A/N - Apologies for the long delay I have been struggling with these next chapters, but hopefully you like them! Mrs E x

August 3019

The following morning the icy wind had returned with a vengeance and threatened to topple any person who dared brave it. Lothiriel was kicking herself for agreeing to ride now that she stood there bracing herself against the elements. She had chosen her warmest cape but still felt the cold as it was currently being whipped around her heels. As she silently cursed the poor weather the great oaken doors of Meduseld open with a loud creak that was just audible over the howling noise. She turned to see Berian stomping out, his face screwed up as the chilly blast struck his face,

"I have been asked by his highness to accompany you this morning princess" he shouted

"Does he really think that necessary Berian?" she argued back.

"If you pardon my Lady, I believe the prince would like you to have a chaperone. Being in a strange country he would prefer it if you had someone acquainted nearby."

Lothiriel rolled her eyes. She had worried that her father would react in this way. She may have won the small battle regarding choosing a suitor that she loved, but Lothiriel knew Imrahil was determined to win the war and have her married off before her next birthday. No doubt learning that she was taking a ride with the young King peaked his interest and he had jumped to the wrong conclusion. His ploy at sending Berian would ensure that full chapter and verse would be relayed to him before the day was out. Sending Meldis or Gûradan would have surely raised her suspicion at the plan; but sending Berian - whom was discreet as he was loyal - would guarantee that both Lothiriel's honour would be safe but his mind would be at ease. Lothiriel could see past the deception, but wouldn't mind the extra company. Knowing how scarce Eomer's conversation had been up to this point; she could rely on Berian to create stimulating discussions.

"Very well." She grumbled. "Be sure to tell him Berian, not to get his hopes up. I can assure you that Eomer King has no desire or claim on me and if any of our previous encounters are to anything to measure, he never will."

The captain chuckled in reply as he knew what Lothiriel spoke was most likely to be true. He had come to learn that despite her outwardly appearances of a quiet, reflecting and poised young lady, the princess was a shrewd, outspoken at times, headstrong woman. Although he shared his liege's insistences to accompany the princess – he knew the Dunlendings still patrolled the borders- he would be a fool to get caught in between their sparring.

As the two continued their exchange, a stable boy arrived with their horses. Lothiriel's horse bore a pale blue mantle bearing the emblem of the prince, its livery had been recently polished to a gleaming shine, and its mane and tail had been bound tightly into intricate braids.

"Why is the horse so overdressed?" Lothiriel said annoyed, "What a sight he looks."

"You father's wish." Berian stammered.

She sighed heavily. It was clear that Imrahil was doing everything in his power to show off his daughter to Eomer, even to the point of dressing up her horse to make it appear more important. Despite his efforts Lothiriel thought it looked like trussed up pony that was ready for a fete where the prettiest and best turned out mount would win. If she wasn't unforthcoming before about the day ahead, she thought she most likely would be by the days end.

"Boy! Where is the King?" Berian demanded.

"In the stables sire, Lord Eomer tends to his own horse." He replied quickly.

No sooner than he had spoken the words there came a loud whinny from the stable entrance and out trotted Eomer on his dapple-grey horse. The horse moved effortlessly from the door across the courtyard to the bottom of the hall stairs; in comparison to her embellished steed he was at least a head taller and more powerful; both horse and rider were matched superbly and Lothiriel could not but admire how the former soldier handled the horse with ease.

Lothiriel and her guard mounted their horses and fell in stride with Eomer and rode from the city out to the open plains of Rohan. They travelled slowly at first as the ground was uneven and yielding in places and they would not risk a mislaid hoof or worse a broken leg. When the grassy landscape became firmer and more level Lothiriel broke into a canter and zipped across the plains her furred cape soaring behind her as her speed increased. Her change in speed caught both Berian and Eomer off guard and they kicked their horses hard to try and catch her. Eomer's war horse was used to charging, and although they weren't hurrying into battle, the animal leant into the new stride quickly and caught up to the princess' mare.

Eomer glanced over his shoulder as he hurtled past her and gave her a wry smile. She returned it with laughter, Lothiriel had heard from her brothers the power and magnificence of the horses from Rohan but had never seen or experienced their true worth till now. She continued to stare at the King and could not help but begin to enjoy the outing. The scenery was breath-taking, different hues and shades of greens mixed with earthy browns and warm yellows brightened up the view despite the grim weather. Lothiriel thought in sunnier times the land would dance in colour just like her homeland did when the waves crashed on the banks and shore causing sprays of dark blue to brilliant whites to cascade over sand and rock.

When they had covered a few leagues Eomer reined his horse to a halt and maneuverer him to face the princess. Berian slowed also, and watched them from afar; he knew his orders but out of respect for the princess he let her have her privacy but was still close enough to gauge what was passing between them.

The king leant forward in the saddle to pat his horse's muscular neck,

"You have some skill in riding my Lady."

"You sound surprised my Lord." Lothiriel retorted, "Or do you not expect women to be accomplished in such things."

"On the contrary, one of the most proficient riders I have known is my own sister."

"Of course." She agreed respectfully, "Well what now my Lord?"

"Now?" he asked confused.

"You have taken the time to stop, is this part of Rohan worth observing."

"All of my country is worth a view," he sounded wounded but then collected himself, "though my opinion is heavily biased."

"Aren't we all of our home my Lord?" she replied lowering her head, her voice tinted by sadness

Eomer nodded in appreciation of her musings but could see an unhappiness in her eyes.

"You are eager to return there soon I expect?" he asked uneasily.

Lothiriel looked up at the question and wondered how he had read her so well,

"Perhaps,"

"Come, a few more leagues ahead there is something worth viewing princess, and you won't be disappointed, I assure you."

Lothiriel beckoned her horse into moving and followed the king across the Eastfold of Rohan.

Berian continued to follow at a distance but kept a watchful eye; he scrutinised the horizon for rogue foes, as years of war and countless battles made him cautious. Even in this time of peace he knew there were still adversaries roaming the lands, and an unarmed female rider would be perfect prey. As they continued to cover ground they reached an embankment that rose up; the three riders climbed the incline and Berian noticed that the grass grew longer here than it had before, and a dense thicket sprouted up one edge of the hill; the perfect place to conceal an attack.

The swan knight heard a rustle from within the heavy growth and stopped his horse to listen where the sound had come from; Eomer also sensed the disturbance and signalled that the princess should halt. The two soldiers were deftly quiet as they both scanned the surrounding areas for signs of movement; seemingly there was nothing…until the ambush.