Hello everyone!

Well look at this! We have updates finally starting to come through for October. I will confess that this is later than I'd planned owing to the fact I've been so wrapped up in Rings of Power and getting my ROP fic edited. I am hoping to switch my upload schedule up at some point but I do need to get writing my ROP fic as well. Keep an eye out for any upload changes.

Lots of love,

Cissa xx

A Wild Heart – Part 28:

Éowara walked into the Last Homely House with Halbarad and he walked her towards the Hall of Fire where a feast had been prepared for the Elves and guests.

Eyes fell on Éowara and she freed herself with a nod from Halbarad's arm, moving to sit in a corner to quietly watch the festivities and tales that would no doubt happen as they often did in the Hall of Fire. Aragorn had noticed and made a plate of food and took it over to her.

"I see you have chosen a quiet spot to watch events from," he spoke as he sat down next to her, "I shall expect a dance with you and I know Halbarad will as well," he said as he passed her the plate he'd made for her and then he rose and went to discuss various topics with various Elves.

The woman felt another person occupy the seat next to her. She looked up and saw Lindir next to her.

"We all know what transpired here and how it ended. Boromir's death was something my Lord Elrond did not foresee. If he had he would have tried to prevent your betrothal and keep you here where you would have been safe from the events that happened afterwards," the Elf spoke before he looked at Elrond, "you are family to Aragorn and the Elven Lord will honour that as long as he is in Middle Earth. You know where his library is and I would not blame you if you wanted to slip away and read awhile."

"Aragorn and Halbarad both wish to dance with me and that is something I must honour," Éowara spoke before seeing Elrond looking at her. She quickly looked away, desperate to avoid eye contact with anyone really, "especially for Aragorn," she said as she looked at Lindir.

"Well if you do not want everyone approaching I can remain with you," Lindir said as he smiled slightly at Éowara, "I will only leave you if Aragorn or Halbarad approach."

"I'd appreciate that greatly," Éowara replied before she began to eat the plate Aragorn had brought over for her. The Elf nodded and sat back, watching everyone and nodded softly at Elrond, as he glanced over in their direction before turning back to Aragorn and Halbarad and the conversation they were having.

It didn't take long and the merriment began. It started with the music before Éowara's ears pricked as she heard her name, her sister's and Merry's and the downfall of the Witch-King. She wished the ground could have swallowed her whole as she listened to the tales before the music and tales from the War of the Ring continued. She listened to the songs and was happy to know that she had played her part in the victory over Mordor.

After a while there was a change in tone and jolliness filled the air. Éowara couldn't help but smile as she allowed the music to wash over her and her thoughts were interrupted as Aragorn was soon over to her.

"I so believe I am owed a dance," he said with a knowing look on his face and Éowara shook her head.

"I am not dressed for a dance," she spoke before rising from her seat and leaving the Hall of Fire and going to find her bags so she could change.

Lindir looked at Aragorn and watched to see his reaction.

"King Elessar you should have known that she was not going to accept the dance in her riding clothes," the Elf said as he looked at the King, "she will want to change and then rejoin us."

"It was worth asking," Aragorn spoke before he stood against a pillow and waited for Éowara to return. Eventually that moment came and she wore a smile on her face. Aragorn walked as Halbarad stopped in his tracks as he saw Éowara and the King swiftly moved to the woman.

"Now I will give you that dance I owe you," she spoke and Aragorn chuckled softly before beginning to dance around the Hall of Fire with her. He watched her as she began to relax and he relaxed as well.

"You're a good dancer. You have been taught well," he commented and Éowara blushed softly.

"My brother, Uncle and cousin taught me once I was able to tolerate the lessons," she said as she caught sight of Halbarad sat with Elrond enjoying the music and songs that were being sung.

"Well they have taught you well," he said before feeling a hand tap his shoulder. He turned and saw Halbarad stood there. He nodded softly and bowed at Éowara before the woman soon found herself dancing around the Hall again with Halbarad this time and he was keeping her close to him.

Aragorn had moved to sit with Elrond and he looked at the Lord.

"Despite their statuses, they have something and it was clear to me in the Houses of Healing," he spoke, "Halbarad was by her bedside most of the time, waiting to see if she would survive or not. It was the first time I had witnessed him showing concern for someone else other than the Rangers. Master Peregrin walked between the Last Dabate and the Houses of Healing and it was only when we were about to leave did Halbarad appear at my side. Faramir remained and watched over her."

Elrond listened and nodded softly as he watched Halbarad with Éowara.

"Whatever the future holds your explorer will be safe in the North. Halbarad will protect her with his life," he spoke, "he admires her and that is something I can see. She is still grieving for Boromir; that much is clear and she needs that time to heal from him but she also needs to have the opportunity to find love again."

"She does and watching them together gives me hope," Aragorn said as he turned to look at Elrond, "he will help her and she will help him. I can see it," he said.

Éowara and Halbarad were dancing with each other and seemed to be lost in their own world before the music stopped and Éowara looked at Halnarad before suddenly stepping away and rushing off. Something had scared her and Aragorn hurried after her wanting to know what had happened.