To my reviewers - thank you!

Lady Istalri - Me too ;) Feeling like I should write one just for them sometime...

"Fletrest gerum" - roughly translates to "couch room"

Okay, enough house keeping. On with the story!

Chapter 18 - Stumbling

L

Rohan knows how to throw a feast, no doubt! So many intricate horse motifs are laid into the wood of the Golden Hall that I feel almost as if I have stepped into another world. The gold and green hues (and maybe some of the ale) make this place seem like a fairy-land. The Fairy King looks particularly regal tonight.

Oh you mustn't think these things Lothiriel! His uncle has just been laid to rest and do you forget your lack of forgiveness toward him?

Right...why was that?

I think the alcohol has dulled your mind!

That is possible and not at all very unlikely.

Lothiriel watch where-!

I lose my footing on a loose stone and topple over. Luckily, a man is there to break my fall.

'Easy there, Princess.'

I close my eyes and bite my lip in recognition of the voice. Of course. He stands me upright.

'Every apology, my lord.' I don't look at him, preferring to straighten my skirts.

'No need, my lady. How can I complain when a beautiful woman falls right into my lap?'

'I was looking for a place to rest a while.' I cannot think of much besides sitting back down. And I do not wish to banter with him right now.

'Allow me to escort you, then.' He holds out an arm, which I grab hold of quickly.

The Rohirrim around us holler farewells to their new king and he waves back to them. We walk in silence out of the banquet hall, down a few stairs, and into what looks like a room made for lounging. Many couches, large pillows, and hanging cloths litter the area underneath an open roof. The space is lit only by the moon and stars above.

'Which one strikes your fancy?' His voice pulls me out of my musings.

'What is this place?' I can hear the awe in my voice.

'Fletrest gerum. My great-grandfather, Fengel, had it added to the Hall. His wife suffered from an illness which confined her to bed. As I have heard it, she would be brought here to see the sky and feel the warm sun and smell the grass and horses.'

'How lovely. I do believe this is my favorite room of all the rooms I have ever seen.'

'You may visit anytime you like, Princess.' I hear a smile in his voice.

'Please, make yourself at home in whichever you would prefer.'

I finally look at him.

'Thank you, your majesty.'

His eyebrows jump together, almost looking hurt. I cannot fathom what is the matter, so I pick a couch close to the middle of the room. Colors are difficult to see in this light, but I think it to be a dark blue fabric with silver pillows and a great white fur over the back. I sink into the plush cushions easily.

'The colors of my home.'

Eomer sits opposite me on a hanging cloth. I absentmindedly untie the laces of my shoes.

'Do you miss your home? You have not seen it for some time now.'

I lift my bare feet onto the couch, covering them with the end of my dress. The King seemingly takes no notice.

'I do. But I am glad to see other lands. Until now I had not traveled anywhere but to Minas Tirith.'

'And what do you think of the Riddermark?'

'I think it much better than the cold stone of Minas Tirith.'

'Then we are agreed.' His voice is low and he has yet to relax.

'The landscape here is breathtaking. The mountains are so dramatic and the earth so green. I do only wish that I had a view of the sea.'

'Alas, I cannot give you that.'

If I had been more aware, I would have heard the guilt in his voice. And the undue disappointment in my own.

'That is unfortunate.'

He does not answer. I lie back, untroubled, looking at the stars.

'How does it feel to be King of your realm?' I don't know why the question formed in my mind, but I was not enjoying the silence.

He pauses before answering.

'It feels right, yet somehow unearned. I was never supposed to be king. My cousin, Theodred, should have had this task. Yet now that it falls to me…' I hear him sigh.

'Now it no longer matters what should have happened, right?'

'I suppose, yes.'

Another silence. Think of something!

'And now you have need of a queen.' I mean it matter-of-factly. A bachelor king is not good for long. His people will want an heir soon.

'Have I?'

'Soon. The people would prefer it so.'

'A princess, perhaps?'

'Perhaps, if the alliance will be suitable.' I raise my arm behind my head, getting more comfortable. This political talk makes my eyelids heavy.

'But of course. And am I allowed to love my queen?'

'Certainly! A love-match is preferred, particularly since you need heirs.' I cover my mouth to yawn.

'You seem to have given this a fair bit of thought.'

'Well you and I do have a similar duty.' Us royals must think of these things! I close my eyes and smile. This couch is extremely comfortable.

'Duty. Yes, well I think I have more duty calling me at the moment.' He stands up. I turn my head to his movement, but my eyes remain closed.

'I should think a king would.'

'You may stay here as long as you like.' There is a difference in his tone. I hear his footsteps leaving.

'Eomer King!' The footsteps halt.

'Yes?'

'You put on a wonderful party.'

The footsteps shift. A moment of silence. Then they leave again without a word. I attempt to open my eyes again, but they do not obey. I think faintly about my bed at home.

I wake up in an unfamiliar room. The sun fills my face with light and warmth. I try to block it out and discover that my neck is sore. I sit up, remembering the events that led me here.

What did Eomer call this room? Fergith, Fletwith?

Eomer. We had a lovely chat last night. I spoke of Dol Amroth, he told me about his grandmother or great-grandmother. I believe we talked of royal duties. I was so sleepy. I do hope I didn't say anything untoward. Did I talk about babies?

I hear a ruckus in the hall. I put my shoes back on, stretch, and then walk to the open doorway. I cannot see anything here. I want to poke around to find what made the noise, but I do not wish to be seen in my evening clothes!

I will walk to my room as quickly and quietly as possible...but where is it?

I tentatively start down the corridor to the left. I think the Banquet Hall is that way.

Luckily, I manage to find the hallway to my room without a soul finding me. I breathe a sigh of relief and walk more confidently.

Until I hear a door open and a voice calling my name.

'Loth! Where have you been?'

'Good morn, Eowyn.' I try to sound bright and happy.

'Good morn? You had me worried. And still in your evening dress!' Her eyes suddenly narrow, looking me over. Her hands are resting on her narrow hips.

'Lothiriel…' The corners of her mouth turn upwards slowly.

I twist my hands together, feeling exactly how I did that day I was caught with the boy at the beach.

'Where have you been, Loth?' Eowyn is now grinning completely.

'I-I have been sleeping.'

She continued to grin expectantly.

'Of course. Have you been sleeping...indoors?' It looks impossible for her to keep a straight face.

'Yes. Why would I sleep out of doors?'

'No good reason I can think of.' She still has that stupid grin.

'Just tell me where you've been, Loth. I won't make a fuss.'

'There is no fuss to be made.' I am starting to get flustered.

'I simply slept in a different room is all.'

Eowyn folds her arms, still smirking.

'Which room, Loth?'

'I cannot remember the name. Eomer said-.' Eowyn's hands move back to her hips in a flash.

'Out with the king all night, eh?' She looks fit to burst with laughter.

'No! Not all night.' I really am only making it worse for me. I rush the story out.

'I needed to rest and he took me to a very nice room with all these couches and no roof and he left me there. Alone.' I want to be very clear.

'Fletrest gerum?' She seems surprised.

'Yes. It was a lovely room, though the sun woke me much too early.'

Eowyn nods, looking lost in thought.

'Well, you are here now. Let us get you dressed. The Riders are to set out soon.'

'The Riders?'

'Yes child, the King Elessar, his party, and his kin are to set out this morn.'

Yes, now I remember. Father and I are to stay here with Faramir and the Queen Arwen while many of the rest go to their homes.

'I am going to miss our hobbits, Lamb.'

We walk into my chamber.

'So will I. Meduseld will feel quite empty after so many being here. Truthfully, I rather look forward to it.'

'Why is that?' I begin to undo my laces again.

'I am not much for large crowds. I prefer peace and the company of few. My favorite few.' She winks at me. 'Except perhaps the Elf. I know not what to make of her yet.'

I'm not really listening. She is like the older sister I always wanted.

'How lucky I have been to come into this friendship, Lamb.'

'Luck has little to do with it!' She giggles and gives me a quick hug.

'Now, let us get you into some clean clothes!'

Gandalf, King Elessar, the Captains of Gondor, Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn, the rest of the elves, Legolas, Gimli, and the four hobbits all saddle up for the next leg of their journey. Queen Arwen and the Lord Elrond have been walking alone together for a long time. The horses stamp their feet in impatience, while many of their riders seem barely awake. The hobbits babble easily on their little ponies, saying many farewells to their fast-made friends of the Mark.

I stand back, away from the leaving party, with my father. My eyes are puffy from lack of sleep, and my stomach rumbles from lack of food. Arwen and her father reappear from the woods. The queen walks with Elrond to the group of horsemen. Her love bends down from his steed to kiss her. I look away and find Eomer standing nearby atop a hill. He is robed in heavy fabrics of a deep emerald green and lined with white horse hair. A golden crown lays on his head and a white horn hangs at his side. I want to catch his eye, but he will not look in my direction. He is focused on the Company. I turn back to realize that they are close to parting. King Elessar hoists his sword in the air, pointing to the North. Horns sound from the group as the riders begin the journey. I hear another horn, louder and deeper than the others. As Eomer blows, my heart fills with emotion. A bitter-sweet feeling mixes with my confusion. Did he choose to not see me?

After the travelers leave our sights, we all meet again in the Hall, for by now it is nearly lunchtime. I sit at a table with Father, Faramir, and Eowyn. My cousin is already in deep conversation with his uncle about the state of home and when to return. I only hear bits and pieces, waiting for him to return. At last the doors open again and the king strides through the room. I shift slightly to make a space for him to join us. He stops at our table.

'Princes, Sister, how fare you?' He grasps the shoulder of Faramir.

Eowyn twists in her seat to wrap an arm around her brother's waist. Faramir puts a hand to Eomer's arm and Father replies with assent. I look up expectantly at the face of the king, but he does not turn.

'Excellent. I hope the food serves you all well.'

'Will you not join us, soon-to-be brother?'

Please do.

'Nay, kin, I have other business to which I must attend- since I have not a queen to do things for me. Good day!'

Was it just me or did he emphasize the word "queen?" Was this somehow directed at me? And why did he ignore me like that?

As he left the Hall, Faramir and Father returned to their discussion. But Eowyn looked at me quizzically. She keeps her voice low.

'Is there something you need to tell me about last night?'

I lean in closer to her. What do I say? Feign ignorance.

'Whatever do you mean?' Coward.

'He completely ignored your presence! Did you turn him away?'

'No, certainly not. At least, I think not.' I bite my lip. What did I say?

'Well something has happened. And what was that about a queen?'

A memory sparked.

'Oh, I may have said something about his duty to have an heir.'

Eowyn almost choked on her laughter.

'My my, and I thought I was straightforward.'

'Not like that! I think. Oh no, what if-?' I lift a hand to my mouth in awe of what I might have said.

'Worry not, he is likely playing the game with you. Eomer likes a forward woman.'

But a forward woman I am not!

I say nothing else as I eat my portion. Is it a game he wants?

.

.

.

Stumbling indeed! Lothiriel seems to have gotten herself in some trouble...

Sorry for the cliff hanger, but more is coming soon ;)

-Anarwyn