+++++++++++++++++++Interlude+++++++++++++++++++
Taking Place Between and During the Recovery of the Nameless Child
Eomer, Theodred, & Eothain
Theodred watched his young cousin as the Prince Eomer stared up at the stable ceiling from the pile of fresh, sweet smelling hay. The young man heaved a gusty sigh and flung an arm over his face.
"What's wrong, Eomund's Son?" The Crown Prince of Rohan sank gracefully down onto the hay beside his cousin.
"I'm lonely," the other prince said flatly. "My sister is missing. My best friend is laid up from a poisoned wound that I caused. And I… I miss Deorwyn. Tag-a-long little Deorwyn. I miss her."
"Your sister will turn up when she turns up, Eomer," Theodred murmured, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Eothain will get better, as well. He's a strong, healthy lad. As for Deorwyn… the Riders of Rohan will find her, if she is to be found. Fear not, Eomer."
The boy sighed and looked away. Theodred touched his shoulder again and said, "If you look outside, you'll see something to lift your spirits."
"Eothain!"
The other boy smiled wanly at his friend as he leaned heavily on his father's arm and tottered towards Eomer.
"Eothain, you're awake!"
"I don't feel awake, I feel like I'm dead." At his son's words, Lord Deorwine gave a decidedly forced chuckle and replied, "Not that, my lad, at least not yet. Well, I'll leave you lads to play, but have a care, Eothain."
"Yes, Father," the boy said softly, but caught Eomer's startled eye. His friend had a secret to tell. When the Lord of the Wild Province walked away, Eothain turned to the Prince of Rohan.
"Eomer, my sister!"
"They haven't found-"
"No, not her! Del! What's happened to her? She's turned into a complete beast! She's pure poison! What happened?"
The prince had no idea. He never really paid much attention to Delwyn because she was more interested in dolls and dresses, not fighting and riding like Deorwyn.
"And I know where Deorwyn is!"
"What?!"
"She's in Fangorn! She…." At this, he leaned in a whispered, "She's found the Ents. Tree herders, forest shepherds. The Ent king is taking care of her. She's fine."
Eomer stared at his friend for a very long moment, then asked, "Have you told your father this?"
Eothain's eyes turned to pale green ice.
"I should've known you wouldn't believe me." He started to struggle to his feet, wincing in pain as his stitched wound pulled at him. When he began to sink down again, Eomer leapt up and put a supporting arm around him.
"I didn't say I didn't believe you."
"Do you?" The young lordling demanded. "On your honor, do you believe me?"
Eomer was silent for a long moment, and then whispered, "I don't know. But I hope you're right. I hope she's alive."
"She's alive," Eothain murmured. "She'll come back one day.
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