For several days after she put her brother to rest, Héodis returned to burying herself in her duties. She kept to herself, did not speak with anyone unless necessary, and kept her distance from Éomer. As much as she knew that Héoláf's death was an end to be expected in times of war, she couldn't shake the anger she felt towards his lordship for breaking his promise. Each time she looked at him, her heart just ached and she couldn't stand to be in his presence.

Éomer continued to look after the king's duties during that time, only stepping away when Théoden had recovered enough to resume them himself- as much as he could at least, given his mental and physical state. Once Théoden was no longer bedridden, Éomer returned solely to his duties and the éored underwent training exercises while they waited for new orders.

One day, a caravan of merchants and travelers were making their way from the Shire to Gondor and stopped in Edoras to resupply and rest. Héodis was tasked with taking care of their needs for the duration of their stay and found it a relief to be out of Meduseld for a bit- and away from Éomer. They stayed for a week, trying to wait out the storm that had come to Edoras, and in that time Héodis bonded rather quickly with the leader of the caravan- Heimer- and his son- Ric. They reminded her very much of her father and brother, and in conversing with them she learned that they had lost their loved ones recently themselves and were traveling to Gondor to live with what family remained. When they asked Héodis about her own family, she simply said that there was no one left and found that she had no answer when asked what was keeping her in Edoras then. She knew in part it was because of her duties, but the void left behind by her brother's death had greatly overshadowed her sense of duty as of late and she found herself in need of change. Heimer offered her a place with the caravan, a chance to get away for a time, and Héodis was seriously considering it.

One the last night of the caravan's stay in Edoras, Héodis had returned to Meduseld and sought out Éowyn in hopes that she could give her some much-needed clarity.

"My lady, do you have a moment?"

Éowyn set the book she held aside and patted the seat beside her. "Of course, Héodis. Does something trouble you?"

Héodis took a seat next to her ladyship, sighing deeply. "I've been asked to join the caravan when they leave for Gondor in the morning. Heimer knows of a healer in Ethring who is seeking an apprentice."

Éowyn's eyes widened with surprise. "I see. And are you considering taking the offer?"

"To be honest, I think so." Héodis fiddled with the hem of her apron. "My knowledge is limited and I wish to do more for our people. It would be a great learning opportunity for me." She stared at the floor, her heart heavy. "More than that, though, I've felt lost since losing Héoláf and I had hoped it would get better, but..."

"But?"

"I love Edoras, it is my home and that will never change," she looked at Éowyn and continued, "but I need to heal and I don't think that I can do that here."

"I see."

"But I worry that leaving would be abandoning my duties. I know that I am needed here, and taking this apprenticeship would aid me greatly in fulfilling my duties, but I don't want to cause anyone trouble by taking this opportunity."

Éowyn took Héodis' hands in her own and shifted a bit until she was facing her. "Héodis, your health, and wellbeing come first. If you feel that this is what you need to heal, then you should go. We will manage without you, though I must admit you will be greatly missed."

"My lady, are you sure..? I would not wish to burden you by taking some leave."

Éowyn smiled and pulled her in for a hug. "Héodis, you have already done so much for us since coming to Edoras and I know how much this opportunity would mean to you. We will manage just fine until you return home."

Héodis returned her embrace. "But what of the king? What of Eomer?"

Éowyn sat back and sighed. "The king is still unwell, but I believe he would understand nonetheless. As for my brother, I know that he would want nothing more than for you to heal; I believe that he would understand, too."

Héodis sighed. "I don't want to leave things bad between us, but..."

"Are you afraid to face him?"

Héodis nodded. "I know it is childish of me, but I still feel so angry with him for making a promise he could not keep. I know that it was not his fault Héoláf died, but it would have been better had he not made a promise like that."

"One can never know how the events of a battle will play out, but you must also look at things from a different angle."

Héodis looked at Éowyn, confused. "What do you mean?"

"Éomer promised to look after your brother and he did, right up until his last breath." Éowyn placed a hand on Héodis'. "Do you know what transpired in the battle?"

Héodis shook her head.

"I do not know all of the details, but I do know that Éomer held Héoláf in his arms during his last moments. Éomer may blame himself as much as you do, but I believe that he kept his promise right up until your brother's last breaths." Éowyn patted her hand. "When you are ready, it would do you well to learn of what happened that day."

Knowing that small detail was enough to begin quelling the anger Héodis felt towards Éomer and for that, she was grateful. Héodis thanked her ladyship and took her leave, going outside to clear her head.