It was early morning and the sun was just beginning to rise
upon Edoras. Servants were beginning to stir, going about their daily
tasks. Lothiriel had been up already for some time for although Eomer had
left two weeks earlier, she still was not accustomed to sleeping alone. It
was strange how large their bed seemed to have grown without his presence.
Besides, she would much rather distract herself with matters of state than
lie awake worrying about her husband. Every morning she would rise early
and set to planning which tasks she would carry out, and to prepare herself
for the day. She would also make a note of what had transpired the day
before to be sent to her husband. She wanted to make certain it was clear
that Eomer knew all that was taking place in Rohan while he was away.
Although she was Queen she knew perfectly well that some still viewed her
as a foreigner to the land, and she knew resentment might arise from being
ruled by a foreign queen. Therefore she made certain that it was known that
Eomer was King, and in control of the country, and that Lothiriel was
merely acting on his behalf. Lothiriel smiled at the thought, she knew her
husband most likely would pitch most of her detailed notes into a corner of
the tent and never once give a thought to what he would call "trivial
matters", but at least she made an effort.
Lothiriel paused in her writing suddenly. Her swelling belly had given her a strange twinge. She placed a hand and felt it once more. The babe was kicking. She took a deep breath and whispered a quick prayer of thanks. She knew that the kicks were a sign of the child's health, and felt such relief that tears came to her eyes.
Felarof, who had been resting at her feet, perked his ears, as if to question his mistress. Smiling, Lothiriel reached down to rub his soft golden ears. "Tis a good sign Felarof." She told the dog softly. "A good sign indeed."
Her thoughts once again turned to Eomer and it pained her that he should miss this. He had been so concerned about her health and the child's when he had left, it seemed a shame he would not hear of this sign of the child's health for several weeks, even should she send a messenger right away. She of course, would do no such thing. A child in the womb kicking its mother was no great emergency, and while she knew Eomer would want to hear the news, she would not trouble him with it. He had been so pleased when their last child had begun to kick. He seemed fascinated that one who had not even drawn its first breath could make its presence known. However, for this child Eomer might miss the birth entirely. He may even miss the child's whole life should something happen to either once of them.
Lothiriel quickly closed her eyes, banishing all such thoughts from her mind. She would not think of losing her husband or child. To Lothiriel it seemed if she did not entertain the thought that Eomer may die in battle, or the child may not come to term or die in infancy like her last son, that it would not come to pass. She merely chose to continue about her daily tasks, but she could not keep her thoughts at bay forever. Eventually, they came to her and she spent sleepless nights wrestling with her fears.
Fortunately, a distraction appeared quickly this time. A soft knock came at her chamber door. Lothiriel quickly wiped her face of the tears she was not aware of shedding and composed herself, drawing a deep breath and straightening in her chair. "Yes?" She called, letting her visitor know they could enter.
Her young personal maid, Hathawyn, entered with a cheerful smile, "Good morning my Lady." She greeted. Hathawyn had been with the household for almost two years now, and adored her Lady Queen. She was young, only about eighteen years of age, and was a dear friend. However, she made such a fuss over the Queen since finding out her Lady was with child, that Lothiriel often teased the girl that she was worse than her husband. "Do tell me you have not been awake long?"
Lothiriel gave the maiden a knowing smile, "If I have will you fuss?" She asked, setting aside her work.
"Of course I will." Over the past year Hathawyn had grown bold, enjoying her friendship with the Queen. She also was in dept to the Queen, for in her service Hathawyn had received an education that was rare for a woman of her status. Hathawyn was the daughter of a noble Rohirrim family that lived in the Eastfold. Her Father had sent her into service with the Queen and to live at the Rohirrim court until she married. The girl had known how to run a house, but she had never been taught to read or write. For it had not been deemed important for her to learn such things. Lothiriel had seen to it that the girl learnt, and in the past two years she had made significant progress. Hathawyn would often sit with the Queen and read to her, especially with Eomer away at war. With her new skills she had gained a great deal of confidence, which made her bolder than many would believe fitting for a handmaiden of the Queen to be, but Lothiriel enjoyed her company, and if anything, encouraged her to speak her mind.
Lothiriel laughed, "The child is well Hathawyn. It has already begun to kick within me." She confided.
Hathawyn grinned widely and clapped her hands with girlish excitement. "That is wonderful news my Lady!" She said. "I shall have your gowns let out more today. I believe you shall soon be needing it!"
With a laugh Lothiriel placed her hand over her belly. "I am becoming unusually large, aren't I?"
Hathawyn only smiled, "I would not know, my Lady." She said, choosing to remain safe and not comment. "Well, I came to see if you needed my assistance preparing for the morning, but you seemed to be quite in control of things, as usual."
Lothiriel smiled, "Thank you Hathawyn. Now, I believe the Council is waiting for me?" She said, standing and quickly bringing order to her skirts.
Hathawyn nodded, "Yes my Queen. I shall see the seamstress about your dresses. Have a good morning." She bobbed a quick curtsy and went about her chores.
Lothiriel smiled, thanking her once more, and headed to the Hall to see about her morning tasks.
The advisors were already bustling about, talking amongst themselves in hushed tones. Lothiriel paused for a moment, watching them. From the urgency in their voices something important must have happened. She cleared her throat and made her way to the throne, bringing herself to full height and calling upon her years of training in decorum to look as noble as possible.
"Good morning my Lords. I trust you found the morning agreeable?" She called in greeting, settling herself in her usual seat beside the throne. Eomer had told her it would be perfectly acceptable as acting ruler to sit in his throne, but Lothiriel could not bring herself to do so.
They murmured their greetings, and waited politely for the Queen to ask them for their report, and allowing her to settle herself. Lothiriel looked over each of their faces, and found a great deal of worry in each one. Fear gripped her heart and her back stiffened. "What news?" She asked sharply.
Leodmund stepped forward. It was typical that he would speak for the advisors. He had a way with words that privately amused Lothiriel. He reminded her much more of someone she would find in her Father's court, and she once told Eomer the man must have Gondorian blood somewhere, for no Rohirrim could speak with such flourish. Today however, he was quite frank for he felt it was not the time for lavish words. "My Queen, a messenger came earlier this morning from the Eastfold. Several villages have been struck with plague, and it is spreading. He reported entire villages are being wiped out. Those who survive flee to another village and the cycle starts once more. It strikes quickly. Those who show the first signs of disease are dead by nightfall. There have been over five hundred deaths reported so far and more die every day."
Lothiriel licked her lips, her eyes widening as she listened. "And the messenger? Where was he met?"
"He dared not approach the city my Queen. He told the Rider who approached him to not come within arms reach, for fear of contagion. Wise lad." He informed her.
Lothiriel nodded, the fear that came with plague was half the problem. Panic would surely come if word came that a messenger from an infected village came through Edoras the entire city would erupt. "Has it spread to the Westfold?" She asked.
"No word of any cases yet my Lady. However, with those who survive fleeing every which way, it is difficult to know for sure." Leodmund informed her. "What does the Queen command?" He asked, bowing slightly.
Lothiriel paused, considering the matter. She found it very convenient that they were all suddenly silent. Normally they would be giving counsel whether she asked it or not. Their silence told her that they had considered the matter and were at a loss as to what to do.
"Close the city gates. We must not allow plague to enter here. Send out an order advising against travel between villages to stop the spread of sickness." She ordered, trying to make her tone as commanding as possible. "Send extra riders to the Eastfold and guard the villages to keep the people from fleeing. They inadvertently compound the problem by panicking."
"Are we to place our own people under guard?" Freathain, another advisor called out in shock.
Lothiriel glanced around seeing many eyebrows raised. She raised her chin, meeting their gazes. "It is better to place them under guard than to see the plague spread my Lords." She said calmly. "We shall send supplies, never fear, but I will not see every village in Rohan in ruins because I allowed people to spread disease in panic."
"Who shall take supplies? And how shall they return if we allow no entry to Edoras?" Freathain asked, still not convinced.
Lothiriel glared at the man. She knew he was one of the men who questioned Eomer's decision to marry a foreign Princess, and she had never liked him, even though he was an old member of court and had been in position when Theoden had ruled Rohan, although Eomer pointed out that he had done little when Wormtongue was poisoning the mind of the King. "He shall leave the supplies outside the villages for a guard to retrieve. We shall work something out Freathain! What would you have me do?" She asked, unable to hide the sharpness in her tone.
Freathain mumbled his apologizes and stepped back, clearly he had no ideas, and was simply content making trouble for the Queen.
Leodmund made no attempt to hide the smirk on his face. Lothiriel always suspected he did not suffer Freathain either, and it amused her to see such intrigues. "My Queen, there is the matter of commerce." He pointed out quietly, as if not wanting to contradict or question her. His tone of voice was nowhere near as militant as Freathain's had been, and for that she was exceedingly grateful.
"Yes, I know." She sighed softly. "Commerce can be re- established once the crisis is over. Have supplies brought into the city."
"How long should we prepare for, my Queen?" He asked.
"As far into the future as we can." Lothiriel said. "Plague is something that is difficult to predict. It could pass through Rohan quickly, leaving a trail of dead in its wake. Or it could be a long, extended illness, one cannot predict these things."
Leodmund nodded, accepting her orders. "What of the King my Lady?"
Lothiriel's brow furrowed. "What of him?"
"It would be a risk to send messengers to Gondor. We do not know if the plague has spread there or not, and they may bring it back with them. Should we send messengers and not allow them to return-"
"Their numbers will rise and soon there will be none left." Lothiriel finished for him. She sighed inwardly and drew herself up once more. "Very well, my Lords it appears we are on our own."
"My Queen, we will have no way of receiving news from the front." Freathain pointed out.
Lothiriel regarded him coolly. "My husband is a seasoned rider, Freathain. I have every confidence that he will manage himself quite adequately."
Freathain turned a deep shade of red. "It was not my intent to question the King's skills, my Queen."
Lothiriel regarded him calmly, it was all she could do to keep from laughing at his flushed appearance. "See that you do not." She managed to say with a warning tone, keeping the laughter out of her voice. "Now, what else?"
"My Queen, there is also the matter of the drought." Leodmund stepped in once again, watching Frethain step back to stand among the others.
"Drought?" Lothiriel raised an eyebrow. Dol Amroth was a sea city, and Lothiriel was not accustomed to the drier seasons, nor was she very aware of the problems a drought could bring to her kingdom.
"As you know, we have not had rain in the Westfold for the past month. Some villages are having difficulties with their crops and watering their livestock." He reminded her. "They have been sending people to find water elsewhere. However, should we advise against travel they will not be able to bring water into their villages."
Lothiriel sighed, closing her eyes a moment. It was a quite difficult situation and she was uncertain of how to remedy it. "I suppose we will have to find a way to deliver water to these villages. Can they ration the water supplies?"
They all pondered this a moment, then Leodmund spoke again, "They can only water minimum crops and livestock I suppose. Perhaps we can send some of their animals to other villages for a time?"
Lothiriel nodded, "See what can be done." She then looked at their long faces and sighed once more. "All right, so far this morning their has been plague in the Eastfold, and drought in the Westfold, does anyone have any good news to share?"
Several of the men chuckled, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. Leodmund smiled, "I'm afraid not my Queen. Shall I have these orders drawn up for your signature?" He asked.
"Yes, if you will." She said. Leodmund bowed and quickly made his exit to draw up the orders. "Is that all for now my Lords?" She asked, looking over the advisors.
They all nodded, exchanging glances, "Yes my Queen."
Lothiriel nodded, "Very well then." She turned her attention to the guard at the door. "I suppose there are some citizens waiting for an audience?"
He bowed low, "Yes my Queen." He answered.
"Very well. Let the first in." She ordered, she then turned back to the advisors. "My Lords, it has been a pressing morning, I am sure these grievances are nothing urgent. You may go if you would like. I am sure you would all like to see that all your homes are safe and to make preparation for the weeks to come."
They all bowed their heads to the Queen in thanks, and quickly made their exits, leaving the Queen alone with her guards to deal with the often trivial matters that came in the later morning. Lothiriel sighed once again, rubbing her head for it ached with worry. She certainly hoped that the day would not bring any more troubles; for she felt her head might actually collapse under any more pressure. The babe growing within her kicked once more, making its presence known. Lothiriel rested a hand on her belly once again. "I know little one." She said softly to the babe. She looked up and across the Hall to the doors, watching them open to catch a glimpse of the city and the mountains surrounding them, as if to draw strength from their sturdy presence. She rubbed her belly once again, as if her motions would calm and comfort the child within. "It has been a trying morning." She whispered. "Let us hope these troubles will soon be gone."
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N: Look! I finally posted! Sorry about the long wait guys... well actually... it's only been what? Three weeks? Hehe... anyway! Sorry about that! I'll try to get the next one up quicker! This time there won't be a hurricane in the way... hopefully. Hehe! Anyway, looks like Lothiriel's got her hands full eh? I'm throwing two problems at her before lunch! All will be revealed in time!
Big fat thank you to my beta reader Kat! She takes care of all my lazy mistakes! And she also puts up with my idea bouncing! Wohoo for Kat! (stands up a cheers)
Angelswing04: Don't torture too much? Can't promise anything! If I didn't have them to torture who would I? Hehe! Thanks for the review!
Annatari: Hm... a decent argument... there's an idea... of course, I don't think I could get that in this story... seeing as Eomer way off in Gondor... but next time! Hehe! Thanks for the review! And by the way, when are you updating your story? You should update! Look! I updated! That means you have to too! It's law (nods seriously). :-)
Lady of Imladris: Well, actually I think I just emailed you... but you still get a shout out. (Stands up and shouts). It's always great to hear from you! Your hobbit stew was in the mail... but I think my roommate ate it. She does that. Anyway... here's the chapter! So now you can't kill me! Hehe!
Rohan-nitpick: Yes, I know, that last chapter was kind of pointless. But I thought it was cute. Cute? Oh freak... my roommate's rubbing off on my again... I better go watch something that doesn't involve some cute little love story about a misfit girl and a boy getting together and blah blah blah the end. Anyway, I'm trying to get to the good stuff! I really am! Hehe! Thanks for reviewing :-)
All you reviewers rock! I love you all! Seriously, Eomer clones all around! As soon as I can get my roommate OFF them. She's quite fond of them all and is not willingly to let me send them to you guys... (pokes roommate) so attack her! Mwahaha!
Go on! Review! I dare you! If you don't review your eyes will turn purple and fall out of your head. Yep. That's what will happen. However, if you DO review you MAY get seven years good luck (hey... it could happen!). So what do you have to lose? Review!
Lothiriel paused in her writing suddenly. Her swelling belly had given her a strange twinge. She placed a hand and felt it once more. The babe was kicking. She took a deep breath and whispered a quick prayer of thanks. She knew that the kicks were a sign of the child's health, and felt such relief that tears came to her eyes.
Felarof, who had been resting at her feet, perked his ears, as if to question his mistress. Smiling, Lothiriel reached down to rub his soft golden ears. "Tis a good sign Felarof." She told the dog softly. "A good sign indeed."
Her thoughts once again turned to Eomer and it pained her that he should miss this. He had been so concerned about her health and the child's when he had left, it seemed a shame he would not hear of this sign of the child's health for several weeks, even should she send a messenger right away. She of course, would do no such thing. A child in the womb kicking its mother was no great emergency, and while she knew Eomer would want to hear the news, she would not trouble him with it. He had been so pleased when their last child had begun to kick. He seemed fascinated that one who had not even drawn its first breath could make its presence known. However, for this child Eomer might miss the birth entirely. He may even miss the child's whole life should something happen to either once of them.
Lothiriel quickly closed her eyes, banishing all such thoughts from her mind. She would not think of losing her husband or child. To Lothiriel it seemed if she did not entertain the thought that Eomer may die in battle, or the child may not come to term or die in infancy like her last son, that it would not come to pass. She merely chose to continue about her daily tasks, but she could not keep her thoughts at bay forever. Eventually, they came to her and she spent sleepless nights wrestling with her fears.
Fortunately, a distraction appeared quickly this time. A soft knock came at her chamber door. Lothiriel quickly wiped her face of the tears she was not aware of shedding and composed herself, drawing a deep breath and straightening in her chair. "Yes?" She called, letting her visitor know they could enter.
Her young personal maid, Hathawyn, entered with a cheerful smile, "Good morning my Lady." She greeted. Hathawyn had been with the household for almost two years now, and adored her Lady Queen. She was young, only about eighteen years of age, and was a dear friend. However, she made such a fuss over the Queen since finding out her Lady was with child, that Lothiriel often teased the girl that she was worse than her husband. "Do tell me you have not been awake long?"
Lothiriel gave the maiden a knowing smile, "If I have will you fuss?" She asked, setting aside her work.
"Of course I will." Over the past year Hathawyn had grown bold, enjoying her friendship with the Queen. She also was in dept to the Queen, for in her service Hathawyn had received an education that was rare for a woman of her status. Hathawyn was the daughter of a noble Rohirrim family that lived in the Eastfold. Her Father had sent her into service with the Queen and to live at the Rohirrim court until she married. The girl had known how to run a house, but she had never been taught to read or write. For it had not been deemed important for her to learn such things. Lothiriel had seen to it that the girl learnt, and in the past two years she had made significant progress. Hathawyn would often sit with the Queen and read to her, especially with Eomer away at war. With her new skills she had gained a great deal of confidence, which made her bolder than many would believe fitting for a handmaiden of the Queen to be, but Lothiriel enjoyed her company, and if anything, encouraged her to speak her mind.
Lothiriel laughed, "The child is well Hathawyn. It has already begun to kick within me." She confided.
Hathawyn grinned widely and clapped her hands with girlish excitement. "That is wonderful news my Lady!" She said. "I shall have your gowns let out more today. I believe you shall soon be needing it!"
With a laugh Lothiriel placed her hand over her belly. "I am becoming unusually large, aren't I?"
Hathawyn only smiled, "I would not know, my Lady." She said, choosing to remain safe and not comment. "Well, I came to see if you needed my assistance preparing for the morning, but you seemed to be quite in control of things, as usual."
Lothiriel smiled, "Thank you Hathawyn. Now, I believe the Council is waiting for me?" She said, standing and quickly bringing order to her skirts.
Hathawyn nodded, "Yes my Queen. I shall see the seamstress about your dresses. Have a good morning." She bobbed a quick curtsy and went about her chores.
Lothiriel smiled, thanking her once more, and headed to the Hall to see about her morning tasks.
The advisors were already bustling about, talking amongst themselves in hushed tones. Lothiriel paused for a moment, watching them. From the urgency in their voices something important must have happened. She cleared her throat and made her way to the throne, bringing herself to full height and calling upon her years of training in decorum to look as noble as possible.
"Good morning my Lords. I trust you found the morning agreeable?" She called in greeting, settling herself in her usual seat beside the throne. Eomer had told her it would be perfectly acceptable as acting ruler to sit in his throne, but Lothiriel could not bring herself to do so.
They murmured their greetings, and waited politely for the Queen to ask them for their report, and allowing her to settle herself. Lothiriel looked over each of their faces, and found a great deal of worry in each one. Fear gripped her heart and her back stiffened. "What news?" She asked sharply.
Leodmund stepped forward. It was typical that he would speak for the advisors. He had a way with words that privately amused Lothiriel. He reminded her much more of someone she would find in her Father's court, and she once told Eomer the man must have Gondorian blood somewhere, for no Rohirrim could speak with such flourish. Today however, he was quite frank for he felt it was not the time for lavish words. "My Queen, a messenger came earlier this morning from the Eastfold. Several villages have been struck with plague, and it is spreading. He reported entire villages are being wiped out. Those who survive flee to another village and the cycle starts once more. It strikes quickly. Those who show the first signs of disease are dead by nightfall. There have been over five hundred deaths reported so far and more die every day."
Lothiriel licked her lips, her eyes widening as she listened. "And the messenger? Where was he met?"
"He dared not approach the city my Queen. He told the Rider who approached him to not come within arms reach, for fear of contagion. Wise lad." He informed her.
Lothiriel nodded, the fear that came with plague was half the problem. Panic would surely come if word came that a messenger from an infected village came through Edoras the entire city would erupt. "Has it spread to the Westfold?" She asked.
"No word of any cases yet my Lady. However, with those who survive fleeing every which way, it is difficult to know for sure." Leodmund informed her. "What does the Queen command?" He asked, bowing slightly.
Lothiriel paused, considering the matter. She found it very convenient that they were all suddenly silent. Normally they would be giving counsel whether she asked it or not. Their silence told her that they had considered the matter and were at a loss as to what to do.
"Close the city gates. We must not allow plague to enter here. Send out an order advising against travel between villages to stop the spread of sickness." She ordered, trying to make her tone as commanding as possible. "Send extra riders to the Eastfold and guard the villages to keep the people from fleeing. They inadvertently compound the problem by panicking."
"Are we to place our own people under guard?" Freathain, another advisor called out in shock.
Lothiriel glanced around seeing many eyebrows raised. She raised her chin, meeting their gazes. "It is better to place them under guard than to see the plague spread my Lords." She said calmly. "We shall send supplies, never fear, but I will not see every village in Rohan in ruins because I allowed people to spread disease in panic."
"Who shall take supplies? And how shall they return if we allow no entry to Edoras?" Freathain asked, still not convinced.
Lothiriel glared at the man. She knew he was one of the men who questioned Eomer's decision to marry a foreign Princess, and she had never liked him, even though he was an old member of court and had been in position when Theoden had ruled Rohan, although Eomer pointed out that he had done little when Wormtongue was poisoning the mind of the King. "He shall leave the supplies outside the villages for a guard to retrieve. We shall work something out Freathain! What would you have me do?" She asked, unable to hide the sharpness in her tone.
Freathain mumbled his apologizes and stepped back, clearly he had no ideas, and was simply content making trouble for the Queen.
Leodmund made no attempt to hide the smirk on his face. Lothiriel always suspected he did not suffer Freathain either, and it amused her to see such intrigues. "My Queen, there is the matter of commerce." He pointed out quietly, as if not wanting to contradict or question her. His tone of voice was nowhere near as militant as Freathain's had been, and for that she was exceedingly grateful.
"Yes, I know." She sighed softly. "Commerce can be re- established once the crisis is over. Have supplies brought into the city."
"How long should we prepare for, my Queen?" He asked.
"As far into the future as we can." Lothiriel said. "Plague is something that is difficult to predict. It could pass through Rohan quickly, leaving a trail of dead in its wake. Or it could be a long, extended illness, one cannot predict these things."
Leodmund nodded, accepting her orders. "What of the King my Lady?"
Lothiriel's brow furrowed. "What of him?"
"It would be a risk to send messengers to Gondor. We do not know if the plague has spread there or not, and they may bring it back with them. Should we send messengers and not allow them to return-"
"Their numbers will rise and soon there will be none left." Lothiriel finished for him. She sighed inwardly and drew herself up once more. "Very well, my Lords it appears we are on our own."
"My Queen, we will have no way of receiving news from the front." Freathain pointed out.
Lothiriel regarded him coolly. "My husband is a seasoned rider, Freathain. I have every confidence that he will manage himself quite adequately."
Freathain turned a deep shade of red. "It was not my intent to question the King's skills, my Queen."
Lothiriel regarded him calmly, it was all she could do to keep from laughing at his flushed appearance. "See that you do not." She managed to say with a warning tone, keeping the laughter out of her voice. "Now, what else?"
"My Queen, there is also the matter of the drought." Leodmund stepped in once again, watching Frethain step back to stand among the others.
"Drought?" Lothiriel raised an eyebrow. Dol Amroth was a sea city, and Lothiriel was not accustomed to the drier seasons, nor was she very aware of the problems a drought could bring to her kingdom.
"As you know, we have not had rain in the Westfold for the past month. Some villages are having difficulties with their crops and watering their livestock." He reminded her. "They have been sending people to find water elsewhere. However, should we advise against travel they will not be able to bring water into their villages."
Lothiriel sighed, closing her eyes a moment. It was a quite difficult situation and she was uncertain of how to remedy it. "I suppose we will have to find a way to deliver water to these villages. Can they ration the water supplies?"
They all pondered this a moment, then Leodmund spoke again, "They can only water minimum crops and livestock I suppose. Perhaps we can send some of their animals to other villages for a time?"
Lothiriel nodded, "See what can be done." She then looked at their long faces and sighed once more. "All right, so far this morning their has been plague in the Eastfold, and drought in the Westfold, does anyone have any good news to share?"
Several of the men chuckled, appreciating her attempt to lighten the mood. Leodmund smiled, "I'm afraid not my Queen. Shall I have these orders drawn up for your signature?" He asked.
"Yes, if you will." She said. Leodmund bowed and quickly made his exit to draw up the orders. "Is that all for now my Lords?" She asked, looking over the advisors.
They all nodded, exchanging glances, "Yes my Queen."
Lothiriel nodded, "Very well then." She turned her attention to the guard at the door. "I suppose there are some citizens waiting for an audience?"
He bowed low, "Yes my Queen." He answered.
"Very well. Let the first in." She ordered, she then turned back to the advisors. "My Lords, it has been a pressing morning, I am sure these grievances are nothing urgent. You may go if you would like. I am sure you would all like to see that all your homes are safe and to make preparation for the weeks to come."
They all bowed their heads to the Queen in thanks, and quickly made their exits, leaving the Queen alone with her guards to deal with the often trivial matters that came in the later morning. Lothiriel sighed once again, rubbing her head for it ached with worry. She certainly hoped that the day would not bring any more troubles; for she felt her head might actually collapse under any more pressure. The babe growing within her kicked once more, making its presence known. Lothiriel rested a hand on her belly once again. "I know little one." She said softly to the babe. She looked up and across the Hall to the doors, watching them open to catch a glimpse of the city and the mountains surrounding them, as if to draw strength from their sturdy presence. She rubbed her belly once again, as if her motions would calm and comfort the child within. "It has been a trying morning." She whispered. "Let us hope these troubles will soon be gone."
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N: Look! I finally posted! Sorry about the long wait guys... well actually... it's only been what? Three weeks? Hehe... anyway! Sorry about that! I'll try to get the next one up quicker! This time there won't be a hurricane in the way... hopefully. Hehe! Anyway, looks like Lothiriel's got her hands full eh? I'm throwing two problems at her before lunch! All will be revealed in time!
Big fat thank you to my beta reader Kat! She takes care of all my lazy mistakes! And she also puts up with my idea bouncing! Wohoo for Kat! (stands up a cheers)
Angelswing04: Don't torture too much? Can't promise anything! If I didn't have them to torture who would I? Hehe! Thanks for the review!
Annatari: Hm... a decent argument... there's an idea... of course, I don't think I could get that in this story... seeing as Eomer way off in Gondor... but next time! Hehe! Thanks for the review! And by the way, when are you updating your story? You should update! Look! I updated! That means you have to too! It's law (nods seriously). :-)
Lady of Imladris: Well, actually I think I just emailed you... but you still get a shout out. (Stands up and shouts). It's always great to hear from you! Your hobbit stew was in the mail... but I think my roommate ate it. She does that. Anyway... here's the chapter! So now you can't kill me! Hehe!
Rohan-nitpick: Yes, I know, that last chapter was kind of pointless. But I thought it was cute. Cute? Oh freak... my roommate's rubbing off on my again... I better go watch something that doesn't involve some cute little love story about a misfit girl and a boy getting together and blah blah blah the end. Anyway, I'm trying to get to the good stuff! I really am! Hehe! Thanks for reviewing :-)
All you reviewers rock! I love you all! Seriously, Eomer clones all around! As soon as I can get my roommate OFF them. She's quite fond of them all and is not willingly to let me send them to you guys... (pokes roommate) so attack her! Mwahaha!
Go on! Review! I dare you! If you don't review your eyes will turn purple and fall out of your head. Yep. That's what will happen. However, if you DO review you MAY get seven years good luck (hey... it could happen!). So what do you have to lose? Review!