Chapter Eighteen
Lothiriel nervously regarded her reflection in the mirror. The newly sewn green dress fit her form perfectly, she was dressed in the colors of Rohan, a gold necklace sparkled around her neck, and her golden curls were perfectly arranged. She had never looked this refined, this perfect, and yet, Lothiriel still looked for some imperfection, a hair out of place, something wrong.
Eowyn smiled, placing a hand on Lothiriel's shoulder to guide her to a seat. "You look lovely Lothiriel." She said. "You will drive yourself mad looking for what is out of place." She said knowingly.
Lothiriel took a deep breath, "Thank you." She smiled shakily. "Were you this nervous on your wedding day?" She asked.
The two women in the room with her, Queen Arwen and the Lady Eowyn laughed. "Yes!" Eowyn grinned, "If I know my brother he feels the same."
"You will be fine, Lothiriel." Arwen said softly, "Do not be worried." Her voice carried a musical tone, soft and gentle.
Lothiriel took a deep breath, and smiled appreciatively at the two women. Growing up, she had always been surrounded by men, and it was good to hear a female perspective on things. She imagined her brothers would not understand how she felt at this moment. "Thank you." She said.
A knock came at the door, and Eowyn opened it to reveal Imrahil and Erchirion. Both dressed in the colors of Dol Amroth and their tunics bearing the Silver Swan. "Are you ready Lothiriel? Your husband awaits." Her father said, kindly. A strange look came across his face as he regarded his daughter, as if lost in thought.
Lothiriel stood, facing her father and brother. "Yes."
They both smiled warmly, "You look lovely sister." Erchirion said, kissing her hand. "I have never seen you so radiant."
Lothiriel smiled, "I thought you were supposed to be with the rest of the guests, Erchirion." She pointed out.
"I merely came to escort our cousin's wife to her seat." He said innocently. "And to catch the first glimpse of you."
Imrahil smiled, "All right Erchirion, you should find you place."
Arwen stood, "Yes. It is almost time and I believe our husbands will be looking for us soon." She warmly smiled at Lothiriel and took her hands. "You will be fine." She assured her.
Lothiriel smiled back, "Thank you, your Highness." She said, bowing her head.
"Oh please, you will soon be a Queen as well, Arwen will suffice." She said. "I wish you the best of luck." She then left the room, to join her husband, waiting for the ceremony to start.
"Well, Erchirion, since you came all this way, you may as well escort me to my husband as planned." She grinned broadly at the brother, seeing much of Eomer in him. She stopped to embrace Lothiriel. "I look forward to having you as a sister, Lothiriel."
"Thank you Eowyn." Lothiriel smiled warmly. She then quickly hugged her brother once more. "Thank you Erchirion." She said softly.
He smiled, took Lady Eowyn's arm, and they left father and daughter alone for a last moment discussion that could take place only between a father and daughter on her wedding day.
Eowyn smiled at her husband's cousin warmly. "You are taking this awfully well, Erchirion." She complimented. "Eomer had already had a rather interesting conversation with my husband by this point."
Erchirion regarded the White Lady calmly, "Really? Do you recall what he said?"
Eowyn thought for a moment, "I believe he threatened Faramir with disembowelment and a very painful death should he ever dare to cause me pain." She smiled, "Why do you ask?"
Erchirion sighed, "Well, my dear Lady, it appears I am not doing any better than Eomer did at your wedding."
Eowyn laughed, "Well, I suppose all older brothers are the same." She then met her husband, Faramir who smiled fondly at his wife.
"How fares the my dear cousin?" He asked, taking his wife's arm from Erchirion and nodding his thanks.
"Nervous, but that is expected." She replied. "How fares my brother?" She asked as they moved to stand beside King Elessar and Queen Arwen.
"Nervous as well, but he shall be fine." Faramir replied, giving his wife a smile, "I was." He said.
"Yes, I do not believe I have ever seen Eomer quite as pale as he was an hour ago." Aragorn said, smiling at the conversation. "It is odd the way a man can face the hosts of Mordor and Isengard without paling, but marriage can turn him white as snow."
The company all laughed, understandingly, remembering their own weddings, not so long ago and looked around the Hall, waiting for the start of the ceremony. The Golden Hall was draped in the banners of Rohan, decorated to look its very best for the marriage of the King.
Eowyn stepped a bit closer to her husband, speaking softly, "I do hope Eomer will be all right."
Faramir turned to look at his wife, a smile playing at his lips. "He will be fine, Eowyn. I am sure he knows what he is doing." He said, amused at his wife's attitude towards her old brother.
Eowyn smiled, "Yes well, I am not so sure about that." She teased. "And are you sure your cousin can handle my brother? He is rather stubborn."
Faramir laughed, "From what I remember of Lothiriel, they are quite the match."
A hush fell over the crowd as Eomer entered the Hall. He was dressed regally, very much looking the part of a King. However, those who knew him well could tell he was extremely nervous, and looked as if he were about to jump out of his skin with excitement at the same time. He stood at the head of the Hall, before his throne, waiting. The ceremony was about to begin.
It was only a moment, when Imrahil came, Lothiriel on his arm, wearing an expression of emotions that mirrored Eomer's. A murmur went through the Rohirrim Court, commenting on the beauty of their Queen. She blushed slightly and shifted next to her father, who smiled at his daughter, knowingly. They started to walk the center of the Hall towards the King. The guests all bowed their heads, respectfully as they passed.
Eomer came down to meet them halfway, his eyes locked with Lothiriel's for a moment and he gave her a small, nervous smile, which she returned.
Imrahil took a deep breath. "I present the King of the Mark, Eomer, son of Eomund, with my daughter, the Lady Lothiriel of Dol Amroth, as his bride." He took his daughter's hand and placed it in Eomer's, smiling warmly, "I give this union my full blessing, and may it bring much joy to you both until the end of your days." He bowed and stepped back to stand with his son and the other guests.
Eomer took Lothiriel's arm and they slowly walked to the head of the Hall, to stand before the Court and their guests. Eomer then raised a hand and a servant brought a chalice to him, bowing low as he handed it to his King.
Eomer raised the chalice to hail his wife, "Lady Lothiriel, daughter of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, I pledge myself to your side until the end of my days, and will honor you always." He took a drink from the chalice, and then handed it to Lothiriel.
She took it and raised it to honor him. "Eomer, King of Rohan, son of Eomund, I pledge myself to you side until the end of my days, and will honor you always." She replied, taking her drink from the chalice as well. The servant reappeared, taking the chalice from her, bowing low.
Eomer raised her hand, facing the crowd. "Hail Lothiriel, Queen of the Mark!"
All present bowed, hailing the new Queen, whose eyes turned from her husband to the crowd. The couple looked noble and strong as they went to stand on the steps before the citizens of Edoras, who had been waiting for a glimpse of the new Queen patiently since dawn.
As the doors of the Golden Hall opened, a hush fell over the crowd and they watched curiously as their King went to the edge of the steps, his lovely new bride on his arm. They liked her instantly, for the look she was giving the King was one of pure joy and love.
A herald's voice rang out into the air. "Hail Eomer King and Lothiriel Queen of the Mark!" He cried.
The people of Edoras bowed on their knees, not wishing to take their eyes from the sight of their new Queen and their happy King. None could recall a time when Eomer had looked so happy. Indeed something in the warrior King's face softened when he looked upon his wife.
Lothiriel gazed out over Rohan and then moved a bit closer to her husband. "Eomer?" She said softly, her eyes shining.
He turned his head a bit to look at her, his face glowing with happiness. "Yes my love?" He asked, a smile playing at his lips.
She nodded towards the White Mountains, "The sun is setting." She commented. "And you were right, it is beautiful."
His face broke into a full grin and he chuckled softly, remembering their conversation over a year ago, when they had shared their first kiss. "So it is." He said, raising her hand to his lips. "But in my heart, the sun rises."
"Pretty words." Lothiriel commented, returning his smile, "This shall be where I watch the sun set from now on, with you by my side."
Eomer drew her closer, forgetting that they stood before the whole city, "I look forward to it, my Lady." He put his arms around her and kissed her lips.
The entire city let out a cheer, drawing the couple back to reality. They broke apart, a light blush playing at Lothiriel's cheeks, and a sheepish grin tugging on Eomer's lips. He kissed her hand once more, smiling playfully. "My Queen."
Lothiriel laughed lightly, "My King." She returned with a slight curtsy.
A throat cleared behind them, Erchirion stood, scowling, but Lothiriel could see the amusement in his eyes. "Should you two not save such behavior for when you are in private?" He asked, crossing his arms.
Lothiriel exchanged a look with Eomer and stepped closer to her husband's side. "It is his Kingdom." She gave him a smirk, "I was merely obeying the orders of my husband and King."
Erchirion rolled his eyes, laughing, "Do not get used to that Eomer." He teased. "Now come, the wedding feast is prepared."
Still smiling, Eomer offered his wife his arm, which she gladly accepted. The newly wedded couple went into their home to enjoy the company of their guests, and toast to their new union, their thoughts always on their future together, side-by-side until the end of their days.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N- All together now! Awww!! Hehe. Okay, so I hope the wedding scene was okay. I can honestly say I've never been to a Rohirrim wedding, so I sort of made one up! I hope it's okay, and if someone out there knows all about weddings in Rohan feel free to tell me all about it because I'm interested! More notes later because I'm posting this the same time I post the epilogue!
Lothiriel nervously regarded her reflection in the mirror. The newly sewn green dress fit her form perfectly, she was dressed in the colors of Rohan, a gold necklace sparkled around her neck, and her golden curls were perfectly arranged. She had never looked this refined, this perfect, and yet, Lothiriel still looked for some imperfection, a hair out of place, something wrong.
Eowyn smiled, placing a hand on Lothiriel's shoulder to guide her to a seat. "You look lovely Lothiriel." She said. "You will drive yourself mad looking for what is out of place." She said knowingly.
Lothiriel took a deep breath, "Thank you." She smiled shakily. "Were you this nervous on your wedding day?" She asked.
The two women in the room with her, Queen Arwen and the Lady Eowyn laughed. "Yes!" Eowyn grinned, "If I know my brother he feels the same."
"You will be fine, Lothiriel." Arwen said softly, "Do not be worried." Her voice carried a musical tone, soft and gentle.
Lothiriel took a deep breath, and smiled appreciatively at the two women. Growing up, she had always been surrounded by men, and it was good to hear a female perspective on things. She imagined her brothers would not understand how she felt at this moment. "Thank you." She said.
A knock came at the door, and Eowyn opened it to reveal Imrahil and Erchirion. Both dressed in the colors of Dol Amroth and their tunics bearing the Silver Swan. "Are you ready Lothiriel? Your husband awaits." Her father said, kindly. A strange look came across his face as he regarded his daughter, as if lost in thought.
Lothiriel stood, facing her father and brother. "Yes."
They both smiled warmly, "You look lovely sister." Erchirion said, kissing her hand. "I have never seen you so radiant."
Lothiriel smiled, "I thought you were supposed to be with the rest of the guests, Erchirion." She pointed out.
"I merely came to escort our cousin's wife to her seat." He said innocently. "And to catch the first glimpse of you."
Imrahil smiled, "All right Erchirion, you should find you place."
Arwen stood, "Yes. It is almost time and I believe our husbands will be looking for us soon." She warmly smiled at Lothiriel and took her hands. "You will be fine." She assured her.
Lothiriel smiled back, "Thank you, your Highness." She said, bowing her head.
"Oh please, you will soon be a Queen as well, Arwen will suffice." She said. "I wish you the best of luck." She then left the room, to join her husband, waiting for the ceremony to start.
"Well, Erchirion, since you came all this way, you may as well escort me to my husband as planned." She grinned broadly at the brother, seeing much of Eomer in him. She stopped to embrace Lothiriel. "I look forward to having you as a sister, Lothiriel."
"Thank you Eowyn." Lothiriel smiled warmly. She then quickly hugged her brother once more. "Thank you Erchirion." She said softly.
He smiled, took Lady Eowyn's arm, and they left father and daughter alone for a last moment discussion that could take place only between a father and daughter on her wedding day.
Eowyn smiled at her husband's cousin warmly. "You are taking this awfully well, Erchirion." She complimented. "Eomer had already had a rather interesting conversation with my husband by this point."
Erchirion regarded the White Lady calmly, "Really? Do you recall what he said?"
Eowyn thought for a moment, "I believe he threatened Faramir with disembowelment and a very painful death should he ever dare to cause me pain." She smiled, "Why do you ask?"
Erchirion sighed, "Well, my dear Lady, it appears I am not doing any better than Eomer did at your wedding."
Eowyn laughed, "Well, I suppose all older brothers are the same." She then met her husband, Faramir who smiled fondly at his wife.
"How fares the my dear cousin?" He asked, taking his wife's arm from Erchirion and nodding his thanks.
"Nervous, but that is expected." She replied. "How fares my brother?" She asked as they moved to stand beside King Elessar and Queen Arwen.
"Nervous as well, but he shall be fine." Faramir replied, giving his wife a smile, "I was." He said.
"Yes, I do not believe I have ever seen Eomer quite as pale as he was an hour ago." Aragorn said, smiling at the conversation. "It is odd the way a man can face the hosts of Mordor and Isengard without paling, but marriage can turn him white as snow."
The company all laughed, understandingly, remembering their own weddings, not so long ago and looked around the Hall, waiting for the start of the ceremony. The Golden Hall was draped in the banners of Rohan, decorated to look its very best for the marriage of the King.
Eowyn stepped a bit closer to her husband, speaking softly, "I do hope Eomer will be all right."
Faramir turned to look at his wife, a smile playing at his lips. "He will be fine, Eowyn. I am sure he knows what he is doing." He said, amused at his wife's attitude towards her old brother.
Eowyn smiled, "Yes well, I am not so sure about that." She teased. "And are you sure your cousin can handle my brother? He is rather stubborn."
Faramir laughed, "From what I remember of Lothiriel, they are quite the match."
A hush fell over the crowd as Eomer entered the Hall. He was dressed regally, very much looking the part of a King. However, those who knew him well could tell he was extremely nervous, and looked as if he were about to jump out of his skin with excitement at the same time. He stood at the head of the Hall, before his throne, waiting. The ceremony was about to begin.
It was only a moment, when Imrahil came, Lothiriel on his arm, wearing an expression of emotions that mirrored Eomer's. A murmur went through the Rohirrim Court, commenting on the beauty of their Queen. She blushed slightly and shifted next to her father, who smiled at his daughter, knowingly. They started to walk the center of the Hall towards the King. The guests all bowed their heads, respectfully as they passed.
Eomer came down to meet them halfway, his eyes locked with Lothiriel's for a moment and he gave her a small, nervous smile, which she returned.
Imrahil took a deep breath. "I present the King of the Mark, Eomer, son of Eomund, with my daughter, the Lady Lothiriel of Dol Amroth, as his bride." He took his daughter's hand and placed it in Eomer's, smiling warmly, "I give this union my full blessing, and may it bring much joy to you both until the end of your days." He bowed and stepped back to stand with his son and the other guests.
Eomer took Lothiriel's arm and they slowly walked to the head of the Hall, to stand before the Court and their guests. Eomer then raised a hand and a servant brought a chalice to him, bowing low as he handed it to his King.
Eomer raised the chalice to hail his wife, "Lady Lothiriel, daughter of Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth, I pledge myself to your side until the end of my days, and will honor you always." He took a drink from the chalice, and then handed it to Lothiriel.
She took it and raised it to honor him. "Eomer, King of Rohan, son of Eomund, I pledge myself to you side until the end of my days, and will honor you always." She replied, taking her drink from the chalice as well. The servant reappeared, taking the chalice from her, bowing low.
Eomer raised her hand, facing the crowd. "Hail Lothiriel, Queen of the Mark!"
All present bowed, hailing the new Queen, whose eyes turned from her husband to the crowd. The couple looked noble and strong as they went to stand on the steps before the citizens of Edoras, who had been waiting for a glimpse of the new Queen patiently since dawn.
As the doors of the Golden Hall opened, a hush fell over the crowd and they watched curiously as their King went to the edge of the steps, his lovely new bride on his arm. They liked her instantly, for the look she was giving the King was one of pure joy and love.
A herald's voice rang out into the air. "Hail Eomer King and Lothiriel Queen of the Mark!" He cried.
The people of Edoras bowed on their knees, not wishing to take their eyes from the sight of their new Queen and their happy King. None could recall a time when Eomer had looked so happy. Indeed something in the warrior King's face softened when he looked upon his wife.
Lothiriel gazed out over Rohan and then moved a bit closer to her husband. "Eomer?" She said softly, her eyes shining.
He turned his head a bit to look at her, his face glowing with happiness. "Yes my love?" He asked, a smile playing at his lips.
She nodded towards the White Mountains, "The sun is setting." She commented. "And you were right, it is beautiful."
His face broke into a full grin and he chuckled softly, remembering their conversation over a year ago, when they had shared their first kiss. "So it is." He said, raising her hand to his lips. "But in my heart, the sun rises."
"Pretty words." Lothiriel commented, returning his smile, "This shall be where I watch the sun set from now on, with you by my side."
Eomer drew her closer, forgetting that they stood before the whole city, "I look forward to it, my Lady." He put his arms around her and kissed her lips.
The entire city let out a cheer, drawing the couple back to reality. They broke apart, a light blush playing at Lothiriel's cheeks, and a sheepish grin tugging on Eomer's lips. He kissed her hand once more, smiling playfully. "My Queen."
Lothiriel laughed lightly, "My King." She returned with a slight curtsy.
A throat cleared behind them, Erchirion stood, scowling, but Lothiriel could see the amusement in his eyes. "Should you two not save such behavior for when you are in private?" He asked, crossing his arms.
Lothiriel exchanged a look with Eomer and stepped closer to her husband's side. "It is his Kingdom." She gave him a smirk, "I was merely obeying the orders of my husband and King."
Erchirion rolled his eyes, laughing, "Do not get used to that Eomer." He teased. "Now come, the wedding feast is prepared."
Still smiling, Eomer offered his wife his arm, which she gladly accepted. The newly wedded couple went into their home to enjoy the company of their guests, and toast to their new union, their thoughts always on their future together, side-by-side until the end of their days.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N- All together now! Awww!! Hehe. Okay, so I hope the wedding scene was okay. I can honestly say I've never been to a Rohirrim wedding, so I sort of made one up! I hope it's okay, and if someone out there knows all about weddings in Rohan feel free to tell me all about it because I'm interested! More notes later because I'm posting this the same time I post the epilogue!