As the weeks passed Éomer and Aedre found excuses to meet more than normal. They would sit and talk or sometimes kiss if Aedre was inclined. The kisses were always brief and sweet and she found more and more with each press of his lips that she did not mind his closeness or flinch and recoil if he touched her. It was true he was always slow and careful, telling her with expressions and hesitant movement that he wished to caress her cheek, arm or enclose her hand in his. After the initial shock of such attention Aedre began to relish the feel of his warm, strong hand wrapped about her own, the sensation made her feel safe and protected. Sometimes she would feel brave enough to allow him to encircle her in his arms as they kissed, the heightened closeness both thrilled and scared her. Never in her life had she allowed someone so near to her, willingly at least.
Their conversations were mostly one sided as was normal but how she loved to hear him talk. His voice had a roughness to it when he was annoyed and a strong yet smooth tone when he spoke sweet words to her. She enjoyed each slight variation in tone and could soon read without much thought what kind of mood he was currently in. If it was a foul mood she would sit quietly and listen as he ranted and bellowed but once he had calmed he would come and sit by her on the large fur rug. Aedre would gently remove any stray hairs that had fallen into his face which always seemed to accompany such outbursts and with glancing caresses allow the back of her hand to glide over his cheeks until he had regained his better self. He would laugh then, sweetly and warmly and press her hand to his lips, kissing the palms until she pulled away with a musical chuckle.
On some occasions he would talk of his family. The father he had lost to battle and the mother who had passed with a broken heart. Aedre found that she could not fathom this woman's thoughts, how could she have left this man alone, was the love for him not enough to keep her tired heart beating? If he made her heart beat as willingly as Aedre's own then she could see no reason to give up that feeling, if this was indeed what was spoken of in tender tones, 'love.' But Aedre would listen as she always did, silent and willing, the perfect partner to voice secret emotions and thoughts, her expression passive and holding a light of wonderment in her eyes as he talked.
Éomer began to question just how he had stayed sane and calm without her by his side. Just a mere look was often enough to still his gruff anger and soothe his soul making his thoughts and options become clear once again. Her expression never judged, scolded or reprimanded but nor did she agree like some braying serving maid only wanting to please and gain favour. He was able to see a path through his obstacles and each day brought a kindling of renewed hope and vigour for the tasks ahead of him, the confidence in his own abilities grew and the chores he had to endure seemed like a mere trifle if he could behold her face at the end of it all.
He turned to her as the warm summer breeze gave a gentle rush of relief after the humid day. The candles were all lit about the room casting a warming glow to the surroundings. She sat happily by the empty fire engaged in the new work of writing Sunniva had given her. Her hard stone pallet that she wrote upon in a white chalk stick had been a gift from himself and was far easier to find than parchment. Carefully she copied out the words Sunniva had written upon the stone earlier in the day, her hunger for learning apparent in her expression of concentration. Éomer watched her intently for a moment, noticing the way the shadow and light cast about the room fell over her features and body, hiding some from view and illuminating others.
As if sensing his eyes she looked up from her work and smiled at him, perceiving from his wistful air that he wished for her to stop her work and focus upon him. She set aside her work before placing her hands in her lap and waiting for him to voice what was upon his mind. Éomer smiled, it seemed as if she could read him easily.
"Are you finished with your work?" He asked not wanting to have interrupted her too much.
Aedre gave a small incline of her head and nodded, stating that she had finished all she wished to do tonight. He smiled at her again and beckoned for her to join him, she gladly came to stand beside him at the open windows and inhaled deeply the sweet scent of wild flowers that drifted from the fields beyond the city. He hesitated a moment before taking a few steps to stand behind her, the action was slow and deliberate and Aedre felt no ball of panic. As if judging her reaction with each movement he let his hands cover her own and brought them up to the level of her chest as he bent gently over her shoulder. He studied her small hands in his larger ones for a moment, his fingers glancing lightly over her flesh, feeling the soft bumps that spoke of untold suffering and strength. Éomer smiled at the thought, so few people would see the thin dark eyed girl as strong, to the unknowing eye she seemed timid, broken and fragile but he saw past that veil to the heart and spirit beneath. Perhaps in some ways she was indeed bruised and cut, perhaps these wounds would never fully heal but she was not broken, beyond repair or useless. She had survived what many could not even come to imagine in their worst haunted sleep and yet she stood still. Éomer knew she had fought long and hard to reach the place she now resided.
He raised her hands slowly up until they were outstretched and pressed palm to palm with his own. She allowed him his small game, pandering to his inner thoughts and monologue that she knew must be running through his head causing his actions. Finally he allowed their hands to fall back limply to the side, still covering hers with his.
"The stars are bright tonight." He mumbled softly into her ear.
Aedre gave a small nod and allowed her eyes to linger over the bejewelled sky. Marvelling at how the pretty twinkling lights seemed to pulse and shine with a rhythm of their own. They watched together for a moment enjoying the beauty and stillness of a night cloaked city. The horses could be heard far off in the direction of the stables and the soft sound of a fiddle drifted upon the breeze probably from a nearby tavern, its player entertaining the evening's revellers partaking in a well earned ale in reward of their labours of the day.
No other words were needed between them. Éomer tenderly turned her to face him and parting his lips slightly bent towards her. They both yielded willingly as the soft strength of the kiss engulfed them in the sweet comfort of its embrace.
---
The time trickled by and Éomer enjoyed the secret courtship, his thoughts never strayed too far into meaning or consequences, what did such pensive sombre thoughts bring but unhappiness. For the time being he wanted to only think of the joyous side his life had yielded, all other pondering could wait. For the first time for many years Éomer the King of Rohan felt truly at peace with himself and his surroundings.
Many feasts were held in the Golden Hall in celebration of completed small villages and victories in battle against the Wild Men and Orcs. Whenever he returned, battle tired and saddle sore it was her gaze he wished to feel upon him, her gentle hand to wash the toil from his skin and to sit in the quiet evening enjoying a cup of Mead as he regaled tales of his journeys. The feast held on this night was one for warriors and men of note. Aedre as normal flitted about from table to table serving what was needed as Éomer watched her from his seat pretending to listen to those around him. His hand tightened upon his tankard of ale more than once as he saw her flinch away from the more rowdy of men, but he was thankful that none reached out to grab or harass her, even he could not have kept up the pretence that she was no more than a serving woman in that occurrence. Finally she was given leave to take some time of rest by another girl and Aedre gladly accepted the offer. She walked from the large hall towards the corridors, her eyes flicking to his in only the merest brief glance. Éomer set his drink down upon the table and made to follow.
Gamling caught his arm causing him to start at the contact. "My King where are you going?" He grinned a little drunkenly. "We have not even begun to drink yet."
Éomer's brow furrowed in annoyance at being slowed in his task but he quickly regained himself. "I have no taste for ale tonight my friend. I wish for some air, it has become too hot in this hall."
Gamling laughed gruffly. "Well, if you have no taste for it I am worried indeed."
Éomer laughed in return. "I shall soon be back, you will not miss me."
"Aye that is true." Gamling said with a grin before he returned to his drink and conversation.
Éomer quickly left the great hall and entered the shadowed, dim corridor. It suddenly hit him that this was the same corridor he had met Aedre on all those long months ago. He shook the dark feeling from his mind, disliking the images it conjured inside his thoughts.
His eyes quickly saw a silhouetted figure standing not too far from him. It was if she had expected him to follow or perhaps wanted him to. He walked up to her and gave a glad grin as Aedre's face came into focus in the gloom.
"It has been two days since we were last alone." He breathed his voice bearing a note of huskiness.
Aedre gave a small nod, her hand coming out to press against his breast, stating in that gesture that she too had felt the sharp pang of separation. Éomer covered her hand and moved in closer to claim her lips once again as his own. He pulled back and studied her face, running his fingertips across her cheek as the sweet melodies of music being played in the hall seeped into the dark corridor. The tune was sweet and held sad tones concealed, played on fiddle and lute. Softly Éomer began to hum along to the words that the singer sang, his hums turning into low words.
Aye and fair you are my sweetest maid
So deep my love for you
And I will love you, my sweetest maid
Til battle bears me home again
Your tears shall dry
Your heart will mend
And the distance will be so far
But forget me not my only love
For I will love you my sweetest maid
Until we meet again
The battle mound is my only claim
My memory your only prize
As the sands of life slip away
Your smile bears me home once again
As I take my rightful seat
My pride is shadowed
For I will miss you my sweetest maid
Forget me not my sweetest love
For I will love you my only maid
Until we meet again.
Éomer briefly kissed her again once his song was done and smiled, moving a little away from her.
"I should go back into the hall." He said his voice bearing heavily the fact that he wished to stay. But Aedre smiled and nodded.
Éomer held onto her hand until he was no longer in reach and then he made his way back the way he had come.
"Aedre."
The unexpected voice startled Aedre from her thoughts and she looked into the face of Sunniva. The older woman carried a flagon of Mead and could not have been stood there long. Her expression was strangely stiff and unkindly, it seemed to have no rightful place upon the older woman.
"Get back to work." She said the stiffness also present within her voice.
Aedre bowed her head unsure what she had done to offend her mentor but without questioning Sunniva's words she made her way quickly to the kitchens to fetch another vessel of drink to serve.
---
Edoras enjoyed a rare, beautiful and glorious summer. The people of the great city were overjoyed to have such mild and pleasant weather and many partook their meals outside in the warm breeze that was so uncommon on the plains.
Music and dances were held on a flat clearing of land outside the gates of the great city. Tents that were usually used for warfare and long journeys were erected and gaily decorated with colourful cloth and flowers. Cushions were used as seating and food of pork and lamb was roasted over a large fire by the cooks of Meduseld and women of the city. It seemed everyone was leaving their day of work to celebrate on this occasion. The Golden Hall's own musicians had already struck up a tune and many tapped their feet or clapped their hands in time with the drum beats.
Aedre stood beside Sunniva as the older woman turned a large piece of meat over the fire basting it with fatty juices every now and again to keep the food succulent. It had been a strange morning, a strange few days. Sunniva normally so kindly and warm had seemed to drift, becoming distant and sharp. Perhaps it was the heat as she so often said, but Aedre could not help the small knot of worry that linked it to herself, to something she had done. That morning as Sunniva had dressed Aedre's hair into a decorative braid and a colourful ribbon that hung down her back in a comely way, the normally talkative woman was silent, her lips pursed and a permanent frown marring her handsome features.
Not having much work to complete herself, Aedre finally left her elder to the task of roasting the meat and avoiding the larger crowds of people gathered, wandered around the joyous festivities. Many happy faces met her gaze, each encased in their own little drama or comedy, laughter rose high and melodious into the air. To Aedre's ears the soft, low drum beats mingled sweetly with an instrument she was vaguely familiar with, it looked like a flute but was played with the mouth piece placed fully into the mouth and not positioned at an angle. The notes it played were long, nasal and vibrating conjuring up images of far flung places yet to be explored. She stood transfixed by the young man who played it, not a musician of the hall but a handsome youth just come of age to ride alongside his father and the other warriors of Edoras. She swayed a little enjoying the music, warmth of the day and the aromas that invaded her senses.
A soft brush against her clasped hands that rested behind her made Aedre jump inwardly and she glanced fretfully over her shoulder but her heart and body relaxed as she saw the man with flaxen hair meet her gaze with his own hazel eyes. He gave a small smile that only lifted up one corner of his mouth and motioned with his eyes that he wished her to follow him.
Aedre waited for a moment allowing him to walk a little ahead before she followed. Although she did not understand the whys or reasons as to keeping what they did in his chambers and the corridors hidden from all eyes but their own, she knew it pleased him and this was enough of a cause. She admitted inwardly that she did feel pangs of guilt not telling Sunniva, after all they shared all the happenings of their days with each other. But Éomer had told her that to speak of their time together would only cause unhappiness for them both and she had no reason to doubt his words.
She turned her attention back to the present and followed Éomer towards the back of the tent. She saw him give a few careful glances about him, hardly noticeable to those not looking at him directly and seeing that all around them were engrossed in their own business he took the last few steps that hid him from view and Aedre joined him. As she rounded the corner his hand came to cover hers and he pulled her gently into his arms, holding her close for a moment and Aedre allowed the contact. Since their last meeting in the corridor on the night of the great feast their time together had been brief as Éomer found guests and work in abundance. They snatched moments here and there but it was sometimes only a few words, a touch, a glance. She missed him as she had never missed another being and the closeness seemed right, fitting somehow to celebrate the event of their meeting.
Slowly he pulled back and gave her a small smile.
"Have you been well?" He asked in a low voice.
Aedre nodded eagerly but without her pallet she could not describe in any great detail her days or the events that had occurred. Not that any of it was of great importance, the most interesting thing had been that, Guene, another serving maid had spilt a whole bucket of ewe's milk all over herself, her clothes still seemed to hold a soured smell but Aedre of course did not see the events of her life any less important than Éomer's. She knew of rank, obeyed what was asked of her by her betters and elders and respected those she knew to be above herself and although she grasped all the concepts she did not understand that others were better than some, these thoughts were not present in Aedre's mind, only the duty she had to perform.
"I hate not being able to see you." Éomer said his brow furrowing before he pressed his lips to hers in a brief, sweet kiss. "Come away with me today?" His face seemed to light up as if this wonderful thought had only just made itself known to him.
Aedre looked up at him, her eyes stating that she was unsure. She glanced back the way they had come, knowing Sunniva would worry if she was missing for too long.
"Sunniva will not miss you." He said sensing her thoughts with ease. "We shall only be gone for an hour, perhaps two. We will be back before anyone knows we have departed." He cajoled.
Aedre again looked up at him with uncertain eyes and her hand gently squeezed his arm, pulling his attention back to her once more. She gestured with her head towards Edoras, asking if they were to go back to the Golden Hall. Éomer grinned and shook his head.
"No, no halls, no nobles, no serving maids today." He said excitedly. "We shall ride out and finally be alone."
Aedre furrowed her brow at him, asking him silently had they not already been alone many times.
Éomer gave a small laugh. "No, not here. Here we are never alone."
He saw her hesitate, a slight wave of panic rippled across her features.
"You will be safe with me little Aedre, are you always not so?"
Aedre gazed up into his face, her eyes skimming his features and finally she nodded.
