Artura: Yea the reason for 'bizarre' is well... because of the light's meddling. But glad it had the unpredictable effect, which was the point :P
Nadia: Well I'm very glad you say so despite the e... situation ^^'' And if you don't understand, just ask =) I don't bite and will explain anything you want to know =3
Chapter 23 (Past) – Surrendering Plea part 3
He didn't know how long it had been since… since that day. He had lost all feeling of time long ago… But he knew he was rotting away in this dungeon, while- No. He couldn't even bring himself to think of it. Then again, he didn't have to. A man came down into this hell hole often just to spit in his face and tell him of what was happening. He was the only one allowed down here. Other than the tormentor. And today was another of those days.
As he heard the cell doors squeak because of the rusted metal, he didn't even bother to look at the man. He knew too well how he looked.
All he could do was hang by the shackles as they held him up. They were slightly above his head so he was able to kneel if he felt the need to. His wrists were covered with old blood as it dripped down his arms and onto his shirtless torso.
The man he knew who was without looking, stopped in front of him as the cell door closed with a squeak again.
"Aw, not even going to look at me this time?" the man spoke, his voice dripping with mock hurt. "I take my time to come and see and tell what happens and can't even look me in the eye when I'm talking. Where are your manners Eomer?"
"I owe you nothing, Grima," his voice was hoarse as he spit the name with hate.
Grima frowned and grabbed Eomer by his face, clutching his lower jaw in his hand, like the formal Marshal once did.
"Still no respect I see? I wonder how much more of this torture you can take?" he released his grip and let the man's head hung.
"But I came to give you some excellent news," an evil smirk was on his face as the blond male managed to look up.
"Since you are now a traitor, your title as Second Marshal has been taken away. As well as the fact that you should be the next heir to the House of Eorl. All your lines to the royal family have been severed. You are nobody now."
"Nobody? Like you Wormtongue?" his smile was weak, but enough to agitate the dark haired male. Slapping him across the face he smiled: "I should let you know… Now that you are no longer the heir, should the King die, that right goes to Eowyn," he his voice shook with pleasure as he spoke her name.
He then leaned in closer to his ear and whispered: "You know… She has fully given herself to me to do as I please with her. But still... that expression, when she realizes you couldn't save her. That you left her at my mercy. Oh the sweet smell of her hair and feel of her perfect skin. How I wish you could be there as-" but he was cut off by Eomer striking his head against Grima's.
Stumbling back he held his head as traces of blood showed on his hands. Gritting his teeth he glared at the 'traitor'. "I will make sure to double your torture! On both fronts!" he spit in the man's eye and left, as the brother screamed in rage.
As time passed, he became more and more destroyed. Both physically and mentally. He could take the strikes to his body. It was the strikes to his mind that hurt the most. Yet of late, there have been no visits from Grima, something he was most glad about.
But then, one day, the doors to his cell opened and he actually looked up from his kneeling position. Had he come back after so long? Must have. Who else was allowed in here? But his questions were all forgotten as his eyes fell upon the one who entered.
He was trembling as his breathing became shallow and hard. It couldn't be. This was some sort of trick. He was starting to get delusional.
The person stepped before him, clearly unsure as to what or how to say. Eomer stared at them, his mouth and eyes wide open.
"H-Hello," their female voice was shaking as she tried to keep calm. This was probably even harder for her than him. The male couldn't even respond to that, so he just continued to stare.
The woman closed her eyes as tears started flowing down her pale skin.
"I see it would have been better I not came…" she whispered and looked at the ground.
"Eowyn," he managed to breathe as his voice carried disbelieve. She looked at him, a sad smile on her lips as more tears rolled down her cheeks. How she missed the sound of his voice.
"Yes… It's me brother," she kneeled down to him and put her arms around his neck, not caring how sweaty and filthy he was. She felt his strong heart beat and as his head rested on her shoulder. He could hardly feel any touch to his upper body, but didn't care. They stayed like that for what felt like hours, before the brother lifted his head and looked her straight in the eye.
"He allowed you to come?" he asked as she nodded, but her face saddened. "Eomer… I… I need to tell you," she helped him stand.
But he already guessed what the news was. The second he could clearly see her fully his heart stopped. His mouth opened and closed a few times as he didn't want to believe it.
"H-How long?" he managed to ask.
"It will be 8 months soon…" she couldn't look at him like this. Chained to a wall like a wild animal.
"And it was already decided," she added and he looked at her. "It will be a boy…"
"That… that means…" he swallowed.
"Yes… The House of Eorl will have a new Heir. That is the reason he allowed me to come… He fears I might die of grief if I can't see you…"
Eomer lowered his gaze to her stomach. 8 months of pregnancy… How long has he been in here? How many times did he force her into this? How much more did she suffer than him?
"Eowyn I-" he started but was stopped when the guard called: "My Lady Eowyn! Lord Grima requested your presence immediately."
She looked at him, pain and sadness in her eyes. She couldn't say 'goodbye' it would hurt them both. So she left without another word or look back.
And so, a month passed and the baby was to be born. In all that time, Eowyn couldn't see Eomer anymore. She was scared of what was to come and didn't want to see him that way anymore.
Everything was prepared for the birth as Eowyn was placed on the bed with nurses running all around and the physician sitting nearby. They were waiting only for one person to come. Some thought he would actually not arrive in time. The mother-to-be was hoping he wouldn't come. But he did. Grima sat by his wife and took her hand in his own, looking her in the eyes. He said nothing. And then, the time for the birth came.
Eowyn kept screaming out in pain as the nurses stayed by her side and the physician was telling her to push a little more.
During all of it, Grima held her hand, but said nothing. He was shaking but no one knew why. And then, at the pinnacle of the pain, the father leaned in closer to the mother and whispered: "I fear I can no longer keep this from you…" his voice shook.
She looked at him, pleading eyes to keep quiet. She didn't want to hear anything from him at this time. But he ignored her look and continued: "I was told that," he licked his lips as she screamed again.
"That a prisoner died late last night," he saw the horror in her eyes as she couldn't scream. Her eyes begged him not to say it who she thought. "It was him, my love. Your brother, Eomer, is dead."
Tears flew from her eyes as she forgot all about the pain. She forgot about everything. Even breathing as she remembered the last time she saw him. She didn't even notice as they pulled out the baby and smiled. It didn't matter as her chest stopped moving. Her last life line has been cut and she didn't see any reason to live in this hell anymore. And so, Eowyn passed away that day.
Grima did not weep. He only reached a shaky hand to her cheek and whispered: "So sad she had to die… How I wish I could have played with you more, White Lady of Rohan. But all good things must come to an end."
Later that day, Wormtongue went to the dungeons, towards a cell. He couldn't wait to see the man's reaction. When he arrived, Eomer glared at him, but said nothing.
"I bring grim news brother," he still couldn't believe they were now related. "The Lady Eowyn is dead. She gave birth to a baby boy, Griwyn, who is now the heir of Rohan. I though you have a right to know."
At that moment, the blond couldn't see, feel or even think. His little sister, who had been through so much, was dead. She died because of him. Because she gave herself to this monster for him. His heart broke as he couldn't control his emotions. His cries of grief were so loud, they echoed throughout the dungeon.
His worst fears became reality. He couldn't protect her when she needed him most.
Paf! :X Same as for Failed King