Book 3: Where It Ends [Legolas]

Chapter 16

By the fourth day, Merry regained consciousness and did not appear to have any lasting injuries that would hinder him in any way. Éowyn, however, struggled. But not in a physical manner. Those wounds were healing nicely, thanks to Aragorn's skilled methods from the Elves, but mentally, she suffered. And it wasn't hard to guess why. The princess made it her mission to check on the woman when time allowed it. She had been given a private room near the healers in case she needed assistance, and spent the rest of her time alone. She even spoke little to Éomer, and that worried him greatly. The death of Théoden depressed her, which was not surprising. Those from Rohan already gave him a king's burial amongst his fallen men. For their sacrifice deserved nothing less.

Sometimes, the women conversed quietly during their visits, other times there was only silence. Which in itself felt nice at times for Linnéa, who prepared a letter to send to King Dáin on the events that transpired. They probably heard the rumors of their success already, but her people would be waiting for a detailed report.

Yet the silence could not last forever. Éowyn would not get past what happened on the battlefield without discussing it. Even the most stubborn person could not keep in their personal struggles without being eaten alive by it. War, and gruesome ones like what happened beyond the gates, left their marks on soldiers that could sometimes last a lifetime. The princess wanted to prevent that from happening to her friend.

"Tell me what happened," Linnéa finally asked. The question gained the woman's attention. "Help me understand. Because all I have to go off of are weapons left around you, a creature's carcass, and a possible target that vanished at their demise."

For a moment, the princess wondered if she would be ignored when Éowyn glanced away in thought. A few minutes later, though, she answered,

"The Witch King and his creature took someone I loved from me. I returned the favor by taking their lives."

Finally, Linnéa gained a clear view of the woman's whereabouts throughout the battlefield. Along with Merry from a time. From when they waited in the White Mountains to ride out and the king refused to allow the Hobbit to fight. How Théoden left specific instructions that Éowyn was to rule Rohan in his absence, should something happen. But she didn't wish to rule at the order. Éowyn wanted to join the battle too. So the two of them snuck into the fold. And because she was not a man, when facing off against the Witch King, she found herself able to eliminate him permanently.

Incredible. That was the only word Linnéa could think of to describe her actions at the moment.

"That was dangerous... but you have my respect," the princess said.

Éowyn was surprised to hear that. She had not even told Éomer what truly happened, leaving the man to guess based on the princess's findings. A part of her was afraid to say anything for some fear of being scolded for being so rash or selfish.

"If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same." And with a small smile, added, "Despite your loss, you will be a great ruler. Rohan could not ask for better and when my time comes, I think we will have a great alliance. Queen Éowyn has a nice ring to it."

The woman finally cracked a small smile. There were tears in her eyes. Sadness, but joy as well, as the two embraced in a friendly manner.

"Thank you," Éowyn whispered.

Leaving the room, she glanced down the hall and nodded to three healers passing when her attention landed on the courtyard further away. Someone caught her eye, an individual she recently observed more and more in this part of the castle. Slipping amongst the columns, Linnéa grew closer in a quiet manner.

Faramir couldn't help himself. Since regaining consciousness, the weight of his father's final actions sunk in. And that through his madness and their tumultuous relationship as father and son, a part of the Steward cared for him in some way. Not the same as Boromir, but emotions were there nonetheless. Though he didn't agree with his actions. The man felt lucky to have his life and thanked Pippin profusely for risking his own to save him. Faramir offered him a great reward, yet the Hobbit refused anything of the sort. He was only glad to see the soldier alive and on the mend.

Faramir could not stand to sit around in his quarters once the healers said he was well enough to move about. And during one of his mornings wandering the courtyard he saw her. A woman with golden hair that seemed to shine in the glow of the rising sun. She sat in the stone window of her room, reading a book silently and unaware that she possessed an admirer. Faramir couldn't think straight as his breath completely escaped him. He did not recognize her, knowing immediately she was not a woman of Gondor. There were bandages wrapping an arm, and peeking out from under the collar of her dress, which seemed odd for a fair lady such as herself. Still, this stranger was the most beautiful woman he ever laid eyes on, and he wanted to know more about her. But Faramir was not his brother. He did not have the same confidence and instead decided to admire from afar for now.

And that was what he continued to do at the current moment. There was a sad look in her eyes, and a seriousness to them. It told him that she had been through and seen a lot in her life. None of that mattered to him. It only fed into his intrigue to know her. Faramir finally asked the healer tending to him, who she was.

"A woman from Rohan," was the answer.

But none of the riders occupying their halls were civilians. Which meant she came with the army as a fighter.

The man grew so lost in thought he realized he stared for too long as her head picked up to look him in the eye. She merely stared and he became rooted to the spot. But only for a moment before a smile graced his features.

"You know, it's probably better to introduce yourself first."

His shoulders tensed at the sudden voice, glancing over a shoulder. There, he found Linnéa. She smirked at the fact he had been 'caught', but decided to not tease him further.

"Just my own personal opinion," the princess said. "You've been watching her for some time."

"I thought I was being discreet," he admitted.

"Maybe to others. But I've been around Éowyn since she woke and couldn't help but notice someone lingering."

Éowyn. That was a lovely name.

"You are Faramir."

His brows pinched in confusion that she knew of him. "I do not believe we have met."

"I knew your brother. We were both part of the Fellowship that left Rivendell. I represented the Council of the Misty Mountains."

His eyes widened. "You are the heir to Erebor."

She slightly bowed in greeting. "We were children last time we met. And I am sorry for your loss."

"I'm sorry for my brother and his actions that forced your hand."

"Pippin told you."

He nodded.

"I may have broken his nose," Linnéa admitted.

Faramir laughed a bit. "That would have been a sight to see."

But all laughing aside, Linnéa said, "Talk to her. While she's still here. You don't want to chase her back to Edoras if all goes well."

She retreated back to her room leaving the man in thought.