The Only Jealousy of Éowyn

Éowyn leaves Aragorn's wedding feast, frowning upon Minas Tirith like a thundercloud. A gentle hand on her shoulder stops her, but she does not turn.

"What troubles the White Lady?" Faramir asks.

She does not try dissembling. "You gazed at the Queen all evening."

"Oh," he says contritely--then "Shall I tell you why?"

"I know why. Éomer stares too."

"It is because she so greatly resembles my mother."

Éowyn turns then, skeptically. "Your mother was as beautiful as the Evenstar?"

"No," he says with a wistful smile. "Far more beautiful."

He was only five, after all. Éowyn smiles back.


AUTHOR'S NOTE: Very slightly AU, since the book implies (but does not absolutely say) that Éowyn is not at Aragorn's wedding. Or it could be movieverse. Take your pick!