Chapter 11 (begins 7 May, 3020 III)
They lost track of the time and were late coming to the supper table, though no one appeared concerned. In fact, Eomer would swear Eowyn wore a pleased smirk whenever she thought he wasn't looking in her direction. That could only mean they had been spotted in the garden and assumptions – correct ones – had been made. No doubt his sister would be taking all the credit of it as well. Just to annoy her, he made no reference to his change in situation, and pretended to take no particular notice of Lothiriel, difficult though it was to accomplish. Fortunately, Eowyn sat in the opposite direction from Lothiriel at the table, so when he did look at the latter, Eowyn could not see his eyes. He was certain they would give him away if she could.
His efforts had the desired effect, for Eowyn was fairly twitching with curiosity by the end of the meal. She waited for him to request an audience with Imrahil, but instead, he announced, "I am rather weary this evening. Perhaps I will retire early."
Unable to restrain herself, Eowyn exclaimed, "Eomer!"
There was an entire tirade put into that single word, but he managed to hold his countenance as he raised a questioning eyebrow in her direction. "Yes, Eowyn?"
She was so irritated, she couldn't form words, but Lothiriel was consumed with laughter just then and saved her the trouble. "Do not torment your sister so!" Lothiriel chided him. "She only wishes your happiness."
"Actually," Eomer replied, glancing pointedly at Eowyn, "she is as meddlesome as my cousin, but since I am the one who will benefit, she shall get a reprieve. My dear friend Imrahil – may I speak with you privately?"
Clearly Imrahil was in no doubt as to the nature of the conversation. "But of course, Eomer. Come with me to my study." Rising from the table, he added to their companions, "If you will excuse us."
The rest of their number did not argue about their departure and all were grinning like fools, causing Eomer to roll his eyes. Was everyone in on it?
Despite his professed annoyance with Eowyn, the battle of wills they had engaged in over supper had helped ease his tension about this moment. He reminded himself that Imrahil had already agreed to this match in theory, and now had only to formally acknowledge his approval.
The Prince moved directly to the sideboard and poured them each a goblet of wine. After handing one to Eomer, he sat in a comfortable chair and crossed his legs, looking expectantly at the young man. "You have something you would discuss with me?" he prompted.
Eomer nodded, slowly seating himself in a chair that he drew to face the older man. "I realize I am not the first to broach this subject with you, but I…should very much wish to wed your daughter. I swear I will do all in my power to make her happy for the remainder of her life." Perhaps a little direct and succinct, but since they both knew what was to be said on each side, there seemed little reason to draw this out unnecessarily.
Imrahil nodded. "I am very pleased to hear it. I understand that you have had some reservations about how both Lothiriel and I would respond to your proposal, and I can assure you that neither of us finds you wanting in any way. There are differences between our cultures, it is true, but you are an honorable man, a devoted friend and, most importantly of all, you have won Lothiriel's heart. I could not ask for more."
Eomer swallowed hard, before answering huskily. "I thank you. That is most kind of you to say."
"Not kind," Imrahil corrected. "It is the truth. And, now then, I am thinking we should discuss the arrangements sooner rather than later, considering the situation."
"Yes," Eomer acknowledged. "I…if you have no objections, I hope to marry Lothiriel and take her home with me when I depart. It is the way of the Eorlingas to wed within a sennight of the announcement. Eowyn is already here and so I would have family with me, though I will be sorry that Theodred cannot join us as well. But I think it best not to drag him from Rohan again so soon after his return and his marriage. The same is true of Aragorn. However, I do not know what you and Lothiriel will deem essential."
For several minutes, Imrahil contemplated his request. Finally, he replied, "Being as Lothiriel is my daughter, it is somewhat more complicated from our view. I have little doubt Gondor will be scandalized by the quickness of the wedding, though likely they will not be surprised at Lothiriel's agreeing to it! She has never particularly catered to their views of rigid behavior. As Prince of this realm, I am able to perform the marriage, so that is not an issue, but our people would wish for a bit of pomp and festivity to the occasion. Therefore, if you will agree, we will fix the date for next week, and I will set the household to preparing for the wedding and feast – perhaps on the fifteenth?"
"As you wish," Eomer told him, "and if Lothiriel approves. Tell me whatever you need me to do for my part."
Deciding it might be wise to call Lothiriel in to join them, neither was much surprised that she was lingering outside the study. The three set about planning what they wanted in addition to what was probably needed. "It is a little thing, but our people are fond of the royal daughter," Imrahil told them, "and why should we not indulge them in celebrating this event? Certainly it brings us great happiness."
xxx
Just before dawn the next morning, firm knocking at his door awakened Eomer, and he stumbled over to find his betrothed smiling at him, apparently enjoying finding him tousled and half-clothed. "Dress quickly and we will go for a ride on the shore before breakfast. I would very much like to watch the sunrise with you!" she told him, hurrying off without giving him an opportunity to protest.
Not that he would have, he admitted to himself as he pulled on clothing and brushed out his hair, securing it back with a leather tie. He was out the door in less than a quarter of an hour, finding Lothiriel waiting in the entrance hall for him. Together they made their way to the stable, his arm about her shoulders, until they separated to ready their horses.
Lothiriel led the way down a guarded path to the family's private beach. The morning was growing lighter, but the sun had not yet cleared the horizon, so all was still in shadow. They were not on the shore long, enjoying a leisurely canter in the surf, when finally the first rays shone forth and they pulled to a stop to sit side-by-side and watch in silence.
"At last," Lothiriel murmured, causing Eomer to glance questioningly at her. For several moments she did not explain, though she could feel his eyes on her and knew he wished her to do so. At length, she elaborated, "I believe I began to love you almost from the beginning. All around me, people were finding love and marrying, so I had hoped for the same – and…desired that it be with you. But then as time went on, and you steadfastly turned me away, I began to think my feelings were one-sided. I had begun to despair of finding happiness with you until Theodred approached me, and assured me of your regard. And even then it has been difficult to stay optimistic about the outcome – you were so determined that it would not be."
Eomer sighed. "I am sorry for that, my love. You cannot know what torture it was for me. I did not avoid you because I did not want you, but rather because I did, and thought I could never have you. My only recourse seemed to be staying as far from your company as possible and hoping it would pass." He paused, gazing at the sun rising more fully now, and then added, "I hoped I would one day free myself of my feelings for you, but I had reached the conclusion that I would end up alone and unmarried if I could not have you. I would not have inflicted myself on someone else while you held my heart."
It thrilled her to hear his words, so long wished for, and she reached to take his hand. "Let us speak no more of it then. Our pain is now past and we are together, just as we both desired. The future is bright."
Smiling, his eyes crinkling with pleasure, he leaned and kissed her, only giving up her lips when Firefoot shifted restlessly away from the other horse. "I do hope Gondor has no strictures about a man kissing his betrothed. I am not sure I would be able to yield to such a nuisance!" he teased.
She laughed gaily. "They disapprove of overt affection being displayed, it is true, but they have come to expect my ignoring their dictates in such matters! Likely they will mostly be embarrassed that I am ruining your good opinion of all of Gondor with my wanton behavior!"
"Indeed – wanton behavior? That sounds promising!" he chuckled. "Rather than ruining my good opinion, it may in fact secure my undying favor!" Urging Firefoot forward, he led the way in another brisk gallop before they returned to the castle to eat.
xx
At mid-morning, Imrahil announced his daughter's betrothal from the steps of the castle, and criers went into the city to spread the word. Those that had learned of and gathered for the Prince's announcement had seemed surprised, but readily cheered Lothiriel and her chosen husband. Eomer was well-known among the Swan Knights for his deeds on the Pelennor, and thus much had been spoken of him when he visited Dol Amroth.
Once the crowd began to disperse and all made their way back inside, Lothiriel had to excuse herself to attend to household matters, and Imrahil returned to his study to make arrangements with his steward for supplies that needed procuring. Not having any place he particularly needed to be, and his business at Dol Amroth already concluded, Eomer thought he might wander about town and see if he could find a gift of some sort for his bride-to-be. It was customary in the Mark to give one's wife a gift on the morning after their wedding, upon waking, and he thought it would be appropriate for something of Dol Amroth that she could take with her to her new home.
Eowyn confronted him as he started for the stairs, headed back to his room. "What will you wear for the wedding?" she demanded more than asked.
"Clothes, I would think," he replied with a smirk.
She gave him a glare of warning, and shook her finger in his face. "You will be representing the Mark, and marrying one of the highest nobility of Dol Amroth, Eomer. You will not embarrass me or Theodred by dressing inappropriately! Why not wear what you had on for my wedding?"
"Eowyn!" he exclaimed in frustration, "I did not bring everything with me that I had in Mundburg! I sent most of my finery home with Theodred rather than pack it along on a scouting trip!" This wasn't entirely true; he had brought some fine clothes in order to meet with the trade merchants, but she was being so domineering he chose not to tell her that.
Turning on her heel, she started up the stairs, directing him, "Come! Let us see what you have and whether it is sufficient. If not I will have to see to buying something or having something sewn for you. There is not a moment to lose."
"Yes, Eowyn," he said in his most beleaguered, long-suffering voice, giving a sigh. She was like a dog with a bone, and he knew she would not stop until she was satisfied with his attire.
Lothiriel found them still going through his things when it was time for dinner; at least Eowyn was – Eomer was slouched in a chair and looking thoroughly bored. She briefly joined Eowyn in considering the options, and the two decided he needed a nicer tunic and new ceremonial cape for the occasion, so they made plans to do some shopping that afternoon. Knowing that, Eomer decided he had best wait for his own venture into town.
Activity bustled and swirled around Eomer the rest of the day and into the next. He largely felt useless to the endeavor, but knew not what help he could offer. Weddings were not something he had ever spent much time considering. You showed up at the appointed time and place, spoke the words and the deed was done. Clearly, however, it was not that simple from a woman's perspective, so he merely tried to keep out of the way. Fortunately, Amrothos agreed to accompany him the next afternoon, and show him some things he thought Lothiriel might like.
Eomer was rather relieved to escape all the turmoil of the castle. "I have seen nothing like this!" he confessed to his friend. "Even when Theodred wed it was not so frenzied and…grand! And I managed to steer clear of most involvement with Eowyn's preparations."
Amrothos chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. "It will all be over soon enough. Just think how much worse it would be if they had even longer to drag out the planning of it! Could you endure this sort of activity for months on end? I know I could not!"
"So long as the end result is Lothiriel as my wife, I will manage, but it seems a great deal of fuss to achieve that," he avowed.
Amrothos steered him into a shop just then and their attention turned to other matters. They visited many more shops before Eomer found anything that appealed to him as a gift.
A merchant showed him a flat piece of driftwood, worn smooth by the tides, that had a seahorse carved in relief on its face, which was then painted white to make it stand out even more. It had been suspended on a silver chain to enable the owner to wear it upon the breast. The blending of horse and ocean life seemed most appropriate to commemorate the joining of Rohan and Dol Amroth. When Amrothos saw what he held, he nodded approval. "She is certain to love it, my friend. An excellent choice."
Once it was purchased and securely wrapped in cloth, he tucked it safely away, satisfied with the outcome of their venture. It was decided they would walk along the wharf for a while before returning to the castle. Though unsaid, both knew it was more from a desire to avoid the confusion there than a particular wish to see the harbor and the ships bobbing in it.
xx
Erchirion and Amrothos fortunately took it upon themselves to keep Eomer occupied over the next few days. With all that needed doing in preparation for the festivities, he was underfoot more than anything and had little to keep him busy. He would have liked to spend more time with Lothiriel, but much of her day was spent overseeing the household as well as preparing her belongings to be taken with them. It had been decided that she would pack a modest amount for the actual journey over the Dimholt, and the rest would be sent by boat to Minas Tirith and then overland from there. As they did not know all that they would encounter passing over the mountain, they did not want to travel too encumbered.
Eomer also had to make time for a couple of fittings on the clothing Eowyn was having prepared for the wedding, and Imrahil walked him through the brief ceremony that would take place, familiarizing him with the wording of the vows and all that he would need to do for his part.
In and around it all, he was pleased that Lothiriel did make time in the evenings for them to spend quietly talking and coming to know one another better. For all the time they had spent in each other's company, they had not spoken a great deal of things of consequence. It amazed Eomer how much knowing her better only increased his regard for her. He had been right to avoid her when he thought her unattainable – any closer acquaintance and he would have been hopelessly lost to his feelings.
And then, at last, the day arrived. The wedding was scheduled for mid-afternoon, so the gentlemen went for an extended ride in the country round about. As Eowyn was much involved in helping Lothiriel prepare, Faramir joined them and it turned into a very pleasant outing. The two brothers were well familiar with their country and enjoyed showing it to their cousin and Eomer, and it distracted the latter from his nerves about the occasion. Normally he was not given to anxiety, but this whole affair had become much grander than he had expected, and he did not wish to embarrass his bride with any rough manners.
They returned shortly before noon, to eat and allow Eomer time for a bath. He was not particularly dirty, but he did not want the smell of horse to prevail at the event. He soaked for some time in the large sunken bath in his room, reluctantly forsaking it when the water was long cooled. There was nearly an hour still remaining before the ceremony, and so he paced the room to relieve his tension, preferring not to dress too soon and have to protect the clothing from mishap.
At length, Faramir appeared and helped him with his preparations, all the while talking of mundane matters to distract his brother-in-law. They finished only a few minutes before it was time to go, and Faramir stepped back to look him over appraisingly. After a moment, he chuckled. "Yes, I think you will do. I see nothing amiss that will get either of us in trouble with your sister!"
The remark bled off some of Eomer's tension, and he laughed also. "That will be an accomplishment, indeed! She has trained you well in so short a time!"
At the appointed hour, they made their way to the library. The wedding itself was to take place on the front terrace of the castle, and townspeople had been crowding into the plaza for the last couple of hours. They had returned to the castle from the stable by a secluded passage available only to the royal family, as it would have taken too long to pass through the well-wishers. A few swallows of wine further relaxed Eomer, and when the call came to begin, he took a deep breath and followed Faramir to the terrace.
A cheer went up at the sight of him, causing a smile to tweak his mouth, but Faramir was positioning him near Imrahil and he had no time to think on it. And then the whole of the crowd seemed to wait in hushed silence for Lothiriel's appearance. Eomer wasn't sure where to look for her entrance – whether it would be through the same door he had used or another, so his eyes flicked around trying to catch the earliest glimpse possible.
A movement to his right drew his attention there, and the great front door slowly swung open as the musicians began a lovely romantic melody to accompany Lothiriel to her place. The crowd was so overcome at the sight of her that they remained silent, and Eomer well understood why – she was magnificent! Could it be possible this gorgeous creature was to be his wife? Now he better understood how Aragorn must feel when looking at Arwen.
The next moment, though, she flashed him a smile, a teasing glint lighting her eyes, and that was all it took for him to recover himself. This was the Lothiriel he knew, that he loved. She was very much a woman, and he had both held her in his arms and tasted her lips.
She came to take her place before her father, who swallowed hard in an effort to control his emotions at the sight of her. She looked so much like her dear mother at this moment and it was almost more than he could bear.
The couple presented quite a contrast. Eomer stood tall and imposing, wearing the green and gold colors of the Mark, his golden hair shining in the sun. Beside him, Lothiriel was dark and beautiful in an Elvish way, seeming even more delicate next to such a man. As was traditional for those of highest birth, she wore a gown of dove gray, but shot through with silver threads that made it glisten brightly. A dark blue silken cape flowed from her shoulders, a silver swan in the center of it where it draped down her back.
There was no disputing they were a handsome pair, but of most importance to Imrahil as a father was that there was deep love between them. He was something of a rarity among the nobility in that he had married for love rather than duty or advantage. His wife was of course quite acceptable to the Dol Amroth court, but that had not been a factor in his deciding on her as his bride. She had been lost to him much too soon, and he very much hoped that this couple standing before him would have a long life together.
Drawing his thoughts back to the matter at hand, he smiled at the two and then began the ceremony. Wedding vows, as such, were rather simple things. In contrast to all the planning and preparation, followed by the overall festivities that surrounded them, they were almost negligible, and thus were over in only a couple of minutes. Then Eomer was kissing Lothiriel for the first time as his wife, holding her as though she were the most precious thing in all of Middle-earth.
The audience had been silent during the vows, straining to catch every word, but now they loudly cheered their approval, and the noise of it at last separated the lovers. And then the celebrations began. Most of the townspeople would do their own celebrating in town, but many pressed forward to offer congratulations personally and to take the hand of the Prince's daughter and her new husband. His arm firmly about her to keep her safe in the crush of people, the couple waded into the midst of their admirers to greet as many as they could.
"You know," Faramir murmured, pressing a kiss to his wife's temple as they stood watching from the terrace, "I do not believe I have ever seen you weep before this."
Eowyn swiped at her face with embarrassment, hoping her husband had been the only one to notice her emotion. "It is not something I am given to doing, but I am so very happy for him. All my life he has cared for me, especially after the death of our parents. Finally he is thinking of himself and will have someone to look after his needs."
He drew her into his arms, understanding her sentiment. "Then it should please you to know that you had a hand in the happiness he has found. I do not think anyone else could have pressed him to action as you did, my love. Some day, looking back on it, he will be ever grateful for your involvement, I have no doubt."
She laughed, looking up at Faramir. "Not that he is ever likely to confess it! We are an honest and plain-spoken people, but Eomer does enjoy tormenting his sister!"
Faramir raised a teasing eyebrow and asked, "And the same is not true in reverse?"
She smiled and ducked her head, laying it against his chest. "Aye, I must admit it is so!" Reluctantly she drew away to go and set things in motion for the dancing and dining that was to come, so Faramir went to join his cousins and uncle in witnessing the happy scene and receiving well-wishes of their own.
xxxxx
It was a dream. A delicious but piercingly painful dream. He would waken to find she was not snuggled against his side. They had not been married and he had not spent the previous night coming to know this incredible woman in every intimate detail. His eyes would open, the sun would shine and he would feel again the aching longing he had carried with him seemingly forever.
The bed shifted beside him and a warm hand slid across his chest. Part of the dream, he reminded himself. I am not yet awake enough for it to dissipate.
The hand moved upward, gently brushing his hair back from his face. Even if it meant he would awaken, he had to open his eyes and try to see her as she had looked yesterday – and last night – radiant.
His eyelids flickered open, but the image he sought did not vanish. Instead, it smiled at him. "Good morning, my husband," she whispered contentedly, placing a kiss on his shoulder before laying her head there. His arms automatically enfolded her without conscious direction from him.
It wasn't a dream! The knowledge of that was almost too much to bear, and for several minutes he could not speak. Seeming to sense something amiss, she lifted her head and rose up on one elbow to gaze down at him. "Are you well, my love?"
Forcing himself to answer, he huskily told her, "I am more than well. I am wonderful."
Her smile told him she understood what he had left unspoken, and her lips met his eagerly. Time enough for talk later.
Eventually, their day had to begin. Eomer knew it even as much as he regretted it. Not only that, he would need to consider the journey home. Theodred would begin to worry if Eomer did not return and no word was received. Well, at least that could be remedied.
The first order of business, after breakfast in their room with his bride, was to send for two of his Riders. Handing them a hastily scribbled note, he instructed, "Deliver this to Theodred King, but do not mention anything of my marriage. I will tell him of that myself. Understood?"
"Yes, my lord," Walda said with a grin. "You wish to surprise the king with the 'trinket' you bring home from your visit to Dol Amroth?"
Eomer chuckled. "Indeed! Now then, you have seen the map of the path through the Dimholt. Brenross will ride with you to set you on the correct road, this side of the mountain. After that you should have no difficulty, but keep a sharp eye all the same. We know little of this route."
"And is it…safe, my lord?" Walda queried, a little nervously.
"Aragorn assures me it is so. The Dead are gone now, having fulfilled their oath to Gondor's king. It should be nothing more than a passage through the mountains. Do not be concerned. I trust Aragorn's word implicitly. He would not lead us into danger."
When the Riders were gone, Lothiriel came in from the balcony, still fondly fingering the pendant necklace Eomer had given her at breakfast. They had spent the wedding night in the room where she had situated him upon his arrival at Dol Amroth, as it was separate enough from the main part of the castle as to be almost secluded. She moved behind him, wrapping her arms about his neck as he sat in a chair near the writing table. Pressing a kiss to his hair, she asked, "And how shall we spend our first day as husband and wife, love? Can I interest you in a walk along the shore? Soon we will leave, and I will have little further opportunity for such delights of home."
He had grasped her arms as they encircled him, but now drew her around to sit on his lap where he had better access to shows of affection. "I can think of things I would rather do," he murmured huskily, nuzzling at her neck, "but I suppose we must consider other activities as well, and likely our families will wish to see us at some point."
She received his ministrations with pleasure, and their outing was deferred for a time as they renewed their love-making from the previous night.
Later, once more risen and dressed, they ventured forth to accept further congratulations and engaged in the stroll they had earlier discussed. Much of the walk was taken in silence, both content merely to share one another's company in this peaceful setting. After a while, though, Lothiriel observed softly, "I will miss the sea. It is always the same and yet ever changing. One moment it ebbs and flows gently, and the next it is violent with storminess. But," she added firmly, "I know I will come to love the Mark just as surely, and certainly I will enjoy the many long years spent coming to know you completely!"
He drew her into his embrace, considering her words, then told her, "If all goes as Theodred plans, the Dimholt will decrease the amount of time it takes to go between Rohan and Dol Amroth. We will make it a point to visit at least once a year. I would not deprive you of your former home and family here."
She merely squeezed him more tightly in her arms without remark. If children came, as they both intended, that might prove a difficult promise to keep, but at present she was grateful for his determination in the matter.
TBC
2978 Theodred born
2988 Retaleoth born
2991 Eomer born
2995 Eowyn born
2999 Lothiriel born
3002 Eomund killed, Theodwyn dies
3019 Theodred-41, Retaleoth-31, Eomer-28, Eowyn-24, Lothiriel-20, Tilleoth-5
Original Characters:
Athelhad – "noble person" – injured Roh. at M.T.; Thd knew him from his serving at H.D.
Betersel – "more happiness" – Eomer's housekeeper at Aldburg
Brenross – "bold rain" – Swan Knight who guided Eomer from M.T. to Dol Amroth
Cuthwine – "known friend" – Retaleoth's deceased husband; Tilleoth's father
Deorlyft – "precious sky" – Dunhere's widow
Eadgif – "rich gift" – servant at Aldburg in Eomer's house
Eanswith – "one strength" – Erkenbrand's wife
Freobyrne – "free fire" – injured Roh. at M.T.; Thd knew him from his serving at H.D.
Fylscinan – "shine plentifully" – child at H.D.; Tilleoth goes to play with her
Harding – Elfhelm's second in command; carries wounded Theodred to H.D.
Retaleoth - "cheering or comforting song" – eldest daughter of Erkenbrand
Seftebeorn – "pleasant man" – leech at Helm's Deep
Swidhelm – "strong fortress" – Theodred's steward
Tilleoth – "good song" – daughter of Retaleoth
Walda – "power" – Rider in D.A. with Eomer, sent with message to Theodred
Wermund – "protector of truth" – rider in Theodred's escort to M.T.; sings/composes songs
Footnotes:
WEDDING DRESS COLOUR Most brides today marry in white which symbolises maidenhood. This tradition started by the rich in sixteenth century. The tradition was given a boost by Queen Victoria who chose to marry in white instead of silver which was the traditional colour of Royal brides. Before the white dress brides wore their best dress. The colour was a matter of preference. The following is a traditional rhyme offering advice on dress colour:
Married in White, you have chosen right,
Married in Blue, your love will always be true,
Married in Pearl, you will live in a whirl,
Married in Brown, you will live in town,
Married in Red, you will wish yourself dead,
Married in Yellow, ashamed of your fellow,
Married in Green, ashamed to be seen,
Married in Pink, your spirit will sink,
Married in Grey, you will go far away,
Married in Black, you will wish yourself back.