I apologize for the long delay! My husband and I moved homes in the last couple of months and creativity was just absolutely not coming to me. Anywho, here you go!

Chapter Nine (Eomer)

After we returned from Helm's Deep, I found myself going about my regular duties with my chest puffed out in pride. For years, the weight of providing Rohan with an heir had hung heavily about my shoulders.

I wondered if there was a part of me that had delayed my second marriage for so long because I did not want to be put to the test in such a way, where Lothiriel and I had failed in Artanis.

But not only had Mareke provided me with the much needed son and Crown Prince, but she had quickly conceived once more. Our second child was due to arrive before Theomund's first birthday.

It turned out my virility did not need to be questioned.

"I hear congratulations are in order," Eothain said, clapping me on the shoulder with considerable force, where I stood in the royal stables.

I could not help but grin at him. "It is early days yet so let us keep that between us."

"You certainly waste no time," Eothain continued, leaning his forearms on the wall of the pen that held Firefoot's newest foal. Over the years, he had sired many.

"Is everything prepared for the council meeting?" I asked, changing the subject. "There will be many questions regarding damage done to Edoras and how we will move forward with strengthened border protection, especially where the White Mountains are concerned."

I did not want to think of the night that Mareke and I had conceived our second child. Realistically, I did not recall much, but I knew that it had not been pleasant for my wife. I had woken the next morning to an empty bed, a pounding head, and bloodstained linens.

"I have been helping to gather the requisite information and draw up reports with several of the captains of the eoreds that were involved," Eothain replied.

"Very good." I pushed myself away from the pen. "I shall see you in the council chambers then."

ooooOoooo

The first few months after our return from Helm's Deep passed quite quickly. Before I knew it, we were approaching harvest. The weeks leading up to the event were always quite grueling as my council and I had to ensure that each farming village had the appropriate equipment and enough hands to help with the work itself. Those were the concerns if planting and the summer season had gone well enough. If not, we had to worry about the amount of grain that would be coming into the stores at Edoras and how the people throughout the Realm would survive the winter.

As harvest had approached, Mareke had begun to show once more. I knew many of my courtiers were shocked that she was expecting once more, but it could not be ignored that respect for their new Queen grew as well. Fecundity had always been an aspiration for shieldmaidens and while many had been hesitant at my marriage to the Haradrim princess, she was at least proving to be fertile.

One night, after the council had completed our preparatory work for harvest, I went back to our chambers. It had been long since I had returned before Theomund and Artanis were put to bed, but there was no more for me to do besides wait to see how it all turned out.

"Papa!" Artanis exclaimed when I walked into our sitting room.

Before I knew it, my daughter was on her feet and running full speed into me, wrapping her arms around my middle.

I chuckled and ruffled her chestnut curls. Glancing over her shoulder, I saw my son, sitting up on his own amongst a pile of blocks and my chest swelled with pride. My reign seemed to have lasted so long before I had him and I was often still in disbelief that my heir had finally arrived.

To remind myself of that, I scooped him from the floor and buried my nose in the rolls of his neck. In the first six months of his life, my son had grown rapidly from the infant he had been. His appetite was voracious as evidenced by his round little belly and rolls on his arms and legs. Though darker than most, he was a Rohirric specimen to behold.

"Where is Her Majesty?" I asked Dernhild, who had gone back to knitting on the sofa, after curtsying to me, while the children had played with blocks.

"She went to lie down. I was to send for her when it was time for dinner. I can do that now if you like," she offered.

I shook my head. "Let her rest, but please do send for dinner. I can handle these two for the rest of the evening. Thank you, Dernhild."

"Papa, I have so much to tell you!" Artanis exclaimed as I settled myself on the floor with Theomund in my lap.

For the rest of the evening, I tended to my children. I had expected to see Mareke at some point, but she never emerged from our chambers.

As night fell, I reluctantly passed Theomund over to his overnight wetnurse and tucked Artanis into her bed in the nursery.

"Papa?"

"Hmm?" I pulled the heavy quilt to her chin and pushed her chestnut curls away from her face.

"Is Mareke alright?"

"The new baby is just making her tired," I replied. "Do not fret."

Artanis nodded, trusting me completely. I watched her until her eyes drifted closed.

Instead of going to my own chambers, I found my hooded cloak.

As soon as I left Meduseld, I pulled the hood over my head to hide my features. In my several forays into the village, I thought it had worked sufficiently well. I wound my way through the homes and shops, finally arriving at the public house I had frequented since we returned from Helm's Deep.

Instead of stopping for a pint of ale, I left my hood up and made my way upstairs where the sounds of giggling and moaning could be heard.

ooooOoooo

Despite keeping late hours the night before, I woke, in my bed in Meduseld, early the next morning. Rolling over, I found Mareke rocking in a chair near the window, nursing a very content Theomund. She held him high against her chest due to her ever growing stomach in the way. It seemed incredible to think that before Theomund would be a year, I would have another child.

As Theomund finished his breakfast and Mareke readjusted her nightgown, I rose from the bed in just a pair of breeches.

"Good morning, little Prince," I said, taking him from his mother's arms and holding his warm body snuggly against my bare chest.

My son blinked up at me drowsily before rubbing his cheek against my skin and promptly dozing back off in my arms.

Mareke stood and pressed a fist into her lower back. I tried not to study her too closely, but even at a glance I could tell how tired and worn she was. There were dark circles beneath her eyes and her normally bronze skin was drawn and sallow.

Without a word, she made her way into the bathroom. Oyna entered our chambers with a plain day dress draped over her arms. She curtsied quickly in my direction and I indicated with a nod of my head where her mistress had gone, keeping my back to her companion until she disappeared and I could sit down.

Without the presence of the women, I was able to lose myself in my son. Everything about Theomund, to me, was a miracle. I rubbed the back of my knuckles over his soft, plump cheeks and looked at his rosebud lips, parted to expose his milk stained tongue. He heaved a deep sigh and rolled toward my body.

I heard the door open behind me and glanced over to see Artanis. "Are we going to ride, Papa?"

I nodded, having promised her the night before that we would. It had been several weeks since our rides had been interrupted by the preparations for harvest. "Have your breakfast and I will join you in a few moments."

Artanis departed just as Mareke emerged from the bathroom, Oyna trailing her once more. I stayed seated, hiding my back, until she had left and then stood and handed our son to Mareke so that I could dress and go riding.

We had passed that entire time without saying a word to one another.

ooooOoooo

A month later, all harvesting across the Realm had been completed and it had been completed quite satisfactorily. It had had such an abundant conclusion that for the first time in many years, I was planning a harvest celebration to reward the people of Edoras, and those who could make the journey to the capital, for their hard work and faithfulness.

I had never had a hand in planning such an occasion and so I enlisted Mareke's help. She had helped with smaller events, but I wanted her to be able to remove a load such as this from my shoulders in the future.

"We will never fit all of those who attend in the Golden Hall," I said, late one afternoon in my study. Mareke was sitting on the other side of my desk, perched on the edge of the chair, leaning over a document she had been working on to encapsulate all the details of the festivities.

A fire was warming the room and I noticed it brought a faint flush to her bronze cheeks, a little fuller with carrying another child.

"No," she agreed. "But perhaps this is an opportunity to show off Edoras as well. There will be those who have not been to the capital in a long while, if ever. We could set up stations of sorts throughout the village. If they cannot be accommodated in our home, then we can set up other locations to partake in the ale, wine, and food."

I nodded, my mind stuck on how easily she used the words "we" and "our."

"And I think this is a wonderful opportunity to show the culture of Rohan," she continued, not noticing that I had fallen behind. "Having not been here for all that long, I will need some insight on what that might look like exactly." She thought for a long moment, pressing her quill to her lips. "Perhaps there might be some sort of showcase."

Mareke leaned back in her chair, rubbing her stomach, lost in thought once more.

Finally catching up, I responded, "I like that idea. A tournament with combat and horsemanship categories."

"Very good!" she said excitedly, leaning forward once more to write rapidly on her piece of parchment.

There was a knock on the door and as soon as it opened, wailing could be heard.

"Your Majesties," Dernhild attempted to curtsy while holding a squirming, crying Theomund. "He is hungry and I know you do not wish him to go to his wetnurse during the day," she said, looking at Mareke.

My wife held her arms out for Theomund. "Thank you, Dernhild," she said, already distracted as she juggled the babe and tried to loosen the bodice of her dress.

Dernhild draped a heavy blanket over the back of Mareke's chair.

"You can leave him with us," Mareke said. "I am sure he will be quite satiated and tired after this."

"Your Majesties." Dernhild curtsied once more and departed.

As Theomund latched and began to suckle aggressively, Mareke continued to write. "Would you consider writing something to be distributed amongst the people? With so many, and if they are to be spread throughout Meduseld and Edoras, you will not be able to give a speech to them all."

I was able to watch her intently as her head was bent over her parchment. Despite Theomund at her breast, she continued to work. His downy head rested in the crook of her arm, but she paid him no mind as she continued to write.

Mareke had taken to motherhood without a hitch and I was grateful that she still made sure to carve out time for Artanis among the many other demands upon her time. Slowly, I had released the anger I had felt toward the relationship my daughter had built with Mareke.

"You are a greedy little thing," Mareke said as she switched Theomund to her other breast, not looking up at me and going back to her work.

"Do you think this is an adequate start?" she asked when she finally laid the quill down and pulled Theomund to her shoulder.

"More than adequate," I responded, shifting my gaze when she looked up at me.

Mareke nodded. "I shall speak with the kitchen staff and begin the hunt for musicians for both Meduseld and throughout the village."

"Everyone shall dance," I said with a slight smile.

Carefully, she slid to the edge of her chair. I could see that Theomund had already begun to doze. "Do you require anything else of me?"

I had the urge to ask her to stay a little longer, but I shook my head. "I do not believe so. I shall see you at dinner."

"Very well," she bowed her head, gathered her things and Theomund's blanket in her free hand and departed my study.

ooooOoooo

A few hours later, as I was making my way towards my chamber, I heard giggling and low laughter. Coming upon a cross of two corridors, I found the source. Eothain and Oyna were walking away from me, headed for the gardens presumably.

There was nothing inherently sensual between the couple at that moment. She had her arm looped through his and was laughing up at him.

"And then the poor lad dropped the entire bundle of spears he was carrying into the armory. The binding came loose, causing such a clatter," Eothain was laughing, recounting his day to Oyna. "Everyone was looking at him and he turned a violent shade of red."

"Well I hope you helped him," Oyna said through her laughter.

It was the last thing I heard clearly, but I continued to watch them and their casual intimacy until they turned another corner.

I wondered what it might have been like to marry someone of my choosing.

ooooOoooo

The day of the harvest dawned early for my family and I. Artanis was not as tired as the rest of us and came bounding into Mareke's and I's bedchamber early in the morning.

I groaned when she leapt into the bed, landing squarely on my chest and stomach. "We still have some time to sleep," I muttered, moving her so she was lying between Mareke and I.

"Too excited to sleep?" Mareke asked, glancing over her shoulder.

Artanis nodded vigorously.

"Let us fetch your brother then," Mareke said, sitting up slowly and rubbing her lower back. "He is always ready to get the day started."

She rose and draped her heavy robe over her shoulders before guiding Artanis out of our bedchamber so I could rest for a while longer.

An hour later, the three of us were back in our bedchamber dressed for the celebration. Theomund would be staying behind with Dernhild, not yet old enough for the long day and chilly weather.

"Do not fuss," Mareke chided Artanis from where she sat at the vanity. She was smudging kohl around her eyes while Artanis tugged at her dress. My daughter was used to wearing her riding breeches. It was not often she wore more formal attire.

"Can we go?" Artanis begged.

Mareke stood and I offered an arm for her to lean on. "Yes, we can go," I said.

My daughter hurried from our chambers and Mareke and I followed her to the feasting hall. Raucous applause and cheering went up when we entered and I smiled and waved to those gathered, mostly nobles and members of my court.

The tables had been pushed to the edges of the room to allow for mingling, and later in the day, dancing. Huge trays of food were being passed around the wine and ale were flowing freely in a corner of the hall.

Leofwyn, having traveled from the Aldburg with Elfhelm, approached Mareke and after exchanging pleasantries, I excused myself to fetch a mug of ale and speak with some of the Captains and soldiers who were gathered around the casks.

As I left, I caught Artanis tearing away with Aldrith from the corner of my eye.

Losing track of time after that, I partook of the food, drink, and conversation for what seemed like mere moments.

"Your Majesty," my men hastily stood from the stools and casks they had been seated on and bowed. I thought it odd until I turned to see Mareke behind me.

"Excuse me," I said, striding toward her, brow arched.

"I thought it might be prudent to go into the village and mingle with the people there," she said quietly. "Artanis and I can go with Leofwyn if you are otherwise occupied."

I shook my head, feeling the effects of the drink. "No, of course I will go with you." Without a word to the men behind me, I offered my arm once more and headed for the steps of Meduseld.

Without being summoned, Artanis appeared at my other side and slipped her tiny hand into mine.

ooooOoooo

A few days later, after spending all day in talks with my council and Elfhelm, I had sent a servant to inform Mareke that we would not be dining publicly that night. After the arduous hours discussing the security of the Realm after the recent threat of the Dunlendings, I did not want to be on display any longer.

When Elfhelm and I entered our private chambers, I could smell the food and lead him through to our dining table.

Leofwyn, Mareke, and Artanis were already seated and all three rose, Mareke with some difficulty, upon my entrance.

I gestured for them to sit and took my own seat at the head of the table. Conversation picked up immediately, with Leofwyn and Elfhelm informing us of the various goings-on at the Aldburg. I delighted in hearing of my childhood home and spoke to them of planning a trip in the summer when the weather would be favorable and the new babe old enough to travel.

"Would that not be lovely?" Leofwyn asked, turning to Mareke.

I noted that my wife had remained mostly silent throughout the meal, which was unlike her. While we seemed to have our natural disinclinations towards one another, she had so far been flawless when entertaining guests and those members of my court we were often near.

"Indeed," she replied, trying to force a smile.

Leofwyn seemed to note the Queen's state as well and turned back to the rest of us, talking of the competitions that had been held in honor of the abundant harvest.

After a little while longer, Leofwyn and Elfhelm departed our chambers and I sent Artanis off to prepare for bed, promising that I would check on her momentarily.

"You were not your usual self this evening, Mareke. I hope Elfhelm and Leofwyn will not be offended," I said, perhaps more sternly than I had intended.

"Forgive me," she replied, biting her bottom lip. "But I think the babe is coming."

"What?" I demanded. It was nearly three months too early.

Mareke sucked in a deep breath and pressed both hands to her stomach. A servant came in to begin clearing the mess from dinner, but I sent her to fetch Oyna, Leofwyn, and Mareke's midwife.

I moved quickly around the table, helping Mareke to her feet and guiding her as gently as I could to our bedchamber. Once there, I eased her so she was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"You need not stay," she said through gritted teeth. "I shall be alright for a few moments." She seemed calm, but I could see the fear in her eyes.

Without thinking, I nodded and backed out of the room, leaving her alone.

ooooOoooo

Like when Artanis and Theomund had been born, I had not intended to be anywhere near Meduseld, but seeing as I had already been thrown into the midst of this third delivery, I paced the sitting room, listening through the door as Mareke cried out and the other women encouraged her.

I had little hope that we would have a living babe in arms in the morning.

"Papa?"

The sun had long since set when I heard Artanis come padding out of the nursery.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

Before I could answer, a sharp cry emitted from the bedroom.

"Papa?" Her voice was small and timid.

"Get back to bed, Artanis," I ordered. When she lingered, I lost my temper. "Now!"

Hours passed as though they were entire days. The sun was beginning to rise and cast its pink glow when the door finally opened. I paused in my pacing to see Leofwyn making her way to me.

"I am afraid your daughter will not last the day, Eomer," she said gently. "And it is no wonder. The Queen was as yet far too frail to carry and deliver another child so soon after the Crown Prince."

While she refrained from blaming me directly for this turn of events, she did not have to say out loud what she was thinking.

"In a few moments, you can see them both."

"There are things I must-"

"Your wife is losing a child," Leofwyn said sharply, cutting off my escape attempt. "It is the absolute least you could do."

Without another word, she disappeared back into my bedchambers.

My heart thudded in my chest at the prospect of what I was going to have to face. After a few deep breaths, I slowly entered the bedroom to a scene I wish I had never seen.

Mareke did not even look up at me as I entered. She was staring down into the bundle in her arms, sobbing, her entire body shaking.

Oyna was propped in the bed next to her, holding my wife tightly, stroking her sweat soaked hair and pressing a rag to her face and neck though Mareke seemed not to feel anything.

I took a seat in a corner of the room, not sure what to do or say and so I did and said nothing, listening to the terrible sounds coming from Mareke and looking on helplessly.

Eventually, Leofwyn headed for the door. "Come Oyna," she said quietly. "I could use your help." She did not say for what, but I knew it would be for the impending funeral of the babe.

Mareke did not even notice when her companion departed. Her gaze did not leave the tiny face of her child until she eventually succumbed to sleep.

After her travail and grief, she was exhausted. Even as she drifted off, she did not loosen her grip on our daughter.

Only then did I rise, to peek into the bundle. My breath froze in my chest as I looked down at the impossibly small infant.

My daughter looked exactly like Theomund had when he was born. A tear slipped into my beard. I stood over them for a long while, listening as the breathing became more and more ragged.

Finally, I could hear it no longer and I held a finger beneath the tiny, button nose, not feeling any stirring of the air.

As gingerly as I could, I tried to lift the bundle from Mareke's arms, but she woke abruptly.

"No! No! No!" she shrieked, eyes wild and hands grasping at my arms.

I heard the door open with a bang behind me and Leofwyn and Oyna came hurrying back in. They both understood immediately what had happened. Oyna went to Mareke and held her tightly. "She is gone," she murmured over and over, rubbing Mareke's back and stroking her hair. "I am so sorry."

There was a gentle hand on my arm and I turned to see Leofwyn. "I will take her Eomer."

Reluctantly, I handed the bundle over to the older woman and watched as she left the room.

ooooOoooo

Three days later, we were making our way outside to the burial mounds. A new one had been hollowed out next to where Theoden and his family were buried. My heart ached to think that the first person into my own mound was my infant daughter.

I kept an eye on Mareke out of the corner of my eye. Her face was shrouded by a black veil, kept in place by the Queen's heavy, gold crown. Her thin body was wrapped in a heavy fur cloak.

She walked alone, without touching me or anyone else. Her back was ramrod straight and her head was unbowed.

Artanis, on the other hand, slipped her mittened hand into mine. I looked down at her to see tears silently sliding down her cheeks. I squeezed the little hand and looked ahead once more.

We stopped in front of the mound and parted as the bier came through.

Mareke reached out and ran a bare, dark hand over the small casket. When it had passed, she collapsed, but she did not turn to me.

Instead, once more, Oyna held her in her arms. I glanced over their heads at Eothain, who was focused on the proceedings, eyes red-rimmed with a hand on Oyna's lower back.

Artanis sniffled and I pulled her against my side.

Leofwyn began the keening song of lament for my youngest daughter and the hair on the back of my neck rose, sending a chill down my spine.

The mound was sealed shut and after a moment, Oyna murmured that Mareke needed to return to Meduseld; that she could return whenever she wanted.

As we turned to head back up the hill, I offered an arm to my wife, but she ignored it. In an effort to show some support, I placed my hand on her back, but she sidestepped away from me without a word.

Sighing, I led the procession back to the Golden Hall. There was to be no feasting or anything of the sort and so I led my family back to our chambers.

"Why do you and Dernhild not see to dinner," I said to Artanis, nudging her toward the nursery. "I will be with you shortly."

When my daughter had disappeared, I followed Mareke into our bedchamber, finding her removing the crown and veil at the vanity.

It was apparent that she wanted nothing to do with me and so I turned to leave, stopping briefly at the door.

"Our daughter lived a perfect life," I said, not turning to see if Mareke was listening to me. "Though her time here was brief, all she knew in that time was your love. What more could any of us ask for but the comfort of a mother's unconditional love?"

There you have it! More trials for our couple and those around them. Don't forget to make sure your EMAIL OPT-IN is turned on so you're getting notifications for your favorite stories! Can't wait to hear what you think!

Happy reading,

Avonmora