I'm just going to leave this here and run to find cover :D
Chapter Thirty-One: You
It was very early in the morning when Tess was pulled from unconsciousness.
Slowly she breathed in a sigh, her eyes sleepily opening so that she may discover why she was awake. The room beyond the end of the bed was all dark, except for a slither of white moonlight along the floor that had managed to slip in through the window. It was enough for her to see by and to take note that nothing was out of place. Thinking it was just her imagination she started to drift away, only to be startled by a gruff cry. Wide brown orbs rolled to her right where Éomer lay on his back, a heavy frown on his sleeping face. Another cry rumbled through his chest as his head twitched to the left, his big hand that once held her own smaller hand was now wrapped around her forearm, so tightly that his knuckles had gone white.
'He's having a nightmare,' Tess realized abruptly. Carefully she sat up, the sheet falling to her waist as she shuffled closer to the man, her arm starting to throb from his grip. Quietly she shifted onto her knees so that she could look down at his face, her left hand hovering next to his face. She was pulling up blanks as to what to do; normally she was the one needing help with nightmares. Was she supposed to wake him? Calm him?
"Éomer? It's just a dream," She called softly, her left hand finally dropping to his cheek. The horselord started again, more muffled cries rolling up from his throat. Desperately Tess looked around for an answer as his calls started to become louder and more pained.
"Éomer! Please! It's alright!" She called shakily when his moans started to turn into words.
"Éo…Éowyn! Pl-please…," That was when tears started to leak from his eyes and Tess felt her chest clench. She'd heard about how Éomer had found her almost lifeless on the battlefield and the realization that he was probably reliving that moment in his mind made tears come to her own eyes. Briefly she clenched her jaw as her left hand gripped the side of his head, bending at the waist she lowered her face until her forehead was resting against his damp one.
"Éomer, I want you to listen to me," she told him with a steeled voice as he twitched again.
"Éomer, your sister is fine, Éowyn in alive," the man mumbled the name back to her, some of the tension draining from his face. Softly she started to stroke his brow, urging the frown to leave his face.
"Éowyn is alive…and she is surrounded by good people, people who love her," her voice had dropped to a whisper now, murmuring encouragingly as his hand slipped away from her forearm. Tess winced and held back a hiss as blood started to flow through her arm again, almost certain that there would be another bruise to add to her collection. Slowly she brought her right hand up to the other side of the horsemaster's face, both her thumbs now rubbing soothing circles against his temples. Éomer's cries turned into whimpers before finally fading into silence as the nightmare passed. With a sigh of relief the woman let her head drop to his chest, her upper body sprawled across his torso in tired relief. It wasn't long before her eyes closed and she too slipped back into a peaceful sleep.
It felt like they had only been shut a minute when they opened again, blinking against the sunlight that filled the room. With a content sigh she yawned, pausing when warm breath rolled across the back of her neck. Carefully she rolled her head until she was looking up at Éomer's gold hair colored by the morning light framing his now peaceful face. Never before had she noticed just how long the man's eyelashes were, or that he had that lightest sprinkling of freckles across his cheeks.
When she had been watching him sleep for at least ten straight minutes she knew she needed to leave.
Now.
Before she did anything stupid.
With the utmost skill she pushed herself up onto all fours, jumping slightly when an arm that had been wrapped around her thumped against the mattress. Her eyes followed the arm up to the man connected to it and her heart started to beat a little faster.
'Leaving. Leaving right now.' She told herself sternly, all but throwing herself off the sleeping man to the other side of the mattress. Quickly she rolled off, her bare feet hitting the cold stone and making her shudder as she tiptoed towards her boots and the folded up maroon tunic she had worn last night. Éomer grumbled slightly from the bed and fearing that he would wake right then and there Tess bolted quietly to the door, opening it just far enough that she could back out. Her eyes landed on Éomer one last time before she closed to wooden door and turned.
Blue eyes clashed against brown.
Tess froze, clutching her shirt and boots to her chest she scrambled for something to say.
"It's not what it looks like!"
"Really? Because it looks pretty bad," Naomi smirked, a malevolent look plastered across her face as she readjusted her crutches and continued walking down the hall. Stumbling over words Tess pulled on her boots before chasing after the grinning blonde, tugging her tunic over her head at the same time.
"Look! I just had a nightmare and didn't want to go back to my room so I asked Éomer if I could sleep with him and-,"
"Oh! So forward!" Naomi teased as Tess' face started to turn scarlet.
"Not like that!" She all but hissed.
"All we did was sleep and I wanted to leave before he woke up!" The brunette finished explaining.
"Why the creep out? Afraid he'll be scandalized that you stole his virtue?" Naomi taunted as Tess' face turned an even darker shade of red, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to explain herself.
"But I didn't-!"
"Who's virtue are you stealing?" The two women looked forward to see Faramir making his way towards them, arm still hanging in a sling and a confused expression on his face.
"No one's! I'm not stealing anyone's virtue!" Tess cried, her voice going up several octaves in her thoroughly flustered state.
"Tess has a crush on Éomer but won't admit it," Naomi explained in almost a bored tone with a sigh and a shake of her head.
"I do NOT-!"
"Well I already knew of that," Faramir chuckled, watching as Tess started to turn purple.
"You're both incorrigible!" she squawked before turning on her heel and storming off in the direction of her room, passing a surprised Legolas on her way.
"Don't mind her," Naomi chuckled, happy to receive a good morning kiss against her temple from the blonde Elf.
"I was just on my way to breakfast, if you would care to join me?" Faramir asked politely. The couple readily agreed and all three fell into a slow step that Naomi could keep up with.
"How is your leg healing?" Faramir questioned as he watched the woman hobble.
"Slowly," the woman grumbled with a frown.
"The healers say she is doing remarkably well, considering that she is so adamant about refusing to stay in bed," Legolas put in, slight worry and an almost proud look on his face as he glanced down at his lady. So worried that she might undo the healing she had already done were the medical staff that they had given her a second crutch, hoping in some part that the annoyance of having two would drive her to sit more often.
"These crutches will be my friends for the at least the next week, hopefully after that I can start doing stuff again," Naomi huffed slightly, exertion written across her face as they at last entered the Great Hall. Already at the table was Merry, Pippin, Erchirion and Gimli, the latter describing some sort of battle with large hand movements and a bright look on his face. The tale ended just as the trio reached the table, Erchirion standing gallantly as Naomi took her seat.
"Oh! Thank you! Boys you could learn something from this one," the woman teased, making Erchirion blush slightly. Faramir chuckled as he took a seat next to his younger cousin, Legolas taking a seat beside him next to Naomi whom sat beside Gimli.
"Gimli was just tellin' us about the battle at Helm's Deep!" Pippin said around a mouthful of bread and jam, although it sounded more like 'Gimli waf dus tewin' uth'.
"Did he tell you about the part where he couldn't see over the wall?" Naomi asked and both Hobbits broke into chuckles, Gimli sneering at the woman disdainfully.
"You should not tease, Master Dwarf killed many foes that day and Rohan will always be grateful," said a strong voice with a smile in it. Naomi glanced to Faramir briefly before turning to face Éomer with a large cheshire like grin on her face.
"Good morning, Éomer! Did you sleep well?" Although many could pick up the woman's tone there weren't any that could understand it, save perhaps Faramir in part.
If the horselord had taken note of the double meaning behind her question he was ignoring it.
"Very well thank you, and yourself?" He asked back as he took a seat beside Gimli.
Naomi deflated, knowing she wasn't going to be able to tease him an inch.
"Yeah, I slept fine," she grumbled, reaching forward to snag a few pieces of bread before Pippin devoured the whole loaf. Breakfast was a peaceful event with everyone exchanging light chatter as they ate. Halfway through they were joined by Aragorn and Elphir with Gandalf and Imrahil joining them closer to the end. When breakfast was being cleared away Naomi cast a suspicious look around the room. Faramir leaned down to murmur in her ear after she cast him a glance.
"I noticed her absence as well, you do not think we embarrassed that much do you?"
"Not enough for her to miss breakfast," Naomi murmured back. Faramir frowned before glancing around again.
"I will go check the training grounds,"
"I'll check the gardens," Both were just about to leave when Pippin trotted contently passed the two.
"If its Tess you're whisperin' about ye might like to know she's in the stables,"
"The stables?" Naomi blinked in question.
"Indeed, said somethin' about payin' a visit to Hasufel, I think it was," Merry filled in as he followed his cousin in the direction of the side hall, the pipes in their hands indicating they were going for a morning smoke.
"Huh, well that answers that question," the woman sighed, pulling her crutches underneath her arms and getting to her feet. It was then she noticed that all the men had grouped together to leave.
"What's going on?" She asked suspiciously when Legolas walked over to her.
"A war meeting, Faramir, Gandalf has asked for your presence," He explained, looking to the man next to her briefly. Faramir nodded and bid his farewell to Naomi before moving towards the group of chattering men.
"I am also required to be a part of this meeting," Legolas continued, a slightly troubled tone in his voice as he looked over the blonde woman. Rolling blue eyes she smiled.
"Go play with your friends, I was going to visit Éowyn anyway," she exclaimed in a tone that said she was far too busy to be interested in war meetings. Both of them saw through it however and Legolas bent to give her a light but lingering kiss.
"I will look for you when our counsel comes to an end,"
"Mhmm," Naomi managed when his lips brushed over hers once more. With a gooey feeling in her stomach she shooed him off, threatening to keep him lest he not leave. The two parted with smiles and Naomi hobbled off in the direction of Éowyn's room.
XXXXX
"Stop sulking! You'll have to get over it some time!" Naomi called from where she lay propped on Tess' bed, another attempt at embroidering a handkerchief resting in her lap. Beside her Éowyn chuckled, a wooden comb running through her long, golden hair to rid it of knots.
"I'm not sulking!" came Tess' clearly upset voice from the bathroom. The brunette woman had come storming into Éowyn's room when she discovered that a war meeting had been called and that she was not a part of it. She also happened to be covered in sweat, hay and horse hair from her time at the stable. So Naomi had asked Ioreth, her chamber maid and healer, if she could please fill Tess' bath tub. The older woman had happily obliged and all four had moved into Tess' chambers. The brunette woman had been soaking and sulking for at least a half hour by now, evidently with no intention of getting out or giving up her grudge.
"Men are stubborn creatures and you must understand that most are against women participating in war," Éowyn called softly, her eyes fading to a different time.
"In Rohan some women are trained as Shield Maidens, so that in times of battle our villages are not left undefended. They are greatly respected but are still not included in the meetings of men, I fear you will find that in Gondor it is hardly even tolerated for a woman to take up arms, I believe that Lord Imrahil is perhaps uncomfortable with the idea of his ideals being changed by one woman from another land," Naomi smiled over at her friend.
"Well said! You have many good points in your argument," she commended and Éowyn flushed pink across her cheeks. The response they got was the sound of a splash and it was decided that Tess had dunked her head under so that she didn't have to admit that Éowyn was, in fact, right. Both women chuckled when they were disturbed by the sound of a knock on the door.
"Come in!" Naomi called, most of her focus still on her sewing.
"We were told you would be here," Her eyes snapped up at the sound of Legolas' voice.
"Meeting over already?" She asked hopefully as he made his way over to her, letting a kiss linger on her temple in greeting.
"Regrettably not," came a grumble from Éomer as he followed the Elf into the room.
"Simply breaking for a late lunch," Finished Faramir with a smile, the only smile on one of the faces of the trio, as he strolled into the room last.
"We were wondering if you would care to join us actually," He continued, his eyes landing on Éowyn and lighting up so brightly that the woman couldn't help but give a smile in return. Éomer gruffly shuffled on the spot, making Naomi chuckle lightly.
"Well we're game, although I hope you brought a peace offering for-," The blonde woman was cut off when the door to the bathroom opened up fully.
"You know I think-!" Tess abruptly cut herself off when she saw that her room was now also filled with males. Instantly her face lit up like a red light whilst all three men in the room averted their eyes. Éowyn chuckled whilst Naomi laughed so hard tears rolled down her face when she saw that her friend was wrapped in naught but a towel. With a scowling look that resembled something like a cat in water Tess strode across the room to her closet, snatched up some clothes and stormed back to the bathroom, the door slamming behind her with a loud thud. At last Naomi's laughter died down enough for her to speak.
"-A peace offering for Tess!" she finished with a hiccupped sigh as she wiped away remaining tears.
"Why a peace offering?" Éomer questioned, his eyes still firmly fixed on the ceiling.
"She was not asked to participate in the war meeting and has taken it very personally,"
"She can have my position if she likes," Faramir offered with a chuckle, removing the hand he had slapped across his eyes. Legolas looked up from his boots with a grave look in his eyes.
"It is not that we doubt her skills, Gandalf felt it would be better if she were not privy to the finer details of this mission," understanding filled Naomi as a pang of guilt hit her.
"The link," She murmured, remembering the bond that had formed between her and Sauron when Aragorn had unleashed the Palantír.
Neither Faramir nor Éowyn seemed to understand, but both knew from the tone of the conversation that it was a heavy situation and did not ask for an explanation. Faramir did, however, understand the tension that had befallen the room and sought to break it quickly.
"Well then, let us be on our way so that we may have time to do more than look at our food," He exclaimed, lending a hand to Éowyn as she rose from Tess' bed.
"Sounds good, I'm starving," Naomi smiled, gathering her crutches under her arms and walking to the bathroom door and giving a hard knock.
"Hey, you joining us for lunch?" she called, a small frown on her face at how long it was taking her friend to get ready.
Inside the bathing room Tess' head snapped up from where it was resting atop her arms, the knock on the wood rattling through her back where she sat against it.
"Uh, yeah! I'll catch up to you in a minute!" She called back with what she hoped was a pleasant tone.
"Alright, we'll be in the nearest garden, head right when you leave your room," came Naomi's muffled voice through the door.
"Okay!" she only had to wait a few moments before the sound of the door to her chambers closing let her know she was alone.
"I'm so stupid," she mumbled under her breath as she stood, moving towards the pile of clothing she had tossed carelessly on the floor. Guilt filled her as she pulled on her underclothes and dark brown breeches. She hadn't even thought that she might accidentally give away information, all she had done was sulk about not being included.
"Should have known there would be a decent reason," she huffed as she pulled on a cream singlet. She raked a hand through her still damp hair so that it moved out of the way of her eyes as she looked for her over shirt, only to discover she had not grabbed one. Shaking her head she hung her towel before leaving her bathroom, only to be startled by the sight of Éomer standing at her window. Seeing her jump he smiled slightly and apologized.
"I did not mean to startle you, I thought perhaps I would wait and accompany you to lunch," Tess did her best to smile and walked towards the closet that resided beside him.
"Sure," Before she could open it however a hand was dropped onto her shoulder. Looking up through her damp fringe she could see the concern in his eyes. She rolled her eyes in a full circle as a sigh left her lips.
"I'm fine, really! I just…feel a bit stupid for carrying on like a three year old, I mean Gandalf had a very good reason for not asking me and I'm sure he was going to tell me but I wasn't at breakfast so-,"
"Tess," Éomer spoke, eager to stop her unnecessary rambling.
"You must know that none among us think you incapable," with a gentle hand he brushed his fingertips against the side of her face. A tingle ran up her spine as she took a particular notice of his gloveless hands. Briefly she bit down on her bottom lip, her eyes straying to her bare feet.
"I know," fingers under her chin tilted her head up so that Éomer could look into her eyes, one of his eyebrows raised at her wobbly tone of voice. Slowly a genuine smile broke across her face, a chuckle leaving her lips as she looked down and up again.
"Okay okay!" She outright laughed, holding her hands up in defeated. Éomer let go of her chin and took a step back, satisfied that she was no longer doubting her worth. With another chuckle and a shake of her head she opened her closet and reached for a shirt. She saw Éomer stiffen beside her and knew immediately what had caught his eye. Wrapped around her right forearm was suspiciously hand shaped bruise, dark purple against her skin. She watched with trepidation as Éomer's hands came up to grasp her arm gently, his brows furrowed with a troubled look on his face.
"What happened? Who did this to y-," he cut himself short when it registered that it was the exact shape and size of his own hand. Distress shot across his face as he dropped her arm as if he had grasped a hot pan. His eyes dropped from her face to the ground as if he might hurt her again just by looking at her.
"I-I know not what to say, I-," Tess quickly cut him off by grasping one of his hands and thumping her right fist against his breast plate.
"You idiot," she growled, standing so close that their toes touched and he had no choice but to look at her face.
"You were having a nightmare, it was an accident, I don't blame you and you shouldn't blame yourself,"
"That is no-," quickly the woman cut him off again by hooking her fingers into the collar of his breastplate and pulling him down to her smaller height.
"Excuse? It's not an excuse, it is the truth, and there is absolutely no need for you to apologize," with that she turned to her closet, reaching for a navy tunic and throwing it over her head.
"You must understand that I-," he tried again to apologize but Tess just let loose a groan and turned to him again, pausing in her quest to put on her boots and propped her hands against her hips.
"If you feel that badly about it, the next time I have a nightmare I'll smack you one in the face, alright? Then we can call it even and you can let this go," the last part was mostly muttered under her breath but the horselord heard it anyway and couldn't help the small smile that graced his lips. She had just finished pulling on her second boot when big arms wrapped around her and quickly pulled her into a hug.
"Thank you," was murmured into her ear, hot breath rolling across her neck. Her cheeks went red as she was just as quickly let go, an awkward look on the horsemaster's face.
They stood tense for less than thirty seconds before Tess quickly punched his arm.
"Let's go to lunch, before Naomi eats it all," she called out as she walked towards the door to her chambers, desperately trying to rid her cheeks of the scarlet that stained them. With a chuckle Éomer followed her, closing the door behind him before catching up to the brunette.
XXXX
It was going on dinner time when the women finally left the garden, the men having left several hours ago to continue their meeting. All three were surprised to find the halls a hub of activity, servants and messenger boys rushing back, forth and sideways.
"What is going on?" Éowyn asked as she tried to help Naomi through the halls, her crutches becoming a major liability. Tess frowned as she scanned the people passing by.
"Let's go to dinner, I'm sure someone will be there to explain," as she ushered the ladies in the direction of the Great Hall. They made it unscathed, though slightly jostled, in record time and Naomi found the nearest seat to collapse into with relief. Éowyn too seemed exhausted at the normal easy trip and sat down to recover as well. Tess paced along the length of the table, eager to hear the decision that had so obviously been made at the meeting. It was Merry and Pippin that next tumbled into the room, faces bright red as they made their way over to the trio.
"What's goin' on?" Pippin asked in confusion as he stood next to Naomi, Merry finding a place next to Éowyn whom had turned her chair sideways so as to speak with better ease to her friend. Both blonde women shook their heads to indicate they knew not of what was going on and they couldn't hold Tess still for long enough to get an answer. Dinner was served and one of the maids told them to start without their friends. Merry and Pippin dug in eagerly, Naomi and Éowyn following soon after with the former woman dragging Tess to a seat when she was within arm's reach.
"There's no sense in going hungry for an answer that will clearly come when it is ready," Naomi told the brunette sternly. Tess nodded and did her best to concentrate on the meal, although she nearly jumped out her seat every time a new person entered the Great Hall.
Merry was on his third or fourth serving with Pippin on his fifth when at last Legolas entered the hall alone.
"Melamin," he murmured to her in greeting, pressing a chaste kiss to her temple before straightening up.
"What is it? What is the decision?" Tess asked, jumping out of her seat.
"We ride for the Black Gate in two days time," Legolas said grimly and Naomi felt her chest tighten.
"Preparations shall be made and soldiers shall rest tomorrow, we leave at first light the day after," He explained, looking specifically at Tess. The brunette woman nodded firmly, her hands gripping the edge of the table tightly.
"What do I need to do?" She asked resolutely, determination written across her face.
"A messenger will retrieve you early in the morning so that you may be fitted for new armor," He told her and Tess bobbed her head in understanding.
"Merry and Pippin, someone will be around to collect your armor tonight so that it may be mended and polished," Both Hobbits nodded their heads, grim looks on their faces.
"Wait!" Naomi called the Elf's attention, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"Merry and Pippin are going to battle!?" She shrieked. Tess gestured to the Hobbits with a swing of her chin that now would be a good time to leave. Both of them quickly excused themselves and dashed from the Hall before they were caught in the brewing argument.
"Pippin is a Knight of Gondor and Merry was made an Esquire of Rohan, they wish to fight for Middle-Earth in the name of Hobbits, in the name of Frodo and Sam," Legolas calmly explained. Naomi's bottom lip wobbled as she tried to think of something to say, but nothing came.
"Éowyn and Faramir aren't fighting either," Tess said, placing a hand on her shoulder and squeezing.
"I-I know it's just…somehow I didn't think it would be so soon," the blonde managed back, her hand slipping up to grasp a hold of her friend's.
"The sooner this war ends…the better," Tess told her, squeezing her shoulder one last time before turning to take Éowyn back to her room. Legolas silently helped Naomi to her feet, crutches firmly under her arms, before they too left the Hall, moving deep into the mountain where Naomi's windowless room resided. After the incident with Aragorn Naomi had found it was the only place she could rest easily, though she thoroughly disliked spending her days there. Legolas moved around in the dark, settling light to the candles that helped illuminate the small room, while Naomi moved to the bed, taking a seat letting her crutches fall to the floor. The two were both silent for a long while, Legolas watching her as she watched the floor. It wasn't before long that fat, hot tears started rolling down her flushed cheeks, little hiccups making her shoulders shake. With one look at him Naomi called Legolas to her side, his arms wrapping around shoulders and pulling her close to him. Naomi shook in his grasp, her own arms enclosed around his midsection tightly.
"Don't f-forget the promise I made you!" She blubbered, hands tightening on his tunic as he laid his head atop hers.
"Not for all my days will I forget," he murmured back.
"If you don't come back, which won't happen! Then I'll be coming after you," she cried, her arms clenched so tight they started to ache, but still she did not let go. She did loosen slightly when Legolas pulled back to look her in the face.
"Naomi…I know," the woman nodded, raising her head up to place light kisses on his lips.
"I love you, always, always and for absolutely ever," she told him, salty tears leaving trails down her cheeks as she fused her lips to his. Everything she could possibly think of was in that kiss. Every moment she loved him, every minute he'd been by her side, every second of her heart beating fast, all the way back to when she'd first laid eyes on him in Rivendell. She remembered the way she'd looked down from her balcony, the way his head had been tilted to the side, a bewildered expression on his face as he stared up at her with wide blue eyes that had stolen her breath. She realized she'd been falling in love with him every since. She knew in her heart that no one else would ever be able to take his place in her life. Naomi could only pray that he could feel that through her lips, hoping that somehow by kissing him she could let him know all that he meant to her. When a tear slipped down the Elf's cheek she realized that not only did he know, but he felt the same way, and nothing could ever describe how happy Naomi was in that moment.
XXX
Hours seemed to trickle away like seconds.
Tess had only just dropped Éowyn off at her chambers, bidding the woman goodnight, when a messenger came to take her to the armory. The blacksmiths was located on the second level of the city, far below the Great Hall and one level above the stables. It was here that Tess learned Minas Tirith had two training yards and two stables. One yard and stable below the Great Hall, one yard and stable residing on the very bottom level of the city. Unlike the stable on the sixth level, the stable on the first level was colossal. It housed at least four hundred horses normally and with the arrival of Imrahil it meant that number was doubled. The smell of horse and hay wafted up to mix with the smell of hot metal, sweat and fire in the Smithy's on the second level where Tess was required to stand stock still for over an hour while she was measured from head to toe completely. Then she was given draft pieces of metal to move around in to test the movement of the design that was being created. Half her night was spent in the armory, the other half was spent running back and forth between the armory and the stables. Later she would reflect on how handy the servant's stairs between the two levels would prove to be throughout the night, but at the time she was just happy she had something to do during the long waits while her armor was being pieced together. Several times she spied Aragorn also being fitted, although she never got the chance to speak to him as he was always gone the second he could leave. When at last there was nothing more the blacksmith needed her for she was well passed tired and knew there was no chance of her falling asleep even if she had tried. So she had stubbornly returned to the stables to help in any way she could. Knowing there was little he could do to rid himself of the pestering woman, the Stable Master had sent her to work. She bailed hay, filled water troughs, brushed down horses, cleared out hooves for the fitting of shoes and cleaned numerous large piles of tack through sunrise and passed morning into midday. It was Gimli that found her and urged her back to the Hall for lunch surprisingly enough, threatening her with his axe the entire way. Looking back Tess had no real idea as to how she managed to trek the seven levels up to the Great Hall on foot without passing out. She did, however, understand the reaction of those present when she entered. She hadn't slept for over twenty-four hours and had spent her night in a stable. Tess easily ignored everyone when she set eyes on lunch, her stomach rumbling loudly and making Merry laugh. She sat to the right of the Hobbit and to the left of Naomi, whose right hand was wrapped securely around and within Legolas'. Éowyn, Pippin, Elphir and Gimli sat opposite the four, each eating at their own pace. Between eating and picking pieces of hay out of Tess' hair Naomi explained that Éomer, Erchirion and Imrahil had already come and gone with Aragorn and Gandalf taking their meal on the run with them. When lunch finished Tess found herself in the kitchen with Pippin and Merry, not quite remembering how exactly she got there, helping prepare food packs that the army would take to fuel them on their journey to the Black Gate. The sun was just nearing the middle of its downward decent when Ioreth, Naomi's chamber maid, appeared and ushered Tess back to her chambers for a warm bath. When the brunette was almost shining with cleanliness Ioreth deposited the woman in front of the lit fireplace and a small table that had a tray of dinner set out for her. In a haze Tess ate her fill whilst Ioreth dried and combed her short hair, the old woman chatted to her the entire time with seemingly no upset feelings when Tess didn't do more than mumble a reply. When the sun disappeared behind the horizon a group of men arrived with Tess' new battle armor. To the woman they seemed to blur together as they set it up on a wire frame beside the fire place. Just as quickly as they arrived, the group left, Ioreth trailing away in their wake.
Suddenly Tess found herself alone, the crackling of the fire and the beating of her own heart within her chest the only sounds breaking into the otherwise silent room.
She stood before the frame of armor, tired brown eyes stating at the dark grey metal as she tried to imagine herself wearing it. One hand came up to the breast plate, her fingers gliding over the smooth lines. She sent her thanks to the men that had worked through the night and day so that she could be protected.
A dark place of her mind threw a 'what is the point? Everyone will probably die anyway' to the front of her thoughts and she quickly shook her head to rid herself of them. A thick knock on her door drew her attention and she called for the person to enter. Éomer was the one to open the door, surprisingly in just his breeches and tunic. Her shock must have been visible on her face because the horselord chuckled as he closed the door behind him.
"They took all but my boots for cleaning," he told her and her eyes dropped to his boots for a moment.
"Who really needs shoes anyway," she chuckled dryly, showing him her bare feet. She was dressed in a clean pair of brown breeches and a cream singlet. It wasn't that she disliked the white nightgowns she had, more that she hadn't actually slept in one for several weeks now and didn't feel like breaking her tradition tonight. Éomer smiled briefly as well before shuffling a parcel from one hand to the other. Tess spaced out slightly wondering what was in it when the horselord spoke again.
"Through the chain of gossip I was told that you have not slept," concern filtered through his tone and Tess nodded her head slightly, eyes shifting to her armor again.
"I'm exhausted, but it seems like every time I think of closing my eyes I get this weird feeling in my stomach and I start fidgeting," indeed as she was speaking she started to shift from one foot to the other, her hands wringing themselves before she crossed her arms to try and stop it.
"It is normal to be nervous before battle, there is no shame in fearing what could happen,"
Éomer told her as he took several steps closer. Brown eyes flickered away from metal to gaze at hazel.
"Are you afraid of tomorrow?" She whispered after a long moment. Éomer shook his head.
"Not of tomorrow my lady, but of failure," here the man swallowed deeply, though his eyes never left hers.
"I fear that my strength may fail and that I will not be able to protect those I love,"
"How…how do you get passed it?" she asked, her eyes glistening slightly in the light of the fire. Éomer grinned as he looked away.
"Pride, mostly," he told her honestly and Tess felt a bubble of laughter echo out from her throat. The horselord looked back at her again, a small smile still on his face but his eyes now serious.
"And hope," he told her.
"I have hope that Masters Frodo and Sam will destroy the Ring and I have hope that mankind will endure these dark times, that it will come out stronger because of it," Éomer spoke so surely that Tess could not help but smile.
"That is a wonderful thing to hope for," the man nodded his head and looked to the side briefly, obviously becoming awkward with talk about his feelings.
"I did not come to speak of these things, however, I have a present for you," he said quickly, holding up the package. Tess blinked in surprise, looking to the proffered gift before smiling awkwardly.
"Uh…thanks! Sorry I didn't get anything for you…," she trailed off, eyes briefly scanning the room as if she could find something to offer up. Éomer rolled his eyes before dropping the surprisingly light pack in her arms. With only slight hesitation she tore away the brown paper, revealing a bright red folded bolt of cloth. Letting the packaging fall to the floor she unraveled it to reveal its true form.
"They are calling you the Red Lady," Éomer explained almost abashedly as she took in the sight of the long red cloak, a golden clasp at the front to secure it around her neck. Hurriedly she put it on, letting it drape over her shoulders and fall to the top of her ankles. With tears in her eyes she looked up at Éomer, happiness taking over from the tired look that had been on her face all day.
"It's beautiful! Thank you! Well…I actually don't know how to thank you, it is really wonderful!" she cried, her hands running up and down the fabric in wonder. A smile was on Éomer's face as he let his hands fall onto her shoulders.
"You may thank me by getting a decent night of sleep," he ordered in a soft tone. Tess rolled her eyes but nodded none-the-less.
"Will do, Captain," she informed him as his hands slipped from her shoulders. Éomer opened his mouth to tell her he was not a Captain when she laughed and thumped her hand on his chest, her other hand undoing the clasp on her cloak so that she could neatly drape it over the back of a chair next to her closet.
"It's just a saying, I know you're not a Captain, you're a Marshall…or well, I suppose now…you're going to be King," a strange tension suddenly filled the room, silence filling what used to be a comfortable atmosphere. Tess looked up from where she stood across the room, trying to pull what she hoped was a smile onto her face.
"Gosh, soon I'll be calling you 'Your Highness' and I guess I'll have to finally learn how to properly bow huh?" she awkwardly chuckled, trying to joke and bring back the lightness, but Éomer's gaze stayed fixed to the fireplace.
"If it is not too much to ask, I would ask that you still call me by my name," With a grim sort of smile he looked up at her. Pulling up her own grim smile she nodded.
"Of course, Éomer," several uncomfortable moments passed before the horselord let out a gruff cough.
"I will…let you get some sleep," he told her as he pulled his head up and Tess attempted to brighten her features.
"O-Okay, sounds good, I'll see you…in the morning?" She asked almost unsure.
"In the morning," the man nodded, taking a step back.
"Goodnight," he said as he turned away.
"Goodnight," she replied as she watched him move away.
A cold feeling settled over her body as she watched him leave, her heart beating heavy behind her ribs, her hands shaking as she swallowed to try and stop the feeling of butterflies on trampolines in her stomach. The man's hand wrapped around the door handle and suddenly she was moving, bare feet slapping across the stone floor.
"Éomer!" She cried and he turned just in time to catch her as she jumped up. She hit him with so much force that he stumbled back, his shoulders slamming closed the partially opened door. With her feet hooked on his waist and her arms wrapped around his neck she was just a little bit taller than him, which meant when she lowered her head it was all too easy to kiss him. She lingered for only a moment before she pulled back, teary brown eyes taking in wide hazel ones.
"You don't get away that easy, you big oaf," she gave a watery chuckle as she left herself slide off the man, face red with mortification at what she had just done. Her toes had barely touched the ground, however, when Éomer's lips crashed down onto hers, the horselord heavily bent over so that he could reach the short woman's mouth. All her doubts vanished like her breath as he kissed her over and over again. Tess' hands glided up his forearms to grip onto his thick biceps as his arms wrapped tightly around her small frame. The horselord pulled back, Tess trying to follow his mouth before her senses returned and she fell back to the flats of her feet, eyes blinking open above her flushed cheeks. Éomer was grinning down at her, such a happy, boyish grin that it made her insides turn goopy. With a coy look splashed across her face she rolled her eyes and slapped his chest.
"What are you lookin' at like that?" she grumbled self-consciously, her blushing gaze turned to the side until a hand came up her cheek and moved it back up again. Still with that damn grin on his face he told her in total honesty.
"You," Tess felt herself take in a sharp breath, her blush spreading to even the tips of her ears. Her mouth moved wordlessly for a few moments before she settled for burying her face in his chest. There was a mumble that sounded something like 'you idiot', but Éomer simply chuckled and wrapped himself around her, holding her close and letting complete happiness wash over him.
XX
Author's Babbling:
Oh dear god, towards the end of that I started to write 'hose-lord' instead of 'horse-lord'.
I'm half afraid that no one is out there anymore, and the other half of me is afraid the torches and pitchforks were going to start appearing if I didn't hurry my ass up and get a chapter up and about.
Now, it took me a while*cough understatement cough*, but I hath doth delivered! (And it's over 7 thousand words!...isn't this a record for me?)
I deeply apologize for not update in forever, but this story is important to me and I wanted to make sure PROPER chapters happened that made sense to the plotline (I'm not sure if the end of this chapter makes sense though, its 2.30 in the morning and the letters are starting to mush together).
ANYWAYS! The point is, here is chapter.
If you're still out there, let me know, because you are Epic with a capital 'E'! (eh heh, like Éomer! Geddit?! Okay I'll go now…)
Thank you to everyone who reads!
You have my love 3
Hope you enjoyed the chapter 3
I'm going to sleep now 3…..zzzzzzz
AxM
P.s. Did you enjoy the long awaited kiss!? :D I know I did!
P.P.S. Oh GOD. The security code thingo! And letters are already moving in front of my eyes! *lets out groan of frustration*