"Oh, Eomer certainly did," she chuckled. "He cut a swathe through the Eastfold each time he went back to our parents' lands. But he did not wish for me to know about them, and so he would not speak of them."

Eomer was quite popular with the maids, and Eowyn knew why, for her brother was tall and strong and the ideal of a Rohirric man. But it had been different for her.

"Grima began to be my uncle's counselor when I was but fifteen summers, and his influence began to truly poison Theoden King's mind when I was nineteen. By the time I was aware of men in more than a casual way, more than as a gentle crush on a swordmaster, Grima was strong," she explained. "And he was free with his hands. Too free, though I rebuked him as often as I could and as strongly as I could without endangering my position caring for my uncle. I believe he thrived on my rejection, and would have enjoyed my dislike had he succeeded in gaining his prize. I cannot help but think of his hands and his foul breath when I consider any man in such a way."