Author's Note: Okay, confession time. So, I've been away from the computer
because I'm a pathetic workaholic and I've been working my job at the
hospital and my job at the mall, which totals about 80 hours of work a
week. So yes, time has been tight. So, here's the rest of the story. Yes,
the entire rest of the story, so I don't forget to update and what-not.
Enjoy, and it was fun while it lasted. Frankly, I think I make a much
better fanfic reader than a fanfic writer. My brain's too fried right now
for creativity...bugger. But thanks for reading!
I Can't
"What is taking them so long?" Amrothos groused as he paced the halls.
"I am sure Eomer has found her by now," Elessar tried to comfort the young prince.
"If it weren't for the fact that Eomer left her alone, this wouldn't have happened in the first place!" Elphir snapped, as he continued to stare out the window.
"Now, now, boys. I will have no false accusations against Eomer, especially since he is not here to defend himself. I, who has more reason to blame King Eomer than any, hold no fault against him. I advise that you do the same," Lord Imrahil warned his three boys, knowing how overprotective they could be of their little sister. "You are not making it any easier by flailing about for someone to blame."
Suddenly, the doors flung open, and Eomer strode in purposefully, his arm protectively around Lothiriel who, despite protests from Eomer and the riders of both Gondor and Rohan, insisted on walking in herself. Following the pair was Grima Wormtongue, heavily bound and more heavily guarded.
Lord Imrahil ran to his daughter and embraced her. "Lothiriel! Oh thank the Valar you are safe!" He looked deep into her eyes. "I could not bear to lose you," he whispered. "You are everything to me," he said, as he kissed her cheek gently and embraced her again. Lothiriel began to shed tears as she felt the extreme love of her father wash over her.
Eomer bowed before King Elessar and Lord Imrahil. "My lords," Eomer began, when Lothiriel interrupted him as she spotted Faramir running into the halls.
"Faramir! Is Eowyn safe?" she asked, as she flung herself to him.
"Yes, she is in our rooms, resting. The real question is, are you safe?" he asked, as he held her in his arms.
"No, no! Faramir! Eowyn must be safe! He is going to destroy her! He is going to...I heard it!" she rambled, the shock of her ordeal beginning to take over her senses.
Lord Imrahil and Faramir held her as she assailed them, demanding promises that a guard would watch Eowyn that eve as she slept. Finally, she collapsed from fatigue and stress. Eomer started towards her, but Lord Imrahil motioned for him to stop as Faramir picked her up and began to carry her up the stairs.
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Eomer gulped as Lord Imrahil started to walk back toward him. Perhaps he blames me for the entire incident. he thought as he saw the glares of Lothirel's three brothers directed toward himself. He was surprised when the Prince of Dol Amroth embraced him. "Thank you for bringing her back," he whispered. He sat down heavily in his chair and stared, openmouthed, as he noticed Grima's presence for the first time.
Eomer saw his reaction and began to speak. "My lords, as I was saying, the Princess of Dol Amroth was kidnapped and held captive by a band of orcs, commanded by this man. His name is Grima Wormtongue, and I have the misfortune of reporting to you that he once sat on Rohan's council, until he was discovered to have been under Saruman's employ and cast out of the Riddermark by Mithrandir. According to the report Lady Lothiriel gave me, his orcs mistakenly kidnapped her, thinking she was my sister. Long has he eyed my sister with desire, and he has kept to his agenda of pursuing her, though this time he has failed for the last time," Eomer glared at Wormtongue. "He did not release her when he realized that she was in my company and a companion to Eowyn. I'm afraid that leaves the fault of this ordeal in my hands. Had I not been in her company, or left her alone, none of this would have come to pass," he said regretfully.
"Nonsense, Eomer King," Elessar said. "You place too much of the blame on yourself, and wrongly so." He turned to his guards. "Place him in the dungeons, under heavy guard. His sentence will come to pass in the council tomorrow, during a more reasonable hour." Elessar turned to face Grima. "Your punishment shall be harsh, for not only did you kidnap one of Gondor's most noble ladies, but you conspired against the Princess of Ithilien, and the wife of the Steward of Gondor. Be gone from my presence!" he said, as the guards led Grima out of the room.
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Lothiriel woke up the next day to the sight of her father sitting in a chair beside her, staring serenely at her face.
"Good morning, papa," she said, as she took on her childish name for him. He smiled at the sound of that and returned her greeting.
"Lothiriel, I am glad you are back to me safe and sound. I cannot thank Eomer King enough for going to fetch you, although I have striking suspicion that he arrived too late to do any rescuing?" he said, with a twinkle in his eye.
"I am grateful for his timely assistance," was all of Lothiriel's reply.
Lord Imrahil gazed at his daughter with tears spilling down his cheeks. "Lothiriel," he whispered. "I thought I lost you last night, and losing you would be the death of me. Ever since your mother died, you have been the light of my world. Granted, I love your brothers very much, but they do not bring me the same joy that you do, my princess," he said lovingly, as he kissed her cheek. "Please do not ever leave me again," he implored.
"I promise, father," she said solemnly as she threw her arms around his neck.
"Well, then," her father withdrew, glad to have her back. "Why don't you get dressed, and we shall see about some breakfast!" he smiled in his usual cheery manner, and left the room.
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As Lothiriel and her father entered the room where most of Gondor's courtesans and royal guests were taking their morning meal, she could feel the intense scrutiny of almost all in the room. The only comfort she found from the occupants was from her brothers, Eomer, and the King of Gondor himself. She smiled at them, as she allowed her father to lead them to their seats.
"My Lady," King Elessar bowed. "I am truly thankful that you are returned to Gondor safe and sound."
"Yes. It is merciful that were returned to us safe and sound," Queen Arwen said warmly, as she curtsied.
"I thank you, your majesties," Lothiriel said with a curtsy of her own.
Eomer turned to her. "My Lady," he said with the formal tone he used when he was with her in the presence of others. "I am truly glad to see you in better spirits this morning," he said.
"I thank you, my lord, for coming to my rescue yestereve. 'Twas a valiant thing you did, to travel so far and to take so much trouble over one so inconsequential as myself."
"It was my deepest pleasure, to serve the most beautiful ornament of Gondor," he bowed, as he took his seat.
Lothiriel's brothers rushed up to her and embraced her. As soon as they were assured that she was quite alright, and that she was not scarred from the ordeal, they returned to their original jesting manner.
"You know," Erchirion began, "those orcs took quite a fall! What did you do to kill them all so effectively? Surely you did not sing them a song!"
"Yes, yes. Or perhaps you bored them to death with your talk of proper Gondorian speech and address," Elphir added drolly.
"No, no." Amrothos insisted. "I am sure it was my excellent instruction in the sword that allowed her to cut them down so easily."
"You dolt!" Elphir exclaimed. "I was the one that instructed her in swordsmanship! You taught her the bow!"
"Are you quite sure?" Amrothos persisted. "I am positive 'twas I!" "It was neither of you," Faramir said, breaking up the two. "I was the one that taught her both the bow and the sword. You two pipe down and enjoy your meal! This afternoon's council is likely to be a long one."
"Aaah, yes. The barbeque begins! Shall we slow-roast this Wormtongue on a spit, or should we fry him quickly in hot oil?" Amrothos said maliciously as he rubbed his hands together.
"Boys! Enough! I shall have none of this violently inappropriate or distressing talk at the breakfast table! Especially in front of your sister!" Lord Imrahil barked, and with that, the three brothers and Faramir focused their attention on the delicious food in front of them.
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Lothiriel ventured out to the gardens, where she ran into Eowyn.
"My husband and brother told me all that came to pass last night," Eowyn began, not one to mince words. "I am truly grateful for your protection and loyalty. It seems I owe you not only my life, but the life of my unborn child, for I shudder to think what could have happened had he succeeded in his plans."
"Worry not, dearest Eowyn. As long as I draw breath, I shall not let harm come to you, especially in the form of that scum, Wormtongue," she insisted.
Eowyn looked thoughtful for a second, then turned the conversation to a new direction. "My brothers was distressed when he discovered your absence. Indeed, if it were not for his determination to find you, I think he would have gone mad with worry."
"I am grateful indeed for Eomer King's assistance," Lothiriel assented, as Eowyn again pondered before she opened her mouth.
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Eomer walked out to the gardens to clear his head during the council's recess. Many, if not all, of the council members headed to lunch. Eomer had no stomach for more food. The only thing he could think of was Lothiriel. As he walked through the gardens, he overheard two voices and stopped cold, realizing that they belonged to Lothiriel and his sister.
"Lothiriel," Eowyn began, "my brother seems to take a very high interest in you. Indeed, I have never seen him so attached to anyone, save myself," she said. "Do you," she hesitated, "do you also take a high interest in him? Do you think you could one day, perhaps, be his wife, for I shall love to have you as a sister.You need not answer if you believe me to be too forward," she said.
"I shall answer you, for you have asked, and I am not one to hide the truth. I do take interest in him. I highly regard your brother. However, my father made it perfectly clear to me this morning that he cannot bear to part with me. And I know that I could not bear to leave him when he needs me most. My father and brothers are my entire universe. Nothing comes between them. I do not think I shall ever get married, so long as my father draws breath." Lothiriel looked straight at Eowyn. "I can't."
"I understand," Eowyn said, a little disappointed, as the women continued their rambles through the garden.
Eomer sat there, stunned. She would not marry! Impossible! It was every woman's dream, was it not? He could not help but feel his heart ripped in two. She would never be his.
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Lothiriel and Eowyn continued their walk. Lothiriel turned to Eowyn.
"I suppose I must be truthful with you, although I will admit that I may withhold some information from you, as I know you are close with your brother, as I am close with your cousin."
"I would not dream of betraying your confidence, should you ask of me to keep quiet on this matter," Eowyn swore her loyalty.
"I thank you. I suppose I must be truthful, then. It is true that I fancy your brother above all others. He is kind, gentle, yet a strong and able leader and soldier. However, I spoke with my father yesterday. He asked me not to leave him. I am not sure that I ever can. How can I leave the arms of the man who gave me life?" Lothiriel implored, as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I have never been more confused in my life!"
Eowyn patted her back, trying to soothe her spirit.
"Besides," she wiped her tears, "I am sure your brother does not fancy me at all. He does not behave as the other suitors did. He bears no gift, no written missive of his intentions, no public proclamation. How am I to know how he truly feels? More or less, my infatuation with him is merely a passing schoolgirl crush, and he either feels it his duty to compliment a prissy princess or is trifling with me." Lothiriel declared, as she rushed from the garden, not waiting for a response from Eowyn that could potentially cause the ruination of her happiness.
I Can't
"What is taking them so long?" Amrothos groused as he paced the halls.
"I am sure Eomer has found her by now," Elessar tried to comfort the young prince.
"If it weren't for the fact that Eomer left her alone, this wouldn't have happened in the first place!" Elphir snapped, as he continued to stare out the window.
"Now, now, boys. I will have no false accusations against Eomer, especially since he is not here to defend himself. I, who has more reason to blame King Eomer than any, hold no fault against him. I advise that you do the same," Lord Imrahil warned his three boys, knowing how overprotective they could be of their little sister. "You are not making it any easier by flailing about for someone to blame."
Suddenly, the doors flung open, and Eomer strode in purposefully, his arm protectively around Lothiriel who, despite protests from Eomer and the riders of both Gondor and Rohan, insisted on walking in herself. Following the pair was Grima Wormtongue, heavily bound and more heavily guarded.
Lord Imrahil ran to his daughter and embraced her. "Lothiriel! Oh thank the Valar you are safe!" He looked deep into her eyes. "I could not bear to lose you," he whispered. "You are everything to me," he said, as he kissed her cheek gently and embraced her again. Lothiriel began to shed tears as she felt the extreme love of her father wash over her.
Eomer bowed before King Elessar and Lord Imrahil. "My lords," Eomer began, when Lothiriel interrupted him as she spotted Faramir running into the halls.
"Faramir! Is Eowyn safe?" she asked, as she flung herself to him.
"Yes, she is in our rooms, resting. The real question is, are you safe?" he asked, as he held her in his arms.
"No, no! Faramir! Eowyn must be safe! He is going to destroy her! He is going to...I heard it!" she rambled, the shock of her ordeal beginning to take over her senses.
Lord Imrahil and Faramir held her as she assailed them, demanding promises that a guard would watch Eowyn that eve as she slept. Finally, she collapsed from fatigue and stress. Eomer started towards her, but Lord Imrahil motioned for him to stop as Faramir picked her up and began to carry her up the stairs.
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Eomer gulped as Lord Imrahil started to walk back toward him. Perhaps he blames me for the entire incident. he thought as he saw the glares of Lothirel's three brothers directed toward himself. He was surprised when the Prince of Dol Amroth embraced him. "Thank you for bringing her back," he whispered. He sat down heavily in his chair and stared, openmouthed, as he noticed Grima's presence for the first time.
Eomer saw his reaction and began to speak. "My lords, as I was saying, the Princess of Dol Amroth was kidnapped and held captive by a band of orcs, commanded by this man. His name is Grima Wormtongue, and I have the misfortune of reporting to you that he once sat on Rohan's council, until he was discovered to have been under Saruman's employ and cast out of the Riddermark by Mithrandir. According to the report Lady Lothiriel gave me, his orcs mistakenly kidnapped her, thinking she was my sister. Long has he eyed my sister with desire, and he has kept to his agenda of pursuing her, though this time he has failed for the last time," Eomer glared at Wormtongue. "He did not release her when he realized that she was in my company and a companion to Eowyn. I'm afraid that leaves the fault of this ordeal in my hands. Had I not been in her company, or left her alone, none of this would have come to pass," he said regretfully.
"Nonsense, Eomer King," Elessar said. "You place too much of the blame on yourself, and wrongly so." He turned to his guards. "Place him in the dungeons, under heavy guard. His sentence will come to pass in the council tomorrow, during a more reasonable hour." Elessar turned to face Grima. "Your punishment shall be harsh, for not only did you kidnap one of Gondor's most noble ladies, but you conspired against the Princess of Ithilien, and the wife of the Steward of Gondor. Be gone from my presence!" he said, as the guards led Grima out of the room.
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Lothiriel woke up the next day to the sight of her father sitting in a chair beside her, staring serenely at her face.
"Good morning, papa," she said, as she took on her childish name for him. He smiled at the sound of that and returned her greeting.
"Lothiriel, I am glad you are back to me safe and sound. I cannot thank Eomer King enough for going to fetch you, although I have striking suspicion that he arrived too late to do any rescuing?" he said, with a twinkle in his eye.
"I am grateful for his timely assistance," was all of Lothiriel's reply.
Lord Imrahil gazed at his daughter with tears spilling down his cheeks. "Lothiriel," he whispered. "I thought I lost you last night, and losing you would be the death of me. Ever since your mother died, you have been the light of my world. Granted, I love your brothers very much, but they do not bring me the same joy that you do, my princess," he said lovingly, as he kissed her cheek. "Please do not ever leave me again," he implored.
"I promise, father," she said solemnly as she threw her arms around his neck.
"Well, then," her father withdrew, glad to have her back. "Why don't you get dressed, and we shall see about some breakfast!" he smiled in his usual cheery manner, and left the room.
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As Lothiriel and her father entered the room where most of Gondor's courtesans and royal guests were taking their morning meal, she could feel the intense scrutiny of almost all in the room. The only comfort she found from the occupants was from her brothers, Eomer, and the King of Gondor himself. She smiled at them, as she allowed her father to lead them to their seats.
"My Lady," King Elessar bowed. "I am truly thankful that you are returned to Gondor safe and sound."
"Yes. It is merciful that were returned to us safe and sound," Queen Arwen said warmly, as she curtsied.
"I thank you, your majesties," Lothiriel said with a curtsy of her own.
Eomer turned to her. "My Lady," he said with the formal tone he used when he was with her in the presence of others. "I am truly glad to see you in better spirits this morning," he said.
"I thank you, my lord, for coming to my rescue yestereve. 'Twas a valiant thing you did, to travel so far and to take so much trouble over one so inconsequential as myself."
"It was my deepest pleasure, to serve the most beautiful ornament of Gondor," he bowed, as he took his seat.
Lothiriel's brothers rushed up to her and embraced her. As soon as they were assured that she was quite alright, and that she was not scarred from the ordeal, they returned to their original jesting manner.
"You know," Erchirion began, "those orcs took quite a fall! What did you do to kill them all so effectively? Surely you did not sing them a song!"
"Yes, yes. Or perhaps you bored them to death with your talk of proper Gondorian speech and address," Elphir added drolly.
"No, no." Amrothos insisted. "I am sure it was my excellent instruction in the sword that allowed her to cut them down so easily."
"You dolt!" Elphir exclaimed. "I was the one that instructed her in swordsmanship! You taught her the bow!"
"Are you quite sure?" Amrothos persisted. "I am positive 'twas I!" "It was neither of you," Faramir said, breaking up the two. "I was the one that taught her both the bow and the sword. You two pipe down and enjoy your meal! This afternoon's council is likely to be a long one."
"Aaah, yes. The barbeque begins! Shall we slow-roast this Wormtongue on a spit, or should we fry him quickly in hot oil?" Amrothos said maliciously as he rubbed his hands together.
"Boys! Enough! I shall have none of this violently inappropriate or distressing talk at the breakfast table! Especially in front of your sister!" Lord Imrahil barked, and with that, the three brothers and Faramir focused their attention on the delicious food in front of them.
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Lothiriel ventured out to the gardens, where she ran into Eowyn.
"My husband and brother told me all that came to pass last night," Eowyn began, not one to mince words. "I am truly grateful for your protection and loyalty. It seems I owe you not only my life, but the life of my unborn child, for I shudder to think what could have happened had he succeeded in his plans."
"Worry not, dearest Eowyn. As long as I draw breath, I shall not let harm come to you, especially in the form of that scum, Wormtongue," she insisted.
Eowyn looked thoughtful for a second, then turned the conversation to a new direction. "My brothers was distressed when he discovered your absence. Indeed, if it were not for his determination to find you, I think he would have gone mad with worry."
"I am grateful indeed for Eomer King's assistance," Lothiriel assented, as Eowyn again pondered before she opened her mouth.
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Eomer walked out to the gardens to clear his head during the council's recess. Many, if not all, of the council members headed to lunch. Eomer had no stomach for more food. The only thing he could think of was Lothiriel. As he walked through the gardens, he overheard two voices and stopped cold, realizing that they belonged to Lothiriel and his sister.
"Lothiriel," Eowyn began, "my brother seems to take a very high interest in you. Indeed, I have never seen him so attached to anyone, save myself," she said. "Do you," she hesitated, "do you also take a high interest in him? Do you think you could one day, perhaps, be his wife, for I shall love to have you as a sister.You need not answer if you believe me to be too forward," she said.
"I shall answer you, for you have asked, and I am not one to hide the truth. I do take interest in him. I highly regard your brother. However, my father made it perfectly clear to me this morning that he cannot bear to part with me. And I know that I could not bear to leave him when he needs me most. My father and brothers are my entire universe. Nothing comes between them. I do not think I shall ever get married, so long as my father draws breath." Lothiriel looked straight at Eowyn. "I can't."
"I understand," Eowyn said, a little disappointed, as the women continued their rambles through the garden.
Eomer sat there, stunned. She would not marry! Impossible! It was every woman's dream, was it not? He could not help but feel his heart ripped in two. She would never be his.
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Lothiriel and Eowyn continued their walk. Lothiriel turned to Eowyn.
"I suppose I must be truthful with you, although I will admit that I may withhold some information from you, as I know you are close with your brother, as I am close with your cousin."
"I would not dream of betraying your confidence, should you ask of me to keep quiet on this matter," Eowyn swore her loyalty.
"I thank you. I suppose I must be truthful, then. It is true that I fancy your brother above all others. He is kind, gentle, yet a strong and able leader and soldier. However, I spoke with my father yesterday. He asked me not to leave him. I am not sure that I ever can. How can I leave the arms of the man who gave me life?" Lothiriel implored, as tears streamed down her cheeks. "I have never been more confused in my life!"
Eowyn patted her back, trying to soothe her spirit.
"Besides," she wiped her tears, "I am sure your brother does not fancy me at all. He does not behave as the other suitors did. He bears no gift, no written missive of his intentions, no public proclamation. How am I to know how he truly feels? More or less, my infatuation with him is merely a passing schoolgirl crush, and he either feels it his duty to compliment a prissy princess or is trifling with me." Lothiriel declared, as she rushed from the garden, not waiting for a response from Eowyn that could potentially cause the ruination of her happiness.