August 3020

The gardens of Emyn Arnen were decorated in splendour. Flowers of Lissuin and Elenor were twisted into garland wreaths and draped around the outer walls. The finest silk and linens from Minas Tirith covered every table and chair, and lamps forged by the woodland elves twinkled in the trees as the sun light began to wane. The guest began to file into the garden and take their seats. In the place of honour sat the King and Queen of Gondor, whilst the families of the happy couple sat on their respective sides.

Faramir waited expectantly at the head of the aisle, chatting nervously with his eldest cousin, Elphir. The latter had already participated in his own wedding some years earlier -before the years of war- and knew the anxiety that his kin felt now. Would his lady turn up? Would he remember everything expected of him during the ceremony? Was he making the right decision? Faramir knew the answer to the final question; from the moment he had laid eyes on his intended, he knew that she was the woman he was destined to spend his ending years with. As for the other doubts he was a little more tentative.

"Do not worry Faramir; it is just your nerves that trouble you at this moment. Quell them, you have nothing to fear." The prince said soothingly.

"Aye, I know. I am just eager to get proceedings underway. From the day I met Eowyn I knew this day was destined to come, and it could not have come a day sooner." He replied resolutely.

"Then all you need is a little more patience as that desire is about to come true."

Behind a silk curtain, veiled to the guests on the other side were the wedding party completing their final preparations with Eowyn. As she had no female siblings or ladies in waiting, the duties and roles usually bestowed on them were fulfilled by her female friends from Gondor; amongst them were Lothiriel and her sister in-law Calaerdis. The women were in charge of making the final preparations for the bride and to offer her as tradition dictated in Gondor, gifts and advice for the night of her wedding. This was the first ceremony that Lothiriel was allowed to participate in as there had not been many weddings during the war, and when her brother married Calaerdis she was only a small child.

The more experienced women mainly gave kind words and instruction to Eowyn, much of which shocked both the princess and the bride. At that moment neither women could fathom why such delicate information would be given before a bride was about to wed, though they did not allow their faces to reveal their feelings. As the most inexperienced woman there, Lothiriel had decided bearing a gift to her new cousin, was the most appropriate thing she could offer; a crown of Mallos flowers that she had weaved herself and placed upon her head lovingly.

"Mallos flowers, from the vale of Lebennin. They symbol wealth and prosperity, I wish them for you both." she said warmly.

"Thank you Lothiriel. Thank you everyone. I feel well prepared for this day and could not wish to share it with such people other than yourselves." Eowyn replied affectionately.

"Come Eowyn, your brother will be waiting for you." Calaerdis, stated determinedly. The eldest lady there had managed to keep the younger attendants in check all morning, whilst they swooned and cooed over the little practices and traditions of the wedding preparations. She was much alike in mind-set as her husband, the crown prince; caring and kind but utmost traditional and practical.

"I am ready." She replied calmly.

The bridal party walked with Eowyn from behind the partition, carrying the length of her dress towards the entrance of the garden. Eomer was waiting for her and stood proudly, beaming and looking lovingly on his younger sibling as she moved towards him.

"Eowyn, I have never seen you look more beautiful than you do now." He grasped her by the shoulders and kissed her on both cheeks. The delighted King offered his sister his arm, and Eowyn took it graciously. The bridal party all curtseyed to the royal family and passed them to enter the ceremony. Music erupted from the royal harpist and trumpeters inside; as Lothiriel would act as female witness for her friend she walked in last and just in front of Eomer.

As they traversed down the aisle she could feel the man's eyes bore into her from behind. They emitted warmth and a longing desire for the princess, as events had conspired to keep them apart since their last meeting. Only generous worded letters had kept Eomer satisfied over the long months leading up to their encounter. The ceremony was short but filled with heart felt exchanges and loving glances between the couple. After their union had been blessed the guests were seated under the stars - as the sun had finally gone to rest- to eat their evening meal. There were all types of exotic food, some foreign and of elvish origin and others customary of Rohan and Gondor; the couple drank spiced wine in the hope that it would fortify their marriage and union.

Lothiriel found herself sat next to Eomer as official companions of the bride and groom, and whilst Eowyn and Faramir talked with their guests and families, were given their first opportunity to converse.

"You look lovely today Lothiriel." Eomer complimented,

"Surely I do not outshine your sister?" the princess teased.

"Ah, as I am her brother, I should hold no other higher in esteem." He toyed, "But, I do believe you are the most beautiful woman in this room."

Lothiriel blushed at the compliment. The last time she had seen Eomer her mind was quite indifferent of his feelings towards her. Now she was beginning to feel that the long time spent apart, and the tenderly written words she had received from the King, had altered her regard towards him without realising. Before Lothiriel would have accepted the felicitation very differently, but now she was fully aware that what he said was truly earnest and realised she liked hearing the affectionate regards.

"Eomer I," The princess never finished the sentence as they were interrupted by her middle brother, Echirion.

"Sister, may I dance with you?" the prince said innocently,

Lothiriel exhaled silently, she had never known her brother to be so keen on dancing – he much preferred dinking ale and chatting with his comrades,

"Of course brother." She answered civilly.

Erchirion led her to the dance floor and joined another couple from Gondor. The young siblings danced effortlessly and laughed heartedly as they completed the steps, Lothiriel better than her brother. Unbeknownst to her, this had been a ploy designed by her Father and brothers that had worked expertly. Whilst his children danced, Imrahil had taken the opportunity to sit and speak with Eomer. He had consented to him writing to Lothiriel, but that had been many months ago. To what extent and manner they discussed things now, he was blind to it.

"My Lord Eomer, may I sit with you a while?" Imrahil asked cordially,

"Please." The young King replied.

"You will forgive me Eomer, but I must be blunt. You once asked for my permission to write to my daughter, and I feel in my heart that you will be asking me for another approval, not long from now." Imrahil spoke directly as he eager to learn the truth. He would not lie, he was hesitant at first for his daughter to wed the King of Rohan, but as time had passed he had slowly come round to the idea. Indeed he had come to believe Lothiriel would be more happier than he had ever known her to be, if she did in fact marry him.

"Am I wrong Eomer?" he pressed,

Eomer shifted his weight in the chair. It was true he had intended to ask Lothiriel for her hand, but had hoped to ask for her answer first. However, knowing Imrahil's traditional nature, he wasn't so surprised that he had been ambushed by the prince before he had the chance.

"Yes my Lord, you are correct."

Imrahil beamed from ear to ear and placed one had on the Kings shoulder in a fatherly way,

"Then what are you waiting for man, go and ask her!"