Disclaimer: All characters from Lord of the Rings books and lines from the Lord of the Rings script belong to the Tolkien family and the production companies. Please don't sue me. I only own the characters I created on my own.
Karri left with Eowyn and headed back towards Edoras, but Eomer had left with the King, Legolas, and several other men to find Saruman. The travel was slow going, and Karri spent most of the trip in silence letting Eowyn talk. As promise:d she hadn't let up about Eomer.
"You know, as Third Marshall of the Mark, he's expected to take a wife at some point and taking a wife for love is the best way." Karri rubbed her forehead.
"Eowyn, you can't be serious."
"Karri, I've seen the way he looks at you. My brother is taken with you."
"Even if that's so, when I find way back home where would I be? Where would he be?"
"Why would you want to go back?"
"I miss my family. I miss my friends. I want to finish school." Karri sighed. "Middle Earth is amazing Eowyn and I am forever grateful to you, Eomer, and Eaodon but you have to understand I'm not sure if I belong here."
"I assure you, you belong here." Eowyn said without hesitation. "You belong with my brother." Karri just walked a head in silence. The trip took longer than Karri had expected, though she was used to riding with Eomer's men, the eored, and they never went slowly. A few moments she thought she may fall asleep riding. She wondered if the team had found the White Wizard how he was going to respond. When they finally made it back to the city their was even more work to be done. A great feast was to be held for the victory at Helms Deep to honor the dead. The Golden Hall was prepared just in time for the King to arrive. Saurman had been killed. As the men rode into the city Karri caught sight of two children. One riding behind Eomer, the other behind Aragorn.
"Those are hobbits." Eaodon said as he caught where Karri's eyes were focused. Eowyn ran down to greet her uncle and brother as Karri followed slowly. Legolas swiftly dismounted from his horse and came to her side.
"I thought my warrior might have joined us at Isengard." He mused.
"I don't believe Middle Earth is ready for that. I see you've found your friends."
"Ah, yes. Thankfully."
"May I meet them?"
"I'd be happy to introduce you." He said holding his arm out for her to take, which she did. He walked her towards the two hobbits now standing together. "Merry, Pippin. There is someone you should meet."
"Hello M'lady." The tallest of the two said before bowing. The shorter one grabbed her hand and kissed it. "Pip! You can't go around doing that."
"I assure you, it's no problem, and please call me Karri." She held out her hand.
"Meriadoc Brandybuck, but please call me Merry." He shook her hand softly before dropping it and the other took his place.
"Peregrin Took, but call me Pippin or Pip, whichever you prefer.."
"It's good to see you both safe. I came across Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli while they were looking for you. They were all extremely concerned."
"How did you happen across them?" Merry asked curiously.
"She was riding with my guard." Eomer's voice was amused.
"But... you're a woman." Pippin said confused.
"Last time I checked yes, yes I am."
"She seems to be a bit of a rebel. I fear anyone who comes across her would have trouble controlling her." Eomer said, the same amount of amusement in his voice.
"Yes well, there is ale in the Golden Hall and a party to begin if you gentlemen wouldn't mind."
"Ale?" Pippin's voice perked up.
"Yes and a feast fit for millions."
"And we're off!" Merry said before he took off laughing. Pippin followed close behind. Legolas nodded with a smile and followed the two hobbits. Eomer lingered for a few moments.
"I would hurry sire. You must take your place beside your uncle before the party starts." Eomer smiled at her.
"I did half expect to see you in the group headed for Isengard." He said without moving.
"If I thought I could get away with it, you never know, I might have been."
"May I escort you to the Hall?" He asked holding out his arm.
"I'd like that." She took his arm and he led her up the stairs.
"You look slightly different in a dress." Karri was wearing the green dress Eowyn had given her when she first arrived.
"Is that a good or bad thing?"
"You never look bad." He said smiling, but he caught himself quickly. "I'm sorry."
"We've had this conversation before. Please, don't be sorry."
"I shall try." He smiled at her. "I find it hard to keep thoughts to myself around you."
"I've been told I have that effect on people before." Karri added. Soldiers were making their way to the feast and they could smell the food. "I must be going. I will see you soon." He headed toward his uncle who was sitting on his throne. The feast started with a toast, half somber. But as soon as the music picked up people began dancing and the mood lightened considerably. Karri was standing next to Legolas when Gimli challenged him to a drinking contest. Eomer stood by amused.
"What are the rules?" Legolas asked curiously.
"No pauses, no spills." Eomer said handing Legolas and Gimli their glasses.
"And no regurgitation." Gimli finished to the laughter of the men around him.
"So it's a drinking game?" Legolas seemed interested.
"Aye, Last one standing wins." Gimli said before beginning to chug his first drink. Legolas took a sip from his and the game was on. Karri watched on amused as Legolas began to pick up speed. She looked toward Eomer who was looking back at her, a smile on his features. Out of his armor, he looked considerably different. His features seemed softer, maybe it was just being in Edoras. Her attention turned back to the contest as they moved on to their fifth glass. By now everyone around them was cheering them on. Karri looked toward Eomer again who was starring curiously at Legolas, however his eyes locked with hers. The game continued, drink, after drink, after drink.
"Here, here. It's the dwarves that go swimming with little hairy women." Gimli said laughing. Legolas studied his fingers curiously.
"I feel something." He said after a moment. Eomer raised his eyebrows. "A slight tingling in my fingers. I think it's affecting me."
"What did I say? He cant hold his liquor!" Gimli promptly passed out. Legolas look at him a slightly smug grin on his features.
"Game over." Everyone around them laughed.
"Let me be the first to congratulate you, my Elven Prince." Karri said with a smile.
"Thank you my warrior." He nodded toward her.
"Karri!" Eaodon yelled causing the men around him to turn and stare. "May I ask for a dance." Karri looked toward Eomer who was talking with a slightly swaying Gamling.
"Sure, I'd love to." Eaodon grabbed her hand and pulled her to an open area where they began dancing to a folksy type song. He spun her around making her laugh loudly before they both stopped. Eomer had tapped Eaodon on the shoulder.
"May I cut in?"
"Of course My lord." Eaodon said kindly. He smiled and winked at Karri before heading back towards the ale.
"I'll warn you Karri, I am not the greatest dancer."
"I am not concerned." She placed one arm on his shoulder and his placed his protectively around her waist. She must have been in Middle Earth for to long because this small gesture felt slightly sexual. When Eomer said he couldn't dance he wasn't being modest. He honestly couldn't dance, but Karri felt as if she hadn't had as much fun in years. When he laughed it carried throughout the hall and Karri committed that sound to memory. It was amazing. After several dances Eomer pulled her into the far corner of the room. They were far enough away that they couldn't be over-heard, but not far enough that it was considered inappropriate.
"There is something I need to say to you." He started seriously. Karri took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. "I wanted to thank you for saving my life. I never really got the chance."
"It was nothing."
"No it wasn't nothing. You saved me. I don't think I'll ever find a way to repay you."
"You don't have to. You saved my life already. Saving yours was the least I could do." He smiled at her. The two stood for a moment just looking at each other. She wished she could always see him like this. He green eyes were shining brightly and a smile was playing on his features.
"Karri... I think you're incredible." His statement took her by surprise. "I have never known a woman so willing to go into battle, aside from Eowyn. You risked everything for a land that isn't yours. For people you had not known for more than a few days, and I am eternally grateful. I would be lying if I said I didn't feel something more for you then just friendship and admiration." Karri smiled.
"You're making this so formal." She said in hopes of cutting the tension. The smile on his face left.
"If you're only here to make jokes..." He started to walk away but Karri quickly grabbed his arm.
"I'm sorry." She said quickly making him stop. "I just didn't know what to say. I'm not used to this." His eyes softened slightly.
"Do you feel the same about me?" Karri dropped her hand from his arm. She knew the question would be coming, but she was unsure of how to answer it. If she did find a way home and admitted her full feelings she would be left wondering what could have been and what she'd given up. However, if she never got home and she didn't tell him she would be forced to see him everyday knowing the truth. She looked deeply into his eyes.
"I do care for you Eomer. More than I can say." She looked toward him. His smile was back and he had moved slightly closer to her. He looked as if he was about to say something else when quick movement out of the corner of his eye distracted him. Gamling was walking, well staggering, toward them.
"My Lord. I am having a slight amount of trouble seeing." He laughed hysterically.
"It seems you have had too much ale Gamling. Let me assist you." He put Gamlings arm around his shoulders. With a last glance at Karri he led Gamling to where the riders would be sleeping off the excessive amounts of ale. Karri remained where she was for a few moments watching the party progress.
"Are you having fun my warrior?" Legolas's melodic voice asked.
"I am enjoying myself plenty. I see the ale has had very little effect on you."
"It's something I will always beat Gimli at and it's going to drive him crazy in the morning."
"Is a friendship between and elf and a dwarf common?"
"Not in the slightest."
"Well, I am glad to see one." Karri said with a smile. "The two of you are pretty evenly matched."
"I like to think I have the upper-hand in some cases."
"Of course you would like to think that." Karri smiled at him, which he returned.
"I believe some of our men will not be of much use to us in the morning." Eomer said rubbing his forehead as he returned. "Primarily Gamling."
"I shall never understand the draw ale has on men."
"Nor would you want to." Karri said smiling. "Ale turns the best gentlemen into imbeciles."
"Always?" Eomer asked raising his eyebrows.
"Luckily no. Just most of the time." She smiled at him and he laughed in return.
"I shall leave you two alone." Legolas said with a smile. Eomer nodded to him. Once Legolas was back with Aragorn, Karri began laughing.
"My Elven Prince had a mischievous smile on his face."
"Your Elven Prince?" Eomer asked, somewhat dejected.
"When I first spoke with him it just came out of no where. I called him that and it seemed to fit. So, he will always be my Elven Prince." Eomer nodded. "I take it Gamling is sleeping?"
"He fell into a deep slumber as soon as his head hit the pillow." Karri yawned. "And I feel you shall do the same."
"It's been a long day." Karri said smiling.
"A good day?"
"No, a great day."
"Good night Karri." Eomer's voice was soft.
"Good night Eomer." They stood together for another moment. Neither wanting to be the one that left first. Finally Karri, with a last smile, left for her bed chamber.