Well, it's Saturday (sort of). As promised, but really long. Don't know how I did it. Well, enjoy!

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: One step Forward, Two steps Back

"Lovisa?" A cool voice asked in her ear. It held a sense of worry, urgency, and panic. Lovisa tried opening her eyes but found that her eyelids were like blocks of solid marble. Unwilling to open at her command.

"Lovisa, please, wake. The darkness has passed!"

Lovisa tried again. Still her eyelids refused to move. Instead she listened as the voice pleaded with her more. Begging for her wake. She listened as the voice told her about the eagles that had come, bearing the good news.

Mordor had fallen. Sauron had fallen. And the men were coming home.

Lovisa tried to move her body, anything. Sometimes she would feel hands brushing across her forehead, lifting her head to let water slide into her mouth. Then lifting her body to change her clothing, adjusting blankets, and brushing her hair. Lovisa tried to move.

Slowly, she did. First it was her fingers. Curling around the linens as she tried to lift her hand. Then finally both hands. The voice noticed and was happy. It was Eowyn that was speaking to her. Eowyn would take her hands and speak to her, excitement in her voice, as Lovisa would squeeze her hand with what she spoke of.

More days passed and then, Lovisa opened her eyes one morning. It was sudden, she could move. A smile spread across her face. She brought her hands up, and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, letting her bare feet touch the cool stone.

She stood unsteadily, her leg twinging with pain as she limped over to the wash basin and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Lovisa gasped and stumbled away. Did she really see what she just saw? Was that really her? Shaking she rose back up and looked into the mirror again.

It was her.

Her face was more gaunt than she remembered. Yet, it was not gruesome. The mane of curling brown hair was a mess as usual, but she looked more mature than she'd ever remembered. Thinner from lack of food, more solemn. Her eyes held her pain.

The door opened and Lovisa turned. Eowyn walked in, a small smile on her lips, but it fell when she saw the bed was empty. Eowyn looked over at Lovisa and gasped. Her hand flew to her mouth, as the bowl of soup she held fell to the floor.

"You're awake!" she beamed.

"Eowyn-"

"You feel well?" she hurried on. "Lovisa! You look well!"

"Is that a surprise?" she asked uncertainly. Eowyn came to her and grabbed her hands, kissing her knuckles.

"Never! But wait! The men are arriving today, do you want to come and greet them?" Eowyn asked. Lovisa hesitated. She would see Eomer. He did not want to see her. Eowyn saw her hesitation, and frowned.

"I will not force you to go."

"I know, Eowyn," she sighed. "I . . . can't go."

Eowyn nodded, her resolve to speak with her brother becoming ever stronger. Eowyn left Lovisa after she helped her get dressed, brushed her hair, and gotten Lovisa a bowl of soup to eat. Lovisa sat on the edge of her bed and listened as cheers and celebrations went up in the city.

It was slow at first but then grew, as the men came up the many levels of the city. Lovisa balled her hands up into tight fists as she pictured it. Too cowardly to go out and face him? To greet Aragorn? She stood with determination and went to the door. Her hand pausing above the door handle.

Eowyn stood near the Citadel as the men rode up. Aragorn, proud and kingly on his horse, followed by her brother, his eyes searching the gathered crowd and settling on her. A smile crossed his face. Next came the Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, clothed in a handsome blue cloak. Beside her Faramir greeted them all.

Only a few short days ago he had pledged a troth to her. He was going to ask Eomer for her hand in marriage at tonights celebrations. The men dismounted and bowed to her, while greeting Faramir.

"I take it you journeyed well?" Faramir said.

"Indeed," Aragorn said clasping their forearms in greeting. "Any news I do not know?"

"Nay, milord."

Eomer approached her and engulfed her in a hug. She laughed and hugged him back. As he pulled away a delighted smile came to his face.

"What is this? What is your cause for such happiness?"

"A safe return of my brother and opened eyes," she replied smiling. Beside her Faramir smiled softly to himself, which Eomer saw.

"Why did you not come down when I sent for you?" he asked. Eowyn's smile slipped.

"Come we must speak alone."

Eowyn led Eomer down the hall, nearing the room of Lovisa. The only way to settle this misunderstanding was to have them both hear and understand each others sides. And for Eomer to know what she did. Finally Eomer stopped.

"Eowyn, where are we going?" he demanded.

"I need to explain something to you," she said. Eomer frowned.

"Explain, what?"

Eowyn sighed, glancing at the door behind her.

"What I did to Lovisa."

Puzzlement crossed her brothers face. She turned and opened the door, finding Lovisa standing right there, frozen. Lovisa gasped as she saw over her shoulder and ducked behind the door. Eowyn looked back at Eomer.

"Please?"

Eomer sighed, his eyes on anything but her.

"Very well," he said and followed her into Lovisa's room. Lovisa was not there. Eowyn went to the door leading to the bathroom, and knocked on it.

"Lovisa? Please come out and let me explain. I cannot when you are not here."

It was silent for a moment. And Eowyn thought she might not open the door. But the door slowly opened and Lovisa stepped out, avoiding Eomer as she took a seat on the edge of her bed facing away from Eomer. Eomer watched her, his face blank of any emotion.

"It was I, Eomer, that forced Lovisa to come to Minas Tirith," Eowyn said.

Eomer looked at her sharply. His face unreadable, as he looked from her to Lovisa.

"What?" he choked out. Eowyn grimaced slightly, wringing her hands as he looked as if he'd been struck. He sank into a chair dropping his head into his hands. Eowyn went to him, getting to her knees and gently taking his hands in hers.

"I am so sorry, Eomer," she told him, "I was selfish, and forced my friend into something she did not want."

"Forced?" came his muffled response. Eowyn nodded, glancing over her shoulder at Lovisa, who sat still facing away, her back straight.

"Indeed. Lovisa had every intention on remaining at Dunharrow. She wanted your trust and to do as you had asked. But I, begged her to come. I made her see that she could not protect me if I was not there. I am at fault not her." Eowyn hoped that her brother would see reason. See the truth of her words.

He lifted his head and looked over her at Lovisa, regret and shame in his eyes. Lovisa still faced away, unwilling to turn and look. Eowyn sighed and stood. Eomer's eyes landed on her, a grim look on his face.

"I am sorry, Eomer. But it is not I that deserves the forgiving." Without another word, Eowyn turned and left the room.

oOo

Lovisa listened as the door opened and closed, leaving her with Eomer. Her hands were still balled tightly in her lap, eyes trained on the window. She would not cry in front of him, she could not. The air was filled with silence as she just listened. Eomer did not seemed to move from where he sat. She could live with that.

It seemed like ages when she heard the scuffing of boots on the stone floor. Immediately she tensed, hunching her shoulders, and waiting for . . . anything.

A hand brushed her hair off her shoulder, gently running over her brown curls. How much she dearly wished to take that hand and kiss it! What she would give to just have him hug her. In her mind she wondered if there was any deal where she could get a hug from him everyday. Yet, that ship had sailed.

"Lovisa?" Eomer asked in a low tone. His voice cracking as he said her name. She nearly groaned, hearing her name in his lips. But she held it in. Slowly she looked up at him, and instantly regretted it. Tears welled up in her eyes. She knew he saw, and quickly hid her face from him. Hiding her face behind her hair.

How weak was she? Silently she cursed herself, in ways that would have Aragorn looking at her with that stern glare of his. Eomer knelt by her. Concern on his face.

"Lovisa? Do not cry, I meant not to hurt you as I did," he told her. That only made the tears worse. She silently begged for him to stop talking. "But I did not know of what had occurred between you and my sister. Lovisa the words I said to you were out of anger, and fear. I do love you."

Lovisa shook her head, trying to still quell her tears.

"No. You said you could never love anyone like me. You said-" she muttered.

"Lovisa. Lovisa," he moaned. "I did not know! Trust me, I do truly love you. I could not stop thinking of you."

"Cut the crap, Lord Eomer," she snapped, "lovey-dovey words won't work on me."

Eomer grabbed her by the shoulders and held her tightly. Then he grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. To her greatest embarrassment.

"Lovisa," he said sternly. "I cannot live without you. I care too deeply for you. Now I realize that what you did was out of love for me and keeping the promise you made to me of watching over Eowyn. Can you forgive me?"

Lovisa swatted his hand away weakly. She refused to meet his eye.

"How do I know what you say is true?" she asked him.

"Can you not trust my word?" he asked with a frown. Lovisa stood suddenly.

"I am too deeply hurt," she told him with an air of sadness, and left. Eomer watched after her, sighing. She was hurt because of him. But somehow he would make it up to her, and make her believe him.

oOo

The next day passed in relative calmness. The city was bustling with the preparation of the coronation of the king. Lovisa was sitting in Eowyn's room, listening as she told her about the local gossip. But mostly, the preparations for the return to Rohan.

"We will be taking Theoden, to bury him," she was saying. Lovisa nodded. "Will you come with us?" At this Lovisa paused, and Eowyn frowned. "Lovisa?"

"I do not think it would be wise," she said slowly. Eowyn's frown deepened.

"Not wise? Whatever for- no!" Eowyn said. "You did not make amends with Eomer?" Lovisa remained silent as she played with the fabric of her gown. "Lovisa, you were supposed to-"

"How can I, Eowyn?" Lovisa asked, raising her eyes to meet hers. "How can I after all that he said to me? It hurt, deeply."

"But he . . . loves you! How can . . . it not be enough?"

"I don't know, Eowyn. I cannot forget it, nor can I ignore it."

Eowyn threw her hands in the air.

"You can forgive!"

"But has he forgiven me? Or has he realized that what he did was wrong, and only apologizing for the accusation?" asked Lovisa quietly. Eowyn sighed, sad and unhappy with the situation. They sat in silence for a while until Eowyn finally spoke.

"Though you may not believe it, Eomer does love you."

Lovisa looked up with a small smile. Almost as if she believed.

oOo

It was a sunny day, and the men were sitting around a table. But at this point in time, they were taking a respite. A meal, and a good stretch. Eomer sat gazing out the window with a frown on his face. He had been distracted today. His thoughts mainly on Lovisa. He had been useless in the planning meeting, as tedious as is was.

Lord Imrahil sank into the chair next to him, a goblet in his hands full of wine. Eomer nodded absentmindedly to him. Imrahil watched him for a moment.

"What are your plans, Eomer, now that you are Rohan's king?" he asked suddenly. Eomer jolted, turning his eyes on the dark haired lord.

"My plans?"

Imrahil nodded and took a sip of his wine. Eomer swallowed thickly.

"I suppose, firstly, that Theoden King must be set to rest and the Mark must be rebuilt. Take inventory on our supplies, and our ills," he said thoughtfully. "We were greatly ravaged."

Imrahil nodded in agreement, taking another sip.

"Have you thought about the long run?"

"Nay, I have not."

"Not a Queen to bear you an heir?" asked Imrahil. Eomer almost smiled. But stopped himself. There was someone, but she was most likely not willing to bear him anything at the moment. Not until he'd won her trust back, and her.

Imrahil took his silence as a no. The lord looked at Eomer appraisingly and nodded to himself.

"I have a daughter," he began. Alarm bells rang in Eomer's mind. He did not want to be betrothed to anyone at the moment. At least not Imrahil's daughter if that was what he was offering. "She is a well mannered lady, and has come to Minas Tirith for Aragorn's coronation. You may want to meet her."

Eomer inclined his head politely. "I will see to it that I may." Imrahil smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. Vaguely Eomer wondered what exactly he was going to do. At least he had not offered her hand in marriage yet.

oOo

Lovisa stood in the crowd near Eowyn. She could see Eomer not far from her, and kept her eyes riveted to the steps where Gandalf, robbed in white was with Aragorn. Aragorn knelt before Gandalf, as Gandalf lowered the crown upon his head.

"Now come the days of the king. May they be blessed," said Gandalf loudly.

Aragorn turned and faced them. Looking like a king, and a smile found its way onto Lovisa's face. As Aragorn gazed at the people gathered, he addressed them all.

"This day does not belong to one man but to all. Let us together rebuild this world… that we may share in the days of peace."

The crowd applauded him.

"Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta," Aragorn sang lowly. He descended the stairs. Lovisa mouthing the words in the Common tongue under her breath.

"Out of the Great Sea to Middle-Earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world," she said. Somehow she had remembered the words. Aragorn passed them, and Lovisa curtsied. Aragorn caste her a warm smile.

He moved further, until he came to the elves, where he greeted Legolas.

"Hannon le," Aragorn said to Legolas. Legolas smiled at him and gestured with his head behind him. Lovisa's face broke into a grin when she saw why. Elrond approached with a flag bearer. But then the bearer came out from behind the banner, and it was Arwen. Lovisa knew that Aragorn was shocked. Elrond nudged Arwen forward, tears blatantly evident in his eyes.

As Arwen approached Aragorn, she curtsied to him, her eyes also filled with tears. But Aragorn lifted her chin, and kissed her. Lovisa smiled. Aragorn and Arwen deserved each other. She found her eyes drifting to Eomer, and saw that he was watching her. Averting her gaze Lovisa felt her face heat up.

Aragorn moved through the crowd until he came to the hobbits. Merry, Pippen, Frodo, and Sam bowed to him but Aragorn shook his head.

"My friends! You bow to no one."

Aragorn bowed to them and everyone followed. Lovisa smiled at them, but was sure that they could not see her.

oOo

"Lov! Lov!" a voice cried to her in the hall. Turning Lovisa grinned as she caught sight of the ever familiar head of tumbling brown curls much like her own.

"Sonia!"

Her little sister leaped into her arms and she hugged her tightly.

"Lov, I missed you!" Sonia said brightly when they pulled apart. Lovisa held her little sister out at arms length.

"Look at you! Did you grow while I was gone?" she asked. Sonia gave her a exasperated look.

"No," Sonia replied in a 'duh' sounding voice.

Sonia was everything Lovisa was not. Gently mannered, well and properly dressed, and more lovely. They shared the same curling brown hair and eyes, save for the abundance of freckles on Lovisa's face. Lovisa frowned.

"I missed you birthday."

"It comes every year, Lov," Sonia said. Lovisa smiled.

"You don't turn fifteen everyday," she said smartly.

"Hush," Sonia said, "Ada wants to see us."

Taking her hand, Sonia led Lovisa to the end of the hall where Aragorn and Arwen stood with Lord Elrond and his two sons, Elladan and Elrohir. Near them were Galadriel and Celeborn.

"Lovisa!" Elrond greeted her. Her embraced her and pulled away, with an appraising eye. "You are thinner and you have a limp."

"I did travel," Lovisa told him seriously. Elrond nodded.

"Aye, you did."

"I cannot believe that you brought Sonia with you!" Lovisa said. Sonia should be back in Rivendell, safe. Elrond frowned.

"For now that conversation is for another time," he said.

"Lovisa!" said Elladan warmly. He hugged her, followed by Elrohir. "Up to no good?"

"Not at the moment," muttered Lovisa, "My reputation precedes me. No one will let me leave the upper levels."

"Worry not, sister, we shall help you in your endeavors," Elrohir beamed. Lovisa gave them thankful smiles.

"Arwen," she said turning to the maiden in question. "It is good to see you."

"You as well, Lovisa," Arwen said in return. Sonia gripped her hand tightly.

"Can you show me around?" she asked. Lovisa nodded with an amused laugh.

Sonia dragged her out of the hall and to the gardens, determined to explore them thoroughly.

oOo

The wedding for Aragorn and Arwen was held the next day. The ceremony was simple, and lovely all the same. For the two lovers everything was finally right. Elrond tried not to show it, but he was devastated. As the two were bound to each other, a cheer went up in the crowd.

Then Aragorn placed the crown of Gondor on her head, making her his Queen. No one objected, and Aragorn was immensely happy.

The celebration was held in the hall. Music filled the air, as Sonia lively chatted with the hobbits. The four were greatly fond of Sonia and answered any of her questions.

"Did you really fight a giant spider?" she asked wide-eyed.

"Aye, I did," Sam told her. Lovisa smiled and watched as couples danced. Tuning her sister out. Legolas came to her and asked her to dance.

She was awful. Her limp only adding to the non-grace of it. He seemed to not mind. She then danced with Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn, each bringing laughter from her. She danced with Elrond, and finally got the chance to talk about bringing Sonia to Gondor.

"Why?" she asked.

"The Eldar are leaving Middle Earth, Lovisa. Sonia cannot stay in Rivendell. The Age of Men has begun, the elves are leaving. It is time that you lived with your own race."

Tears pricked her eyes.

"It's not long is it?" she asked. Elrond offered a small sad smile.

"Aragorn will take care of you both," he said, his eyes drifting over to Aragorn and Arwen where they danced. As the night had deepened they had slowly made their way to the edge of the hall. Ever nearer to the doors. Lovisa couldn't help but smirk. Elrond watched sadly.

"Arwen loves Aragorn, Ada, she made her choice. Let her have her happiness, and you yours," Lovisa said. He raised a brow. "Remember her with love and fondness. She will never truly leave you."

"Lovisa, that is not so," he told her.

"In your heart it is," she countered stubbornly. The corners of Elronds mouth twitched as he tried not to smile. He kissed her brow and continued dancing with her.

Later, Aragorn and Arwen had snuck away into the night. But the celebration did not stop. Lovisa, was asked to dance more, to her dismay. But her partners learned quickly of her poor talent, they just politely ignored it. All were Gondorian Lords. She didn't know if that should make her feel better or not.

But it was then that she saw him. Eomer dancing with the most beautiful woman Lovisa had ever seen. Long flowing dark locks, pale porcelain skin, and deep blue eyes in a stunning gown. She watched as they danced. She laughed, he laughed. Up on the dais, Lord Imrahil watched with what could only be described as pleasure. They looked alike.

Lovisa stumbled slightly and apologized to her partner and excused herself. Running from the dance floor and out into the dark gardens. She ran deep into the flower beds, and to the stone railing overlooking the city, the Pelannor, and the land beyond.

She gasped, placing a hand on her chest to try and steady her beating heart. It beat frantically inside her. Who was that? Why was he dancing with her? How could anyone possibly be that beautiful. And it didn't help that she was tall.

She felt intense jealousy towards the woman, it made her want to take a horse and ride out over the Pelannor and never come back. Better yet, she wanted to hack at something with a sword. How could she be so blind. As she had spoken to Eowyn earlier, and Elrond, she had started to think that maybe Eomer did love her. And that she could forgive him.

But . . . . how could she compare to that . . . woman? He would never look at her again. And with that realization, her heart plummeted in her chest. What could she do now? Nothing. She gripped the stone railing and shut her eyes tightly. Was her luck just that bad?

A twig snapped.

Whirling around she stared wildly into the darkness.

"Who's there?" she demanded.

She was met with silence. Warily she stared into the darkness, hoping that she would be able to see something.

Then someone stepped out of the shadows. Clad in all black they approached her, slowly and calmly. Lovisa tried backing away but found that she was trapped against the rail.

"Stay back!" she commanded.

"Now why would I do that?" asked the figure. The tone was sarcastic, and cynical.

"I'm warning you-"

"What are you going to do? Scream?" the figure said. Lovisa clamped her mouth shut. "Good girl. Now come here."

"No."

"You really don't want to greet your own family?" The figure removed his hood and Lovisa gasped, her eyes growing wide.

"What are you doing here?"

O.O I had to. I am so sorry. But, MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Cliff hanger!

The reviews are AWESOME! Don't worry, I won't keep Lovisa and Eomer apart much longer. I myself am dying to get them back together. I just need that moment where it feels right.

~Chao