Something there that wasn't there before
Throughout the tumultuous times that led up to the War of the Ring, Eomer had been living a simple life that most princes could not even dream of. His mother was Theodwyn, sister to King Theoden, and that lineage could afford him special priveledges and protection. Protection, however, that Eomer did not take. Eomer, son of Eomund, would not find solace in his royal lineage. He was not expected to become a nobleman either. Theoden already had a son and heir, and though times were growing increasingly dark and dangerous, Theoden had no worries that his line would continue. Consequently, Eomer followed in the footsteps of his brave father, Eomund. Eomund had died defending his family and his country, and Eomer would do the same. Eomer, the Third Marshal of the Mark, would live out his days in glory, protecting Rohan and its honor, until he should die in combat and return victorious to the halls of his fathers. Or so he thought.
With the discovery of the One Ring came treachery and betrayal. Gondor and Rohan had defeated the armies of Mordor, and the one ring had been destroyed, though this important victory did not come without loss. Rohan was a broken nation, with millions of its warriors and subjects dead. Theodred, crown prince and heir, had been killed by orcs prior to the War, and his father, Theoden, died bravely on the fields of Pellenor, leaving the kingdom in the hands of Eomer. Eowyn was the only other surviving member of the royal house of Rohan who survived. During her recovery, she fell in love with a certain captain of Gondor and soon after became married. This left the kingship in the hands of a man who was uncertain of his abilities as a diplomat and ruler. Eomer was matchless on the field of battle, but in the throne room was as timid as a mouse. To make matters worse, he would soon be without any family to guide him. Eowyn remained in Edoras for a time to prepare for her wedding, but she would soon leave to the forests of Ithilien to become a princess and a wife. Eomer would find himself alone soon. Or so he thought..
To Appease The Council~ Chapter One
It was nearly three months after the destruction of Sauron, and Eomer King had yet to return to his homeland. His minor injuries had long been healed, and his strength was not in question. He grew more and more insecure of his new position and felt the need to be around Aragorn, the newly crowned king of Gondor and Arnor. Aragorn, too, was a man that had not exactly been groomed to become a ruler. However, Aragorn knew that he had to absorb responsibility for his duties, and he did. Eomer knew that Aragorn would be a wise king, and that the troubled nation of Gondor would heal under his rule. It was this fact, and Eomer's allegiance and friendship with the new king that led him to extend his stay in Gondor. He wanted to make sure that he had a better idea of how to rule when he left. It was on one particular morning in council with Aragorn that Eomer met Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth.
"How does your city fare, Imrahil?" Aragorn asked, looking up from a map. "My city is well, Elessar. We were not completely spared during the war, but the losses we suffered are beginning to mend. My sons have returned well and unharmed, and once your need for me is over, I look forward to returning to Dol Amroth to spend time with my family and assure my subjects that Gondor is now in good hands." Imrahil replied happily.
"Ah yes, your sons. I recall meeting your heir, Imrahil. Elphir is a fine man, though he can be a bit short tempered. Tell me of your other children." Aragorn stood and moved around the table to retrieve a glass of wine for himself.
Imrahil chuckled. "Well it seems you already know much about Elphir. I assure you that underneath that hard exterior is a young man who loves his family and is loyal to his friends. Erchirion is only a year younger, but he and Elphir are complete opposites. Erchirion is social, and he's known for his love of ale and women. Amrothos is a bit like his cousin Faramir. They are the same age and before travel became so treacherous, the boys were very close. Amrothos is very quiet and gentle. He loves to study and would rather be in a library than on the battlefield."
Aragorn returned to his seat and smiled at his assembled council, before casting a conspiratorial glance toward Eomer and speaking to Imrahil again.
"Do you not also have a daughter, Imrahil?" Aragorn asked.
"That I do. Lothiriel is my youngest. Elphir and Erchirion were grown by the time she was born. And though I would like to think that she is still a child, Lothiriel has become a woman right under my nose. I regret not being home enough in order to enjoy her younger days. She, like her brothers, has had to grow up much faster than they should have. She has been the woman of the house since her mother died when she was a little girl. Though my neighboring lords have been pressuring me to marry her off, I cannot bear to do it. I forced her to miss her childhood, but I will not let her miss out on the feeling of falling in love. You don't think that is unwise, do you Elessar?"
"You know I don't. I am thankful that an arranged marriage did not separate Arwen and I. She has helped me to understand destiny, and that there is someone special out there meant for every man in middle earth." Aragorn smiled and stood. "My friends, this council is dismissed for the day. However, I would like to speak with Eomer and Imrahil further if the two of you do not have any other engagements. I promise it will not take long."
Eomer and Imrahil remained seated at the large wooden table and watched as the rest of the council filed out the door. Aragorn bid each of them farewell and closed the door.
"I have asked you both to stay back in order to discuss an issue that my council brought up last week. My advisors tell me that there should be some type of marriage in order to cement relations between Gondor and Rohan. That marriage already exists, or will exist between Eowyn and Faramir. Now my council believes that the relationship between the outlying provinces of Gondor must be strengthened as well." Aragorn seemed to hesitate before continuing.
"I have been asked to arrange a marriage between Eomer and Lothiriel. My advisors believe that their union would result in a better relationship between Gondor and Rohan. Though you are her father Imrahil, I, as king, have ultimate authority in arranging this marriage, not you. And though Eomer can decline this offer, it would not be well looked upon by the nobles here in Gondor. If I were to refuse this proposal, I would be shunned by my council. I am a new king, and therefore must bend to the will of my council and the wishes of the people they serve. They are more wise in matters of politics than I, and I must abide by their suggestions. After hearing both your concerns, I have found a compromise to this situation that will please both my council and you, as my friends."
Aragorn knelt before his friends and looked up at them with the eyes of a new king eager to please his people and his council.
"Imrahil I ask you to introduce your daughter to Eomer. That is your only obligation. Eomer, I must ask you to meet Lothiriel and keep an open mind. If you like her, I would encourage you to court her. But if the two of you are not compatible, I will not force a marriage. There will be no shame for your daughter if Eomer chooses not to wed her, Imrahil. I will see that she is held in the highest regard and given the respect befitting the daughter of a prince. Eomer, if you feel that Lothiriel is an unfit match for you, I will allow you to ride back to Rohan and find your own bride. But just meet her once. That is all I ask."
Imrahil had paled at the mention of marrying his daughter to Eomer, but perked up a bit at the mention of a compromise. Eomer looked like he was ready to retch at one point, and continued to hang his head in despair. It was Imrahil who spoke first.
"I will allow this meeting to occur, and I will not even tell Lothiriel of its context." Imrahil turned and rested his hand comfortingly on Eomer's back "Though I think this meeting should be postponed. Let Eomer return to Edoras, get settled into his new life before we put any more pressure on him."
Eomer looked up at Imrahil gratefully and nodded in agreement. "I should return to Edoras before I do anything else. I have been avoiding my responsibility, and since I have been around you, and Elessar and Faramir, I have a better idea of what I need to do. I will return to Edoras in three days. The ride there is another seven, and once I am there, I will need at least six months to settle into my office and become comfortable with my people. At midwinter, send an entourage from Gondor to Edoras, and I will be ready by then. Surely, your daughter will be ready as well."
Aragorn stood and pulled Eomer up beside him. "You have done well, my friend. I am sure Rohan will flourish under your rule." Eomer smiled at him gratefully and the men exchanged a hearty bear hug before Eomer exited the room.
Aragorn turned to Imrahil with an unsteady smile on his face. "I know I have asked you to do something that is against your very nature. I apologize, Imrahil. I am very aware of the way a father seeks to protect his daughter all through her life, especially from other men when she becomes a woman. Thank you for being so reasonable."
Imrahil patted Aragorn's arm sympathetically. "Though I am much older, I will not pretend to know more than anyone else does. You are my king, and as the prince of a city that has been ever loyal to the crown, I will follow your orders faithfully. Your compromise is more than fair. Lothiriel is a woman, but I had hoped the prospect of marriage would not be an issue until she was a bit older. But I suppose Eomer is a good enough match. He is young, and will appear quite exotic to Lothiriel when she meets him, as Eomer will find her quite intriguing as well. I have no doubt that there will not be at least some chemistry between them."
Imrahil smiled, and the two men left the room. Time would only tell whether this compromise would work or not.
Throughout the tumultuous times that led up to the War of the Ring, Eomer had been living a simple life that most princes could not even dream of. His mother was Theodwyn, sister to King Theoden, and that lineage could afford him special priveledges and protection. Protection, however, that Eomer did not take. Eomer, son of Eomund, would not find solace in his royal lineage. He was not expected to become a nobleman either. Theoden already had a son and heir, and though times were growing increasingly dark and dangerous, Theoden had no worries that his line would continue. Consequently, Eomer followed in the footsteps of his brave father, Eomund. Eomund had died defending his family and his country, and Eomer would do the same. Eomer, the Third Marshal of the Mark, would live out his days in glory, protecting Rohan and its honor, until he should die in combat and return victorious to the halls of his fathers. Or so he thought.
With the discovery of the One Ring came treachery and betrayal. Gondor and Rohan had defeated the armies of Mordor, and the one ring had been destroyed, though this important victory did not come without loss. Rohan was a broken nation, with millions of its warriors and subjects dead. Theodred, crown prince and heir, had been killed by orcs prior to the War, and his father, Theoden, died bravely on the fields of Pellenor, leaving the kingdom in the hands of Eomer. Eowyn was the only other surviving member of the royal house of Rohan who survived. During her recovery, she fell in love with a certain captain of Gondor and soon after became married. This left the kingship in the hands of a man who was uncertain of his abilities as a diplomat and ruler. Eomer was matchless on the field of battle, but in the throne room was as timid as a mouse. To make matters worse, he would soon be without any family to guide him. Eowyn remained in Edoras for a time to prepare for her wedding, but she would soon leave to the forests of Ithilien to become a princess and a wife. Eomer would find himself alone soon. Or so he thought..
To Appease The Council~ Chapter One
It was nearly three months after the destruction of Sauron, and Eomer King had yet to return to his homeland. His minor injuries had long been healed, and his strength was not in question. He grew more and more insecure of his new position and felt the need to be around Aragorn, the newly crowned king of Gondor and Arnor. Aragorn, too, was a man that had not exactly been groomed to become a ruler. However, Aragorn knew that he had to absorb responsibility for his duties, and he did. Eomer knew that Aragorn would be a wise king, and that the troubled nation of Gondor would heal under his rule. It was this fact, and Eomer's allegiance and friendship with the new king that led him to extend his stay in Gondor. He wanted to make sure that he had a better idea of how to rule when he left. It was on one particular morning in council with Aragorn that Eomer met Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth.
"How does your city fare, Imrahil?" Aragorn asked, looking up from a map. "My city is well, Elessar. We were not completely spared during the war, but the losses we suffered are beginning to mend. My sons have returned well and unharmed, and once your need for me is over, I look forward to returning to Dol Amroth to spend time with my family and assure my subjects that Gondor is now in good hands." Imrahil replied happily.
"Ah yes, your sons. I recall meeting your heir, Imrahil. Elphir is a fine man, though he can be a bit short tempered. Tell me of your other children." Aragorn stood and moved around the table to retrieve a glass of wine for himself.
Imrahil chuckled. "Well it seems you already know much about Elphir. I assure you that underneath that hard exterior is a young man who loves his family and is loyal to his friends. Erchirion is only a year younger, but he and Elphir are complete opposites. Erchirion is social, and he's known for his love of ale and women. Amrothos is a bit like his cousin Faramir. They are the same age and before travel became so treacherous, the boys were very close. Amrothos is very quiet and gentle. He loves to study and would rather be in a library than on the battlefield."
Aragorn returned to his seat and smiled at his assembled council, before casting a conspiratorial glance toward Eomer and speaking to Imrahil again.
"Do you not also have a daughter, Imrahil?" Aragorn asked.
"That I do. Lothiriel is my youngest. Elphir and Erchirion were grown by the time she was born. And though I would like to think that she is still a child, Lothiriel has become a woman right under my nose. I regret not being home enough in order to enjoy her younger days. She, like her brothers, has had to grow up much faster than they should have. She has been the woman of the house since her mother died when she was a little girl. Though my neighboring lords have been pressuring me to marry her off, I cannot bear to do it. I forced her to miss her childhood, but I will not let her miss out on the feeling of falling in love. You don't think that is unwise, do you Elessar?"
"You know I don't. I am thankful that an arranged marriage did not separate Arwen and I. She has helped me to understand destiny, and that there is someone special out there meant for every man in middle earth." Aragorn smiled and stood. "My friends, this council is dismissed for the day. However, I would like to speak with Eomer and Imrahil further if the two of you do not have any other engagements. I promise it will not take long."
Eomer and Imrahil remained seated at the large wooden table and watched as the rest of the council filed out the door. Aragorn bid each of them farewell and closed the door.
"I have asked you both to stay back in order to discuss an issue that my council brought up last week. My advisors tell me that there should be some type of marriage in order to cement relations between Gondor and Rohan. That marriage already exists, or will exist between Eowyn and Faramir. Now my council believes that the relationship between the outlying provinces of Gondor must be strengthened as well." Aragorn seemed to hesitate before continuing.
"I have been asked to arrange a marriage between Eomer and Lothiriel. My advisors believe that their union would result in a better relationship between Gondor and Rohan. Though you are her father Imrahil, I, as king, have ultimate authority in arranging this marriage, not you. And though Eomer can decline this offer, it would not be well looked upon by the nobles here in Gondor. If I were to refuse this proposal, I would be shunned by my council. I am a new king, and therefore must bend to the will of my council and the wishes of the people they serve. They are more wise in matters of politics than I, and I must abide by their suggestions. After hearing both your concerns, I have found a compromise to this situation that will please both my council and you, as my friends."
Aragorn knelt before his friends and looked up at them with the eyes of a new king eager to please his people and his council.
"Imrahil I ask you to introduce your daughter to Eomer. That is your only obligation. Eomer, I must ask you to meet Lothiriel and keep an open mind. If you like her, I would encourage you to court her. But if the two of you are not compatible, I will not force a marriage. There will be no shame for your daughter if Eomer chooses not to wed her, Imrahil. I will see that she is held in the highest regard and given the respect befitting the daughter of a prince. Eomer, if you feel that Lothiriel is an unfit match for you, I will allow you to ride back to Rohan and find your own bride. But just meet her once. That is all I ask."
Imrahil had paled at the mention of marrying his daughter to Eomer, but perked up a bit at the mention of a compromise. Eomer looked like he was ready to retch at one point, and continued to hang his head in despair. It was Imrahil who spoke first.
"I will allow this meeting to occur, and I will not even tell Lothiriel of its context." Imrahil turned and rested his hand comfortingly on Eomer's back "Though I think this meeting should be postponed. Let Eomer return to Edoras, get settled into his new life before we put any more pressure on him."
Eomer looked up at Imrahil gratefully and nodded in agreement. "I should return to Edoras before I do anything else. I have been avoiding my responsibility, and since I have been around you, and Elessar and Faramir, I have a better idea of what I need to do. I will return to Edoras in three days. The ride there is another seven, and once I am there, I will need at least six months to settle into my office and become comfortable with my people. At midwinter, send an entourage from Gondor to Edoras, and I will be ready by then. Surely, your daughter will be ready as well."
Aragorn stood and pulled Eomer up beside him. "You have done well, my friend. I am sure Rohan will flourish under your rule." Eomer smiled at him gratefully and the men exchanged a hearty bear hug before Eomer exited the room.
Aragorn turned to Imrahil with an unsteady smile on his face. "I know I have asked you to do something that is against your very nature. I apologize, Imrahil. I am very aware of the way a father seeks to protect his daughter all through her life, especially from other men when she becomes a woman. Thank you for being so reasonable."
Imrahil patted Aragorn's arm sympathetically. "Though I am much older, I will not pretend to know more than anyone else does. You are my king, and as the prince of a city that has been ever loyal to the crown, I will follow your orders faithfully. Your compromise is more than fair. Lothiriel is a woman, but I had hoped the prospect of marriage would not be an issue until she was a bit older. But I suppose Eomer is a good enough match. He is young, and will appear quite exotic to Lothiriel when she meets him, as Eomer will find her quite intriguing as well. I have no doubt that there will not be at least some chemistry between them."
Imrahil smiled, and the two men left the room. Time would only tell whether this compromise would work or not.
