She had not wished to reveal the embarrassing truth to him, and too late did she realize her error. Éowyn hesitated before saying, "It is a wicked habit of our links to the community, I believe. If not for these opportunities to speak with you and my brother, I would have banished mine completely." Yet she would not.

His revelation came not as a surprise to her, but still it pained her to hear him say it. "You are a Captain of Gondor," Éowyn said. "I see in you strength and skill difficult to surpass, even by the mightiest in our land. I believe that you will."