Disclaimers, etc: see chapter one.
Éowyn: Hero of Rohan
By Eugena
Chapter Two: Tragedy and Beginning of Healing
With his elven hearing, Legolas could easily listen in to Gimli's conversation with Éowyn from the hallway, even though it was not his intention. Yet Éowyn sounded distressed, so Legolas decided to listen. Faramir had left. That dog of a human had abandoned his own wife Though Legolas tolerated no humans—except his fellowship brethren Aragon and the now-deceased Boromir, Legolas could not help but admire Éowyn's bravery. She faced the Witch King and defeated him. Her name would become legend—yet the man closest to the legend had abandoned her.
Though he had not yet the facts of why Faramir had done so, his elven anger burned. Legolas had doubted that even he could have done what Éowyn did and defeat the Witch King. She deserved honor and glory, yet this wretch abandoned her.
Gimli stood speechless for a moment, unable to fathom these awful tidings before him. "Left you?" he asked. Surely she did not mean? "He has passed into the land of his fathers?" If only.
"He had surely abandoned me," she answered. "He will have nothing to do with me now."
Gimli controlled his anger. Though he wanted to lash out, he would not do it in front of her. "My lady, you are the bravest woman I ever have met. I am honored to be counted among your friends. You may talk with me anytime and for anything."
Éowyn let her tears fall, and leaned down against Gimli's shoulder. He placed his arms around her to comfort her.
Legolas' anger grew with the sound of her tears. Perhaps most of all because she was important to Gimli.
The King, Aragorn Elessar, entered the hallway were Legolas stood. He did not even ask for the source of Legolas' anger. He knew it as his own.
"Why?" Legolas asked him. "Do you know?"
"Éowyn paid a high price for her victory against the Witch King. She will now be without children, and no human man will want her."
Legolas narrowed his gaze at him. Yes, only a human trait. Any creature of Middle Earth would be honored with Éowyn as his bride.
"Faramir has dishonored his family and all Men," Legolas said.
Gimli could not understand it. Why? Yet, now was not the time to pry. She would open up to him in time.
"Come now," he said. "Merry waits for you with open arms. We all wish to be in your company again."
"I'll make that man wish he never drew breath," Gimli swore to himself.
Éowyn drew back from him and smiled. Perhaps this was the first step in healing her pain.
A/N: At this point, I really could hook Éowyn up with Gimli or Merry. Either would be interesting, but not immediately, because I wouldn't want her to be just a "rebound" catch for either of them. Yes, I'll probably bring Faramir back, but maybe just for Faramir bashing.
