Éowyn cannot help it: she laughs, and at once feels bad for laughing. But how can she help but laugh, at such a show? Stumbling to regain her footing, half-stifling her smile, she grasps Mercutio's arm, and there is genuine concern there as well as amusement.

"Another time, perhaps," she suggests, only a little sardonically, "when we are both whole and hale again?" And, to soften the blow, she leans in to kiss Mercutio again, her hand tracing down to find her bride's.