Spoils of War
Chapter 3
As was his habit, Eomer was up with the sun, and quickly dressed. Deciding he could use some time alone before he faced this day, he made for Imrahil's back garden. Spring was richly evident here, with all the flowers in bloom and their fragrance filling the air. Bees buzzed from plant to plant, going about their business, but Eomer took little note of them.
He was happy for Eowyn – he had been truthful about that. But it was going to be very difficult facing life in the Mark all on his own. Once she was wed, he would have no family near him, yet he would be weighed down with the new responsibilities as king. For all the brightness of the future portended by their victory, more and more it seemed to be coming at his expense. Life did not appear so very optimistic for him personally.
Like Eomer, Lothiriel had risen early, and collected Morlach to take him outside. Though servants would have seen to such a menial task, she well knew that Morlach could be disagreeable, and she was used to dealing with him. It was such a little thing, that she saw no reason to impose his ill-temper on anyone else except when necessary. Only as she entered the garden and set the dog down did she notice the king, leaning against a tree and lost in thought. Morlach had also seen the man and started toward him, before realizing it was his nemesis from the previous day and took off in another direction to avoid any contact.
A twig snapped under her foot, and Lothiriel froze where she stood as Eomer wheeled sharply around. His hand fumbled uselessly for a sword. After only a moment, though, he glimpsed her and ceased his actions. They stood staring at one another until she curtsied and said quietly, "Sincere apologies, my Lord King. I did not mean to invade your privacy. I had hoped to withdraw without disturbing your reverie."
Eomer drew a deep breath and let it out on a heavy sigh. "No, Lady Lothiriel, do not apologize. There is no need. Likely it is best that you do interrupt. Come, join me and speak of amusing things to draw me out of myself."
She laughed lightly, then asked, "What could I possibly have to say that would amuse or entertain a bold, brave, warrior king, my lord?"
Since his arrival, she did not recall seeing him smile very often and those few had looked forced. He did so now, though with a tiredness that seemed to permeate his very being. A shadow lingered in his eyes that suggested he had not entirely found the peace that was slowly encompassing so much of their world.
"Surely you are able to think of something. Tell me of your home, your life or your family. If your father and brothers are to be believed, you float around the castle of Dol Amroth in serene perfection. Such a person must surely be able to amuse a dull king of the northern lands." Eomer hoped the smile on his lips would make him appear as more pleasant company than he felt.
Now she laughed more fully, not expecting such words from a man like this. "I fear my family misleads you, my lord! I am far from the epitome of perfection. Too often I am found barefoot on the seashore when I should be practicing on my harp, and my brothers clearly have forgotten the little pranks I have played upon them over the years! Perhaps being away during such a dreadful war has brought only the good memories to the fore."
He had been gazing off into the distance, but now turned with a raised eyebrow to study her. Her last remark had startled him, but he could not deny how astute it was. Men in battle did not want to remember unpleasant things, only those memories that brought them joy and strengthened them to do what they must do. "Perhaps you are right," he acknowledged, inclining his head to her. "Still, I think I could be amused hearing of bare feet and pranks amongst siblings, if you are willing to share such tales. And my name is Eomer, if you would be so kind. I am not yet accustomed to all the formal deferences shown to me as a new king."
His face darkened at his last remark, and she took that as incentive to heed his request. "Very well, Eomer, but you must promise not to be too shocked by anything I tell you…and you must promise never to inform my father of my indiscretion in revealing such sordid stories outside our family!"
Her voice had dropped to a conspiratorial level, and it brought a chuckle, along with the disappearance of the frown he had earlier worn. "You have my word, my lady."
She scowled reprovingly at him, then glancing left and right, in a seeming attempt to spot any onlookers, told him sternly, "Nay, sir! I shall not call you Eomer if you persist with your formality to me! Two can play your game! We must be equals or I will reveal nothing."
"As you wish! We shall be equals – now reveal your dark secrets to me!" he replied.
Despite the lighthearted nature of their conversation, and his agreement to use her name, Lothiriel was not entirely comfortable sharing stories that were of too intimate a nature. Consequently, she took a moment to search her mind for something suitable as he gazed expectantly at her. All things considered, she thought she preferred any mention of embarrassing incidents to involve her brothers rather than herself.
Several minutes later, Eomer was seated on a bench with his elbows upon the back of it, watching as Lothiriel didn't merely tell him a story but virtually acted it out before him. Her arms flailed wildly in some parts, and she gave a unique voice to each participant, mimicking her family members almost perfectly. Her uninhibited gesticulations brought a smile to his lips, and only barely did he restrain outright laughter. But, after several minutes, she noticed the amusement on his face and froze in mid-sentence, flushing red with embarrassment. While this was normal behavior for her at home, to become so carried away in her storytelling, it was not entirely appropriate in front of a virtual stranger.
"Well," she murmured, not meeting his gaze, "at least you have been amused by my story."
He did laugh now. "Indeed! Very much so! I have never had a tale related to me with such enthusiasm before!"
She lifted her eyes, reluctantly needing to know if he was mocking her, but his expression reflected only pleasure. She allowed the tension to drain from her, and chose to believe he was sincere in his appreciation. Shrugging, she told him, "I get very involved in the story and forget myself. Usually, however, it is only my family who witnesses my…exuberance."
"Then I am honored you shared it with me as well," he assured her, with a cordial nod of his head. "When I asked you to entertain me, I had no idea of your expertise in that regard. I thank you for raising my spirits. But, please, do finish your story. I am eager to know how it ends, though clearly Amrothos did survive!"
It did not take long to bring the tale to its conclusion. It prompted a reminiscence of his own, and Eomer was moved to share it with her. "Once, when I was just a lad –" Eomer's face shone with liveliness as he began to speak, but abruptly he broke off from what he had been about to say, lapsing into a somber silence once more.
Lothiriel was uncertain how to react, but finally ventured, "Eomer? You were saying?"
He blinked, as if in surprise that someone else was with him, as he slowly came out of the reverie that had claimed him. Rubbing tiredly at his face, he gave a sigh and murmured, "Was I ever just a lad? It seems an eternity ago. All I can remember is war and desolation and hopelessness."
He fell again into his own thoughts, but Lothiriel was unwilling to let this blackness so easily claim him. "But that is in the past, and we were victorious. Give it time and I am sure other – better – memories will come to you. I can well imagine you as a laughing boy, riding breakneck across the plains of Rohan – the wind tearing at your hair and laughter bubbling from within. Perhaps you were racing against your sister?"
His brow knit at her words and he stared at her in puzzlement. "How could you know that about me? Eowyn and I often raced, but…"
She laughed. "It is not so difficult to surmise! What else would children of the Riddermark do to occupy themselves?" she asked teasingly, and was rewarded with a return of that smile that was so endearing. She was of the opinion that he really ought to smile more; it was very becoming.
As he did not seem inclined to continue with his original thought, Lothiriel suggested, "It should be almost time for breakfast, Eomer. If you will excuse me, I will go to check on Lady Morwen and see how she fares today."
He nodded in agreement as he stood, and watched as she went to scoop up Morlach before the dog realized he was being taken back inside. When Eomer moved near, to walk inside along with her, the dog eyed him warily from her arms, better behaved than usual.
Since Morwen joined them for the morning meal, it was more subdued than supper the previous night. Her staid demeanor pressed all to more formal behavior and they did not linger when they were done eating. Afterwards, each retired to their room to make ready for the day's activities, beginning with the king's gathering for judgements and capped in the evening with a feast and celebration in the Great Hall of Feasts.
Shortly before the appointed time to gather for walking to the Citadel, Lothiriel went to see if Eowyn was ready, after helping Morwen prepare. A servant had fetched Eowyn's few belongings from the Healing Houses the previous day, but she had only the one dress. Lothiriel had found a couple of her own dresses that might be easily altered, and give Eowyn greater variety in her attire. The seamstress had promised to have one ready for the day's activities.
From the open door, Lothiriel saw Eowyn raise a sword hilt thoughtfully before her. The blade that it had once borne was shattered(6), and only a few shards still were intact on the handle. For several long minutes, Eowyn studied it in silence, until she became aware of Lothiriel's presence. "My cousin had this made for me, several years ago. I do not think he ever fully intended that I truly take up arms to fight, considering the role of shieldmaiden more of a tradition than anything else. But he recognized the importance of my being able to defend myself at need, if there was no one else to do it. Eomer objected to my training, but Theodred prevailed, though even he was amazed at how skilled I became with a blade." She paused in thought, then murmured, "I told Faramir that I would be a shieldmaiden no longer."
"Do you regret that vow?" Lothiriel questioned curiously.
Eowyn's brow knit briefly, but then she shook her head. "No. It will be strange not to practice daily with a sword, but I hope we are now in a time of healing and that arms may be set aside."
Lothiriel replied, "Perhaps…I do not think Faramir will object to your practicing with a sword, if that is your wish. Nor is he likely to consider it a breach of your word to do so. Did you not actually mean that you would no longer seek to go into battle as you did? If that is the case, then your vow holds true even on a practice field."
"You do not think it unseemly for a woman to have a sword, and know full well how to use it?" Eowyn questioned, still gazing at the beautifully-wrought hilt. "I have overheard remarks, that I was not meant to witness, suggesting that is the opinion of most women of Minas Tirith."
Lothiriel stared at the floor before lifting her gaze to Eowyn. "For a woman of Gondor it would indeed be unusual, and most would consider it unseemly. But you are not a woman of Gondor, and who are we to argue against what might be acceptable in your own culture? And, even if it is not acceptable in Rohan either, what right do we have to judge you? We do not know the course of events that led you into battle on the Pelennor, and regardless of what objections might be raised, there is no denying that your presence there was beneficial to us all. I am sure Faramir would not censure your actions, nor do I. Do not heed the idle talk of others."
Eowyn turned to look at her, gratitude in her eyes as she considered Lothiriel's words. "Perhaps you are right. It cannot be said that our lands are fully free of evil yet, and I could well have need to defend myself when Faramir was absent. I will discuss it with him and learn his thoughts. Thank you for suggesting the possibility." As she laid the hilt gently back on the dresser, it suddenly occurred to her that Lothiriel may have come to her room with a purpose. "Did you need me?"
"We are preparing to leave for the Citadel now. Everyone is gathering in the lower hall, if you wish to walk with us," Lothiriel advised.
"I will come," Eowyn replied, glancing around the room and deciding there was nothing that needed doing before she left.
Once they reached the entry hall, they noted everyone was there except for Imrahil and Morwen. "Your father is not joining us?" Eomer asked. That his grandmother might not wish to make the walk was not unexpected, but Imrahil's absence seemed odd.
"He has gone on ahead with Lady Morwen," Lothiriel advised. "As she moves slowly, it will give them more time. We may even catch them before they get there. Are we ready?"
When everyone nodded, Elphir led the way. Eowyn had stiffened somewhat on learning that Morwen was to be on this outing, and Eomer hoped that she would keep her feelings concealed while they were in public. Just as predicted, they caught up with Imrahil and Morwen as they were beginning to ascend the steps to the Citadel, and Lothiriel stepped forward to provide Morwen with another arm to hold onto for support.
Eomer felt a slight twinge of guilt that he had not done so first, but Lothiriel seemed attuned to assisting the older woman and he assuaged his feelings with that thought. A crowd had already gathered, but they gave way in deference to the newcomers. Imrahil guided them near to the Steward's chair where they would have a goodly view of the proceedings.
Nearby, murmurs had begun in the crowd at the realization of who was on Imrahil's arm. Queen Morwen had not attended court in a great many years. Glancing around, Imrahil called to a servant, "Will you bring a chair for Lady Morwen?" The man hesitated, then said, "My Lord, in such close quarters it was anticipated that all would stand except for the king and his steward. There is no room for chairs."
Before Imrahil could dispute this, Eomer spoke up. "That may be, but the King of Gondor will not refuse a chair to an honored guest!"
At just that moment, Elessar and Faramir had entered, no doubt overhearing the remark. Without hesitation, Elessar moved toward them, and bowed respectfully to Morwen. "Queen Morwen, it is an honor to have you with us today. Welcome! We shall find you a seat momentarily." He gave a pointed look to the servant who flushed red and scurried instantly away.
Coolly, Morwen looked Elessar up and down. "Well, well – quite the change in you. But I am no longer queen, my lord."
Elessar smiled and with a glance at Eomer replied, "Not officially, perhaps, but until Eomer marries and provides another, the title is still yours. And what else should we call the Queen Mother?" Eomer's confirming nod gave his words weight, and Morwen inclined her head in thanks.
The servant bustled back just then, lugging a chair, and a location was chosen for it before Morwen settled into place. With another bow, Elessar stepped away and climbed the steps to his throne so they could begin. Lord Hurin called everyone to order and then Faramir stepped forward to conduct the matters at hand.
Several judgements were pronounced, including the matter of Beregond. Many were relieved by the very fair decision Elessar made in the matter, and Faramir smiled warmly at the man who had defended his life at such great cost. Though unexpected, Faramir was also pleased with the king's bequest of Ithilien, overwhelmed with the personal regard it reflected. Considering his family's history with the man, he might have expected far less cordiality. Eowyn was beaming with pleasure on his behalf, when he was able to sneak a glance in her direction while Elessar was speaking with Eomer.
At length, all business was concluded and the crowd noisily began to depart, eagerly discussing the events of the morning and their impressions of the new king now that they had witnessed the sort of ruler he would be. As it was nearing the dinner hour, Lothiriel knew that Morwen would become restive if not allowed to eat soon, and went to attend her. Just as she reached her, Elessar stepped up to the former queen and invited, "Will you join me and a few others for a light repast, my lady?"
Morwen eyed him briefly and then nodded. "I would be delighted." She offered her hand so he could assist her in standing, and he readily did so. Tucking her hand about his arm, he led the way to the small private dining chamber where cold meats were already being set out.
"Lothiriel, would you fetch me a plate of food, dear?" Morwen asked, waving at the meal spread on the sideboard, before allowing Elessar to see her seated at the table. As usual, she assumed the request would be honored and did not wait for a response. Without hesitation, Lothiriel moved into action, selecting foods that she knew Morwen liked in the small portions she favored.
Eomer's mouth tightened at the sight, wondering why the girl was so eager to do his grandmother's bidding without question. She was nobility in her own right and had no need to be waiting on anyone else. Still, if she did not object, he supposed it was not his place to interfere, even if he had little regard for people who were so readily subservient to others. Somehow he had expected Imrahil's daughter to exhibit more backbone. Silently, he took up a plate and joined the others in dishing out his own food.
Seating had not been assigned, so each took a chair wherever they chose, chatting amicably amongst themselves. Elessar had placed Morwen next to him, and Eomer found himself across from her. Eating had taken precedence for several moments, but then Morwen turned to the man beside her and said, "Well, my lord, you have been little seen, in Rohan or Gondor, since you took your leave of Ecthelion so many years ago. One does wonder what you have been doing all this time."
Unflappable as ever, Elessar merely replied with an easy smile. "All this time encompasses nearly forty years, my lady. It would be difficult to briefly account for my doings. Suffice it to say that I have been…busy, acting for the good of everyone."
Eomer's mouth twitched slightly at the response, but he kept his eyes on his plate and continued eating in silence. At Cormallen, Aragorn had shared some of his history with a small group of friends; 'busy' was certainly an understatement of facts, but essentially the truth.
Morwen wasn't finished yet, however, and pursued, "And did that busyness include the finding of a good woman? A king does best with a queen beside him, if for no other reason than to produce heirs, though certainly she can accomplish far more if given the chance. I never saw that you took much notice of the ladies in the Mark, despite their evident interest in you."
Elessar's smile was inscrutable. "I have had little time for romance, my dear lady, but as you say it must be given attention now that I am king."
It was a noncommittal answer, and Eomer saw his grandmother's eyes narrow slightly as she looked at the king, quietly continuing to eat. To her credit, she let the subject drop, at least for the moment.
"Perhaps when you have some time," she suggested, "you would be willing to share a few tales of your adventures with me. I do not get around much these days, and so my sole entertainment is provided by guests who tell me of their doings."
Since the woman rarely left her home, Eomer wondered if she expected the king to travel to Lossarnach to entertain her with stories, but he supposed that was between the two of them. Though Aragorn had made mention of his time spent serving Thengel, he had said little of any dealings he had with Morwen. Eomer found he was curious to learn more about what each of them knew of the other.
Lothiriel, who had taken the seat Morwen reserved next to her, now joined in the conversation. "King Elessar, I hear that you have traveled far and wide – surely by now you have seen virtually all of Middle-earth."
He smiled in her direction. "Not all, I am certain, but a great deal. I was born in Eriador among my kinsmen of the Dunedain, but later was fostered among the Elves with Elrond of Rivendell. I have spent time in the Shire and Bree-land, gone east into Rhun and south into Harad, as well as spent time on the borders of Mordor. And, of course, I have spent much time in both Gondor and the Riddermark."
"Oh my!" Lothiriel exclaimed. "You are well traveled, indeed. But, as you are to be king of the reunited kingdoms of Gondor and Anor, I suppose it is only appropriate, and useful, that you be so familiar with your kingdom. I am sure it will stand you in good stead."
"I am sure it will," Elessar acknowledged, with a smile and a nod of his head. "I suspect that now I will not have so much time or freedom to become acquainted with our world, and I wish to be a good and useful king to all my people, not just those residing in the large cities."
Morwen had now turned her attention to Faramir, who was seated the other side of Eowyn from her brother and across the table from the former queen. "So, my lord, you are now Prince of Ithilien – a great honor, and a great challenge." Her eyes flicked to Eowyn momentarily before she added, "But, with the right woman at your side, I am sure you are quite capable of returning it to its former glories. Your brother was a fine man, but he was first and foremost a soldier – and that is what we needed him to be. You, I think, are likely to prove a most excellent builder and restorer. And that is what we very much need now." She paused for the merest time and then said quietly, "My condolences on your loss. I well understand what you must feel."
Faramir's eyes met hers evenly, though his jaw tensed perceptibly. "I believe that you do, my lady, and I thank you for your kind sympathies. You have my condolences in return. Though I never had occasion to meet your son, I have heard from reliable sources what an impressive man and king he was. A great loss to us all, I am sure."
The discussion was moving in a direction that made Eomer uncomfortable, and his gaze had become almost fixated on his plate of half-eaten food. To his surprise, it was Lothiriel who sought to turn things to lighter topics. "My lord Eomer, will you tell us something of the Riddermark? Lady Morwen has spoken of it to me many times, and I am eager to make a visit and see it with my own eyes now that the friendship between our lands is renewed and the danger has been conquered. Edoras stands upon a hill also, similar to Minas Tirith?"
If Morwen had told her as much as she indicated, he felt sure she already knew the answer to her question, but he appreciated her effort to ease the mood settling upon them. "It is, though it sits upon the top of a hill separate from the nearby White Mountains, whereas Minas Tirith rises up the side of the mountain. Here you have much stone used in your buildings, but we make greater use of wood."
He paused for a moment, envisioning his home, but it was Eowyn who continued. "North of the River Entwash is mostly grassland, and sparsely populated. That is mainly where the horse herds are found. The Westfold is more the farmland, though we have herds there also, and the Eastfold is the most heavily populated as it lies between Edoras and Gondor along the Great West Road."
"You were born at Edoras?" Lothiriel queried, before taking another bite.
"No, both my brother and I were born at Aldburg, east of Edoras and the original home of the king. When Meduseld was built and the king moved there, the home was given to one of his younger sons, and passed down to our family through our father. Ever since our parents died, I have spent most of my time at Edoras, but Eomer made Aldburg his base while serving as Third Marshal."
Morwen re-entered the conversation with a question that silenced everyone. "And how is Betersel these days? I can only imagine she is even more capable than when I recommended her as housekeeper."
Both Eomer and Eowyn stared at her in astonishment, and then stole a quick glance at each other. Neither had ever heard that there was a connection between Betersel and their grandmother, and they had never particularly given any thought to how she came to be of service in their household.
Having been the last to see Betersel, and spent more time in her company, Eomer took it upon himself to reply. "She is well. And, yes, as capable as ever. I did not realize you knew her."
"But of course I did. I suggested her to Theodwyn not long after she married Eomund. His former housekeeper was getting on in years and wished to retire. Betersel had served at Edoras for a good many years and I saw her great potential. It was just the sort of opportunity she needed to further herself. Not all servants do well at being in charge of others, but it was clear she had the makings of an excellent head housekeeper. I am glad to hear my judgement was not flawed."
"Will you be returning to Rohan for your son's funeral?" Faramir inquired. "If so, perhaps there will be time for you to stop at Aldburg and see Betersel."
Morwen considered the matter briefly as she chewed a mouthful of food. She seemed oblivious to the tension the question had caused in her grandchildren, but at length she nodded. "I believe I shall attempt it, if my grandson does not object." She looked benignly at Eomer, though he thought he detected a slight challenge in her gaze.
With a shrug, he told her, "The choice is yours. If you feel up to the journey. Remember, it is much farther than the distance from Lossarnach to Minas Tirith. It will take a fortnight as we travel with the funeral wain."
It wasn't clear whether he was trying to discourage her coming or merely stating the facts for her consideration – either was a possibility. "I am no stranger to hardship," she replied quietly. "I shall manage."
Eomer and Eowyn shared another glance, but neither said anything further, and Imrahil turned the conversation by discussing Elessar's plans for the next few weeks. The others occasionally chatted amongst themselves, but for the most part, it was a quiet group and the meal ended not long after.
xx
Eomer and Eowyn were due to leave within the week to head home, and the bulk of their time was occupied with preparations for that. As Elessar had much need of Imrahil's counsel, Elphir returned to Dol Amroth to oversee their homeland while his father, sister and brothers remained. Lothiriel was delighted to stay, not wishing to be separated from her family so soon after being reunited, though she was uncertain as to Morwen's plans.
One day, as they were taking tea together in the late morning, she ventured to inquire. "How long do you wish to remain at Minas Tirith, my lady? Until your grandchildren leave, or longer? You are, of course, welcome to stay with us as long as you choose. I am merely curious."
Morwen was quite sure this was indeed curiosity rather than an attempt to get rid of her. There was no guile in Lothiriel. "As you are so gracious, I thought perhaps it wise if I remain here. Eomer will return in just a few months to take Theoden home, and it would lessen the amount of traveling I had to do."
"Very wise," Lothiriel agreed. "Shall we send for more of your clothes? You only brought a modest amount with you, anticipating a brief sojourn here."
"Likely that is a good idea. And summer will be upon us soon. It can get very warm in the Mark, so I will need less heavy clothing. You might keep that in mind, also, and send for more of your own clothing, or have some made up. Perhaps Eowyn would give you some guidance before she leaves. The two of you seem to be getting along well."
"Yes. I have enjoyed coming to know her. She is very reserved in revealing much of her inner thoughts, but still I like her. And Faramir is totally smitten! I have never seen him behave so boyishly as he does around her! It is quite the change in him, and most welcome," Lothiriel said with a laugh.
"True. Denethor was not an easy man to please, especially by anyone other than Boromir. Denethor and Faramir were so much alike – I wonder if that played some part in his coldness. Or perhaps he somehow blamed Faramir for the death of his wife, though that hardly seems warranted. In some respects, the deaths of both Denethor and Boromir are greatly to Faramir's advantage. Now he will be judged on his own considerable merit and not compared to another, or burdened with the low esteem in which he was held by his father. I can envision great things for that young man."
"Well, at any rate, he is madly in love with Eowyn and very content serving the new king. I am thrilled for him," Lothiriel replied.
Their conversation was on her mind when Lothiriel next saw Eowyn, so she asked about clothing for the climate in Rohan, and was given welcome advice. In return, Eowyn questioned her more closely about Gondorian society, standards and practices. Until Eowyn's departure, the pair spent some portion of each day in discussion of various topics, and readily formed a bond of friendship. For Eowyn's part, she was glad to have made a friend here in the land she would soon make her home. Though the girl lived much farther to the south, she was still more likely to be in her company than with anyone from her homeland.
TBC
Spoils of war - Any profits extracted as the result of winning a war or other military activity.
Halgeth – "tall woman" – maidservant to Morwen
Zimran – "adorned man" – Forlong's heir (Tolkien never named him so I did)
Minleoth - "my song" - name given to 1st dau of Thengel & Morwen
Ethelwyn – noble joy - name given to 2nd dau of Thengel & Morwen
Tamleoth – "gentle song" - name given to 3rd dau of Thengel & Morwen
Morlach – "black fire" - Morwen's dog
Betersel – "more happiness" – Eomer's housekeeper at Aldburg (also used in previous stories, ie. Juxtaposition)
Haldor - "sound door" – Eomer's manservant
Ungaphel – "daughter of shadow" – backbiting Dol Amroth noblewoman
Pethraen – "wandering words" – airheaded girl flirting with Eomer
Gaermith – "grey sea" - Lothiriel's horse that pulled a stifle
Frame of reference (details from Tolkien with gapfiller by me):
Aglahad, Prince of Dol Amroth, had two sons: Angelimir (the heir and grandfather to Imrahil) and a younger brother who was the father of Morwen. Morwen was born about 2922 and married Thengel in 2943. They had Minleoth (b 2945, m 2975, d 2989 – no children); Theoden (b 2948, m Elfhild 2976, d 3019 – one son, Theodred, b 2978, d 3019); Ethelwyn (b 2951, m 2982, d 2994 – one daughter, b 2986, died 2994); Tamleoth (b 2956, never married, d 2992); and Theodwyn (b 2963, married Eomund 2989, d 3002). Thengel became king in 2953 whereupon he and his family moved to Rohan, where he died in 2980.
ch 3: (6)In the movie, Eowyn drops her sword intact after fatally stabbing the Witch King, but in the book the blade shatters.