[littlemanpoet]

Athanar and Wynflaed stood with Eodwine and Saeryn just outside the Hall. Everybody else was already within.

"Let us make our entrance," Athanar smiled. "I offer you the lead, Eodwine. This is your feast."

He smiled and shook his head. "Nay lord, you are the eorl. Please lead the way. Saeryn and I will gladly follow."

Athanar nodded. "So be it." He held out his arm to his wife, she took his arm, and they led the way into the Hall.

Eodwine offered Saeryn his arm with a smile. Her hair had been done up in a curled cascade like a waterfall down her back. "I am glad I may do this with you," he said. A smile came to her lips as she took his arm, but her thoughts were her own.

They entered the Hall, following Athanar and Wynflaed to the head table. Heads began to turn. Cheering and applause built from a smattering to a roar in a few moments. After standing there soaking it in, Athanar raised his hand gesturing for silence. Slowly the noise died away and the crowd listened. Even the cooks and serving wenches had stopped in their tasks and stood in a line just outside the kitchens.

"Men and women of Scarburg! Today we welcome Eodwine back among us." Applause followed and died away after a moment. "Eodwine has been your capable leader, but fell sick. Many of you thought that he would not live – and so did our good king. But now he stands back with us, even if in kindling health." More applause. "King Eomer has charged Eodwine to return to Scarburg to return to his wife and to give me his full support in making the Scarburg Mead Hall the great hall it should be. I thank our king for this. As soon as he has regained his health, he will take back a central role in Scarburg Mead Hall. May his health return in full quickly and let the Scarburg Mead Hall flourish, like we showed it should in dealing with the local lords opposing king's justice and all fairness as Eorlings... with lord Eodwine we're even stronger! Cheers for our good lord to have come back!”

There were loud cheers from all the corners of the hall. People were excited.

“Today we celebrate his return with a feast, held in his honor. Three cheers for Eodwine, Counselor to the Eorl of Scarburg!"

The three cheers were given, each one louder than the last. And so they sat down to feast.

Eodwine thought the speech appropriate but a little strange. Athanar had been at pains to give his new role a name, and yet that name was vague. Counselor. So be it. It left much room for refinement, as the Gondorians would say. Eodwine stole a glance at his wife, but she was sipping demurely at her drink, giving nothing away of what might be in her head or heart. At least, not yet. Still, he felt something was either brewing or simmering, and wondered when it would spill out. Wait and see, he told himself, and enjoy the feast. Eventually, the four of them would make the rounds among the folk, so he knew he had to eat well and drink sparingly to be ready for that.