Words with the strangers flared quickly into a quarrel. Éomer moved to attack, knowing the Elf's swift arrow might end his life. No matter; his éored would avenge him and the intruders would fall.
The tall Man threw himself between them, urging peace. But he was no craven. For a moment Éomer's sword was nigh to his throat, yet he flinched not, but met the Marshal's eyes with a calm, level gaze.
Éomer's heart sang with delight at what he read there. I will slay this man if I must, he thought, but I will take no joy in it.
Notes:
Written for B2MeM 2012. Prompt I21: "TVTropes of Tolkien: Worthy Opponent."
What struck me most when I was considering what to do for this prompt is how seldom Tolkien uses this trope. Here (and elsewhere), it's averted a few moments later, as Éomer quickly becomes a friend and ally.