{{post iii}}

[shieldofrohan]

Two seasons have turned since I found myself here - half a year gone by, by my count. That frightens me. Even if the Mistress spoke truly when she said our own worlds stand still, yet this one does not. We grow, we age, we draw further away from home. And to what purpose?

If I speak truly, from the heart, I do not hate this land. It is strange, and vulgar, yet there is a curious peace here, a freedom to speak and to act as one might not in a more mannered land. I think that if I were returned, I should miss it.

But my people await. My King yet ails, my country yet faces the Shadow, the darkness yet lingers. It is wrong, I think, that I should be here and not there. I have no purpose here, no duty worthy of the name. Sooner would I face war and misery than to live and die without need, without honour. I fear to abandon my duties. I fear that part of me wishes it. I fear I could not return at all, changed as I am. Shamed as I am.

Would you return home? If you were offered such a chance, would you take it? Would you even question it?

Comments

[ignisvulpes]

[When he realises Éowyn's response isn't coming promptly, he grins to himself. When she bursts in, on the other hand, there's no denying the pale fear on his face -

But it quickly gives way to borderline hysterical laughter.]

Well, well, well, look who's getting baited now!

[shieldofrohan]

[If there's one thing they have in common, it's not liking to be laughed at. It's impressive that Éowyn can look more angry than she already did, and yet, there it is.]

[Grunting, she hauls him up against the wall, arm across his throat.]

Shall I publicise all that you did in that time? Would you laugh then?

[ignisvulpes]

[Oof. He's grinning, but that's about the best he can do to make himself look relaxed. He doesn't feel terrified or anything, but this is an unpleasant little situation to be in.]

My lips are sealed if yours are.

[shieldofrohan]

Good. [She's still holding him against the wall, but she pulls her arm away from her throat, scowling.] Only remember, if you speak any word of it, that I remember as well as you do what passed that day. And I was not the only one who begged.

[ignisvulpes]

Makes you wonder what sorts of dirty little secrets everyone else is hiding, doesn't it?

[He chuckles quietly. There's something unmistakably nervous about the sound.]

[shieldofrohan]

They are welcome to their privacy. I wish only to keep my own.

And believe me, Kinra, if I must fight for that, I shall. And if it is thee I must fight, I shall win. Remember that.

[She lets go of him abruptly.]