Disclaimer: I don't awn anything you recognize from either theLotR books or movies. Dolgaran, Gwenel, Eordhe, Ambyre, and Heoru are mine, though.
Just to let you know, xoxoxoxoxoxo signifies a change in perspective.
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January 3021 (Shire reckoning: 1421)
When had it happened? When had her feelings for the king of Rohan changed from respect and friendship to love? She had never expected to fall in love, not after Dolgaran.
Lothiriel shook her head. Whatever her feelings were, it was too late to do anything about it now, until he came back.
If he came back.
"No. I mustn't think like that. He'll come back." she told herself, not believing a word of it. She sighed and looked out the window. A cold morning, by her standards. Of course, Lothiriel was used to the warm climate by the Bay of Belfalas; Edoras was a wind tunnel, and the wind added to the chill. Surely it was more interesting outside than inside, though.
Lothiriel rose from her window seat and exited, leaving Gwenel sleeping. Her maid had caught a cold, and the medicine she was given made her drowsy. It seemed best to Lothiriel to let Gwenel sleep, and she planned on being back before her maid awoke. Although perhaps she should leave a note . . . "No, I'll just go." Lothiriel said aloud. The wind would likely drive her back inside before too long anyway.
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"Where has she gone?" Gwenel stamped her foot in frustation. "Can't I trust her long enough for me to nap? Apparently not, as she goes running off the minute my eyes are closed." Ignoring the curious looks she was given, Gwenel continued searching for her lady. As if it wasn't bad enough being dragged away from her home and then forced to stay behind, now Lothiriel had to go and pull a stunt like this. "It's a wonder I'm still sane."
Taking a deep breath, Gwenel paused. Lothiriel wasn't in her bedchamber, or the library. She might have gone into the town, but the doorwarden hadn't seen her. The kitchen, perhaps? She did always love the kitchen back home . . .
"Have you seen Lothriel?" she demanded as she burst through the kitchen door.
Eordhe, the head cook looked up curiously. "Lady Lothiriel? Haven't seen her since . . ." she frowned in thought. " . . . yesterday. Maybe the day before. But I wouldn't worry 'bout her. She's comin' to terms with it."
"With what?" Gwenel asked impatiently.
"Why, her being in love with the king. Come now, surely you noticed? All the other servants did. But Ambyre said she had her betrothed die on her and was reluctant to fall in love agian." the cook nodded knowingly. " Just you watch, your lady and the king will be wed before too long."
Gwenel left the kitchen, mind awhirl. She hadn't paid much attention, but perhaps the cook was right. It wouldn't be bad for Lothiriel to marry Eomer; another tie between Gondor and Rohan. She frowned. That was still no excuse for Lothiriel to wander off without telling her!
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The next week passed much the same way; Lothiriel spent most of her time alone, brooding. Gwenel spent most of her time worrying about Lothiriel. It was not a pleasant week. But the waiting and worrying were soon over.
"My lady!" Lothiriel and Gwenel looked up from their sewing to see Ambyre burst intio the room. "I was sent to tell you. The men have returned."
Lothiriel leaped to her feet, dropping her sewing in her haste. SHe hurried down the corridor to the Golden Hall, and from there out the huge doors. She skidded to a halt at the top of the stairs and watched the men ride through town.
"Where is he?" Then she saw him. Eomer was on his own horse -what is the blasted thing's name, she thought distractedly- but he was lolling back, his head on Eothain's shoulder. That couldn't be good.
She stepped back as the men came up the stairs bearing Eomer. SHe averted her gaze -there was so much blood!- and tried to hold the tears in.
"My lady?" A tall man stood before her, concern in his bright blue eyes. "My lady, I am Heoru. If you would like, I will see if they will let you see the king after they have tended him."
She nodded mutely and sank to the floor where she stood. The tears came then, harsh sobs that shook her body. First Dolgaran and now Eomer. Was she never to have any happiness? A stubborn voice in her head told her that he wasn't dead yet; there was still hope. In the end, that voice won out, after the tears were gone and she was thinking clearly. That was how Heoru found her. sitting on the floor with her knees drawn up to her chest and her head resting on her knees.
"My lady? You may go see him now."
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Dolgaran:red head
Gwenel: maiden of a star
Eordhe: earth
Ambyre: favorable
Heoru: sword
Author's Notes:
1) This title is subject to change; it will almost certainly change. I needed something quick, and I tried to pick a title to tie in with Freedom.
2) I am trying a different style with this story. The first two chapters are the "present time". The main story is "back in time", if you will, relating the events up to these chapters. Then, the times will catch up, and I'll finish the story. Clear as mud? If you have any questions, let me know.
3) I based my observations on the weather on what seems logical -the coasts are generally warmer than the interior- and what I saw on the bonus features on The Two Towers; if I remember aright, it was very windy in the Edoras location.
Let me know what you think! Just to let you know, I wrote most of this at 2am, so the spelling/grammar/typos are likely worse than usual. Please give me some grace. Thanks!
Seize the Day!