A/N: I don't own anything. I had a quick few minutes while taking a break from writing papers… Enjoy! Please review; they are little drops of sunshine in my rainy, stressful college days.
~Kalawyn Tawariell~
The First Encounter
"Princess Lothíriel." King Èomer spoke as he inclined his noble head at her and reached for her hand. She was surprised the warrior her father had fought beside was so young. She watched as he stood before her, every inch of him heralding his presence of leadership, control. He gently took her fair hand and lightly kissed her knuckles in greeting. His piercing eyes gazed at her for a long moment, taking in her regal head and lovely appearance. The King of Rohan released her hand and swiftly greeted her father.
The Second Touch
" My Lady Lothíriel." King Èomer whispered as he came up behind her. She had escaped to the gardens, relishing the splendor that created her cousin's home of Ithilien. The Elves had done extremely good work here, restoring the land to a grander state than it had seen in ages. At the man's word, she spun around in surprise and bowed her head in respect.
"King Èomer." She greeted simply as she lowered her regal head ever so slightly in respect.
"Please, do not call me by such a title, my Lady." He replied as his beautiful eyes bored into hers. He gently took her hand and kissed her knuckles, much in the same way he had done the first time they had been introduced. Only this time, after he had kissed her hand he slowly turned it over and brushed his lips upon her palm. Lothíriel inhaled sharply at the forward manner and gazed at him in astonishment.
She was well aware of his intentions to strengthen the alliance between Rohan and Gondor ever more so. Lothíriel had heard her father whispering to her mother about the price of a dowry. Her tenacity made her want the King of Rohan to earn it. Far be it from the Princess of Dol Amroth to give in so easily.
The Unspoken Consent
"Lothíriel." Shivers erupted down her spine as she heard him speak her name. His voice was oh so delightful now, and she was amazed at herself for not noticing before. It made her stomach flutter with butterflies and her knees weaken; her mind was almost made.
"Èomer." She replied to him, facing him straight on. She felt his hand brush a stray piece of her dark hair away from her face and tuck it behind her ear. His calloused fingers lingered on her jaw for a moment before she felt his other hand grasp hers, the rough strength of his hand swallowing her fingers. His set his lips upon her knuckles, then the palm of her hand, as he was now accustomed to doing when he greeted her in private. This time, however, Lothíriel felt his warm breath tickling the inside of her wrist, and her heart soared when he kissed it. Filled with bliss, she cupped his face with her hands and buried her face in his chest.
A moment later, Èomer lifted her face to his with a finger on her chin and, with his eyes, asked the question she knew he had been pondering for days. Lothíriel smiled softly and imperceptibly nodded her head.
"I will." She whispered.
His eyes brightened at her reply. He grinned and gently set his lips against hers. In her heart of hearts, Lothíriel knew she had made the correct choice. Her heart was his, and his was hers.