A/N – I decided to write another version of the Eomer Lothiriel story as I had so many ideas for plot lines in my last story- although they were good- they wouldn't have fit the main narrative. Been off work ill (broken wrist) so typing has been tough! Hope you like it though x
Aranvess translate Lord + Wife from Sin
Gaernost translates Sea + House
Merels is a board game that dates back to Roman time, like an early version of checkers – Google it, it's quite good!
"Convoy sighted on the horizon my Lord!" a scout shouted from Tirith Aear.
"How far away?" replied Echirion,
"Less than half a league my Lord Erchirion,"
"Excellent!" The prince thought. He ran the short distance down the steps and out of the tower, picked up his horse and rode up the sandy hill towards the greeting party.
"They're here father." He stated happily to the Prince. He nodded in reply and commanded his own horse forward.
The group rode silently down the sandy path out of the stone city. The horses hooves would have normally reverberated on the cobbled stone, but sand from the beaches below had blown across and near covered them over the years. Amongst the group were Imrahil, the crowned Prince; his captain and head of the household, Maethor; and his sons, Elphir, Erchirion and Amrothos. The party were in good spirits as they rode out of Dol Amroth to greet their guests.
The inhabitants of the city hadn't much cause to invite dignitaries and royalty in some time, war tends to prevent occasions of state; but today was a day of days as the royal family of Rohan were making their first visit. Eomer, King was bringing his entire court including his sister, Eowyn and her betrothed Faramir, the Prince's own nephew. The pair were intending to marry that very year; and as Imrahil was the captains only surviving relative it was customary for the heads of the two households to meet and discuss the plans.
As the horses and their mounts trotted over the open landscape they came to a halt on top of the brow of a hill; here the group waited patiently for their guests. They only sat for a few moments for they soon saw the banners and flags of the King coming over the next hummock and the royal party following swiftly behind them. Imrahil, Maethor and his eldest son, Elphir rode forwards to hail them and guide them for the rest of their journey.
"Welcome my Lord's to Dol Amroth." The Prince spoke clearly,
"Greetings Prince Imrahil," Eomer responded heartedly, "Thank you for your invitation."
"I hope your journey wasn't too stressful?" Imrahil inquired,
"No it wasn't thank you, although we are anxious to take rest." The King implored,
"Gaernost is not far, there is food, hot water and a room prepared for each of you." The Prince offered warmly, "Let us depart."
The group rode back towards the seaward city the way they had come; as they reached the exterior tower, they heard the melodious sound of horns blasting, signalling the return of their liege. The horses trotted up the cobbled street towards to great house, residents lined the streets to get a glimpse of the tall Rohirrim from the north; their build and height was renowned among the people of Belfelas and their flaxen hair a sight to behold. As they made their final approach, people were gathering before the doors of Imrahil's house.
The men dismounted from their horses and gave the reins to stable boys; Faramir helped Eowyn from her mount – not that she needed any assistance- and took her arm as the group climbed the few steps to the entrance. Stood by the doorway was Imrahil's youngest child, and only daughter, Lothiriel, and the stewards of his house. The Lady had not been introduced to the Rohirric family before, and although she would be formally presented later, she was eager to meet them.
"Welcome my Lords." She spoke evenly as she curtsied,
"Daughter, you did not need to wait for us." The Prince confessed,
"I know my Lord," Lothiriel replied ruefully,
"But I am glad you did." Imrahil withdrew as he kissed her forehead.
The young woman smiled up at her father and took his hand as he presented her to the King and his company,
"Eomer King, may I introduce my daughter, Lothiriel."
The tall man bowed respectfully. He was a good friend of the Prince; the battle of Pelennor had forged strong bonds between their two houses and he was happy to meet anyone associated with the soldier.
"Tis a pleasure my Lady, may I introduce my sister, Eowyn."
The blonde lady stepped forward, even dressed in livery and hose, Lothiriel could see why her cousin had fallen in love with her. Her looks was ethereal but the quality no less for of it.
"Lady Lothiriel, I have heard much about you from your cousin," Eowyn said huskily, the lilt of her voice different from her brothers,
"All good I hope," she retorted,
"Of course," The white lady replied.
"Cousin it does me well to see you again, it has been far too long." Faramir asserted,
"Faramir, indeed it has."
Lothiriel and Faramir embraced one another. The young woman wept inside for her older kin, he had suffered the most in the war; losing his brother and father in the fray. Outwardly she was ecstatic that he had found someone to share the rest of his life with in peace.
"Sister, put him down and let him catch his breath." Amrothos chided,
The siblings chuckled before letting one another go.
The guests went inside the large building and after being informed that dinner would be served soon, were taken by a steward one by one to their rooms. Faramir was roomed with Erchirion; they were not close in age but got along together well. Eomer bunked down with his captains, Elfhelm and Erkenbrand and Eowyn had her own room as was tradition in the house. Gaernost was a grand house, more a castle in appearance and layout; but the fittings and furniture made it homely and less intimidating.
After the guests were made comfortable they made their way down to the sitting room where the royal household had assembled. Dressed in their finest clothes the Rohirrim party looked remarkably different to their hosts; wearing darker and heavier material obviously more suited to the cold northern weather. Before the evening meal was announced they congregated informally and chatted about recent events and news from their respective lands,
"How do the restorations fare, Eomer?" Erchirion asked first. He had become a good friend of the King during the last few days of battle and was keen to help in any way he could,
"Very well, my friend," The King replied honestly, "You must come visit when you are able, you would be impressed with the work that has gone on."
"That would be very kind," the soldier replied.
"Of course you father would have to agree," Eomer reminded. He was learning quickly about the etiquette of social engagements, he had to if he was to further relations with Gondor and its fiefdoms, "But you are welcome anytime."
Lothiriel sat with Eowyn and her sister-in-law in a corner of the room discussing quietly the match between the white lady and Faramir,
"We are very happy for you my dear," Aranvess spoke softly. She was the wife of Elphir and the eldest lady there, though in comparison to the men she was still young herself.
"As am I," Eowyn replied,
"Did you expect a long engagement?" Lothiriel enquired. She was courteous but bold when she wanted to be, especially in the company of her kin.
"No, I must confess I did not; but my brother wanted things to be done correctly so we have waited a year as is expected."
"Elphir was the same, men can be so unromantic when they choose," Aranvess scolded, "But they can surprise you sometimes."
Eowyn and the lady giggled together playfully, but Eowyn noticed Lothiriel did not share their joke,
"Apologies Lothiriel, I did not mean to shock you."
"I have little experiences of men this is true but you haven't shocked me." Lothiriel said candidly.
Eowyn looked taken aback. The woman before her was young, very beautiful and clearly intelligent; she was surprised to hear that she was not tied to anyone.
"Well there is time for that now and I and sure it can be remedied." Aranvess said soothingly as she squeezed her sister's hand.
The party were soon taken into the dining hall for the meal. It was a grand affair, with rich and exotic foods prepared especially for the royal guests. Imrahil's children were mingled amongst the Rohirrim men providing them different conversations. Lothiriel was seated next to Eomer and across from Elfhelm; they spoke in length but did not .
"I find it wonderful that women of the mark wield swords and fight alongside men." Lothiriel said cheerily.
Eomer shifted his weight in his chair and the lady noticed his unease,
"Don't you agree my Lord?"
"I agree women should be able to defend themselves yes, but I believe they should only do so in time of great need." The King stated,
Lothiriel found this strange, when his own sister had fought bravely and successfully in the final battles of the war,
"Surely you cannot accept that? Your sister is testament to the great deeds that woman can accomplish." The woman disagreed.
"Well said, my lady!" Elfhelm supported.
Eomer shot him a disapproving look, but it was lost on the lady sat beside him. Elfhelm was strong-willed and political, and a good friend of the warrior, however, they differed on certain opinions. The captain merely smiled and enjoyed the exchanges with the Prince's daughter. He found her candour and innocent comments interesting for one so sheltered and young.
After the meal was over the group returned to the sitting room to continue their conversations and play games,
"Eowyn would you like to play Merels with me?" Arvaness offered,
"I'm not sure I know how?" she answered sceptically,
"Tis easy to learn, Faramir you were always good, come make a team."
Faramir obliged and joined the table where his cousin sat.
"Lothiriel, make a four with us." The lady continued,
"Forgive me sister, I do not have the head for it tonight." She explained,
"Very well, Elphir?" Aranvess pleaded with her husband and he obliged willingly.
Imrahil, his younger sons and Erkenbrand stood close by but continued their conversation.
"Do you not enjoy games my Lady?" Elfhelm asked,
"Very much, but not tonight," Lothiriel confessed, "In fact if you excuse me I think I will retire."
The captain bowed humbly to his host and bid her goodnight. When she had excused herself to the other guests and left the room, the soldier found his leader resting against a piece of furniture and spoke openly,
"She is a remarkable young thing, don't you think?"
"Who?" Eomer asked confused,
Elfhelm rolled his eyes, "Lady Lothiriel?"
"She has very strong views." He answered non-committedly.
The captain laughed in agreement and continued, "I would not have thought her a beauty from her brother's descriptions, until I laid eyes on her."
Eomer looked at his friends from the corner of his eye, "If I didn't know better, I would think you were trying to acquire my estimation, rather than giving yours."
"No my lord; just making a statement," Elfhelm replied.
The sceptical King let out a low grumble of agreement and visited the table where the board game was being played.