Review Responses:
MerryKK: Thanks for your faithful reviews. I'm glad you like my story. I can hardly wait to read your Boromir/Eowyn romance.
Celebne: Thanks for the review. I apolize for making the chapters so short. I'm trying to make longer chapters in the future. I write both movie and book verse. This story is really more book than movie (I think), but I may add some movie elements. We'll see.
Kaylee: Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you are enjoying my story. Yes, I suspected they didn't use nicknames, but I liked using them, so... If you think it is too distracting I may take them out.
A/N: There is NO incest in this story, just a big brother comforting his younger sister. Also, terrible in this case means corny. I just thought that the word corny probably wasn't in Middle Earth's vocabulary. : ) Thirdly, I think this chapter is a bit longer than the others. I'm sorry they've been so short; I can't seem to write long chapters. I'm working on it.
A fair wind played with Eowyn's golden hair and ruffled her steed's mane. She threw a sideways look at her uncle. The two went for rides often, but something was bothering him today. Perhaps it had something to do with Lord Amlach's visit. He had undoubtedly brought bad news from Gondor.
Theoden was lost in his thoughts. At least he pretended to be. He was stalling telling her the truth. He was feeling guilty already about giving Eowyn to be Boromir's wife. Eowyn was a dutiful girl. She would understand that there was nothing more to be done. Yet... Doing one's duty did not ease heartache. He sighed. He could stall no longer...
"Eowyn?" His voice must have portrayed his anxiety, for Eowyn's head jerked up sharply, and she looked at him, worry in her eyes. He tried to manage a reassuring smile, then realizing it fell flat, he began, with faltering words, to explain it to her. "Eowyn, when Lord Amlach came, he offered a proposition from Gondor. A...solution to our problems." She waited patiently, just looking at him. He continued, "Lord Denethor has...has...offered his son to be...your husband."
Her mouth fell open.
"If you marry Lord Boromir, an alliance will be formed between us and them. We cannot refuse their offer. Amlach made it plain we would be at war with Gondor if we did not agree. Eowyn, I'm sorry."
Her hands were trembling on the reins. She said nothing. He hated it. He wanted her to say something. He'd feel better knowing she hated him if she would simply say something.
"Eowyn?"
She looked at him. He could not read the expression on her face. Her grey eyes merely stared back at him.
"It will form an alliance between Gondor and Rohan?"
Theoden nodded. "Yes."
"Then, Uncle, it must be done."
Eowyn sat in her room, alone.
It must be done. If only, if only. But there was no way out.
She wanted to weep, but she was too strong for that. She straightened her shoulders and drew a deep, shuddery breath. She would marry Lord Boromir, but only because she had no choice. This was her sacrifice for her country.
A rap on the door distracted her from her thoughts.
"Who is it?
"Eomer. May I come in?"
Eowyn rose and walked quietly across her room to unlock the door. Poor Eomer. He must have been quite concerned when she disappeared to her room upon returning from her ride and then didn't come down to supper. She opened the door. Eomer stepped in and handed her a bowl of soup.
"You should eat something."
She smiled slightly. She would protest, but then Eomer would give her that big brother look of his...
She took a sip of the soup and looked up to see Eomer looking at her. His grey eyes were studying her, undoubtedly trying to determine if she was well. Her brother, her best friend and confidant. When she left, who would she tell secrets to? Who would laugh at all Eomer's terrible jokes? Who would race her? Who would challenge her to a duel just for fun? Who would make sure her brother took care of himself? Who would take care of her when she was in Gondor? She would miss him so much...
Suddenly, unbidden, her tears began to fall. Eomer was there in an instant, wrapping her gently in his arms. She sobbed against his shoulder. At last, her tears were spent. She straightened up and wiped away her tears.
"I've gotten your shirt wet," she sniffed. She did not cry often and did not like anyone to see her. Eomer was the only one allowed to see her cry, but still she was embarrassed whenever he saw her tears.
"It'll dry," he replied, amused.
"Did Uncle tell you?" she asked, looking up at him.
"Yes. Oh, Wyn, I wish there was another way..."
"There isn't." She drew a deep breath and managed a shaky smile. "We do what we must, for our country."
I hope I have portrayed Eowyn in character. What do you think?
Reviews and suggestions are welcome! Hint Hint : )