He grins when she glowers at him, entirely unrepentant, his free hand still wandering. He does not seek to move them around further yet; let her have time to get used to this much.

Besides, her wet skin feels wonderful under his fingers.

"As a boy, in Dol Amroth," he answers. "While visiting my uncle and cousins there. I wished to swim in the sea, and they would not permit it until I was a strong swimmer in calmer waters. At first I found that most vexing, but the first time I attempted the ocean my feet were swept out from me at once by the strong currents, and I saw why!"

He laughs a little, for that time is a pleasant memory for him. Not unshadowed, for the visit happened but a few years after his mother's death, and they all grieved for her. But by now Eowyn well knows how he loves his Dol Amroth family, and how mutual is that affection. It had been a good trip, for both him and Boromir. "Boromir, being five years older--and five years larger and stronger!--was already able, and I had been trying to imitate him. I think he had to stand on my chest afterwards, to push out all the water I swallowed."