Translation of Elvish: Melethen - my love. Nín anoriel - my sun-maiden.

Chapter 11 - Cover of Darkness

They had rested shortly around mid-day. Now the host of Rohan was once again moving in the darkness of Sauron. Only the torches they bore lit the path. Silence had fallen once they had left Edoras behind, everyone was thinking of what they had just parted with, what they might never see again. Everyone except for one person. The young warrior who now rode with the elves of Lothlórien and Rivendell, Dernhelm.

Éowyn was still relieved that so far her charade had passed unnoticed, especially by her brother and the King. Just when she was about to mount her steed again after the small pause, Elfhelm had approached her. Her heart had sunken, had she been found out? No, that could not be for the Marshal was smiling and said, "The captain of the elves has been to me ... he's wondering if someone would be so kind and tell him a bit more about Rohan and the area we're in currently. He's mentioned you as he already knows you." Éowyn bowed, fighting hard to keep back the laughter that was filling her heart. 'Haldir, if you continue like this, my true identity will be revealed in no time at all.'

Still, she had gladly joined the elves. Their soft voices were like music in her ears, and then she was with her love. Haldir was once again in the armour he had worn at Helm's Deep. The skilled armourers of Edoras had restored it to its former glory. His long hair was falling about his shoulders like a river of liquid silver. It became more and more unbearable not to be able to reach out to him.

Haldir felt the same way. He tried to fix his mind on the words he heard from her sweet lips, tried to concentrate on the nature around him. But her mere presence was touching his very soul. He knew that his comrades felt the change in him; they kept smiling at each other when they thought that he was not looking. And clearly they had also perceived who the person behind Dernhelm was. But he also knew that their secret was save, still.

He disapproved of Éowyn's decision to take the hobbit with her. There was nothing he could do to assist them in battle, and the chances that he was found out were quite high. And if Meriadoc's presence was revealed, how long would it take for Éowyn's mask to fall as well? And if she was found, what would then happen to her? Would she be send back to Edoras? He glanced at her; her shining eyes mirrored the light of the torches.

Éowyn caught Haldir's eye, seeing distress in them. She smiled while talking of the history of the Eastfold, the area of Rohan they were currently passing through. And yet her mind was pondering over the expression upon her beloved's face. What troubled him so? She longed to touch him, comfort him. 'Melethen', she thought to herself, 'what disturbs you so?'

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The host was moving at a moderate speed, to save the horses for the last part of their journey. But still they had put quite some distance between them and Edoras when at last they stopped for the night. Éowyn had brought Meriadoc some of her own food and was now sitting among the elves again. Their glances at her told her that they knew exactly who she was. But they smiled, and looked from her to their captain and back. She needed to speak with him freely, longed to feel his arms around her, her lips aching to meet his. But how could she get him away from the main body of the troop. Then she finally remembered a small spring that was not far from their camp. And summoning all her courage she spoke out her thought, "My Lord Haldir, there is a place not far from here that you might enjoy to see." His eyes were unreadable; still he nodded and got to his feet.

Silently they walked side by side. The only source of light was the soft gleaming of Haldir's elven skin and his silver hair. When they had left the last sentry behind them Haldir turned abruptly and took Éowyn in his arms. Her helmet fell from her head; her hair fell freely again, framing her face. She titled her face upwards to meet his. When their lips met finally all the tension of the day was falling off Éowyn as in an explosion. She moved her arms upwards, closing them around the elf's neck. She felt the tip of his tongue trailing her lips and when she opened them slightly he entered her mouth and sought out her own tongue. She was clinging to him, nothing was important anymore, just this kiss.

Suddenly his lips left hers and moved down to touch the soft skin of her throat. Éowyn could feel the heat of his hands when he reached up to caress her face. His kisses became frantic, she felt heat build up within her, the longing to be with him would soon be too strong to fight it. 'No, not here' a voice at the back of her head said to her, 'You could be seen.' Softly she pushed him away a bit, "Haldir," almost chocking, her voice betraying her own desire. "Not with all the guards around." Her fingers caressed the smooth skin of his cheeks, and she pulled his face down to kiss his lips again swiftly. "You are killing me," he whispered hoarsely.

She couldn't help but pull him into her embrace. "Why would I do that? Why would I kill myself?" and softly she added, "Haldir, melethen. I love you." She heard him whisper soft elvish words into her ear, words of love she knew even though she couldn't understand them. Reluctantly Haldir eased his hold of Éowyn, now looking down at her, her eye meeting his.

"There is something I need to talk to you about," he began, "Why did you take the halfling with you? He is putting you in danger as well as himself. Do you not see?" His voice was almost as it had been those days ago when he had lectured her about Legolas and Aragorn. Still, it was different. Something new was in it, his love and concern for her. She couldn't help but smile at him. "Why does Meriadoc put me in danger, pray tell?"

How could she tease him now, did she not see the seriousness of the situation? "What do you think how long it will be until he is found out? And then, they will ask who it was that took him with him. Your brother will only need to take one look upon you and know you for who you are. What will then become of you?" Éowyn smiled, "Why should they find out about either of us? No one is paying attention to anything but his own thoughts currently. And even though my brother would be furious, he wouldn't send me back home, isn't that what you fear?" Her hand reached up to touch his face, "And he couldn't part me from you anyway." These words, no matter how plain they might be, reached Haldir's heart. She was right; his greatest fear was no longer to die, but to be without her.

"Nín anoriel, melethen. Do not leave me." His strong voice now almost breaking. Pulling her back into his arms, he covered her face with kisses. More and more passion built up in both of them, seeking for release. They sank to the ground, not letting go of each other's lips. They struggled out of their armours, and the voice of reason within Éowyn was getting smaller and smaller. Too great was her need to be with the one she loved.

"Éowyn," Haldir finally managed to say, "my life." Then both were consumed by their own desire. Forgetting all around them they lay together in the cover of darkness.