The timeline is not perfect, but this is a fantasy story. Please be kind as this is my first fanfic story. Some details are left out as they will be explained in later chapters. Enjoy!

Every Rose Has Thorns

Her keen eyes searched the forest for any signs of movement. She listened intently for any cracking of branches or rustling of leaves. She could hear the waves crashing on the beach near the Castle of Dol Amroth. If the enemy was going to attack, she wanted to stop them before they reached the fortress.

When her father, Imrahil, and her brothers went to the aid of Minas Tirith, Lothíriel was left in charge of the men left defending Dol Amroth. It had been a week since the siege on Minas Tirith and the Battle at the Black Gate. She had hoped for peace after fighting near constant attacks from the Corsairs for the past year. And now, they faced another wave of attacks from this foe.

She had sent a messenger to her father in The White City as soon as the scouts reported the black ships approaching Dol Amroth. The messenger still had not returned and she was beginning to despair that help would arrive in time.

She stood poised with a group of scouts straining to hear anything. She had on light armour, only a breast plate and bracers over her deep blue riding tunic. Her feet were snug in her dark grey boots. Her breast plate was also a deep blue with the emblem of Amroth, a ship in the shape of a swan sailing on the waves. She wore a cloak of the same blue hue fastened with a white swan pendant at her neck. Her locks of dark brown hair were pinned with a broach and cascaded down her back. Her eyes were the color of the sea, always changing. Sometimes they were calm and other times they were like rolling waves in a storm.

Lothíriel had her bow in hand and a quiver full of white arrows with blue edges. The quiver was white and carved in the shape of a swan with its head tucked beneath one wing. Around her waist was her sword in its sheath.

One of the scouts approached her and gave a low bow.

"My lady, we have been here since mid-day and night is nearly upon us, and we have had no word from your father."

She knew he was right and that they should return to the castle, but she was reluctant to leave. Lothíriel was about to give the command to leave when she heard the approaching sound of hooves. A messenger carrying the banner of Dol Amroth rode swiftly towards her.

"My lady, your father is unable to leave the city, but he is sending all the men he can spare. His forces will be arriving in two days' time."

"Two days? We cannot hold out that long without reinforcement."

"King Éomer of Rohan and his riders should be here by nightfall."

"How could the Rohirrim get here that quickly?"

"Your father was afraid of an attack while he was away. He sent forces ahead."

A wave of relief spread over Lothíriel. This would be the second time that Rohan had come to save her people. She reminded herself to thank the king personally when she had the chance.

"Captain Harrick?"

A young man with a deep scar on his right cheek appeared before her and bowed deeply.

"Have the men set up camp here, the knights will remain in the castle for the present time. Make sure the scouts keep close watch for the Rohirrim."

"Yes, my lady."

…..

The light was fading and the sky turned a pale pink, but there had been no sign of the Rohirrim. The castle of Dol Amroth was locked up tight, the wooden shutters were closed, and the only fire pits that were visibly lit were behind the closed doors of the fortress. In the Great Dining Hall, there was a huge fireplace with a large carved mantel. It had a tall ceiling with three intricately carved iron chandeliers hanging down. To the right of the fireplace was a door that led to the main gates through a receiving room.

At the back of the room were two large wooden doors that slid open to both sides and opened up to another hallway. Across the hallway was another great room richly adorned with carvings and tapestries. During banquets, the wooden doors were open and the guests traversed through both rooms. At the moment, the doors were shut and the Great Dining Hall was being used as a war room. A large wooden table was in the center of the room; it was cluttered with maps, scrolls, bits of parchment, and scout reports.

On the wall opposite the fireplace, was a large flag of Dol Amroth hanging on the wall. Knights clad in dark blue armour stood guard at the doors. They wore helms in the shape of swans with wings on either side. Each of the knights held a spear in their right hand.

Lothíriel stood in front of the fireplace, staring intently at the flames. The firelight danced and jumped like fire on a stormy sea. One arm lay across her body, her other arm grasped her chin as she stood in silence. The fate of her people rested heavily on her shoulders. She tried her best to hide the fear that tore at her heart. Her eyelids barely flickered at the sound of movement in the hallway. She turned her head as the door to her right clanged open.

Three men entered dressed in full battle armour. The one in the middle was one of the knights of Dol Amroth. The men on either side were dressed in dark green and brown. They had long golden hair that ran down their backs; each carried a helm under their arm. Lothíriel dropped her arms to her side and stood to face the three men. The two Men of Rohan bowed their heads slightly and she nodded to them in greeting. The knight stepped forward and gave a deep bow.

"My lady, the Riders of Rohan have set up camp alongside ours."

"Good. Where is the King?"

"He wanted to make sure that his men were settled. He will be arriving shortly. He sent two of his captains ahead of him."

Lothíriel turned to address the other two men. One of them stared intently at her, noticing the slightest tremble in her right hand.

"You are most welcome here my lords."

She turned to face her captain saying, "See that these men are taken care of, and alert me the moment King Éomer arrives."

"Yes my lady", Captain Harrick said with a deep bow.

Lothíriel turned to the three men and gave a low curtsy and the three men gave a bow. As she walked passed Captain Harrick, a flicker passed from her eyes to his. He nodded his head slightly as he signaled for the two large wooden doors to be opened and two men on either side slid them open. The knights gave a salute as Lothíriel walked through, and the doors screeched as they shut behind her.