A/N: This one is a bit unusual. Technically, it is AU to what little Tolkien wrote for details on Eomer & Lothiriel, but I do basically adhere to his story of their getting together. This idea just struck me and I thought it might be fun to explore it, as it opens up possibilities that we don't have if the story is done traditionally.

As for other writing, just now my real life is in quite a bit of turmoil. That may either cause me to be too distracted to write anything or it may push me to write as a means of therapy. All we can do is wait and see. Lialathuveril has given me some additional thoughts on the Elboron story, so hopefully that will eventually see the light of day at some point. In the meantime, check out her story "Yours to Command" for a most unusual Lothiriel.

Convenience

Sometimes even when we take a wrong turn, we still end up on the correct road.

Chapter 1

(Minas Tirith, Jul, 3019 III)

"Eomer! Welcome!" King Elessar greeted his dear friend. The two men embraced, dispensing with the formality normally displayed by royalty, in favor of their usual easy camaraderie.

The remainder of Eomer's party hovered behind him, and Elessar finally stepped back to nod at them collectively, "Welcome to you all. We will soon have you settled in your rooms so you may be refreshed after your long journey."

With Elessar leading the way, and Eomer at his side, the group trailed into the King's house and had soon been directed to their lodgings for the night. They had been made aware that a small party would gather in the library for conversation and refreshment, for anyone who was inclined to participate, and then were left to their own devices. Some chose to wash and rest until suppertime. Others washed, freshened their clothing and then made their way to the library.

Eomer was pleased to find that Imrahil and his family were already there when he arrived. It had been several months since he had seen his friends, and this time Imrahil had his daughter, daughter-in-law and grandson with him also. Introductions were made, and Eomer was surprised to discover that the woman holding the two-year-old boy was Lothiriel, and not the boy's mother. The child was snuggled so close into her embrace he had thought surely the pair belonged together, but apparently the young woman had a warm relationship with her nephew.

Elphir had remained in Dol Amroth during the War, to rule in his father's absence and see to the defense of the city, so this was Eomer's first opportunity to acquaint himself with Imrahil's heir. He found Elphir to be a bit more sober than his younger brothers, but affable nonetheless, and Eomer was soon comfortably involved in a conversation with the man and his wife.

They had been there socializing for nearly half an hour when the library door opened to admit a new person to their number. An older, stately woman moved into the room, bearing an infant in her arms, and the sight was so incongruous that all eyes curiously fell upon her.

Eomer turned as the room became much quieter and, when he spotted the pair, he went quickly over to them, taking the child in his arms. The baby curled against his shoulder and continued to sleep, causing more than one eyebrow to raise.

"I would like to introduce my aunt, Lady Minleoth of Aldburg," he said, and then went around the room giving the names of those gathered.

Imrahil stepped forward to lay a hand on the baby's back, asking, "And who might this be, Eomer?"

There was an expectant hush as all awaited the answer, and then a stunned silence when it came. "This is my son, Elfwine," Eomer told them quietly.

Quick furtive glances darted between several people as they considered this new information, but no one quite had the nerve to ask for a more complete explanation of this astonishing revelation. Eomer had little doubt it would be much discussed behind his back, but at the present he had no inclination to go into any further detail about the matter. For the time being, they would simply have to think what they liked.

With a quiet smile, Elessar quipped, "Are you attempting to best me by being the first new king to produce an heir, Eomer? Now my council will not let me rest until I have matched you!"

All in the room chuckled, and the humor lightened the tension. Eomer well knew that sooner or later he would have to explain, and that the story would make the rounds. It had been rather unfair of him to spring this on his friends so unexpectedly, but how else could it have been done? Mentioned in casual conversation – "Oh, by the way, I have a son." Possibly he could have left the child in Rohan, and allowed them to discover it when they reached Edoras, but he had wanted the boy with him. He could not take lightly the responsibility of being a father. Through him this child had come into the world. He would not fail in caring for him. Already, he had come to love the infant more deeply than he had ever expected. His aunt had opposed traveling with a baby at such a young age, but there would be too many times they must be separated. This was not such an occasion, and he would not pass up having his son near whenever possible.

Before the gathering broke up, his aunt approached and said quietly, "I must lay down for awhile, Eomer. You had best let me take…Elfwine…with me." Eomer didn't miss her hesitation in using the name he had given his son. Minleoth had named the child in his absence, and did not approve of the change he had made in that regard.

For an instant, Eomer was torn, not yet ready to relinquish the boy, but recognizing the wisdom of her suggestion. He was still learning to care for an infant, and was not yet comfortable with feedings and diaper changes. A movement to his left caught his eye and he turned to find Lothiriel standing there. "My lord, would you perhaps allow me to care for the child. I know the ladies would enjoy a chance to hold a sweet-smelling baby if you are agreeable, and I am happy to see to any needs he might have until he is returned to Lady Minleoth."

Eomer hesitated ever so briefly, but despite his aunt's disapproving look he nodded. "Thank you, Lady Lothiriel. I would appreciate your assistance. We should be fine with Elfwine until supper, Aunt. Go and rest. I will bring him to your room before we go eat, so Hild can put him down for the night."

Reluctantly the older woman nodded, and excused herself. Once she was gone, Eomer turned apologetically to the woman standing beside him, "My aunt has not quite accepted that I am suitable for attending a baby, even my own son. I confess my skills in such matters are limited, but I am a willing student and I have gotten much better."

Lothiriel laughed at his words. "I am sure you do fine, my lord, and clearly your son is comfortable in your arms. I have seen some men who are so agitated by the nearness of a baby that children are fretful whenever they come close. As for the skills, only time will remedy that!" She paused, then added, holding up her hands toward Elfwine, "May I?"

Though loath to part with the boy so soon, he handed the infant over to her arms, and watched as Elfwine awakened, blinking up at the woman holding him. Gently she began to rock and croon to him, as she stroked his cheek with a finger. "My, what a handsome child, and those blue eyes are riveting." She looked up at Eomer, and then observed, "I assume he gets those from his mother, though in most other respects I believe he resembles you, my lord."

For a moment, Eomer was unsure how to respond. Was she trying to lead him into conversation about his wife? But, no, she dropped her gaze back to the baby and seemed not to expect any comment from him. Other ladies in the room began to gather round, now that Lothiriel held the baby, one or two of them reaching out to stroke his hair or hand. Elfwine grinned at the attention, and Lothiriel shifted his position so he was facing outward in her arms and could look around him.

Eomer almost felt superfluous, though he continued to hover nearby keeping a watchful eye. Imrahil joined him and observed with amusement, "Give a group of ladies an infant to admire and they are lost to all else in the room! I would say you have made quite a splash, Eomer, but I fear you are forgotten in their preoccupation with your son!"

The two men chuckled, and Eomer allowed himself to be drawn into conversation once more, while he kept an eye on Elfwine from a distance. After half an hour, the child began to fuss a bit and instantly Eomer went on the alert, starting to move toward Lothiriel even as the child's nurse did likewise.

Apparently Lothiriel had some experience with babies, however. Having checked the diaper, she commented, "I believe he must be hungry. Is there a bottle?" The nurse quickly produced one from a satchel she carried and handed it over. In Rohan, it was quite acceptable to nurse a child as needed, but Hild had been forewarned that Gondorian society frowned on such things. Accordingly, they had obtained a Gondorian nursing bottle for use when it was not possible to feed the child otherwise.

Eomer was just pondering whether it would be rude to request she give his son back, and allow him to feed the infant, when Lothiriel looked up and asked, "Is feeding a babe one of those skills you have acquired, my lord? Should you like to attend your son or shall I do it?"

Elfwine was beginning to squirm in agitation, and there was no time for Eomer to do more than flash a grin of gratitude, "I have not had occasion to learn how to do it, but I am willing to attempt it."

Taking that as a request to do it himself, Lothiriel held out the baby for him to take, and once Elfwine was settled in his arms, offered the bottle as well, helping him to get everything started. After watching him for a moment, she chuckled, "You do very well, my lord. Apparently you have more aptitude and inclination than most men."

She cast a meaningful glance at her eldest brother and Eomer grinned. "Elphir did not help feed his son?"

"Oh no," she assured him with a solemn look. "That is not something the heir of Dol Amroth does!" She glanced again at her brother and then back at Eomer. "However, there is something very appealing in a man caring for an infant. Especially you who are such a renowned warrior. It is quite unexpected, but refreshing. One does not anticipate a warrior being so tender."

The last was said quietly and, since most everyone had moved away from them, likely he was the only one to hear. He rather suspected she intended that, so as not to embarrass him, but he could not quite restrain a slight blush anyway. He had never undertaken the care of his son to impress anyone, but merely because he desired to do it. This was his child, a part of him, and he wanted to care for and protect him in all ways. It had never occurred to him to think it unusual. Indeed, in Rohan the fathers often were quite involved with their children, even as babies. True, for the most part feedings and diapers were the province of their wives, but he knew several men who had tended sick children, and cleaned up more than one mess in the night. He had always intended to be that kind of father. He just had not anticipated being left alone to do it, or having to rely on a nurse instead of a wife. Though his marriage had been in haste, he had always expected it to be what his parents' marriage had been – a partnership.

His thoughts were distracting him from the task at hand, and Elfwine was beginning to fuss. "I believe you should burp him now, my lord. Likely he is feeling a bit uncomfortable," Lothiriel suggested. She reached for the bottle so he would have his hands free, and glanced toward the nurse for a cloth to drape over his shoulder.

As it was nearing mealtime, Arwen invited the guests to return to their rooms to freshen themselves and then assemble in the dining room in an hour. Slowly the group began to disperse, and Lothiriel started to move away to accompany her family.

"Lady Lothiriel," Eomer said, halting her. When she turned back to him, he told her sincerely, "I thank you for your aid, and your patience."

She smiled warmly at him. "Not at all, my lord. I am happy to help, and I do hope you will allow me to assist you at times while we are visiting with you – along the road and once we reach Edoras."

He nodded agreeingly and she turned away. Elfwine let out a loud burp that brought his attention away from the door with a grin. "Well done, young man!" he laughed, then settled the boy back in his arms and offered the bottle once more as he moved toward the door. The nurse trailed dutifully behind him, keeping a worried eye on the pair as they walked to his chambers, where Eomer finished the feeding before relinquishing his son to be settled in for the night. Kissing the boy's forehead in farewell, he whispered, "Sleep well, my little Elfwine."

xxxxx

The funeral march to Edoras was slow, hot and dusty, not to mention tedious. Eomer was grateful for his son's presence in the party, needing that bright spot lest he be overwhelmed with emotion about the purpose for their journey. It yet seemed impossible that both Theoden and Theodred were gone, leaving him to rule in their stead. The day he had watched the Black Tower fall, he had thought life was looking up. Now, with the weight of Rohan's needs on his shoulders, and the unexpected responsibility of an infant son to care for, he felt as though the breath was slowly being crushed out of him. The only saving grace had been Eowyn's presence at Meduseld, but too soon she would leave to marry, and where would he be then?

Of his two surviving aunts, only Minleoth was in good enough health to assist him in raising Elfwine. Even so, he was not at all certain she was equal to the task, particularly as the boy got older and more mobile. Further, the two of them did not always agree on how things should be done in caring for the child. While he readily deferred to her knowledge of babies and meeting their physical needs, in general, her determination that Eomer should be kept at a distance from the child annoyed him greatly.

Perhaps her own parents had seen fit to raise their children under the care of a nurse, but he was not content to do so. He wanted to be an important part of Elfwine's life, and he could not do that if he was largely absent from it. Too often his role as king would force a separation. Why may he not leap at any opportunity he could find otherwise?

At least for the journey, the Lady Lothiriel was proving a beneficial ally. His aunt seemed willing to hand Elfwine over into a woman's care and keeping, and thus to tolerate Eomer hovering nearby when the princess had the baby. Lothiriel appeared to understand the battle raging between him and his aunt, and readily sought occasion to step forward to ease the tension.

She was very good with children. That first glimpse of her with her nephew had indicated it was so, and Elfwine eagerly warmed to her. She had confessed a great fondness for children, and had been pleased that her sister-in-law had been willing to allow Lothiriel's participation with her children. Alphros had been joined by a baby sister shortly after the War ended, one of the reasons Eomer had not met Elphir's family or Lothiriel at Elessar's coronation. Lothiriel had remained in Dol Amroth to assist Alcathir with Alphros and the newborn.

One evening, as they were walking with Elfwine after supper, Lothiriel vocalized what had largely been unspoken between them. "I get the impression your aunt thinks you unequal to the task of caring for your son," Lothiriel ventured.

Eomer gave a growl of irritation. "Indeed! She thinks a Rider of the Mark unable to properly tend a child. I can care for my horse most adequately. Why should I not be able to do the same for my son?"

Lothiriel choked back a laugh, and Eomer flushed red, then added, "All right – perhaps that was not the best comparison to make, but it is essentially the same. Each has needs that must be met, even if there are different skills required."

"She is probably right," Lothiriel replied, drawing a startled look from Eomer before adding, "but that does not mean said Rider is incapable of learning what he needs to know, if he chooses. I grant you there are few men willing to put in the effort, preferring to give the problem over to their wives or nurses, but those who sincerely attempt to learn can do so. You are ample proof of that. You already do a creditable job of it."

Eomer blushed at the praise, though it pleased him to hear it. His aunt's complaints and arguments had begun to make him doubt his aptitude in this arena, and he did not wish to inflict unacceptable care on his son. "Thank you for saying so," he told her sincerely. "I shall redouble my efforts, despite my aunt's protests!"

For a seven-month-old, Elfwine had traveled well. He had not been fussy, and did not seem to object to being bounced along in the carriage. As Lothiriel was unaccustomed to riding for more than pleasure, she had spent most of their trip in a carriage also, so when Minleoth grew weary, she had offered to have Elfwine join her so the woman could better rest. The first time she had suggested it, Minleoth's eyes had narrowed with suspicion, but when Eomer readily accepted on behalf of his aunt and his son, there was little she could do.

When at last Edoras loomed in sight, it both relieved Eomer and filled him with dread. The next few days were not going to be easy, and he was glad that Eowyn was still here to help him through the funeral. He tried to focus on the bright spot of announcing Eowyn's betrothal, but inevitably his thoughts slipped back to Theoden, fallen, and his own inadequacies, and it was a constant battle to keep the melancholy at bay.

Entertaining guests proved an unbearable strain and, fortunately, with Faramir at her side, Eowyn looked to be managing better than Eomer was with the crush of people around them. She easily slid into her role as hostess of Meduseld, not seeming to mind so much now as she once had. Indeed, Eomer thought wryly, she appeared almost eager to demonstrate to her betrothed how capable she was, more than just with a sword in her hand. It was hardly as though Faramir needed impressing. The man was totally besotted with his sister, but still it pleased Eomer to see her enjoying what she was doing rather than resentfully going through the motions. Between Faramir's presence and the activity, Eowyn seemed to be coping with her grief more easily than her brother.

Imrahil's daughter readily stepped forward to assist his sister, and between the two of them, Eomer was able to put in brief appearances but otherwise absent himself from most activities. Apparently, though, the princess from Dol Amroth was not satisfied to only see to the needs of his guests, but took every opportunity to engage him as well. She seemed to understand that he would become thoroughly morose if left to his own devices, and she did not appear willing to allow that. Though it sometimes irritated him, he could not help but be grateful that she was saving him from himself.

Clearly she was quite astute, for she innately recognized that the best way to pull him from a foul mood was via his son. That sweet face gurgling up at him reached him as nothing else could, and invariably when Lothiriel came looking for him, it was with Elfwine in her arms. How she managed to wangle the child away from his aunt so often, he dared not ask. Minleoth was still watching the young woman with guarded eyes, and did not hesitate to advise Eomer of her disapproval.

As they walked in the garden behind Meduseld, two days after the funeral, Lothiriel made it known that she was aware of his aunt's response toward her. "I do not think your aunt cares for my attention to Elfwine, and the time I spend with you," she observed.

Eomer grinned apologetically and told her, "Perhaps not, but I appreciate all you have done. Her own mother was from Gondor, so I cannot think what makes her so hostile toward you."

Lothiriel laughed. "Can you not? Surely you realize, my lord, what she is thinking. Why would any available young woman of the nobility frequently seek out the child of the young king of Rohan, if not to impress the father? She fears I am husband-hunting!"

The thought had never occurred to Eomer, though he suddenly acknowledged to himself that it should have. He still had offered no explanation as to the origin of Elfwine, but there was certainly no evidence of a wife at Meduseld. Perhaps his preoccupation with Theoden's funeral had kept him from rationally examining his situation. Likely as soon as it was known that he had no wife, there would be many willing to fill the role.

"And is that what you are doing?" he asked curiously. Somehow he could not envision her behaving in such a way.

"No," she smiled, shaking her head. "I am sure there are those that think we would make an eligible match, but my motives are much more basic. I love babies and Elfwine is adorable. And, his father is pleasant company as well! But I have no ulterior motives, my lord. Rest easy!"

He let out a laugh, his first in quite some time. "To be honest, if you had been, your efforts were lost on me! I failed to notice until you mentioned the possibility."

"Well, your aunt will be relieved to hear that! And it will surely please her no end when I return to Gondor once and for all!"

Eomer's brow twitched at her final remark. He had not considered her departure. Imrahil and his family were intending to remain longer, even as the rest of the funeral guests were slowly trickling out. Elessar's party was gearing up to leave for Isengard in a few days, where he would bid farewell to the remainder of the fellowship. Eomer had been glad things would quiet down at Edoras once more, though he was sorry to see so many close friends leaving, not knowing when they might be reunited. Still, he discovered he would miss Lothiriel's company. Well, he would just have to make the most of her visit, and make a point of taking Imrahil up on his offer to come visit Dol Amroth while in Gondor for Eowyn's wedding.

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Minleoth - "my song"

Alcathir - "shining face"

Eledferth - "fiery spirit"

Cafliss - "quick joy"