Éowyn's words are not unexpected - even Galinda had known that the king must be dead, when Gríma Wormtongue ascended the throne with Éowyn by his side. Even so, she bows her head briefly, the moment of sorrow rippling across the courtyard as the words are whispered from one to another.
And in the silence afterwards, Éowyn says her name with a lilting accent that sparks something inside Galinda - something different to what her ladies feel, for one of them giggles behind her and repeats Éowyn's pronunciation mockingly.
Galinda's cheeks are burning even as she whips around to glare at the foolish noblewoman, who blanches but defiantly keeps her head up. There is little to do but ignore her, and pray Éowyn has somehow not noticed; how can she possibly chasten the woman here in front of nobility and soldiers alike? It cannot be done, at least not by her - her mother would know how, Galinda is miserably sure, but then her mother has more than a score of years ruling to stand behind. She swallows hard, darts a glance at Éowyn, and continues on as though nothing were amiss.
"We shall watch, if you like," she says calmly, pleased that her voice doesn't quaver. Éowyn is trembling, and though she is not much smaller Galinda is very unsure that she will be able to catch the other woman should she fall. "From the battlements, or inside - and if you do not like, may I offer you a bath and some refreshment?" Once she's started, the familiar offers come easily - every guest may claim a bath and food in the king's halls, and especially a fellow queen. An honoured guest may probably even claim the king's daughter to minister to her - and at least either way she can manufacture some pretence to keep the Lady Shen away.
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sforzinda
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Date: 2025-06-15 06:40 am (UTC)And in the silence afterwards, Éowyn says her name with a lilting accent that sparks something inside Galinda - something different to what her ladies feel, for one of them giggles behind her and repeats Éowyn's pronunciation mockingly.
Galinda's cheeks are burning even as she whips around to glare at the foolish noblewoman, who blanches but defiantly keeps her head up. There is little to do but ignore her, and pray Éowyn has somehow not noticed; how can she possibly chasten the woman here in front of nobility and soldiers alike? It cannot be done, at least not by her - her mother would know how, Galinda is miserably sure, but then her mother has more than a score of years ruling to stand behind. She swallows hard, darts a glance at Éowyn, and continues on as though nothing were amiss.
"We shall watch, if you like," she says calmly, pleased that her voice doesn't quaver. Éowyn is trembling, and though she is not much smaller Galinda is very unsure that she will be able to catch the other woman should she fall. "From the battlements, or inside - and if you do not like, may I offer you a bath and some refreshment?" Once she's started, the familiar offers come easily - every guest may claim a bath and food in the king's halls, and especially a fellow queen. An honoured guest may probably even claim the king's daughter to minister to her - and at least either way she can manufacture some pretence to keep the Lady Shen away.