Chapter Four
Lothiriel had never seen the crowd of hungry people so large, nor so restless as today. The minute they had seen the Prince's daughter with her usual basket of food they had pressed forward, shouting angrily. The servants that had come with her wanted to panic, looking at their Lady for instructions with fear in their eyes.
Lothiriel climbed onto the table to be seen above their heads. "Please, form a line. I cannot serve you all at once." She pleaded, despite the fear growing inside her stomach, her voice remained strong.
Many people did as she said, moving slowly, giving her a hard look. Lothiriel climbed off the table and turned to Borranier, a tall, imposing guard she had accompany her, handing him the basket. "Hold this and protect it well. I fear if I take all the food out at once there will be a riot." She said in a low voice.
"We should go back, my Lady." He protested, taking the basket and eying the crowd with dislike.
Lothiriel shook her head, "No. 'Tis not their fault they are starving." She then took a loaf of beard and began to break off slices. The crowd pushed the line forward, and began shouting but did not threaten the Lady.
Lothiriel began to hand out slices to the children, who were first in line as always. She did not notice her brother and Eomer ride into the square for she was busy with the children. Suddenly, a group of men pushed the children back and moved to the front of the line, the stared at Lothiriel menacingly, holding out their hands, waiting. The crowd roared pushing forward, watching to see what the Prince's daughter would do.
Lothiriel met their eyes coldly, and then handed the bread to Borranier. She moved past them into the crowd and took two children by the hands and leading them to the front of the line. She glared at the men, her grey ice shooting icy daggers. "For shame! They are children! They won't eat much, you can wait or receive none at all." She said coldly, kneeling and handing the children their food.
The crowd fell silent, and all eyes seemed to be on the group of men who had pushed their way to the front. Their faces burned with shame, "My apologies my Lady." One of them mumbled, moving to the back of the line, which was now orderly and calm.
She nodded, and then raised her eyes to the rest of the crowd, "I am doing my best to see that you are fed. But I cannot feed an unruly mob. I thank you for keeping order." She then saw her brother and Eomer standing away from the crowd, watching the scene. A smile spread across her face and she quickly instructed the rest of the servants to distribute the rest of the food.
She then quickly made her way to her brother and threw her arms around him laughing, "Erchirion! You've returned!" She said.
He grinned, "You sound surprised Lothiriel! Have I ever broken a promise to you little sister?" He asked.
Lothiriel laughed, "Well no, but I feared that you may start."
Erchirion smiled, but then became very stern. "Lothiriel, you disobeyed Elphir's orders by coming here. You could have been hurt or worse killed." He scolded.
She raised her chin to meet her brother's eyes, "You said yourself we were alike, I am not allowed to ride out with you, but I would rather die than do nothing."
Erchirion's attempt to be stern melted away with his words being quoted back to him. "Sister, how are we supposed to keep you safe if you insist on putting yourself in danger?" He asked softly.
"I never asked to be kept safe." Lothiriel replied. "Besides, nothing happened. And had I not come, a true riot would have broken loose within these walls." She sighed, "We have enough trouble without internal fighting."
Erchirion met her eyes softly, "Since when have you been so wise, dear sister?"
She laughed merrily, "With brothers like you someone must be!" Her eyes then turned to King Eomer, who had been watching the exchange with respectful distance. "I am sorry my Lord but my brother seems to have forgotten his manners. I am Lothiriel, and I thank a man of the Mark for bringing my dear brother home and I welcome you to Dol Amroth." She smirked at her brother, "For I know Erchirion probably has not remember to welcome you yet."
Eomer laughed as Erchirion made a face at his sister. "Thank you my Lady. I have heard many interesting tales of you from your father and brother."
Lothiriel laughed, "Well I am not as bad as they say."
"No, you're worse." Erchirion teased. "Lothiriel, this Eomer, King of Rohan."
She turned to her brother, "You have covered a great distance in your search, brother." She then bowed to the King. "I am glad you have come to our aid your Highness." She said.
Eomer took her hand and kissed it, the smooth flesh of her hands felt like silk under the brush of his lips. Eomer could not help but notice the Lady Lothiriel had the beauty of her elven ancestors. The high family of Dol Amroth was easily set apart from other men of the south. Some had the golden hair and seemed to radiant the gentle fairness of the elves. Lothiriel was no exception to this rule. Her golden hair gleamed in the sun and her grey eyes sparkled with amusement when she spoke with her brother. However, he had also seen the way they had flashed dangerously when she had confront the crowd. Her fair complexion however, was slightly red with the wind, as if she had spent too much time in the sea air.
"It is a pleasure my Lady." He said his dark eyes meeting hers.
She smiled, "I wish we met in happier times, your Highness."
He nodded, returning her smile. "As do I, my Lady."
She then looked at her brother, "Did you find Father? Did you bring help? Pray tell me, for I have felt deeply cut off from the world for far too long."
Erchirion put a calming hand on his sister's shoulder. "Yes I found Father. Now come, let us return home for Elphir will have your hide if we are gone much longer."
Lothiriel stood her ground, "Not until the rest of the food is distributed."
"Lothiriel, I must tell Elphir news from Gondor and Father's orders. I do not have time for this!" He said sternly.
"Then leave, I was doing fine before." She said simply.
Erchirion glared at his sister, "I refuse to leave you. Those people are desperate! If you run out of food..." He trailed off. "For once will you listen to me?"
Lothiriel glared back, un-intimidated. "No Erchirion, for you are wrong. It is my duty to look after these people as best I can. You may go, but I will stay here."
Erchirion looked angrily at her, "Lothiriel-" He started sternly, but was interrupted by Eomer King.
"My Lord, I would be happy to help the Lady Lothiriel and then escort her back to the Tower." He said, breaking up a deadlock between brother and sister, a situation that reminded him of himself and Eowyn.
Erchirion looked as if he wanted to protest, but knew he was outranked by the King of Rohan, he nodded, "Thank you for your kindness. Lothiriel, you will obey King Eomer's orders." Her brother instructed before turning and leaving the scene.
Lothiriel looked after here brother for a moment, annoyed, but then turned to Eomer. She was surprised by his offer to help her. Most men would have backed her brother. Lothiriel regarded the King of Rohan with interest. She had been surprised to learn he was a King. He seemed more of a soldier to her, his armor well worn and simple, bearing the white horse of Rohan. He wore no crown, or any other sign to indicate he was King. His blond hair was wind-blown and tousled and his face had a light beard and stubble, unlike her father and brothers, who preferred the clean shaved look. She could not help but note that the young King was handsome, although she doubted he would be interested in her. Indeed she must appear extremely stubborn and spoiled, refusing to follow her brothers' orders.
Eomer watched the Lady with interest, he then looked over at the lines of people, "What can I do to help, my Lady?" He asked.
Lothiriel blinked, surprised, "Help?"
The young King held back a laugh, "Yes, that is why I stayed, is it not?"
The Prince's daughter smiled slightly, "If you would like to help you can help me serve this soup." She said, moving back to the table where the servants had set out several large bowls of soup and were serving it to the children who stood waiting with their bowls. She handed Eomer a serving spoon and instructed him on how much soup to give each person, before returning to her own post of cutting slices of bread.
The little children regarded the tall, blond man with odd-looking armor with fascination. Usually the men who accompanied the Lady Lothiriel stood back and watched the crowd with a grim glare, as if daring them to try something. However, this man handed out the soup with a small smile for them each and a kind nod when they thanked him.
One little girl peered up at him with large, curious eyes, "Are you here to make the Corsairs go away?" She asked as Eomer took her bowl.
Eomer laughed, "Yes little one." He said, pouring the soup into her bowl and handing it back to her.
She nodded, satisfied, "Good." She replied. "Thank you my Lord." She said, taking the soup.
"You are most welcome dear Lady." Eomer said, amused.
Lothiriel watched the exchange from her own post and smiled. The King of Rohan was a surprising person. Not at all how she would have imagined a King to be, but it was refreshing. Finally, the food was finished. Lothiriel had measured out just the right amount so that everyone got something and none was left over. The people said their thanks to the Lady of Dol Amroth, and then slowly shuffled off to return to their homes. They were still hungry, but not as starved as before.
The servants said they would clean up and take the baskets home, so Lothiriel and Eomer set off through the streets back to the Tower. They walked, as Eomer lead his horse by the reins, side-by side, Lothiriel pointed out the sights of Dol Amroth as a good hostess should. She then glanced over at the King. His face interested her, it seemed hard at times, but when he spoke to the children it had certain softness to it. She imagined he was a fine warrior.
"You are very good with children." Lothiriel commented.
Eomer looked surprised, "It is rare that I spend time with any."
She smiled, "Well, they seemed to adore you."
"It was just the food I was giving them." He brushed off her compliment.
She shook her head, "No, you enjoyed seeing them. I could tell."
A slight smile played at his lips, "Well, as I said, it is rare that I see any." He looked at her, "But they do have a refreshing innocence, do they not?"
Lothiriel gave him a knowing smile and nodded, "Aye, they do."
His gaze then became very serious, "I saw what you did, the way you faced down those men. That was very brave." He complimented.
Lothiriel felt her face grow hot and was glad it was dusk so he couldn't see her as well as he might in full daylight. "I was not trying to be brave. I was merely doing what I felt was needed." She sighed, "Hungry men will do desperate things, my Lord, but there is still good in them, if you search hard enough."
Eomer regarded the Prince's daughter with a respectful look, "Indeed you are wise, my Lady." He then smiled, looking away. "Wiser than I, I'm afraid."
She turned and her gaze became curious. "You have not been King very long, have you?" She asked.
Eomer looked at her, amused. "Is it that obvious my Lady?"
She laughed, Eomer noted that when she smiled her eyes seemed to light up. "It is your manner my Lord, you seem much less formal than I would imagine a King to be." She then looked at him with a grin on her face, "And I find that quite refreshing."
Eomer returned her smile, "Your guess was quite correct my Lady. I have only been King since March, when my Uncle--" He stopped mid-sentence.
Lothiriel regarded him with sympathetic eyes, "He was slain in battle, wasn't he?" She asked softly.
Eomer nodded, surprised at her observation. "Yes my Lady. Before that, my cousin was slain as well. I was never meant to be King. I fear I am more of a soldier, meant to follow orders, not to give them." Eomer found himself saying. He had never spoken of his fears to anyone, not even Eowyn, but here he was, telling his doubts to a girl he only knew from tales told by her father and brother.
In Lothiriel's eyes he found nothing but warmth as her grey gaze fell on him gravely. She then glanced up at the Tower, and then back to him, "Sometimes King Eomer, life sends us where we least expect it, but I firmly believe there is always a reason." She looked at her hands a moment, as if searching for words. "Although we cannot always see reason behind it." She then looked at him, meeting his eyes. "If life was predictable, would it really be worth living?"
Eomer was once again surprised by the Lady of Dol Amroth's words. He was not sure how to reply. There was hope in her words, and he felt better about things than he had in a long time, although he would never admit it.
Lothiriel caught his gaze and chuckled softly, "There I go again. My brothers tell me I say too much when I get philosophical, and I could seem odd to those unused to my odd ways." She said as the reached the Tower. "Well, here we are! Shall I send for someone to see to your horse your highness?" She asked.
Eomer shook his head, "No, I would rather see to him myself thank you." He smiled at her, "An old soldier habit." He admitted. "Would you show me to your stables my Lady?" Eomer was then surprised by the sudden change in her face. It paled, as if frightened. Eomer quickly glanced over his shoulder, just to make sure some horrible beast was not standing there. "My Lady?"
Lothiriel snapped out of it, afraid of being a bad hostess and offending the King of Rohan, she smiled politely, "Of course your Highness." He smiled, offering his spare arm, "Lead on."
She was about to take it when a booming voice called from the balcony. "Lothiriel!"
The Lady of Dol Amroth turned to see her brother Erchirion standing there watching. "Erchirion, what is it?"
"Elphir would like a word." He said, he eyed Eomer with a strange look that Lothiriel did not recognize in her brother's eyes. "Now."
"I was just going to show King Eomer the stables." She said, glancing at Eomer.
"I will send a servant to do that. Come inside, quickly." He snapped.
Lothiriel shrugged, turning to the King. "I suppose it must be important." She smiled. "He probably just wants to scold me for today."
Eomer laughed, "Very well. Try not to be too hard on them." He teased. Eomer them took her hand and kissed it once more.
Lothiriel felt her face grow hot as his lips brushed her hand and his course beard tickled her flesh. She had to admit it was a pleasant feeling, and she would be blind to not see that the King of Rohan was rather ruggedly handsome. She suddenly found it very hard not to throw her arms around him and melt in his arms. 'Oh pull yourself together girl!' She shouted in her mind. 'You don't even know the man!'
He raised his eyes to meet hers and smiled, "I enjoyed our chat, Lady Lothiriel."
She smiled, "As did I, Eomer King. Thank you for accompanying me."
"The pleasure was mine." He bowed slightly, and opened his mouth but hesitated. "My Lady, perhaps we can walk together, you and I, when the Corsairs are repelled, and you can show me more of the city?" He asked.
She smiled, the look on his face was so vulnerable, not at all what she would have expected from a man of his station. "I would like that very much."
A wide grin spread across his lips. "Good! We shall plan for it then!" His face was joyful and he patted his horse. "Goodnight, my Lady."
"Goodnight, your Highness." She said, she then turned and went up the steps into the Tower, a smile playing at her lips. Heading towards the Great Hall, she knew her thoughts should be of how to get out of trouble with Elphir, but all she could think of was Eomer.
Eomer watched the retreating form of Lothiriel with a full grin. She had agreed to walk with him. He felt like a terribly young man, day- dreaming about his first infatuation with a girl. Her skin had felt like silk beneath his weather-cracked lips, and her grey eyes seemed to change with her thoughts like the stormy sky. She spoke such honest and bold words, not at all what one would expect from a Lady of Dol Amroth, or anywhere in Gondor for that matter. Eomer could not help but wonder how it would feel to kiss those lips that those honest words came from.
As if reading his thoughts and laughing, his horse let out a snort and stamped his foot impatiently. Eomer laughed, coming back to reality and patting him affectionately. "All right old boy, all right! I know I'm being ridiculous." He then looked up at the Tower, "Now where is that stable boy Erchirion was sending?"
Erchirion watched Eomer kiss his sister's hand and stare after her as she retreated into the house. His eyes narrowed, he had enjoyed the young King's company, but now he saw the way the man looked at his sister. Dislike and distrust grew in him like a weed in the wet season. He knew what men were like, and he knew their motives. He was a man after all, only a year older than the King of Rohan. He knew what that man saw in his sister, and disliked the way his eyes watched her as she walked up the stairs. He disliked the way the King was already finding excuses to be near her. Erchirion clinched his fists in rage, he would be civil to the King of Rohan, but Valar help him should he come within twenty feet of his sister, for King or not, Erchirion would pound him into the Earth and send him back to Rohan in a neat little package!
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A/N - Ooh! He's a bit jealous! Anyway, I decided to give Lothiriel blond hair because they kept talking about how fair her father was and how they could see his elven ancestors so I figured I'd give his daughter golden hair to be different. If you have actual proof that it's black tell me so I can change it! This means you must REVIEW!!!!
Lothiriel had never seen the crowd of hungry people so large, nor so restless as today. The minute they had seen the Prince's daughter with her usual basket of food they had pressed forward, shouting angrily. The servants that had come with her wanted to panic, looking at their Lady for instructions with fear in their eyes.
Lothiriel climbed onto the table to be seen above their heads. "Please, form a line. I cannot serve you all at once." She pleaded, despite the fear growing inside her stomach, her voice remained strong.
Many people did as she said, moving slowly, giving her a hard look. Lothiriel climbed off the table and turned to Borranier, a tall, imposing guard she had accompany her, handing him the basket. "Hold this and protect it well. I fear if I take all the food out at once there will be a riot." She said in a low voice.
"We should go back, my Lady." He protested, taking the basket and eying the crowd with dislike.
Lothiriel shook her head, "No. 'Tis not their fault they are starving." She then took a loaf of beard and began to break off slices. The crowd pushed the line forward, and began shouting but did not threaten the Lady.
Lothiriel began to hand out slices to the children, who were first in line as always. She did not notice her brother and Eomer ride into the square for she was busy with the children. Suddenly, a group of men pushed the children back and moved to the front of the line, the stared at Lothiriel menacingly, holding out their hands, waiting. The crowd roared pushing forward, watching to see what the Prince's daughter would do.
Lothiriel met their eyes coldly, and then handed the bread to Borranier. She moved past them into the crowd and took two children by the hands and leading them to the front of the line. She glared at the men, her grey ice shooting icy daggers. "For shame! They are children! They won't eat much, you can wait or receive none at all." She said coldly, kneeling and handing the children their food.
The crowd fell silent, and all eyes seemed to be on the group of men who had pushed their way to the front. Their faces burned with shame, "My apologies my Lady." One of them mumbled, moving to the back of the line, which was now orderly and calm.
She nodded, and then raised her eyes to the rest of the crowd, "I am doing my best to see that you are fed. But I cannot feed an unruly mob. I thank you for keeping order." She then saw her brother and Eomer standing away from the crowd, watching the scene. A smile spread across her face and she quickly instructed the rest of the servants to distribute the rest of the food.
She then quickly made her way to her brother and threw her arms around him laughing, "Erchirion! You've returned!" She said.
He grinned, "You sound surprised Lothiriel! Have I ever broken a promise to you little sister?" He asked.
Lothiriel laughed, "Well no, but I feared that you may start."
Erchirion smiled, but then became very stern. "Lothiriel, you disobeyed Elphir's orders by coming here. You could have been hurt or worse killed." He scolded.
She raised her chin to meet her brother's eyes, "You said yourself we were alike, I am not allowed to ride out with you, but I would rather die than do nothing."
Erchirion's attempt to be stern melted away with his words being quoted back to him. "Sister, how are we supposed to keep you safe if you insist on putting yourself in danger?" He asked softly.
"I never asked to be kept safe." Lothiriel replied. "Besides, nothing happened. And had I not come, a true riot would have broken loose within these walls." She sighed, "We have enough trouble without internal fighting."
Erchirion met her eyes softly, "Since when have you been so wise, dear sister?"
She laughed merrily, "With brothers like you someone must be!" Her eyes then turned to King Eomer, who had been watching the exchange with respectful distance. "I am sorry my Lord but my brother seems to have forgotten his manners. I am Lothiriel, and I thank a man of the Mark for bringing my dear brother home and I welcome you to Dol Amroth." She smirked at her brother, "For I know Erchirion probably has not remember to welcome you yet."
Eomer laughed as Erchirion made a face at his sister. "Thank you my Lady. I have heard many interesting tales of you from your father and brother."
Lothiriel laughed, "Well I am not as bad as they say."
"No, you're worse." Erchirion teased. "Lothiriel, this Eomer, King of Rohan."
She turned to her brother, "You have covered a great distance in your search, brother." She then bowed to the King. "I am glad you have come to our aid your Highness." She said.
Eomer took her hand and kissed it, the smooth flesh of her hands felt like silk under the brush of his lips. Eomer could not help but notice the Lady Lothiriel had the beauty of her elven ancestors. The high family of Dol Amroth was easily set apart from other men of the south. Some had the golden hair and seemed to radiant the gentle fairness of the elves. Lothiriel was no exception to this rule. Her golden hair gleamed in the sun and her grey eyes sparkled with amusement when she spoke with her brother. However, he had also seen the way they had flashed dangerously when she had confront the crowd. Her fair complexion however, was slightly red with the wind, as if she had spent too much time in the sea air.
"It is a pleasure my Lady." He said his dark eyes meeting hers.
She smiled, "I wish we met in happier times, your Highness."
He nodded, returning her smile. "As do I, my Lady."
She then looked at her brother, "Did you find Father? Did you bring help? Pray tell me, for I have felt deeply cut off from the world for far too long."
Erchirion put a calming hand on his sister's shoulder. "Yes I found Father. Now come, let us return home for Elphir will have your hide if we are gone much longer."
Lothiriel stood her ground, "Not until the rest of the food is distributed."
"Lothiriel, I must tell Elphir news from Gondor and Father's orders. I do not have time for this!" He said sternly.
"Then leave, I was doing fine before." She said simply.
Erchirion glared at his sister, "I refuse to leave you. Those people are desperate! If you run out of food..." He trailed off. "For once will you listen to me?"
Lothiriel glared back, un-intimidated. "No Erchirion, for you are wrong. It is my duty to look after these people as best I can. You may go, but I will stay here."
Erchirion looked angrily at her, "Lothiriel-" He started sternly, but was interrupted by Eomer King.
"My Lord, I would be happy to help the Lady Lothiriel and then escort her back to the Tower." He said, breaking up a deadlock between brother and sister, a situation that reminded him of himself and Eowyn.
Erchirion looked as if he wanted to protest, but knew he was outranked by the King of Rohan, he nodded, "Thank you for your kindness. Lothiriel, you will obey King Eomer's orders." Her brother instructed before turning and leaving the scene.
Lothiriel looked after here brother for a moment, annoyed, but then turned to Eomer. She was surprised by his offer to help her. Most men would have backed her brother. Lothiriel regarded the King of Rohan with interest. She had been surprised to learn he was a King. He seemed more of a soldier to her, his armor well worn and simple, bearing the white horse of Rohan. He wore no crown, or any other sign to indicate he was King. His blond hair was wind-blown and tousled and his face had a light beard and stubble, unlike her father and brothers, who preferred the clean shaved look. She could not help but note that the young King was handsome, although she doubted he would be interested in her. Indeed she must appear extremely stubborn and spoiled, refusing to follow her brothers' orders.
Eomer watched the Lady with interest, he then looked over at the lines of people, "What can I do to help, my Lady?" He asked.
Lothiriel blinked, surprised, "Help?"
The young King held back a laugh, "Yes, that is why I stayed, is it not?"
The Prince's daughter smiled slightly, "If you would like to help you can help me serve this soup." She said, moving back to the table where the servants had set out several large bowls of soup and were serving it to the children who stood waiting with their bowls. She handed Eomer a serving spoon and instructed him on how much soup to give each person, before returning to her own post of cutting slices of bread.
The little children regarded the tall, blond man with odd-looking armor with fascination. Usually the men who accompanied the Lady Lothiriel stood back and watched the crowd with a grim glare, as if daring them to try something. However, this man handed out the soup with a small smile for them each and a kind nod when they thanked him.
One little girl peered up at him with large, curious eyes, "Are you here to make the Corsairs go away?" She asked as Eomer took her bowl.
Eomer laughed, "Yes little one." He said, pouring the soup into her bowl and handing it back to her.
She nodded, satisfied, "Good." She replied. "Thank you my Lord." She said, taking the soup.
"You are most welcome dear Lady." Eomer said, amused.
Lothiriel watched the exchange from her own post and smiled. The King of Rohan was a surprising person. Not at all how she would have imagined a King to be, but it was refreshing. Finally, the food was finished. Lothiriel had measured out just the right amount so that everyone got something and none was left over. The people said their thanks to the Lady of Dol Amroth, and then slowly shuffled off to return to their homes. They were still hungry, but not as starved as before.
The servants said they would clean up and take the baskets home, so Lothiriel and Eomer set off through the streets back to the Tower. They walked, as Eomer lead his horse by the reins, side-by side, Lothiriel pointed out the sights of Dol Amroth as a good hostess should. She then glanced over at the King. His face interested her, it seemed hard at times, but when he spoke to the children it had certain softness to it. She imagined he was a fine warrior.
"You are very good with children." Lothiriel commented.
Eomer looked surprised, "It is rare that I spend time with any."
She smiled, "Well, they seemed to adore you."
"It was just the food I was giving them." He brushed off her compliment.
She shook her head, "No, you enjoyed seeing them. I could tell."
A slight smile played at his lips, "Well, as I said, it is rare that I see any." He looked at her, "But they do have a refreshing innocence, do they not?"
Lothiriel gave him a knowing smile and nodded, "Aye, they do."
His gaze then became very serious, "I saw what you did, the way you faced down those men. That was very brave." He complimented.
Lothiriel felt her face grow hot and was glad it was dusk so he couldn't see her as well as he might in full daylight. "I was not trying to be brave. I was merely doing what I felt was needed." She sighed, "Hungry men will do desperate things, my Lord, but there is still good in them, if you search hard enough."
Eomer regarded the Prince's daughter with a respectful look, "Indeed you are wise, my Lady." He then smiled, looking away. "Wiser than I, I'm afraid."
She turned and her gaze became curious. "You have not been King very long, have you?" She asked.
Eomer looked at her, amused. "Is it that obvious my Lady?"
She laughed, Eomer noted that when she smiled her eyes seemed to light up. "It is your manner my Lord, you seem much less formal than I would imagine a King to be." She then looked at him with a grin on her face, "And I find that quite refreshing."
Eomer returned her smile, "Your guess was quite correct my Lady. I have only been King since March, when my Uncle--" He stopped mid-sentence.
Lothiriel regarded him with sympathetic eyes, "He was slain in battle, wasn't he?" She asked softly.
Eomer nodded, surprised at her observation. "Yes my Lady. Before that, my cousin was slain as well. I was never meant to be King. I fear I am more of a soldier, meant to follow orders, not to give them." Eomer found himself saying. He had never spoken of his fears to anyone, not even Eowyn, but here he was, telling his doubts to a girl he only knew from tales told by her father and brother.
In Lothiriel's eyes he found nothing but warmth as her grey gaze fell on him gravely. She then glanced up at the Tower, and then back to him, "Sometimes King Eomer, life sends us where we least expect it, but I firmly believe there is always a reason." She looked at her hands a moment, as if searching for words. "Although we cannot always see reason behind it." She then looked at him, meeting his eyes. "If life was predictable, would it really be worth living?"
Eomer was once again surprised by the Lady of Dol Amroth's words. He was not sure how to reply. There was hope in her words, and he felt better about things than he had in a long time, although he would never admit it.
Lothiriel caught his gaze and chuckled softly, "There I go again. My brothers tell me I say too much when I get philosophical, and I could seem odd to those unused to my odd ways." She said as the reached the Tower. "Well, here we are! Shall I send for someone to see to your horse your highness?" She asked.
Eomer shook his head, "No, I would rather see to him myself thank you." He smiled at her, "An old soldier habit." He admitted. "Would you show me to your stables my Lady?" Eomer was then surprised by the sudden change in her face. It paled, as if frightened. Eomer quickly glanced over his shoulder, just to make sure some horrible beast was not standing there. "My Lady?"
Lothiriel snapped out of it, afraid of being a bad hostess and offending the King of Rohan, she smiled politely, "Of course your Highness." He smiled, offering his spare arm, "Lead on."
She was about to take it when a booming voice called from the balcony. "Lothiriel!"
The Lady of Dol Amroth turned to see her brother Erchirion standing there watching. "Erchirion, what is it?"
"Elphir would like a word." He said, he eyed Eomer with a strange look that Lothiriel did not recognize in her brother's eyes. "Now."
"I was just going to show King Eomer the stables." She said, glancing at Eomer.
"I will send a servant to do that. Come inside, quickly." He snapped.
Lothiriel shrugged, turning to the King. "I suppose it must be important." She smiled. "He probably just wants to scold me for today."
Eomer laughed, "Very well. Try not to be too hard on them." He teased. Eomer them took her hand and kissed it once more.
Lothiriel felt her face grow hot as his lips brushed her hand and his course beard tickled her flesh. She had to admit it was a pleasant feeling, and she would be blind to not see that the King of Rohan was rather ruggedly handsome. She suddenly found it very hard not to throw her arms around him and melt in his arms. 'Oh pull yourself together girl!' She shouted in her mind. 'You don't even know the man!'
He raised his eyes to meet hers and smiled, "I enjoyed our chat, Lady Lothiriel."
She smiled, "As did I, Eomer King. Thank you for accompanying me."
"The pleasure was mine." He bowed slightly, and opened his mouth but hesitated. "My Lady, perhaps we can walk together, you and I, when the Corsairs are repelled, and you can show me more of the city?" He asked.
She smiled, the look on his face was so vulnerable, not at all what she would have expected from a man of his station. "I would like that very much."
A wide grin spread across his lips. "Good! We shall plan for it then!" His face was joyful and he patted his horse. "Goodnight, my Lady."
"Goodnight, your Highness." She said, she then turned and went up the steps into the Tower, a smile playing at her lips. Heading towards the Great Hall, she knew her thoughts should be of how to get out of trouble with Elphir, but all she could think of was Eomer.
Eomer watched the retreating form of Lothiriel with a full grin. She had agreed to walk with him. He felt like a terribly young man, day- dreaming about his first infatuation with a girl. Her skin had felt like silk beneath his weather-cracked lips, and her grey eyes seemed to change with her thoughts like the stormy sky. She spoke such honest and bold words, not at all what one would expect from a Lady of Dol Amroth, or anywhere in Gondor for that matter. Eomer could not help but wonder how it would feel to kiss those lips that those honest words came from.
As if reading his thoughts and laughing, his horse let out a snort and stamped his foot impatiently. Eomer laughed, coming back to reality and patting him affectionately. "All right old boy, all right! I know I'm being ridiculous." He then looked up at the Tower, "Now where is that stable boy Erchirion was sending?"
Erchirion watched Eomer kiss his sister's hand and stare after her as she retreated into the house. His eyes narrowed, he had enjoyed the young King's company, but now he saw the way the man looked at his sister. Dislike and distrust grew in him like a weed in the wet season. He knew what men were like, and he knew their motives. He was a man after all, only a year older than the King of Rohan. He knew what that man saw in his sister, and disliked the way his eyes watched her as she walked up the stairs. He disliked the way the King was already finding excuses to be near her. Erchirion clinched his fists in rage, he would be civil to the King of Rohan, but Valar help him should he come within twenty feet of his sister, for King or not, Erchirion would pound him into the Earth and send him back to Rohan in a neat little package!
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A/N - Ooh! He's a bit jealous! Anyway, I decided to give Lothiriel blond hair because they kept talking about how fair her father was and how they could see his elven ancestors so I figured I'd give his daughter golden hair to be different. If you have actual proof that it's black tell me so I can change it! This means you must REVIEW!!!!