As evening fell over Rohan, Éomer and Kiana conversed over dinner about their day, but as they chatted, Kiana noticed that Éomer remained a tad distracted as though his mind was elsewhere. After dinner, Éomer helped Kiana clear the table and took a seat on the couch after Kiana shooed him away playfully to do the dishes.

While cleaning the dishes and drying them, Kiana noticed that Éomer had a rather somber look on his face and began to worry. Whatever had been troubling him earlier still seemed to be and she wondered if she should say something. Putting the last dish away and hanging the towel to dry, Kiana grabbed their mugs and a bottle of mead that she had found in her grandfather's cellar.

"Éomer?"

The young lord looked up to find Kiana standing next to him with two mugs and a large bottle of mead.

"You look as though you could use a drink." Kiana sat next to him on the couch and handed him one of the mugs. "I hope this isn't too presumptuous?"

Éomer chuckled and accepted the mug, gratefully. "Not at all, in fact, it is most welcome."

"Good, I am glad."

Éomer took a few sips of the mead and was surprised by its flavor. "Apple?"

Kiana nodded. "I found it with several others in the cellar. It would seem that my grandfather had a fondness for alcohol."

"It's good."

They sat there for a few moments in silence, enjoying the sweetness of the honey and the tartness of the apple.

"Éomer, is there something on your mind?"

Éomer glanced at her. "What makes you think as much?"

"You seem more distracted than usual and you have this somber look about you." Kiana pulled her legs up onto the couch and tucked them to the side. "If you would rather not talk about it, I understand, but sometimes having another's perspective can help quite a bit."

"I can never hide things from you, can I?" Éomer half-joked.

Kiana gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry."

Éomer chuckled and took another drink, looking to the flames. "You are right, though, perhaps it would be best to discuss things with another."

"You don't have to, Éomer, it's alright."

"No, it's fine, I am just not used to..."

"Sharing?"

Éomer raised a brow and looked at her, earning a giggle as Kiana tried to hide her smile behind her mug. "To put it simply, yes." He sighed, then continued. "There is just so much that demands my attention and with the king being ill, I wonder if I'm doing enough."

"Éomer, you're the Third Marshal and you're assisting in the king's duties when Theodred cannot. You are doing more than enough." Kiana noticed his expression change as she said that. "That isn't the only thing, though, is it?"

Éomer shook his head. "I worry about Uncle's health; it doesn't seem to be getting any better."

"Do you know what ails him?"

Éomer shook his head. "All we know is that it seems to be a sickness of the mind, but anything is possible."

"Well, until you know more about what ails him, the best you and your family can do is to use the methods that have proven effective- to whatever degree that they might be."

"There's an herbal blend that was made specifically with him in mind that helps some, but all it seems to do is either slow his decline or stagnate it."

"I'm sorry, Éomer, I wish I could help more."

"It's alright, Kiana, there's nothing more that anyone can do, especially if it goes against the king's orders."

"I hope that he gets well soon," Kiana added, sipping her mead and feeling it start to take effect. "As much as I admire his tenacity and dedication, I worry that Theodred might be a bit over his head. I am glad that you take on a lot of the king's duties, even as much as I hate to see how tiring it is for you."

"Theodred means well, but I believe he is being too eager to prove himself a worthy heir."

"If I may speak freely?" Kiana waited for Éomer to give her the OK before continuing, "He is being reckless and if he is not careful, it will be his downfall. He is the king's only son, he cannot be so careless with his life. There is a time and place for glory, but we need our prince alive and well should the king succumb to his illness."

Éomer smirked and took another swig, emptying his mug. "I share in that sentiment."

"Would you like more?"

Éomer shook his head. "Thank you, but I think it best that I head back now."

Kiana looked outside and sighed. "It has gotten dark."

Éomer stood and made his way over to the door, Kiana joining him to see him out. "Thank you for your hospitality this evening, and your insight."

"Any time you'd like, I'm always happy to lend an ear. And you're always welcome here, Éomer, be it for tea, a drink, or to share a meal."

Éomer smiled as he fastened the clasp of his cloak and met her gaze. "And worry not, I will speak with the prince about his actions- though, I do not know what good it will do."

Kiana nodded and stood in the doorway as Éomer stepped outside. "Please be safe returning home?"

Éomer took her hand in his, placing a gentle kiss upon it- just as he had their last visit. "I will see you again soon. Good night, Kiana."

Kiana blushed and returned his smile. "Good night, Éomer." She waited in her doorway until he faded from her view, taking the bend towards the main road, then closed the door and made her way back to her mug. She finished her mead before going to get settled for the night, changing into a nightgown and snuggling up beneath the furs.

'I had a great time with him once again,' she thought to herself. 'I hope we can do another night like this again soon."