anlaf.

"Oops," said Ainsley sheep...ish...ly...

They came up to another ewe. It wasn't near as large as the other, so she figured Anlaf could jump over it.

He didn't agree.

Ainsley soared into the air just as Anlaf wriggled under it. They were still holding hands, however, and the result was rather painful.

Ainsley landed on her stomach, over the ewe's back. Anlaf was yanked up into the sheep's stomach.

The ewe was not happy.

She leaned back and tried to bite Ainsley, and when that didn't work, she let out a bellowing "Maamaamaa" and shook Ainsley off into a mud puddle.

By this time Eowyn and Theodred had finished. They wandered over to Ainsley and Anlaf.

"That's the second dress you've ruined today," commented Theodred as he helped Ainsley up. "And by the way- you lost."

"I know," Ainsley grumbled.

Eowyn was too helpless with laughter to do anything.

Eomer pumped his fist in the air. "Yes! Good sheep! Remind me to go hug that sheep tomorrow!"

His friends stared at him. Beornhelm broke the silence. "So, Aldwulf, where's my peach pie?"

Aldwulf sighed and stood up.

"Eowyn," Ainsley moaned as she walked shakily to the fence, "I am tired, worn-out, and muddy. Would you pretty-please draw me a map so I can go to your room and lie down on the floor?"

Eowyn stifled her laughter and patted Ainsley on the head. "Of course, of course."

Anlaf nimbly hopped up on the fence Ainsley was leaning on. "You're really that tired?"

"It's been a long day," she replied. "Boy, is that cliche."

"Cliche?" asked Theodred as he gallantly helped Ainsley onto the fence.

"Overused, I suppose."

"Oh, I see. Yes, I tend to use the same phrase too many times-as Eowyn has told me many a time."

"He was always, always telling me how happy he was we were his cousins," Eowyn complained. "When I was nine years old I found it quite annoying."

"I dunno," mused Ainsley. "I think if a little boy said that to me I would be glad-why are you staring at me like that?"

"Um...little boy?" asked Eowyn.

"I was twenty-four," explained Theodred.

Ainsley fell backwards off the fence. "But I thought you were twenty-four now!"

"Thank you- I think," the prince laughed.

"Wow, I'm learning new things about you every day- no wait, it's all been one day. Ugh, I'm confused," Ainsley muttered.

She pulled herself upright and climbed back onto the fence.

"So you're fifteen years older than me?" she asked Theodred incredulously.

"Um...that depends on how old you are."

"Oh, right. I'm eighteen."

"Why are you so upset, Ainsley?" Eowyn teased. "Did you plan to marry him or something?"

She nimbly jumped back as Ainsley swiped at her.

Ainsley fell off the fence again, landing on her face this time. "No," she spluttered, wiping grass from her mouth. "I just met him today! It took me by surprise, that's all."

"Anyhow, about that map," Eowyn said. "I'll go see if I can borrow some paper from someone. You can wait here."

"All right," muttered Ainsley, still lying on the ground. "I'll just lie here on the ground and look at the clouds."

"I don't think you'll be able to do that," Anlaf called, trotting after Eowyn. "There's a big ram coming towards you."

Ainsley scrambled up quickly and attempted to climb the fence. "Ugh," she grumbled, getting her leg stuck. "I'm acting like some sort of helpless female."

"At the moment," said Theodred, pulling her over the fence, "You are some sort of helpless female."

"Gee, thanks a lot," she said sarcastically.

"You're welcome," he smiled.

"I was being sarcastic," Ainsley muttered. She leaned back against the fence and closed her eyes, not even twitching when the big ram tried to attack her through it.

Theodred started pulling up grass.

"What are you doing?" Ainsley asked, opening one eye.

"I'm making you a pillow," the prince explained.

"All right then." She closed her eye again.

Eomer set his mug of beer down on the table and stood up. Leaning out the window, he cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, "No, Theodred! Don't do it! Don't be nice to her!"

His friends collapsed in laughter.

Eomer grimaced. Theodred didn't appear to be listening.