Lothíriel stood, wide eyed, at the pyre before her. By her estimation, it stood taller than three men and some of the logs were so wide, she doubted any one person could have carried them. How these could have appeared within the span of a single day was a mystery all its own, but like magic, it stood, tall and ready to be lit. Ready to announce to the world a new and victorious summer was present in the land of Rohan.

"It's not normally this large." She felt the warm breath against her cheek as Éomer whispered to her. "This is usually designated for the first celebrations after significant events such as a coronation, a royal wedding or the birth of the king and queen's first child." His hand reached down and gently took hold of her elbow, guiding her to her designated spot. In stead of joining them, Éowyn turned away and received something that glinted in the twilight. In one hand was a jagged stone that fit the into Éowyn's palm perfectly, and in the other, a piece of steel, carved so as to look like the neck and head of a horse.

All around them there was excited chatter as people prepared them for the ceremonious lighting. The sounds of their voices all mingled together around where Éomer and Lothíriel stood, well away from the pyre though still in the front row. From her spot, she could see Éowyn greeting people as she passed them, all the while circling round the pyre, checking it before stopping directly in front of Éomer and Lothíriel.

Almost as if it had been waiting for everyone to arrive, the sun dipped under the horizon and the crowd grew silent. It was eerie how so many men, women and children could quiet themselves after such excitement in the new night, but it didn't stay silent for long. A low hum began to go throughout the crowd, surrounding the plain. It was slow and seemed unending. It took her a few moments to realize that the hum came from the men who circled. Beside her, Éomer added his own, singular, note. Although it wasn't a loud sound, it was enveloping. From the front of her, another sound called out. It was feminine and clear, unhindered by the hum.

Our hearts beat to the rhythm of freedom.

Our eyes see the blazing sun,

And it is echoed within our souls.

Just as Éowyn finished the words, more feminine voices of various pitches joined in, singing the next part with her.

Forever more we are victorious!

Forever more we are free!

Together we welcome the summer,

Once again upon this land.

There was a clicking sound that Lothíriel realized was the steel striking against the flint just as the dim light of sparks flew into the air. One of the sparks caught and the silhouette of Éowyn covered the light as she bent over to blow on it. Once that spark was allowed to flourish, she stood once again, her voice alone singing the words.

Summer where the horses run faster than the wind on the plains.

Summer where love and life reaches its peak.

Summer when the world is abundant and men are free!

The other women's voices rang out again in harmony.

Forever more we are victorious!

Forever more we are free!

Together we welcome summer,

Once again upon this land.

The fire behind Éowyn burned slowly and the women joined in on the hum, some repeating the last lines of the song. Like the beating of a heart, the fire spread slowly from the inside out of the pyre until the flames couldn't be contained any longer. In a burst, the flames licked out towards the sky, lighting the area as if the sun had returned in spite of the night. The hum ended and was replaced by the song being repeated by some while others added more melodies to it. Children rushed through the crowds to dance with Éowyn around the fire. Quickly enough, other men and women joined them and all danced together, delighting in the warmth and light of the fire.

"Will you join me?" Éomer held out his hand to Lothíriel. She looked to his outstretched hand for a moment but was tempted to take it before remembering her earlier injury. She shook her head and placed a hand where the bandages were. A flicker of disappointment was in his eyes but his expression was understanding. "You'll be well?" Lothíriel understood and nodded, smiling encouragingly.

Éomer turned away from her and met with his sister. She pulled him into her arms and the two spun gracefully to the man made music. As Lothíriel watched them, she felt the pressure in her heart as she realized with a sinking feeling that her attraction to Éomer was more than infatuation. She was falling in love with the man. What would have been delight was tempered with the knowledge that he felt nothing more than friendship for her and would no doubt find someone he felt was better suited to the position of wife and queen than her.

Understanding this, she longed for the return of her father and with him, her own departure from this place to her home where she could only hope to move on from these growing, pointless feelings.

A/N: Two chapters in one day! Yay! I'm really pleased with how the story is progressing and I hope you look forward to how it will further develop.

Please be sure to leave a review so I know how you like the story thus far. See you guys next chapter!