June 3021

As the sun rose over the horizon, the room began to grow warm and by the time it was high in the sky the heat was unbearable for the king and he could remain in bed no longer. He moved silently from beneath the covers and slipped onto the stone floor. As he reached for his clothes he noticed how they had already been laid out, most likely by Meldis at some unearthly hour that morning. He understood the loyalty the maid showed to his new wife as she had nursed her all her born life, but not had expected it in return. Eomer was accustomed to undressing himself and redressing in the morning, finding his clothes in the same place where he had put them the previous night- which was most likely the floor. His early years spent as Third marshal entitled him to a squire that would help in with caring for his horse but he had never had servants to tend to his daily needs; it was something he was still getting used to.

As he slipped on his breeches they grazed his most intimate area bringing the memories of the night before back to his conscious mind vividly. He smiled inside remembering the warm, lingering kisses he laid on his new wife, and the inexperienced but enthusiastic hands she had employed upon him. Picking up his shirt, freshly clean and ironed smooth, he thought of her equally smooth thighs that she had eagerly wrapped about his waist. He had do stop thinking about her in this lustful way, or he feared he would not be able to continue his day without bedding her again.

As all his thoughts were on his young wife he turned to see if he had woken her during the interim. He hadn't. However he did not expect the sight he was met with. Lothiriel lay restfully on her back; one arm thrown over her head comfortably and the other placed gently over the sheet that covered her small frame and modesty. She looked completely content, peaceful and happy. She even wore a small smile on her face as she lay there still; basking in the warmth of the now midday heat.

Eomer lowered himself on to the chair that once held his neatly folded clothes and watched her whilst she slept. She looked so fragile and innocent in this natural state and he couldn't help but feel protective of her as he saw her chest rise and fall in slow, silent movements. He sighed with satisfaction as he realised that she was his; not to own or to do his bidding, but his for the rest of their lives. This notion made him feel more joy than he had ever felt or known before.

As he continued to watch her sleep there was a small knock at the door. Eomer did not answer as he dared not spoil the view or his own enjoyment. However when there came no reply the owner of the knock entered the room. It was Meldis ready to announce and have breakfast served; Eomer silenced her with a raise of a finger to his lips and the old matron saw her lady still fast asleep. She ordered the servants to deliver the breakfast trays with the show of a hand and without a word, and then curtsied before she followed them from the room.

Reluctant to disturb her peace but understanding that they had to rise to farewell a few of their guests, Eomer walked over to Lothiriel and sat beside her on the bed. Feeling a presence beside her, Lothiriel stirred from slumber; she stretched out both hands above her head attempting to remove the tiredness from them. She looked to the roof of her chamber blinking sleep away from her view; it was only then that she noticed her husband sat next to her. Rolling her head to one side she gazed at him lovingly.

"I am sorry my love, but it is time to get up." Eomer soothed as he stroked her cheek with his hand.

"No, it is not past six yet." She replied playfully.

"I wish it was so." He answered earnestly, "Then I can come back to bed and you can return to sleep."

Lothiriel rested her hand on top of Eomer's and lifted it to her mouth, planting a kiss on his palm. She had never known love like what she shared with him the night before and what was passing between them now.

"Do we have to?" she moaned as she propped herself on both elbows,

"Yes my love." Eomer leant toward her and planted a kiss on her forehead, "Come let us eat some breakfast before we have to go."

The newlywed couple ate in comfortable silence to begin with. Not through awkwardness but as a result of knowing that neither of them needed to speak at that moment. The little silent gestures they offered each other spoke volumes; how Eomer helped his wife into her chair and poured her some weak morning tea; and how Lothiriel let her husband have the first helping of warm sweetened bread, which she had learnt he was fond of. After some time the new Queen was the first to speak,

"What shall we do today?"

The happy King swallowed his mouthful before replying, "I believe we must say farewell to the King and his family this morning, it will not do to well for him to be away long. Then my love we must make preparations for your coronation."

Lothiriel lowered the forkful of food she was about the raise to her lips and tilted her head to one side, "My goodness, I had forgotten. When will that take place?"

"Not for a while I think, I would very much like to spend some time relaxing with you before then." He grinned.

"Where shall we be going?" Lothiriel questioned eagerly,

"I would like to show you my previous home, if it would please you?" he said wistfully, "I grew very fond of Aldburg during my time there and it is secluded enough for two newly married people."

"That sounds wonderful; I would love to learn more about where you came from."

They smiled at each other and continued to finish their morning meal.

That afternoon both King and Queen said goodbye to many of their guests. Imrahil's family remained in Rohan for some days before setting out on their own journey home. That goodbye was difficult for the new Queen. She had never spent more than a few days away from her family, even during the years of war there was always someone she could speak to and spend her time with. For the first time in her life she would be leaving all of them behind and starting out her new life as one of Eomer's family. As she waved them off from the head of the grand staircase outside Meduseld she felt her heart sink slightly, but was reassured when she felt the arm of Eomer wrap around her shoulders tenderly. Leaning into his chest she placed her own limbs about his waist and rested her cheek against his ribcage then exhaled sadly. Eomer looked at his wife dearly and planted a kiss atop her head reassuringly.