Aldburg was a small garrison that sat nestled between the mountains southeast of Edoras. It had once been the kingly seat of Eorl, but since then had been passed down from Marshall to Marshall. Eomund, brother in law to Theoden King had guarded it in his youth, but now his son Eomer was named its lord and protector. The city was much smaller in size than the capitol, the great house was more akin to a country estate. It sat in the middle of the lesser houses, stables and fields of the soldiers and families that were stationed there. It suited Eomer far better than the grandeur of Meduseld. He was more at ease here and less prone to make a spectacle of himself in the eyes of the court.

This day, the hardened warrior was sat in the open with a few of his men. They sat around a log fire like they would on encampment. The small garrison was much lower down than the capitol and was protected from the elements by the tall mountains that surrounded them. Therefore this was the preferred way to cook and eat at Aldburg. The men were enjoying rich food and strong ale and were happy enough to watch the children play with the dogs and catch the odd eye of a satisfying woman that wandered by. Before long they would venture inside as the light faded and the weather turned, but for now they were happy enough to lounge and capture the last remaining warmth of the winter sun.

Day's like these were rare in the life of a soldier. Attacks on the Eastfold were becoming more frequent as the days passed. Eomer and his men were often out scouring the furthest reaches of the Mark, driving the filth that dare attempt to enter Rohan from its borders. The men were accustomed to sleeping under the stars with little more than a horse blanket for warmth.

"Do you think we will be undisturbed tonight?" Beorthred mused. An elder of the Rohan company, Beorthred had been in the King's service many years and was one of Eomer's most trusted captains

The Third Marshall sighed heavily, "I hope so Beorthred. I am in desperate need of my bed this night."

His companion chuckled, "You're getting soft my lord...in your old age."

"Old? If you consider me old Beorthred you should be lying in your grave tonight, not in the arms of your wife."

Eomer jest back, he liked the older man and knew that his comments were meant light heartedly.

"Oh yes, that reminds me...I best be off, or I'll never hear the end of it." The soldier threw the last mouthful of ale into the fire and heard it sizzle in response. He stretched the fatigue from his limbs and bid his lord good night.

Eomer too thought it was high time he headed for rest. Even if the night was going to be peaceful, he would be up early in the morning to check on the reports and see to them. He too rose from the fire and was about to return home when a rider shouted from the gate tower,

"A rider my lord!"

Eomer craned his neck towards his guard and had to shield his eyes from the low sun,

"Who is it Alfred?" he cried back.

"Not sure my lord...a woman?"

"Open the gates."Eomer ordered. The soldier heard his order repeated and watched cautiously as the solid gates of Aldburg swung inwards.

He spotted the rider immediately, but did not recognise them. As the mysterious woman came further into the garrison the gates shut behind her and blocked out the glare of the evening sun. The rider seemed to be slumped in the saddle. Eomer recognised the saddle instantly. It was Eowyn's, the same one that he had gifted her on her last name day. The horse too he identified quickly was Windfola. Eomer looked towards the rider once more and it struck him, the dark curls of her hair and the colour in her cheeks, it was Lothiriel.

As the horse reached the centre of the city a guard caught hold of the reins. Eomer approached the princess and before he could utter a word, deftly caught her as she fell from the saddle. She was limp in his arms but weightless at the same time. She was exhausted. The keen soldier knew he had to take Lothiriel inside at once and get her warm as soon as possible. He took her to his chamber, as his was the most comfortable in the great house. The servants laid thick furs over her thin frame and Eomer watched as Lothiriels teeth seemed to chatter.

"Thank you." She managed to get out.

Eomer shushed her and put his hand protectively on her brow.

"Brandy...quickly!" He ordered a nearby servant.

The tired woman drank a mouthful and felt the amber liquid trickle down her throat and seemingly into her bones. Her fingers and toes that had once been numb from the cold, hard ride were becoming less stiff. But her eyes refused to stay open and closed softly as the warmth of the furs and drink took over her and led into a dreamless sleep.

o0o

Lothiriel must have slept for an age, for when she woke she was stiff and sore as if she had slept on a rock. She looked around her and tried to make sense of where she was. The tired woman spotted the furs around her and was grateful to the person whom had covered her. She sat up gingerly and attempted to stand. As Lothiriel got her bearings she spotted a mannequin in the corner of the room. It wore a suit of armour she recognised immediately and the shocked women began searching the room once more. Turning to her right she saw a small looking glass and surveyed her appearance, she was appalled. The princess was not a vain person but the distinct splatter of mud down her dress and the dishevelled look of her hair embarassed her. Lothiriel began running her fingers through her matted hair and bit her lower lip as her attempts to smooth it out were in vain.

There was a small cough from the door. Lothiriel spun and saw her brother in law leaning against the door frame.

"Forgive me... I did not mean to sleep for so long." She said apologetically.

"Don't worry...by the looks of you I think you needed it." Eomer's reply came out a little more severe than he had intended so he carried on to hide his guilt, "Now can I ask you princess...why are you here?"

Lothiriel remembered, she had left in such haste that she had no way of proving what she was about to tell Eomer. For all he cared, she could have stolen his sister's horse and had attempted to flee from Edoras. Eomer knew she was no rider and most likely just assumed that she was misdirected and had arrived at Aldburg unintentionally.

"Would you believe me if I told you I was here for you…" The princess realised how avaricious that sounded and qualified by saying, "Here for your help!"

Eomer raised his eyebrows in interest and moved away from the door, "For my help? What could your highness want from me?"

Lothiriel began to inform Eomer all that had gone on over the past two days and did not stop for breath. She feared if she didn't allow it to spill it out in one go, she would miss something. To her surprise Eomer seemed to believe her story and did not press her any further, save for one question.

"Why come to me, my lady? Surely Theodred is the man that you should seek out?"

"I would have done, but I have no idea where he is. Coming here was difficult enough for someone like myself. If I were to travel that far West, I may never have reached Theodred in time."

"Very well princess...then you shall stay here. I will send one of my men to warn Theodred of Grima's plans. I will ensure the villain answers for his treachery."

"Thank you. Will you tell him that I am well...he will worry if he does not hear."

Eomer nodded his reply.

"And perhaps...before you go...may I be shown to a room."

Eomer looked at the lady confused.

Lothiriel gestured towards the soldiers armour and he realised what she thought, "Don't worry your highness, I will not be needing this room whilst you stay."

With that he offered her a polite bow and left the room.

A/N - Thank you to Lydwina Marie for your kind words. As I mentioned I have this story in my head for a while now, a little over 2 years, but never been able to get it down. The story is far from over!

I hope you continue to R&R, Thanks Mrs E x