The Stone Maiden

Waiting

For the next few days, myself and my friends set to work making preparations for another journey. Kaila held tight to the principle of being ready for anything at a moments notice. She missed our practice session once to work with the others on making travel worthy food. I may or may not have chewed her ear off for that. Lani and Kai needed to practice their powers. Since I had nothing out of the ordinary besides my stamina, I practiced as I usually did. Kai and Lani switched between using no powers and only powers and a combination when they practiced. People tended to stay away from our practice area. I had taken the time one day to build up a small border of stones around our area. Kai and Lani kept their powers within that range. Shortly after that, children started to watch their practice sessions. Mornings were left to swords and bows. Afternoons became the center of attention. I often left to go to the men's training fields and practice on my horse.

And maybe to see Eomer. The two of us did practice, but we also spent plenty of our time just the two of us. He told me that he was officially named as Theoden's heir. He was worried that he hadn't actually learned how to rule a kingdom and wouldn't be a good king.

"That's what will make you a good king," I assured him. "Because you want to try. You want to learn. That's the key. Caring about the people."

"Since when did you learn that?" he asked in surprise.

"Theodred and I talked more than you or your sister know," I shrugged. "He had the same worry. That he wouldn't be as good a king as Theoden."

"As long as you're next to me, I can do anything," Eomer sighed. I giggled and curled in more under his arm, gazing out over the city.

The hobbits that they had found in Isengard spent most of their days over at the inn. Kaila was always willing to cook for them. Apparently, they usually ate seven meals a day! And not small snacks, no, full sized meals! I was impressed that people that small could actually eat that much food. I couldn't even eat that much.

One morning, Gandalf left with Pippin, the younger of the two hobbits. Merry came by and explained that he had looked at something he shouldn't have and now they had to warn Gondor of an attack by the Enemy. Both Eomer and I were worried about our allies, but we couldn't do anything about it. If the beacons were lit, then he would ride off to battle. Wait just him?

"I won't stay behind while you go off and fight, Eomer."

"Please, Maeve. It's war. Anyone could die. I don't want to lose you."

"And what about you? As you said, it's war and anyone could die. I couldn't stand to lose you after we've only just started this."

"Eowyn will want to join us. You're the only person I know that can hold her back."

"Have you met your sister? She's going to go no matter what anyone else says. And what happened to 'as long as you're next to me, I can do anything'? Like, I don't know, maybe live?"

"Maeve, please, just let me explain. I love you. More than Eowyn even, but don't tell her that. We've already lost Theodred. I can't-" He broke off, and put his face in his hands. His shoulders shook.

"Hey," I started, grabbing his hands gently. I wiped a couple stray tears with my thumbs. "I know. I don't really want you to go, but I know you have to. I know you have a duty to our people. That's really why I want to go. I want to feel like I'm doing something, rather than sitting around and worrying if we're going to see an army of orcs marching towards us."

"They look up to you," Eomer assured me. His gaze fixed onto the bustling city. "These people will follow you into battle should we not return."

"Eomer-"

"We haven't left yet, I can say it," he joked. We chuckled together and he wrapped an arm over my shoulders. "I will come back to you.

"I know," I murmured, contentedly. "Doesn't mean I'll worry any less, but I know. My brothers want to join you."

"I would rather they stay here with you," he winced. "But my uncle may want them to fight."

"They've already talked to Theoden," I admitted. "As have Kaila and Laniel. He has agreed for them all to go and fight."

"Will you-"

"Farewell the army? Yes. If Eowyn goes as I suspect her to, I will lead those that also came back."

"How's your leg?"

"Almost brand new," I laughed. "You don't have to worry about me while you're gone."

"Doesn't mean I won't," Eomer retorted. "I need to talk with Theoden."

"I should probably head back down to the inn." I was expecting a quick kiss as we usually did, but Eomer kept our lips locked for longer. I mean, I wasn't complaining, I just wasn't expecting it. He smiled at me when he finally pulled back. I couldn't keep my smile from my face. He pressed a kiss on my forehead and walked into the Hall.

I couldn't stop smiling the rest of the night.