21# Silver-white

April 3021, Dol Amroth

Another evening had come and the sun was sinking into the sea, painting the western skies with the colours of fire. Lothíriel had not yet lit any lamps in her chamber, because she liked the waning light and how it danced on the surfaces of things.

It was starting to look bare in her chamber: much of her things had already been packed for the journey north. Chestfuls of gowns, breeches, tunics, cloaks, boots, linens, silverware, jewellery and other imaginable objects would be transported before the bridal escort, but not before her husband-to-be had returned from south and started back for Rohan.

Packing had a curious effect, and that was the growing feeling of detachment as she looked about herself. Though this had been her chamber as long as she could remember, somehow Lothíriel did not feel like belonging there anymore. Her heart had already turned towards future... towards Rohan. When she closed her eyes, she could see the Golden Hall so clearly it felt like she had last been there only yesterday.

She sighed and pushed those thoughts out of her mind, if only for a moment, and ran her fingers over the silky material of the gown before her, resting on a stand. The light of dying day gave it a shimmer almost, and though she had been there for each phase of making it, she still had to wonder at the sight of it. The garment was so beautiful one might almost have believed it was made by Elven hands. More than wonder, though, she had to grin at the thought of how Éomer would look like when he saw her on their wedding day. All things considered the day she'd marry him could not come soon enough.

The thought of him was not entirely without unease, and with a sigh she wandered to the balcony of her chamber. There she stopped to watch the sunset for a moment, and before she even noticed it herself, her fingers were already closing about the golden ring he had given her to pledge their troth. And she looked south, wishing she could somehow have crossed the leagues between Dol Amroth and the war camp somewhere on the deserts of Harad.

Lothíriel knew he was probably all right, and she had nothing to worry about as there were the combined forces of Rohan and Gondor around her beloved. Not only that, but Éomer could very well take care of himself. Yet she could not fight her concern and the feeling she should have been there with him. For with him, the world was somehow much fuller and she felt at home. He made her feel like belonging.

The last rays of sun graced the world for one moment more and then at last Arien's vessel travelled beyond horizon, and night was come. With it a wind, chilly for April, came from the sea, and Lothíriel shivered.

Oh, how I miss you.

A/N: Here's a short scene to let you guys know I'm still alive. Life continues to be pretty hectic, and I took a couple of days of vacation, so I haven't been writing too much lately. I'll try to get the new chapter of A Light that Endures done by the end of the week or the start of the next one at the latest. Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy this little moment of Lothíriel missing her betrothed back in Dol Amroth.

Thanks for reading and reviewing!

Jo - What can I say? There are just so many ways one can tell Éomer and Lothíriel's story. And I just love to write about the Rohirrim!

Wondereye - But what forewarning could there possibly be? At this point, Sapat is the only one who even knows of the plan, and for him it would be a very poor idea to alarm his target beforehand. And if Éomer knew to suspect anything, I doubt he'd be caught in the first place. Then we would not have a story at all. To his knowledge he'll be surrounded by the joined forces of Rohan and Gondor, so there's no reason for him to think he'll be in some serious danger.

I think it is more realistic that there is nothing to warn them of what is to come. Catastrophes like that don't usually make announcements of their coming. Also I think it's more tremendous and devastating because our lovers are so anxious for their life together and all they can see is a bright future before them, and instead there is this horrible unforeseen twist in store.

Kiiimberly - Glad to hear you've joined the ride, though! :)

Talia119 - Bittersweet was exactly what I was hoping to show, so it's good to hear I succeeded. :)