Lothiriel slowly wandered her way through the deserted camp back to her tent. It was eerily quiet. Half a dozen Riders- the most that could be spared- were waiting for her in the clearing just outside the structure. All of them bowed when she appeared and the princess immediately felt embarrassed. She had known reverence like it all her life, but for the first time Lothiriel knew that the soldiers respect meant so much more. She doubted they knew the real reason, why they had been hastily ordered to refrain from the fighting and return their once crown-princess back to the capital. But the lady had lived amongst the Rohirrim long enough to to know that they were a shrewd and keen minded people. They would have their suspicions, but were honourable enough not to reveal them.

The men stood there waiting patiently for their first order. Lothiriel looked about her and realised they were waiting for her to speak. She inhaled deeply and spoke as levelly as she could,

"Ready your horses, we leave within the hour."

The highest ranked, a captain nodded his head quickly and each man moved swiftly away from the tent, whilst he remained. Lothiriel walked determinedly towards her tent, attempting to muster her courage. She realised as she grew closer whom the Rider was. It was Beorthred. Lothiriel smiled warmly at him as she reached the entrance.

"Forgive me Beorthred. I did not recognise you."

Lothiriel spoke honestly. So much time had passed, and much had gone on since she and the villagers escaped Aldburg, the princess had not seen the kind man since. Beorthred returned the smile with one of his own.

"'Tis no need your highness."

Lothiriel quirked an eyebrow at the misuse of her title. The soldier simply stared at her knowingly. Of course, she thought. Beorthred was one of Eomer's oldest and most trusted friends. She had gleaned that from her time spent at the garrison. It was no surprise that he be the one to return her to Edoras, or in fact that he may know the reason why.

"I would like to offer my thanks your lady."

"For what?" She replied quizzically.

"I never had the opportunity to thank you for what you did that night...at the Deep. My wife, Frida told me what you and Lady Eowyn did. They may not speak of it in the great tales to come...but it was appreciated at the time."

"Boerthred I think my deeds have been grossly overstated."

"Not to me. Frida is many things your highness...but she always tells the truth."

"Well then, I must make sure to pass on your thanks to Lady Eowyn also."

With that the princess entered her tent.

Lothiriel began the process of deciding what to take back to Edoras. She had brought almost everything she had owned on the journey out to Dunharrow, as she believed she was going home. It would be silly to return them all now, particularly when they were leaving in haste. She looked around the floor at the possessions strewn about haphazardly and began picking through what was hers and what she assumed belonged to Eowyn. Lothiriel soon realised that what little was left of Eowyn's possessions were very sparse indeed. The white lady was more practical and simple so she thought, and used to camping lightly. However, there were so little of her things that it made the princess' mind wander. She ran to the doorway and spotted her worst fears.

Stuffed under Eowyn's cot was what appeared to be a pile of rags. Lothiriel reached for them knowing better. With shaky fingers she pulled out the pale dress that her friend had worn the night before. Lothiriels heart quickened and she left the tent alerting Beorthred immediately.

"Where is Lady Eowyn?" She cried.

"What do you mean?"

"Have you seen Lady Eowyn?"

Lothiriel extended the dress towards the captain, and Beorthred realised immediately what Lothiriel implied.

He began to shout out towards his men. They returned hurriedly, their horses in tow.

"Eadgar...have you seen Lady Eowyn's horse?"

The soldier Eadgar looked confused.

"When you readied the horses, was Windfola in the paddock?" Beorthred pressed on.

"No sir. Just the horses that you see now."

Lothiriel and Beorthred looked between one another in horror.

"Search the camp!" He bellowed.

The soldiers took off instantly looking for the mising Eowyn.

"There's no point captain...she's gone I know it. Eomer and she...they fought last night and she said something. I thought it peculiar then...but it makes sense now."

"What did she say?"

"This world is no place for women. She wouldn't?" Lothiriel asked, daring not to voice her worst fears.

"She might your highness. If you forgive me...Lady Eowyn is a fierce and strong fighter...and extremely stubborn."

Lothiriel would have normally laughed at that description. It reminded her so much of someone else she knew.

"If she is indeed gone, there'd be now way of bringing her back now. Besides we are sworn to take you back to Edoras."

The princess looked horrified. How could this Eorling trade her life for that of Eowyn's so easily. She deftly moved past him and picked up the reins of the closest horse. Lothiriel slipped her foot into the stirrup and prepared to haul herself into the saddle.

"My lady what are you?"

"Captain we must find her and bring her back!"

"Your highness...Lord Eomer charged me with your safety."

Beorthred grasped Lothiriel by the waist and pulled her harshly from the horse. The young woman struggled as best she could but Beorthred was much stronger than she was.

"No Beorthred...let me go. We cannot,"

"Lothiriel!" He shouted familiarly,

"Eomer has trusted me to protect you. I will to my last breath...even if I must protect you from yourself."

Beorthred let go of her and stepped back warily, conscious that he had just manhandled the woman his friend and leader loved so dearly.

Lothiriel simply snorted angrily. What else could she do? She was no keen rider, Beorthred knew this and she didn't know the land well enough to follow the Rohirrim without help. Moreover she was pregnant and despite her worries about Eowyn, her child had to come first.

Reluctantly Lothiriel and the small group of Riders made their way out of the camp and back towards Edoras. The journey was painfully slow but happily uneventful. The small party arrived back at the gates of the city as dusk started to close in around them. The princess was shown into the the castle of Meduseld and then promptly left alone. As the giant doors swung closed, Lothiriel couldn't help but feel desolate. Despite all the things that would hopefully come to fruition for the better, she could only focus on in that moment the terrible things, those close to her were going through.

A/N - Here's the latest update. Just when you think its all over, as we know Eowyn doesn't go quietly. God love her.Thankyou to BeagleBrother for your kind words and support.Thank you to D for your well wishes. I really appreciate it.