Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

No More Despair

Eowyn stood alone, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as she gazed out over the plains stretching before Edoras. The morning wind tugged at her hair, carrying with it the faint sounds of the camp preparing for battle. Her eyes were distant, fixed on the horizon but seeing far beyond it—into the bleak uncertainty that lay ahead for her people, for her loved ones, and for herself.

Soft footsteps approached behind her, but she did not turn. She knew the weight and strength of those steps. Her uncle, Theoden, stopped at her side, his gaze as solemn as her own. For a long moment, they stood in silence, side by side, staring into the same vast unknown.

"I have left instruction," Theoden said quietly, his voice filled with a mixture of pride and sorrow. "The people are to follow your rule in my stead. Take up my seat in the Golden Hall." He looked at her, a glimmer of hope lighting his gaze. "Long may you defend Edoras, if the battle goes ill."

Eowyn's breath hitched, but she kept her gaze steady. "What other duty would you have me do, my lord?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly despite her attempt to keep it strong.

"Duty?" Theoden's voice softened as he turned to face her fully, his eyes filled with deep affection. "No, Eowyn. I would have you smile again, not grieve for those whose time has come."

He reached out, gently taking her hands in his. She looked up at him, her lips pressing together to keep her emotions from spilling over. His hands, rough from years of battle, felt warm and steady around hers.

"You shall live to see these days renewed," Theoden said, his voice barely above a whisper, as though uttering a blessing. "And no more despair."

He lifted a hand to her face, brushing a stray strand of hair away from her cheek. His fingers were gentle as they cupped her face, and he leaned forward, pressing his forehead to hers in a gesture both fatherly and fierce. Eowyn closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of his touch and the weight of his love and concern.

They remained like that, foreheads touching, a quiet strength passing between them. Theoden's heart ached with the knowledge of what lay ahead, but for this moment, he wanted to be only her uncle, not her king, not the leader of a people bound for battle.

"You have always been strong, Eowyn," he murmured. "Stronger than I could have imagined. But strength can break when burdened with too much sorrow. You deserve to live without the shadow of fear."

Eowyn opened her eyes, her heart aching with gratitude and sadness. "I wish to be by your side," she whispered, her voice catching. "To fight for our people, for our land."

Theoden shook his head, a bittersweet smile on his lips. "Your fight will come, child, but not yet. Stay here, and be the shield for those who cannot wield one."

Eowyn nodded, though the longing in her heart still burned bright. Theoden drew her close in a brief but fierce embrace, then stepped back, looking down at her as though to memorize every line of her face.

"Remember," he said, his voice steady, "no matter what happens, hope does not die here."

She looked back at him, a flicker of light in her eyes. For a moment, she felt the strength and resolve he wished for her, though fear still lingered in the corners of her heart.