Note: Yes, I have two Eomer/Lothiriel stories that happened before this...
and yes, I think you can follow this story without reading them! However, I
have to use this story to advertise my other ones and say: Go read Those We
Love and Dust in the Wind! Go! Hehe.. okay yeah... I'm done. Here's the
story!
What Is Left Behind
Chapter One
Lothiriel stood looking out over Edoras and Rohan as she sun rose over the mountains, painting the world in brilliant colors, sparkling off the morning dew that settled on the grass, winking at her, as if to say good morning. The Queen watched the wind rolling across the tall grass in the fields surrounding the city and smiled to herself. On days like today the grasses and the sparkling dew reminded her of the Sea. Although Lothiriel would not leave her husband and Rohan for anything, she still missed the sound of the waves at Dol Amroth waking her in the morning. She sighed softly, closing her eyes as the wind raced past her, if she tried very hard she could almost hear the gulls crying and the waves pounding on the shore.
The door to the Golden Hall opened and footsteps approached, they seemed to hesitate as they watched her. Lothiriel smiled as she recognized those footsteps, and held out a hand without the need to look. She had heard those steps approaching many times these past few years.
Her hand was accepting and familiar lips brushed her check. She opened her eyes and turned to greet her husband, who had appeared at her side. "Good morning, husband." She said, brushing her hair out of her eyes as it was tossed in the wind.
"Good morning." He returned, smiling warmly. "How did you know it was I approaching?" He asked, curiously, placing a protective hand around her waist.
She gave him a knowing smile. "I always know, Eomer. It's the sound of your steps, I've grown accustom to them. And of course, the there is the feeling I get when you stare at me." She teased.
He laughed, "Forgive me, but when I woke this morning my wife seemed to be missing from our bed. What called you away so early?"
Lothiriel sighed happily, leaning against her husband, it was early and the people of Edoras were just beginning to wake to start their day. "The sun I suppose."
Eomer considered her for a moment, studying her, trying to determine if something was wrong. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Well." She replied. "As I believe is the child." She knew that was what he was hinting at. Ever since she had found herself with-child again the royal couple had felt as if they were walking on eggshells. They had lost their first son, and the grief nearly drove Lothiriel mad. Now Eomer was ever her shadow, watching, worrying that something may harm her, or send her back to those terrible days when she was out of her mind.
Eomer nodded, "That is good. And where is Felarof this fine morning? Dining on my best boots I suppose." He glanced around with a grin, knowing that the small golden dog was never far behind Lothiriel, when he was not causing trouble that is.
Lothiriel gave a small nod to the kitchens where a small group of young children were playing. The little dog was racing around them, trying to catch their ball. Eomer recognized the children as the daughter and sons of their cook, Sirwyn. He vaguely remembered being introduced to them once, Lothiriel probably had insisted. She had a way of learning everyone in the royal household's name, as well as that of their children, spouses, and extended families. "He loves children."
"Well, have him wait a few years. He'll have plenty of our own to play with." Eomer said, placing a hand on where the child was growing within her protectively.
She turned, raising her eyes to meet his for a moment. "Eomer..."
Suddenly, the stillness of the morning was broken as a rider approaching the city caught her attention. He was clearly exhausted, and was clothed in the White Tree of Gondor. "Eomer." She caught her husband's attention and nodded towards the rider.
Eomer turned, his eyes quickly finding him. "A messenger." He said quietly.
"And I fear he may not bring good tidings." Lothiriel replied. "He looks as if he has ridden without rest."
"For several days." Eomer finished her thought, moving to get a better look. He sighed heavily, "Well, I suppose we ought to go inside. I'll have them bring him directly to me."
Lothiriel nodded, straightening her skirts, "And I will have some food brought. I imagine the poor man shall be famish." She gave Eomer an accusing look. "And I know you men never seem to manage to take care of yourselves."
Eomer laughed, "I suppose that is why I have you, my Lady." He said, giving her a mock bow, happy to see she was in a cheerful mood again. Her mood seemed to change often these days, one moment she could be cheerfully joking, and the next she could be close to tears. He was getting better at sensing her moods, but it seemed no man could ever predict the emotions of a pregnant woman.
Lothiriel attempted to look offended, but failed miserably. "Oh right then. Get inside so you can at least look somewhat dignified when the errand-rider is brought before you!" She ordered, attempting to herd Eomer inside.
Laughing, Eomer allowed her to lead him into his own Hall, chuckling to himself, he gave instructions for the Gondorian to be escorted straight to him. Lothiriel, he imagined had gone to the kitchens to make sure some food was brought. Always the welcoming hostess, he mused to himself, settling down at the head of his Hall, awaiting the arrival of whatever news the messenger brought. Lothiriel soon reappeared, and took her place at his side, in her seat less grand, but ever present at his side, as a Queen should be. She smoothed her skirts, and brought some order to her hair in a quick, sweeping motion. With an appraising look at her husband, she leaned over and smoothed his hair as well, receiving a bemused, annoyed look from the King of the Mark.
The doors opened, and the guard bowed to the King and Queen, allowing the Gondorian to come forward. The man looked even more exhausted up close, but he stiffened and approached the King, bowing formally, waiting to be addressed.
"Welcome, Messenger of Gondor. What news from the South?" He asked.
The man spoke as if he had rehearsed his message over and over again on his rider to Edoras. "Eomer King, long has your kin been a friend of Gondor, and I fear that friendship is needed once more. Osgiliath has been over run. Dark forces have once again gathered strength within their fortress of Minas Morgul and threaten our lands." He bowed once more, removing a black-feathered arrow, with the tip pointed red and presenting it to the King.
Lothiriel let out a small gasp as her husband took the arrow, carefully into his hands. Eomer glanced at her, and their eyes both held the same knowing look. They both knew that only the under the gravest of circumstances would King Elessar send the Red Arrow. The situation must be desperate if he would send such a summons.
"Surely they did not catch you unawares? Surely you must have had some idea what was massing in the East?" Eomer asked the man, his eyes moving from his wife, to the arrow and back again to the exhausted errand- rider.
"My Lord, as soon as my King learned of their massing he gathered his forces to meet them. However, the enemy moved swiftly, striking before we were ready. The Swan-Lords of Dol Amroth sailed up the river with a small fleet, only to meet bitter defeat, as did our troops from Minas Tirith. The Swan-Prince himself was injured in the battle." He reported, in a dead sort of tone. The tone of a man who had faced utter defeat, as was now sick with it all.
At this news Lothiriel's eyes widened, her face paled, and Eomer reached across to grip her hand, giving her strength. She spoke for the first time since the man's arrival, her voice shaking slightly with worry. "Prince Imrahil, was he badly wounded?"
The man's eyes fell upon the fair Queen, and he gazed at her for a moment, then as if remember she was the daughter of Imrahil, his gaze softened. "Nay, my Lady. He is well cared for and they believe he will recover fully." He assured her, before returning his gaze to Eomer. "However, King of the Mark, the situation is desperate. To free the city my King needs the Riders of Rohan once more. Will you ride out to him and aid Gondor once more?"
Eomer exchanged a look with Lothiriel once more. The last thing he wanted to do was leave her side as the child grew within her. However, the threat in Gondor, if left unchecked, may continue into his lands. He would have to face it sooner or later, and Gondor, not to mention Elessar was a friend. He would have to help them, whether he wanted to or not. Lothiriel met his gaze evenly, and at that moment he knew she understood. Dol Amroth was in her veins, and she wanted Gondor to be at peace. She knew that her husband would have to ride with his men, and despite the fear that she may lose him; her gaze was even, knowing, and met his with quiet strength.
Eomer stood, and Lothiriel rose as well, at his side as if to support what he was about to say. "Send word for the Marshals of the Mark to gather their forces and make haste to the Great West Road, I shall meet them at the borders of Firien Wood in one weeks time with my men as well. From there, we make haste to Gondor and to War." He ordered to one of his own messengers, ever waiting for his orders. The man bowed and quickly went to ready his horse for the swift ride across Rohan.
The Gondorian bowed low, relief spreading across his features, "Gondor thanks you, Lord of the Mark. I shall inform my King." He turned to go, but was stopped.
Lothiriel's voice rang out across the Hall, firm yet gentle. "Wait errand-rider of Gondor. You have had not had a decent meal in days. Stay and rest a night in comfort before returning to your King." She said, nodding to where a servant had placed a meal for the man. "You will be no good to Elessar falling down from exhaustion and hunger."
He looked as if he might protest, but Lothiriel raised a hand silencing him. "As Queen of the Mark I insist you rest here before you leave, and I know King Elessar would not appreciate one of his men refusing a royal order of Rohan."
The man seemed to have his argument die before it left his lips, he bowed with a small smile, "Thank you, good Queen of the Mark." He said, turning to be cared for by waiting kitchen maids.
With that taken care of Lothiriel quickly excused herself from her husband, who was conferring with his ministers, and made her way to the servants' halls, there was much to be done and it was best if the work started as soon as possible. If her husband and the Riders of Rohan were to go to war in Gondor, she would see to it they had plenty of supplies. It was the least she could do, left behind at Meduseld.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N- Welcome to round three of torturing Eomer and Lothiriel! Yay! Okay, so I wasn't actually going to post this until I finished the story... but Kat emailed me and I got excited that someone emailed me, so I figured I'd be nice and give you the first chapter! I'm going to be a good little girl and try to stay two chapters ahead at all times. Which is quite interesting considering these chapters are actually longer than what I usually do. In Those We Love I have like four chapters by now! Anyway! I figured since I actually have a plan this time I could go ahead and post rather than finish the whole story then post. Actually finishing the whole story would make more sense, because then I could go back and change things, but then again I did all my planning and replanning on my nice little story outline (which is multi-colored! Yay!) So I'm pretty sure I won't change anything unless someone shows me a HUGE plot hole.... in that case I will go back!
Anyway! Hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Please review as I really do read them and take things to heart and TRY to improve :-) And believe it or not.... they help! I mean, read my Legolas story and compare how I wrote two years ago to now! It's pretty amusing! I hope I've improved since then.... Anyway! My point is (oh yes, I have a point :-) Please review! I love reviews! And I love emails :-) And if you review, I will be more likely to give you results :-) Note, this entire chapter is posted because Kat sent me an email. Get the hint? I do actually read and listen to them and they inspire me! I know I should write for myself, and I do, but it's so much more fun to know people actually read this stuff!
Oh yeah, I'm also beta reader shopping. Although I'm not entirely sure what a beta reader does... so if someone could let me know what a beta reader does exactly (I'm thinking they proofread.... which would be nice as I never catch my own little oops moments) or if they want the job... or both! Email me, review and tell me, IM me, whatever. Hey! You get to read the next chapter before everyone else (all two of you I'm sure) isn't that worth it? :-)
Review! Review! Review! I'll send you lots of hobbit stew!
What Is Left Behind
Chapter One
Lothiriel stood looking out over Edoras and Rohan as she sun rose over the mountains, painting the world in brilliant colors, sparkling off the morning dew that settled on the grass, winking at her, as if to say good morning. The Queen watched the wind rolling across the tall grass in the fields surrounding the city and smiled to herself. On days like today the grasses and the sparkling dew reminded her of the Sea. Although Lothiriel would not leave her husband and Rohan for anything, she still missed the sound of the waves at Dol Amroth waking her in the morning. She sighed softly, closing her eyes as the wind raced past her, if she tried very hard she could almost hear the gulls crying and the waves pounding on the shore.
The door to the Golden Hall opened and footsteps approached, they seemed to hesitate as they watched her. Lothiriel smiled as she recognized those footsteps, and held out a hand without the need to look. She had heard those steps approaching many times these past few years.
Her hand was accepting and familiar lips brushed her check. She opened her eyes and turned to greet her husband, who had appeared at her side. "Good morning, husband." She said, brushing her hair out of her eyes as it was tossed in the wind.
"Good morning." He returned, smiling warmly. "How did you know it was I approaching?" He asked, curiously, placing a protective hand around her waist.
She gave him a knowing smile. "I always know, Eomer. It's the sound of your steps, I've grown accustom to them. And of course, the there is the feeling I get when you stare at me." She teased.
He laughed, "Forgive me, but when I woke this morning my wife seemed to be missing from our bed. What called you away so early?"
Lothiriel sighed happily, leaning against her husband, it was early and the people of Edoras were just beginning to wake to start their day. "The sun I suppose."
Eomer considered her for a moment, studying her, trying to determine if something was wrong. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Well." She replied. "As I believe is the child." She knew that was what he was hinting at. Ever since she had found herself with-child again the royal couple had felt as if they were walking on eggshells. They had lost their first son, and the grief nearly drove Lothiriel mad. Now Eomer was ever her shadow, watching, worrying that something may harm her, or send her back to those terrible days when she was out of her mind.
Eomer nodded, "That is good. And where is Felarof this fine morning? Dining on my best boots I suppose." He glanced around with a grin, knowing that the small golden dog was never far behind Lothiriel, when he was not causing trouble that is.
Lothiriel gave a small nod to the kitchens where a small group of young children were playing. The little dog was racing around them, trying to catch their ball. Eomer recognized the children as the daughter and sons of their cook, Sirwyn. He vaguely remembered being introduced to them once, Lothiriel probably had insisted. She had a way of learning everyone in the royal household's name, as well as that of their children, spouses, and extended families. "He loves children."
"Well, have him wait a few years. He'll have plenty of our own to play with." Eomer said, placing a hand on where the child was growing within her protectively.
She turned, raising her eyes to meet his for a moment. "Eomer..."
Suddenly, the stillness of the morning was broken as a rider approaching the city caught her attention. He was clearly exhausted, and was clothed in the White Tree of Gondor. "Eomer." She caught her husband's attention and nodded towards the rider.
Eomer turned, his eyes quickly finding him. "A messenger." He said quietly.
"And I fear he may not bring good tidings." Lothiriel replied. "He looks as if he has ridden without rest."
"For several days." Eomer finished her thought, moving to get a better look. He sighed heavily, "Well, I suppose we ought to go inside. I'll have them bring him directly to me."
Lothiriel nodded, straightening her skirts, "And I will have some food brought. I imagine the poor man shall be famish." She gave Eomer an accusing look. "And I know you men never seem to manage to take care of yourselves."
Eomer laughed, "I suppose that is why I have you, my Lady." He said, giving her a mock bow, happy to see she was in a cheerful mood again. Her mood seemed to change often these days, one moment she could be cheerfully joking, and the next she could be close to tears. He was getting better at sensing her moods, but it seemed no man could ever predict the emotions of a pregnant woman.
Lothiriel attempted to look offended, but failed miserably. "Oh right then. Get inside so you can at least look somewhat dignified when the errand-rider is brought before you!" She ordered, attempting to herd Eomer inside.
Laughing, Eomer allowed her to lead him into his own Hall, chuckling to himself, he gave instructions for the Gondorian to be escorted straight to him. Lothiriel, he imagined had gone to the kitchens to make sure some food was brought. Always the welcoming hostess, he mused to himself, settling down at the head of his Hall, awaiting the arrival of whatever news the messenger brought. Lothiriel soon reappeared, and took her place at his side, in her seat less grand, but ever present at his side, as a Queen should be. She smoothed her skirts, and brought some order to her hair in a quick, sweeping motion. With an appraising look at her husband, she leaned over and smoothed his hair as well, receiving a bemused, annoyed look from the King of the Mark.
The doors opened, and the guard bowed to the King and Queen, allowing the Gondorian to come forward. The man looked even more exhausted up close, but he stiffened and approached the King, bowing formally, waiting to be addressed.
"Welcome, Messenger of Gondor. What news from the South?" He asked.
The man spoke as if he had rehearsed his message over and over again on his rider to Edoras. "Eomer King, long has your kin been a friend of Gondor, and I fear that friendship is needed once more. Osgiliath has been over run. Dark forces have once again gathered strength within their fortress of Minas Morgul and threaten our lands." He bowed once more, removing a black-feathered arrow, with the tip pointed red and presenting it to the King.
Lothiriel let out a small gasp as her husband took the arrow, carefully into his hands. Eomer glanced at her, and their eyes both held the same knowing look. They both knew that only the under the gravest of circumstances would King Elessar send the Red Arrow. The situation must be desperate if he would send such a summons.
"Surely they did not catch you unawares? Surely you must have had some idea what was massing in the East?" Eomer asked the man, his eyes moving from his wife, to the arrow and back again to the exhausted errand- rider.
"My Lord, as soon as my King learned of their massing he gathered his forces to meet them. However, the enemy moved swiftly, striking before we were ready. The Swan-Lords of Dol Amroth sailed up the river with a small fleet, only to meet bitter defeat, as did our troops from Minas Tirith. The Swan-Prince himself was injured in the battle." He reported, in a dead sort of tone. The tone of a man who had faced utter defeat, as was now sick with it all.
At this news Lothiriel's eyes widened, her face paled, and Eomer reached across to grip her hand, giving her strength. She spoke for the first time since the man's arrival, her voice shaking slightly with worry. "Prince Imrahil, was he badly wounded?"
The man's eyes fell upon the fair Queen, and he gazed at her for a moment, then as if remember she was the daughter of Imrahil, his gaze softened. "Nay, my Lady. He is well cared for and they believe he will recover fully." He assured her, before returning his gaze to Eomer. "However, King of the Mark, the situation is desperate. To free the city my King needs the Riders of Rohan once more. Will you ride out to him and aid Gondor once more?"
Eomer exchanged a look with Lothiriel once more. The last thing he wanted to do was leave her side as the child grew within her. However, the threat in Gondor, if left unchecked, may continue into his lands. He would have to face it sooner or later, and Gondor, not to mention Elessar was a friend. He would have to help them, whether he wanted to or not. Lothiriel met his gaze evenly, and at that moment he knew she understood. Dol Amroth was in her veins, and she wanted Gondor to be at peace. She knew that her husband would have to ride with his men, and despite the fear that she may lose him; her gaze was even, knowing, and met his with quiet strength.
Eomer stood, and Lothiriel rose as well, at his side as if to support what he was about to say. "Send word for the Marshals of the Mark to gather their forces and make haste to the Great West Road, I shall meet them at the borders of Firien Wood in one weeks time with my men as well. From there, we make haste to Gondor and to War." He ordered to one of his own messengers, ever waiting for his orders. The man bowed and quickly went to ready his horse for the swift ride across Rohan.
The Gondorian bowed low, relief spreading across his features, "Gondor thanks you, Lord of the Mark. I shall inform my King." He turned to go, but was stopped.
Lothiriel's voice rang out across the Hall, firm yet gentle. "Wait errand-rider of Gondor. You have had not had a decent meal in days. Stay and rest a night in comfort before returning to your King." She said, nodding to where a servant had placed a meal for the man. "You will be no good to Elessar falling down from exhaustion and hunger."
He looked as if he might protest, but Lothiriel raised a hand silencing him. "As Queen of the Mark I insist you rest here before you leave, and I know King Elessar would not appreciate one of his men refusing a royal order of Rohan."
The man seemed to have his argument die before it left his lips, he bowed with a small smile, "Thank you, good Queen of the Mark." He said, turning to be cared for by waiting kitchen maids.
With that taken care of Lothiriel quickly excused herself from her husband, who was conferring with his ministers, and made her way to the servants' halls, there was much to be done and it was best if the work started as soon as possible. If her husband and the Riders of Rohan were to go to war in Gondor, she would see to it they had plenty of supplies. It was the least she could do, left behind at Meduseld.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N- Welcome to round three of torturing Eomer and Lothiriel! Yay! Okay, so I wasn't actually going to post this until I finished the story... but Kat emailed me and I got excited that someone emailed me, so I figured I'd be nice and give you the first chapter! I'm going to be a good little girl and try to stay two chapters ahead at all times. Which is quite interesting considering these chapters are actually longer than what I usually do. In Those We Love I have like four chapters by now! Anyway! I figured since I actually have a plan this time I could go ahead and post rather than finish the whole story then post. Actually finishing the whole story would make more sense, because then I could go back and change things, but then again I did all my planning and replanning on my nice little story outline (which is multi-colored! Yay!) So I'm pretty sure I won't change anything unless someone shows me a HUGE plot hole.... in that case I will go back!
Anyway! Hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Please review as I really do read them and take things to heart and TRY to improve :-) And believe it or not.... they help! I mean, read my Legolas story and compare how I wrote two years ago to now! It's pretty amusing! I hope I've improved since then.... Anyway! My point is (oh yes, I have a point :-) Please review! I love reviews! And I love emails :-) And if you review, I will be more likely to give you results :-) Note, this entire chapter is posted because Kat sent me an email. Get the hint? I do actually read and listen to them and they inspire me! I know I should write for myself, and I do, but it's so much more fun to know people actually read this stuff!
Oh yeah, I'm also beta reader shopping. Although I'm not entirely sure what a beta reader does... so if someone could let me know what a beta reader does exactly (I'm thinking they proofread.... which would be nice as I never catch my own little oops moments) or if they want the job... or both! Email me, review and tell me, IM me, whatever. Hey! You get to read the next chapter before everyone else (all two of you I'm sure) isn't that worth it? :-)
Review! Review! Review! I'll send you lots of hobbit stew!