Near Misses

Chapter 4

(late May-early June, 3020 III)

The subject of King Eomer lingered in Lothiriel's thoughts the day after her trouble with Lord Belcam, but she saw no way to resolve the matter. Going to Rohan solely for the purpose of meeting him would be terribly inappropriate, so she would simply have to await the next reasonable opportunity to be in his presence. In the meantime, there was another feast scheduled a week later that would include dancing.

Lothiriel was feeling decidedly wary after the mishap with Lord Belcam, but Amrothos kept near her once the meal was ended. While he did not interfere with men approaching her with offers to dance or converse, he made sure she knew he was readily available if she had need of him. Dear Amrothos! He had ever looked after her. All her brothers had, of course, but Amrothos most of all. Perhaps their only being a few years apart in age made them share a closer relationship.

She danced much; at least that she could enjoy even if her partners did not inspire any interest. As she paused to rest, having sent Amrothos for wine, one of her earlier partners approached and smiled at her.

"Lady Lothiriel, as we are enjoying fine weather, would you care to go riding tomorrow?" Lord Pethraug invited hopefully.

While she was not sure she wished to encourage him, finding him rather fussy and particular, a jaunt on the Pelennor did sound pleasurable. If she was careful not to encourage his attentions too much, it could be an agreeable way to spend a morning or afternoon. Besides, perhaps he had changed and she might find him more appealing than she had in the past. She supposed she should give him the benefit of the doubt and see.

"I would like that, if Amrothos is available to accompany us," she replied. She had learned her lesson and would not be alone with a suitor again until she was absolutely certain she was willing to receive any advances they might make.

Said brother was returning just then with the wine she had requested, and Lord Pethraug hastened to make the request of him. After a quick glance at his sister, to determine her inclination in the matter, Amrothos agreed to a morning ride. Plans were made to meet at the city gate around nine the next day.

Not wishing to encourage Lord Pethraug overly much, Lothiriel drank some of her wine and then took her brother's arm. "Shall we dance?" she asked, and when he agreed, setting aside his own wine, she offered apologies to Pethraug as they moved toward the dance floor.

"Do I sense hesitancy in your acceptance of this outing?" Amrothos queried, as they took up their positions.

"Caution, that is all. If he has improved since last we met, I may encourage him more, but until I am sure, I think it best that I keep a reserve between us," she answered, taking the first steps as the music began.

After several movements through the dance figures, they were back together long enough for him to comment, "A wise decision, dearest. Do not act too hastily and regret it later." She merely smiled in response, amused by his pearls of wisdom considering his own unwed status.

With the prospect of the outing, Lothiriel did not stay very late at the gathering that night, and Amrothos did not mind leaving early to escort her home.

The next day, they explained their morning's activity to their father over breakfast, before returning to their rooms to prepare themselves. Amrothos had arranged for horses to be readied, and the mounts were led out almost immediately when they arrived at the stables. They enjoyed the ride down through the city, watching the shopkeepers bustling about seeing to business, and the early customers already making visits.

At the gate, they found Lord Pethraug waiting for them, and he smiled approvingly that they were right on time, but then his eyes took in Lothiriel's saddle and a frown twitched at his mouth. Whatever his thoughts, he said nothing, mounting his horse to join them. They rode for some time at a leisurely pace, letting the horses get warmed up a little, and then Amrothos chose to liven things up by challenging, "Let us race to that large tree just by the side of the road." He pointed to the one he meant, and then, without waiting for agreement on their part, he counted, "One-two-three-GO!" and dug in his heels.

Lothiriel was expecting this, knowing her brother only too well, and she urged her horse forward almost as soon as he did, but Pethraug was caught off guard and left sputtering a protest to their disappearing backs. The distance was less than half a mile, and Lothiriel almost caught her brother before he got there, but fell a few inches short of a victory.

"Next time," she admonished, "I get to give the starting signal!"

He just laughed as Pethraug finally cantered up to join them, looking mildly disapproving, though he kept silent and they ignored his displeasure. The rest of the ride the two siblings managed to restrain their frivolity and ride in a more sedate and dignified manner. However, after half an hour, apparently Pethraug had choked back his thoughts long enough.

"My lady," he said, carefully not looking at Lothiriel, "would it not be better for you to ride side-saddle, as is the way of young ladies in Gondor?" He did not keep the disapproval from his voice, and Lothiriel stiffened.

"Perhaps," she admitted, "but I was taught to ride astride by my brothers, and much prefer it. So I think I shall continue to do so."

Like a dog with a bone, Pethraug wasn't willing to yield. "But do you not think it inappropriate and unladylike? I am sure you would not wish anyone to think ill of your upbringing."

Lothiriel couldn't quite believe her ears, but she bit back an angry retort and answered him impassively. "I am told that the wife of Gondor's steward rides astride, and no one considers anything amiss with her for doing so, thus I think they shall not object if I do it."

Pethraug now appealed to Amrothos to support his view, saying, "My Lord, would you not agree that it is unseemly? Surely you can persuade your sister to see reason."

Amrothos shrugged mildly. "If we may not emulate the Steward's acceptance of the practice, then who should we follow? The King, perhaps? But, come to think of it, even his bride arrived at Minas Tirith sitting astride her horse. No, I think I had best not encourage Lothiriel to oppose the example of two such eminent women!"

Clearly Pethraug was not pleased, and now tried another tack. "But certainly your husband will not approve, and you would not wish to bring dishonor upon him with your behavior."

For a warm summer day, the air felt chill as Lothiriel replied frostily, "As regards my husband, whomever he may turn out to be, I am very sure he will have no objections, since I do not think he would appeal to me if he were bothered by such a trivial matter." She slanted a glance at him from the corner of her eye and saw his jaw stiffen at the subtle rebuke. She did not dare look at her brother, riding on her other side, sure that to do so would mean the laughter she felt radiating from him would break forth, and anger Pethraug even more because of the perceived ridicule. At least her words had silenced him.

She nudged her horse into a canter, leaving the two men riding together, and after a moment, Amrothos suggested an early return to the city, indicating Lothiriel did not ride often enough and might find the outing physically taxing. Pethraug acquiesced with a terse nod of his head.

They left Pethraug at the gate with overly polite goodbyes on each side, but they had not reached the gate to the second circle before Amrothos ventured, "So, am I sensing a disinclination for him to pursue you further?"

She broke out in peals of laughter. "You might say that! Imagine, having the audacity to dictate my actions to me! Who does he think he is?"

"Someone far more important than you deem him," Amrothos answered, chuckling. "Still, a man must ensure that his prospective bride behaves appropriately." He struggled to keep his features impassive as he said it, knowing what her reaction would be.

"Perhaps that is so," she retorted tartly, "but as Pethraug will never be using the words 'prospective bride' to describe me, my conduct should be of no concern to him! His chances were never good, but now I would say they are non-existent!"

Now Amrothos did laugh heartily. "Ah well, no one can fault you for making the effort, anyway."

The rest of the trip up the hill and to the stables was largely made in comfortable silence between the siblings, but Lothiriel's mind was awhirl. Two failed efforts had taken much of the pleasure out of this visit to Minas Tirith. Once more her thoughts flitted to Eomer of Rohan, but making his acquaintance was no nearer to happening than it had been last week.

Little did she know, she was missing yet another chance of it at that very moment.

Eomer had decided to traverse the Dimholt, to determine its viability as a trade route to Dol Amroth and the southern ports. A small party departed Edoras in mid-May and they arrived at Dol Amroth about the time Lothiriel's boat was docking at Minas Tirith. Eomer had not announced his coming, as he did not know what his plans would be and did not wish to raise expectations he might be unable to meet.

Consequently, Elphir was surprised by the King's arrival, but warm in his welcome. The two men had met at Faramir's wedding and readily become friends. After profuse apologies that most of the household was away at the White City, Eomer's party was quickly settled in rooms for the duration of their stay.

"I had hoped to meet with some tradesmen while here," Eomer explained over a glass of wine. "Perhaps you could recommend those most likely to have goods that would be useful to Rohan."

"Of course. Give me some idea of what you seek, and I will also suggest anything I think you might have overlooked. Then I can make introductions between you. I will set the library aside for you to hold your meetings, if that would suit."

Eomer nodded agreeably, and the discussion continued along those lines until they joined Alcathir at suppertime.

"While you are here, Eomer, shall I arrange a feast so you may meet the local nobility? My father has indicated you seek a wife, without much success. Perhaps you wish to see what your choices might be in the south?"

Eomer chuckled. "My marital status seems to be of great interest to everyone around me! But, as you say, it is a matter to which I must attend as soon as possible. Yes, I shall be happy to meet the ladies of Dol Amroth, though it seems I am to be disappointed again in meeting your sister. Everyone assures me she is well worth knowing, but I have been unable to make it happen."

Elphir smiled. "Yes, I think Father and my brothers are frustrated by that as well. I believe everyone hopes you and Lothiriel would appeal to one another, and certainly Father would not mind claiming you as another son. But Thiri has gone north to the White City. I am not sure that it is feasible to try to get her home while you are with us."

"I understand, of course. Perhaps if I had made you aware that I was coming it might have been different. The fault is entirely mine. Still, I shall be delighted to determine if Dol Amroth offers any other prospects. I confess I am finding this task less agreeable than one might expect," Eomer sighed.

Alcathir spoke up to say, "Perhaps you try too hard, Eomer. You cannot make affection occur, it must do so as it will. Possibly those well-meaning folks around you are making you feel an urgency that is not entirely necessary."

He smiled warmly at her. "Thank you. I have been of that opinion for some time, but no one wishes to hear my views on the matter. They only wish me to announce a well-chosen bride as soon as possible."

"Well," Alcathir told him, "we will see if we are able to assist you. I can have a feast arranged for the day after tomorrow. If nothing comes of it, there is still Lothiriel as yet unseen, and you may enjoy the company of many ladies in the interlude."

As good as her word, Eomer entered the dining hall two days later to find a swirl of color adorning numerous lovely women. Certainly he could appreciate this aspect of his task, for he had begun to find the dark-haired looks of southern women to be most appealing. He would relax, enjoy himself and not worry too much about a favorable outcome.

By the end of the evening, he mentally had two possible choices. The first, Lady Gaermil, had agreed to show him about Dol Amroth and introduce him to the seaside. He did not tell her that Alcathir and her children had already done so, figuring it was a way to speak with her alone and better determine if he wished to know more of her.

The morning stroll about town was unremarkable, though at least he had no major conflict with her as had happened to him in Minas Tirith. The docks were interesting, and since her father owned a large fishing fleet, Gaermil was quite knowledgeable of their trade.

After a noon-day meal taken at a food stall near the wharf, they meandered onto the shore and she told him of the many sights he was seeing for the second time. Much was strange to his eyes, having lived all his life inland, but he could appreciate the beauty of the sea all the same.

"Have you only lived by the shore, my lady?" he asked, gazing out over the water.

"Yes. I was born in Edhellond, but we moved to Dol Amroth when I was only a child. I cannot imagine living anywhere but by the sea," she enthused.

He thought it strange that she would make such a remark to him, if she was interested in having him as a suitor, which she seemed to be. Still, perhaps she had spoken without thinking.

Since he had an afternoon appointment with two tradesmen, they turned their steps back toward the castle, but as they made their way up through the town he invited, "I think my horse would enjoy a gallop on the beach. Would you care to join me tomorrow for such an outing? I am sure Lord Elphir can provide a suitable mount for you if you do not have one of your own."

She wrinkled her nose with distaste. "I thank you for the offer, my lord, but I must say no. I do not care much for horses. They are far too big and smelly. Honestly, I have never even learned to ride for that very reason!"

She seemed almost proud of this achievement, if it might be deemed such, and Eomer was at a loss for words. Taken together with her earlier comment about only living by the sea, he could not see any likely future for the two of them. Quietly he told her, "I think you do not know what you are missing, my lady, but that is your choice."

From then on they walked mostly in silence, except when she spoke and he responded. As they parted at the entrance to her home, Eomer knew that he was bidding her farewell for good. There was no doubt that she was off his list. A queen of the Mark who did not like horses? Out of the question!

Eomer busied himself with meetings the next couple of days, but during that time an invitation came, from the other lady he had considered, for the king and his hosts to join them at a small supper party in her father's home. As this seemed a good beginning to furthering the acquaintance, they accepted. At the appointed time, Elphir, Alcathir and Eomer walked the short distance, arriving in a timely manner. They were shown into a small sitting room where other guests had gathered, awaiting the call to supper. As he took a glass of wine a servant was distributing, he looked around for Lady Vaniel, but did not see her in the room.

He knew how busy such occasions could be for Eowyn when she had presided at Meduseld, so he assumed the lady was assisting her mother in seeing that all was in readiness. Elphir introduced him to those he had not previously met, but after nearly a quarter of an hour Eomer began to fidget. He could not imagine what the delay might be in seeing them seated, and if there was a problem why had nothing been said to the guests to keep them informed?

Beside him, Lord Vanendil, Vaniel's doting father smiled tolerantly and advised, "We await my daughter, my lord. She should be along soon."

Eomer's eyes narrowed and he shifted impatiently. He certainly hoped it was not as it appeared from this remark – an intentional delay. She had better have a very good reason for keeping them all waiting, he thought. He valued promptness, and this wait was intolerable. He was sorely tempted to offer some excuse and leave now, but he mastered the impulse, deciding retaliatory rudeness was not the best course of action.

Another five minutes later, Vaniel finally wafted down the stairs to join them in the parlor, a wide smile on her face. Her eyes found the king and she immediately made her way over, offering an elegant curtsy and then striking an alluring pose. "Worth the wait, I hope!" she said coyly, dipping her head enough so that she was looking up at him through her long lashes.

For an instant, Eomer was speechless. This, then, was it? There was nothing urgent that had delayed her? She had merely been primping and kept everyone waiting while she did so? With difficulty, he restrained the angry outburst welling in him. After a moment, he said the only honest thing that came to his mind, "You look lovely."

If it was less than the gushing admiration she sought, she concealed her disappointment well, slipping a small white hand possessively around his arm as she made to steer him toward the dining room. "You are too kind, my lord!" she cooed. "Shall we eat?"

Eat, yes, Eomer thought, and as soon as possible afterwards I will be leaving your company, never to return. You certainly are not worth more of my time!

Eomer had learned well how to smile and say the right things, even when his thoughts were elsewhere, so he suffered through the remainder of the evening. Perhaps sensing Eomer's lack of enthusiasm, Elphir provided an excuse for them not to remain overly long after the meal, and the three departed.

They were nearly back to the castle before Elphir ventured to ask, "The evening did not agree with you, Eomer?"

The king sighed, and glanced at his friend. "Is it the normal practice for ladies to inconvenience their guests by not being ready at the appointed hour, with no good excuse? I do not find that acceptable."

Alcathir smiled at her husband, receiving silent permission to be the one to respond. "Normal practice, no, but some do think it adds to their appeal. The lady was counting on making such a dramatic entrance as to be worth the delay, but obviously she misjudged your inclination toward her. Not everyone would be that inconsiderate, though, so I hope you will not judge all of Dol Amroth's ladies by this one."

He shook his head. "Of course not. I hold only Lady Vaniel to blame, and perhaps her parents for indulging such behavior. But I have no further interest in her. I find such rudeness to be inexcusable. A household emergency or some other such valid reason is understandable, but this? No."

"I fear, then," Elphir observed, "that you are back to where you began. You must continue your search for a bride."

They laughed together, though Eomer found the accuracy of his friend's words discouraging.

Eomer remained another three days at Dol Amroth, but then set out for Minas Tirith. Elphir kindly lent them a guide for the overland journey. While pleased with the outcome of his meetings in the south, and his examination of the Dimholt as a passage for quicker travel, Eomer could not feel good about his efforts at seeking a wife. He used some of the time on the trip north to reflect on his past efforts, and decided that perhaps he was dismissing the ladies too quickly, not giving them sufficient time to grow on his affections. He determined that for his further efforts he would try to be more patient and see if time improved the situation.

Overland it took nine days to make the trek and at this time of year, the weather was fair and the outing most pleasant. Their guide knew well the road to the White City, but as they rode on, Eomer grew ever more eager with each league to see his sister once more. And, in the back of his mind was the idea that perhaps he would finally at long last meet Lothiriel, and see for himself if all he had heard was true.

TBC

Rohan women:

Afrehold – "perpetually loyal" (ch 3)

Fegenferth – "happy heart" (ch 6)

Mithanmag – "hidden woman" (ch 1)

Rohan male (mentioned):

Aldfrid – "old peace"

Gondor women:

Ardagnir – "bane of royals" (MT) (ch 5)

Balardil – "lover of power" (MT) (ch 2)

Gaermil – "sea lover" (DA) (ch 4)

Pethmil – "lover of words" (MT) (ch 2)

Vaniel – "beautiful daughter" (DA) (ch 4)

Gondor men:

Angamor – "black iron" (ch 7)

Belcam – "strong hand" (ch 3)

Faramil – "sufficient affection" (ch 6)

Pethraug – "demon words" (ch 4)

Tarendil – "friend of kings" (ch 2)

Vanendil – "lover of beauty" (ch 4)