Spoils of War
Chapter 2
Lord Zimran's household was very attentive to their guests, and a wonderful meal had been awaiting them. Afterwards, they had talked a while in the library, but already Eowyn and Amrothos had taken themselves off to bed. Eomer, feeling restless, went out to stand on the porch and enjoy the night air. It was peaceful and quiet here, something he was still trying to get used to – experience tended to put him on the alert in such situations. But even though there might be dangers out in the darkness tonight, both the household guards and Imrahil's escort were keeping watch. He could be at ease…well, at least he could hope to be. It was not so simple a thing.
"My apologies, my friend," Imrahil said quietly as he came to stand beside Eomer. "It was not my intention to cause you more difficulty than you already face. I did not realize how…tense things were with your grandmother."
Eomer sighed and shook his head. "No, it is not your fault. I knew there might be discord, but I had not thought Eowyn would be so contentious. But, perhaps, she did not mean to be so, and just let her temper get away from her. She has long resented Lady Morwen's absence. Our cousin, Theodred, remembered Morwen fondly, since she essentially raised him to manhood, and Eowyn always felt…cheated. I was only three when she left and so do not remember meeting her; I never really concerned myself with it one way or the other. In my mind, she was not there in the same way that Theodred's mother was not there."
"Perhaps, but it is a shame. Although I confess I have never heard Morwen mention why she left Rohan, nor ever returned, I have always thought well of her, and considered her to be an exceptionally fine woman. I suppose I merely assumed it was a matter of loving her first home best, and longing to return there. I cannot say I do not understand such a feeling. No matter how often or for how long I am away from Dol Amroth, I am drawn to the sea. I will forever think of that as 'home' and return if I possibly can."
They both fell silent until Imrahil placed a hand on the young king's shoulder. "Try to get some rest. In time, now that this first meeting is out of the way, maybe your relationship will improve. I did not get the impression that Lady Morwen was unwilling, and that is something."
Eomer gave his friend a smile and nodded. "True. We have seen many astonishing things of late. Perhaps renewed relations will be one of them!"
Imrahil laughed as the two headed back inside, walking silently beside one another until they parted in the hall to their rooms. In some ways, Eomer was uncertain how he felt about Morwen. Part of him thought he should feel something for his grandmother, but she was too much a stranger for him to honestly say that he did. But, as Imrahil had noted, he would do well to preserve what few family ties he still had. With only the three of them remaining alive, it would fall to Eomer and Eowyn to rebuild their line in the Fourth Age that was being proposed.
xx
True to her word, Lothiriel was awake early and eagerly watching for the return of her father and brother. And, surprisingly, she found she was also eager to become better acquainted with Morwen's grandchildren. Even over breakfast, and knowing it was too early to expect them, her eyes kept flicking toward the window, wanting to glimpse them at the first moment possible.
Already Morwen's carriage had been pulled into the yard and was being prepared for the journey, and after breakfast they finished packing their belongings so they could be loaded for transport. Nervous excitement would not allow Lothiriel to remain seated for any length of time and, after noting a second annoyed glance from Lady Morwen, she decided it might be best to go for a walk in the garden. Morwen's small black terrier bounded out the door with her, and she relented in allowing him to come even though he was sometimes troublesome. On this occasion, he seemed content to sniff at all the bushes and race madly along the paths, thus giving her no difficulty.
When she first visited here, she had wondered why the woman kept such an energetic and snappish dog. But, once she was in residence, it became more clear to her. Morlach could be obnoxious, it was true, but he also seemed to unerringly determine who Morwen did not like very much, and would then set about being such an irritant that they cut their visit short. Though Morwen outwardly gave the appearance of trying to control the dog, he was never fully removed from the room until the unwelcome guest had made excuses and bid them farewell. Whatever anyone's thoughts on the subject, no one dared reproach the lady for tolerating the animal's behavior, and certain people quickly learned not to call on Morwen very often.
Lothiriel idly watched the dog digging at the foot of a tree, wondering how he would fare at Minas Tirith. Morwen was determined that he should go with them, and none of Lothiriel's arguments against the idea had been persuasive enough to change her mind. She had a horrific fear that the beast would attack the new king of Gondor and embarrass them all, but since Morwen seemed to like the man she had known – this Thorongil – hopefully that would not happen. If nothing else, Lothiriel intended to argue strenuously for Morlach to be left in Morwen's room whenever they had guests. Her father would be mortified if the dog attacked anyone under his roof.
She suddenly heard the sound of horses, and quickly snatched up the little dog before he could notice and begin to bark. She hastened inside through a back entrance and placed him in his carrier, despite his struggles to avoid it. With any luck, the exercise would have taken the edge off any fretfulness, and he would travel without being too much of a nuisance. "Behave yourself!" she remonstrated with a sigh. She washed her hands before hurrying to greet her family. Already the servants were beginning to scurry about in preparation for their departure.
Likely her father was not expecting it, but Morwen was exiting the house before he had finished greeting Lothiriel. "Let us be off," she instructed succinctly, moving toward her waiting carriage, causing Amrothos to stifle a snicker behind his hand. So much for niceties!
"Indeed," Imrahil said, recovering quickly, and glancing at Eomer and Eowyn who had not even had time to dismount. He sighed softly and then hurried to assist Morwen into the carriage as Lothiriel began a final check to make sure all was in readiness.
"Will you be riding or travel in the carriage with Lady Morwen?" Amrothos queried.
A horse had been saddled for her, but Lothiriel hesitated. After a moment, she gestured for Amrothos to wait and went to discuss the matter with Morwen. "Shall you be well on your own if I ride with my family?" she questioned tentatively. She much preferred doing so, but would acquiesce if Morwen felt strongly about the matter.
"Of course, my dear. I am not made of glass. I am sure you have much to talk about with your family, and likely I shall doze most of the way there. Well, I will if Morlach gives me any peace – hush, you beast!"
Lothiriel smiled as the dog quieted. Morwen had a certain tone of voice that she used when she truly wanted his obedience, and to his credit the terrier never failed to comply at such times.
"Is everything loaded?" Morwen asked, looking out the window toward Lothiriel's packhorse.
"It seems to be, yes. I will go fetch Halgeth and we can be on our way." Quickly Lothiriel struck off toward the house, but Morwen's maidservant was just coming to join them as she reached the front entryway. Once the woman was settled in the carriage with Morwen, Imrahil and Lothiriel mounted and the party set out.
The spring air was filled with joyful chatter and laughter for the first league, though Eomer and Eowyn mostly rode in silence to allow the family their further reunion. Eomer could not help envying the close, easy relationship Imrahil had with his children, wondering if his own family might have been like that if his parents had survived. His musings were disrupted by a shout of protest, and he looked up to see Lothiriel streaking away on her bay palfrey. Amrothos had clearly been caught off his guard in a proposed race and was now hastening to catch his laughing sister.
Eomer drew Firefoot in beside Imrahil, who was smiling indulgently after his children. "It is good to see this! If I ever wondered why we fought, I now have my answer. When we parted company in March, leaving Lothiriel here, I was not sure our family would ever be gathered again in its entirety. And yet, miraculously, we all survived. I have much to be grateful for in my life," the Prince observed.
Eomer smiled, but kept silent. The siblings had concluded their race and were now returning to join them. Amrothos hadn't quite caught up to Lothiriel before they passed the agreed upon marker, and she was teasing him about her win. Though he protested, claiming she had cheated, Eomer suspected that Lothiriel could tell as well as he could, by the expression on Amrothos' face, that he didn't truly mind. And it was understandable. Middle-earth was free for all peoples, the sky was blue and the sun warm, and all around there was new growth. At this moment, there seemed to be a great deal of hope for a bright future.
When they stopped along a creekbank for their dinner, Lothiriel attached a strap to Morlach so he could stretch his legs and relieve himself. Imrahil had managed to entice Morwen out of the carriage so that she might also be refreshed with a brief walk around the clearing, though she returned to the carriage to eat since she would not attempt sitting on the ground. Not wanting her to be alone, Imrahil joined her so that Lothiriel would feel free to stay with the younger people in the group. They did not tarry long over the meal, as all were eager to return to the White City lest they miss out on any of the celebrations.
Soon enough, the encampments on the Pelennor came into their view. Eomer excused himself to check in with Elfhelm, whom he had left in charge of things, saying he would find them later at Imrahil's house or elsewhere in the city. Eowyn was torn between accompanying him and seeking out Faramir as soon as possible, but finally decided on the latter course.
The crowded streets made it difficult to maneuver such a large carriage, so they arranged for Morwen and Lothiriel's belongings to be ferried up the hill, and found a smaller cart to carry the grand lady herself. Morlach had begun barking incessantly at everything around him, until Morwen threw a blanket over his carrier and he quieted in the darkness.
It did not surprise Lothiriel that Morwen was ready for a nap once they reached the townhouse and she had been settled in a room. Halgeth helped her onto the bed while Lothiriel arranged for some tea, and then the maidservant sent Lothiriel on her way, assuring her she needed no assistance in keeping watch over her mistress.
Lothiriel hastened to Eowyn's room and knocked. The door was quickly answered by Eowyn, and she asked, "Would you care to go with me to seek my brothers? Likely they are somewhere with Faramir, and between the two of us we should be able to ferret them out!"
Eowyn smiled, pleased with the offer. She glanced at the room she had been given, then stepped into the hall and closed the door. "Let us go! Though, in truth, I do not know if I can be much of a guide. I usually saw Faramir at the Houses of Healing when he would come to visit, so I am not very much acquainted with the City. With a new king arrived, he might be anywhere."
"Then we will begin with the Steward's residence and go from there. Together we hold sufficient rank to gain access most anywhere that we choose! They cannot remain hidden long if we are persistent!" Lothiriel declared, eliciting a laugh from Eowyn.
They met Imrahil in the entrance hall and told him of their plans. "Fine. I will see you at supper then. I have some letters I need to get sent off to Dol Amroth," he told them, moving toward his study as they headed for the door.
The invitation for Eowyn to join her had been an impulsive one, but since they had spoken very little to one another on the journey from Lossarnach, things became awkward as they made their way through the streets. After several long minutes of silence, however, Lothiriel asked, "So how is it that you and my cousin Faramir became acquainted? I have not heard the full story."
Glad for a subject of conversation, Eowyn began her explanation of them both being confined to the Houses of Healing and meeting there. "It was good to have someone at hand who understood how difficult the waiting was," Eowyn admitted. "The warden and other patients were not as aware of the situation, and thus were not so anxious as we – at least so it seemed."
"Faramir is recovered now? Father said something about an arrow, and also that he fell to the Black Breath," Lothiriel pursued.
"I believe his shoulder still troubles him a little – it may always do so – but for the most part he is well. It was the king – Aragorn – who healed him, and me, from the Black Breath," Eowyn explained.
" 'Life to the dying in the king's hand lying' – I have heard it said all these many years that the king would also be a healer, but little thought to ever see it proven true," Lothiriel murmured. "He must be very remarkable, this Aragorn. But, did not my father call him by another name…Elessar?"
Eowyn laughed. "Yes! The man seems to have more names than some people have clothes. He took the name Elessar when he was made king, though my brother still calls him Aragorn."
A stop at the Steward's house on the sixth level had not turned up Lothiriel's missing relatives. They stood in the entryway while the senior manservant told Lothiriel what little he knew of their whereabouts, and Eowyn took the opportunity to glance around. This had been Faramir's home for his entire life, though the place had a rather cold feeling to it that was not terribly inviting. To her, it almost seemed that the shadow of Denethor still lay upon the place. Now that Aragorn had chosen to keep Faramir in the position of Steward, they would certainly be spending some time in this house. Even so, she did not think Faramir would mind a few changes to make the place into a more inviting home.
Again underway, they continued their climb upward. Ahead of them was the gate to the uppermost level, and they turned in, readily being passed on by the guards. It felt awkward to Eowyn to be approaching the king's house and citadel without invitation, but Lothiriel was pressing on with no hesitation, so she trusted the girl to know what she was doing. Aragorn had always been a man of easy manners; presumably he would not yet be to the point where such breaches of protocol would disturb him.
It turned out they were spared any possible embarrassment, for they had barely passed the dead White Tree(5) when they spotted Lothiriel's brothers and Faramir coming toward them from the Citadel. At the sight, Lothiriel lifted her skirts and sprinted forward, flinging herself into the arms of Erchirion, and then Elphir. "I am so pleased to see you both well!" she told them, joy shining in her eyes. Though Eowyn would very much have liked to offer a similar display of greeting to Faramir, she knew it would not be appropriate, so she merely allowed her eyes to answer for her desires.
The five of them fell into step back toward Imrahil's house. "You will, of course, join us for supper, Faramir?" Lothiriel asked. "I am sure Father wishes you to be there if you have time."
"Certainly!" he replied with a smile. "It will be nice for all of us to gather once more under the same roof. It has been too long!"
"What has been happening while we were gone?" Eowyn ventured to ask, and the others listened as Faramir answered for them.
"There has been much to do in preparation for the king to receive embassies from other lands, and make judgements on various matters. Now that Eomer King and Prince Imrahil are returned, we will begin the process on the morrow."
Just as they reached the courtyard of Imrahil's home, they sighted Eomer not far behind them, so they waited for him to catch up. "All is well at the encampment?" Eowyn inquired, making it clear to the gentlemen where Eomer had been.
"It is, but then I would expect Elfhelm to have things well in hand," Eomer acknowledged, eyeing the Steward who stood near his sister.
Faramir's eyebrow quirked upward at the perusal, seeming to realize that Eomer now knew of his intentions toward Eowyn. "My lord king, I do not believe we were properly introduced earlier before your departure. I am Faramir, Steward of Gondor." He offered his hand to Eomer, and after a moment it was accepted in a warrior's clasp.
Eomer was pleased that the man had a firm grip, and did not appear fearful of failing to gain his approval. He liked that sort of self-assurance, though it was not so overt as to be over-confident. But he would not expect Eowyn to care for a weak man. She had been known to bully some into doing what she wished, but she had little respect for such.
"A pleasure," Eomer replied laconically.
As conversation threatened to lapse, Elphir suggested, "Let us go in. We should just have time to ready ourselves for supper." Everyone fell in behind him as he led the way.
They had just stepped into the entry hall when a loud yapping was heard, and Morlach came tearing down the stairs, all bristling indignation at these intruders. He had already claimed this house as his own. Before Lothiriel could react, Eomer scowled down at the small animal, that had covered half the distance toward them, and snapped authoritatively, "Silence!"
Lothiriel thought the dog almost choked on the bark just forming, and he instantly dropped to the floor, cowering submissively. Without another look at the animal, Eomer strode up the stairs and to his room, leaving the others stunned. Suddenly, Lothiriel began to giggle. "I do not think Morlach has ever met his match before encountering the King of Rohan! This should be an interesting experience having the two of them under the same roof!" With that, she scooped the still shivering dog into her arms and took him out to the back garden to let him run before supper, and the others laughingly separated to various rooms.
Faramir settled in the library until the others rejoined him, perfectly content to peruse Imrahil's bookshelves for the duration. Less than quarter of an hour later, the merest sound drew his attention to the doorway where Eomer stood, watching him closely. For several moments, neither spoke, and then Eomer stepped into the room and moved to the window. Over his shoulder he said, "My sister tells me you wish to marry her."
"Yes, my lord, very much so. If you have no objections," Faramir acknowledged.
"And if I do have objections?" Eomer replied, turning to look challengingly at the other man.
Faramir closed the book in his hand and replaced it on the shelf before answering. "Then I will do whatever needs to be done to overcome those objections, my lord. But you should know that Eowyn has accepted me, and I am determined to have her for my wife. I will not easily be gotten rid of through any frivolous excuses." Then he smiled as he added, "Still, I am not disposed to think you an unreasonable man, so I believe I will succeed in winning your approval…eventually."
Eomer turned away and gazed out the window again, causing Faramir to wonder if he had misjudged the matter. But then there was a chuckle, which grew into laughter as the king turned to look at him once more. "I cannot fault your courage, brother! There are not many who would so blatantly confront me, and expect to live to tell the tale!" He sobered, then said quietly, "I consider myself a good judge of character, and even if I were not, many whose judgement I value have spoken well of you. You have my consent to marry."
Faramir was startled by the so-easily-applied appellation of 'brother', but it warmed him nonetheless. "I thank you…Eomer. I shall cherish her always. She is the greatest joy I have ever known." He watched for any disapproval of his informality, but the king did not even seem to notice.
With a snicker, Eomer replied, "Greatest joy, perhaps, but I know my sister. She may also be the greatest challenge you will ever know!"
Just then, they heard the sound of the family descending for supper and exited to the hall to meet them. Eowyn was trailing behind the Dol Amroth men, and she paused to study her brother and Faramir before coming down the final few stairs. It was clear that they had spoken, and their expressions seemed to suggest that things had gone favorably. As she drew near to Faramir, he gave her the tiniest nod of his head, confirming her suspicion, and she beamed with pleasure. Quickly she slipped into Eomer's embrace, murmuring softly, "Thank you!"
Pressing a kiss to her hair, he whispered, "How could I do anything else? I have only ever wanted to see you happy. Even if it means your marrying a Gondorian and leaving the Mark."
Her eyes came up to meet his. "I will stay and help you rebuild, Eomer, and we will still see each other. Do not be troubled." Whether her words helped or not, she could not tell, for Eomer had long had a way of concealing his thoughts and emotions behind an impassive countenance. She would likely just have to give him time to adjust to the idea.
Lothiriel joined them a moment later, saying that Morwen was not yet recovered from the traveling and had chosen to eat in her room. At the look of concern on Eomer's face, she smiled reassuringly at him. "Do not be alarmed, my lord. She is well, just very tired. A good night's rest will help a great deal."
Supper was a gay affair, with much laughter and conversation. Eomer and Eowyn were easily drawn into the family circle, though they left most of the talk to the others. Both were content to simply enjoy the company. All were loath to part when the meal concluded, so they transferred to the library to continue talking well into the evening, at which time Faramir excused himself. He explained that he needed to be up early to set things in motion for the king's gatherings later in the morning, and indicated he would see them all there. His departure was the signal for everyone else to finally say goodnight and head off to their beds as well.
TBC
Spoils of war - Any profits extracted as the result of winning a war or other military activity.
Halgeth – "tall woman" – maidservant to Morwen
Zimran – "adorned man" – Forlong's heir (Tolkien never named him so I did)
Minleoth - "my song" - name given to 1st dau of Thengel & Morwen
Ethelwyn – noble joy - name given to 2nd dau of Thengel & Morwen
Tamleoth – "gentle song" - name given to 3rd dau of Thengel & Morwen
Morlach – "black fire" - Morwen's dog
Betersel – "more happiness" – Eomer's housekeeper at Aldburg (also used in previous stories, ie. Juxtaposition)
Haldor - "sound door" – Eomer's manservant
Ungaphel – "daughter of shadow" – backbiting Dol Amroth noblewoman
Pethraen – "wandering words" – airheaded girl flirting with Eomer
Gaermith – "grey sea" - Lothiriel's horse that pulled a stifle
Frame of reference (details from Tolkien with gapfiller by me):
Aglahad, Prince of Dol Amroth, had two sons: Angelimir (the heir and grandfather to Imrahil) and a younger brother who was the father of Morwen. Morwen was born about 2922 and married Thengel in 2943. They had Minleoth (b 2945, m 2975, d 2989 – no children); Theoden (b 2948, m Elfhild 2976, d 3019 – one son, Theodred, b 2978, d 3019); Ethelwyn (b 2951, m 2982, d 2994 – one daughter, b 2986, died 2994); Tamleoth (b 2956, never married, d 2992); and Theodwyn (b 2963, married Eomund 2989, d 3002). Thengel became king in 2953 whereupon he and his family moved to Rohan, where he died in 2980.
ch 2: (5)In the movie, you see the withered tree in the Court of the Fountain begin to bloom before the War is actually over. In the book, however, on June 25th Aragorn and Gandalf go into the mountains and find a sapling of the White Tree, about 3 feet tall and less than 7 years old. They remove the withered tree and plant this sapling in its place. The dead tree was placed in the Silent Street, where the kings and stewards were buried.