I have been receiving some feedback! Thank you to everyone who reviewed.

Specifically to reviewer "Boramir": I have made sure that Eowyn knows who Imrahil is for the rest of the story, though he isn't a big character. I tried to focus more on my main four than others.

To "Guest": I will try to cut paragraphs more; yes, "E" is from Eowyn's perspective and "L" is from Lothiriel's and that is how I have structured the story; as for the modernity, I am unfortunately a product of my time ;) but I do think the language improves with later chapters. As for the "hair thing," I did mean for the first chapter to be a bit more light-hearted and silly. Eowyn herself remarks on how ridiculous it is to be talking about hair to a princess. I also chose to make Lothiriel very child-like from the sheltered lifestyle she has led.

I hope you will all continue reading and reviewing. I will answer when possible and when it seems necessary. Enjoy!

Chapter 4 - Learning

L

I hear Derebond telling Father of news from Elphir since he and Erchirion returned to Dol Amroth. Father, Amrothos, and I have stayed to support The City until things settle back down, but the ruling family can't leave our home without a royal presence for too long. Derebond receives all news from outside messengers and then relays it to us. He meets with my father daily, always after breaking the nightly fast. Occasionally, he then finds my brothers or me personally. I notice that today is one of those days, as I hear footsteps coming toward me from the other room.

'A message for you, Princess.'

'Happy day! What is it, Dear-ebond?' I love to tease the very serious man. He has yet to acknowledge my cheek.

'The Lady Eowyn has invited you to meet her in the stables.'

'Really? When? Why?'

'Yes, my lady. This afternoon, at two of the clock. I believe she wants to teach you Rohirric horse customs.'

'Goodness, that sounds intimidating. Luckily I have my favorite riding dress with me. Thank you, Derebond.'

'A pleasure, as always, Princess.' He bows to me and leaves the room. I wonder what he does the rest of the day. I have never asked him. Should I? No, too late now. Perhaps next time.

She chose such a lovely day to be outside. Somehow the weather seems to have wanted to celebrate the return of the King ever since the coronation. I was so fascinated by the elf, dwarf, and hobbits that I hardly remember the actual ceremony. But I do recall the comfortable weather. Even today, the breeze is blowing through the open windows of every dwelling on this street.

The sun is kindly beaming on my back as I wander down the many levels of the White City. Such gorgeous marble architecture everywhere, especially in the upper levels. The lower levels are lacking in the neat little gardens I am used to seeing, though. The streets are dirtier, the houses unkempt, but the people I see still have smiling countenances. Money does not make one happy. Safety, friendship, hope- these are what keep the sun in the sky and the- the- oh it's no use. I am no poet, nor author of fine words. I enjoy reading them, but I do not think of such beauties. I leave that for more talented individuals.

But who do I see standing up ahead? A tall man, with very wide shoulders. Seems to be a warrior? And a handsome warrior from what I can see. The wind blows his shining golden hair in front of his face. A Rider of Rohan! How exciting! I wonder if he knows my Eowyn.

'Pardon me, sir knight.' Curtsy.

He shakes his locks back into place.

'Afternoon, miss.' That Rohirric accent again.

His eyes flit over my hair and chest before he smirks a bit, his hair once again being unruly.

He is dead handsome. A slightly darker golden beard covers his chin. His eyes are bright and piercingly blue, like Eowyn's. Lucky Rohirrim.

'Good afternoon.' Smile and keep eye contact.

'May I assist you, my lady?'

'Lothiriel, please.'

'A beautiful name for a beautiful day.' Is that a blush I feel?

'You are most kind. And yes, I am supposed to meet a friend near the stables, perhaps you know her? She is Eowyn, the White Lady of Rohan.'

His smile widens. He does know her!

'I think I could point you in the right direction.'

'You do know her? Isn't she a lovely woman?'

'Until you get to know the real her, I suppose.'

Excuse me?

'Whatever do you mean, sir?'

'Well she can be a bit of a- er, well-' He is getting much uglier by the second. 'What I mean to say is that I know her better than any person. She is my sister.' Sister? But that would make him-

'Your-? Oh, oh my stars, my apologies, your majesty.' The KING? Curtsy for your life!

'Worry not, worry not.' He chuckles, touching my shoulders, and bends his face toward my own.

'Please, do not stand on ceremony here. I have yet to even be crowned, officially.' He is grinning at me. My foolishness.

'If I had known who you were-.'

'You might not have even spoken to me. I am very glad you were unaware, Lothiriel.'

My name sounded foreign on his lips, but not poorly. Rather exciting.

'Thank you, my lord.'

'"Eomer" will do just fine, Princess.'

'You know who I-?' Another voice cuts the air.

'Eomer? Is that you?'

'Wyn! There you are. Our friend here is looking for you.'

'Lothiriel!'

'Hello, Eowyn.' I smile at her, but I can't help the feeling of being caught in the wrong.

She puts an arm around me.

'I see you have met my oaf.'

I can't help but giggle.

'Be polite, Wyn. We are finally in good company.'

Her eyebrow cocks, but she turns to face me, smiling widely.

'Indeed we are. How was your walk, dear?'

'Very satisfying.' My eyes flicker to the king. Why did I do that? Surely she noticed.

'Excellent! Shall we see those stables now?'

Please, anything to get me out of this situation.

'Yes, of course.' She wrapped her arm in mine.

'A pleasure to meet you, Eomer King.'

'All my own pleasure, Lothiriel. Perhaps we will see each other soon.'

Smile, nod, turn. A tingle sped up my spine at the thought of speaking with him again.

Walk, walk, walk. Eowyn is being very quiet. What did she notice? How much had she heard? My heart is still racing.

'I hope my brother has not left you with a poor opinion of the Rohirrim.'

'Certainly not! He was very kind to me.'

'Then I hope he did not make any unwanted wishes known.'

'He was a perfect gentleman. Do you think so poorly of him?' Why am I defending him so?

She merely laughed.

'I love my brother, but he can be, well, let me say "uncouth" at times.'

'I understand. My brothers can be quite the burden occasionally...but I love them, too.'

'Family is a curious affair.' We both laugh. I am back to feeling at ease.

We reach the stables shortly after. The smell is very unpleasant.

'Ready to learn?' Eowyn looks so excited to teach me.

'I am.' This will be interesting.

E

A fast learner. A few more sessions like that and she will be riding like a Shieldmaiden in no time. I still cannot believe she met Eomer alone, at a time that I could do nothing to help! Maybe he is growing up. She seems so delicate. But I care not what she said, if she sees Eomer as any sort of gentleman, she must be in touch with her rougher side. In fact, would outsiders not normally think you to be delicate, too? Do not be so hasty in your assessment of a woman. You know better.

I walk back to my chamber, still thinking about the day. The dinner tonight had been bland. I miss the delightful food I shared with Lothiriel in her home. Well, not her real home. I wonder what Dol Amroth is like? Is it similar to Gondor or completely different? I strain to recall my adolescent education. A seaside city, I believe it is. I have only ever seen paintings of the ocean. I have heard it is beautiful. I hope to see it someday. Perhaps I will receive an invitation from Loth once she returns home. For now, though, I will be the one leaving…

Uh-oh...where is Eowyn going? Chapter 5 on the way...;)

-Anarwyn