And In The Dawn Save Them

Chapter 18 : How To Build Trust

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Even if they didn't particularly appreciate the more rudimentary culture of Rohan, Eowyn's ladies were well aware that Éomer was a powerful king, and a celibate one at that. Umiel, in particular, was clear enough about his intentions and often spoke, when they met between members of Eowyn's retinue during the day, of her own finery which she would use to seduce him. Of course, she refrained from mentioning this in front of Eowyn, and Alcara did not raise it with her: it was not her role, and she did not wish to create tensions or divisions. But she felt angry at being seen by Éomer as a schemer trying to influence Eowyn, when she had a much more telling example in front of her every day that he was unaware of. And likewise, if she denounced Umiel's intentions to Éomer, it could confirm that she was denigrating others for her own benefit. She was weary of this situation of backroom secrets.

So, she spent more time on horseback and practising her bow and sword, and Eowyn often came to keep her company. At least things were simpler outside. At the same time, Faramir was training with the Hobbits, teaching them combat manoeuvres, while casting many glances at Eowyn, who was watching him from afar, smiling and enjoying the outdoors too, even though her arm still didn't allow her to ride or handle a sword.

One morning, Alcara dismounted after training, to go and find her, and as she walked up the streets of Edoras, she asked:

"Eowyn, who was Grima?"

Eowyn sighed and bowed her head, but told her frankly the whole story of Grima Wormtongue, of Éomer in exile and of King Théoden bewitched by Saruman and rescued by Gandalf. She did not even hide the fact that Grima had had designs on her and wanted to keep her locked up in the palace as his prisoner. Alcara was scandalised by this story but understood better why Éomer mistrusted her.

"Why are you asking me this?" asked Eowyn.

Alcara hesitated, but faced with Eowyn's honesty, she told her about the conversation she had had with Éomer.

Eowyn exclaimed, outraged by her brother's behaviour : "I'll have a word with him, he's a complete idiot!"

"It's nothing," Alcara reassured her. "I understand better, after what you told me: the previous King of Rohan was manipulated by a sorcerer. Then it was Éomer's turn to be exiled because of Grima, and you almost lost your freedom. He won't be easily convinced that he can trust a healer who can anaesthetise the wounded with magic formulas."

"The war could have taught him that it's our actions, not who we are, that prove our worth," Eowyn defended her vehemently.

"That's exactly what I'll be trying to get him to understand, over time."

Alcara fell silent and looked ahead, lost in thought. Eowyn watched her: she was much franker and more natural than the sophisticated ladies of Gondor, and she was genuinely interested in Rohan. Why didn't her brother see that? Had the responsibilities of king made him suspicious of everyone?

As they entered the stable, they happened to pass Éomer, who was looking after his famous horse Firefoot. Beside him was Umiel, leaning against the pillar of an alcove, twisting one of her red locks with her finger. She turned round when she saw them and curtsied to Eowyn, revealing her impressive cleavage. Alcara acted as if nothing had happened, but Eowyn spontaneously turned to her with an ironic, disillusioned air that amused Alcara. Umiel took her leave and left the stable, immediately putting her perfumed handkerchief to her nose, apparently bothered by the smells of the stable, and Alcara laughed softly when she saw her. As they passed Éomer, they greeted him, and Eowyn asked him directly: