A/N - I really struggled with this chapter - hence the length and the wait. Hope the story makes sense and you enjoy it!
"Gebaerd" – They're good.
Here is the website where I have taken my references for the layout of Edoras, w w w . ajpsauk .com (forward slash) virtualedoras (forward slash) edoras. There are loads of detailed plans and drawing of each building/area of the city.
o0o
The morning after the ceremony there was stillness in the Golden Hall. The celebrations had lasted long into the night and many took to their bed till early in the afternoon. Aranvess was wise and had retired early so her head was clear that morning, much to the chagrin of her husband. The lady pottered about her room, folding and sorting various pieces of clothing that Elphir had strewn around the floor when he had retired the previous night. Although she didn't do it on purpose, she relished the grunts and groans he made as her work disturbed his rest.
"You should know better my husband."
"Do not lecture me woman, I know very well."
She chortled, "Which is precisely why you know you should get up this morn, and be about your business."
The wife threw back her husband's covers exposing his body to the elements and he gave her a low grumble of contempt, which only made her giggle more. Knowing that he could not win her little battle, Elphir sat himself up on the low bed and slung his legs onto the floor. Rubbing the fatigue from his eyes, he yawned impressively and stretched the sleep from his limbs. When fully dressed the couple sat in the living quarters- Aranvess on a high-backed chair and her husband at her feet-and chatted about the events of the previous day.
"Faramir looked extremely happy last night." Aranvess offered.
"Indeed, he has much to live for and be happy about."
"His dancing has improved a great deal since I last saw him."
"Yes, though I don't know how in such a short time."
"Maybe he just had poor instruction before now."
"Do not let Lothiriel hear you say that, or you are likely to start a quarrel."
Aranvess snickered slightly but began to fumble with the hem of her sleeve before she answered her husband as she grappled with what she wanted to say,
"I did not see her much last night?"
"She retired much earlier than you did I think."
"Do you think it had anything to do with the King's new guest?"
Elphir looked at her thoughtfully. He had not told his wife what Eomer had divulged to him- it wasn't his place- but he knew with the arrival of Aerion his wife would have guessed the motives behind her being here.
"Elphir, you knew didn't you?"
He looked at her like a child does when they are caught doing something they shouldn't,
"Not long since. Eomer told me of it just after we arrived. It was not my place to interfere."
"When does he expect to announce it?" She sounded exasperated.
"After the ceremony, he did not want to spoil Eowyn and Faramir's day."
The concerned woman did not answer him but began pacing around their chambers pensively. She did so for some time and ignored any attempt from Elphir to speak.
"What's on your mind?" The prince asked,
"I think we should stay in Minas Tirith on the return journey."
"What do you mean?"
"Now the wedding is over, we could feign an excuse to stay there. A holiday or such,"
"What can be achieved by doing that?"
"When the announcement is made, it will take a week for the message to arrive in Gondor."
"But it will reach eventually." He scoffed.
"If we time it right we can prepare for home and avoid the emissary."
"Aragorn will announce it amongst the kingdoms, you cannot avoid it!"
"We will be long gone by that point, and it would be another week before Lothiriel learns of the announcement."
The woman smiled gleefully at her plan, though her husband did not look so convinced. However, he agreed he would speak to his father. With Aranvess chaperoning, Elphir was sure he would not object to a short stay.
o0o
That afternoon Eomer had organised a tournament of sport as post wedding entertainment for his guests. In the cavalry yard arena events on foot and horse with sword and spear were the main attraction, but side shows and a bazaar had also been planned in the Riddermarket. As the guests began filing into the stands to observe the games, Aerion waited patiently at the Great Hall to be escorted to the event.
She paced the floor outside the eatery and watched the revellers chatter loudly and spiritedly as they entered the stocks. The lady had to admit; she was looking forward to the day's activities, but was nervous about what role she had to play. The night before during the celebrations, Eomer had asked her if she would sit in the seat of honour that day; he had wanted her to do so at the wedding, but had been advised the act would detract from the true meaning of the ceremony. Aerion was keen to do as she had been invited but was worried how the people would receive her and that she would do something wrong that would offend. The King reassured it that wasn't possible and had been ardent that she accept the honour, so she graciously did.
Aerion's worries had not been completely mistaken; many of Eomer's subjects had begun to talk about her late arrival to the nuptials and what her presence was meant to be understood as. The Gondorian wasn't used to being the subject of conversation; she was the daughter of a high ranking knight in the Prince's army, but had never any cause to attend court, so was unused to their conduct and manners. In truth her upbringing whilst extravagant had been sheltered. Aerion was kind and polite, and attentive to all she was acquainted with; but felt like a fish out of water in the foreign kingdom and uncomfortable about being on display and studied.
As she waited patiently for her escort she saw Eowyn walk by her quietly toward the arena and caught her eye.
"Good morning my lady," She said respectfully,
"Morning Aerion, are you coming to the tournament?"
"Yes, Eomer…I mean, your brother has asked me to sit with him, I'm just waiting. Where is Lord Faramir?"
"He is taking part in the Behourd with his cousins, so is already there."
"Will you care to sit with us then?"
"Alas, I may be married to a man of Gondor now; but I am vehemently on the side of the Rohirrim this day."
Aerion chuckled airily at the White Lady.
"Maybe I am sat in the wrong place then, for I support Gondor."
"Not today Aerion, you must be impartial and appear to be so. I hope you are ready for them?"
"What do you mean?"
Eowyn turned to face her full on. She didn't dislike the young woman, in truth she found her the most amiable person, gracious and demure; however, she believed Aerion didn't fully comprehend what she was letting herself in for and would never cope in Rohan.
"Ready for the inspection and evaluation,"
Aerion looked at her like a deer caught in the sight of the hunter,
"Take heed my lady, there will be plenty routing for you to fail." Eowyn continued.
Aerion looked at her with understanding and replied heartedly,
"Thank you my lady."
Eowyn nodded and turned on her heel toward the arena; with a feeling she had been too truthful and harsh on the woman. As Aerion watched the princess walk away she hadn't noticed Eomer had come to stand next to her and had offered his arm,
"Are you ready?"
Aerion smiled warmly at him, took his arm and followed him silently to the stands.
o0o
Erchirion was suiting up in the cavalry barracks with Erkenbrand. The two captains had volunteered to take part in the Quintain match and relished the opportunity to spar with one another. The young man wore the standard of his country over his hauberk with pride and Erkenbrand did similar.
"Are you ready young prince?"
"Are you?"
The two men spoke in jest and enjoyed goading one another.
"Will your lady wife be watching Erkenbrand?"
"Nay, she will be enjoying the sights of the Riddermarket I expect."
"Good,"
The older man cocked an eyebrow quizzically,
"I would hate for her to be humiliated when I best you."
"You just stay on your mount. The Rohirrim horses are no gentle ponies for pleasant rides."
Erchirion snorted a little at his quip but inside grew more hesitant. Eomer had decreed to make all the games fair, the only horses to be ridden during the day, were a selection of old combat horses. He gave two reasons for the decision, the main being to prevent any injury to the guests' mounts and the second to ensure all competitors were on an even playing field. Erchirion was a strong horseman and had had the opportunity to get to know the horse he had been loaned, but found him wilful and at times defiant.
Erkenbrand noticed the young man's anxiety and clapped him on the shoulder in reassurance,
"Come we do not want to keep them waiting."
Dressed in their livery, the two soldiers walked out of the barracks and across to the arena in the sunlight. The afternoon was warm and sultry and it did nothing to improve either man's hangover; at that moment both were regretting their decision to be involved in the entertainment and for drinking heavily at the celebrations the previous night. As they walked into the stocks they could hear the cheers and applause from the crown that had gathered and their spirits were raised. After collecting their horses from a page they mounted the steeds and were announced in the ring.
The two men raised their hands to the crowd and looked around at the faces in the stand. Erchirion searched the sea of blonde hair and noticed his family quickly on the western bank of the stands sat near to the King, whilst Erkenbrand spotted his wife sat with the ladies of the royal house on the eastern side and smiled at her lovingly. As his name was announced by the herald he noted that she cheered with fervour with the other ladies.
"It looks as if your wife is about to see your downfall in the end." Erchirion bantered.
"If that was even remotely true, at least my wife can pick me up again. Either way I win."
"I didn't think of it that way. Would you mind if we postponed for a moment whilst I found a suitable supporter?"
"I don't think you will find any in Rohan this day, I would look closer to home Erchirion; Gondor has many women of quality."
"None have paid me any attention of late."
Erkenbrand laughed solidly, "Yes I believe my King is responsible for that!"
Erchirion looked towards the stand and noticed Eomer sat with Aerion chatting generously,
"Come let's finish this."
o0o
That afternoon Lothiriel spent her time wandering through the Riddermarket, enjoying the sights and smells that wafted from the stalls and vendors carts. The intoxicating herbs and spices from the food being prepared in the middle of the square filled her nostrils and tempted her to taste what was on offer. Peering onto a stand that was filled with trays of tiny cubed treats, some heavy like dough whilst others looked delicate as air. The seller smiled to the lady and stood from the stool he was resting on. With gloved hands he gathered a few tiny pellets that looked similar to currants, and offered them to Lothiriel. With trepidation she picked one up and examined it at length, the vendor watched her expectantly and so not to offend him she nodded her thanks and ate the small morsel. It was bitter and sharp on her tongue causing her to cough slightly as she forced the mouthful down. As if from nowhere a wooden beaker was presented to her; eyeing the hand that offered it to her she recognised Elfhelm,
"You may want this."
Lothiriel took the mug and swallowed a large gulp of cider, the cold liquid diluted the sensation in her mouth making it more bearable and she returned the cup to its owner.
"Thank you. My mother always told me to be careful and never take food from strangers, now I know why."
He laughed, "Fruit from the Ellen tree, they taste better as wine, the bitter the taste the better the drink."
"Well, a good yield will be made from that batch I can assure you." She coughed.
"Gebaerd," Elfhelm said in Rohirric to the seller and he smiled in return.
The young lady continued walking amongst the sellers accompanied by the Marshall; she was completely comfortable in his company and felt she could be herself when he was around. They walked silently for a few moments paying little attention to the other stalls until Elfhelm broke the silence,
"My Lady, may I speak plainly?"
"Of course, you know I always do."
He smiled in acknowledgment, "What do you think of lady Aerion?"
Lothiriel paused in her tracks and looked at him bewilderedly. She had not expected that question.
"I know very little of her, certainly not well enough to make a judgement."
"Do you think she will make my lord happy?"
"I don't think I am the right person to judge."
Lothiriel moved quickly to the nearest stall and began fumbling with a wreath of dried flowers. Desperately trying to avoid the conversation she asked how much they were and misunderstanding the reply bought two of the laurels at a much inflated cost dropping one as she groped for her coins.
Picking up the circlet Elfhelm played with it between finger and thumb as they continued walking around the marketplace.
"Forgive me my lady, I speak out of turn."
"No. It speaks highly of you to show your concern."
"Concern my lady, yes I suppose you could call it that."
Lothiriel pretended not to notice his remark, prompting him to continue.
"My lady, Eomer is a strong king and a proud man; he has been my friend for many years. I know him well and can judge when he is making a rash decision."
"Does he know you feel this way?"
"I fear he will not listen to me on the subject. The last time I offered my counsel on the matter, the woman I tried to coax him toward was refused wrongly in my opinion."
They reached the fountain in the centre of the square and Lothiriel stopped for a second time; she looked at him thoughtfully for a moment but spotted over Elfhelm's shoulder Eomer with Aerion laughing excitedly at something he had pointed out to her. Lothiriel noticed they stood at the stall she had been investigating earlier and watched despondently as the King offered Aerion something to eat. She threw her head back in delight and put her hand out to stop the gesture; Lothiriel winced as Eomer grasped her arm and laid a kiss to her palm.
Elfhelm too noticed their exchange and Lothiriel's pain, so to spare the lady any more embarrassment offered to take her back to the Golden Hall. As she took his arm Elfhelm stopped her and placed the dried wreath onto her slender hand. Lothiriel smiled warmly and climbed the hill back towards to Golden Hall.
o0o
royalhorse - I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far; hope you keep reading!
Borys68 - I'm glad you find my story interesting, I don't think I explained myself well in the last update. It's true Lothiriel loves her home, but doesn't yet realise she can love something or someone more. Aerion is sweet and innocent but when she learns about Eomer's attraction for another she is the one who won't be going willingly ;) Enter a plot/scheme from Eowyn and even Aragorn to resolve the issue!
beth.77 - Thanks for your kind comments hand on the mend now! Keep reading to see what will come of Aerion, she is about to feature more heavily.