Philadelphia, August 1917

"Teddy, your sister will be arriving any moment. Run upstairs and clean up."

Theodora Hale had no sooner returned home after a long day of nurses training with the American Red Cross, than her mother reminded her she didn't care to hear about her day. Rosemarie Hale was solely focused on her youngest daughter Cora returning home from her honeymoon in Mackinac Island.

Cora would in no doubt be insufferable with her stuffy, new husband and last name.

Theodora took off her Red Cross cap and apron and sighed as she walked up the stairs to clean up. When she reached the landing her father, Charles, nearly ran into her while looking at his pocket watch, "Teddy! My lands! Your mother has been on the warpath all afternoon, so tread lightly."

She smiled at her father, who was the only person who seemed to understand her, "I could tell. I'm off to make myself more presentable for Cora and Thurston."

Father patted her cheek tenderly, "That's my bright girl. I will see you downstairs."

It wasn't lost on Theodora that her parents considered her a lost cause. She was twenty-seven and unmarried. A spinster. It had only disappointed her mother further when the call was put out at the beginning of the year for nurses…Theodora had eagerly applied.

She felt useless sitting in her family's Philadelphia row house reading books and helping her mother with sewing when there was the war to end all wars raging in Europe. She would either be sent to England or France once her training ended.

Theodora only wanted to help, she had read of those young men dying in trenches so far from their homes. Her hands were quick and steady and she was a fast learner.

She changed out of the nursing uniform and into a turquoise blue cotton dress with lace trim at the neck and wrists. The color brought out her green eyes and she re-pinned her auburn hair up and away from her face.

She didn't love the nickname Teddy, but it was filled with meaning. At eight years she had become enamored with stories of Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War. Her little sister had taken to calling her Teddy in jest, but it ended up sticking for her family and friends.

She pinched at her cheeks to make them look rosy instead of pale and tired from her day of learning. Theodora made her way downstairs, just as her sister and brother-in-law knocked at the door.

Theodora took a breath and opened the door with the brightest smile she could muster. Her petite, blond sister looked up and instead of saying hello said, "Oh Teddy! You look worn thin! Are you getting enough sleep?"

Theodora opened the door wide to let them in and refrained from making a face, "Why, it's good to see you as well, Cora! How was the Honeymoon?"

Thurston tipped his hat to her, "It was an absolute smash! The dining was incredible and the island air did wonders for us!"

Theodora was amused by the term "island air", like they went to Greece instead of Michigan. Once the honeymooners and their luggage were safely inside, Cora took off her feathered purple hat and fussed with her hair in the mirror over the fireplace.

"Mackinac was lovely, but it's such a shame we weren't able to go to Paris for a real honeymoon."

Theodora felt her fists clench at her side, "There's a war in Europe, Cora. There are young men dying from shells, guns, poison gas, the weather and sickness. Living in muddy trenches. Don't be so vulgar."

Cora sighed, "Teddy, don't be such a bore."

Soon, their parents made their entrance and Mother was making over Cora's beauty and success as they walked to the dinner table. Father put his hand on Theodora's shoulder and smiled, "Breathe, my darling. I know you feel looked over, but I am still your biggest admirer."

She smiled and took her father by the arm, "Thanks, Papa."

Over the dinner of chicken hollandaise, rice, rolls and a Devil's Food Cake that her mother had cried over icing the night before; Thurston and Cora regaled them with tales of their month long honeymoon to the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. The food, the sun bathing, the romantic walks on the promenade, the dances, the hired entertainment like singers and acting troupes.

Cora delicately put down her fork and raised an eyebrow, "In fact, one night there was a spiritualist! She has been a student of Sir Oliver Lodge!"

Theodora had to stop herself for making a face, the book by Sir Oliver Lodge had been all the rage for reading on the home front, especially when so many were dying. Who would not like to believe they could reach out to their family members with a candle and a spirit board? However, Theodora thought it was total poppycock.

Cora continued, "We had a meeting with a medium. It was so thrilling! She told us our futures. I purchased a gift from her for you, Teddy!"

Theodora sat straighter, "You shouldn't have wasted money on that nonsense, Cora. I'm not the type to believe in such things."

Cora smiled, "It's a candle. It's supposed to help your dreams. Are you still sleeping poorly, sister?"

She thought her little sister knew the answer to that. Theodora could never sleep, not even as a child. She usually only registered four hours a night. She'd stay up and read, or sketch and daydream about finally getting away from her life in Philadelphia.

"I'm afraid I still suffer insomnia. I don't think that is something that will ever change."

Her mother shot her a disappointing look, "Women shouldn't be on their feet so much, you probably knocked your natural rhythm out of whack with all the excitement from training."

Thurston looked up at her curiously, "Are you still hoping to travel to the front, Teddy? Are you quite sure you want to witness those horrors?"

Theodora nodded and took a sip of her tea, "I am. What use am I here? I'm not married, nor have I any prospects. I should want to be useful and I have skill with nursing. I just want to do my part. If I can't help fight, then I will help those who can."

She saw a proud smile appear on her father's face. Cora put down her utensils and folded her napkin on her plate, signaling that she was done with her meal, "Come sister, let me show you what I brought for you."

Theodora put on a brave face and took her sisters hand, allowing herself to be led into the sitting room. Her parents and brother-in-law soon followed.

The newly weds brought a handsome pipe for their father, a silk scarf and some salt water taffy for their mother, and a large, deep blue pillar candle for Theodora. When Cora handed it to her, she turned it around in her hands and noticed the dried flower petals on the sides. It was a very pretty, if not completely silly gift.

When everyone retired for the evening, Theodora was stopped by her father on the landing, a concerned look

In his eye, "My darling girl, I am so proud of you. As is your mother, please don't misunderstand her worry as disappointment. We know you are not Cora, but we wish for you to be safe. You don't have to go into a battlefield to prove yourself."

She shook her head, "Papa…it's not about proving myself. It's about believing in my convictions. I am set on helping where I can. If I can help save one life, it will be worth it."

Her father nodded, his eyes a little teary. He looked down at the pillar candle in her hands and smiled sadly, as if he wished to change the subject, "Are you going to light that thing?"

Theodora shrugged, "I will need something to read or sketch by. It should still be useful."

Charles Hale laughed lightly, "Goodnight, Teddy. May your sleep be filled with sweet dreams."

She nodded, choking back a bit of emotion, "Goodnight Papa."

Theodora changed into her cotton night dress. It was full length and blue with short sleeves for summer. The neck was square with delicate lace and a pink tie sash. She kept her pair of wool socks on and braided her long, wavy hair behind her.

Cora liked to remind her that her long hair was out of fashion and that bobbed styles were in. Theodora had toyed with idea of cutting her hair, but thought ultimately it wouldn't suit her.

She sat down at her desk with her pencils and sketchbook, when she remembered the candle. After retrieving it from her bedside table, Theodora turned it around in her hands and studied it.

It was like a normal candle, but bigger maybe three inches wide and eight inches tall. It fit in her hurricane lamp…but just barely.

When she lit the candle, she murmured quietly, "I doubt this will work, but at least you'll give me light as I sketch."

Theodora scribbled with her pencils til nearly one in the morning. She drew stuff from her daydreams…lush forests and flowers, baskets of apples and stacks of books. Sometimes a landscape would make an appearance.

She sketched a field full of flowers and felt her eyes grow heavy. Soon her head was resting on her desk, the lamp flickering with the new candle inside.

The haziness subsided and Theodora awoke groggily, the sunshine warm on her face. She heard birds, wind in the trees and the distant sound of water.

Once her eyes adjusted, she realIzed she was laying on the earthen floor beneath tall, tall trees.

Where was she?

Theodora sat up and looked down…she was in her nightdress and in her socked feet. There were still pencil smudges on the insides of her fingers.

This couldn't be? She was surely dreaming?

She stood up and spun around, she didn't know which way to go. The whole thing reminded her of Wonderland, the place in the book her father had read her and Cora a long time ago.

Theodora walked towards the sound of water and realized she was beside a great river. Somewhere behind her she heard a scuttling and grunts, and two hulking creatures appeared behind her.

They were horrifying. Twisted bodies and unnatural eyes, a white handprint visible on their armor. They didn't say a thing to her before giving chase.

Theodora ran, and expressly made a note to tell her sister how horrible the dream was.

As she ran, she felt the ground tearing at her socked feet and branches catching at her night dress. The creatures hissed and lurched behind her, close at her heels.

She heard loud, clomping sounds before her and clamored towards them. Hooves, Theodora could hear hooves.

The riders appeared, wearing armor and long spears in their hands. When they saw her they pulled up short before throwing their spears behind her. Theodora covered her head and fell to her knees, the spears whizzing past her and violently into the chests of the creatures who chased her.

She stood up, relieved and trembling.

One of the riders dismounted and came to her aid, "My lady? What are you doing at the Fords of the Isen? You shouldn't be alone out here."

Theodora had no words, and fainted before any of the riders could catch her.

When she opened her eyes again, Theodora was expecting to see her room and the sunlight filling it softly the way it did in the mornings.

Her vision was blurry and she heard voices around her, "Théodred, fetch a blanket. I'll tend to the cuts."

A lithe, blond form hovered infront of her and she whispered, "Cora?"

The woman touched her brow, "Shhh….rest now."

Theodora chalked it up to a bad dream and eased back against the pillows, the room growing hazy and then dark.

What felt like minutes later, she opened her eyes and did not recognize anything around her. She shot up in the strange bed and looked at the fine wooden walls and floors with elaborately carved knots painted with gold.

The place looked…old?

Theodora looked down at her feet and saw cuts and bruises on her legs and ankles, her socks no where to be found. The hem of her nightdress was torn with grass stains and dirt speckled here and there.

She was dreaming. She had to be.

As she exited the bed, Theodora remembered the creatures ambling after her and the sound of the spears flying past her and froze.

Just then, the door opened and Theodora spun on her heel to see a golden haired woman who wore a navy gown.

"Well it's good to see you're up. You've been asleep and feverish for two days"

Two days?

"Where am I? Where is this place?"

The woman, sensing Theodora's fear put out her hand, "You're in the Golden Hall of Meduseld in Edoras."

Theodora looked confused, "Where is Edoras located?"

"In Rohan…the Riddermark? May I ask, my lady, where do you yield from?"

The woman walked closer to her, her pale and graceful hands folded against her stomach. Theodora sighed and sat back down on the bed, "Philadelphia, which I suspect is very far from here."

The confusion was leading her to panic, but she would not go that road. The strange woman in the medieval style dress sat down beside her, "My lady, don't fret. We shall return you home. My cousin and brother found you along the Fords of the Isen. Do you remember the Orcs?"

Theodora shook her head, "Do you mean the creatures?"

The woman nodded, "Yes, the creatures. What were you doing alone and with no shoes?"

Theodora felt overwhelmed, "I don't really know. I don't remember how I got here."

The woman put a calming hand on hers, "You said your name was Teddy? What sort of name is that?"

Theodora sighed again, her subconscious had betrayed her, "It's what my family calls me, my real name is Theodora."

"Well, what a happy coincidence! You are in the home of King Théoden, my uncle!"

It was quite a coincidence. Theodora smiled a little, unsure, "I'm sorry…er, my lady…but what is your name?"

"I am Éowyn. My brother Éomer and cousin Théodred found you and brought you here for safety."

Theodora felt faint again and asked for water, which Éowyn fetched from a pitcher on the bedside.

She sipped the water slowly and thought about how any of this could be possible. It was completely impossible. At any moment she would be waking up to the sunshine in her room and would dress in her cap and apron for another full day of training.

Blast her little sister and her gift.

Éowyn turned to her and asked, "Are you hungry? Soon we will have our evening meal. I would like to get you something warm to wear. It's only late February, Éomer thought for sure you caught your death."

Theodora looked down and laughed wryly, "It's my nightdress."

Éowyn smiled and suddenly the door opened. Two men in armor walked in, both tall with long blond hair. The bearded one raised an eyebrow and looked relieved, "I'm glad to see our guest is awake."

Theodora felt awkward and conspicuous as Èowyn helped her up to stand, "Brother, this is Theodora. Theodora, this is my brother Lord Éomer and my cousin, Prince Théodred."

She didn't know how to greet them, Theodora knew nothing of where she was. She bowed her head in reverence while

wondering if she should curtesy, "My Lords."

Théodred smiled, "You told us your name was Teddy?"

She shrugged, "It's a pet name…my little sister started teasing with it when we were young."

Theodora saw Éomer give Éowyn a knowing look, "I fear I know all too well about little sisters."

Éowyn smiled a little and Theodora couldn't help but join in. The Prince nudged Éomer by the arm, "We shall take our leave. But make sure to join us for dinner. My father dines alone, so we can make merry for a meal."

Éomer didn't say goodbye, instead he looked at her and finally his sister and nodded before leaving the room.

Once the men had left, Éowyn helped Theodora with her hair and clean clothes.

The woman generously brought her two dresses from her own wardrobe- one a deep green and the other A dark red and cream colored. Theodora changed into the green gown and she felt ridiculous, prayed that she would wake up soon.

Éowyn stood behind her and brushed her hair. After a few minutes, the Lady of Rohan spoke, "You find yourself here at a strenuous time. My uncle is under the influence of his advisor, Wormtongue. They eat meals alone, if my uncle the King even eats. His advisor was upset with my brother and Théodred for bringing you back to Meduseld. I think it's best if you steer clear."

Theodora found this to be a rather ominous warning and tried to pin together her thoughts as Éowyn used two golden combs to hold her hair back on each side.

It had been sometime since she had worn her hair long, not since she was a teenager. She pinned it up every day, especially while learning to be a nurse. Éowyn handed her a mirror and she saw the cut on her cheek and forehead for the first time. They did a good job of tending to them, as they were not red or angry with infection.

The green dress had a wide neck and hung from her shoulders, revealing her collarbone. Her mother would have a fit seeing her daughter in such a state of impropriety.

Theodora smiled a little and thanked Éowyn for the dress and help. Soon they were walking arm and arm to the kitchens, where the three of them often took meals together. Éowyn spoke more about the discomfort surrounding her uncle's state and the presence of Grima Wormtongue.

She felt a shadow of uncertainty about being in the Hall, dream or not.

However, she did love how it looked. The beautiful wood, the high ceilings, the intricate knots and the horse carvings, the banners of green and gold. It was one of the most awe-inducing places she had witnessed with her own eyes.

When they made it to the kitchens, a long wooden table with benches hung off the side of the larder and ovens, there, already drinking tankards of ale were Prince Théodred and Lord Éomer in low candlelight.

They seemed happy to see Éowyn and herself, but did not smile. With what she had heard of the king and his advisor, Theodora could understand. She sat next to Éowyn and across from the men, who she still felt very unsure of.

The Prince spoke up as he filled up the glass infront of Éowyn, "Lady Theodora, may I offer you some honeyed wine?"

Her parents practiced temperance and were very much in favor of Prohibition, but she had always been curious of wine and champagne. Theodora thought that this could be her chance, even if she were only dreaming.

She nodded, "Thank you, my Lord."

Theodora picked up her cup and sipped. When the sweetness hit her tongue she was surprised. Her parents had painted alcohol as something vile and evil. Never once did she think it could be so delightful.

Their meal was humble, rabbit stew with potatoes and carrots. A fresh loaf of rustic bread was also served. The cook was a plump woman with blond braids named Ilfwyd, who tenderly patted Theodora's cheek when she complimented the meal and thanked her.

Theodora felt warm in her chest, and loose. She had been on guard and the wine had helped put her at ease. Éomer put down his tankard and looked at her curiously. He had brown eyes and a handsome face, and she was unnerved by him. He talked little and she didn't know what to make of him.

"My lady, my sister told me that you are from a place far away."

Theodora nodded, "Yes. It's called Philadelphia. I don't know, really, how I came to be here. I wasn't conscious the whole time."

She didn't want to talk about candles, or dreams…Theodora had hoped when she fell asleep here tonight, she would wake up in her room and safe in her bed.

Éomer sighed, "You've arrived at a very dangerous time. We're on the brink of war and my Uncle has been compromised. Théodred and I have been patrolling the Isen as orcs have been finding their way into our lands. It was happenstance that we were at your aid that day."

Theodora understood and nodded, "I appreciate the help, my lord. I don't wish to be a nuisance to you while I am here."

Éowyn gave her brother a look and placed her hand on Theodora's, "You are no nuisance. Please, tell us about where you are from. It's not often we get visitors."

With another sip of wine she spoke measuredly, "I live in a city called Philadelphia with my parents. My father is an architect, he helps build and create businesses and homes. My sister, Cora, just got married so she is no longer in our home."

Éowyn smiled, "You called me Cora, when you were brought to Meduseld."

Theodora nodded, "Yes. She is blond and fair like you. But I have to say you have an infinitely more pleasant disposition than her. She is my sister, and I love her, but she has always been of a different mind than I."

Théodred interjected, "Your younger sister married before you? Was it a love match?"

She felt like laughing and blamed the wine, "It's not uncommon. Although, it's not really looked well upon. And yes, it was a love match."

Theodora didn't want to slander her sister further, so she left out the fact that the love match was between Cora and Thurston's money. His father was new money and had made his fortunes with the railroads.

She continued after a pause, "I'm training to be a war nurse."

The three faces around the table looked confused and she tried to elaborate in terms she thought they might know, "I'm learning to be a healer? There's been a war going on for three years and my country just declared this year to join the Allies. I've been training to take care of the wounded as a volunteer field nurse. I'm hoping to leave for the front soon."

Éowyn looked shocked, "You're going to war?"

Theodora shook her head, "Women cannot fight. But I can still serve. A lot of the men have succumbed to infections and sicknesses as well as wounds and injuries. They need as many volunteers that are able, fortunately for me, I have skill and steady hands."

Éomer looked at her somberly, "Three years?"

She nodded, "And it shows no sign of slowing. They are calling it 'The War to End All Wars.'"

Éomer, still somber, spoke up, "And what of your King? Does he have advisors or act autonomously."

Theodora shook her head and tried to think of a way to relay the idea of the American electoral system and decided to put it as plainly as possible, "My country has no king. The men in my country choose our leaders by voting and they change often. The leader has a government and groups of decision makers, but it takes a lot of time to agree on the declaration of war."

Éowyn yawned and covered her mouth, "Forgive me, I've kept watch as you slept. I fear I need to retire. Will you make sure our guest gets back to her quarters, My Lords?"

She bid Goodnight to them and as she walked away, Theodora was sure she saw a pained look on Éowyn's face. Something of the talk of war had taken the energy out of the room and she felt remorseful. Her mother would remind her that this is why she wasn't married…too serious and too passionate.

They sat in silence for a long moment and Prince Théodred finished off his tankard of ale and placed a hand on Éomer's shoulder, "Forgive me, cousin. I feel compelled to talk to my father again about the Fords of Isen and the Orcs. Maybe the Lady Theodora would care to see the King's stables?"

She met eyes with the man called the Third Marshal of the Mark and felt herself flush, "I don't want to inconvenience you, my lord. It isn't necessary."

Éomer stood up and offered her his hand, "It's no inconvenience, my lady. I could use some fresh air."

To his surprise, Theodora took his hand, stood and she thanked Ilfwyd again for the meal. The older woman looked pleased as can be and smiled, "Anytime, dear."

On his way out, he knicked an apple from the larder to offer his mount, Firefoot. The horse would think that they were going somewhere and thought he deserved a treat.

They walked to the giant doors of the Golden Hall and when Théodred parted ways with them, he turned to Éomer and nodded, "I will see you in the morning, cousin. Goodnight, Lady Theodora."

Theodora spoke quietly and gave a little bow, "Goodnight, my lord. I will ever be grateful for your aid."

Éomer sensed the awkwardness of her actions, like she was unsure if she was being respectful enough. Once Théodred turned to walk to his father's quarters, Éomer opened one of the great doors and lead Theodora down the steps and to the stables.

She stopped for a moment and looked up at the night sky, "I don't think I've seen the stars so bright before."

Éomer found Theodora very odd. Her clothes, her socked feet, the stories of her home…she didn't seem to fit in the world as he knew it.

He had been shocked to see her running along the Fords being chased by orcs with her red-brown hair coming free from the braid and streaming behind her.

When he and Théodred brought her back to the Golden Hall, Grima Wormtongue objected and stated that she was a stranger..and perhaps a spy sent to trouble the King further.

She was strange, and a stranger. But Theodora was no spy. She was earnest and even though she was measured and thoughtful, her expressive green eyes gave away her true feelings.

She was scared, worried, lost and curious.

And kind.

The way she had treated Ilfwyd had touched him.

Halfway to the stables, Theodora broke the silence, "I feel like I should apologize, I am sorry if you found my stories of the war troubling. My mother tells me I am too passionate and I speak too much about my convictions."

Éomer shook his head, "There's no need, it just seems like it's more and more likely that Rohan will be at war soon. My Uncle will not…is unable to act and we wait. Théodred and I do our best to keep our people safe, but soon it will be too late. I have seen many battles, but war that has lasted for three years and has no end in sight exhausts me. Our country could not last that long alone."

He studied her face, her fair features were somber as she thought of what to say, "My country stayed out of the war for almost three years, until the enemy started attacking passenger ships and took innocent lives in collateral. There are many countries…eight I believe, banding together. Surely Rohan has allies that would help?"

He sighed as they entered the stables, "There is one, Gondor, with whom we share an Oath. But time has changed both countries and we do not know where the Steward of Gondor stands."

Theodora stopped and looked around at the rows of stalls holding the great mounts of the Horse Lords and smiled, "They are beautiful. I haven't seen so many horses in some time."

Éomer waved her on, "Come, let me introduce you to Firefoot."

In one of the last stalls, Éomer's gray-speckled warhorse leisurely chewed at some straw and winnied when he saw his master. He thought they were going to saddle up. Éomer laughed and stroked his white nose, "Easy boy, we aren't going anywhere."

He turned to Theodora and made introductions, "This is Firefoot, my trusted friend. He helped bring you here. He is a very noble steed."

She smiled warmly, her measured expression dropping for the first time. Theodora held out her hand and Firefoot nuzzled at her palm and she laughed and stroked his nose, "What a handsome horse you are…and so brave, too."

Éomer felt himself smile for what seemed like the first time in days, "He likes to hear nice things about himself…I fear he is not humble. Here, give him this."

He took the apple out from his cloak and handed it to her. Theodora accepted it gladly and offered it to Firefoot. The horse ate happily from her hand as she laughed.

"Do you know how to ride, my lady?"

Theodora looked up at him and nodded as she continued petting Firefoot, "I do, though the last time I was a little girl. We walk most places in my city, unless we need other transportation. There is a famous man in my land, and when I was eight he made a volunteer Calvary to help fight a war. They were called the Rough Riders. I was so enamored with hearing stories of them that my father agreed to riding lessons after much persuasion. I was a persistent little thing."

Éomer nodded, he could see why Éowyn made fast friends with their guest. He himself was curious about the man of which she spoke of, "What is this man's name?"

With a sly smile, Theodora answered, "His name is Theodore Roosevelt. People call him Teddy. He was one of the leaders chosen by my country. This is where my pet name comes from. My sister thought she was teasing me by calling me Teddy. When I was younger I loved it, but now it sounds childish."

Éomer shook his head, once he heard the story behind it…he thought it suit her, "He sounds like a most honorable man."

Theodora nodded, "He is. He loves his country and the land…animals and nature. My mother found him to be a poor hero for her eldest daughter, though. I'm afraid I'm my mother's biggest disappointment. I am her willful first child."

Éomer couldn't understand what she meant, "Surely, you bring honor on your house? Wanting to serve the wounded?"

She sighed and her smile briefly fell. Éomer found himself not liking that in the slightest.

"She wants me to be like my sister. Ladylike and married well. Instead, I'm edging closer to spinsterhood at 27 and I'm choosing to go to a war front instead of rolling bandages at home and volunteering in society circles. She had hoped I'd be running a home and chasing after at least two children now. But all is not lost, my father is my greatest ally. He doesn't seem to mind my unconventional path. He practically encourages it."

While speaking of her father, a conspiratorial smile returned to her face and the somber moment lifted. After a quiet moment, Éomer spoke up, "We should probably get back to the hall. I want to make sure Wormtongue gives you no trouble."

Theodora said goodbye to Firefoot and whispered in his ear as she pet his nose, "Goodnight my new friend."

Éomer offered her his arm and they walked together back towards Meduseld and felt the question he's been wanting to ask heavy on his tongue, "Forgive me, my lady…but I must ask how you came to our lands? I will do my best to return you, but there is something you are keeping secret."

Theodora stopped on the path and turned towards him, "You'll think I'm mad."

Éomer had seen madness this past year, and didn't see how anything she would say would be so outlandish that he would disregard her so, "I won't, but we need the truth. Even just to help you."

She took a breath and asked, "Do you promise not to burn me as a witch?"

Éomer didn't take her meaning and shook his head, "No harm will come to you. You have my promise."

She took another breath, as if to steel her nerves, "I think it was magic."

When he merely nodded, she laughed a little, "So magic doesn't make you think I'm mad? We don't have magic in my land."

Suddenly, it made more sense and he smiled, "There is magic here. Elves, wizards…others who practice."

Theodora looked relieved, "My sister…she knows I don't sleep well. I stay up reading or sketching. I've been that way since I was a child. She and her husband traveled on their honeymoon…after their wedding…and she met a woman, a spiritualist. She bought a candle from her that is supposed to help with dreams and gave it to me as a gift. I lit it one night, fell asleep and woke up here. I still think I'm dreaming. I can't believe all of this is real."

Éomer reached out and touched the lash on her cheek, "Your injuries are real, my lady."

She seemed surprised by his touch, her green eyes went wide, "So it seems."

He wanted to laugh at her response, "You don't think I'm real? I'm just a dream? What of Firefoot? You'll break his heart."

Theodora chuckled, easing back into their rapport, "You and Firefoot will have to forgive me, my lord. My home doesn't have wizards and elves or magic. I would be put away in an asylum if I said things like I have here. Besides, what if I'm the dream? What if I'm not real?"

Éomer knew that not to be true and offered her his arm once again and lead her up the stairs and inside the Golden Hall to finally stop at the door to her quarters. He spoke lowly, as not to gather interest from Wormtongue, "I shall help however I can. We will speak more on the Morrow. Goodnight, my lady."

She bowed her head and whispered, "Goodnight, my lord. If perchance I fall asleep to wake up in my own bed, please know I am grateful for your aid…and friendship."

Theodora flashed him a small, playful smile and disappeared behind the door. Éomer turned away, thankful for the small reprieve of worry with their conversation and visit to the stables.

He walked down the hall and the bit of lightness in his heart dissipated on the way to Theodred's quarters to inquire after the King's state of mind.

Notes:

Trying something new! Please let me know what you think of my story. I'll be blending elements of the films with the books. More on that in the next chapter 3

Please leave me a note, I'd love to hear what you all think!

MM88