Hers

Time came when I came to the conclusion that my éored and I had overstayed our welcome.

That is not quite true; they were welcome, as was I, but the need for our continued presence was past and I suspected many of my unattached battalion would be requesting reassignment to the upcoming garrison or they would be bringing pregnant brides to Edoras.

I resolved to build that garrison as quickly as possible. There were dwarves at the Deeping Comb, rebuilding Helm's Dike. Perhaps they could be persuaded to stay on, build this garrison as well as suggest improvements to the walls of this town. I would sleep easier knowing it was as safe as it could be.

My éored headed out on my orders, a slow thunder that I promised to catch up to by the afternoon. I spent time the evening before with Tondhere, informing him of my desire of building the garrison and where. We discussed what would be needed, how my builders could speed the process. I wanted that garrison up and working by harvest. He promised to have the land cleared and prepped during the winter, so building could commence immediately, in addition to extra planting to feed the éored housed there. The town would benefit from the additional income the garrison would generate.

I broke my fast with Wudurose and Gamling, watched their interaction with each other, with their daughter and my son. It was a healthy interaction, a loving one, one I was grateful for and did my heart good to watch. Finally, I could put my fears to rest. I loved her. I would always love her, but it was a... different love. It had changed and it was a change I could live with.

When I finally took my leave, Edric rode with me for a ways, sometimes racing, but most of the time, simply talking.

“What do you want?” he finally blurted.

I stopped. “Truthfully?” That look from him was one I recognized on my second son's face. “I would like to crow from the heavens I have a son, a strong son, another son from the house of Éorl. One that I accept and love. I want you in Edoras with my other children so they can know you, learn from you, because yes, they have much to learn from you. I want for your mother not to fear my Queen. Honestly, under lesser circumstances, I think they have much in common and would enjoy each other's company. They,” I leaned over towards him, “know how to get their way just by crooking their finger.” With this, I hooked my pinkie and gestured with it. “However,” with this my voice dropped, “I would be ecstatic to spend simply time with you, to get to know you better. I would like to be invited to your wedding, dance with your bride. With this new garrison, I will be here often.”

Edric looked at me thoughtfully. “I have three half-brothers?”

“And a sister.”

He blew forcefully through his lips before dismounting. Our time was coming to an end and I had no idea if we would have time alone ever again, so I climbed down as well. “Two half-sisters. Three half-brothers. I seem to have half of many things.”

“You,” I smiled, “have all of my love, all of your mother's love, all of Gamling's love – yes, you do – and your sister by your mother thinks you hung the moon, next to Gamling, of course. If you marry your sweetheart, you obviously have all of hers as well.” I sat back smugly. “I will tell you what a wise captain of my guard told me once. 'Love what you have. You have more than most men.' 'Tis good advice.”

“Sounds like Gamling.”

I nodded. “He is a very wise man.”

We sat facing each other for a short time, before the obvious goodbyes I was most reluctant to say and it seemed he was reluctant as well.

“I suppose my sisters are close of an age?”

“A summer or two apart at the most.”

He exhaled. “I guess if it presented itself, they would get together and squeal and rock many dolls.”

I thought of my youngest and her at times unladylike and hoydenish behavior. “And run barefoot together through the muck and chase pigs and kittens and puppies.”

“They would make mud pies, I suspect.”

“Most certainly. And force us to drink tea that tastes of water.”

Edric was now looking into the horizon, straining to see the dust. “Do my... my brothers enjoy fishing?”

My heart swelled. “Yes, they do.”

Edric smiled. “You should bring them with you when you return to oversee the building of the garrison. I know a particularly good spot. To fish, that is.” He furrowed his brow and for a split second, I saw his mother, a face she made when deep in thought. “I am in a quandary at what to call you.” He tilted his head. “I cannot in good conscience call you 'Father' or 'Da'. Nor am I comfortable in calling you 'uncle' much less 'king,' 'sir,' or 'my lord'.”

I understood his mixed feelings and concern and for me, it was an easy solution. “Simple, for now. Call me Éomer.” I then reached across the space between us and clasped his arm.

“Éomer?”

“Yes?”

He blinked several times before continuing. “Tell your queen I thank her for her courtesy and kindness.” With this, his look fell. “She did not have to be and I would not blame her had she ignored me or treated me with jealousy and anger.” His voice dropped further. “I told her I did not wish to usurp her son's place.”

“You are just as much my son, as my heir and my children by my queen are. I have told her that.” Again, I extended my arm. As I clasped his, he pulled me to him. Béma's Breath! I imagine it was like being hugged by a great bear!

He turned loose and without another word, he mounted his horse. “Well met, Éomer of Rohan. You have turned my world upside down, but I think it will be a good toss. It will be all right.” With that, he clicked his tongue and rode off, galloping from where we had come. I watched him for a long time, too long to be honest, until he reached the top of the rise. As he crested the hill, he turned, saw me watching.

He waved before disappearing. I took one, last look in his direction before turning around. “Well met, Edric of the Riddermark. You tossed mine as well, my son. And yes. All will be well.”