Hello again.

I just want to thank everyone for reading and maybe enjoying this story.

This has grown to be my heart and soul and I have planned it out till the End already.

BUUUUT

OKAY EVERYONE! I know there are hardcore Tolkien fans out there and before you complain LET ME SALUTE YOU FOR NOTICING THIS FACT! respect! BUT since Lohtiriel isn't part of the company in the first place, what stops me from changing her background? Little is known about her anyway.

so enjoy like or favour, maybe leave a comment :)

Chapter 10 - A shocking truth and a small revelation

After another hour in the rain, the two riders returned to Edoras with hundreds of rabbits, drenched to the skin but happy. The sky was a mild gray but seemed to show some signs of clearing up soon. When they rode through the gate, it was still raining softly. The guards at the gate welcomed the pair back.

"My lord Eomer, where have you been?" one asked.

"Riding over the plains." Eomer told the man.

"And hunting rabbits." Lothriel added and displayed her hunted meat. "Give each house one."

She handed the soldiers the rabbits and they looked at her, with wonder in their eyes.

"My lady, this is truly a great kindness you are blessing us with." the guard said, almost stuttering.

"Think nothing of it." she smiled. "We need good morals here. It keeps people alive."

Eomer smiled, feeling proud to know this generous woman. The guards bowed and quickly carried the rabbits away to be distributed. Eomer and Lothriel brought the horses back to the stables. When they dismounted them he faced her.

"I want to thank you, for giving me this day." he said with his eyes downcast before he looked into her eyes.

"It was my pleasure." she smiled warmly.

Her smile warmed his heart. Someday, he would have to pay her back for all she has done for him.

"And I mean it, truly. It has been many years since I have felt so free." he admitted quietly.

"We can do it again, if you want." she offered.

"I gladly would." he said when he took her hand and kissed her knuckles. "My lady."

Lothriel laughed and gave his arm a soft punch. He smiled back at her and turned his attention back to his stallion. Lothriel was much quicker than him in undressing their horses, as he was so deep in thought that his motions were slower than usual. It didn't bother him. He heart was filled with so much bliss, it didn't matter to him if he had something to do. While Eomer was busy in the stables, Lothriel had gone to the kitchen with four rabbits. Herma the cook was delighted with the game she brought him.

"I thank you, my lady." he beamed. "I will make a fine feast from this."

"Let nothing stop you. This one I will make for myself." she laughed, held up the rabbit.

"You can use that stove over there, if you like." Herma offered while he started to skin the first rabbit.

"Thank you." she smiled.

Herma nodded and returned to the daunting task of skinning the rabbit. He briefly looked up to see Lothriel nip the neck of the rabbit and with one pull, ripped the fur and skin of the animal. Then she cut the meat off the bones and dropped them into the cooking water with different herbs. The cook didn't dare to interrupt her and resumed to skinning his own way. Maybe one day he might be able to ask her how she did that but right now, with all the maids in the kitchen, he didn't want to hurt his pride. Lothriel didn't attend dinner, having cooked herself and eating on the roof. The King himself was delighted with the meal.

"How did we get rabbit meat into the kitchen?" Theoden asked.

"Lothriel gathered them while she was out." Eomer explained.

He didn't want to mention that he was out there with her. Knowing his uncle, it would give him a reason to talk about the marriage with a noble woman again and he wanted to avoid this at all cost.

"She was away hunting rabbits?" Aragorn asked.

"A rarity to see on the table." the King noted and happily took another piece of meat.

"Lothriel always strives to do good deeds." Legolas concluded with a proud smile.

Eowyn smiled to herself and excused herself, having finished her meal. She gave her brother and uncle a parting kiss on the cheek before seeking the refuge of her room.

"Lothriel is so young and yet so aware of the bad things in this world." Theoden smiled.

"Young, you say?" Gimli chuckled catching Eomer's attention. Why would the dwarf say such a thing? "She is not that much younger than you, Theoden King."

"But she looks so young." the King noted but the dwarf was still smoking his pipe in calmness.

"How old is she now, laddie?" Gimli asked.

Aragorn stayed quiet as everyone looked at him. His eyes met with Eomer's, as the blond looked at him with certain curiosity. The ranger sighed and gave them the answer.

"Sixty-seven she should be."

Theoden's hand sank back down as his lips parted from the news. Even Eomer was stunned by that information.

"Impossible." he muttered.

"She is of the Dunedain, just like Aragorn. They are blessed with a long life." Legolas explained.

"Legolas, please. This has to be kept from her at all cost." Aragorn reminded him and the elf nodded.

"Wouldn't she know if she knew she was far older than most?" Theoden asked.

"She has only been in the presence of elves. She doesn't know how men normally age and she should never find out." Aragorn explained.

"Why do you worry so much about her finding that she is of the Dunedain?" he asked.

"Because then she might find out who she really is." Aragorn muttered before looking at Eomer again. The blond seemed to be shocked at this information as he wore his creased brow and his lips were parted.

"And who is she?" the King asked after while.

"That I need to keep to myself." the ranger said.

Theoden nodded, with certain understanding and the men returned to talking about other things. Eomer gasped sharply with the revelation and covered his mouth with his hand. His eyes jumped from left to right, looking for some answer on the floor, amongst the cracks and crevices in the wood. She was 67 years old? And a Dunedain? Furthermore, she didn't even know. What would she think if she found out? Long ago he had heard of the Dunedain, men who could live far longer than normal men. Even if he would gain her love, she would outlive him, maybe even grow tired of him since he would age much quicker than her. He decided to go for a walk outside. The air refreshed him greatly, cooling off his agitated body a little. He inhaled the air and opened his eyes to see the stars already littering the sky. Edoras lay quiet, the neighing of a horse echoing. Down in the yard he saw Lothriel slowly moving her sword through the air. She was silent, so silent that her feet made no sound and her concentration was as strong as steel. When he approached her, she flinched.

"I'm sorry if I scared you." he smiled weakly.

She returned his smile and resumed her sword dance. Eomer watched her, his brow creased. His feet have carried him to her without him realising. It was now clear to him that this woman before him had conquered his heart. This woman before him was also of the Dunedain and far older than him. Yet she looked younger. How many things had she witnessed and learned so far in her life? He couldn't comprehend and was now afraid of her, afraid of her knowledge. Now it was even more impossible to be in her life. He exhaled loudly and Lothriel paused.

"Something is troubling you." she noted.

"It's nothing important." he muttered and looked away.

She examined him and sheathed her sword before stepping towards him. When she stepped before him he slowly turned his head to look at her and was surprised to see her frown.

"Your tone and stance are different then usual. If it is affecting you this much then it has to be important." she told him.

"But it doesn't concern you." he added.

"Fair enough." she shrugged and stepped away.

Eomer watched her, perplexed from her calm behaviour. It was unnatural in his eyes.

"You differ greatly from my sister." he thought out loud.

"How?" she asked.

"She would pester me until I tell her." Lothriel chuckled at his comment.

"If it doesn't concern me then I don't need to know. Your sister has a right to know what is troubling you, I don't. Besides, your sister and I don't differ that greatly."

He smiled weakly before looking away. She could tell whatever it was, it was troubling him greatly. Had his uncle given him another speech about being a King? All that work she had done today for was gone and she hated to see him like this. But there might be one way to lift his spirits.

"Let's cross swords, to free your mind." she offered.

Eomer looked at her as she pointed her sword towards him. A sigh escaped him when he pulled out his sword and readied himself. He was on the defensive side as she attacked first. Only the sound of clashing metal was heard, nothing else. As the sparring progressed, Eomer grew more and more aggressive. His heart was so torn in that moment that he briefly forgot whom he was fighting. Lothriel had to step backwards to avoid his slashes when her back touched a wall behind her. Before she could dodge, Eomer knocked her sword out of her hand and pointed the sword at her. He stood close, so close that their chest's almost touched as they panted heavily, chests rising and falling. Their eyes were fixated upon each other. He was bewitched by her eyes once again. His eyes shot back and forth between her eyes and lips and didn't realise that he was starting to lean down towards her. It was when their noses touched when he stepped back.

"Sorry." he mumbled apologetically.

"Feeling better?" she asked, picking up her sword.

She was still so calm and it seemed as if she hadn't realised how close he had gotten to her. She was neither smitten nore overwhelmed by the fact that she had lost. Had she anticipated it? Despite her age, she was unknowledgeable in the emotion that was tearing his heart apart. Did she even know? Did she even see the feelings he had for her. He had almost kissed and she didn't do anything, pulling away or moving in. Charm didn't affect her either. She only saw friends in men, nothing more.

"No." he sighed.

"Must be a woman." she grinned.

"Pardon?" he looked at her with a frown of disbelief.

"You are having trouble with a woman." she repeated.

He stayed silent and looked away.

"I knew it." she grinned and clapped her hands triumphantly. "Tell me, tell me about her. What are you having trouble with?"

"I am not having trouble with a woman." he insisted but she wasn't convinced.

"Oh, but you are, aren't you?" she raised an eyebrow and clasped her hands behind her back. "Tell me."

The way she innocently looked at her with her big eyes made it impossible to resist. He couldn't tell her that his heart had hopelessly fallen into her hands. That would most likely destroy any feelings she could harbour for him, if there were and but even worse, it could destroy their friendship. He freed himself from her gaze and looked away.

"She is too old." he admitted.

There was a pause. If he would have looked at her in that moment he would have seen her brow crease. But it faded quickly.

"Too old? Who cares? Love has no limit." she told him.

"She is much older than me." he countered.

"Does that make a difference? Even so, she would have more experience than you, even in bed." she chuckled.

"How can you talk about this so openly?" he asked.

"Why should I feel shame?" she enquired.

"Because it is normal to feel shame in that subject." he explained but she shook her head.

"For you perhaps." she muttered and stood. "Go and tell her to be done with it. Make her happy, make her smile and she will be yours."

"There is only one problem. I might never see her again." he told her.

That wasn't a lie either. If they would ride to war, who knew if Lothriel would even survive, or himself. Maybe she will never return to Edoras.

"Even more of a reason to tell her now then later." Lothriel told him before she walked away.

"Lothriel." he called her and she turned around to look at him. "I-I can't."

"Then you have missed your chance."

With this, Lothriel walked back to the Golden Hall, leaving Eomer with a rumbling storm inside his heart. It ached and he felt like a failure. He had the courage to ride into battle and into certain death but telling a woman how he truly felt, that was an impossible feat. Frustrated he punched the wall and quietly cursed himself. It was probably best to avoid her, his heart not being able to resist. The ease his mind he made his way to the stables, not knowing that he was being followed by someone who had watched the entire scenario unfold.

Lothriel's feet were carrying her quickly, with a sting in her chest. She clenched the fabric over her heart and fled into Eowyn's room. With a heavy thud, she dropped herself onto the bed, still clenching her chest. What was that feeling? Never has she felt such pain before and only because Eomer had said such words. Why? What was happening to her? While she grumbled to herself she remembered the words that Aragorn had told her.

"When I first left Arwen in Rivendell, I felt an excruciating pain in my heart. From that moment on I knew, that I loved her."

The last three words echoed through her mind. Love. Did she actually love Eomer? One would have a reason to love someone, but what was hers? He was average, had a kind heart, was an able warrior and troubled by the happenings of the world. He would be King one day. But what was it about him that made her love him? Was there even anything? Or was it everything about him? Eowyn suddenly opened the door and gazed at Lothriel.

"Eowyn, I think I have fallen for your brother." Lothriel confessed.

A big smile grew over Eowyn's face as she wrapped her arms around the woman, laughing.

"I told you it would happen eventually." Eowyn smiled but then saw Lothirel's face. "Yet you look so sad. Why?"

"I noticed he was having trouble with a woman which he firstly denied. Then he told me he couldn't be with her since she is far older than him." she was shocked.

"What? My brother has never shown preference to older women. Never!" she gasped with disbelief and a hint of disgust.

"It was strange. Never have I felt such pain in my heart when a man told me whom he loved." Lothriel said as she clutched her heart again.

"Oh Lothriel. I am sure that he just tried to avoid the subject. Maybe he really does like you and when you moved onto the subject, he panicked. Don't lose hope just yet." Eowyn said with such tenderness, like one sister to another,

"I have already lost it." Lothriel muttered.

"Then get it back. Lothriel, this is your first love, is it not? My brother is probably just caught in his duties as the next heir, thinking that he can only marry a woman of noble birth."

"It is expected of him." she noted but then Eowyn stood to heighten her argument.

"He will be King. For goodness sake, he can marry who he desires but doesn't seem to realise this. Honourable he may be but a bit too much, if you ask me."

"What would you want me to do?" Lothriel sighed.

"You have to win over his heart and mind. He shouldn't be thinking about anything else but you." she suggested and Lothriel raised an eyebrow.

"Isn't that a bit dangerous with a war coming?"

"If you are on his mind he will do anything to return to you, even survive a battle." Eowyn told her wit a soft smile.

"I shouldn't let it get to my head." Lothriel muttered and Eowyn kneeled before her, grabbing her hands.

"But Lothriel, don't you want his hand?" the blonde asked.

"His hand? Eowyn, I have never loved a man and now you ask if I want to bond with one?" Lothriel started but then sank back. "I do not know."

"Only time will tell. Just follow your heart." the blonde smiled.

Lothriel felt her heart flutter for a moment. If she would follow it, where would it lead her? She would call herself a fool for falling in love at a time like this. Who knew what fate had planned for her. For all she knew, she wasn't even suppose to join the company but still, she did. And now she was here having found a man whom she cared greatly about. She wasn't meant for him. He was going to marry a woman of noble birth and she was certain that she wasn't one. Or was she? She didn't even know where she came from. All she knew was that Aragorn had found her as a newly born infant in the hands of orcs. What would orcs want with a baby? SHe shook her head. No, she couldn't be of noble birth. That hope was lost. Eomer would never want a common girl like her. But maybe, just maybe, she could sway his heart to ignore his duty, just as Eowyn said. It didn't hurt for trying, she was already prepared for a heartbreak, even if she has never properly felt it before. Meanwhile, Eothain, Eomer's second in command had found the marshal, by himself in the stables.

"And what business does the marshal have in the stables at this time of night?"

"Eothain." Eomer turned to the man.

"Something is troubling you." the man noted.

"Why would you say such a thing?" Eomer said with a sigh. This was a strange recurrence.

"Because it is very clear." Eothain gestured at Eomer but he stayed silent.

"Come, my friend. Let's drink a good ale and talk about your problem." Eothain offered but Eomer shook his head.

"I don't feel like drinking tonight, Eothain." he told his friend with a sigh.

"Then let's talk here, because I can sense the trouble inside you. Woman trouble, to be precise."

Eothain sat down on an available stool while Eomer stood by his stallion. He sighed when he saw his friend prepare for this conversation.

"Tell me about her." he commanded.

"Can we not do this?" Eomer groaned.

"We did it before and it helped, remember?" he enquired looked at his friend with raised eyebrows. Eomer stayed silent before he inhaled and spoke.

"She is one of a kind, beautiful and has a sweet smile." Eomer listed and Eothain nodded. Those were the same words he had used last time they had done this. "I can only describe her as a leaf in the wind."

"A leaf?" he repeated in wonder. This was new.

"Have you ever tried to catch a falling leave? When you chase it, it is impossible to catch."

"So, she is out of your reach?" he asked to be sure he understood. Eomer nodded.

"I cannot have her. For many reasons."

"Is she promised to someone else?" Eothain asked.

"No, I don't think so." And then he realised that he didn't even know if she has left a loved one behind. But it didn't seem that way.

Eothain watched his friend stroke the stallion's neck, deep in thought. They have both grown up together, even almost sharing their birthday. Apart from Theodred, he was another he could call brother. They have done everything together. It wasn't the first time that he had helped the Marshall with his woman problem but this was the first time that Eomer was so affected by it. He had watched him ever since he had seen him lose against Lothriel but he would never tell him that. Eothain could tell that Eomer was intrigued by that woman, and he wasn't the only one. Many of the other soldiers were still talking about her. Only Eomer was the one who could get so close to her, the others didn't even dare.

"Do you love her?" he asked after a while.

Eomer looked over to him with an emotionless face before he cast his eyes down. It was followed by a small nod.

"Aye." he said with a hint of melancholy. "But for nothing. I feel that we will have to remain friends."

"Why do you say that? Do you fear that she does not love you back?"

"I am sure she does not see me as a lover, more as a friend. But that is fine." Eomer said with a weak smile on his face.

"Since when do give up on a woman?" he asked.

"Since I have grown wiser." Eomer told him before he walked past Eothain and out of the stables.

The man looked after him with a worried expression. This was something that had to be resolved. Eomer was the one who had helped Eothain win his wife's heart. They have been married for a year and were now expecting their first child. All thanks to Eomer's effort. Now, Eothain wanted to do the same. Maybe if he talked with Lothriel, he might be able to work out a plan. The next morning he decided to find the woman who was messing with his friend's heart. And he found her not how he expected it. She was sparring in a remote location, with lady Eowyn. The blonde immediately recognised him.

"Eothain." she greeted him before begging. "Do not tell my brother of this. He didn't forbid it but I know he would still frown."

"I wouldn't, my lady. Your secret is safe with me." he gave her a reassuring smile before turning to Lothriel. "Lady Lothriel, we meet again."

"Indeed we do." she said and sheathed her sword. He was glad that she recognised him. This would make it a little easier.

"May I talk to you for a moment?" he asked before Eowyn grabbed his arm.

"It it about that stupid brother of mine?" she asked.

"Aye, how did you know?" Eothain asked, surprised.

"Did you talk with him?" she asked without answering.

"Last night, in the stables. He seemed very frustrated after that nightly conversation." he told her as he gazed over to Lothriel. She grew bright red.

"What did he say?" Eowyn asked, being very determined to get an answer.

"Only that he can't have his love and would rather remain friends." Eothain shrugged innocently and Eowyn groaned.

"What an utter fool I have for a brother!" she cursed.

"Eowyn, please. He is an honourable man who stays to his duty." Lothriel tried to calm the blonde but she was still furious.

"No. I refuse to let him marry another! You are the only sister-in-law I accept."

"Eowyn." Lothriel sighed.

"I tell you, I will not let my brother drown in his duties." she announced.

"My lady, I agree with you, but we have to consider what he wants. A forced love isn't good either." Eothain told her, silently reminding her of an old friend of hers. The plan of getting her together with a rider had back-fired terribly.

"Just leave him be, please, Eowyn." Lothriel begged and held onto the blonde's hands. "I don't know much about love but I am certain that if you love someone you only wish for their happiness, even if it means that you have to let them go."

"He does love you, my lady. But he doesn't believe that he has your love. I believe that if you show him, then he will grow more confident." Eothain insisted.

"I will do it myself." Lothriel decided before sheepishly adding. "Please, do not interfere."

"We wouldn't."

Lothriel smiled at the two as they returned her smile with surety. She was glad that she had found friends like this. The men of middle-earth really did come in many forms, as well as enemies and friends, true friends she could trust. And although she knew little to nothing about the blond man before her, knowing that he was close to Eomer and Eowyn made her trust him. She gazed past them, thoughtful when something caught her eye. Up in the distant mountains, a small speck of light shimmered on a peak. Hit with realisation, she started to run.

"Lothriel, where are you going?"

"The beacons are lit!" she yelled back.

NEXT CHAPTER - A mustered Rohirrim and a nightly talk