For the next two days, Eomer avoided all company save when he could not avoid people. The Elves gave him a wider berth than normal. They had been confused and insulted and downright puzzled by the King of the Mark and knew not what to make of him. All save Galadriel, Elladan and Elrohir. Galadriel had seen, in one brief moment, Eomer's entire heart and soul. Elladan and Elrohir had overheard Eomer in his tent and felt that, knowing the person whom he named on that evening, they knew what really distressed Eomer. Yet, as outsiders, there was little or nothing they could do. To share their ideas with either of Haldir's brothers would be to pour salt into wounds left unhealed. For Orophin and Rumil missed their brother terribly and would not welcome the knowledge that his final night had been spent in the arms of a Man. Legolas was also left in the dark simply because the issue, despite Eomer's attitude toward all Elves, was none of his business.
So it was that Elrond's twins welcomed the sight of their father and his entourage at the gates of the White City. With Elrond came Glorfindel and Erestor and, Aragorn's intended, Arwen. They entered the city under a rain shower of flower petals, with trumpets and cheering crowds. Aragorn stood on the steps to the King's house, dressed in a green and sliver tunic, waiting to greet his bride and Elrond, the elf who was as much a father as the man who'd spawned him. Ringed behind him were Faramir, Gimli, Gandalf, and Legolas. To one side stood Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel flanked by Orophin and Rumil. Behind them stood Faramir, flanked by Eowyn and Eomer.
Eowyn stood between the two powerful men looking pale and nervous. She had no fear of the Elves or Arwen. Indeed, her pallor had nothing to do with even her recent illness. Rather, she had lost sleep over Eomer. He was ghost pale with dark circles beneath his eyes. His blond hair was lank around his head. His beard and mustache, the pride of the Men of the Mark, was unkempt. His normally bright eyes were glassy from lack of sleep and too much wine. He looked to Eowyn like a man at the end of his tether and she feared constantly for his safety. In fact, she feared so much so, that she had spoken with Faramir earlier in the day.
"I do not think I can marry you, Faramir," she had said as they walked along the parapet. "Eomer is gravely ill and I do not know what is wrong with him. But I fear to leave him now."
Faramir had said nothing at first, only stared at Eowyn as if he had no idea of her identity. "Eowyn, you cannot mean this? Please, I beg of you, reconsider. Eomer is distraught over the death of your uncle. In time, he will heal."
"I cannot leave him alone now, Faramir. I am sorry. Unless something changes with Eomer before Arwen and Aragorn wed, I will return to the Mark with him. Perhaps when he is well again, I will return to Gondor."
Now, standing beside her brother, Eowyn felt her decision, as heartbreaking as it was, was the right one. Beside her, Faramir was as cold and distant as the Elves, Orophin and Rumil. While Eomer was more distant than the stars.
Hours later, after much celebrating and hugging and sharing of tales, Elladan and Elrohir were able to corner their father alone in the chambers appointed to him by his future son in law. They knocked politely at the door and waited apprehensively for permission to enter. When Elrond's advisor opened the portal, they greeted Erestor warmly.
"Erestor. How good to see you again." Elladan clasped the elder Elf's hands in his, despite having seen the seneschal earlier in the morning. "We needed more Elves." He joked.
"Not judging by the expression on the King of Rohan's face," Elrond came out of his sleeping chambers dressed more casually in a wine colored robe. "He did not seem overjoyed to see us."
"That is why we have come father." Elrohir announced, taking a chair near the window. He could see out to the gardens below to where the famous white tree slowly put forth green shoots.
"We believe we might have an idea what …ah…ails the King of the Rohirrim." Elladan added, taking a chair near his twin.
Puzzled, Elrond settled down between his sons, looking from one to the other. "He has confided in you?"
The twins looked down at the floor in unison. "He did not do so intentionally," admitted Elladan.
Elrond's brow rose as he waited for his sons to reveal whatever piece of intelligence they were so reluctant to share. Though they obviously felt the need to confide in someone, they were nonetheless uncomfortable.
"In his tent, before the battle, we were sent by Aragorn." Elrohir said disjointedly.
"He pleasured himself on the eave of the battle, father." Elladan stated. "As I am sure many did, some in pairs to be sure." He blushed. "Father, we heard him call Haldir's name when he found his release."
Elrohir leaned forward intently. "Strange as this may seem, we wondered if this might not have some bearing on his mood of late? You saw him, what he was like. His has not the visage of a King." Elrohir added breathlessly. "He has degenerated since being in Gondor. He claims it is only because he misses his uncle and cousin. Yet, this very day we heard that Eowyn will not wed Faramir, but rather intends to return to the Mark with Eomer to look after him."
"I think not that his will set well with Aragorn." Elladan had his own opinions. "The ties between Gondor and the Rohirrim would benefit from the bonding of Faramir and Eowyn."
Through all this, Elrond had sat silent, with his head bowed and his hands between his knees. "That is not what troubles me, my sons. For Aragorn is a wise man and will not hold Eowyn's decision against Eomer. I witnessed the concern in his eyes and now I know why. He is losing a fellow king; man who can ill afford to be replaced right now by the peoples of the Mark. Haldir?" His gray eyes studied the floor in thought. "This is an unfortunate turn of events, but not insurmountable."
"Can you help, father?" Elladan asked, with more concern than seemly.
"Do you fancy him, Elladan?" Elrond teased. He already knew his sons, like his daughter, would not leave Middle Earth as Elves, but would remain with the mortals and die. He briefly wondered if Elladan had not developed a crush on the King of the Riddermark.
"He is handsome, for a Man. But that is not why I worry. His actions are scandalous. He has insulted everyone but Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. " Elladan recounted the disastrous dinner.
Elrond thought carefully about the account. He knew Haldir was capable of playing harsh games, but wondered what would have made him play them with a Man. Could there have been something to them? And, more to the point, when did they begin? Something in Elladan's recitation spoke of an unhealthy obsession. Perhaps, Elrond mused, Eomer had been an innocent when he engaged in these games with Haldir?
"I will speak with Gandalf and Aragorn. Mayhaps we can find a solution to Eomer's problem." He patted each of his children, truly glad to see them hale and hearty after the battles. He had sent them off with the Gray Company to aid Aragorn and, truly, feared he would see neither of them alive again. He'd stayed behind to help reclaim Mirkwood while Celeborn and Galadriel had fought to save Lothlorien. What forces had been sent to aid the Men of Middle Earth had been all the Elves could spare and nearly cost the Elves dearly.
He sent his sons away so that he could rest
before the diner hour and think about what his sons had told him. He had never
met Eomer, but he had sensed something wrong with the Man when they'd been
introduced. He'd sensed annoyance and confusion from Legolas and Haldir's
younger brothers, as well. Of course, Elladan's feigned innocence had him
worried as well. He knew his son would grow old and die. But to also be in
love with a mortal? Elrond hoped not.
That night at diner, Eomer sat as far away from the Elves as politeness allowed.
He also drank heavily and ate little. Eowyn never left his side, all but ignoring
Faramir who looked ready to pull out his hair in frustration. Gandalf raised
his brows at Elrond several times during the meal, but Elrond remained silent
and observant. He wanted to get a feel for Eomer and he could only do that
by observing him quietly.
Afterwards, the Elves again engaged in their favorite pastime, joined by the
Men of Gondor and the Mark who had stayed by their king's side. Elrond went
to where Eomer sat and stood behind him.
Afterwards, the Elves again engaged in their favorite pastime, joined by the Men of Gondor and the Mark who had stayed by their king's side. Elrond went to where Eomer sat and stood behind him. He could tell that Eomer was uncomfortable in his presence and he tried to make himself as unobtrusive as possible. Eventually, Eomer got up and excused himself from the company, citing the need for some fresh air. Eowyn rose to follow him, but Faramir stopped her.
"Eowyn, please wait," Faramir held on to her arm. "Have you told Eomer of your plans?"
Elrond silently thanked Faramir for his timely interruption and wondered how much of it was providence and how much of it was Gandalf's subtle meddling. Either way, he gladly accepted the opportunity to follow Eomer outside.
He approached on silent feet, noticing how Eomer seemed to be having a conversation with himself. "King Eomer, may I join you?"
Eomer started. "Lord Elrond." He sketched a rough bow. "I wanted to be alone." His response bordered on rude.
"I had heard that you did not like the
company of Elves. I'm disappointed. After all we sacrificed to help your people
survive Saruman I would have thought you'd at least pretend to enjoy our company."
Elrond pushed, hoping to find a weak spot in Eomer's armor.
Eomer looked cornered and ready to bolt. "Ts not that I dislike Elves,
Lord Elrond. Nor am I ungrateful…"
"You just hate us on principle?" Elrond moved closer, smelling Eomer's fear. "You know, the Guardian of Lothlorien died for your people and you honor his memory in this way." A hunch, based on his son's observations caused Elrond to speak more frankly than normal. He hoped for a reaction, but got far more than he bargained for.
Eomer paled at the mention of Haldir's name.
"Is it true, then, that you and Haldir spent a night together? I understand that Haldir has..inspired tastes. Did you enjoy being bested by an Elf?" Elrond moved closer, until he could touch Eomer. He collected a strand of blond hair and curled it around his finger, testing the texture. "I can't imagine where that rumor started."
Eomer's mind reeled. How had Elrond known? Did the Lord of Rivendell believe he was unworthy of one such as Haldir? Wasn't he? "I am aware that Lothlorien sent many at your behest, Lord Elrond. I am.." he choked. I shall see you at Helm's Deep, my pet, and you shall properly show your gratitude for my aid. Eomer suddenly couldn't breath. The world kept spinning and spinning and he couldn't make it stop. He couldn't silence the voice. The images. He felt strong hands grip his shoulder.
"Eomer," Elrond roughly shook the Rider. He took Eomer's hand. "Come, King of the Mark. I would speak to you away from prying eyes and ears. What you and I have to discuss is not for everyone."
Eomer shook his head, trying to clear his mind. Were all Elves so demanding? "I do not wish to discuss anything with you."
Elrond dropped all pretence. "I did not ask, Eomer. I can see by your face that what I have heard it true. You and Haldir spent an evening, or more, together."
Eomer's ears turned pink along with his cheeks and the back of his neck. "Who told you these lies?"
Elrond dug his fingers deeper into Eomer's shoulder. "My sons overheard you in your tent. I could, if you would prefer, go among your men and ask. Would you like to know how much your men overheard of your night with Haldir? Can you stand the humiliation? Do you care?" All of Elrond's questions were simply guesses. He had no real idea if what he said was even close to target. Something in Eomer's demeanor told him he was right about the man and he kept pushing his advantage. "I can see why Haldir would have found you attractive. You are strong of shoulder and narrow of hip. Your blond hair, though unkempt now, is pretty. You have a girl's mouth-kissable. Haldir would have found you too delightful to resist."
There is more than one battle, Eomer of the Rohirrim. There is a pull between us, an electricity. Eomer could feel his limbs trembling. I was nothing to him. I was a toy. A scratch for an itch. "Warrior's comfort," He turned from Elrond, desiring only to escape the Elf.
Elrond felt sorry for Eomer, though he would not allow the Man to see it. Haldir could be ruthless in his pursuits. He never meant any harm by them, it had simply been his way. Haldir had been naturally dominant and his tastes had varied greatly. Among Elves he had been something of a legend. "For Haldir, maybe. I cannot say. You, however, felt something different. You cannot convince me otherwise for your actions speak far more loudly than the words coming from your mouth. You must trust someone, Eomer. Why not trust one who is much like Haldir?"
Elrond's silky voice traveled the length of Eomer's spine. A mixture of fear and desire washed over him. Kneel and loosen your hair for me. He wanted to tell Elrond to leave him alone. He tried to formulate a scathing retort that would send the Lord of Imladris packing in disgrace and humiliation. He opened his mouth to tell Elrond he was not interested in being yet another Elf's whore. Yes, Master. "Please, Master." Eomer bowed his head in submission.