Thank you all once again for the reviews and support, they make my day :) I can assure you that I am determined to finish this story!

Unfortunately I now have a bad case writers block! I know where the story is going but I'm unsure how to get there, so any ideas please send them my way maybe something will hit the mark and get me back onto the horse. But until I break out of this block there will of course be no updates :( so I'm hoping it won't last too long!

I hope you enjoy.

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Aedre's feet quickly took her away from Éomer. Her thoughts were muddled, some seemed to scream at her making her head ache, and a strange feeling of panic wound around her heart, strangling, tightening and fuelling the anxiety that clutched, clammy and threatening at her mind.

The rain had abated to a soft drizzle but it had fallen hard enough to make the pathways muddy and uneasy to tread upon. She stopped a moment, her eyes taking in the city below, the Golden Hall behind her and small dwellings to either side of where she stood. She took an uncertain step forward towards the stone stairs and Meduseld and her courage faltered, she could not do this… Her mind could not comprehend this situation; it jeopardized everything she thought she knew. Perhaps it would be best to do what she had dwelt lightly upon doing many a cold night - going back out into the wilds. This time there would be no Orcs to hurt her, she could find a cave, a place she could be alone and live alone without feeling like she was not amounting to anything, where she would not be confused by others' actions. She gritted her teeth in distress, her mind whirring and finally without much thought going into her actions she turned from the stairs to the path leading down to the gates. She ran, her legs taking her forward, the mud splashed cold and wet up her calves, slowing her pace but still she labored, determined not to falter.

She heard faintly the sound of someone calling her name behind her but she did not stop or turn, she continued her descent, her mind focused solely upon the gates. It seemed mere moments before they were looming before her, dark and ominous, questioning her choice and her heart fluttered in fear. In truth she knew outside these walls no better than she knew within. Both were alien and both would have difficult obstacles, her mind screamed for her to think but Aedre refused, it was too late to think.

A night watch man quickly stood as she approached. He was large with a rounded belly. His hair was the colour of old straw, faded and thinning. His beard covered most of his ruddy face and his dark blue eyes were keen and alert. He held a spear in his left hand and a sword hung from his belt. His armor was of light leather and his helm rested nearby upon a post.

"What's the matter girl?" he asked, concerned by the muddy strange girl before him who breathed hard from her flight.

Aedre shrank back a little and gestured to the small door to the side of the gate, trying to make it known that she wished to leave. The man seemed to get the gist of her actions, he frowned.

"I can't let you out of the city at his hour, not alone, it's dangerous girl."

Aedre tried again to gesture but her attempts were interrupted.

"Aedre!"

She turned to see Éomer only a few feet away, his clothing too was muddied as if he had sprinted after her.

"My Lord!" the night watch man said in surprise before bowing lowly.

"Dreng," Éomer said with a forced smile.

"Is everything well My Lord?" Dreng asked, glancing at Aedre who still panted slightly.

"Yes, there is no need to worry; the girl just lost her way." He moved over to where Aedre stood and wrapped a hand gently about her wrist. "We shall return to the hall, the weather feels as if it will get worse" Éomer commented softly, pulling Aedreinto a walk as he began to make his way back up the path.

"Very good My Lord" Dreng said unsurely, giving both of their backs a curious and wary look. But he did not allow his mind to dwell upon the fancies of kings, his night's work was still not finished and he resumed his watchful post.

Éomer led Aedre quickly back towards the hall, he stood at the steps and paused a moment, silently deciding his next move, his brow furrowed in deep thought. He swiftly turned away from the stairs and pulled Aedre back towards the stable. She did not struggle but allowed herself to be led… to what ends she wasn't sure… but none of the panic was there that she had felt the first time he had made her follow him. Her heart beat erratically in her chest, the result making her feel a little nauseous. Éomer led her into the stables once more and stepped into the concealing shadows where he knew in the darkness they could not be seen. He gave a last glance about them before turning to face her.

"What are you doing?" he hissed more gruffly than he would have wished.

Aedre avoided his gaze, her body remained still. Éomer gave a low sigh.

"Where did you think you would go?" he asked, still unable to shift the harshness within his tone. He found he was angry with her, angry that she wanted to go out of Edoras, where the likely outcome was hardship or death. He was angry because if this girl left and went where he could not follow, he could not protect her, if any hardship befell her he knew his heart would shatter and the burden of her life would bear heavy upon his shoulders… and he was wounded she had run from him, was he really such a monster to be feared?

Aedre gave a small glimpse up at him trying hard to fight back the stinging tears that had suddenly appeared in her eyes, it was a losing battle and they spilled hot and wet onto her cheeks.

Éomer's expression softened at the sight, he reached up and gently stroked a few of the tears away with his thumb.

"You need not have run" he said tenderly, the anger melting easily at the sight of her sorrow. "I know I have given you reason to fear me… for that I am sorry… but…" He paused, his words stunted as if each time he wished to speak they were caught within his throat.

Aedre's eyes finally connected with his, within their depths lay an expression that told him of great sorrow, longing and need. It seemed to loosen his tongue a little and he pushed the last few words out.

"I would not hurt you" he breathed, the mere thought that she could think this of him pulled sickeningly at his stomach.

Aedre again found his eyes with her own and gave a slow certain nod, telling him silently she knew this to be so.

Éomer felt a sudden flood of relief course through his veins but once this blissful sensation had passed his brow once again settled into its familiar frown. "Then why did you flee?" He paused, he had never spoken so freely of his emotions and he found the task more difficult than he had warranted. "Do… do I not please you?" he asked, sounding like a young boy asking for approval to his own ears.

Aedre looked at him questioningly, her eyes studying his face intently as if by doing so she could uncover a hidden secret or answer. They stared at each other in silence for what seemed an age; the soft sound of rain pattering against the ground outside invaded their hearing.

Éomer shifted uncomfortably, feeling as if he had just bared a part of his very soul here in the dim, musty stables and the woman he had confided in remained mute. No gestures or actions were forthcoming to reassure him that he had not been foolish, that it had not all been in vain, that all his secret longings were met and mated with her own.

He gave a low sigh, suddenly feeling like a deluded half-wit by his actions and manners of the night, she was trying to tell him she had no interest but the poor young girl had no idea how to let a king know she had no desire for him. He slowly backed away a few steps, his mind set upon this thought.

"I am… sorry" he said, his tone stating just how lowly he thought of himself. "I should have seen… please forgive me." He gave a small bow towards her without meeting her eyes and turned to go and be rid of the cloying dispirited feeling that enveloped him.

He took one step before he felt the rough, small hand grasp his arm, the weight of it hardly noticeable though his shirt. He came to a jerky stop and slowly turned to meet her once again. Aedre's eyes were cast downwards and slowly she released her grip upon him once she felt him turn.

Éomer could hear his breath harshly within his own ears as he waited for her to move, to do something… anything. With what seemed a great effort she turned her face up to his, her eyes asking him silently not to leave. Éomer felt his heart quicken within his chest.

"I…" he began, but Aedre silenced him with a quick movement of her hand, placing her small fingertips over his lips. She studied his face for a long moment as if only really just seeing it fully. With a nervous, trembling hand she let her fingers gently glide over his mouth to his cheeks, grazing his beard lightly, following the outline of his jaw, her eyes narrowed as if trying to understand a far flung mystery he held concealed from her. Her other hand came to join the exploration and Éomer closed his eyes at the sensation of her caresses. She let her fingers brush his hair away from his eyes and again examined him closely, her eyes flicking to each feature and lingering upon it before moving to the next.

As this powerful man stood before her, his position so trusting and willing she felt a strange trembling sweetness pass through her body, making her feel as if all the hairs along her neck and arms were standing upon end. Slowly his hand came to cover one of her own, gently pressing her palm to his cheek, moving it to his mouth where he laid soft kisses against her skin.

Aedre felt again the sudden urge to recoil clutch at the core of her, the instinct to pull away was strong and for a moment she fought in silent battle with it before finally relenting and with a gentle pull she released herself from his grasp. Their eyes connected and the soft rain once again became the only sound between them.

Slowly she shook her head, her brow furrowed; now more than ever she wished that she could speak, to tell him why she recoiled, why she did not do as her heart seemed to wish her to do. It seemed its beat quickened whenever he looked at her in a certain way, praised her, touched her… She wished to ask him why this was and that she did not understand what was happening, but she desired bitterly to comprehend. She opened her mouth, closing her eyes tightly with effort but a low gurgle was all that she managed. He noticed her endeavor and placed a soft, warm hand upon her shoulder, his touch telling her it was alright, his eyes comforting her disappointment. They stayed in the stillness for what could have been an age.

"Aedre." Éomer's voice, thick and deep broke the seemingly endless silence.

She glanced at him once again as he looked intently upon her, his hazel eyes seeing something few could gain a glimpse of shining out from within herself, something that Éomer felt a strange pride in uncovering.

"I understand…" he began, appearing to choose his words carefully, "that you do not fully know what it is you are feeling."

Aedre nodded eagerly, feeling a weight lift from her chest as the panic untwisted itself a little from her heart.

"I confess," he huffed with a small laugh, "I am somewhat confused myself." Éomer stroked his cheek absently. "I don't know what to tell you to ease your fears, though I see it clear enough within your eyes, I wish I could give you the answer you seek."

Aedre again gave a small nod that she understood his words.

"I am… unsure what it is we are both feeling, if indeed you do feel anything." His eyebrow rose as he spoke as if he was pondering upon the matter deeply.

Aedre did not respond, the words did not seem to be directed at her, more a mulling over of what was within his thoughts.

"I only know…" he paused again, his jaw becoming set, his attention returning to her, "that I dwell upon you more than I should, that I wish to spend my time with you and to know you feel the same way…" He started feeling once again like a foolish boy. He raised his eyes to hers, his gaze searching for a moment. "Do you feel anything for me?" he asked finally, his voice barely a whisper.

Aedre stared at him, a little taken aback by the question; she lowered her gaze, searching hurriedly for an answer. Even though she had felt her heart quicken, a warm glow within her stomach whenever his words were kind, she had never dwelt upon what they meant, what she felt. She furrowed her brow and finally glanced back up, her dark eyes holding his. His question was quite easy to answer it was the context of it she felt uneasy with, not fully understanding the meaning. Still he wished for an answer now and she must give her king what he wished… a true answer to his question. Slowly she nodded uncertainly.

Éomer felt a small smile spread itself across his lips and his fingers brushed her cheek softly. She flinched slightly at the contact, her heart again beginning its strange erratic rhythm. He seemed to sense her unease and his fingers resumed a light caress.

"Beon gien hwon fugol," he soothed. "Beon gien." - (Be still little bird, be still)

His voice and manner eased her discomfort with the situation to a small degree. Again their eyes connected, both fully aware of how awkward the moment was. Slowly he bent his head towards hers; his lips brushed her own in the briefest of kisses before he pulled back, his gaze once more studying her, as again the music of heavy rain accompanied the moment.

Éomer grinned. "I know not what is to be done now." His voice was distracted as if he were stating this fact to himself. He gave a small glance to the stable entrance, his thoughts upon the people of Edoras, the occupants of the Golden Hall. To embark on anything with the girl now stood before him would mean many things that bore thinking over.

"Perhaps we should retire to the hall, the rain is worsening" he said, his gaze lingering a moment upon the weather, but his thoughts were fixed upon leaving the moment between them as it was. He feared his emotions would become too strong and he would say or do something that was foolish, that would not only hurt himself in the eyes of the order of Rohan but Aedre too.

"Come" he said without turning to look back at her. Aedre took a small step forward to begin to follow his ascent. She felt his warm hand seek her own, wrapping her small fingers within its gentle grasp. He turned and gave her a faint smile, his eyes telling her that his mind was currently elsewhere. Éomer pulled Aedre's shawl tightly around her shoulders and they began to make their way out of the stables and onto the rain drenched pathway leading up to the steps. The rain was heavy and they both hurried up towards the hall. Éomer's grip upon Aedre's hand did not falter and he aided her many times in keeping her footing on the slippery steps. By the time they had reached the dryness of the platform their clothing was soaked through. Éomer gave a small laugh as they regained themselves from their dash for cover.

He brushed the remaining raindrops from his shirt before turning to Aedre and doing the same to her skirts and arms. His eyes lingered over her face a moment as he gently smoothed down her hair, dispelling some of the clinging water. His hand came to rest leisurely upon her upper arms as he again moved slowly forward. Aedre waited patiently for the sensation of his mouth to brush against hers, fully expecting it and, in great surprise to herself, she wanted to feel his touch once more. This time his lips lingered a little longer, the kiss seemed sweeter somehow. He pulled back and gave a small bow before taking her hand in his own and pressing his lips against the back of her hand.

"Good night." He straightened up and gave her a knowing smile.

Éomer turned from her without another word and began to make his way towards the doors leading into the hall.

Aedre stood as if frozen in the moment, her hand still hovering in mid air. Finally she glanced over to the door, her brow furrowing. She could not make full sense of what had just happened but, as she allowed her thoughts to replay everything between herself and the king of Rohan, within her heart she knew it had perhaps been something good.